Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Capsaicin-induced satiety is associated with gastrointestinal distress but not with the release of satiety hormones.

BACKGROUND Capsaicin, which is the major pungent principle in chili peppers, is able to induce satiety and reduce caloric intake. The exact mechanism behind this satiating effect is still unknown. We hypothesized that capsaicin induces satiety through the release of gastrointestinal peptides, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY), from enteroendocrine cells in the small intestine. OBJECTIVE We investigate the effects of an intraduodenal capsaicin infusion (1.5 mg pure capsaicin) in healthy volunteers on hunger, satiety, and gastrointestinal symptoms and the release of GLP-1 and PYY. DESIGN Thirteen participants (7 women) [mean ± SEM age: 21.5 ± 0.6 y; body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 22.8 ± 0.6] participated in this single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study with 2 different treatments. During test days, an intraduodenal infusion of either capsaicin or a placebo (physiologic saline) was performed with the use of a nasoduodenal catheter over a period of 30 min. Visual analog scale scores were used to measure hunger, satiety, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Blood samples were drawn at regular intervals for GLP-1 and PYY. Gallbladder volumes were measured with the use of real-time ultrasonography. RESULTS The intraduodenal capsaicin infusion significantly increased satiety (P-treatment effect < 0.05) but also resulted in an increase in the gastrointestinal symptoms pain (P-treatment × time interaction < 0.0005), burning sensation (P-treatment × time interaction < 0.0001), nausea (P-treatment × time interaction < 0.05), and bloating (P-treatment × time interaction < 0.001) compared with the effects of the placebo infusion. Satiety scores had a positive correlation with all gastrointestinal symptoms. No differences in GLP-1 and PYY concentrations and gallbladder volumes were observed after the capsaicin infusion compared with after the placebo infusion. CONCLUSIONS An intraduodenal infusion of capsaicin significantly increases satiety but does not affect plasma concentrations of GLP-1 and PYY. Rather, the effect on satiety seems related to gastrointestinal stress as shown by the associations with pain, burning sensation, nausea, and bloating scores. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01667523.
Alpha1‐antitrypsin phenotypes, including M subtypes, in pulmonary disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis

Alpha 1-antitrypsin is a glycoprotein that functions as the major protease inhibitor in human serum. Many genetic variants of alpha 1-antitrypsin can be detected by electrophoretic techniques. We used isoelectric focusing on ultrathin gels to determine the common M subtypes as well as other variants of alpha 1-antitrypsin in 62 white patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 51 white patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We found no increased prevalence of variant phenotypes in either disease group as a whole. In RA, however, the association between pulmonary interstitial fibrosis and alpha 1-antitrypsin variants was striking. Interstitial fibrosis was seen on chest roentgenogram in only 1 of 30 subjects apparently homozygous for M1 (the "wild type" or "normal" phenotype), compared with 13 of 32 patients with variant phenotypes. Seven of 15 patients with M1M2 (the most common variant phenotype) had pulmonary fibrosis. In contrast, there was no apparent association of variant phenotypes with pulmonary involvement in SSc. Our findings suggest a possible role of alpha 1-antitrypsin in the pathogenesis of interstitial fibrosis in patients with RA. The absence of such an association in SSc suggests that pulmonary involvement in these 2 rheumatic diseases may have different pathogeneses.
A Comprehensive Literature Review of COPD-Related Fatigue

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic disease and major cause of disability. COPD may be considered a systemic disease, which causes an array of symptoms, one of which is the subjective sensation of fatigue. In recent years, COPD related fatigue (COPD-RF) has increasingly been recognised as an important area of research. The aim of this paper is to comprehensively review the literature concerning this topic and to summarise existing knowledge on the subjective perception of fatigue in people with COPD. This paper provides a narrative review of literature in this area. The search used the electronic databases of OVID MEDLINE and EMBASE included original studies from 1980 to December 2011. The databases were searched using the key MeSH terms COPD and Fatigue. In total 40 relevant publications were identified. This literature review covers the following areas identified by research studies: fatigue in COPD in comparison with healthy older people, gender differences, patients' experience of fatigue, prevalence of fatigue reporting in COPD, pattern and frequency of fatigue in COPD, the impact of fatigue on an individual's life, predictors of fatigue, coping and treatment strategies for the management of fatigue. Furthermore, this review identifies areas for further research and makes recommendations for clinical practice.
Pilot studies of pressure-immobilization bandages for rattlesnake envenomations

