BACKGROUND & AIMS: OBJECTIVE:To assess the prevalence of night eating syndrome (NES) and binge eating disorder (BED) and their related behavioral and psychological correlates in persons who sought bariatric surgery. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES:A consecutive series of 215 persons with extreme obesity (82% women, 70% European American) completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory and a semistructured interview as part of a pre-surgery behavioral/psychological assessment. Diagnoses for NES and BED were based on graded diagnostic criteria. RESULTS:Percentages of participants who met diagnostic criteria for NES by interview were 1.9% for the strictest definition and 8.9% across all definitions of NES. After interview, full DSM-TR criteria for BED were met by 4.2%; an additional 1.4% reported binge eating at least once per week. Self-reported prevalence of NES and BED were higher. Those with NES or BED had significantly more symptoms of depression and a greater history of psychological complications than the remaining sample. DISCUSSION:The prevalence rates of NES and BED among this population of bariatric surgery candidates were lower than expected based on previous reports. Findings and hypotheses regarding lowered prevalence rates are discussed.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :Event-related potentials (ERP) were recorded during auditory oddball tasks for a patient prior to and soon after left anterior temporal lobectomy. The N100 amplitude decreased bilaterally although the latency did not change after the lobectomy. The P300 amplitude decreased in the left hemisphere at 1 and 2 weeks after surgery, then recovered to the pre-operative level at 4 weeks. These findings suggest that the medial temporal structure participates in the generating system of P300.

背景与目标： : 在左前颞叶切除术之前和之后，在患者的听觉怪异任务中记录了事件相关电位 (ERP)。尽管肺叶切除术后潜伏期没有改变，但N100振幅双侧降低。术后1周和2周，左半球P300振幅降低，4周后恢复至术前水平。这些发现表明，内侧颞结构参与了p300的生成系统。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :The final elimination step of self-reactive T cells occurs in the medulla of the thymus where a complex framework provided by stromal cells supports an optimal milieu for their selection. Here we present evidence that tight junctions (TJs) widely join medullary stromal cells of the human thymus. Occludin (OCLN) and claudin-1 (CLDN-1) of TJ-associated molecules were dominantly expressed in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), and CLDN-4 and CLDN-7 were also localized in some mTECs near Hassall's corpuscles. Interestingly, p53-like transcription factors were found to upregulate OCLN and CLDN-1 in human TEC lines, as recently suggested in the regulation of mTEC function. Furthermore, dendritic cells (DCs) of the medulla, with a major role for selection of thymocytes, expressed CLDN-1 and OCLN as well, implying that the interposition of DCs within the mTEC scaffold is also helped by TJs. Analysis of freeze-fracture replicas of the thymus revealed TJ strand structures in the vicinity of gap junction plaques through which small molecules might move, as implied by dye-transfer analysis of a medullary cell line. Thus, it is thought that p53-like molecules regulate TJ-associated interactions of medullary stromal cells and that this mechanism might be associated with an intercellular communication network, probably for preserving the medullary niches.

背景与目标： : 自反应性T细胞的最终消除步骤发生在胸腺的髓质中，其中基质细胞提供的复杂框架支持其选择的最佳环境。在这里，我们提供了证据，表明紧密连接 (TJs) 广泛地连接了人胸腺的髓质基质细胞。TJ相关分子的Occludin (OCLN) 和claudin-1 (CLDN-1) 在髓样胸腺上皮细胞 (mtec) 中主要表达，CLDN-4和CLDN-7也位于Hassall小体附近的一些mtec中。有趣的是，正如最近在mTEC功能的调节中所建议的那样，发现p53-like转录因子上调人TEC系中的OCLN和CLDN-1。此外，对胸腺细胞的选择具有主要作用的髓质树突状细胞 (dc) 也表达CLDN-1和OCLN，这意味着DCs在mTEC支架内的插入也受到TJs的帮助。胸腺的冷冻断裂复制品分析显示，TJ链结构位于缝隙连接斑块附近，小分子可能会穿过缝隙连接斑块移动，如髓质细胞系的染料转移分析所暗示的那样。因此，人们认为p53-like分子调节延髓基质细胞的TJ相关相互作用，并且该机制可能与细胞间通信网络有关，可能用于保护延髓壁。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :Myelin basic protein (MBP) from shark (Chondricthyes) consists of a simpler mixture of charge isomers than human MBP. About two-thirds of the total amount applied to a CM-52 cellulose cation-exchange column was recovered in the unbound fraction of the column; the remaining one-third bound to column and was eluted as a single OD280 peak. This bound material did not sow the usual pattern of charge microheterogeneity found with human or bovine MBP. The unbound fraction was composed of a high molecular weight protein (55-60 kDa), which constituted most of this protein fraction and a low molecular weight protein (approximately 18 kDa). The amino acid composition of our unbound fraction was similar to that reported earlier. The Glx (glutamic acid + glutamine) was increased about threefold whereas the Arg content was only about 25% of that of the 18.5 kDa variant of bovine or human origin. The presence of hydroxyproline (1.2 residues/100) in this protein was noteworthy, identification of which was achieved by amino acid analysis in two different systems and by mass spectrometry. In the precolumn derivatization method, hydroxyproline eluted at 2.7 min; in the postcolumn derivatization method it eluted at 12.2 min. Identification of hydroxyproline was completed by fast atom bombardment-mass spectral analysis. The effect of hydroxyproline on the secondary structure of this protein is being studied. Verification that this high molecular weight protein contained MBP sequences within its primary structure was confirmed by immunological methods.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

背景与目标： : 来自鲨鱼 (软骨细胞) 的髓磷脂碱性蛋白 (MBP) 由比人类MBP更简单的电荷异构体混合物组成。应用于CM-52纤维素阳离子交换柱的总量的约3分之2在柱的未结合部分中回收; 剩余的3分之1结合到柱上并作为单个OD280峰洗脱。这种结合的材料没有播种人或牛MBP常见的电荷微异质性模式。未结合的级分由高分子量蛋白质 (55-60 kDa) 组成，该高分子量蛋白质构成该蛋白质级分的大部分，而低分子量蛋白质 (约18 kDa)。我们未结合部分的氨基酸组成与先前报道的相似。Glx (谷氨酸 + 谷氨酰胺) 增加约三倍，而Arg含量仅为牛或人类来源的18.5 kDa变体的约25%。该蛋白质中存在羟脯氨酸 (1.2残基/100) 是值得注意的，其鉴定是通过在两个不同系统中的氨基酸分析和通过质谱法实现的。在柱前衍生法中，羟脯氨酸在2.7分钟洗脱; 在柱后衍生法中，它在12.2分钟洗脱。通过快速原子轰击质谱分析完成了羟脯氨酸的鉴定。正在研究羟脯氨酸对该蛋白二级结构的影响。通过免疫学方法证实了这种高分子量蛋白在其一级结构中含有MBP序列。(摘要截短于250字)

BACKGROUND & AIMS: BACKGROUND:Epidemiological studies consistently show low rates of alcohol treatment utilization among individuals with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, there is not as great consistency in the characteristics that predict alcohol treatment utilization. METHODS:Using data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), we examined attributes associated with treatment utilization among individuals with an AUD. We used stepwise backward selection logistic regression analysis to examine demographic and clinical predictors of treatment utilization, in order to identify opportunities to improve the delivery of services to this population. RESULTS:Only 14.6% of individuals who met lifetime criteria for an AUD reported ever having received alcohol treatment (including self-help group participation). A greater proportion of respondents with both alcohol abuse and dependence (27.9%) reported having received treatment, compared with 7.5% of those with alcohol abuse only and 4.8% of those with alcohol dependence only. Older individuals, men, and those who were divorced, had less education or more lifetime comorbid mood, personality, and drug use disorders were also more likely to have received treatment. CONCLUSIONS:The majority of individuals with an AUD never receive formal alcohol treatment, nor do they participate in self-help groups. Although natural recovery from an AUD is well documented, participation in alcohol treatment is associated with improved outcomes. The data presented here should be taken into account when efforts are made to enhance alcohol treatment utilization.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :Burkholderia pseudomallei is a facultative intracellular pathogen and the causative agent of melioidosis, a spectrum of potentially fatal diseases endemic in Northern Australia and South-East Asia. We demonstrate that B. pseudomallei rapidly modifies infected macrophage-like cells in a manner analagous to osteoclastogenesis. These alterations include multinucleation and the expression by infected cells of mRNA for factors required for osteoclastogenesis: the chemokines monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 gamma (MIP-1gamma), 'regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted' (RANTES) and the transcription factor 'nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1' (NFATc1). An increase in expression of these factors was also observed after infection with Burkholderia