Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of ionized versus total magnesium in subjects with preterm labor and preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE Intravenous magnesium sulfate is widely used in obstetrics for the treatment of both preterm labor and preeclampsia. Although therapeutic levels of total magnesium have been proposed, the levels remain controversial. Because the active form of magnesium is the free or ionized form, it is essential to determine whether ionized magnesium and total magnesium levels are highly correlated in vivo. We sought to examine the correlation between ionized magnesium and total magnesium under basal and therapeutic conditions and to define the initiation and elimination pharmacokinetics of both forms during intravenous magnesium sulfate infusion. STUDY DESIGN Twenty-four singleton pregnant patients who were candidates for magnesium sulfate were studied (preterm labor, 15; preeclampsia, 9). Serial blood samples were taken before the magnesium sulfate infusion, during the first 4 hours after the initiation of magnesium sulfate infusion and for 4 hours after the discontinuation of the infusion. RESULTS Baseline levels of total magnesium and ionized magnesium were not different between patients with preterm labor and with preeclampsia. Among patients with preeclampsia, although not patients with preterm labor, the initial apparent volume of distribution was significantly smaller for total magnesium than for ionized magnesium (16,397 +/- 1441 vs 23,856 +/- 2745 mL, respectively; P =.03), and the elimination half-life was greater for total magnesium as compared to ionized magnesium (707 +/- 160 vs 313 +/- 29 minutes;P <.05). Linear regression analysis demonstrated a lack of correlation between ionized magnesium and total magnesium during the pretreatment period and during the steady state infusion for both preterm labor and preeclampsia. CONCLUSION The measurement of total magnesium may not be adequate for the titration of therapeutic magnesium infusions in patients with preeclampsia or preterm labor because of the lack of correlation between total magnesium and the physiologically active ionized magnesium. Further studies may determine whether the measurement of ionized magnesium is a superior method for following the adequacy and safety of the treatment of preeclampsia and preterm labor.
Comparing the efficacy of biofeedback and balloon-assisted training in the treatment of dyssynergic defecation.

BACKGROUND Dyssynergic defecation does not respond appropriately to routine treatments for constipation. Recently, research has shown that biofeedback therapy is useful in anorectal dyssynergia. OBJECTIVE To compare two treatment modalities for patients experiencing dyssynergic defecation. METHODS Sixty-five subjects with dyssynergic defecation were recruited and randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups: balloon defecation training and biofeedback therapy. In the first group, a balloon was inserted into the rectum and inflated by water injection so that the patient experienced the sensation of a full rectum and, thus, the need to defecate. The patient was subsequently asked to reject the balloon. In the biofeedback group, the pen electrode of an electromyographic biofeedback device was inserted into the rectum, with the patient subsequently being asked to increase abdominal pressure and relax the rectal muscles accordingly. RESULTS The findings showed a reduction in constipation in both groups. The ability to reject the balloon (volume and time) was significantly better in postintervention measurements; however, better results were found in the biofeedback arm of the study. Patient satisfaction after treatment reached 52% with balloon training and 79% in the biofeedback group. Reports of incomplete evacuation and the need for digit use during defecation remained constant after treatment in balloon-trained patients. CONCLUSION Biofeedback training appeared to be superior to balloon defecation training and resulted in measurable changes in subjective and objective variables of dyssynergia.
Global implications of 1.5 °C and 2 °C warmer worlds on extreme river flows

Targets agreed to in Paris in 2015 aim to limit global warming to ‘well below 2 °C and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels’. Despite the far-reaching consequences of this multi-lateral climate change mitigation strategy, the implications for global river flows remain unclear. Here we estimate the impacts of 1.5 °C versus 2.0 °C mitigation scenarios on peak flows by using daily river flow data from a multi-model ensemble which follows the HAPPI Protocol (that is specifically designed to simulate these temperature targets). We find agreement between models with regard to changing risk of river flow extremes. Moreover, we find that the response at 2.0 °C is not a uniform extension of the response at 1.5°, suggesting a non-linear global response of peak flows to the two mitigation levels. Yet committing to the 2.0 °C warming target, rather than 1.5 °C, is projected to lead to an increase in the frequency of occurrence of extreme flows in several large catchments. In the most affected areas, predominantly in South Asia, while region-specific features such as aerosol loads may determine precipitation patterns, we estimate that under our 1.5 °C scenario the historical 1-in-100 year flow occurs with a frequency of 1-in-25 years. At 2.0 °C, similar increases are observed in several global regions. These shifts are also accompanied by changes in the duration of rainy seasons which influence the occurrence of high flows.
Efficacy of Lansoprazole in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Children

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of lansoprazole for the relief of symptoms due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children 1 to 11 years of age. In addition, the efficacy in healing of erosive esophagitis (EE) was determined in those children with EE who were enrolled in the study. Methods: In this phase I/II, open‐label, multicenter (11 sites). U.S. study, children with symptomatic GERD, EE by endoscopy, and/or intraesophageal pH < 4 for greater than 4.2% of the time' based on 24‐hour pH testing were assigned, on the basis of body weight, to lansoprazole 15 mg (≤ 30 kg) or 30 mg (> 30 kg) once daily for 8 to 12 weeks. At the discretion of the investigator, the dosage of lansoprazole was increased up to 60 mg daily in children who continued to be symptomatic after 2 weeks of treatment. Symptom response was assessed by investigator interview and daily diary. Esophagitis healing was evaluated by repeat endoscopy after 8 and, if applicable, 12 weeks of treatment. Results: Sixty‐six children were enrolled. At week 8, 78% (21/27) of the children with EE at baseline had healed; the remaining six children were healed by week 12 (100%, 6/6). By investigator interview, 70% of children experienced resolution or improvement in their overall symptoms of GERD by their final visit. Statistically significant reductions from baseline in the severity of each symptom were reported with the exceptions of wheezing, hematemesis, and melena. Based on daily diary data, improvement in overall GERD symptoms was reported in 76% (47/62) of all children. With few exceptions, significant (P < 0.05) reductions from baseline occurred during each of the 2‐week treatment intervals of the study period in the percentage of days and the average daily severity of GERD symptoms, the percentage of days antacid was used, and the average number of antacid tablets used per day. Conclusion: In children 1 to 11 years of age, lansoprazole is efficacious in healing EE and in relieving GERD‐related symptoms.
Evaluation of 25(OH) Vitamin D3 with Reference to Magnesium Status and Insulin Resistance in T2DM.

INTRODUCTION Calcium is a recognized second messenger implicated in insulin secretion. Vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, Calcitriol) plays a role in calcium metabolism. This explains the indirect role of Vitamin D in insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. Hence, low Vitamin D levels are implicated in decreased insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance. In this study, we tried to find out the probable association of Vitamin D3, calcium and magnesium with reference to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases. It is well documented that measurement of circulating 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol {25 (OH)Vitamin D3} is a marker of total Vitamin D status. METHODOLOGY We measured 25(OH) Vitamin D3 levels in thirty T2DM subjects with thirty age and sex matched healthy controls. We estimated Vitamin D status, calcium and magnesium levels in the light of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance was measured by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS Twenty five (OH) Vitamin-D3 level was significantly low among T2DM cases (12.29+2.32ng/ml) in comparison to healthy controls (19.55+0.50ng/ml) (p<0.01). The levels of calcium and magnesium were also significantly low in T2DM cases as compared to healthy controls (p<0.01). There was significant negative correlation between Vitamin D status and insulin levels, and insulin resistance (p<0.01). IMPLICATION A significant negative correlation between Vitamin D status and insulin levels suggest that the supplementation of Vitamin D has the potential to increase insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The Effect of CFO Personal Litigation Risk on Firms’ Disclosure and Accounting Choices

