Leitura contextual e processamento metalingüístico no português do Brasil: um estudo longitudinal

Habilidade metalingüística é a habilidade de refletir sobre a linguagem como objeto do pensamento. Dentre as habilidades metalingüísticas duas parecem estar associadas à leitura e a escrita: a consciência morfológica e consciência fonológica. Consciência fonológica é a habilidade de refletir sobre os fonemas que compõem a fala e a consciência morfológica é a habilidade de refletir sobre os morfemas que compõem as palavras. Esta última parece ser particularmente importante para compreensão de texto e leitura contextual, visto que além das informações fonológicas, informações sintático-semânticas devem ser utilizadas. Este estudo se propôs a investigar a relação entre essas habilidades e a compreensão de texto medida pelo Cloze em um estudo longitudinal. Na primeira parte foi explorada a relação entre as tarefas de consciência morfológica e os escores no Cloze através de correlações simples e, na segunda, averiguou-se a especificidade desta relação utilizando-se regressões múltiplas. Os resultados dão certo apoio à hipótese de que a consciência morfológica contribui independentemente da fonológica para leitura contextual no português.

Efeitos da perspectiva na amplificação dos tamanhos de objetos que interceptam a linha do horizonte

Foram investigados os efeitos do gradiente de textura e da posição do estímulo teste com relação à linha do horizonte na percepção de tamanho relativo. Pelo método das escadas duplas, cinquenta voluntários ajustaram o tamanho de uma barra apresentada acima, abaixo ou no nível do horizonte para que fosse percebida do mesmo tamanho que uma barra apresentada no campo visual inferior. Os estímulos foram apresentados por 100ms sobre cinco fundos de tela. O gradiente de perspectiva contribuiu mais para a superestimação de tamanho relativo que o gradiente de compressão. Os tamanhos dos objetos que interceptavam a linha do horizonte foram superestimados. O sistema visual mostrou-se bastante eficaz em extrair informações de profundidade da perspectiva, fazendo-o mesmo em apresentações muito breves.

Construção e validação da Escala de Imprevisibilidade Familiar na Infância (EIFI)

Este estudo teve o objetivo de construir e validar uma medida psicológica denominada de Escala de Imprevisibilidade Familiar na Infância (EIFI) para a população brasileira. Participaram 394 pessoas, sendo 158 adultos em conflito com a lei que já haviam passado pela prisão (média de idade=34,23 anos; DP=10,17), 122 estudantes universitários (M=19,26; DP=2,06) e 114 mulheres com idade superior a 40 anos e escolaridade a partir de ensino médio (M=51,19; DP=8,64). Foram conduzidos procedimentos de validade de conteúdo, face e construto. A análise fatorial gerou como produto um instrumento com estrutura de quatro dimensões (cuidado/apoio, recursos financeiros, alimentação e disciplina) com índices de confiabilidade satisfatórios para todas elas. Concluímos que a EIFI foi validada para a população brasileira apresentando-se no cenário nacional como um instrumento para medida de imprevisibilidade familiar na infância.

Abuso físico infantil: avaliando fatores de risco psicológicos em cuidadores notificados

Verificou-se em que medida variáveis cognitivas e afetivas/emocionais diferenciariam cuidadores notificados por abusos físicos (G1) de cuidadores sem esse histórico (G2). O Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAP) foi utilizado para avaliar fatores de risco psicológicos em cuidadores. Um Questionário de Caracterização sócio-demográfica e outro econômico também foram empregados para equiparar os grupos. G1 apresentou um potencial de risco superior a G2, e maiores níveis de Angústia, Rigidez, Problemas com a Criança e Consigo, Problemas com os Outros, e um menor nível de Força do Ego. Essas variáveis se articulam para compor o risco de abuso físico, pois segundo o Modelo do Processamento da Informação Social, remeteriam a processos básicos cognitivos/afetivos subjacentes a percepções e avaliações/interpretações, associados ao comportamento parental abusivo.