Study objective. Pressure-immobilization bandages sequester venom in extremities and are recommended for snakebites without local toxicity. Pilot studies were performed to determine the time of onset of toxicity and efficacy of pressure-immobilizations bandages in a porcine model of rattlesnake envenomation. Methods. After IACUC approval, anesthetized pigs were injected subcutaneously in a distal hind leg with 200 mg of Crotalus atrox venom. After 1 min, pigs received either a pressure-immobilization bandage (N = 3) or no treatment (N = 3). At 24 h, surviving pigs received antivenin and then the pressure-immobilization bandages were removed. Surviving subjects were followed for 1 week. Chi-square analysis and paired t-test were used. Results. Pigs with pressure-immobilization bandages survived for 24 h, whereas untreated pigs died at 13.68 ± 3.42 h (p = 0.014). Surviving pigs walked on the extremity at 7 days. Potassium rose from 4.033 ± 0.252 at baseline to 17.767 ± 5.218 mEq/L (p < 0.0001) at time of death in untreated pigs but was normal at 24 h in treated subjects. Widespread tissue necrosis was seen in the untreated group but only local necrosis in the treatment group. Conclusions. Pressure-immobilization bandages prevented death from severe C. atrox envenomations with a 24 h delay to treatment. Surviving pigs had recovery of limb use at 1 week.
Risk factor profile of noncommunicable diseases in an industrial productive (25-59 years) population of Baroda

AIM: The profile of noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors was identiÞ ed in an industrial productive population of Baroda city using WHO’s STEPS questionnaire. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: One of the chemical industries, with approximately 900 employees, was purposively selected. METHODOLOGY: Behavioral risk factor proÞ le and history of hypertension and diabetes (STEP I) was obtained by interview technique; this was followed by anthropometric measurements (STEP II) and biochemical assessment (STEP III) of ‘at-risk’ subjects (≥3 risk factors). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Calculation of the percentage of the subjects having NCD risk factors and the odds ratios between risk factors and NCDs. RESULTS: The majority (93.2%) of the subjects had low daily intake of vegetables and fruits; 79.4% of the subjects had high BMI (≥23 kg/m²). Subjects having a high waist-to-hip ratio and high waist circumference were 78.1% and 48.1%, respectively. Tobacco usage (32.1%), physical inactivity (19.0%), and alcohol consumption (18.4%)) were also prevalent among the study subjects. History of hypertension and diabetes was present in 19.5% and 15.3% of subjects, respectively. About 74.4% of the subjects were identiÞ ed as being ‘at risk’ (i.e., had ≥3 risk factors). CONCLUSIONS: The very high prevalence of NCD risk factors in an industrial productive population shows an urgent need to initiate lifestyle modiÞ cation and nutrition and health promotion programs in industries to curtail the rising epidemic of NCD. It is also necessary to review the possibility of making NCD control an integral part of mandatory occupational safety measures.
Novel Genetic Loci Associated with the Plasma Triglyceride Response to an Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation

Background: A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) by our group identified 13 loci associated with the plasma triglyceride (TG) response to omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) supplementation. This study aimed to test whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the IQCJ, NXPH1, PHF17 and MYB genes are associated with the plasma TG response to an n-3 FA supplementation. Methods: A total of 208 subjects followed a 6-week n-3 FA supplementation of 5 g/day of fish oil (1.9-2.2 g of eicosapentaenoic acid and 1.1 g of docosahexaenoic acid). Measurements of plasma lipids were made before and after the supplementation. Sixty-seven tagged SNPs were selected to increase the density of markers near GWAS hits. Results: In a repeated model, independent effects of the genotype and the gene-supplementation interaction were associated with plasma TG. Genotype effects were observed with two SNPs of NXPH1, and gene-diet interactions were observed with ten SNPs of IQCJ, four SNPs of NXPH1 and three SNPs of MYB. Positive and negative responders showed different genotype frequencies with nine SNPs of IQCJ, two SNPs of NXPH1 and two SNPs of MYB. Conclusion: Fine mapping in GWAS-associated loci allowed the identification of SNPs partly explaining the large interindividual variability observed in plasma TG levels in response to an n-3 FA supplementation.
Luteolin Promotes Cell Apoptosis by Inducing Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background/Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Luteolin, a flavonoid from traditional Chinese medicine, shows anti-cancer activity in many cancer cells, including HCC. However, the mechanism underlying the action of luteolin in HCC, especially its role in regulating cell autophagy, remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of luteolin in regulating cell autophagy and the role of autophagy in luteolin-induced apoptosis. Methods: The 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay (MTT) was used to investigate cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Hoechst 33342 staining was used to detect cell apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate autophagy. qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to detect apoptosis- and autophagy-related mRNAs and proteins. Results: Luteolin reduced the viability of SMMC-7721 cells in a time and dose-dependent manner, and induced significant G0/G1-phase arrest. In addition, the results of flow cytometry analysis and Hoechst 33342 staining showed that luteolin treatment increased the number of apoptotic cells obviously, and the results of qRT-PCR and western blotting showed that luteolin treatment increased caspase 8 and decreased bcl-2 at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, luteolin increased the number of intracellular autophagosomes, promoted LC3B-I conversion to LC3B-II, and increased Beclin 1 expression. Finally, co-treatment with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine weakened the effects of luteolin on cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Luteolin induced apoptosis in human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells, partially via autophagy. Thus, luteolin could be used as a regulator of autophagy in HCC treatment.
Adaptive simulated annealing for tuning PID controllers

