MicroRNA Expression in Asymptomatic Welders: Implications for Biomarker Discovery for Environmentally-Linked Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Chronic occupational exposure to metals in welding fumes has been implicated in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression have been associated with various neurodegenerative conditions. Circulating miRNAs, in particular, have emerged as promising, minimally invasive biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring disease progression.

The effect of different interfaces during virtual game practice on motor performance of individuals with genetic ataxia: A cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Reaching and coordination tasks are widely used in traditional physical rehabilitation programs for individuals with Ataxia. Virtual reality interventions could optimize the motor performance of these individuals; however, the type of virtual interface may influence performance during virtual practice. We aimed to estimate the extent of the effect of different interfaces (webcam and touchscreen) on the motor performance of individuals with various types of genetic ataxia, compared to a control group, during virtual computer game tasks.

Effects of mixed metal exposures on MRI diffusion features in the medial temporal lobe.

Background: Environmental exposure to metal mixtures is common and may be associated with increased risk for neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Objective: This study examined associations of mixed metal exposures with medial temporal lobe (MTL) MRI structural metrics and neuropsychological performance.

Methods: Metal exposure history, whole blood metal, and neuropsychological tests were obtained from subjects with/without a history of mixed metal exposure from welding fumes (42 exposed subjects; 31 controls).

Higher hippocampal diffusivity values in welders are associated with greater R2* in the red nucleus and lower psychomotor performance.

Introduction: Chronic excessive welding exposure may be related to higher metal accumulation and structural differences in different subcortical structures. We examined how welding affected brain structures and their associations with metal exposure and neurobehavioral consequences.

Methods: Study includes 42 welders and 31 controls without a welding history.

Synergic control in asymptomatic welders during multi-finger force exertion and load releasing while standing.

Motor synergies, i.e., neural mechanisms that organize multiple motor elements to ensure stability of actions, are affected by several neurological condition.

Higher R2* in the Red Nucleus Is Associated With Lead Exposure in an Asymptomatic Welder Cohort.

Lead is a nonessential metal and may be a coexposure in welding fumes. Preclinical data indicate lead may affect iron regulation. The current study investigated blood lead concentrations and their association with brain iron accumulation in workers with chronic welding fume exposure, with a focus on iron-rich subcortical regions of the cerebellum and basal ganglia.

Are foot deformity and plantar sensitivity impairment associated with physical function of community-dwelling older adults?

Background: Foot deformities are highly prevalent in older adults and negatively impact their mobility and quality of life. However, the association between foot problems and physical function is still unclear.

Objective: To investigate whether structural foot deformities and plantar tactile sensitivity are associated with lower extremity physical function impairment in community-dwelling older adults.

Immediate Effects of Arm Reaching Training in Standing on Postural Control Differ between Right and Left Stroke Individuals.

Background: Arm reaching training in standing for several weeks affects the postural control of individuals recovering from cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Whether these effects differ with the side of the brain lesion are unknown.

Objectives: To examine the immediate effects of a training session of arm reaching movements on the balance and trunk motion of individuals who suffered a right or left CVA.

The walking cane length influences the postural sway of community-dwelling older women.

Background: Mobility-related problems in older people may be relieved by the use of walking canes. However, the influence of the cane length on the postural stability of cane users has not been explored.

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the influence of a single-point cane with different lengths on the postural sway of regular cane users, older women during two stance positions, with feet parallel and semi-tandem stance.

Asymmetry of Body Weight Distribution During Quiet and Relaxed Standing Tasks.

The goal of this work was to investigate body weight distribution during relaxed and quiet (constrained) standing tasks. Forty-one healthy, young adults performed relaxed and quiet standing tasks, and they stood with each leg on a separate force plate. The weight distribution asymmetry across time was computed as the difference between the right and left vertical force time series.

Combined effects of the light touch and cognitive task affect the components of postural sway.

The light touch (LT) of the fingertip on a rigid surface and the performance of a cognitive task (CT) affect the postural control. The current study examined the mechanisms involved in the control of postural sway (i.e.

Effect of force magnitude of touch on the components of postural sway.

Background: Lightly touching the tip of the index finger on an external surface reduces the postural sway during upright standing due to the additional somatosensory information provided by the touch to the postural control system. But when the individuals apply more force, it provides more mechanical support. However, because most of the studies investigated only two levels of force, whether the control mechanisms of postural sway are affected by the different force levels was unknown.

From One to Two: Can Visual Feedback Improve the Light Touch Effects on Postural Sway?

The postural control is improved by implicit somatosensory information from lightly touching a rigid bar or explicit visual information about the postural sway. Whether these two additional sources provided at the same time further reduce the postural sway is still unknown. Participants stood on a force plate as quiet as possible lightly touching the bar while received or not visual feedback of the center of pressure position on a monitor screen.