Contextual Interference Effects on Approach Motivation When Learning Timing Tasks: A Frontal Electroencephalography (EEG) Alpha Asymmetry Study in Older Adults.

In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of contextual interference on motivational regulation, as measured by EEG (frontal alpha asymmetry), in older adults. Participants practiced a sequenced timing task in random, algorithmic, or blocked schedules in both similar and dissimilar task difficulty conditions, with task difficulty defined by absolute timing goals (in ms) that were either close to each other (1350, 1500, 1650) or far from each other (1050, 1500, 1950), respectively. We assessed older participants' timing accuracy in these conditions, during acquisition and delayed retention learning, using the frontal alpha asymmetry index, recorded during practice, to measure motivation. On the accuracy measure in delayed retention, the algorithm practice schedule (in both similar and dissimilar conditions) was associated with significantly more accurate performance than random and blocked practice schedules. Also during delayed retention and in both task difficulty conditions, performance was better with a random schedule than a blocked schedule. On the EEG motivational measure, frontal alpha asymmetry was more often higher as practice progressed in the algorithm practice condition than in other practice conditions. However, in the random practice schedule, in late, versus early, acquisition, motivational regulation was higher. The blocked groups showed decreased motivation as practice progressed. We interpreted these findings to be in accordance with the challenge point framework and with OPTIMAL motor learning theory and valence hypothesis.

Sex disparity in laparoscopic bariatric surgery outcomes: a matched-pair cohort analysis.

Men have been historically considered to be higher-risk patients for bariatric surgery compared to women, the perception of which is suggested to be a barrier to bariatric surgery in men. The purpose of this study is to conduct a matched-pair analysis to evaluate sex disparities in laparoscopic bariatric surgery outcomes. Data on patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery from March 2013 to 2017 was collected prospectively. Then, 707 men and 707 women pair-matched for age, preoperative body mass index (BMI) and the procedure type (i.e., sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y, or one-anastomosis gastric bypass) were compared in terms of weight loss, remission of obesity-related comorbidities, and postoperative complications classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. There was no difference between the two sexes regarding the operation time, bleeding during surgery and length of postoperative hospital stay. We observed similar total weight loss, BMI loss, and percentage of excess BMI loss at 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively between men and women, with no difference in remission of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia at 12 months. The rate of in-hospital, 30-day and late complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification grades was similar between men and women. Our matched-pair cohort analysis demonstrated that bariatric surgery results in comparable short- and mid-term efficacy in men and women, and is associated with similar rate and severity of postoperative complications between sexes. These findings suggest bariatric surgeons not to consider sex for patient selection in bariatric surgery.

Utilizing the Variability of Practice in Physical Execution, Action Observation, and Motor Imagery: Similar or Dissimilar Mechanisms?

The simulation theory argues that physical execution, action observation, and imagery share similar underlying mechanisms. Accordingly, applying a high-level psychological variable (variability of practice) should have a similar effect on all three modes. To test this theory, a total of 90 right-handed students participated in this study and were randomly divided into variable versus constant groups in three practice conditions, including physical, observational, and imagery. After a pretest (10 random trials of the putting task), the participants completed 50 practice trials. The groups performed/observed/imagined the task in the variable (different distances to different goals) or constant (fixed distance and goal) practice conditions. Also, there was an extra variable group in the physical and observational conditions, deprived of watching the feedback from the action. The participants completed a retention test 24 hr after the training. The effect of practice variability was observed in physical and observational conditions, but was not seen in the imagery condition. The no-feedback groups did not perform significantly differently from the imagery groups. The reason could be the lack of actual visual feedback during imagery.

Algorithm-Based Practice Schedule and Task Similarity Enhance Motor Learning in Older Adults.

According to the challenge point framework, task difficulty has to be appropriate to learner skill level. The pure blocked or random practice controls the task difficulty during practice monotonically. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of algorithm-based practice schedule and task similarity on motor learning in older adults. For this purpose, 60 older adults were randomly assigned into six groups of blocked-similar, algorithm-similar, random-similar, blocked-dissimilar, algorithm-dissimilar, and random-dissimilar. Sequential motor tasks were used for learning. Participants practiced absolute timing goals in similar (1350, 1500, 1650 ms) or dissimilar (1050, 1500, 1950 ms) conditions according to their practice schedule. Twenty-four hours after the acquisition phase, retention, and transfer tests were performed. Algorithm-practice was a hybrid practice schedule (blocked, serial, and random practice in forward/backward switching) that switching the schedules was according to error trial number (n ≤ 33%) in each block based on error range of absolute timing goals (± 5%). The results showed that the blocked-practice outperforms the other groups during the acquisition phase, whereas the algorithm-practice outperforms the other groups in retention and transfer in both similar and dissimilar conditions. These findings were discussed according to the challenge point framework.

Effects of virtual reality training intervention on predictive motor control of children with DCD - A randomized controlled trial.

It has been hypothesised that deficits in the functions of predictive motor control and internal modeling may contribute to motor control issues of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Virtual reality (VR) technologies have great potential to provide opportunity for Motor observation and motor imagery (MI) which could enhance learning and development of motor skills in children with DCD. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the benefits of a VR training intervention to improve predictive motor control functions of children with DCD. Forty female children with DCD (aged 7-10) were randomly assigned to VR and control groups. In this study, an experimental pre-post and follow-up design was used, and Predictive motor control functions were measured before and after the VR intervention and two-months later. Predictive motor control was evaluated using MI (by hand rotation task), action planning (by sword placement task), and rapid and online control (by rotational tracking task) tests. VR intervention consisted of a selection of Xbox 360 Kinect games that were performed for sixteen 30-min sessions over 8 weeks. Compared to the control group, the VR group improved significantly on measures of MI, motor planning, and rapid and online control scores from pre- to post-test and retained their performance to follow-up. Overall, it seems that virtual reality training program may be used as an appropriate intervention approach for developing the ability of MI and predictive motor control functions in DCD children.

Two-year outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy versus gastric bypass: first report based on Tehran obesity treatment study (TOTS).

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and its associated comorbidities. This is the first comprehensive report of a prospective cohort study, comparing sleeve gastrectomy (SG) with gastric bypass (GB) regarding their effectiveness and safety. METHODS: The prospectively collected data of patients, who presented to a specialized bariatric center and underwent a primary bariatric procedure, were compared in terms of weight loss, remission of obesity-associated comorbidities, complication rate, and quality of life improvement at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. RESULTS: Of 3287 patients (78.6% female) analyzed, 67% (n = 2202) and 33% (n = 1085) underwent SG and GB, respectively. Effective outcomes were reported in both groups regarding the body composition indices. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission rate at the end of follow-up was 53.3% and 63.8% in the SG and GB groups, respectively. Following the propensity score-adjusted analysis, the T2DM remission rate was not significantly different between the groups. Conversely, the remission rate of hypertension in the 24-month follow-up (39.1% vs. 54.7%) and the remission rate of dyslipidemia in all follow-ups were lower in the SG group, compared to the GB group. Moreover, both procedures caused substantial improvements in various domains of quality of life. The surgery duration, early complication rate, and nutritional deficiencies were lower in the SG group, compared to the GB group. CONCLUSION: Both surgical procedures were effective in the control of obesity and remission of its comorbidities. However, since SG was associated with a lower rate of complications, it seems that SG should be considered as a suitable procedure for obese patients, especially those with a healthier metabolic profile.

