Intracranial measurement of current densities induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation in the human brain

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to generate currents in the brain via pulsed magnetic fields. The magnitude of such induced currents is unknown. In this study we measured the TMS induced current densities in a patient with implanted depth electrodes for epilepsy monitoring. A maximum current density of 12 microA/cm2 was recorded at a depth of 1 cm from scalp surface with the optimum stimulation orientation used in the experiment and an intensity of 7% of the maximal stimulator output. During TMS we recorded relative current variations under different stimulating coil orientations and at different points in the subject's brain. The results were in accordance with current theoretical models. The induced currents decayed with distance form the coil and varied with alterations in coil orientations. These results provide novel insight into the physical and neurophysiological processes of TMS

Seasonal and intraspecific variability of chlorophyll fluorescence, pigmentation and growth of Pinus ponderosa subjected to elevated CO{sub 2}

Atmospheric CO{sub 2}2 is expected to double in the next century, and these increases will have substantial impact on forest ecosystems. However, the database on the effects of elevated CO{sub 2} on forests is limited, and the extent of intraspecific variability remains unknown. We are investigating the effects of elevated CO{sub 2} on the intraspecific variability of quantum yield (as measured through chlorophyll fluorescence Fv/Fm ratio) and pigmentation, and how these are correlated to variability in growth. Four-year-old Pinus ponderosa seedlings were obtained from nine different sources across California. These seedlings were grown in standard outdoor exposure chambers for sixteen months at either ambient levels of CO{sub 2}, ambient+175ppm CO{sub 2}, or ambient+350ppm CO{sub 2}. The seedlings were periodically measured for growth, pigmentation, and chlorophyll fluorescence. The results showed a variable growth response of the nine sources during all measurement periods. Increasing CO{sub 2} resulted in a decrease in Fv/Fm among sources ranging from {minus}2.1% to {minus}23.2% in February, and 3.1% to {minus}12.5% in June. The source that had the best growth throughout the study, also had a minimal reduction in quantum yield (Fv/Fm) in the presence of elevated CO{sub 2}. For the seedlings of fastest growing sources, the correspondence between total growth and chlorophyll fluorescence was strongest during the February measurement period. Our results also showed a significant reduction in pigmentation due to increased CO{sub 2}. There are at least three explanations for the different responses during each measurement periods. First, the trees could be adapting favorably to increasing CO{sub 2}. Secondly, 1993 needles could be under less physiological stress than the current year needles. Third, there is a seasonal effect dependent upon temperature or light which is influencing the Fv/Fm ratio and pigmentation

The Origins of Concentric Demyelination: Self-Organization in the Human Brain

Baló's concentric sclerosis is a rare atypical form of multiple sclerosis characterized by striking concentric demyelination patterns. We propose a robust mathematical model for Baló's sclerosis, sharing common molecular and cellular mechanisms with multiple sclerosis. A reconsideration of the analogies between Baló's sclerosis and the Liesegang periodic precipitation phenomenon led us to propose a chemotactic cellular model for this disease. Rings of demyelination appear as a result of self-organization processes, and closely mimic Baló lesions. According to our results, homogeneous and concentric demyelinations may be two different macroscopic outcomes of a single fundamental immune disorder. Furthermore, in chemotactic models, cellular aggressivity appears to play a central role in pattern formation

Subthreshold low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation selectively decreases facilitation in the motor cortex

Objective: To investigate the modulatory effect of a subthreshold low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) train on motor cortex excitability. Methods: The study consisted of two separate experiments. Subjects received a 10 min long subthreshold 1Hz rTMS train. In the first experiment, (single pulse paradigm), cortical excitability was assessed by measuring the amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) before and after the rTMS train. In the second experiment, a paired pulse paradigm was employed. Results: Corticospinal excitability, as measured by the MEP amplitude, was reduced by the rTMS train (experiment 1), with a significant effect lasting for about 10 min after the train completion. There was notable inter-individual as well as intra-individual variability in the effect. rTMS produced a significant decrease in intra-cortical facilitation as measured by the paired pulse paradigm (experiment 2). This effect lasted for up to 15 min following the train. Intra-cortical inhibition was not significantly affected. Conclusions: Subthreshold low frequency rTMS depresses cortical excitability beyond the duration of the train. This effect seems primarily due to cortical dysfacilitation. These results have implications on the therapeutic use of rTMS. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Non-resective surgery and radiosurgery for treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy.

Epilepsy surgery is an effective treatment for properly selected patients with intractable seizures. However, many patients with medically intractable epilepsy are not excellent candidates for surgical resection of the epileptogenic zone. Due to recent advances in computer technology and bioengineering, several novel techniques are receiving increasing interest for their role in the care of people with epilepsy. Neuromodulation is an emerging surgical option to be used when conventional resective surgery is not indicated. We review the indications and expected outcomes of neuromodulatory treatments currently available for the treatment of refractory epilepsy, i.e., vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and multiple subpial transections

Variability in the intraspecific response of Pinus ponderosa seedlings subjected to long-term exposure to elevated CO{sub 2}

The authors are investigating the effects of elevated CO{sub 2} and intraspecific variability on Pinus ponderosa. To analyze intraspecific variability, they included seedling source (family) as an additional treatment, using a split-plot experimental design. The three elevated CO{sub 2} treatments were ambient (approx. 350 ppm CO{sub 2}), ambient + 175 ppm CO{sub 2} and ambient +350 ppm CO{sub 2}. Their study uses the source/sink control framework at several key integrating steps, incorporating the long-term effects of elevated CO{sub 2} (insuring sufficient time for the expression of any long-term physiological and biochemical acclimation to occur) and genetics (using multiple species and multiple known genetic sources) in an attempt to ascertain the extent of overall regulation contributed by selected independent regulatory process at the physiological, biochemical and structural level. In order to assess intraspecific variability, this paper reports on the integration of measurements of photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, pigmentation, RuBPCase, SPSase to quantify the effects of elevated CO{sub 2} on the growth response of various families of the same species