Motor Control & Adaptation: Investigating the Two Stream Hypothesis of Visual Processing and the Effectiveness of Contextual Information on the Consolidation of Internal Models

Motor control is studied in terms of the adaptive neural mechanisms that allow humans to make accurate and coordinated movements. While error-related information and sensory-related information are known to play a role in updating internal models of learned motor adaptations, only sensory-related cues that indicate environmental dynamics are known to prevent interference between models containing similar movements; however when these experimental results are analyzed further, the cues that are most effective appeal to the dorsal stream of processing whereas others that appeal to the ventral stream of processing have not been as successful (Goodale & Milner, 1992). Furthermore, experimental findings have shown that sensory cues processed through the dorsal pathway directly involving motion are most successful at consolidating learned motor skills and removing the threat of interference. However, the current study uses a novel design to test whether or not motion of a dorsal stream cue is absolutely necessary for learning. Results seem to show that when cues indicating different task dynamics are not distinguishable from each other, learning is not shown, regardless of whether or not the cue involves motion. When they are distinguishable, a dorsal stream cue involving motion leads to proper learning and decreased interference. Further investigation is necessary for total confirmation of this theory

Developing a Core Set of Outcome Measures for Behcet Disease: Report from OMERACT 2016

Objective. The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Vasculitis Working Group has been working toward developing a data-driven core set of outcome measures for use in clinical trials of Behcet's syndrome [Behcet disease (BD)]. This paper summarizes the group's work through OMERACT 2016, discussions during the meeting, and the future research agenda

Development of a core set of outcome measures for large-vessel vasculitis: Report from OMERACT 2016

Copyright © 2017. All rights reserved. Objective. Among the challenges in conducting clinical trials in large-vessel vasculitis (LVV), including both giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TA), is the lack of standardized and meaningful outcome measures. The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Vasculitis Working Group initiated an international effort to develop and validate data-driven outcome tools for clinical investigation in LVV. Methods.An international Delphi exercise was completed to gather opinions from clinical experts on LVV-related domains considered important to measure in trials. Patient interviews and focus groups were completed to identify outcomes of importance to patients. The results of these activities were presented and discussed in a "Virtual Special Interest Group" using telephone- and Internet-based conferences, discussions through electronic mail, and an in-person session at the 2016 OMERACT meeting. A preliminary core set of domains common for all forms of LVV with disease-specific elements was proposed. Results. The majority of experts agree with using common outcome measures for GCA and TA, with the option of supplementation with disease-specific items. Following interviews and focus groups, pain, fatigue, and emotional effect emerged as health-related quality of life domains important to patients. Current disease assessment tools, including the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, were found to be inadequate to assess disease activity in GCA and standardized assessment of imaging tests were felt crucial to study LVV, especially TA. Conclusion. Initial data from a clinician Delphi exercise and structured patient interviews have provided themes toward an OMERACT-endorsed core set of domains and outcome measures