Visual feedback training using WII Fit improves balance in Parkinson's disease.

Postural instability including imbalance is the most disabling long term problem in Parkinson's disease (PD) that does not respond to pharmacotherapy. This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a novel visual-feedback training method, using Wii Fit balance board in improving balance in patients with PD. Twenty four patients with moderate PD were included in the study which comprised of a 6-week home-based balance training program using Nintendo Wii Fit and balance board. The PD patients significantly improved their results in Berg Balance Scale, Tinnet's Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment, Timed Up-and-Go, Sit-to-stand test, 10-Meter Walk test and Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale at the end of the programme. This study suggests that visual feedback training using Wii-Fit with balance board could improve dynamic and functional balance as well as motor disability in PD patients.

Clinical, cellular, and molecular aspects in the pathophysiology of rosacea.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of unknown etiology. Although described centuries ago, the pathophysiology of this disease is still poorly understood. Epidemiological studies indicate a genetic component, but a rosacea gene has not been identified yet. Four subtypes and several variants of rosacea have been described. It is still unclear whether these subtypes represent a "developmental march" of different stages or are merely part of a syndrome that develops independently but overlaps clinically. Clinical and histopathological characteristics of rosacea make it a fascinating "human disease model" for learning about the connection between the cutaneous vascular, nervous, and immune systems. Innate immune mechanisms and dysregulation of the neurovascular system are involved in rosacea initiation and perpetuation, although the complex network of primary induction and secondary reaction of neuroimmune communication is still unclear. Later, rosacea may result in fibrotic facial changes, suggesting a strong connection between chronic inflammatory processes and skin fibrosis development. This review highlights recent molecular (gene array) and cellular findings and aims to integrate the different body defense mechanisms into a modern concept of rosacea pathophysiology.

The natriuretic peptide neurohormonal system modulation by vasopeptidase inhibitors--the novel therapeutical approach of hypertension treatment.

Vasopeptidase inhibitors (VPI) are a new promising class of drugs, that simultaneously inhibit Angiotensin - Converting Enzyme (ACE) and an enzyme Neutral Endopeptidase (NEP), that cleaves the natriuretic peptides. These drugs, such as omapatrilat, sampatrilat, fasidotrilat, by combined inhibition of ACE and degradation of natriuretic peptides and in turn by inhibiting the Renin - Angiotensin - Aldosterone system and potentiating the Natriuretic Peptide system and Kinin system should decrease the mortality rate in the group of patients with hypertension being not adequately controlled with ACE inhibitors. Thus, finding the new therapeutic strategy using drugs that act on the hormonal systems other than Renin - Angiotensin - Aldosterone system seems to be crucial. The aim of the study was to compare the molecular aspects of the conventional schemes that are being used in the antihypertension therapy to the new drugs from the vasopeptidase inhibitors group--with focusing on the natriuretic peptide system (NPS)--and, taking these considerations, making clues about therapeutical implications to reveal promising results in antihypertension treatment.