The relative contributions of variables that were highly correlat

The relative contributions of variables that were highly correlated [i.e. gender and height; body mass index (BMI) and height] were evaluated in nested models. To examine the incremental www.selleckchem.com/products/gkt137831.html effect of OXPHOS CI and CIV enzyme activity as well as that of mt 8-oxo-dG levels, each was then introduced individually into the previously constructed model. Model selection was based on adjusted R-square and Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). Of the 152 subjects enrolled in SEARCH 003, skin punch biopsies were obtained from 132 subjects who agreed to participate in the neuropathy substudy. All

of these 132 ENFD specimens were judged by the Johns Hopkins Cutaneous Nerve Laboratory as evaluable, and are the focus of this report. All subjects were Thai, with 56.1% recruited from the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre and 43.9% from Queen Savang Vadhana Hospital (Table 1). The gender distribution of 44.7% male is consistent with the gender distribution of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Thailand. Only a small percentage

of subjects had other common aetiologies for neuropathy (history of isoniazid use, concomitant infection with hepatitis PFT�� mouse C or the presence of diabetes). The median (interquartile range) ENFD (fibres/mm) values prior to initiation of ARV therapy were 21.0 (16.2–26.6) for the distal leg and 31.7 (26.2–40.0) for the proximal thigh. Distal leg ENFD correlated positively with CD4 cell count, and negatively with age, height, log10 plasma HIV RNA, and OXPHOS CI and CIV activity levels (Table 2). The relationships between distal leg ENFD and height, CD4 cell count and OXPHOS CIV are shown graphically in Figure 2. No significant correlations were found with BMI, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting glucose, PBMC mtDNA or mt-specific 8-oxo-dG. Women had significantly higher distal

leg natural log (ln) ENFD than men (mean ENFD: women, 24.2 fibres/mm; men, 19.5 fibres/mm; P < 0.01). Proximal thigh ENFD correlated positively with distal leg ENFD. Similar to distal leg ENFD, proximal thigh ENFD correlated positively with CD4 cell count and negatively with height, with no correlations with HOMA-IR, fasting glucose, PBMC mtDNA or mt-specific 8-oxo-dG. Proximal thigh ENFD, however, differed from distal leg ENFD in PLEKHM2 showing significant negative correlations with BMI and no correlations with PBMC OXPHOS CI or CIV activity levels. Women had slightly higher proximal thigh ln ENFD than men (mean ENFD: women, 36.0 fibres/mm; men, 31.6 fibres/mm; P = 0.03). Neither distal leg nor proximal thigh ENFD correlated with history of previous ARV medication use during pregnancy or with history of neurotoxic medical comorbidity/medication use (data not shown). The results of the multiple linear regression analyses are shown in Table 3. Simple linear regression analysis showed age, height, CD4 cell count and HIV RNA to each be significantly associated with distal leg ENFD (all P-values < 0.01).

aureus and so it may be here that these proteins have their most

aureus and so it may be here that these proteins have their most important functions. Our data also have potential implications for the use of the Isd proteins

as vaccinogens against S. aureus as they do not have an apparent crucial role in pathogenesis, although they may still elicit opsonic antibodies. This work was funded by the Medical Research Council (Ref: 78981). “
“Streptococcus tigurinus is a new member of the Streptococcus viridians group and is closely related U0126 mw to Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae, Streptococcus oralis, and Streptococcus infantis. The type strain AZ_3aT of S. tigurinus was originally isolated from a patient with infective endocarditis. Accurate identification of S. tigurinus is facilitated only by newer molecular methods like 16S rRNA gene analysis. During the course of study on bacteraemia and infective endocarditis with reference to periodontitis and viridians group of streptococci, a strain of S. tigurinus isolated from subgingival

