Stabilizing stretch reflexes are modulated independently from the rapid release of perturbation-triggered motor plans

Responses elicited after the shortest latency spinal reflexes but prior to the onset of voluntary activity can display sophistication beyond a stereotypical reflex. Two distinct behaviors have been identified for these rapid motor responses, often called long-latency reflexes. The first is to maintain limb stability by opposing external perturbations. The second is to quickly release motor actions planned prior to the disturbance, often called a triggered reaction. This study investigated their interaction when motor tasks involve both limb stabilization and motor planning. We used a robotic manipulator to change the stability of the haptic environment during 2D arm reaching tasks, and to apply perturbations that could elicit rapid motor responses. Stabilizing reflexes were modulated by the orientation of the haptic environment (field effect) whereas triggered reactions were modulated by the target to which subjects were instructed to reach (target effect). We observed that there were no significant interactions between the target and field effects in the early (50–75 ms) portion of the long-latency reflex, indicating that these components of the rapid motor response are initially controlled independently. There were small but significant interactions for two of the six relevant muscles in the later portion (75–100 ms) of the reflex response. In addition, the target effect was influenced by the direction of the perturbation used to elicit the motor response, indicating a later feedback correction in addition to the early component of the triggered reaction. Together, these results demonstrate how distinct components of the long-latency reflex can work independently and together to generate sophisticated rapid motor responses that integrate planning with reaction to uncertain conditions.

Interjections, phonetics, and the body

Emotive interjections are normally associated with the spoken language, but in this article, I will investigate the use of two interjections, åh ‘oh’ and puha ‘whew’ in written communication on Facebook – on the two Danish Facebook groups built around the illness and death of two young children in 2015: “Fighting for Magnus (Miv)” and “Commemorative site for Lærke Rønde Timm”. Interjections are understood as affective expressions because they reflect some of the bodily reactions and participatory investment of the followers of the two groups. The main argument in the article is that the participants write interjections as a way to deal with affective extraordinary experiences. Through phonetic analysis the interjections are seen as bodily felt and triggered reaction.

Antibody-free colorimetric detection of chlorothalonil in cucumberviathe inhibition of an enzyme-triggered reaction

Colorimetric detection of chlorothalonil in cucumberviathe inhibition of an enzyme-triggered reaction.

Septic abdominal gossypiboma: A life threatening surgical site infection

Gossypiboma is an uncommon surgical iatrogenic complication due to the retention of textile material inside natural cavities, especially in abdomen. An important aspect of gossypiboma is linked to the kind of inflammatory-triggered reaction: aseptic or pyogenic. In pyogenic reactions, granulomas and pus appear as a response to contaminated material left in the abdomen. Most patients are symptomatic, and clinical history and physical examination combined with computed tomography are essential to establish the diagnosis. The complication has similar pathophysiology from intra-abdominal abscess, however, has worse clinical course, poor prognosis and needs operative removal. Therefore, the gossypiboma deserves special attention and should be considered as a severe surgical site infection involving organs and/or spaces. Prevention is the key point to control the complication and is based on a systematic and systematized conference of such materials at the end of an operation. The purpose of this paper is to show for the first time all pathophysiologic steps of pyogenic gossypiboma. Moreover, to remind the risk factors associated to fungal infection (female, age, acute care unit stay, upper intestinal tract perforation, prolonged broad spectrum antibacterial therapy, parenteral nutrition and central venous catheter placement). At the same time, highlight that early antifungal therapy (Candida glabrata), should be kept in mind and should not be neglected as these was the agent involved in this patient’s death. Finally, alert the surgeons about this severe surgical site infection, which may lead to litigation.