PID controllers are one of the most popular types of controllers found in the industry; they require determining three real values to minimize the error over time and to deal with specific process requirements. Finding such values has been subjected to extensive research, and many popular algorithms and methods exist to accomplish this. One of these methods is Simulated Annealing. In this paper, we study the use of the re-annealing characteristic of Adaptive Simulated Annealing (ASA) for PID tuning in 20 benchmark systems. This adaptive version gives special treatment to each parameter of the search space. We compare the results of ASA with a simple SA algorithm. An extra comparison, with a Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm, was made to provide some information on how ASA behaves compared against another optimization based method. The results show that using an adaptive algorithm effectively improves the performance of the tested systems.
Treatment of vestibular disorders with weak asymmetric base-in prisms: An hypothesis with a focus on Ménière’s disease

BACKGROUND: Regular treatments of Ménière’s disease (MD) vary largely, and no single satisfactory treatment exists. A complementary treatment popular among Dutch and Belgian patients involves eyeglasses with weak asymmetric base-in prisms, with a perceived high success rate. An explanatory mechanism is, however, lacking. OBJECTIVE: To speculate on a working mechanism explaining an effectiveness of weak asymmetric base-in prims in MD, based on available knowledge. METHODS: After describing the way these prisms are prescribed using a walking test and its effect reported on, we give an explanation of its underlying mechanism, based on the literature. RESULTS: The presumed effect can be explained by considering the typical star-like walking pattern in MD, induced by a drifting after-image comparable to the oculogyral illusion. Weak asymmetric base-in prisms can furthermore eliminate the conflict between a net vestibular angular velocity bias in the efferent signal controlling the VOR, and a net re-afferent ocular signal. CONCLUSIONS: The positive findings with these glasses reported on, the fact that the treatment itself is simple, low-cost, and socially acceptable, and the fact that an explanation is at hand, speak in favour of elaborating further on this treatment.
Reduced Cardiovascular Functions in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

Previous studies have suggested that cardiovascular functions might play a critical role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, the relationship among heart function, blood flow of cerebral vessels, and AD remains unclear. In the present study, AD patients (n = 34) and age- and gender-matched cognitively normal controls (n = 34) were recruited. Demographic and comorbidity information was collected. The ejection fraction was measured using echocardiography, and the mean velocity, pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI) of the basilar artery (BA), left terminal internal carotid artery (LTICA), and right terminal internal carotid artery (RTICA) were measured using transcranial Doppler. The data of lacunae, white matter changes, and plaques in the aortic arch and carotid arteries were collected from brain magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography angiography images. Compared with normal controls, AD patients had lower ejection fractions and cerebral blood flow velocities and higher RI and PI in the BA, LTICA, and RTICA, as well as more plaques in the aortic and carotid arteries. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the ejection fraction and the mean velocity of the BA and LTICA were independently associated with AD after adjusting for age, gender, education, vascular risk factors, arterial plaques, and brain ischemic lesions detected in the brain images. These findings suggest that heart function and vascular condition may play important roles in AD pathogenesis. Improving cardiovascular functions could be a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Coronary heart disease knowledge, health promoting behaviors and perceived benefits and barriers to exercise and healthy eating in Montana females

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of rural women’s knowledge of coronary heart disease risk factors, current health promoting behaviors, and perceived barriers and benefits to health promoting behaviors. The research questions posed were: What is the coronary heart disease knowldge of women living in rural areas; are women in a rural western state engaged in health promoting behaviors; and what benefits and barriers to health promoting behaviors do rural women perceive related to diet and exercise? The Health Promotion Model served as the guiding framework for this study. This descriptive study utilized a non-random convenience sample of women living in non-metropolitan or non-core counties in Northwest Montana seeking healthcare at one of four designated clinics. Inclusion criteria included female gender, age 21-55 years olds, premenopausal status, ability to read and write English, and residence within a designated non-metropolitan county. The following instruments were used to collect data: Coronary Heart Disease Knowledge Tool for Women, Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale, and Healthy Eating Benefits and Barriers Scale. The sample (n = 25) population was predominantly white and non-Hispanic. The average Coronary Heart Disease Knowledge Test for Women score was 71% with a range of scores from 40%-80%. Health promoting behaviors were ranked in the following order from most to least practiced: interpersonal relations, spiritual growth, nutrition, stress management, physical activity, and health responsibility. The sample perceived moderately high benefits to exercise and healthy eating and moderately low barriers to exercise and healthy eating. Findings from this study support a need for healthcare providers to discuss heart disease risk factors with their premenopausal clients and to encourage participation in health promoting behaviors, especially those ranked lowest, physical activity and health responsibility. Research is needed with a larger population to better understand the relationship between heart disease knowledge, health promoting behaviors, and perceived barriers and benefits to healthy eating and exercise in rural dwelling women.
Hand Syndromes Associated with Diabetes: Impairments and Obesity Predict Disability

