Evaluation of the accuracy of land-use based ecosystem service assessments for different thematic resolutions.

The demand for pragmatic tools for mapping ecosystem services (ES) has led to the widespread application of land-use based proxy methods, mostly using coarse thematic resolution classification systems. Although various studies have demonstrated the limited reliability of land use as an indicator of service delivery, this does not prevent the method from being frequently applied on different institutional levels. It has recently been argued that a more detailed land use classification system may increase the accuracy of this approach. This research statistically compares maps of predicted ES delivery based on land use scoring for three different thematic resolutions (number of classes) with maps of ES delivery produced by biophysical models. Our results demonstrate that using a more detailed land use classification system does not significantly increase the accuracy of land-use based ES assessments for the majority of the considered ES. Correlations between land-use based assessments and biophysical model outcomes are relatively strong for provisioning services, independent of the classification system. However, large discrepancies occur frequently between the score and the model-based estimate. We conclude that land use, as a simple indicator, is not effective enough to be used in environmental management as it cannot capture differences in abiotic conditions and ecological processes that explain differences in service delivery. Using land use as a simple indicator will therefore result in inappropriate management decisions, even if a highly detailed land use classification system is used.

Assessment of quality of life, psychosocial, and epidemiological aspects in patients diagnosed with tuberculous uveitis.

PURPOSE: To assess the quality of life in patients diagnosed as having tuberculous uveitis and its association with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial aspects. METHOD: By conducting standardized interviews, clinical and demographic data were collected using a measure developed in this study. This measure was applied in addition to other measures, namely SF-12, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and NEI-VFQ-39, which were used to assess health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, and visual functioning. RESULTS: The study included 34 patients [mean age: 46.5 ± 15.1 years, female patients: 21 (61.8%)]. The mean of the VFQ-39 score was 74.5 ± 16.6 and that of SF-12 physical and mental component scores were 45.8 ± 10.1 and 51.6 ± 7.5, respectively, for the health-related quality of life. Anxiety symptoms were the most prevalent compared with depression symptoms and were found in 35.3% of the participants. CONCLUSION: Tuberculous uveitis affects several scales of quality of life, thereby affecting a population economically active with a social, psychological, and economic burden.

Role of Interferon-Gamma Release Assay for the Diagnosis and Clinical Follow up in Ocular Tuberculosis.

PURPOSE: To assess the performance of interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) associated with tuberculosis skin test (TST) for ocular tuberculosis (OTB) diagnosis and therapeutic decision making. METHOD: One hundred and ninety-one patients with ocular inflammation were prospectively followed-up. Patients with clinical signs highly suspected of OTB, TST≥10 mm, and/or IGRA≥0.35 IU/mL received antitubercular therapy (ATT). Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and area under the curve (AUC) were assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-two (37.7%) patients received ATT for presumed OTB. Combining TST and IGRA had Se=89.6%, Sp=99.2%, and AUC (0.98) significantly higher compared to TST (0.85, Z=6.3, p<.001) or IGRA (0.95, Z=2.5, p=.01). Prior history of corticosteroids or immunosuppressant with concomitantly oral prednisone and baseline IGRA> 2.0 IU/mL was associated significantly with more recurrences in ATT patients (p=.01)      . CONCLUSION: Considering TST and IGRA together was more effective in assessing OTB diagnosis. The real value of the IGRA test to predict recurrences needs further studies.

Current Practices in Ocular Tuberculosis: A Survey of Brazilian Specialists.

Purpose: To describe the approach of Brazilian specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis-associated uveitis (TBU).Methods: Members of the Brazilian Uveitis Society received an electronic invitation to participate in an online questionnaire.Results: Of the 169 invited specialists, 78 answered the questionnaire. Specialists evaluated 5.6 patients with TBU annually. Tuberculin skin test (TST, 81%) was primarily used for diagnosis. Patients with presumed TBU should always be tested for syphilis and HIV according to 51 (88%) and 47 (81%) of respondents, respectively. Chest computed tomography (CT, 72%) was preferable to chest radiography (CXR) for diagnosis. A positive TST (81%) and CXR (60%) were the main indicators of anti-tuberculous therapy, with 34%, 39%, and 14% of specialists treating for 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively.Conclusions: TST remains the preferred method for TBU diagnosis and prompt treatment by Brazilian specialists, though there is no consensus regarding disease treatment and management.