plaque of a patient with periodontitis identified by 16S rRNA gene analysis, which was originally identified as Streptococcus pluranimalium by Vitek 2. Confirmation by PS-341 solubility dmso 16S rRNA gene analysis showed 99.39% similarity (1476/1485 bp) with S. tigurinus AZ_3aT(AORU01000002). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation of S. tigurinus from the oral cavity of a periodontitis patient. “
“Light conditions during mycelial growth are known to influence fungi in many ways. The effect of visible-light exposure during mycelial growth was investigated on conidial tolerance to UVB irradiation and wet heat of Metarhizium robertsii, an insect-pathogenic fungus. Two nutrient media and two light regimens were compared. Conidia were produced on (A) potato dextrose agar plus yeast extract medium (PDAY) (A1) under dark conditions or (A2) under continuous visible light (provided by two fluorescent lamps with intensity 5.4 W m−2). For comparison, the fungus was also produced on (B) minimal medium (MM) under

continuous-dark incubation, which is known to produce conidia with increased tolerance to heat and UVB radiation. The UVB tolerances BCKDHA of conidia produced on PDAY under continuous visible light were twofold higher than conidia produced on PDAY medium under dark conditions, and this elevated UVB tolerance was similar to that of conidia produced on MM in the dark. The heat tolerance of conidia produced under continuous light was, however, similar to that of conidia produced on MM or PDAY in the dark. Conidial yield on PDAY medium was equivalent when the fungus was grown either under continuous-dark or under continuous-light conditions. Light sensing is conserved throughout the three domains of Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya (Purschwitz et al., 2006; Swartz et al., 2007).

Recently, a first attempt to measure the redox conditions

Recently, a first attempt to measure the redox conditions

in the ER in yeast was made by targeting roGFP2 into the ER of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Merksamer et al., 2008). While the monitoring of redox changes during ER stress conditions was successful, it was not possible to determine the ER redox potential of unstressed cells, as in this case, the roGFP2 sensor exhibited a fully oxidized state. Similar results were reported for mammalian cells, where about 95% of the roGFP1 indicator PLX4032 was in the oxidized form, and could not be further oxidized by the addition of H2O2 during redox calibration (Schwarzer et al., 2007). This is due to the fact that the midpoint potentials of roGFP1 and roGFP2 are more reducing (∼−280 mV) than those of the targeted organelle (estimated to be <−250 mV). According to these results, the chosen GFP variants seem to be unsuitable for redox measurements in the ER. To overcome these difficulties, the group of Remington (University of Oregon) developed a family of redox-sensitive GFPs, which show changed midpoint potentials (ranging from −246 to −229 mV) and consequently

have reduced thermodynamic stability. For this work, we used two of these new constructs (roGFP1_iE, roGFP1_iL) for redox potential determination in the ER of the yeast Pichia pastoris. This yeast is a widely used host for the production of recombinant proteins (Cereghino & Cregg, 2000; Macauley-Patrick et al., 2005), and therefore serves as an interesting model for studying the environment of oxidative

protein folding. Dabrafenib To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the ER reduction potential using GFP sensors in living yeast cells. All restriction enzymes, calf intestine for phosphatase and Pfu polymerase were purchased from New England Biolabs and MBI Fermentas. The Escherichia coli strain Top10 (Invitrogen) was used as a cloning host. The P. pastoris wild-type strain X-33 and the protease-deficient strain SMD1168 were used for this study. The three redox-sensitive GFP variants roGFP1, roGFP1_iE and roGFP1_iL were PCR amplified from the plasmids provided by J. Remington (Lohman & Remington, 2008), adding SbfI and SfiI restriction sites for subsequent cloning. The genes were expressed under control of the GAP1 (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) promoter and the CYC1 terminator of a vector of the pPuzzle series (G. Stadlmayr, A. Mecklenbräuker, M. Rothmüller et al., unpublished data) using a hygromycin resistance cassette (Gritz & Davies, 1983) for bacterial and yeast selection. After linearization of the vectors, the constructs for the cytosol were integrated into the 5′ region of the P. pastoris phosphoglucose isomerase gene by homologous recombination. The 135-bp-long fragment consisting of the S.

In the second model, the outcome measure was the cardinal symptom

In the second model, the outcome measure was the cardinal symptom of AMS: high altitude headache[26]; in the third logistic model, the outcome was AMS defined by Lake Louise diagnosis (as is also often investigated in hypoxia research).[16] To determine whether predictor variables were consistent with being causally related to AMS, the first two models were rerun using a temporal time-lag technique. This involved the predictor variables at time-point t − 1 day ABT199 being related

to the outcome variable of AMS at time-point t and allowed determination of sequential temporality (ie, did the predictor variable change before the outcome variable?). All statistical analyses were completed using SPSS version 18 (IBM Corporation, NY, USA), and statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. A sample size estimation conservatively assuming the use of a five-height repeated measures experiment indicated that 22 participants would be needed to produce a 90% chance of obtaining statistical significance at the 0.05 level for a difference between the selleck chemical most extreme heights of 0.7 standard deviations, a medium dispersion of height means, and an average correlation of 0.6 among the repeated measures.[27] The demographic and clinical data for the 44 analyzed participants are presented in Table 1. All medical conditions were well controlled and symptom free at the time of the expedition’s

departure. All participants were encouraged to continue normal medications, but altitude-specific prophylaxis/medications were discouraged. Arterial oxygen saturations are shown in Figure 2 and reveal decreased arterial oxygen saturations from a height of 2,081 m. The lowest mean value was 79.0% ± 4.4% at 5,050c m. Fluid intake consumed from drink bottles also decreased as height was gained (F = 7.173, p < 0.001). Total fluid intake was 70 ± 18 mL/kg/d at 1,100 m and 48 ± 18 mL/kg/d at 4,700 m. Symptoms

of diminished physical and mental health are described in Figures 3 and 4. Lake Louise symptom scores increased from the second day at 3,612 m and remained elevated until the third day at HSP90 5,050 m (Figure 3). Nineteen of 44 individuals (43%) had clinically defined AMS while above 2,476 m. The AMS maximum symptom score on any one day was 95 (from a possible range of 0–660) and occurred on the second day at 4,670 m. The peak incidence of clinically defined AMS was 11 of 44 participants, which occurred twice (on the second day at 4,670 m and on the first day at 5,050 m). The rate of AMS per 100 person days was 9.2 (95% CI: 7.2–11.7), and the average length of illness was 2.8 days (2.2–3.4 d). On the second day at 4,670 m when the maximum daily burden of AMS symptoms occurred, the total Lake Louise score comprised the following individual symptoms: difficulty sleeping (28%), headache (27%), fatigue (19%), gastrointestinal upset (16%), and dizziness (10%) (Figure 3).

The bags were then placed in an incubator at 37 °C for 50 h Afte

The bags were then placed in an incubator at 37 °C for 50 h. After 50 h, the headspace was analysed using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) and thermal desorption – gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) as described later. Mycobacterium smegmatis was not analysed by mass spectrometry. SIFT-MS has been described in detail previously (Spanel & Smith, 2011). It is a real-time trace gas and VOC analyser especially useful when looking at low molecular mass compounds; it is also better at obtaining quantitative data than GC-MS as the headspace

is analysed directly. Analysis requires the generation of precursor ions which are produced in a microwave discharge and are selected by the first of two quadrupole mass filters before being injected see more into a fast flowing helium carrier gas. These ions then react with the VOCs in the sample which is drawn into the flow tube via a heated capillary. The available precursor ion species are H3O+, NO+ and O2+. The

precursor and product ions RG7422 in the carrier gas are sampled by a downstream orifice and pass into a differentially pumped second quadrupole mass spectrometer and ion counting system for the analysis. A PDZ-Europa Mk 2 instrument was used in this study. Full spectra of the count rates at each m/z value were recorded for all the samples using each precursor ion. The identities and concentrations of various components were determined using an on-line database containing reaction rate coefficients (Smith & Spanel, 2005). The Nalophan bags were connected to a thermal desorption (TD) tube for subsequent analysis by GC-MS to preconcentrate the headspace via an automated pump using 500 mL of BCG headspace gas. Standard stainless steel sorbent cartridges were used, containing dual packing comprising 50% Tenax TA and 50% Carbotrap (Markes International Limited, Llantrisant, UK). Cartridges were conditioned before use by purging with helium carrier gas for 2 min at room temperature Telomerase followed by 1 h at 320 °C. Captured volatiles were analysed using an

AutoSystem XL gas chromatograph equipped with an ATD 400 thermal desorption system and TurboMass mass spectrometer (Perkin Elmer, Wellesley, MA). CP grade helium (BOC) was used as the carrier gas throughout, after passing through a combined trap for the removal of hydrocarbons, oxygen and water vapour. Cartridges were desorbed by purging for 2 min at ambient temperature and then for 5 min at 300 °C. Volatiles purged from the cartridge were captured on a cold trap which was initially maintained at −30 °C. Once desorption of the cartridge was complete, the trap was heated to 320 °C using the fastest available heating rate and maintained at that temperature for 5 min whilst the effluent was transferred to the gas chromatograph via a heated (180 °C) transfer line coupled directly to the chromatographic column.

