Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity Level, and Chronic Pain: Are Men More Affected Than Women?

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE) and physical activity level of patients with chronic pain compared with healthy subjects. Design and SubjectsCross-sectional study, with a consecutive sample of 55 patients with chronic pain (20 men, 35 women). Comparison of CRE and physical activity indices obtained in patients with data available in the literature for age-matched healthy subjects. SettingA multidisciplinary pain center in a city of more than 1,000,000 inhabitants. Outcome MeasuresA physical working capacity index (PWC65%/kg) and physical activity level scores and subscores obtained with two questionnaires (the Baecke and the Five-City Project questionnaires). ResultsThe physiological gender difference in CRE indices that characterizes healthy subjects was not observed in patients with chronic pain. When compared with values previously obtained in controls, male patients presented with a very significant 34% reduction in PWC65%/kg. The 17% reduction found in women hardly reached significance level. The Baecke total physical activity score was significantly higher in female than in male patients, a finding not observed in healthy controls. There was no significant difference between male and female patients in the Five-City Project total physical activity score expressed in kilocalories per day per kilogram (i.e., normalized for body weight), although data from the literature show that healthy men present with a significantly higher level of physical activity compared with healthy women. ConclusionsData on CRE and the physical activity level of patients with chronic pain obtained in this study show that chronic pain may have a greater impact on male than female patients. Sociocultural factors are probably at the origin of this phenomenon.
ACTH response induced in capsaicin‐desensitized rats by intravenous injection of interleukin‐1 or prostaglandin E.

1. We investigated whether afferent nerves are involved in the development of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) responses induced either by systemic administration of interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1 beta) and prostaglandin E2, or by psychological stress. The capsaicin desensitization method was used to impair afferent C fibres and we compared the ACTH responses between capsaicin desensitized and vehicle pretreated control rats. 2. The present results showed that the capsaicin desensitized rats had significantly smaller increases in plasma ACTH than the control rats in response to intravenous injection of IL‐1 beta or prostaglandin E2. 3. There were no significant differences between the capsaicin desensitized and control rats in the ACTH responses induced by cage switch stress. 4. The capsaicin desensitized rats responded to intravenous injection of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) with a greater increase in the plasma level of ACTH than the control rats, indicating that capsaicin pretreatment resulted in augmentation of pituitary gland sensitivity to CRF. 5. These results suggest that afferent neurons play an important role in the ACTH responses induced by systemic injection of IL‐1 beta or prostaglandin E2.
Do smokers crave cigarettes in some smoking situations more than others? Situational correlates of craving when smoking.

INTRODUCTION Smokers tend to smoke when experiencing craving, but even within smoking occasions, craving may vary. We examine variations in craving when people were smoking in various real-world situations. METHODS Using Ecological Momentary Assessment, 394 smokers recorded smoking, craving, and smoking context in real time on electronic diaries over 2 weeks of ad libitum smoking. Assessments occurred immediately prior to smoking. Mixed modeling was used to analyze associations between craving and situational variables. RESULTS Craving varied across smoking situations, but the differences were small (<1 on a 0-10 scale). Specifically, craving was higher in smoking situations where smoking was restricted, likely because high craving leads smokers to violate restrictions. Controlling for restrictions, craving was higher when cigarettes were smoked while eating or drinking, were with other people (vs. alone), were in a group of people (vs. other people simply in view), during work (vs. leisure), and during activity (vs. inactivity). In addition, craving was higher for cigarettes smoked early in the day. No differences in craving were observed in relation to drinking alcohol or caffeine (vs. doing anything else), being at work (vs. home), being at a bar or restaurant (vs. all other locations), interacting with others (vs. not interacting), or other people smoking (vs. no others smoking). DISCUSSION Even though most craving reports prior to smoking were high, and situations were thus expected to have little influence on craving, results suggest that some cigarettes are craved more than others across different smoking situations, but differences are small.
Higher Order Risk Attitudes, Demographics, and Saving

We study the prevalence of the higher order risk attitudes of prudence and temperance, in a large representative sample of the Dutch population, and in a sample of undergraduate students. Participants make pairwise choices between lotteries of the form proposed by Eeckhoudt and Schlesinger (2006) that isolate prudence and temperance. We relate individuals’ risk aversion, prudence, and temperance levels to demographics and saving/borrowing behavior. We observe that the majority of individuals are risk averse, prudent, and temperate, in both the student and the general populations. An individuals’ level of prudence is more highly correlated with his saving and borrowing behavior outside of the experiment than is his risk aversion or temperance. Estimates of parametric specifications of risk and prudence parameters are compared to key thresholds of theoretical models.
Virtual Water Flows in the EU27: A Consumption‐based Approach