In Gantler v. Stephens (2009), the Delaware Supreme Court makes explicit that corporate officers owe the same fiduciary duty to the firm and shareholders as do board members. The decision increased the risk of non‐board‐serving officers being added as named defendants to investor litigation but did not change the risk of corporate litigation. Analyzing the effect of the Gantler ruling on non‐board‐serving CFOs, we find a significant change in their behavior as well as in their firms’ disclosure and accounting choices. Specifically, speech tone during earnings calls of non‐board‐serving CFOs becomes more negative when compared to board‐serving CFOs and the firm's CEO, and non‐board‐serving CFO firms disclose bad news earlier and report more conservatively. Results are stronger for firms incorporated in Delaware. Our findings suggest that CFOs respond to personal litigation risk over and above corporate litigation risk. Dans le jugement Gantler v. Stephens (2009), la Cour supreme du Delaware a explicitement indique que les dirigeants d'entreprise avaient a l’egard d'une societe et de ses actionnaires les memes obligations fiduciaires que les membres du conseil d'administration (CA). Cette decision a accru le risque que des dirigeants ne siegeant pas au conseil d'administration figurent au nombre des defendeurs designes dans les poursuites des investisseurs, mais elle n'a rien change au risque de poursuites judiciaires auquel est exposee l'entreprise. Les auteurs, qui analysent l'incidence du jugement Gantler sur les directeurs financiers ne siegeant pas au CA, observent un changement marque dans leur comportement ainsi que dans les decisions des societes quant a la publication d'information et aux choix comptables. Ils constatent plus precisement qu'en periode de communication des resultats, le ton du discours des directeurs financiers ne siegeant pas au CA devient plus negatif, comparativement a celui des directeurs financiers siegeant au CA et des chefs de la direction, et que les societes dont le directeur financier ne siege pas au CA communiquent les mauvaises nouvelles plus tot et font preuve de plus de prudence dans l'information publiee. Les resultats de l’etude sont plus marques pour les societes constituees au Delaware. Les constatations des auteurs permettent de croire que les directeurs financiers reagissent au risque de poursuites judiciaires auquel ils sont personnellement exposes, au‐dela du risque de poursuites judiciaires que court l'entreprise.
Laparoscopic application of PGE2 to re-establish oviducal patency and fertility in infertile mares: a preliminary study.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Mares are occasionally encountered that consistently fail to conceive when inseminated, naturally or artificially, with fertile stallion semen in the absence of any identifiable pathology of either the structure or function of their reproductive tract. HYPOTHESIS Temporary blockage of the oviducts by accumulations of naturally occurring oviducal masses may be preventing oviducal transport of the embryo to the uterus. METHODS Mares, with known reproductive histories, that had exhibited inexplicable failure of conception were treated by laparoscopically guided administration of PGE2-laced triacetin gel directly onto the surface of their oviducts. RESULTS Fifteen mares age 10-21 years that had exhibited inexplicable failure of conception during 1-4 years were treated, of which 14 (93%) conceived within the same or subsequent breeding season. CONCLUSIONS The high success rate of this treatment supports the tentative diagnosis of oviducal obstruction in these mares and indicates that blockage of the mare's oviducts may occur in the form of a moveable accumulation of debris rather than from permanent fibrous adhesions resulting from salpingitis. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE This laparoscopic application of PGE2 to the oviducts constitutes a sound and practical method of restoring fertility in mares suffering oviducal obstruction and further studies involving the procedure are warranted.
Systematic review of the design, implementation and effectiveness of mass media and nutrition education interventions for infant and young child feeding

Abstract Objective To systematically review the design, implementation and effectiveness of mass media and nutrition education interventions for improving infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and related psychosocial factors. Design A search of PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases, a Google search, and a consultation with experts in the field of IYCF performed in July 2016. Setting Low- and middle-income countries, as defined by the World Bank Group. Subjects Eligible studies: included a mass media component (with or without nutrition education); conducted a pre–post evaluation (with or without a control group); assessed IYCF knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and/or practices; and were published in English between 2000 and present. Results Eighteen unique studies were identified that examined the effect of mass media (types included: television; print; voice and/or SMS (text) messages; radio; megaphones/loudspeakers; videos; social media; songs/dramas) and nutrition education interventions on IYCF practices within thirteen countries. Of these, fifteen studies reported improvements in breast- and/or complementary feeding practices, using indicators recommended by the WHO, and six studies reported improvements in related psychosocial factors. However, little detail was provided on the use of formative research, a formal behaviour change theory and behaviour change techniques. Few studies reported both dose delivered and participants’ exposure to the intervention. Conclusions Despite evidence of effectiveness, few common elements in the design of interventions were identified. Future research should consistently report these details to open the ‘black box’ of IYCF interventions, identify effective design components and ensure replicability.
Economic irrationality is optimal during noisy decision making

