Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive, Autonomic, and Mood Effects of Adderall: A Pilot Study of Healthy College Students

Prescription stimulant medications are considered a safe and long-term effective treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Studies support that stimulants enhance attention, memory, self-regulation and executive function in individuals with ADHD. Recent research, however, has found that many college students without ADHD report misusing prescription stimulants, primarily to enhance their cognitive abilities. This practice raises the question whether stimulants actually enhance cognitive functioning in college students without ADHD. We investigated the effects of mixed-salts amphetamine (i.e., Adderall, 30 mg) on cognitive, autonomic and emotional functioning in a pilot sample of healthy college students without ADHD (n = 13), using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects design. The present study was the first to explore cognitive effects in conjunction with mood, autonomic effects, and self-perceptions of cognitive enhancement. Results revealed that Adderall had minimal, but mixed, effects on cognitive processes relevant to neurocognitive enhancement (small effects), and substantial effects on autonomic responses, subjective drug experiences, and positive states of activated emotion (large effects). Overall, the present findings indicate dissociation between the effects of Adderall on activation and neurocognition, and more importantly, contrary to common belief, Adderall had little impact on neurocognitive performance in healthy college students. Given the pilot design of the study and small sample size these findings should be interpreted cautiously. The results have implications for future studies and the education of healthy college students and adults who commonly use Adderall to enhance neurocognition.
Novel therapeutic strategies in acid-related disorders

Acid-related disorders of the upper gut encompass diseases of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), gastric and duodenal (peptic) ulcers, Zollinger–Ellison syndrome and iatrogenic ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding mostly induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Gastric acid and pepsin are largely involved in their pathophysiology, both factors acting with Helicobacter pylori (especially in peptic ulcers) or with either NSAIDs, stress or smoking. All these diseases can benefit from agents that neutralise gastric acid or inhibit its secretion. Neutralising acid with antacids or decreasing acid secretion with histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2-RAs) was the standard of care before the introduction of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which have been one of the major advances in the field of gastrointestinal pharmacology. Their superior efficacy in acid-related disorders with respect to other acid reducing drugs is now widely recognised. PPIs are also used to control atypical GORD symptoms, such as laryngitis, asthma and cough associated with reflux. In spite of their clinical efficacy in a number of conditions, the emerging need for new therapeutic approaches, such as ‘on-demand’ treatment for GORD symptoms, requires some features (e.g., fast onset of action at day 1 with an acid suppressant effect throughout the day and night, to avoid the nocturnal acid breakthrough) that currently available PPIs only partially achieve. Moreover, a subset of patients with GORD still do not respond to the available therapeutic regimens. Novel agents (or novel formulations of available PPIs) have recently been patented to try to overcome these problems.
Commentaries on “Embracing Complexity: A Consideration of Hypertension in the Very Old” and Author's Response Commentary