Thirty-four patients with knee osteoarthritis were detected with

Thirty-four patients with knee osteoarthritis were detected with joint effusion by clinical examination. Both knee joints were examined using plain radiographs and ultrasonography. Questions were obtained for visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Ku-0059436 clinical trial Index and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Synovial fluid (SF) and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase

(MMP)-13, leptin, resistin and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Synovial fluid VEGF level was positively correlated with Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grades and it was higher in patients with KL grade 4 than those with KL grade 2. SF VEGF correlated with ultrasonographic findings, such as the length of medial

osteophytes. The amount of effusion was positively correlated with SF resistin. Serum leptin level had positive correlation with HAQ and the length of medial osteophytes. MMP-13 or COMP levels were not correlated with radiographic or ultrasonographic findings. Synovial fluid VEGF level was correlated with radiographic grading, ultrasonographic findings and functional statues in knee osteoarthritis, and serum leptin level also correlated with the ultrasonographic findings and functional status of knee osteoarthritis. “
“Dear Friends, IJRD is APLAR’s vehicle to showcase the global science and art of Rheumatology. Our priorities are relevant and up-to-date reviews, randomised trials and meta-analysis, XL184 mouse very large case series, Grand Round cases, Novel

Hypothesis, review of top publications in rheumatology within the last 2 months, Milestones in Rheumatology, Post graduate quiz, correspondence, News and views from APLAR region and other newly proposed features of IJRD (please see the journal’s website). We are committed to and doing our best to speed up the review process. While our Editorial team and Reviewers are reminded to be prompt, they do not act in haste. These expert minds selflessly carry out critical appraisal of manuscripts with extra- caution, without any prejudice or Amisulpride conflict of interest. However, we have to, at times, apply the harsh option of immediate rejection; it does not always mean poor methodology, lack of novelty, plagiarism or poor English. It may simply mean low priority in the light of a large number of submissions. With more pages and 8 issues from next year including proposed special issues on Lupus, Takayasu arteritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Infections in Rheumatic diseases, Imaging in Rheumatology and spondyloarthropathies over the next 2 years, we are hoping to enrich the journal further with your contributions. Let us all rise for the cause of futuristic and relevant Rheumatology and above all, for the welfare of our patients. Look forward to your constructive feedback to achieve these goals.

As a result, the 2003 meeting of the European Academy of Paediatr

As a result, the 2003 meeting of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) reached an agreement on MIH diagnosis criteria for epidemiological studies[11]. Alectinib solubility dmso Outside Europe, widely varying prevalence rates have been encountered, ranging from 2.8% in Hong Kong[12] to 40% in Brazil[13]. The aetiology of MIH is still unknown[14], although numerous situations or factors have been identified as possible causes. They include perinatal problems, fevers and infections, vitamin deficiencies and even ambient toxins, among others[15-19]. Patients with MIH present a variety of problems, such as caries, pain, sensitivity, enamel breakdown and effects on dental function and aesthetics[1,

18, 20-23]. Early identification of the affected children and prompt, appropriate action can make the condition easier to treat and prevent possible negative consequences with a high health cost. The purpose of this study was to determine MIH prevalence in a representative sample of the 8-year-old population of the Valencia region of Spain. Other aims were to study the distribution in incisors and first molars, the treatment need associated with MIH, the relation between this disorder and dental caries and its association with different causal factors previously reported. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in a representative sample of the 8-year-old schoolchild population of the Valencia region of Spain. To establish

the sample size, the MIH prevalence rates reported in different studies from European countries to date were considered[4]. Selleckchem Everolimus Accordingly, for α = 0.05 and at least 80% power, the minimum sample size was 600 children. The fieldwork was carried out between March and June 2009. The study was authorized by the Human Research Ethics Commission of the University of Valencia’s Experimental Research Ethics Commission in accordance with the recommendations of the Helsinki Declaration.

As recommended by the EAPD[11], the sample was made up of 8- to 9-year-old children (born in the years 2000/2001). Sampling by conglomerates was performed among the 1399 primary schools in the Valencia region and 36 were chosen many at random. In each of the schools sampled, 20–25 children from a single 3rd grade primary classroom were examined. The water is fluoridated at 0.3–0.7 ppm throughout the region. Children without informed consent signed, and children carrying fixed appliances which interfered with index teeth evaluation, were excluded. To begin with, the diagnostic criteria[11] and the record chart to be used in the study were discussed. Approximately a month and a half later, an experienced professional in diagnosis and management of MIH and the sole examiner went over the criteria for assessing hypomineralization in permanent molars and incisors. Both of them filled a record chart for every one of the 45 clinical photographs prepared in a presentation for the calibration session.

Similarly, there are only two possible configurations for the int

Similarly, there are only two possible configurations for the introduced RO4929097 datasheet DNA – as a single copy or as multiple copies (Turgeon et al., 2010). In this study, PCR analysis clearly demonstrated the presence of nearly consistent hph and

amp genes in plasmid pSH75 and transformants but absence of the two genes in wild-type B. eleusines. It appears that PCR can confirm the genome integration rapidly, but may not detect multiple copies of insertion. Southern blot analysis may be used for further verification of single insertion or stability of the transformants. Biosynthesis of ophiobolin compounds as secondary metabolites can be a complex process and would require many enzymatic steps. Why fungi produce ophiobolin compounds remains unknown and the molecular pathway involved is not yet clear. Therefore, understanding the biosynthetic pathway in the filamentous fungus B. eleusines may help in improving ophiobolin yields via genetic engineering of the organism. REMI has been extensively used to tag pathogenicity genes or to study gene functions in numerous fungal pathogens (Bolker et al., 1995; Jin et al., 2005; Zhou et al., 2007). In addition, it can be used to clone the genes related to mutant characteristics by plasmid rescue in Eschericha coli (Kahmann & Basse, 1999) or by thermal asymmetric interlaced-(TAIL) PCR (Weld et al., Navitoclax manufacturer 2006).

Therefore, REMI is an effective approach for isolating genes from fungal mutants, especially for those with little known genetic background. Screening and identifying ophiobolin A-deficient mutants of B. eleusines using REMI may lead to cloning the genes that influence or are potentially involved in the biosynthesis of ophiobolin compounds

using TAIL-PCR and/or plasmid rescue in E. coli. This information may be helpful in studying and unveiling the mechanism of ophiobolin production in filamentous fungi. In conclusion, a transformation system for B. eleusines has been developed using REMI. Screening and identification of ophiobolin A-deficient mutants were successively completed using bioassays coupled with HPLC and PCR techniques for confirmation. One stable ophiobolin A-deficient mutant was obtained. These techniques are relatively simple and provide a new approach for further studying the mechanism of microbial-based ophiobolin production. They may also help to improve Dimethyl sulfoxide the yield of toxin production by transferring genes responsible for up-regulation of the biosynthetic pathways of B. eleusines. We thank Dr Gary Peng, Saskatoon Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, for reviewing this manuscript and providing comments. We also thank Dr Sheng Qiang (Nanjing Agricultural University, China) and Dr Shiwen Huang (China National Rice Research Institute, China) for providing plasmid pSH75 and Rhizoctoni solani AG-1-IA, respectively. This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.