Effectiveness of Treatments for Ocular Toxoplasmosis.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for ocular toxoplasmosis (OT).Methods: A review of charts was conducted from patients who experienced an active episode of OT treated at the Federal University of São Paulo and associated sites. OT charts were reviewed to determine treatment effectiveness based on clinical judgment, taking clinical course and outcome into consideration in addition to change in best-corrected visual acuity. Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were used to assess safety.Results: Overall, 451/1200 patient charts met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly prescribed treatment was trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (52.3%) followed by pyrimethamine + sulfadiazine (28%). Treatment was successful in 96.9% of patients. Irrespective of the treatment, active lesions were resolved in 63.9% of patients within 6 weeks. Vision improved in 56.3% of patients. The incidence of TEAEs was low (10%).Conclusions: All treatments were effective for active episodes of OT, with few side effects.

Modelling hydrological effects of wetland restoration: a differentiated view.

The paper presents findings of a conjunctive hydrological and ecological study into habitat restoration and catchment hydrology. Physically-based, fully distributed hydrological modelling was coupled with spatial analysis and wetland scenario generation techniques to simulate potential effects of restoring lower, middle, and upper catchment wetlands. In the past, anthropogenic interference of this catchments' landscape for agriculture and settlement has left most wetland areas drained, and brought the natural functioning of the ecosystem into conflict with human needs. Many eco-hydrology studies conclude that such disturbances result in a more extreme hydrological regime. The study objectives were to develop and study innovative methods for habitat restoration, and understand the potential hydrological impacts of each approach. The study aims to analyze the scenarios and whether the hydrological response is influenced by the topological placement of the restoration sites. Land-use change scenarios are developed on the basis of physical characteristics and consider the credibility of transitions from current land-use. This study focused on the position of the wetlands in the catchment and hydrological typology. Wetland restoration scenarios are created for different geographical settings within the catchment. A distinction is made between groundwater dependent wetlands and wetlands that are influenced by in-stream water tables or surface water inundations. Results show that there is little effect on the total annual water budget. The results point to river valley rewetting as having the effect of decreasing the paved overland component of stream flow, and increasing the saturated zone flow component. It promoted groundwater recharge. There was no increase of peak flows due to headwater wetlands, contrary to some sources (Bullock & Acreman 2003). The catchments' actual evapotranspiration and root zone water responses were found to be varied over the analysis points, and were the consequence of a number of factors. As a second conclusion we point out the main knowledge gaps and demerits that could compromise the modelling exercise. Land-use classification for hydrological modelling is subject to important ambiguities. Different maps often have different class definitions and methods for classification. Many in-between land use/land cover types do not fit any particular class definition in map classification. Wetlands were often found to be classified as grassland, leaf forest, or open water. How do we deal with the diversity of wetland types and how to incorporate their specific hydrological behaviour in models? These issues will be thoroughly illustrated for the case of the Grote Nete and put in a larger perspective.

Critical transitions in suspended sediment dynamics in a temperate meso-tidal estuary.

There is growing consensus that human interventions can fundamentally change fine sediment transport in estuaries. Critical transitions in response to human interventions have been hypothesized based on indirect observational evidence and theoretical understanding. So far direct evidence has been lacking. Based on a 20 year data-set of surface suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations, we present empirical evidence of critical transitions in a temperate meso-tidal estuary. In 2008-2009 the SPM dynamics of the Scheldt estuary (Belgium/The Netherlands) changed dramatically. Not only did the total amount of sediment in suspension increase, a new maximum turbidity zone (MTZ) at typical winter discharges appeared. At intermediate and low summer discharges the longitudinal distribution of SPM now flickers between two markedly different states. Our data suggest that a range of human interventions (fairway widening and deepening, dredging and dumping activities) set the scene leading to the observed transitions. Moreover the freshwater MTZ in the Scheldt and in its major tributary exhibit an increasing sensitivity towards freshwater discharge, coinciding with water quality improvements. This suggests large scale impacts of changes in eutrophication status on estuarine sediment dynamics. This has largely been a blind spot in morphodynamic research.

Quality of Life and Psychological Aspects in Patients with Visual Impairment Secondary to Uveitis: A Clinical Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the quality of life in individuals with bilateral visual impairment secondary to uveitis and its association with sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial aspects. METHODS: Data were collected through a structured interviews, using four forms; the SF-12v2, HADS, NEI-VFQ-25 and a specific form developed to collect clinical and sociodemographic data. RESULTS: 80 patients were included with a mean age of 42.8 years; 63.8% female; 57.5% with permanent reduction of familiar income. The average number of medical visits was 15.2 ±10.7/year. In terms of health-related quality of life (HRQol), the mean of VFQ-25 score was 36.6 ± 15.1 and the mean of SF-12 physical and mental components scores were 43.3 ± 9.9 and 44.9 ± 12.2. Anxiety and depression symptoms were found in 65.1% and 32.5% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Visual impairment has impact on several scales of HRQoL leading to productivity loss and consumption of health resources.

