Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system to stimulate at least a part of the vestibular system of a patient to induce a sensation of anorexia to promote weight loss. The system can include a thermal element, a power source, a conduit, and a control unit configured to regulate the temperature of the thermal element, the duration in which the thermal element is applied, the duration in between thermal stimuli, and/or the number of stimulus cycles to promote a sensation of anorexia in a patient while avoiding or minimizing undesirable side effects such as nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, or vertigo. Methods of using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-naturally occurring non-human vertebrate animal incapable of expressing a functional Fc receptor which may optionally be capable of expressing a protein which comprises a domain of a human Fc receptor, as well as DNA encoding such Fc receptor-based proteins. Also disclosed are in vivo methods for identifying proinflammatory agents that depend on a functional Fc receptor, in vivo methods for identifying proinflammatory agents that do not depend on a functional Fc receptor, and both in vivo and in vitro methods of identifying anti-inflammatory agents. Pharmaceutical compositions containing, and methods of treating inflammation with anti-inflammatory agents are also described.