“
“Active tool-use can result in the incorporation of the tool into the body schema, e.g., the representation of the arm is enlarged according to tool length. This modification even influences the processing of space: using a long tool leads to a remapping of far space as near space. We here
further investigate the interaction of the neural representations of the human body, tool use, and spatial domain.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in twelve right-handed healthy individuals while they imagined moving a cylinder towards a target position in far or near space by mentally using either pliers or a joystick. The fMRI data revealed that already the imagined use of preferred tools in near and far space (i.e., pliers in far space, joystick in
near space) modulated the neural activity Selleck PD0332991 BAY 57-1293 clinical trial in the extra-striate body area (EBA) located in the occipito-temporal cortex. Moreover, psycho-physical interaction analysis showed that during imagined tool-use the functional connectivity of left EBA to a network representing the near-personal space around the hand was strengthened. This increased functional connectivity is likely to reflect the neural processes underlying the incorporation of the tool into the body schema.
Thus, the current data suggest that simulating tool-use modulates the representation of the human body in extra-striate
cortex. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Epidemiological studies demonstrated an association between increased levels of ambient air pollution particles and human morbidity and mortality. Production of oxidants, either directly by the air pollution particles or by the host response to the particles, appears to be fundamental in the biological effects seen after exposure to particulate matter (PM). However, the precise components and mechanisms responsible for oxidative stress following PM exposure are yet to be defined. Direct oxidant generation by air pollution particles is attributed to organic and metal components. Organic compounds generate an oxidative stress through redox cycling of quinone-based radicals, by complexing Cytidine deaminase of metal resulting in electron transport, and by depletion of antioxidants by reactions between quinones and thiol-containing compounds. Metals directly support electron transport to generate oxidants and also diminish levels of antioxidants. In addition to direct generation of oxidants by organic and metal components, cellular responses contribute to oxidative stress after PM exposure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production occurs in the mitochondria, cell membranes, phagosomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum.