Efficacy of fine motor and balance exercises on fine motor skills in children with sensorineural hearing loss

Background: Childhood hearing impairment is a major disability associated with delayed motor development. The affected Fine motor performance in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) could be due to dynamic balance deficits and visual-motor incoordination. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effects of fine motor exercises with or without balancing exercises on fine motor skills in children with SNHL. Methods: One hundred and eighty (180) children their age ranged from 8 to 18 years old diagnosed with SNHL were selected. They were divided into three groups, 60 children (control group) practiced only their ordinary activities of daily living, 60 children (fine motor exercises group) practiced fine motor exercises, and 60 children (fine motor and balance exercise) group practiced fine motor and balance exercises. The outcomes were assessed by the Bruininks Oseretsky Test of the motor proficiency second edition scale (BOT-2). Results: Generally, there was a statistically significant difference between control group and fine motor exercises group where (p < 0.05), besides, there was a statistically significant difference between control group and fine motor and balance exercises group where (p < 0.05). But, there was no statistically significant difference between fine motor exercises group and fine motor and balance exercises group where (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The Fine Motor performance of children with SNHL has been improved by Fine motor with or without balancing exercises according to (BOT-2).

Wild-type GBA1 increases the α-synuclein tetramer–monomer ratio, reduces lipid-rich aggregates, and attenuates motor and cognitive deficits in mice

Loss-of-function mutations in acid beta-glucosidase 1 (GBA1) are among the strongest genetic risk factors for Lewy body disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Lewy body dementia (DLB). Altered lipid metabolism in PD patient–derived neurons, carrying either GBA1 or PD αS mutations, can shift the physiological α-synuclein (αS) tetramer–monomer (T:M) equilibrium toward aggregation-prone monomers. A resultant increase in pSer129+ αS monomers provides a likely building block for αS aggregates. 3K αS mice, representing a neuropathological amplification of the E46K PD–causing mutation, have decreased αS T:M ratios and vesicle-rich αS+ aggregates in neurons, accompanied by a striking PD-like motor syndrome. We asked whether enhancing glucocerebrosidase (GCase) expression could benefit αS dyshomeostasis by delivering an adeno-associated virus (AAV)–human wild-type (wt) GBA1 vector into the brains of 3K neonates. Intracerebroventricular AAV-wtGBA1 at postnatal day 1 resulted in prominent forebrain neuronal GCase expression, sustained through 6 mo. GBA1 attenuated behavioral deficits both in working memory and fine motor performance tasks. Furthermore, wtGBA1 increased αS solubility and the T:M ratio in both 3K-GBA mice and control littermates and reduced pS129+ and lipid-rich aggregates in 3K-GBA. We observed GCase distribution in more finely dispersed lysosomes, in which there was increased GCase activity, lysosomal cathepsin D and B maturation, decreased perilipin-stabilized lipid droplets, and a normalized TFEB translocation to the nucleus, all indicative of improved lysosomal function and lipid turnover. Therefore, a prolonged increase of the αS T:M ratio by elevating GCase activity reduced the lipid- and vesicle-rich aggregates and ameliorated PD-like phenotypes in mice, further supporting lipid modulating therapies in PD.

Different Timing of Prenatal Organophosphate Pesticides Exposure Is Influenced Different Aspects of Infant Developmental Performance

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides can transfer from mother to fetus via the placenta and amniotic fluid and may affect the development of infants. This study aims to evaluate the associations between maternal OP concentrations collected in the 1st–2nd trimester and the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and the infant developmental performance. The Screening Test of the Bayley Scales of Infants and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID–III screening test) was used to assess development performance at 2 and 6 months of age. Multiple regression analysis showed a negative correlation between cognitive performance at 2 months and maternal diethylthiophosphate (DETP) levels in the 1st–2nd trimester (β ± SE = −0.012 ± 0.004, p < 0.05). We also found that expressive communication and fine motor performance at 6 months were negatively associated with maternal diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP) levels in the 3rd trimester (β ± SE = −0.047 ± 0.016, p < 0.05, and β ± SE = −0.044 ± 0.017, p < 0.05, respectively). These results suggest that maternal ethylated OP concentrations at different timing of exposure during pregnancy may influence different aspects of infant developmental performance.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in the Management of Refractory Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique increasingly used in neurology. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tDCS in refractory symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Design and setting: A systematic review of the literature conducted at the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in the MedLine and Lilacs databases, with the following search strategy: “(Parkinson Disease) AND (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation OR TDCS)”. Randomized clinical trials (10 years) were included. Results: One of the studies concluded that simultaneous tDCS of the primary motor cortex (M1) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPC) Also, two other articles evaluated the motor response after stimulation of the left DLPC for 20 minutes, with the first realizing improved fine motor performance and attenuation of common oscillatory cortical activity in PD patients, while the second finding an improvement in balance and functional mobility when compared to placebo. Regarding cognitive and mood changes, one of the studies pointed out that a single session of tDCS on the left DLPC is insufficient to improve working memory and inhibition control. Conclusion: tDCS was shown to be a safe and effective therapeutic option in reducing gait freezing and mood disorders, as well as improving fine motor performance and cognition. It is emphasized that further studies on the subject with a larger sample are needed.