Emoções de uma escuta musical afetam a percepção subjetiva de tempo

Este estudo verificou se emoções percebidas durante uma escuta musical influenciam a percepção temporal. Músicos e não músicos foram submetidos a tarefas de escuta de trechos musicais do repertório erudito ocidental com 20 segundos de duração cada um e tarefas de associação temporal de cada trecho ouvido a durações padrões, que variavam de 16 a 24 segundos. Os trechos musicais empregados eram representativos de uma dentre as categorias emocionais Alegria, Tristeza, Serenidade ou Medo / Raiva. Uma análise de variância mostrou que, enquanto os não músicos apresentaram subestimações temporais associadas a pelo menos um trecho musical de cada uma das categorias emocionais, os músicos subestimaram todos os trechos musicais tristes, relacionados às características de baixo arousal e valência afetiva negativa.

Mastectomia e sexualidade: uma revisão integrativa

Mulheres acometidas pelo câncer mamário são confrontadas com a retirada de uma parte do corpo relacionada à sexualidade. Este estudo teve por objetivo investigar o impacto do câncer de mama e da mastectomia na sexualidade da mulher por meio da análise da produção científica publicada no período de 2000 a 2009. O levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado a partir das bases de dados LILACS, MedLine e PsycINFO. Foram selecionados 29 artigos, que constituíram o corpus do estudo. Os achados foram agrupados por meio de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados evidenciaram que, após a retirada da mama, o desempenho sexual é comprometido, com redução da freqüência de intercurso sexual nos primeiros estágios do tratamento e diminuição da excitação, interesse e satisfação sexual.

Processos interativos de bebês em creche

O artigo trata de estudo sobre interações de bebês com pares, que buscou apreender aspectos qualitativos desses processos relacionais, considerando particularidades dos bebês. No estudo, utilizaram-se videogravações e entrevistas, do projeto "Processos de Adaptação de Bebês a Creche", que acompanhou 21 bebês (4-13 meses) em creche. Os dados foram coletados e analisados pela perspectiva da Rede de Significações. Selecionaram-se, então, cinco episódios, a partir de três sujeitos-focais e seus pares. Análise indica ocorrência de interação, em que se destacam o papel do olhar, relações triádicas (mesmo em bebês menores de nove meses), a abreviação de recursos comunicativos e a empatia. Ainda, apesar da ausência de linguagem verbal, verificou-se ocorrência de significação. Algumas implicações teórico-práticas são apontadas.

Acolhimento de crianças e adolescentes em situações de abandono, violência e rupturas

A proteção integral à infância encontra-se em reordenamento. Baseadas nas experiências do GIAAA-CINDEDI (Grupo de Investigação sobre Abrigamento, Acolhimento Familiar e Adoção - Centro de Investigações sobre Desenvolvimento Humano e Educação Infantil), buscamos compreender a rede de significações que permeia as práticas de acolhimento familiar, institucional e adoção. Investigamos vários contextos e protagonistas: sistema judiciário, abrigos, mães e famílias de origem, de acolhimento e adotivas. Diversos procedimentos foram utilizados: investigações sócio-demográficas, estudos de caso, entrevistas, pesquisa documental nos abrigos e no Fórum, grupos de discussão. Ressaltamos achados comuns: "invisibilidade" da família de origem; freqüente (re)violação da criança; falhas na Rede de Proteção; significações sobre "família saudável" e papel das concepções sobre apego que permeiam o campo. Implicações para políticas públicas e práticas sociais na área são discutidas.

Utilização do Inventário de Habilidades sociais no diagnóstico do Transtorno de Ansiedade Social

Este estudo objetivou verificar as associações entre as manifestações clínicas e comportamentais do Transtorno de Ansiedade Social (TAS) e aferir a validade discriminativa do Inventário de Habilidades Sociais (IHS-Del-Prette) no diagnóstico deste transtorno. Participaram 1006 estudantes universitários, na faixa etária entre 17 e 35 anos, de ambos os gêneros. Posteriormente, 86 participantes foram randomicamente selecionados desta amostra inicial e agrupados como casos e não-casos de TAS por meio de avaliação clínica sistemática. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que quanto mais elaborado for o repertório de habilidades sociais de um indivíduo, menor será a sua probabilidade de satisfazer os critérios de rastreamento de indicadores diagnósticos para o TAS. Além disso, o IHS-Del-Prette demonstrou distinguir significativamente indivíduos com e sem TAS, evidenciando-se a sua validade discriminativa.

