Editor's Highlight: Lower Fractional Anisotropy in the Globus Pallidus of Asymptomatic Welders, a Marker for Long-Term Welding Exposure.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Welding fumes contain several metals including manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) that at high exposure may co-influence welding-related neurotoxicity. The relationship between brain accumulation of these metals and neuropathology, especially in welders with subclinical exposure levels, is unclear. This study examined the microstructural integrity of basal ganglia (BG) regions in asymptomatic welders using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Methods

Subjects with (n = 43) and without (age- and gender-matched controls; n = 31) history of welding were studied. Occupational questionnaires estimated short-term (HrsW; welding hours and E90; cumulative exposure, past 90 days) and long-term (YrsW; total years welding and ELT; cumulative exposure, lifetime) exposure

SUBMITTER: Lee EY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5013881 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature