Valence-Specific Modulation in the Accumulation of Perceptual Evidence Prior to Visual Scene Recognition

Visual scene recognition is a dynamic process through which incoming sensory information is iteratively compared with predictions regarding the most likely identity of the input stimulus. In this study, we used a novel progressive unfolding task to characterize the accumulation of perceptual evidence prior to scene recognition, and its potential modulation by the emotional valence of these scenes. Our results show that emotional (pleasant and unpleasant) scenes led to slower accumulation of evidence compared to neutral scenes. In addition, when controlling for the potential contribution of non-emotional factors (i.e., familiarity and complexity of the pictures), our results confirm a reliable shift in the accumulation of evidence for pleasant relative to neutral and unpleasant scenes, suggesting a valence-specific effect. These findings indicate that proactive iterations between sensory processing and top-down predictions during scene recognition are reliably influenced by the rapidly extracted (positive) emotional valence of the visual stimuli. We interpret these findings in accordance with the notion of a genuine positivity offset during emotional scene recognition

Grasping isoluminant stimuli

We used a virtual reality setup to let participants grasp discs, which differed in luminance, chromaticity and size. Current theories on perception and action propose a division of labor in the brain into a color proficient perception pathway and a less color-capable action pathway. In this study, we addressed the question whether isoluminant stimuli, which provide only a chromatic but no luminance contrast for action planning, are harder to grasp than stimuli providing luminance contrast or both kinds of contrast. Although we found that grasps of isoluminant stimuli had a slightly steeper slope relating the maximum grip aperture to disc size, all other measures of grip quality were unaffected. Overall, our results do not support the view that isoluminance of stimulus and background impedes the planning of a grasping movement

Aorto-mesenteric compression syndrome. Description of clinical case and critical review of the literature

Aorto-mesenteric duodenal compression syndrome is a rare disease in which superior mesenteric artery causes a substenosis of the duodenum. Pathogenesis of this syndrome is due to congenital or acquired factors. Symptomatology is usually non specific and intermittent. Diagnosis is given by selective superior mesenteric artery angiography. Therapy is only surgery

Laparoscopy in iatrogenic lesions of the colon during operative endoscopy

Colonscopy is a standard diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that has its own morbidity. Colonic perforation is the dangerous complication of this procedure. Successful management of perforation by conservative or surgical treatment remains controversial. We report two cases, recently observed, of patients with colonic perforation occurring during therapeutic colonscopy treated with minimally invasive technique

Intestinal occlusion secondary to Morgagni-Larrey's herniation in an adult. Case report and analysis of the literature.

Morgagni-Larrey's hernias are congenital diaphragmatic hernias, rarely observed and generally identified accidentally due to the lack of symptoms. The authors report a case of intestinal occlusion secondary to Morgagni-Larrey herniation in an adult recently observed and underline the aetiopathogenic aspects, the diagnostic tools and the clinical pattern. They suggest to consider surgical repair as a choice of treatment, also for asymptomatic patients