Imagem corporal e hábitos alimentares na anorexia nervosa: uma revisão integrativa da literatura

Revisão integrativa da literatura com objetivo de investigar os construtos da imagem corporal e hábitos alimentares na anorexia nervosa (AN). As bases consultadas foram MedLine, LILACS e PsycINFO, no período de 2005 a 2009. A maioria dos artigos encontrados é constituída de estudos não-experimentais e descritivos, provenientes de fontes internacionais. Os resultados evidenciaram que a personalidade de mulheres com AN é permeada por baixa autoestima, sentimentos de inferioridade, inadequação, insegurança, perfeccionismo e obsessividade, fatores que acarretam acentuada inibição e retraimento social, e que exercem influência na distorção da imagem corporal e na aquisição de hábitos alimentares disfuncionais. Como conclusão ressalta-se a necessidade de tratamento interdisciplinar, e de novos estudos experimentais e nacionais, que busquem compreender a relação entre os construtos.

P2Y1 receptors expressed by C1 neurons determine peripheral chemoreceptor modulation of breathing, sympathetic activity, and blood pressure

Catecholaminergic C1 cells of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) are key determinants of the sympathoexcitatory response to peripheral chemoreceptor activation. Overactivation of this reflex is thought to contribute to increased sympathetic activity and hypertension; however, molecular mechanisms linking peripheral chemoreceptor drive to hypertension remain poorly understood. We have recently determined that activation of P2Y1 receptors in the RVLM mimicked effects of peripheral chemoreceptor activation. Therefore, we hypothesize that P2Y1 receptors regulate peripheral chemoreceptor drive in this region. Here, we determine whether P2Y1 receptors are expressed by C1 neurons in the RVLM and contribute to peripheral chemoreceptor control of breathing, sympathetic activity, and blood pressure. We found that injection of a specific P2Y1 receptor agonist (MRS2365) into the RVLM of anesthetized adult rats increased phrenic nerve activity (≈55%), sympathetic nerve activity (38±6%), and blood pressure (23±1 mm Hg), whereas application of a specific P2Y1 receptor antagonist (MRS2179) decreased peripheral chemoreceptor–mediated activation of phrenic nerve activity, sympathetic nerve activity, and blood pressure. To establish that P2Y1 receptors are expressed by C1 cells, we determine in the brain slice preparation using cell-attached recording techniques that cells responsive to MRS2365 are immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase (a marker of C1 cells), and we determine in vivo that C1-lesioned animals do not respond to RVLM injection of MRS2365. These data identify P2Y1 receptors as key determinants of peripheral chemoreceptor regulation of breathing, sympathetic nerve activity, and blood pressure.

La progettazione e la verifica di pavimentazioni stradali rinforzate innovative

La tesi è uno studio di diversi metodi di rinforzo delle pavimentazioni stradali, diversi per materiali utilizzati e progettazione dell’intervento. Partendo da una ricca Case History fino a giungere al caso specifico dei lavori di rafforzamento e ripristino della sovrastruttura stradale della S.S. n° 67 “Tosco- Romagnola”.

Longterm peripheral baroreflex and chemoreflex function after bilateral eversion carotid endarterectomy