The use of water resources has traditionally been studied by accounting for the volume of water removed from sources for specific uses. This approach focuses on surface and groundwater only and it ignores that international trade of products with substantial amounts of embodied water can have an impact on domestic water resources. Using current economic and environmental data, we conduct a consumption‐based assessment of virtual water flows in the European Union (EU27). We find that the total water footprint (WF) of 2,280 cubic meters (m3) per capita for the EU27 mostly consists of green water use (precipitation stored as soil moisture), which is omitted in the conventional water accounting. Blue water (surface and groundwater.) and gray water use (the volume of freshwater needed to dilute pollutants to meet the applicable water quality standards), which are targeted by current EU water policies, only make up 32% of the total WF. We also find that Europeans imported 585 cubic kilometers (km3) (109 m3) of virtual water, or around 28% of global virtual water trade flows, in 2009. Within Europe, Germany is a key net importer of water through the trade of products in agriculture, the food industry, the chemical sector, and electricity generation. Countries in Southern and Eastern Europe have specialized in water‐intensive agriculture and are key exporters of virtual water despite experiencing physical scarcity of water. Our results suggest that there is a need to reconsider water policy in the EU to address water transfers occurring through trade and to grasp the interlinkages between green, blue, and gray water—which are likely to become more important in water‐scarce parts of Europe, with a changing climate.
EVIDENCE FOR CRYPTIC SPECIATION OF LEUCOCYTOZOON SPP. (HAEMOSPORIDA, LEUCOCYTOZOIDAE) IN DIURNAL RAPTORS

Species of Leucocytozoon (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae) traditionally have been described based on morphological characters of their blood stages and host cells, with limited information on their avian host specificity. Based on the current taxonomy, Leucocytozoon toddi is the sole valid species of leucocytozoids parasitizing falconiform birds. Using a nested polymerase chain reaction protocol, we determined the prevalence of Leucocytozoon infection in 5 species of diurnal raptors from California. Of 591 birds tested, 177 (29.9%) were infected with Leucocytozoon toddi. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome b gene revealed that distinct haplotypes are present in hawks of these genera. Haplotypes present in Buteo spp. are not found in Accipiter spp. , and there is a 10.9% sequence divergence between the 2 lineage clades. In addition, Leucocytozoon sp. from Accipiter spp. from Europe group more closely with parasites found in Accipiter spp. from California than the same California Accipiter species do with their sympatric Buteo spp. Similarly, a Leucocytozoon haplotype from a Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) from Kazakhstan forms a monophyletic lineage with a parasite from B. jamaicensis from California. These results suggest that Leucocytozoon toddi is most likely a group of cryptic species, with 1 species infecting Buteo spp. and 1 or more species, or subspecies, infecting Accipiter spp.
The effect of information technology on IT-facilitated coordination, IT-facilitated autonomy, and decision-makings at the individual level

ABSTRACT The effect of information technology (IT) has been a central concern to economics of IT ever since it has been viewed as an important resource to improve firm productivity. Although significant research progress has been made on the impacts of IT use at the individual level, the mechanism of how IT use increases individual performance at work has not been fully explored. In an attempt to examine the IT effects on performance, we focus on individual work productivity gained from IT use. Following the discussion of previous works, we develop a research model, describing that the ubiquitous IT transforms the way individual employers’ work in organizations, and facilitates working processes and practices that may affect the decision-making of individual performance. As a result of testing the research model, we found not only that IT use does have a direct effect on the quality of decision-making in organizations, but that this effect is partially mediated by the extent of IT-facilitated autonomy and of IT-facilitated coordination. These findings suggest that the effects of IT use on decision-makings in an organization may be attributed, in part, to its beneficial use in coordination and tendency to foster more discretion.
Association between Cigar or Pipe Smoking and Cancer Risk in Men: A Pooled Analysis of Five Cohort Studies

Introduction: Use of non-cigarette tobacco products such as cigars and pipe has been increasing, even though these products entail exposure to similar carcinogens to those in cigarettes. More research is needed to explore the risk of these products to guide cancer prevention efforts. Methods: To measure the association between cigars and/or pipe smoking, and cancer incidence in men, we performed meta-analyses of data from five prospective cohorts. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between different aspects of cigars and pipe smoking and risk of each smoking-related cancer (head and neck, esophagus, lung, stomach, liver, pancreas, kidney, and bladder) for each study. Adjusted HRs were combined using random-effects models. Results: Cigars and/or pipe smokers were at increased risk for head and neck [HR, 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22–1.87], lung (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.68–2.47), and liver cancers (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.08–2.26). Ever-smokers of cigars and/or pipe had an increased risk of developing a smoking-related cancer when compared with never smokers of any tobacco product (overall HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03–1.12). The risk for smoking-related cancers was also increased in mixed smokers who smoked cigars or pipe as well as cigarettes, even when they were smoking predominantly pipe or cigars. Discussion: This pooled analysis highlights the increased risk for smoking-related cancers, particularly for lung and head and neck cancers in exclusive and predominant smokers (former and current) of cigars and pipe. Tobacco prevention efforts should include these products in addition to cigarettes. Cancer Prev Res; 10(12); 704–9. ©2017 AACR.
Carnitine in the treatment of valproic acid-induced toxicity