46 years ± 297 More than 70% of athletes had visible untreated

46 years ± 2.97. More than 70% of athletes had visible untreated decay. Almost 30% (29.8%) of the athletes had gingival inflammation. Pain in the oral cavity was reported by 28.6%. Athletes who had untreated decay reported 6.67 times (95% CI OR; 4.00–11.14) more pain compared to those who did not have untreated decay. Athletes

living in provinces on Java Island had 1.54 times (95% CI OR; 1.15–2.07) more untreated decay compared to the athletes who live in provinces in outer see more Java Island. 21.63% of the screened athletes were referred to the dentist for urgent treatment. The results suggest that there is an elevated oral treatment need in Indonesian Special Smiles population. “
“To evaluate the impact of traumatic dental injury (TDI) among Brazilian adolescents on their families’ quality of life (QoL). A cross-sectional study was carried out with a Ipilimumab mw population-based sample of 1122 schoolchildren aged 11–14 years selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Parents/caregivers answered the Brazilian version of the 14-item Family Impact Scale (B-FIS) to assess the impact on family’s QoL. The main independent variable was TDI, which was diagnosed using the Andreasen classification. Malocclusion, dental caries, gender and socio-economic

classification were the other independent variables. Poisson regression analyses were carried out (P < 0.05). The prevalence of TDI was 14.8%. The multivariate model demonstrated that families of adolescents diagnosed with fracture involving the dentine or dentine/pulp were more likely to report a negative impact on the overall B-FIS score [rate ratio (RR) = 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–1.88] as well on the Parental/Family Activity (RR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.09–1.94), Parental Emotions (RR=1.45; 95% CI: 1.03-2.04) and Family Conflict (RR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.01–2.11) subscales in comparison with those who had no signs of TDI. Families of adolescents with more severe TDI were more likely to report a negative impact on QoL, affecting family activities and emotions, which can result in family conflicts. "
“International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 391–399

Background.  An enhanced frequency of cognitive and behavioural disturbances has been reported in preterm children. It is not known if this affects Carbohydrate their perceptions of or behaviour in the dental care situation. Hypothesis.  The hypotheses were that preterm (PT) children aged 12–14 years more often exhibit dental fear and anxiety (DFA) than full-term controls (C), while no differences were expected regarding oral health behaviour. Methods.  One hundred and nine PT and 108 C children took part in the present questionnaire study. DFA was assessed using the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule – Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). In addition the questionnaire covered items including satisfaction with received dental care, oral health behaviour and medical health. Results.

To understand the neural bases of this inhibition and its possibl

To understand the neural bases of this inhibition and its possible odour specificity, we carried out a detailed analysis of the response characteristics of the different neuron types from the periphery to the central level. We examined the response patterns of pheromone-sensitive and plant volatile-sensitive neurons in virgin and mated male Androgen Receptor Antagonist price moths. By using intracellular recordings, we showed that mating changes the

response characteristics of pheromone-sensitive antennal lobe (AL) neurons, and thus decreases their sensitivity to sex pheromone. Individual olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) recordings and calcium imaging experiments indicated that pheromone sensory input remains constant. On the other hand, calcium responses to non-pheromonal odours (plant volatiles) increased after mating, as reflected

by increased firing frequencies of plant-sensitive AL neurons, although ORN responses to heptanal remained unchanged. We suggest that differential processing of pheromone and plant odours allows mated males to transiently block their central pheromone detection system, and increase non-pheromonal odour detection in order to efficiently locate Trametinib order food sources. “
“Detecting a change in a visual stimulus is particularly difficult when it is accompanied by a visual disruption such as a saccade or flicker. In order to say whether a stimulus has changed across such a disruption, some Bumetanide neural trace must persist. Here we investigated whether two different regions of the human extrastriate visual cortex contain neuronal populations encoding such a trace. Participants viewed a stimulus that included various objects and a short blank period (flicker)

made it difficult to distinguish whether an object in the stimulus had changed or not. By applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during the visual disruption we show that the lateral occipital (LO) cortex, but not the occipital face area, contains a sustained representation of a visual stimulus. TMS over LO improved the sensitivity and response bias for detecting changes by selectively reducing false alarms. We suggest that TMS enhanced the initial object representation and thus boosted neural events associated with object repetition. Our findings show that neuronal signals in the human LO cortex carry a sustained neural trace that is necessary for detecting the repetition of a stimulus. “
“Aged humans exhibit severe deficits in visual motion perception and contrast sensitivity under various levels of spatial and temporal modulation. Previous studies indicated that many of these deficits are probably mediated by the neural degradation of the central visual system.