AT 40-month follow-up of 664 men, mean age 80 years, and at 48-month follow-up of 1488 women, mean age 82 years, hypertension significantly increased the relative risk of new coronary events 2.0 times in men (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–2.5) and 1.6 times in women (95% CI, 1.5–2.5) (1). In this study, hypertension significantly increased the incidence of new coronary events in men and in women younger and older than 80 years. At 42-month follow-up of 664 men, mean age 80 years, and at 48-month follow-up of 1488 women, mean age 82 years, hypertension significantly increased the relative risk of new atherothrombotic brain infarction 2.2 times in men (95% CI, 1.5–3.3) and 2.4 times in women (95% CI, 1.8– 3.2) (2). In this study, hypertension significantly increased the incidence of new atherothrombotic brain infarction in men and in women younger and older than 80 years. At 43-month follow-up of 926 men and 1976 women, mean age 81 years, hypertension significantly increased the risk ratio of new congestive heart failure 2.5 times (95% CI, 2.1–2.9) (3). In this study, hypertension significantly increased the risk ratio of new congestive heart failure in men and women younger and older than 80 years. This author concurs with Dr. Goodwin’s (4) agreement with Dr. Applegate (5) that ‘‘a physician prevents more strokes, heart attacks, episodes of heart failure, and deaths by treating 1000 men and women aged 65 years and older than one would by treating 1000 50 year olds with the same level of high blood pressure. ’’ Data from 650 men and women, aged 80 years and older (mean age 83 years) in the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program trial showed that, compared with placebo, antihypertensive drug therapy reduced the incidence of stroke 45%, of heart failure 64%, of coronary events 27%, of cardiovascular events 31%, of coronary plus cardiovascular deaths 17%, and of all-cause mortality 3% (6). Gueyffier and colleagues (7) collected data from all participants aged 80 years and older in randomized controlled trials of antihypertensive drug therapy through direct contact with other investigators. Their meta-analysis of data from 1670 persons aged 80 years and older (mean age 83 years) in 7 trials demonstrated that antihypertensive drug therapy significantly decreased stroke 34%, heart failure 39%, and major cardiovascular events 22%, and insignificantly increased all-cause mortality 6% (7). These data show that antihypertensive drug therapy improves quality of life in persons aged 80 years and older by reducing stroke, heart failure, and major cardiovascular events without significantly increasing all-cause mortality. Unless data from the ongoing Hypertension in the Very Elderly trial (8) show that antihypertensive drug therapy is not beneficial in very elderly hypertensive patients, this very elderly group should be treated (9). At this time, we cannot justify an age threshold beyond which hypertension (9) or hypercholesterolemia (10–14) should not be treated.
Smoking Cessation: An Integral Part of Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the US. About 50% of lung cancer patients are current smokers at the time of diagnosis and up to 83% continue to smoke after diagnosis. A recent study suggests that people who continue to smoke after a diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer almost double their risk of dying. Despite a growing body of evidence that continued smoking by patients after a lung cancer diagnosis is linked with less effective treatment and a poorer prognosis, the belief prevails that treating tobacco dependence is useless. With improved cancer treatments and survival rates, smoking cessation among lung cancer patients has become increasingly important. There is a pressing need to clarify the role of smoking cessation in the care of lung cancer patients. Objective: This paper will report on the benefits of smoking cessation for lung cancer patients and the elements of smoking cessation treatment, with consideration of tailoring to the needs of lung cancer patients. Results: Given the significant benefits of smoking cessation and that tobacco dependence remains a challenge for many lung cancer patients, cancer care providers need to offer full support and intensive treatment with a smoking cessation program that is tailored to lung cancer patients’ specific needs. Conclusion: A tobacco dependence treatment plan for lung cancer patients is provided.
Late-Life Depressive Symptoms and Lifetime History of Major Depression: Cognitive Deficits are Largely Due to Incipient Dementia rather than Depression.

BACKGROUND Late-life depression is frequently accompanied by cognitive impairments. OBJECTIVE Whether these impairments indicate a prodromal state of dementia, or are a symptomatic expression of depression per se is not well-studied. METHODS In a cohort of very old initially non-demented primary care patients (n = 2,709, mean age = 81.1 y), cognitive performance was compared between groups of participants with or without elevated depressive symptoms and with or without subsequent dementia using ANCOVA (adjusted for age, sex, and education). Logistic regression analyses were computed to predict subsequent dementia over up to six years of follow-up. The same analytical approach was performed for lifetime major depression. RESULTS Participants with elevated depressive symptoms without subsequent dementia showed only small to medium cognitive deficits. In contrast, participants with depressive symptoms with subsequent dementia showed medium to very large cognitive deficits. In adjusted logistic regression models, learning and memory deficits predicted the risk for subsequent dementia in participants with depressive symptoms. Participants with a lifetime history of major depression without subsequent dementia showed no cognitive deficits. However, in adjusted logistic regression models, learning and orientation deficits predicted the risk for subsequent dementia also in participants with lifetime major depression. CONCLUSION Marked cognitive impairments in old age depression should not be dismissed as "depressive pseudodementia", but require clinical attention as a possible sign of incipient dementia. Non-depressed elderly with a lifetime history of major depression, who remained free of dementia during follow-up, had largely normal cognitive performance.
Traitement de l’information et strategies de décision lors de l’interaction avec un SAD multicritère

This study analyzes individual differences in the decision behavior of experts and novices using a multicriteria Decision Support System (DSS). It is based on a cognitive approach, and it adopts a multicriteria task, a specifically developed DSS and a lab experiment as research methodology. Results showed differences between the behavior of experts and novices concerning information processing – complacency and consistency –, and decision strategies – compensatory or non compensatory, transgressions –. In the final discussions, these results lead to a proposal of functionalities to be included in the development of DSS, which follow the cognitive approach.
How do pregnancy-related weight changes and breastfeeding relate to maternal weight and BMI-adjusted waist circumference 7 y after delivery? Results from a path analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Reproduction has been related to long-term maternal weight gain, and changes in fat mass, with gestational weight gain, have been identified as an important contributor. However, the influence of weight changes during the whole reproductive cycle and the modifying effect of breastfeeding are unknown. Objective: The objective was to examine how prepregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, postpartum weight changes, and breastfeeding influence maternal weight and body mass index–adjusted waist circumference (WCBMI) 7 y after delivery. Design: This was a prospective cohort study of 23,701 women participating in the Danish National Birth Cohort with singleton births and no births during follow-up. Path analysis was used to assess the total, direct, and indirect effects; the latter was mediated through weight changes on the pathways. Results: Postpartum weight retention at 6 mo and weight gain from 6 to 18 mo postpartum were highly positively associated with both outcomes. A 1-kg increase in weight retention at 6 mo postpartum corresponded to an average increase of 0.5 kg at 7 y. Gestational weight gain was not associated with WCBMI but was positively associated with weight at 7 y; 87% of this effect was mediated through later weight changes. For both outcomes, a small inverse association was observed for breastfeeding duration. This was strongest for WCBMI, for which 97% of the effect was direct, ie, not mediated through postpartum weight. Conclusions: These findings show that postpartum weight retention at 6 mo and weight gain from 6 to 18 mo postpartum contribute equally to adverse maternal anthropometric measures 7 y after delivery. Breastfeeding duration may have a beneficial effect.
Childhood Obesity Prevention in South Africa: Media, Social Influences, and Social Marketing Opportunities

Obesity and childhood overweight is a worldwide epidemic that has significant long-term public health implications both in developed and developing countries. South Africa, which has a well-documented burden of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases, now also has an increasing burden of obesity and noncommunicable diseases (NCD) such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This article describes results of formative research on childhood obesity risk factors with parents of school-age children in the Western Cape region of South Africa. We interviewed parents living in low-income urban, rural, and township communities on nutrition and physical activity, media use, and potential social marketing messages. Study aims were threefold: to collect formative information on media use and health knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to support the development of an obesity prevention social marketing campaign targeting youth; to identify parents' preferred sources of health information, and to obtain reactions to potential obesity prevention social marketing messages. Overall, the family and community nutrition and physical activity environments in the Western Cape are highly complex. Parents report major safety concerns, lack of organized markets or other sources of healthy foods in rural and township areas, and lack of resources for physical activity. We also identified preferred sources for health information primarily through print and radio, obtained information about possible channels to reach parents, and identified potential message strategies to promote healthy lifestyles similar to some HIV/AIDS social marketing campaigns in Africa. This information supports future childhood obesity prevention social marketing.
The Medicare Conversion Factor

RVU : Relative Value Unit CF : Conversion Factor GPCI : Geographic Practice Cost Index CMS : Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services MP : malpractice RBRVS : Resource-Based Relative Value Scale CPT : Current Procedural Terminology SGR : Sustainable Growth Rate To understand the
Methods for the assessment of neuromotor capacity in non-specific low back pain: Validity and applicability in everyday clinical practice.

BACKGROUND Physiotherapists and clinicians require methods that can be used in everyday practice for measuring proprioception of the trunk in individuals with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). OBJECTIVE Our objective was to conduct a systematic literature review of methods used for assessment of proprioception of the trunk in individuals with non-specific low back pain. METHOD Data were obtained from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro and CENTRAL databases from their inception to December 2011. Reference lists of the selected reviews were hand searched for other potentially relevant studies. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled studies proprioception of the trunk in individuals with low back pain were selected. Thirty-six studies satisfied the selection criteria and were included in this review. RESULTS Two reviewers independently selected the studies, conducted the quality assessment, and extracted data from each study. The Strobe scale was used to evaluate the scientific rigor of each selected study. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review covered all the relevant literature, but none of the included studies offered a valid, reliable and feasible method to assess neuromotor capacity in everyday physiotherapy clinical practice.
Presence in sputum of functional dust mite-specific IgE antibodies in intrinsic asthma.

RATIONALE Intrinsic asthma was described by Rackemann as asthma without allergy. Local IgE production has been documented in intrinsic asthma, but antigen specificity of this response remains elusive. OBJECTIVES We investigated (1) the presence of dust mite-specific IgE in sputum of patients with intrinsic asthma, (2) their clinical/immunological relevance, and (3) their functionality. METHODS Specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) and to recombinant major allergens (rDer p1 and rDer p2) were assayed by ELISA in sputum samples from patients with intrinsic versus atopic asthma and control subjects. Whole-lung challenge was performed with Der p for clinical and inflammatory readouts. Functionality of local IgE to trigger effector cells was assessed using basophil activation test (surface expression of CD203c). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Both total IgE and Der p-specific IgE levels are increased in patients with intrinsic asthma compared with healthy nonatopic patients. However, no immediate asthmatic responses were observed in patients with intrinsic asthma after Der p exposure. These sputum Der p-specific IgE do, however, recognize major allergens Der p1 and Der p2 and are able to trigger activation of blood basophils from atopic donors. CONCLUSIONS We confirm that IgE production occurs in intrinsic asthma and show that part of this IgE recognizes Der p antigens. However, this IgE reactivity does not translate into clinical responses to Der p exposure, despite specificity to major allergens and functionality to activate effector cells in vitro. We postulate that a second signal that promotes IgE-mediated asthmatic responses through FcεRI is lacking in intrinsic asthma.
Changes in IgE antibodies to soy in sensitized and control dogs after challenge using three diets in a crossover design

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that food-allergen-sensitized dogs would produce higher levels of IgE antibodies to soy after challenge with an intact soy diet, compared with egg-based (elimination diet), hydrolyzed soy- and corn-based diets. Eight dogs were sensitized with six food allergens by subcutaneous injections. Seven dogs were used as nonsensitized controls. All dogs were fed an elimination diet containing egg and Brewer’s rice (to neither of which any dog had been sensitized) for six weeks. Serum samples were collected, frozen (−20°C), and submitted to Greer Laboratories® for ELISA analysis. The 15 dogs were randomly assigned into three groups and fed a pelleted diet consisting of hydrolyzed soy/corn starch, intact soy/corn starch or intact corn diet using a crossover design. After a three-week challenge, serum samples were collected. All dogs were placed on the elimination diet during the 6-week washout periods. ELISA results were expressed as relative values (%R) compared with pooled canine sera. There was a statistically significant difference between sensitized and control dogs for all diets including the elimination diet (SASS®). While there was a modest %R increase when intact soy was fed, no statistically significant differences in serum IgE to soy were found for any of the diets. We were unable to reject the null hypothesis (P < 0.05). Sponsored by a research grant through Nestle Purina Pet Care Company.
The Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin in Neurological Disorders

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5- methoxytryptamine) is a pineal gland hormone, synthesized from amino acid Ltryptophan. Other tissues including retina, skin, and gastrointestinal tract also synthesize it. It is secreted into the cerebrospinal fluid and circulatory system in a circadian pattern. Its production is light:dark dependent and its levels are low during the day and maximal during the hours of darkness. It plays an important role in different physiological and pathophysiological processes in the brain, which includes regulation of biological rhythms and seasonal reproduction. Its biological activity is associated with its action on melatonin receptors - ML-1 and ML-2. It has antioxidant and neuroprotective propertities and potential therapeutic role in different neurological disorders. Melatonin has been used as a sleep-promoting agent; more recently it has also been used in headache, movement disorders, neuropathic pain, and seizure disorders. In this review, some recent patents also discussed.
Molecular Study of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human Rhinovirus and Human Metapneumovirus, Detected in Children With Acute Wheezing

Background: Viruses are known to cause the majority of acute respiratory infections. A great deal of evidence indicates that the etiology of most cases of wheezing in children, like asthma or bronchiolitis, is also linked to such respiratory infections. Objectives: We assessed the prevalence of three common viruses including; Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human rhinovirus (HRV), and human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), in children with acute wheezing. Patients and Methods: Ninety six wheezy children, 48 males (50%) and 48 females (50%)under the age of 5 years, were enrolled in the study. All patients visited as outpatients or inpatients when referred to the Mofid Children Hospital, in Tehran, from September 2009 to March 2010. A nasopharyngeal sample was taken from each child’s nostril and the three viruses were detected by a molecular polymerase chain reaction method (PCR). Results: Out of 96 patients, 63 cases (64.8%) had a positive PCR test for at least one virus. Prevalence of each virus including RSV, HRV and hMPV alone or in combination were 44 (45.8%), 13 (13.5%) and 6 (6.3%), respectively. There were no significant relationships between;age, prematurity, fever, respiratory distress and the existence of any kind of virus in the nasopharynx. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the prevalence of these three viruses in the nasopharyngeal secretions of children suffering from acute wheezing was similar to other studies. The results of this study concluded; PCR assay is a widely available and rapid method to detect the viral etiology which induces wheezing in children in Iran, and the study also provides a baseline for future studies about the clinical importance of this relationship. Keywords: Respiratory Tract Infections Child; Respiratory Sounds; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses
Sailing and science: an interdisciplinary perspective

Edited by Gisela Sjogaard (series editor Jens Bangsbo). Published by Blackwell Publishing, 2001, £17.99, 144 pp, softcover. ISBN 8716123506 A number of papers presented at the Annual European College of Sports Science Conference held in Copenhagen Denmark in1997 are combined to form this book. Sailing was chosen to be the featured sport as …