Introduction. Valproic acid (VPA) is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug that is now used commonly for several other neurological and psychiatric indications. VPA is usually well tolerated, but serious complications, including hepatotoxicity and hyperammonemic encephalopathy, may occur. These complications may also arise following acute VPA overdose, the incidence of which is increasing. Intoxication usually only results in mild central nervous system depression, but serious toxicity and death have been reported. Valproic acid and carnitine. As a branched chain carboxylic acid, VPA is extensively metabolized by the liver via glucuronic acid conjugation, mitochondrial β- and cytosolic ω-oxidation to produce multiple metabolites, some of which may be involved in its toxicity. Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that is an essential cofactor in the β-oxidation of fatty acids. It is synthesized endogenously from the essential amino acids, methionine and lysine. VPA inhibits the biosynthesis of carnitine by decreasing the concentration of α-ketoglutarate and may contribute to carnitine deficiency. It is postulated that carnitine supplementation may increase the β-oxidation of VPA, thereby limiting cytosolic ω-oxidation and the production of toxic metabolites that are involved in liver toxicity and ammonia accumulation. VPA-induced hepatotoxicity and hyperammonemic encephalopathy may be promoted either by a pre-existing carnitine deficiency or by deficiency induced by VPA per se. Carnitine supplementation. Some experimental and clinical data suggest that early intravenous supplementation with l-carnitine could improve survival in severe VPA-induced hepatotoxicity. Carnitine administration has been shown to speed the decrease of ammonemia in patients with VPA-induced encephalopathy although a correlation between ammonia concentrations and the clinical condition was not always observed. As it does not appear to be harmful, l-carnitine is commonly recommended in severe VPA poisoning, especially in children, although the clinical benefit in terms of liver protection or hastening of recovery from unconsciousness has not been established clearly. Prophylactic carnitine supplementation is also advocated during VPA therapy in high-risk pediatric patients. Conclusion. Further controlled, randomized, and probably multicenter trials are required to better delineate the therapeutic and prophylactic roles of l-carnitine and the optimal regimen of administration in the management of VPA toxicity.
Low serum thyrotropin is associated with high plasma fibrinogen.

BACKGROUND Elevated plasma fibrinogen levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Decreased serum TSH predicts vascular mortality, which hypothetically could be explained in part by alterations in the blood coagulation system. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the association between thyroid function and plasma fibrinogen levels in a general population. DESIGN The population-based Study of Health in Pomerania was performed in a previously iodine-deficient area in Germany, including 4310 subjects, aged 20-79 yr. Data for 3804 individuals without thyroid disease were analyzed. Analysis revealed an association between thyroid function status and plasma fibrinogen concentration. RESULTS Elevated fibrinogen levels (>3.25 g/liter) were observed in 14 subjects with increased serum TSH levels (32.6%), 973 euthyroid subjects (28.9%), 158 subjects with decreased serum TSH levels (40.7%), and six individuals with overt hyperthyroidism (54.4%). Logistic regression analysis revealed decreased serum TSH as an independent risk factor for elevated fibrinogen levels (odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.80). CONCLUSIONS Thyroid function is associated with plasma fibrinogen. Decreased serum TSH is an independent risk factor for elevated plasma fibrinogen levels as a possible explanation for the high cardiovascular mortality among affected subjects.
Evaluation of breakfast cereals with the current nutrition facts panel (NFP) and the Food and Drug Administration’s NFP proposal