thailandensis. Expression of genes for the osteoclast markers calcitonin receptor (CTR), cathepsin K (CTSK) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) was also increased by B. pseudomallei-infected, but not by B. thailandensis-infected cells. The expression by B. pseudomallei-infected cells of these chemokine and osteoclast marker genes was remarkably similar to cells treated with RANKL, a stimulator of osteoclastogenesis. Analysis of dentine resorption by B. pseudomallei-induced osteoclast-like cells revealed that demineralization may occur but that authentic excavation does not take place under the tested conditions. Furthermore, we identified and characterized lfpA (for lactonase family protein A) in B. pseudomallei, which shares significant sequence similarity with the eukaryotic protein 'regucalcin', also known as 'senescence marker protein-30' (SMP-30). LfpA orthologues are widespread in prokaryotes and are well conserved, but are phylogenetically distinct from eukaryotic regucalcin orthologues. We demonstrate that lfpA mRNA expression is dramatically increased in association with macrophage-like cells. Mutation of lfpA significantly reduced expression of the tested host genes, relative to the response to wild-type B. pseudomallei. We also show that lfpA is required for optimal virulence in vivo.

背景与目标： : pseudomalei伯克霍尔德菌是一种兼性细胞内病原体，也是类鼻疽病的病原体，类鼻疽是澳大利亚北部和东南亚流行的一系列潜在致命疾病。我们证明假单胞菌以类似于破骨细胞发生的方式快速修饰感染的巨噬细胞样细胞。这些改变包括破骨细胞形成所需的因子的多核和感染细胞的mRNA表达: 趋化因子单核细胞趋化蛋白1 (MCP-1)，巨噬细胞炎性蛋白1 γ (MIP-1gamma)，“调节活化正常T细胞表达和分泌” (RANTES) 和转录因子 “活化T细胞胞质核因子1” (NFATc1)。感染泰国伯克霍尔德菌后，还观察到这些因子的表达增加。破骨细胞标记物降钙素受体 (CTR)，组织蛋白酶K (CTSK) 和耐酒石酸酸性磷酸酶 (TRAP) 的基因表达也被假假性芽孢杆菌感染的细胞增加，但未被泰国芽孢杆菌感染的细胞增加。这些趋化因子和破骨细胞标记基因的假假单胞菌感染细胞的表达与用破骨细胞生成刺激物RANKL处理的细胞非常相似。假单胞菌诱导的破骨细胞样细胞对牙本质的吸收分析表明，可能会发生脱矿质，但在测试条件下不会发生真正的挖掘。此外，我们在假单胞菌中鉴定并鉴定了lfpA (用于内酯酶家族蛋白A)，该蛋白与真核蛋白 “regucalin” (也称为 “衰老标记蛋白-30” (SMP-30)) 具有显着的序列相似性。LfpA直系同源物在原核生物中广泛存在，并且保存良好，但在系统发育上与真核生物regucalcin直系同源物不同。我们证明lfpA mRNA表达与巨噬细胞样细胞相关显着增加。相对于对野生型B.Pseudomalei的反应，lfpA的突变显着降低了所测试宿主基因的表达。我们还表明，lfpA是体内最佳毒力所必需的。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: BACKGROUND:Previous studies revealed increased parietal late positive potentials (LPPs) in response to spider pictures in spider phobic individuals. This study searched for basic features of fear-relevant stimuli by investigating whether schematic spider images are sufficient to evoke differential behavioral as well as differential early and late ERP responses in spider phobic, social phobic (as a clinical control group), and non-phobic control participants. METHODS:Behavioral and electrophysiological correlates of the processing of schematic spider and flower images were investigated while participants performed a color (emotional Stroop) and an object identification task. Stimuli were schematic pictures of spiders and flowers matched with respect to constituting visual elements. RESULTS:Consistent with previous studies using photographic spider pictures, spider phobic persons showed enhanced LPPs when identifying schematic spiders compared to schematic flowers. In addition, spider phobic individuals showed generally faster responses than the control groups. This effect was interpreted as evidence for an increased general behavioral hypervigilance in this anxiety disorder group. Furthermore, both phobic groups showed enhanced P100 amplitudes compared to controls, which was interpreted as evidence for an increased (cortical) hypervigilance for incoming stimuli in phobic patients in general. Finally, all groups showed faster identification of and larger N170 amplitudes in response to schematic spider than flower pictures. This may reflect either a general advantage for fear-relevant compared to neutral stimuli, or might be due to a higher level of expertise in processing schematic spiders as compared to the more artificially looking flower stimuli. CONCLUSION:Results suggest that schematic spiders are sufficient to prompt differential responses in spider-fearful and spider-non-fearful persons in late ERP components. Early ERP components, on the other hand, seem to be modified by anxiety status per se, which is consistent with recent theories on general hypervigilance in the anxiety disorder spectrum.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: BACKGROUND:Surveys of the population are commonly used to obtain information on health status. Increasingly, researchers are linking self-reported health status information to primary care consultation data. However, it is not known how participating in a health-related survey affects consultation behaviour. The objective of this study was to assess whether completion of a health-related questionnaire changes primary care consultation behaviour. METHODS:Participants were 3402 adults aged 50 and over from the general population in North Staffordshire, UK, who completed a health-related postal survey received in April 2003. The survey was predominantly about occurrence and severity of knee pain in the last year. Primary care attendance for the three months following response was compared to three control periods: i) the three months prior to the survey, ii) the same time period in the previous year and iii) the same time period in the following year. Comparisons were made on consultations for any problem, consultations for musculoskeletal disorders and consultations for knee problems. RESULTS:The percentage of subjects consulting for any condition was marginally higher for the three months directly after receipt of the questionnaire but the difference was only statistically significant in comparison to the three months before the survey (64% v. 62%, p = 0.05). There was little difference in consultation prevalence for musculoskeletal problems immediately after the survey compared to the three control periods. There was an increase of 37% in knee disorder consultations for the three months after the survey compared to the three months directly before the survey (p = 0.02). However, consultation prevalence for knee problems was identical for the three months after the survey to the same time periods in the years prior to and following the survey (both p = 0.94). CONCLUSION:The results from this study suggests that questionnaires related to physical health do not affect the standard consulting behaviour of patients, even for the symptom under investigation. This should reassure researchers who wish to link self-reported health status and medical care utilisation and clinicians whose patients are involved in such research.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: AIMS:We tested whether brain event-related potentials (ERPs) are normal in children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) after early high-dose levothyroxine treatment. METHODS:Auditory ERPs were recorded in 33 normal controls and in 15 children with CH at 5 years 9/12. Based on bone maturation at diagnosis, the CH group was divided into severe (n = 8) and moderate (n = 7) subgroups. CH patients were treated at a median age of 14 days with a mean initial dose of levothyroxine of 11.6 microg/kgxday. Two ERP components (N100 and N200) were measured and clinical follow-up variables collected. RESULTS:The functional anatomical and cognitive organisation of the auditory system, as revealed by the analyses of ERP measures, did not differ between CH and controls, or between severe and moderate CH subjects. However, N200 latency was globally longer in the CH than in the control group (p = 0.01) and was positively correlated with the over-treatment index (r = 0.61; p < 0.05) and verbal IQ. N200 amplitude was negatively correlated with initial dose (r = -0.74; p < 0.005). CONCLUSION:These data suggest that sensitive tools such as ERPs can reveal differences between CH and controls and relate these differences to the adequacy of treatment of CH.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: PROBLEM:Lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) is applied in infertility treatment. Moreover, it has been suggested for prevention of rhesus D-hemolytic disease and as a vaccine for reduction of human immunodeficiency virus-1 susceptibility. Although transfusion-related problems have been rarely reported they were a matter of debate. Here we discuss extensive single-center experience with intradermal LIT for implantation failure and recurrent miscarriages. METHOD OF STUDY:Retrospective 2- to 3-year follow-up of in vitro fertilization couples treated during 1996-2002 (feedback 2,848/3,041 = 93%), registering 930 deliveries. Prospective survey for acute reactions for 2000-2003 (feedback 2,687/3,246 = 83%). Review of the literature. RESULTS:Infections of the patient and transplant rejection later in life are minor residual risks. Post-transfusion purpura was suspected once but not verified. Anaphylaxis or malignancy were not promoted. Fetal/newborn alloimmune disease (severe hemolytic disease, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia) were not observed. CONCLUSION:Based on microbiological, immunological, and hematological testing the risks of intradermal LIT are low.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :Thirty-three consecutive liver-transplant recipients were prospectively studied over a 37-mo period for evidence of cytomegalovirus infection. Sixteen (48%) episodes of cytomegalovirus infection were identified; 9 were primary infections and 7 were recurrent infections. Beginning with patient 8, gamma-globulin prophylaxis was routinely administered to most patients. Twelve potential risk factors for cytomegalovirus infection were evaluated and included pretransplant cytomegalovirus serological status of donor and recipient; recipient's age, sex, race, and liver disease; number and type of blood products transfused; type and intensity of immunosuppression; and occurrence of rejection. The Cox proportional hazards model identified positive donor cytomegalovirus serology as the single most important risk factor for subsequent development of cytomegalovirus infection, regardless of recipient cytomegalovirus serological status. In addition, use of gamma-globulin prophylaxis seemed to be protective against the occurrence of disseminated cytomegalovirus disease.