Neural Mechanisms of the Contextual Interference Effect and Parameter Similarity on Motor Learning in Older Adults: An EEG Study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the neural mechanisms of the contextual interference effect (CIE) and parameter similarity on motor learning in older adults. Sixty older adults (mean age, 67.68 ± 3.95 years) were randomly assigned to one of six experimental groups: blocked-similar, algorithm-similar, random-similar, blocked-dissimilar, algorithm-dissimilar, and random-dissimilar. Algorithm practice was a hybrid practice schedule (a combination of blocked, serial, and random practice) that switching between practice schedules were based on error trial number, ≤33%. The sequential motor task was used to record the absolute timing for the absolute timing goals (ATGs). In similar conditions, the participants' performance was near ATGs (1,350, 1,500, 1,650 ms) and in dissimilar conditions, they performed far ATGs (1,050, 1,500, 1,950 ms) with the same spatial sequence for all groups. EEG signals were continuously collected during the acquisition phase and delayed retention. Data were analyzed in different bands (alpha and beta) and scalp locations (frontal: Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4; central: C3, C4; and parietal: P3, P4) with repeated measures on the last factor. The analyses were included motor preparation and intertrial interval (motor evaluation) periods in the first six blocks and the last six blocks, respectively. The results of behavioral data indicated that algorithm practice resulted in medium error related to classic blocked and random practice during the acquisition, however, algorithm practice outperformed the classic blocked and random practice in the delayed retention test. The results of EEG data demonstrated that algorithm practice, due to optimal activity in the frontal lobe (medium alpha and beta activation at prefrontal), resulted in increased activity of sensorimotor areas (high alpha activation at C3 and P4) in older adults. Also, EEG data showed that similar conditions could affect the intertrial interval period (medium alpha and beta activation in frontal in the last six-block), while the dissimilar conditions could affect the motor preparation period (medium alpha and beta activation in frontal in the first six-block). In conclusion, algorithm practice can enhance motor learning and optimize the efficiency of brain activity, resulting in the achievement of a desirable goal in older adults.

Functionalization of anti-Brucella antibody based on SNP and MNP nanoparticles for visual and spectrophotometric detection of Brucella.

An Immuno-Nano-Biosensor with high sensitivity was designed based on iron and silica nanoparticles to detect B. abortus. Briefly explain, primary polyclonal antibody (IgG1) was conjugated on surface magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to form MNP-IgG1. Secondary polyclonal antibody (IgG2) and Horseradish Peroxidase enzyme were conjugated on silica nanoparticles (SNPs) to form HRP-SNP-IgG2. HRP-SNP-IgG2. MNP-IgG1 and HRP-SNP-IgG2 were added to B. abortus. The MNP-IgG1-B.abortus-IgG2-SNP-HRP complex was isolated from the reaction mixture using a magnet. After that, tetramethylbenzidine was added to the complex. The reaction was stopped with HCl and investigated using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The nanoparticles' structure and size were investigated using SEM and DLS. Immuno-Nano-Biosensor sensitivity and specificity were determined. The SEM and DLS results indicated that the SNPs, MNPs, HRP-SNP-IgG2 and MNP-IgG1 size and structure were 35, 44, 60 and 56 nm, respectively. In addition, a good linear correlation was observed at 102-107 CFU mL-1 concentrations, which their linear equation and regression were Y = 0.3× + 0.18 and R2 0.982, respectively. The limitation of detecting B. abortus was 160 CFU mL-1. Finally, the results demonstrated that those designed Immuno-Nano-Biosensor could be specifically detected B. abortus and B. melitensis in real samples.

The effects of different combinations of perceptual-motor exercises, music, and vitamin D supplementation on the nerve growth factor in children with high-functioning autism.

The present study investigated the effects of different combinations of perceptual-motor exercises, music, and Vitamin D consumption on the nerve growth factor (NGF) in children with high-functioning autism. 48 children with autism, aged between six and nine years, were divided into four groups: Group A- perceptual-motor activities along with music (n = 12); Group B-Vitamin D supplementation (n = 12); Group C-perceptual-motor activities along with music and Vitamin D (n = 12); and Group D-control (n = 12). Participants' blood NGF level was measured before and after the intervention. The results showed a significant improvement in the NGF levels in Groups B and C due to the interventions. Also, in Group A, the NGF levels increased compared to Group D, although this increase was not significant. In addition, the intake of Vitamin D along with perceptual-motor exercises resulted in a significant increase in the levels of NGF compared to Groups A, B and D. These findings suggest that perceptual-motor exercises along with music as well as taking Vitamin D may provide two appropriate interventions for improving NGF in children with autism.

Comparison of the effects of perceptual-motor exercises, vitamin D supplementation and the combination of these interventions on decreasing stereotypical behavior in children with autism disorder.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the combined effects of perceptual-motor exercises and vitamin D3 supplementation on the reduction of stereotypical behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: In this study, 100 eligible children with age ranging from 6 to 9 years were randomly selected and divided into four groups: Group A-perceptual-motor exercises (n = 25); Group B-25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 (OH) D) (n = 25); Group C-perceptual-motor exercises and 25 (OH) D (n = 25); and Group D-control (n = 25). RESULTS: The stereotypes decreased from elementary level, 17% in Group A, 13% in Group B and 28% in Group C among the participants. There was no change in the stereotypical in the control group during the interventions. Also, the stereotypes in Group C showed the highest decrease, compared to the other three groups. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that combination of perceptual-motor exercises and vitamin D3 supplementation in children with ASD leads to significant reduction in their stereotypic behaviors.

Electroencephalography Pattern Variations During Motor Skill Acquisition.

The present study examined how motor skill acquisition affects electroencephalography patterns and compared short- and long-term electroencephalography variations. For this purpose, 17 volunteers with no history of disease, aged 18 to 22 years, attended seven training sessions every other day to practice a pursuit tracking motor skill. Electroencephalography brainwaves were recorded and analyzed on the first and last days within pre- and post-training intervals. The results showed a significant decrease in performance error and variability with practice over time. This progress slowed at the end of training, and there was no significant improvement in individual performance at the last session. In accordance with performance variations, some changes occurred in brainwaves. Specifically, θ power at Fz and α power at Cz increased on the last test day, compared with the first, while the coherence of α at Fz-T3 and Fz-Cz decreased. ß Coherence between Fz-Cz was significantly reduced from pre- to posttest. Based on these results, power changes seem to be more affected by long-term training, whereas coherence changes are sensitive to both short- and long-term training. Specifically, ß coherence at Fz-Cz was more influenced by short-term effects of training, whereas θ power at Fz, α power at Cz, and α coherence at Fz-T3 and Fz-Cz were affected by longer training.

Random Versus Blocked Practice to Enhance Mental Representation in Golf Putting.

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in mental representation from either random or blocked practice when engaged in golf putting. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to random practice, blocked practice, and no-practice groups. First, we measured novice golfers' initial mental representation levels and required them to perform 18 putting trials as a pre-test. We then asked random and blocked groups to practice in accordance with their group assignment for six consecutive days (10 blocks each day, 18 trials each). A week after the last practice session, we re-measured all participants' final mental representation levels and required them to perform 18 putting trials to evaluate learning retention through practice. While those engaged in the random practice method putted more poorly during acquisition (i.e., practice) than those in blocked practice, the random practice group experienced more accurate retention during the final putting trials, and they showed a more structured mental representation than those in blocked practice, one that was more similar to that of skilled golfers. These results support the acquisition of a rich mental representation through random versus blocked practice.

The Effect of Variability of Practice at Execution Redundancy Level in Skilled and Novice Basketball Players.

We investigated the effect of practice variability through execution redundancy in skilled and novice basketball players on free throw skills. Twelve skilled basketball players and 12 novices (mean age = 25.4 years, SD = 4.3) were divided into four groups (skilled constant, skilled variable, novice constant, and novice variable). After a pretest, participants practiced free throw action. The variable groups threw the ball over an obstacle of varying heights on each trial in random order, whereas the obstacle's height was fixed for the constant groups. After 7 and 14 consecutive days of practice, participants performed two posttests with constant and variable distances from the basket. The results showed that practicing different solutions of a task did not affect the performance of skilled players but had an immediate negative effect on the performance of novice players. Learning a complex task is the result of learning task-related parameters, and practice variability can create a mismatch between task difficulty and new learner skill levels.

Acute renal failure as an initial manifestation of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) is a group of heritable syndromes characterized by aberrant growth of benign or malignant tumors in a subset of endocrine tissues. There are three major syndromes: MEN1, 2A and 2B. We describe a 60-year-old woman who initially manifested acute renal failure due to hypercalcemia and dehydration and, finally, was diagnosed as a sporadic MEN1 case.