Significance Healthy individuals appear to display inconsistent preferences, preferring A over B, B over C, and C over A. Inconsistent, intransitive preferences of this form are hallmark manifestations of irrational choice behavior and breach the very assumptions of economic theory. Nevertheless, the neurocognitive mechanisms that mediate the formation of intransitive preferences remain elusive. We show that intransitivity arises from a bottleneck mechanism that blocks the processing of momentarily less valuable information. Although this algorithm is by classical definitions suboptimal (permitting the loss of information), we theoretically and empirically demonstrate that it leads to better decisions when accuracy can be compromised by neural noise beyond the sensory stage. Thus, contrary to common belief, choice irrationality is a by-product of purposeful neural computations. According to normative theories, reward-maximizing agents should have consistent preferences. Thus, when faced with alternatives A, B, and C, an individual preferring A to B and B to C should prefer A to C. However, it has been widely argued that humans can incur losses by violating this axiom of transitivity, despite strong evolutionary pressure for reward-maximizing choices. Here, adopting a biologically plausible computational framework, we show that intransitive (and thus economically irrational) choices paradoxically improve accuracy (and subsequent economic rewards) when decision formation is corrupted by internal neural noise. Over three experiments, we show that humans accumulate evidence over time using a “selective integration” policy that discards information about alternatives with momentarily lower value. This policy predicts violations of the axiom of transitivity when three equally valued alternatives differ circularly in their number of winning samples. We confirm this prediction in a fourth experiment reporting significant violations of weak stochastic transitivity in human observers. Crucially, we show that relying on selective integration protects choices against “late” noise that otherwise corrupts decision formation beyond the sensory stage. Indeed, we report that individuals with higher late noise relied more strongly on selective integration. These findings suggest that violations of rational choice theory reflect adaptive computations that have evolved in response to irreducible noise during neural information processing.
Predicting stock return correlations with brief company descriptions

ABSTRACT A series of influential papers by Hoberg and Phillips measure the similarity of pairs of companies based on a textual analysis of their business descriptions and show these measures to be useful in a variety of research contexts in finance. Hoberg and Phillips derive the similarity measures from a comparison of word lists extracted from extensive business descriptions contained in US companies’ electronic 10-K filings. Unfortunately, this method is of little use in non-US settings, where lengthy English-language company self-descriptions are not available on a consistent basis. Instead, we use semantic fingerprinting to extract such similarity measures from much shorter but globally available third-party company descriptions. We show that our approach significantly predicts stock return correlations even after controlling for past correlations and for membership in the same industry. Remarkably, company similarity measures based on brief third-party company descriptions predict stock return correlations significantly better than those based on much longer company self-descriptions.
The Value Implications of Tax Avoidance Across Countries

Motivated by two competing views on the value implications of tax avoidance, this study examines how investors perceive tax-avoidance behavior in an international setting. Using a sample of 42,107 firm-year observations from 46 countries over the 2001-2010 period, I find that the average relation between tax avoidance and firm value (as measured by Tobin’s Q) is positive and significant. This relation, however, is mitigated in countries with little control over self-dealing, weak corporate governance, and high levels of corruption. While tax avoidance is more value enhancing in developed and common law countries, I find no evidence that a country’s adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), book-tax conformity, or aggregate earnings quality is associated with investor perceptions of tax avoidance. Overall, the results suggest that tax avoidance creates value for shareholders, and that the value of tax avoidance is driven by the heterogeneous agency costs associated with different institutions.
Phenotypic characterization of Rambouillet sheep expressing the callipyge gene: II. Carcass characteristics and retail yield.

Paternal half-sibling Rambouillet ram lambs (n = 18) representing two muscle phenotypes were slaughtered at 54.5 kg to evaluate carcass characteristics and composition. Lambs were produced from a sire that was heterozygous for the callipyge gene. Carcasses were broken into wholesale and retail cuts to evaluate percentage bone-in retail yield of carcasses at various fat trim levels and percentage of boneless retail cuts. Retail cuts were trimmed to . 6 and then to 0 cm fat trim and bones were removed to determine boneless, closely trimmed retail cut yield. Chemical composition was determined using proximate analysis. Lambs expressing the callipyge gene had higher dressing percentages (57.3 vs 53.9), leg (14.4 vs 11.0) and conformation (14.4 vs 11.0) scores, and larger longissimus muscle (LM) areas (17.6 cm2 vs 10.3 cm2). All other carcass measurements were similar between phenotypes except marbling score, which was higher (417.8 vs 325.6) for controls. Lambs expressing the callipyge gene had a higher (40.2 vs 32.9) percentage boneless retail yield than controls. Retail yield of the boneless shoulder did not differ between phenotypes (8.9 vs 8.0). All other percentages of boneless retail cuts were higher (P < .02) for lambs expressing the callipyge gene. Carcasses from lambs with the callipyge gene had higher protein (16.6 vs 15.2), moisture (63.6 vs 58.6) and ash (.85 vs 77) percentages and lower fat (18.9 vs 25.4) percentages than controls. These data suggest that ram lambs expressing the callipyge gene have an advantage in retail yield and carcass conformation when compared to normal-muscled half-siblings.