Abstract Objective To compare judgements of nutrition and judgement accuracy when evaluating cereals with the current US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nutrition facts panel (NFP) and two new proposed NFP based on FDA guidelines. Design A between-subjects design randomly assigned participants to three NFP conditions (current NFP label and two modified NFP based on FDA proposals). Participants viewed breakfast cereals, and rated each on nutritional quality and on the likelihood of purchasing and consuming it. Participants provided demographic information and responses to questionnaires assessing nutrition/obesity knowledge, concern for healthy eating and nutrient importance. Setting USA. Subjects Two hundred and thirteen adults who completed an online survey (66·2 % female, mean age 37·31 (sd 12·56) years). Results Judged nutrition quality of cereals was positively correlated with protein, fibre and potassium and negatively correlated with sugars and sodium. This pattern appeared when using the current NFP or the modified versions. Highlighted nutrients in modified NFP formats did not affect their perceived importance. Accuracy of the nutrition quality judgements was measured in relationship to an objectively defined nutrition score, NuVal®. Nutrition judgement accuracy was highest under the current NFP (Spearman’s ρ=0·76 for the current NFP; 0·64 and 0·72 for the other formats). Regression analysis showed that nutrition judgement accuracy increased significantly (adjusted R 2=0·13) with obesity knowledge (β=0·27), age (β=0·15) and current NFP (β=0·13). Conclusions The current NFP is equally or more effective in conveying nutritional information compared with NFP formats based on the FDA proposal.
An empirical study of the effect of perceived risk upon intention to use online applications

Purpose – The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM ) has been used to interpret people's adoptions of several kinds of technology. However, while people accept online application service technology with security threats, the perceived risk is generally ignored by past TAM studies. This study proposes an extension of TAM to an online application context.Design/methodology/approach – The research was done through a survey of 1,259 registered users who had used a free trial version of online antivirus (OLA) applications.Findings – The results reveal that perceived risk indirectly impacts intentions to use an online application under security threats. Notably, while perceived usefulness is important to the trial‐and‐leave group, perceived risk more strongly influences the continuous use group.Originality/value – The findings offer a useful insight for software companies that typically offer free trial versions for continuous use as promotions.
Nasal delivery of insulin using chitosan microspheres

Nasal delivery of insulin is an alternative route for administration of this drug. The objective of this study was preparation of chitosan microspheres for insulin nasal delivery. After preparation of insulin chitosan microspheres by emulsification-cross linking process, the effect of chitosan quantity (200–400 mg), cross-linker type (ascorbic acid or ascorbyl palmitate) and amount (70–140 mg) were studied on the morphology, particle size, loading efficiency, flow and release of insulin from the microspheres by a factorial design. Optimized formulation was administered nasally in four groups of diabetic rats and their serum insulin levels were analysed by the insulin enzyme immunoassay kit and the serum glucose by the glucose oxidase kits. Insulin loading in microspheres was between 4.7–6.4% w/w, preparation efficiency more than 65% and mean particle size was 20–45 µm. In most cases, drug released followed a Higuchi model. Ascorbic acid caused an increase in stability, particle size and T50% while decreased the loading efficiency and production efficiency. Increasing the chitosan content, increased particle size, flow and insulin release rate form the microspheres. The increase of cross-linking percentage decreased the flow and size of the microspheres while increase of cross-linking percentage promoted the stability and decreased DE8% of insulin. Microspheres containing 400 mg of chitosan and 70 mg ascorbyl palmitate caused a 67% reduction of blood glucose compared to i.v. route and absolute bioavaliability of insulin was 44%. The results showed that chitosan microspheres of insulin are absorbable from nasal route.
Symptomatic improvement of premenstrual dysphoric disorder with sertraline treatment. A randomized controlled trial. Sertraline Premenstrual Dysphoric Collaborative Study Group.

CONTEXT Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is an important cause of symptoms and functional impairment in menstruating women. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of sertraline hydrochloride for treatment of premenstrual dysphoria by measuring changes in symptom expression and functional impairment. DESIGN Two screening cycles followed by 1 single-blind placebo cycle and 3 cycles of randomized, double-blind, placebo treatment. SETTING Twelve university-affiliated outpatient psychiatry and gynecology clinics. PATIENTS Of the 447 women who requested participation, 243 met criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and were randomized; 200 women completed the study. INTERVENTION A flexible (50-150 mg) daily dose of sertraline hydrochloride. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The Daily Record of Severity of Problems, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Clinical Global Impression Scale, and Social Adjustment Scale. RESULTS Mean (+/-SD) total daily symptom scores decreased significantly (P<.001) in the sertraline-treated (64+/-22 to 44+/-19) compared with the placebo-treated (62+/-22 to 54+/-24) groups. Significant improvement (P<.05) was found for all clinically derived symptom clusters (depressive, physical, and anger/irritability symptoms). Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores decreased by 44% and 29% in the sertraline and placebo groups, respectively (P<.002). End-point global ratings showed much or very much improvement in 62% of the active treatment group and 34% of the placebo treatment group (P<.001). Reported functional impairment was substantial at baseline. Improvement in psychosocial functioning with treatment was similar to what is found in studies of major depression. CONCLUSIONS Sertraline was significantly better than placebo for treatment of premenstrual dysphoria as reflected by symptomatic improvement and change in reported functional impairment. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as sertraline are useful therapeutic options for women with premenstrual dysphoria.