Predictive factors associated with trajectory of job satisfaction of workers with physical disabilities: A latent growth curve analysis.

Background: Job satisfaction is a highly useful factor in maintaining a successful work life for the disabled.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate how job satisfaction among workers with physical disabilities evolves over time, and to identify predictive factors that influence the trajectory of job satisfaction.

Methods: A longitudinal data analysis using the three-year databases of the 2016-2018 Employment Panel Survey for the Disabled (n = 693).

Association of heat shock protein 8 with atopic march in a murine experimental model.

Background: Atopic march (AM), a unique characteristic of allergic diseases, refers to the sequential progression of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants to allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis in children and young adults, respectively. Although there are several studies on AM, the establishment of an AM murine model to expand our understanding of the underlying mechanism and to identify the potential biomarkers is yet to be achieved. In this study, an improved murine model was established by applying a method to minimize skin irritation in inducing AD, and it was used to perform integrated analyses to discover candidate biomarkers.

The association of plasma cytokines including VEGF with recurrent wheezing in allergic patients.

Background: Various cytokines have been studied to determine their functions in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and their potential as therapeutic targets, but the roles and clinical applicability of many of these cytokines still remain unclear.

Objective: We aimed to measure the plasma levels of eight cytokines known to be relevant to allergic diseases, and to determine their association with the diagnostic characteristics of allergic patients.

Methods: The levels of a panel of eight cytokines (IL-5, IL-10, IL12p70, Leptin, CXCL5/ENA-78, CCL2/MCP-1, PDGFBB, and VEGF) were measured in plasma obtained from 83 allergic patients.

Changes in gluteal pressure and center of force during sitting in children with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to measure gluteal pressure and center of force (COF) during sitting in children with cerebral palsy (CP). [Subjects and Methods] The participants were five children with CP and five typically developing controls. We measured peak gluteal pressure and COF using the TekScan system.

Use of a visual feedback-equipped reacher in reach-to-grasp movements.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using a visual feedback-equipped reacher when performing reach-to-grasp tasks. [Subjects and Methods] Seventeen healthy participants with no illnesses or physical disabilities were selected for this study. Activation of the flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor digitorum muscles was assessed using electromyography.

The effects of virtual reality-based bilateral arm training on hemiplegic children's upper limb motor skills.

Background: Hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a neurological symptom appearing on the unilateral arm and leg of the body that causes affected upper/lower limb muscle weakening and dysesthesia and accompanies tetany and difficulties in postural control due to abnormal muscle tone, and difficulties in body coordination.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of virtual reality-based bilateral arm training on the motor skills of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, in terms of their upper limb motor skills on the affected side, as well as their bilateral coordination ability.

Methods: The research subjects were three children who were diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.