Objective. We determined patterns of disability in diabetic hand conditions and identified factors that contributed to functional limitations. Methods. Hand assessments were performed on 60 adults with DM1 or DM2 and carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s disease, or the syndrome of limited joint mobility. The examination included measurement of grip strength, light touch perception, and dexterity, as well as self-reported function using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) instrument and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 questionnaire. Associations with hand disability were analyzed using correlation and regression. Results. The most frequent presentation was carpal tunnel syndrome (45%) but it was common for patients to present with clinical features associated with more than one hand syndrome (47%). Overall, women had greater difficulties, with significantly higher DASH scores than men [mean 30.3 (95% CI 23.2, 37.5) vs 18.0 (95% CI 12.1, 23.9), respectively; p = 0.01]. Grip strength, dexterity, and obesity were associated with hand disability (p < 0.05). Conclusion. In adults with hand syndromes associated with diabetes, disability was related to impaired muscle function and carpal tunnel syndrome. Obesity and overall physical functioning influenced hand disability, particularly in women.
Development of the Irish National Patient Perception of Quality of Care Survey

Objectives. This study aimed to develop a methodology suitable for assessing patients’ perception of quality of care received in Irish hospitals nationwide. Setting. Thirteen acute care hospitals throughout Ireland participated in the study. Patients were surveyed approximately 3–6 weeks following discharge. The development work was undertaken by the Irish Society for Quality in Healthcare. Design. The survey utilized Computer Aided Telephone Interviews to receive and collate patient feedback. The questionnaire was developed through utilization of focus groups and extensive piloting. Patients perceptions in a wide range of areas were examined including admission procedures, pain management, adherence to the patient charter, medication, and overall satisfaction. Study participants. A total of 3757 patients were randomly selected for interview during the study period, of whom 3276 were eligible. The remaining 481 patients were unable to participate because of death, hospital re-admission, illness or severe cognitive impairments. With a total of 1950 respondents, this entire study yielded a response rate of 59.5%. Results. This paper indicates how a national society may assist the health system in developing a survey for assessment of patients’ perception of quality of care. The results of the survey assisted organizations in identifying many improvement opportunities, mainly in relation to information and communication.
A socioeconomic analysis of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during spine surgery: national use, regional variation, and patient outcomes.

OBJECT In the United States in recent years, a dramatic increase in the use of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) during spine surgeries has been suspected. Myriad reasons have been proposed, but no clear evidence confirming this trend has been available. In this study, the authors investigated the use of IONM during spine surgery, identified patterns of geographic variation, and analyzed the value of IONM for spine surgery cases. METHODS In this retrospective analysis, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried for all spine surgeries performed during 2007-2011. Use of IONM (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code 00.94) was compared over time and between geographic regions, and its effect on patient independence at discharge and iatrogenic nerve injury was assessed. RESULTS A total of 443,194 spine procedures were identified, of which 85% were elective and 15% were not elective. Use of IONM was recorded for 31,680 cases and increased each calendar year from 1% of all cases in 2007 to 12% of all cases in 2011. Regional use of IONM ranged widely, from 8% of cases in the Northeast to 21% of cases in the West in 2011. Iatrogenic nerve and spinal cord injury were rare; they occurred in less than 1% of patients and did not significantly decrease when IONM was used. CONCLUSIONS As costs of spine surgeries continue to rise, it becomes necessary to examine and justify use of different medical technologies, including IONM, during spine surgery.
Giving Up the Car Keys

This qualitative study sought to discover and compare the perceptions of well elders and their families regarding the impact of the elder's cessation of driving. Similar themes emerged from both groups regarding the sense of burden, the decision process, and the meaning of driving to the elder. Congruent and divergent perceptions between family members and elders are illustrated in the text. These provide insight to occupational therapists and others working with the elderly regarding the meaning of the occupation of driving.