Introduction The “eversion” technique for carotid endarterectomy (e-CEA), that involves the transection of the internal carotid artery at the carotid bulb and its eversion over the atherosclerotic plaque, has been associated with an increased risk of postoperative hypertension possibly due to a direct iatrogenic damage to the carotid sinus fibers. The aim of this study is to assess the long-term effect of the e-CEA on arterial baroreflex and peripheral chemoreflex function in humans. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on a prospectively compiled computerized database of 3128 CEAs performed on 2617 patients at our Center between January 2001 and March 2006. During this period, a total of 292 patients who had bilateral carotid stenosis ≥70% at the time of the first admission underwent staged bilateral CEAs. Of these, 93 patients had staged bilateral e-CEAs, 126 staged bilateral s- CEAs and 73 had different procedures on each carotid. CEAs were performed with either the eversion or the standard technique with routine Dacron patching in all cases. The study inclusion criteria were bilateral CEA with the same technique on both sides and an uneventful postoperative course after both procedures. We decided to enroll patients submitted to bilateral e-CEA to eliminate the background noise from contralateral carotid sinus fibers. Exclusion criteria were: age >70 years, diabetes mellitus, chronic pulmonary disease, symptomatic ischemic cardiac disease or medical therapy with b-blockers, cardiac arrhythmia, permanent neurologic deficits or an abnormal preoperative cerebral CT scan, carotid restenosis and previous neck or chest surgery or irradiation. Young and aged-matched healthy subjects were also recruited as controls. Patients were assessed by the 4 standard cardiovascular reflex tests, including Lying-to-standing, Orthostatic hypotension, Deep breathing, and Valsalva Maneuver. Indirect autonomic parameters were assessed with a non-invasive approach based on spectral analysis of EKG RR interval, systolic arterial pressure, and respiration variability, performed with an ad hoc software. From the analysis of these parameters the software provides the estimates of spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). The ventilatory response to hypoxia was assessed in patients and controls by means of classic rebreathing tests. Results A total of 29 patients (16 males, age 62.4±8.0 years) were enrolled. Overall, 13 patients had undergone bilateral e-CEA (44.8%) and 16 bilateral s-CEA (55.2%) with a mean interval between the procedures of 62±56 days. No patient showed signs or symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, including labile hypertension, tachycardia, palpitations, headache, inappropriate diaphoresis, pallor or flushing. The results of standard cardiovascular autonomic tests showed no evidence of autonomic dysfunction in any of the enrolled patients. At spectral analysis, a residual baroreflex performance was shown in both patient groups, though reduced, as expected, compared to young controls. Notably, baroreflex function was better maintained in e-CEA, compared to standard CEA. (BRS at rest: young controls 19.93 ± 2.45 msec/mmHg; age-matched controls 7.75 ± 1.24; e-CEA 13.85 ± 5.14; s-CEA 4.93 ± 1.15; ANOVA P=0.001; BRS at stand: young controls 7.83 ± 0.66; age-matched controls 3.71 ± 0.35; e-CEA 7.04 ± 1.99; s-CEA 3.57 ± 1.20; ANOVA P=0.001). In all subjects ventilation (VÝ E) and oximetry data fitted a linear regression model with r values > 0.8. Oneway analysis of variance showed a significantly higher slope both for ΔVE/ΔSaO2 in controls compared with both patient groups which were not different from each other (-1.37 ± 0.33 compared with -0.33±0.08 and -0.29 ±0.13 l/min/%SaO2, p<0.05, Fig.). Similar results were observed for and ΔVE/ΔPetO2 (-0.20 ± 0.1 versus -0.01 ± 0.0 and -0.07 ± 0.02 l/min/mmHg, p<0.05). A regression model using treatment, age, baseline FiCO2 and minimum SaO2 achieved showed only treatment as a significant factor in explaining the variance in minute ventilation (R2= 25%). Conclusions Overall, we demonstrated that bilateral e-CEA does not imply a carotid sinus denervation. As a result of some expected degree of iatrogenic damage, such performance was lower than that of controls. Interestingly though, baroreflex performance appeared better maintained in e-CEA than in s-CEA. This may be related to the changes in the elastic properties of the carotid sinus vascular wall, as the patch is more rigid than the endarterectomized carotid wall that remains in the e-CEA. These data confirmed the safety of CEA irrespective of the surgical technique and have relevant clinical implication in the assessment of the frequent hemodynamic disturbances associated with carotid angioplasty stenting.