Wide temporal horns are associated with cognitive dysfunction, as well as impaired gait and incontinence

The association between morphology of the brain and symptoms of suspected idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is largely unknown. We investigated how ventricular expansion (width of the temporal horns [TH], callosal angle [CA], and Evans’ index [EI]) related to symptom severity in suspected iNPH. Participants (n = 168; 74.9 years ± SD 6.7; 55% females) from the general population underwent neurological examination, computed tomography, and neuropsychological testing. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that wide TH was independently associated with all examined iNPH symptoms (p < 0.01) except for fine-motor performance, whereas a narrow CA only was associated to specific motor and cognitive functions (p < 0.05). TH and EI correlated significantly with incontinence (rs 0.17 and rs 0.16; p < 0.05). In conclusion, wide TH was significantly associated with most iNPH-symptoms. This finding potentially reflects the complex nature of the hippocampus, however further studies are needed to demonstrate functional connectivity.

Interaksi 3D Sensor Leap Motion untuk Menggenggam Benda Virtual

Abstrak - Penelitian ini membahas tentang interaksi 3D sensor Leap Motion untuk simulasi menggenggam Benda virtual Plastis. Sebuah interaksi 3D sensor Leap Motion yang digunakan sebagai simulasi untuk menggenggam benda virtual Plastis dengan menggunakan media objek telur virtual secara presisi dan akurasi yang tepat. Pada dasarnya menggenggam merupakan suatu kegiatan yang menerapkan kinerja motorik halus pada tangan untuk melakukan gerakan. Penggunaan sensor Leap Motion sebagai interaksi 3D dipakai untuk menggenggam objek maya dalam hal ini bentuk 3D telur virtual sebagai media praktiknya. Telur sendiri merupakan benda yang gampang distimulasi dan memiliki sifat texture yang halus untuk merespon segala bentuk gerakan pada genggaman tangan. Dalam penelitian Interaksi 3D Sensor Leap Motion untuk simulasi untuk menggenggam benda Virtual Plastis dengan menggunakan media objek telur virtual, ini di peruntukkan untuk mengetahui akurasi dan presisi dari pola gerakan tangan secara imersif. Pengembangan dari metode ini bertujuan untuk simulasi menggenggam benda atau objek maya dengan adanya interaksi pola gerakan tangan.Kata kunci: leapmotion, 3d, virtual reality, benda, telurAbstract - This study discusses about the 3D interaction of the Leap Motion sensor for the simulation of holding virtual plastic objects. A 3D interaction of the Leap Motion sensor that is used as a simulation to hold Plastis virtual objects by using virtual egg object media with precise and right accuracy. Basically, holding is an activity that applies fine motor performance on the hands to make movements. The use of the Leap Motion sensor as a 3D interaction is used to hold virtual objects in this case a 3D form of virtual eggs as practice media. Eggs are objects that are easily stimulated and have subtle texture to respond to all forms of movement in the hands. In the 3D interaction Leap Motion Sensors for virtual plastic objects holding simulation by using virtual egg object media, it is intended to find out the accuracy and precision of immersive hand movement patterns. The development of this method aims to simulate holding virtual objects or objects with the interaction of hand movement patterns.Keywords: leap motion, 3d, virtual reality, object, egg

Kesulitan Menggenggam pada Proses Belajar Menulis dan Membaca Anak DCD

Although the learning process of writing involves all other supporting elements, such as stimulation from parents, the ability to coordinate fingers in grasping is a major aspect of the process. This study examines the causes of grasping difficulties as well as their relation to children's learning and writing processes. Analysis of this study using journal analysis. The findings show that Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or poor motor skills are the main cause of difficulty grasping children. DCD levels were tested by Finger Tapping (FT), Curve Tracing (CT), and Paragraph Writing tests. Whereas 2 experimental tasks, Manik Threading and Per-Board were used to assess the FMS of reading children. This meta-analysis concludes that DCD influences the learning process of writing children and Fine Motor Performance is also related to the process of early reading for early childhood. Researcher's solution, recommends a comprehensive eye examination for children's eye and finger coordination and helps improve children's FMS, perform occupational therapy for children with DCD as well as continuous stimulus for children to train their fingers in the learning process of writing and early reading in children.