A continuous measure of phasic electrodermal activity.

The human startle response is a sensitive, noninvasive measure of central nervous system activity that is currently used in a wide variety of research and clinical settings. In this article, we raise methodological issues and present recommendations for optimal methods of startle blink electromyographic (EMG) response elicitation, recording, quantification, and reporting. It is hoped that this report will foster more methodological validity and reliability in research using the startle response, as well as increase the detail with which relevant methodology is reported in publications using this measure.

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Committee report: Guidelines for human startle eyeblink electromyographic studies.

Ferritins: a family of molecules for iron storage, antioxidation and more.

The pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) is characterized by hemodynamic abnormalities that result in neurohormonal activation and autonomic imbalance with increase in sympathetic activity and withdrawal of vagal activity. Alterations in receptor activation from this autonomic imbalance may have profound effects on cardiac function and structure. Inhibition of the sympathetic drive to the heart through β-receptor blockade has become a standard component of therapy for HF with a dilated left ventricle because of its effectiveness in inhibiting the ventricular structural remodeling process and in prolonging life. Several devices for selective modulation of sympathetic and vagal activity have recently been developed in an attempt to alter the natural history of HF. The optimal counteraction of the excessive sympathetic activity is still unclear. A profound decrease in adrenergic support with excessive blockade of the sympathetic nervous system may result in adverse outcomes in clinical HF. In this review, we analyze the data supporting a contributory role of the autonomic functional alterations on the course of HF, the techniques used to assess autonomic nervous system activity, the evidence for clinical effectiveness of pharmacological and device interventions, and the potential future role of autonomic nervous system modifiers in the management of this syndrome.

The Autonomic Nervous System and Heart Failure

The role of plantar cutaneous mechanoreceptors in the control of compensatory stepping reactions evoked by unpredictable, multi-directional perturbation.

Intracerebral source localization of mental process-related potentials elicited prior to mental sweating response in humans

Response characteristics of cutaneous mechanoreceptors to vibratory stimuli in human glabrous skin

Single unit responses of human cutaneous mechanoreceptors to air-puff stimulation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate activity-dependent excitability changes in polyneuropathy and their correlation with symptomatology. First, we recorded sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) with an intraneural microelectrode during impulse trains in 11 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. When the stimulus frequency was increased to >/=20 Hz, all patients showed marked decreases in the amplitudes of averaged SNAPs (128 responses) associated with latency increases. The amplitude decreases were much greater than those in patients with axonal neuropathies. In single-unit recordings, responses showed latency increases, which were small but sufficient to cause decreases in the averaged responses. Clinical sensory impairment was correlated with the degree of preexisting conduction block or axonal loss, but not with the degree of rate-dependent amplitude decreases. Activity-dependent changes occur preferentially in demyelinating neuropathy and are a sensitive measure of demyelination. The mechanism responsible for the amplitude decreases could be conduction slowing or block caused by activity-dependent hyperpolarization.

Shinobu Toma

Papers

Intracerebral source localization of mental process-related potentials elicited prior to mental sweating response in humans

Response characteristics of cutaneous mechanoreceptors to vibratory stimuli in human glabrous skin

Single unit responses of human cutaneous mechanoreceptors to air-puff stimulation.

Activity-dependent excitability changes in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: A microneurographic study.

Properties of human skin mechanoreceptors in peripheral neuropathy.