背景与目标： : 在37个月的时间内，对33位连续的肝移植受者进行了前瞻性研究，以寻找巨细胞病毒感染的证据。确定了16 (48%) 例巨细胞病毒感染; 9例为原发感染，7例为复发性感染。从患者8开始，大多数患者常规使用丙种球蛋白预防。评估了巨细胞病毒感染的十二个潜在危险因素，包括供体和受者的移植前巨细胞病毒血清学状态; 受者的年龄，性别，种族和肝脏疾病; 输血的血液制品的数量和类型; 免疫抑制的类型和强度; 和排斥的发生。Cox比例风险模型确定阳性供体巨细胞病毒血清学是随后发生巨细胞病毒感染的唯一最重要的危险因素，而与受体巨细胞病毒的血清学状况无关。此外，使用丙种球蛋白预防似乎可以预防弥漫性巨细胞病毒疾病的发生。

BACKGROUND & AIMS: CONTEXT:Chronic pain in patients with advanced cancer poses a serious clinical challenge. The Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray (U.S. Adopted Name, nabiximols; Sativex(®)) is a novel cannabinoid formulation currently undergoing investigation as an adjuvant therapy for this treatment group. OBJECTIVES:This follow-up study investigated the long-term safety and tolerability of THC/CBD spray and THC spray in relieving pain in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS:In total, 43 patients with cancer-related pain experiencing inadequate analgesia despite chronic opioid dosing, who had participated in a previous three-arm (THC/CBD spray, THC spray, or placebo), two-week parent randomized controlled trial, entered this open-label, multicenter, follow-up study. Patients self-titrated THC/CBD spray (n=39) or THC spray (n=4) to symptom relief or maximum dose and were regularly reviewed for safety, tolerability, and evidence of clinical benefit. RESULTS:The efficacy end point of change from baseline in mean Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form scores for "pain severity" and "worst pain" domains showed a decrease (i.e., improvement) at each visit in the THC/CBD spray patients. Similarly, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 scores showed a decrease (i.e., improvement) from baseline in the domains of insomnia, pain, and fatigue. No new safety concerns associated with the extended use of THC/CBD spray arose from this study. CONCLUSION:This study showed that the long-term use of THC/CBD spray was generally well tolerated, with no evidence of a loss of effect for the relief of cancer-related pain with long-term use. Furthermore, patients who kept using the study medication did not seek to increase their dose of this or other pain-relieving medication over time, suggesting that the adjuvant use of cannabinoids in cancer-related pain could provide useful benefit.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: OBJECTIVES:To investigate the relation of postconcussive complaints, anxiety, and depression with vocational outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) of various severities and to assess sex differences. DESIGN:A prospective cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING:Level I trauma center. PARTICIPANTS:Adults (N=242) with TBI of various severity. INTERVENTIONS:Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale, return to work (RTW), Head Injury Symptom Checklist, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS:In 67% of the patients, complaints were present; 22% were anxious, and 18% were depressed. The frequency of complaints increased significantly with injury severity, in contrast to anxiety and depression. Frequencies of patients with anxiety and depression (9% and 5%) were lower with complete RTW than with incomplete RTW (42% and 37%; P<.001). Patients with minor TBI with complaints were more anxious (50% vs 27%; P<.05) and depressed (46% vs 23%; P<.05) compared with patients with other severity categories and patients with incomplete RTW (67% vs 36% and 60% vs 30%, respectively). A higher percentage of women with minor TBI were depressed (45% vs 13%; P=.01) and had incomplete RTW (50% vs 18%; P<.05) compared with men. Multiple regression analysis showed that injury severity, complaints, anxiety, and depression were all predictive of RTW (explained variance 45%). In all severity categories, anxiety and depression were predictive of RTW, complaints, and sex only for minor TBI. CONCLUSIONS:Anxiety and depression are related to vocational outcome after TBI, with a different profile in the minor TBI category, partly due to sex differences.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: OBJECTIVES:To describe the prevalence of oral diseases and their impact on oral-health-related quality of life in people with severe mental illness undertaking community-based psychiatric care. METHODS:A survey was conducted at eight outpatient psychiatric care clinics in Tower Hamlets, London, UK. One hundred and twelve consecutive patients with mental illness were invited to participate in this study. They were clinically examined and asked to complete the oral health impact profile (OHIP) questionnaire. RESULTS:The response rate was 79% (n = 89); 57 (64%) males and 58 persons over 45 years of age (65%) participated in this survey. Overall OHIP score was 25.4 (95% CI 23.3, 27.4), 70 (78%) were smokers and 45 (51%) had been to the dentist in the last two years. Forty-seven (53%) respondents had caries in at least one tooth, 60 (67%) had 21 teeth and more, and 14 (16%) used dentures. Advanced periodontal treatment was indicated in 42 (55%) of patients and 52.8% (n = 47) patients reported current pain. CONCLUSION:Overall, this survey found that oral health has a great impact on patients with severe mental illness being treated in the community setting and their oral health is poorer than the national adult general population. Future research should consider the causes that relate to the poorer oral health in this population and potential health promotion mechanisms in this population to encourage an upstream approach to health.

背景与目标：

BACKGROUND & AIMS: :The sensorimotor cortical system undergoes structural and functional changes across its lifespan. Some of these changes are physiological and parallel the normal aging process, while others might represent pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders. In the last years, the study of possible age-related modifications in brain sensorimotor functional characteristics has been the focus of several research projects. Here we have used the transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-electroencephalography (EEG) navigated co-registration to investigate the influence of physiological aging on the excitability and connectivity of the human sensorimotor cortical system. To this end, we compared the TMS-evoked EEG potentials (TEPs) collected after stimulating the dominant primary motor cortex (M1) in healthy young subjects (mean age 24.5years) with those collected in healthy older adults (mean age 67.6years). We have shown that, after stimulation of the left motor cortex, TEPs are significantly affected by physiological aging. This phenomenon has a clear spatio-temporal specificity and we speculate that normal aging per se leads to some changes in the excitability of specific cortical neural assemblies whereas other alterations could reflect compensatory mechanisms to such changes.

背景与目标： : 感觉运动皮层系统在其整个生命周期内经历结构和功能变化。其中一些变化是生理性的，与正常的衰老过程平行，而另一些变化可能代表神经退行性疾病的病理生理机制。在过去的几年中，对大脑感觉运动功能特征中可能与年龄相关的修饰的研究一直是一些研究项目的重点。在这里，我们使用经颅磁刺激 (TMS)-脑电图 (EEG) 导航的共同配准来研究生理衰老对人感觉运动皮层系统的兴奋性和连通性的影响。为此，我们比较了在健康的年轻受试者 (平均年龄24.5岁) 中刺激显性初级运动皮层 (M1) 后收集的TMS诱发EEG电位 (TEPs) 与在健康的老年人 (平均年龄67.6岁) 中收集的TMS诱发EEG电位 (TEPs)。我们已经表明，在刺激左运动皮层后，tep受到生理衰老的显着影响。这种现象具有明显的时空特异性，我们推测正常衰老本身会导致特定皮质神经组件的兴奋性发生某些变化，而其他变化可能反映出这种变化的补偿机制。