The Influence of Mirror-Visual Feedback on Training-Induced Motor Performance Gains in the Untrained Hand

The well-documented observation of bilateral performance gains following unilateral motor training, a phenomenon known as cross-limb transfer, has important implications for rehabilitation. It has recently been shown that provision of a mirror image of the active hand during unilateral motor training has the capacity to enhance the efficacy of this phenomenon when compared to training without augmented visual feedback (i.e., watching the passive hand), possibly via action observation effects [1]. The current experiment was designed to confirm whether mirror-visual feedback (MVF) during motor training can indeed elicit greater performance gains in the untrained hand compared to more standard visual feedback (i.e., watching the active hand). Furthermore, discussing the mechanisms underlying any such MVF-induced behavioural effects, we suggest that action observation and the cross-activation hypothesis may both play important roles in eliciting cross-limb transfer. Eighty participants practiced a fast-as-possible two-ball rotation task with their dominant hand. During training, three different groups were provided with concurrent visual feedback of the active hand, inactive hand or a mirror image of the active hand with a fourth control group receiving no training. Pre- and post-training performance was measured in both hands. MVF did not increase the extent of training-induced performance changes in the untrained hand following unilateral training above and beyond those observed for other types of feedback. The data are consistent with the notion that cross-limb transfer, when combined with MVF, is mediated by cross-activation with action observation playing a less unique role than previously suggested. Further research is needed to replicate the current and previous studies to determine the clinical relevance and potential benefits of MVF for cases that, due to the severity of impairment, rely on unilateral training programmes of the unaffected limb to drive changes in the contralateral affected limb

Yeast Two-Hybrid: State of the Art

Genome projects are approaching completion and are saturating sequence databases. This paper discusses the role of the two-hybrid system as a generator of hypotheses. Apart from this rather exhaustive, financially and labour intensive procedure, more refined functional studies can be undertaken. Indeed, by making hybrids of two-hybrid systems, customised approaches can be developed in order to attack specific function-related problems. For example, one could set-up a "differential" screen by combining a forward and a reverse approach in a three-hybrid set-up. Another very interesting project is the use of peptide libraries in two-hybrid approaches. This could enable the identification of peptides with very high specificity comparable to "real" antibodies. With the technology available, the only limitation is imagination

Genome-wide search for breast cancer linkage in large Icelandic non-BRCA1/2 families

Abstract Introduction: A significant proportion of high-risk breast cancer families are not explained by mutations in known genes. Recent genome-wide searches (GWS) have not revealed any single major locus reminiscent of BRCA1 and BRCA2, indicating that still unidentified genes may explain relatively few families each or interact in a way obscure to linkage analyses. This has drawn attention to possible benefits of studying populations where genetic heterogeneity might be reduced. We thus performed a GWS for linkage on nine Icelandic multiple-case non-BRCA1/2 families of desirable size for mapping highly penetrant loci. To follow up suggestive loci, an additional 13 families from other Nordic countries were genotyped for selected markers. Methods: GWS was performed using 811 microsatellite markers providing about five centiMorgan (cM) resolution. Multipoint logarithm of odds (LOD) scores were calculated using parametric and nonparametric methods. For selected markers and cases, tumour tissue was compared to normal tissue to look for allelic loss indicative of a tumour suppressor gene. Results: The three highest signals were located at chromosomes 6q, 2p and 14q. One family contributed suggestive LOD scores (LOD 2.63 to 3.03, dominant model) at all these regions, without consistent evidence of a tumour suppressor gene. Haplotypes in nine affected family members mapped the loci to 2p23.2 to p21, 6q14.2 to q23.2 and 14q21.3 to q24.3. No evidence of a highly penetrant locus was found among the remaining families. The heterogeneity LOD (HLOD) at the 6q, 2p and 14q loci in all families was 3.27, 1.66 and 1.24, respectively. The subset of 13 Nordic families showed supportive HLODs at chromosome 6q (ranging from 0.34 to 1.37 by country subset). The 2p and 14q loci overlap with regions indicated by large families in previous GWS studies of breast cancer. Conclusions: Chromosomes 2p, 6q and 14q are candidate sites for genes contributing together to high breast cancer risk. A polygenic model is supported, suggesting the joint effect of genes in contributing to breast cancer risk to be rather common in non-BRCA1/2 families. For genetic counselling it would seem important to resolve the mode of genetic interaction

Biofeedback for training balance and mobility tasks in older populations: a systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Context</p> <p>An effective application of biofeedback for interventions in older adults with balance and mobility disorders may be compromised due to co-morbidity.</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>To evaluate the feasibility and the effectiveness of biofeedback-based training of balance and/or mobility in older adults.</p> <p>Data Sources</p> <p>PubMed (1950-2009), EMBASE (1988-2009), Web of Science (1945-2009), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (1960-2009), CINAHL (1982-2009) and PsycINFO (1840-2009). The search strategy was composed of terms referring to biofeedback, balance or mobility, and older adults. Additional studies were identified by scanning reference lists.</p> <p>Study Selection</p> <p>For evaluating effectiveness, 2 reviewers independently screened papers and included controlled studies in older adults (i.e. mean age equal to or greater than 60 years) if they applied biofeedback during repeated practice sessions, and if they used at least one objective outcome measure of a balance or mobility task.</p> <p>Data Extraction</p> <p>Rating of study quality, with use of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database rating scale (PEDro scale), was performed independently by the 2 reviewers. Indications for (non)effectiveness were identified if 2 or more similar studies reported a (non)significant effect for the same type of outcome. Effect sizes were calculated.</p> <p>Results and Conclusions</p> <p>Although most available studies did not systematically evaluate feasibility aspects, reports of high participation rates, low drop-out rates, absence of adverse events and positive training experiences suggest that biofeedback methods can be applied in older adults. Effectiveness was evaluated based on 21 studies, mostly of moderate quality. An indication for effectiveness of visual feedback-based training of balance in (frail) older adults was identified for postural sway, weight-shifting and reaction time in standing, and for the Berg Balance Scale. Indications for added effectiveness of applying biofeedback during training of balance, gait, or sit-to-stand transfers in older patients post-stroke were identified for training-specific aspects. The same applies for auditory feedback-based training of gait in older patients with lower-limb surgery.</p> <p>Implications</p> <p>Further appropriate studies are needed in different populations of older adults to be able to make definitive statements regarding the (long-term) added effectiveness, particularly on measures of functioning.</p

Can we improve the compliance of spinal cord injury patients to clean intermittent catheterization (multiple letters) [2] [Omurilik Yaralanmali Hastalarin Temiz Aralikli Kateterizasyon Programina Uyumunu Arttirabilir miyiz?]

[No abstract available

Impact of icing with potato, sweet potato, sugar beet, and red beet peel extract on the sensory, chemical, and microbiological changes of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets stored at (3 ± 1 °C)

The potential use of vegetable peels (potato, sweet potato, sugar beet, and red beet) as source of antioxidants was investigated. The sensory, chemical, and microbiological effects of icing with these peel extracts on rainbow trout fillets were monitored during 25 days of storage. Sensory results showed that the shelf life of the control group and fish fillets iced with red beet and sweet potato peel extracts were 21 days, while fish fillets iced with potato and sugar beet peel extracts had longer shelf life (25 days). Treatment of fish with potato and red beet peel extracts resulted in lower TVB-N, PV, and FFA values. The result of the study showed that icing with potato and red beet extracts increased the shelf life of rainbow trout and provided good quality parameters. Waste products as vegetable peels can be used in the food sector as new sources of antioxidants. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Inhibitory effects of safflower and bitter melon extracts on biogenic amine formation by fish spoilage bacteria and food borne pathogens

The impact of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) and bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) extracts on growth of fish spoilage bacteria (Acinetobacter lwoffii, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Enterobacter cloacae, Shigella spp., Morganella psychrotolerans, Photobacterium phosphoreum) and food-borne pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella Paratyphi A) and their biogenic amine formation were investigated in mackerel infusion decarboxylase broth (MIDB). The broth microdilution method was used to test antimicrobial activity of extracts. Ent. faecalis was the most susceptible microorganism with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 6.25 mg/mL against safflower extract, whilst bitter melon had the highest inhibitory effect against growth of Ent. cloacae, Shigella spp. and Ent. faecalis with MIC of 12.5 mg/mL. Differences in ammonia (AMN) and biogenic amine (BA) production among groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Ent. faecalis (2810 mg/L) was the main tyramine producer in MIDB. Although the effect of extracts varied depending on the bacterial strain and specific amine, both extracts generally decreased AMN and BA accumulation by bacteria. Histamine production by Phot. phosphoreum was considerably suppressed in the presence of extracts (p < 0.05). As a result, safflower and bitter melon extracts could be used as antimicrobial agents to inhibit bacterial growth and their BA formation in food. © 2019FYL-2015-4802The project was financially supported by the Cukurova University with project number of  FYL-2015-4802 , Adana, Turkey. The authors would like to thank them for their financial support