Vibration as a method for muscular stimulation

Human reactions to vibration have been extensively investigated in the past. Vibration, as well as whole-body vibration (WBV), has been commonly considered as an occupational hazard for its detrimental effects on human condition and comfort. Although long term exposure to vibrations may produce undesirable side-effects, a great part of the literature is dedicated to the positive effects of WBV when used as method for muscular stimulation and as an exercise intervention. Whole body vibration training (WBVT) aims to mechanically activate muscles by eliciting neuromuscular activity (muscle reflexes) via the use of vibrations delivered to the whole body. The most mentioned mechanism to explain the neuromuscular outcomes of vibration is the elicited neuromuscular activation. Local tendon vibrations induce activity of the muscle spindle Ia fibers, mediated by monosynaptic and polysynaptic pathways: a reflex muscle contraction known as the Tonic Vibration Reflex (TVR) arises in response to such vibratory stimulus. In WBVT mechanical vibrations, in a range from 10 to 80 Hz and peak to peak displacements from 1 to 10 mm, are usually transmitted to the patient body by the use of oscillating platforms. Vibrations are then transferred from the platform to a specific muscle group through the subject body. To customize WBV treatments, surface electromyography (SEMG) signals are often used to reveal the best stimulation frequency for each subject. Use of SEMG concise parameters, such as root mean square values of the recordings, is also a common practice; frequently a preliminary session can take place in order to discover the more appropriate stimulation frequency. Soft tissues act as wobbling masses vibrating in a damped manner in response to mechanical excitation; Muscle Tuning hypothesis suggest that neuromuscular system works to damp the soft tissue oscillation that occurs in response to vibrations; muscles alters their activity to dampen the vibrations, preventing any resonance phenomenon. Muscle response to vibration is however a complex phenomenon as it depends on different parameters, like muscle-tension, muscle or segment-stiffness, amplitude and frequency of the mechanical vibration. Additionally, while in the TVR study the applied vibratory stimulus and the muscle conditions are completely characterised (a known vibration source is applied directly to a stretched/shortened muscle or tendon), in WBV study only the stimulus applied to a distal part of the body is known. Moreover, mechanical response changes in relation to the posture. The transmissibility of vibratory stimulus along the body segment strongly depends on the position held by the subject. The aim of this work was the investigation on the effects that the use of vibrations, in particular the effects of whole body vibrations, may have on muscular activity. A new approach to discover the more appropriate stimulus frequency, by the use of accelerometers, was also explored. Different subjects, not affected by any known neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, were voluntarily involved in the study and gave their informed, written consent to participate. The device used to deliver vibration to the subjects was a vibrating platform. Vibrations impressed by the platform were exclusively vertical; platform displacement was sinusoidal with an intensity (peak-to-peak displacement) set to 1.2 mm and with a frequency ranging from 10 to 80 Hz. All the subjects familiarized with the device and the proper positioning. Two different posture were explored in this study: position 1 - hack squat; position 2 - subject standing on toes with heels raised. SEMG signals from the Rectus Femoris (RF), Vastus Lateralis (VL) and Vastus medialis (VM) were recorded. SEMG signals were amplified using a multi-channel, isolated biomedical signal amplifier The gain was set to 1000 V/V and a band pass filter (-3dB frequency 10 - 500 Hz) was applied; no notch filters were used to suppress line interference. Tiny and lightweight (less than 10 g) three-axial MEMS accelerometers (Freescale semiconductors) were used to measure accelerations of onto patient’s skin, at EMG electrodes level. Accelerations signals provided information related to individuals’ RF, Biceps Femoris (BF) and Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL) muscle belly oscillation; they were pre-processed in order to exclude influence of gravity. As demonstrated by our results, vibrations generate peculiar, not negligible motion artifact on skin electrodes. Artifact amplitude is generally unpredictable; it appeared in all the quadriceps muscles analysed, but in different amounts. Artifact harmonics extend throughout the EMG spectrum, making classic high-pass filters ineffective; however, their contribution was easy to filter out from the raw EMG signal with a series of sharp notch filters centred at the vibration frequency and its superior harmonics (1.5 Hz wide). However, use of these simple filters prevents the revelation of EMG power potential variation in the mentioned filtered bands. Moreover our experience suggests that the possibility of reducing motion artefact, by using particular electrodes and by accurately preparing the subject’s skin, is not easily viable; even though some small improvements were obtained, it was not possible to substantially decrease the artifact. Anyway, getting rid of those artifacts lead to some true EMG signal loss. Nevertheless, our preliminary results suggest that the use of notch filters at vibration frequency and its harmonics is suitable for motion artifacts filtering. In RF SEMG recordings during vibratory stimulation only a little EMG power increment should be contained in the mentioned filtered bands due to synchronous electromyographic activity of the muscle. Moreover, it is better to remove the artifact that, in our experience, was found to be more than 40% of the total signal power. In summary, many variables have to be taken into account: in addition to amplitude, frequency and duration of vibration treatment, other fundamental variables were found to be subject anatomy, individual physiological condition and subject’s positioning on the platform. Studies on WBV treatments that include surface EMG analysis to asses muscular activity during vibratory stimulation should take into account the presence of motion artifacts. Appropriate filtering of artifacts, to reveal the actual effect on muscle contraction elicited by vibration stimulus, is mandatory. However as a result of our preliminary study, a simple multi-band notch filtering may help to reduce randomness of the results. Muscle tuning hypothesis seemed to be confirmed. Our results suggested that the effects of WBV are linked to the actual muscle motion (displacement). The greater was the muscle belly displacement the higher was found the muscle activity. The maximum muscle activity has been found in correspondence with the local mechanical resonance, suggesting a more effective stimulation at the specific system resonance frequency. Holding the hypothesis that muscle activation is proportional to muscle displacement, treatment optimization could be obtained by simply monitoring local acceleration (resonance). However, our study revealed some short term effects of vibratory stimulus; prolonged studies should be assembled in order to consider the long term effectiveness of these results. Since local stimulus depends on the kinematic chain involved, WBV muscle stimulation has to take into account the transmissibility of the stimulus along the body segment in order to ensure that vibratory stimulation effectively reaches the target muscle. Combination of local resonance and muscle response should also be further investigated to prevent hazards to individuals undergoing WBV treatments.

