Is Closed-Loop, Time-Locked Primary Motor Cortex Stimulation an Ideal Target for Improving Movements in Neurological Disorders?

Dietary Intakes Differ by Body Composition Goals: An Observational Study of Professional Rugby Union Players in New Zealand

Preseason in rugby union is a period of intensive training where players undergo conditioning to prepare for the competitive season. In some cases, this includes modifying body composition through weight gain or fat loss. This study aimed to describe the macronutrient intakes of professional rugby union players during pre-season training. It was hypothesized that players required to gain weight would have a higher energy, carbohydrate and protein intake compared to those needing to lose weight. Twenty-three professional rugby players completed 3 days of dietary assessment and their sum of eight skinfolds were assessed. Players were divided into three groups by the team coaches and medical staff: weight gain, weight maintain and weight loss. Mean energy intakes were 3,875 ± 907 kcal·d⁻¹ (15,965 ± 3,737 kJ·d⁻¹) (weight gain 4,532 ± 804 kcal·d⁻¹; weight maintain 3,825 ± 803 kcal·d⁻¹; weight loss 3,066 ± 407 kcal·d⁻¹) and carbohydrate intakes were 3.7 ± 1.2 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ (weight gain 4.8 ± 0.9 g.kg⁻¹·d⁻¹; weight maintain 2.8 ± 0.7 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹; weight loss 2. 6 ± 0.7 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹). The energy and carbohydrate intakes are similar to published intakes among rugby union players. There were significant differences in energy intake and the percent of energy from protein between the weight gain and the weight loss group.

Translating Insights From Optogenetics To Therapies For Parkinson's Disease

Movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease and dystonia are caused by neurological dysfunction, typically resulting from the loss of a neuronal input within a circuit. Neuromodulation, specifically deep brain stimulation (DBS), has proven to be a critical development in the treatment of movement disorders. Continuing efforts aim to improve DBS techniques, both in how they exert their effects and in the efficacy of the mechanism involved in eliciting those effects. While optogenetic stimulation is currently infeasible in human patients, opto-DBS research provides an indispensible avenue to understand the mechanisms of DBS therapeutic and adverse effects. We review the benefits of cell-type specific manipulations in understanding the root cause of movement disorders and how DBS might optimally combat those causes. We also explore new circuit-inspired applications of DBS suggested by thorough, high-throughput optogenetic techniques. Maximizing the efficacy and outcome of DBS requires a multi-tiered approach; research employing optogenetics provides the specificity and feasibility to uncover the mechanisms that will help realize these gains in patient care.