Mechanosensitivity in the myenteric plexus of the guinea pig ileum

The enteric nervous system regulates autonomously from the central nervous system all the reflex pathways that control blood flow, motility, water and electrolyte transport and acid secretion. The ability of the gut to function in isolation is one of the most intriguing phenomenons in neurogastroenterology. This requires coding of sensory stimuli by cells in the gut wall. Enteric neurons are prominent candidates to relay mechanosensitivity. Surprisingly, the identity of mechanosensitive neurons in the enteric nervous system as well as the appropriate stimulus modality is unknown despite the evidence that enteric neurons respond to sustained distension. Objectives: The aim of our study was to record from mechanosensitive neurons using physiological stimulus modalities. Identification of sensory neurons is of central importance to understand sensory transmission under normal conditions and in gut diseases associated with sensorimotor dysfunctions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Only then it will be possible to identify novel targets that help to normalise sensory functions. Methods: We used guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus preparations and recorded responses of all neurons in a given ganglion with a fast neuroimaging technique based on voltage sensitive dyes. To evoke a mechanical response we used two different kinds of stimuli: firstly we applied a local mechanical distortion of the ganglion surface with von Frey hair. Secondarily we mimic the ganglia deformation during physiological movements of myenteric ganglia in a freely contracting ileal preparation. We were able to reliably and reproducibly mimic this distortion by intraganglionic injections of small volumes of oxygenated and buffered Krebs solution using stimulus parameters that correspond to single contractions. We also performed in every ganglion tested, electrical stimulations to evoke fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Immunohistochemistry reactions were done with antibodies against Calbindin and NeuN, considered markers for sensory neurons. Results: Recordings were performed in 46 ganglia from 31 guinea pigs. In every ganglion tested we found from 1 to 21 (from 3% to 62%) responding cells with a median value of 7 (24% of the total number of neurons). The response consisted of an almost instantaneous spike discharge that showed adaptation. The median value of the action potential frequency in the responding neurons was 2.0 Hz, with a recording time of 1255 ms. The spike discharge lasted for 302 ± 231 ms and occurred only during the initial deformation phase. During sustained deformation no spike discharge was observed. The response was reproducible and was a direct activation of the enteric neurons since it remained after synaptic blockade with hexamethonium or ω-conotoxin and after long time perfusion with capsaicin. Muscle tone appears not to be required for activation of mechanosensory neurons. Mechanosensory neurons showed a response to mechanical stimulation related to the stimulus strength. All mechanosensory neurons received fast synaptic inputs. There was no correlation between mechanosensitivity and Calbindin-IR and NeuN-IR (44% of mechanosensitive neurones Calb-IR-/NeuN-IR-). Conclusions: We identified mechanosensitive neurons in the myenteric plexus of the guinea pig ileum which responded to brief deformation. These cells appear to be rapidly accommodating neurons which respond to dynamic change. All mechanosensitive neurons received fast synaptic input suggesting that their activity can be highly modulated by other neurons and hence there is a low stimulus fidelity which allows adjusting the gain in a sensory network. Mechanosensitivity appears to be a common feature of many enteric neurons belonging to different functional classes. This supports the existence of multifunctional enteric neurons which may fulfil sensory, integrative and motor functions.