Comparison of clinical effects of two latanoprost 0.005% solutions (Xalatan® and Arulatan®) in primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertensive patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic non-inferiority between two ophthalmic latanoprost 0.005% solutions (Arulatan® [ALT] versus the reference drug Xalatan® [XLT]) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OH). Patients and methods: This was a 12-week Phase IV, experimental, randomized, parallel-group, double-masked clinical trial. Consecutive patients with POAG or OH from the Glaucoma Service of Instituto Paulista de Estudos e Pesquisas em Oftalmologia (São Paulo, Brazil) were enrolled between July and December 2017. The primary outcome of the study was an analysis of therapeutic non-inferiority between ALT versus XLT at 12 weeks, while secondary outcomes were mean intraocular pressure (IOP) change from baseline at 2, 6 and 12 weeks, mean IOP at 2, 6 and 12 weeks, and topical and systemic side effects. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Computerized analysis was performed using the R software, version 3.4.4. Results: A total of 45 patients were randomized to the two treatment groups: ALT (22) and XLT (23). A statistically significant reduction in IOP from baseline was observed in both treatment groups at all timepoints, while no statistically significant difference between groups was detected. By week 12, observed IOP reduction was -7.95 and -7.89 mmHg in the ALT and in the XLT groups, respectively (P=0.60). Treatment difference between the ALT and the XLT groups was -0.06 mm Hg (95% CI: -0.97, 0.85) and fell within the interval set for therapeutic non-inferiority. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of safety profiles. The most commonly reported side effect was mild conjunctival/palpebral hyperemia. Conclusion: ALT was considered non-inferior to XLT in achieving a statistically significant reduction in IOP at 12 weeks in POAG and OH patients. No significant difference in the occurrence of side effects was found between both groups.

Assessment of quality of life, psychosocial, and epidemiological aspects in patients diagnosed with tuberculous uveitis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the quality of life in patients diagnosed as having tuberculous uveitis and its association with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial aspects. Method: By conducting standardized interviews, clinical and demographic data were collected using a measure developed in this study. This measure was applied in addition to other measures, namely SF-12, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and NEI-VFQ-39, which were used to assess health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, and visual functioning. Results: The study included 34 patients [mean age: 46.5 ± 15.1 years, female patients: 21 (61.8%)]. The mean of the VFQ-39 score was 74.5 ± 16.6 and that of SF-12 physical and mental component scores were 45.8 ± 10.1 and 51.6 ± 7.5, respectively, for the health-related quality of life. Anxiety symptoms were the most prevalent compared with depression symptoms and were found in 35.3% of the participants. Conclusion: Tuberculous uveitis affects several scales of quality of life, thereby affecting a population economically active with a social, psychological, and economic burden.

Influence of tidal regime on the distribution of trace metals in a contaminated tidal freshwater marsh soil colonized with common reed (Phragmites australis).

A historical input of trace metals into tidal marshes fringing the river Scheldt may be a cause for concern. Nevertheless, the specific physicochemical form, rather than the total concentration, determines the ecotoxicological risk of metals in the soil. In this study the effect of tidal regime on the distribution of trace metals in different compartments of the soil was investigated. As, Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations in sediment, pore water and in roots were determined along a depth profile. Total sediment metal concentrations were similar at different sites, reflecting pollution history. Pore water metal concentrations were generally higher under less flooded conditions (mean is (2.32+/-0.08)x10(-3) mg Cd L(-1) and (1.53+/-0.03) x 10(-3) mg Cd L(-1)). Metal concentrations associated with roots (mean is 202.47+/-2.83 mg Cd kg(-1) and 69.39+/-0.99 mg Cd kg(-1)) were up to 10 times higher than sediment (mean is 20.48+/-0.19 mg Cd kg(-1) and 20.42+/-0.21 mg Cd kg(-1)) metal concentrations and higher under dryer conditions. Despite high metal concentrations associated with roots, the major part of the metals in the marsh soil is still associated with the sediment as the overall biomass of roots is small compared to the sediment.

Pathological investigations on guillemots (Uria aalge) stranded on the Belgian coast during the winter of 1993-94.

Pathological investigations were carried out on 67 guillemots (Uria aalge) washed up on the Belgian coast between November 1993 and March 1994. Emaciation and acute haemorrhagic gastroenteropathy were observed in more than 70 per cent of the birds. There was no statistical relationship between the level of oil contamination and the severity of the lesions. Differences in bodyweight were accounted for by age, sex, emaciation, and acute haemorrhagic gastroenteropathy. The birds had a severe weight deficit but the concentrations of pollutants were below acutely toxic levels.

[Long-term outcome following surgical repair of ruptures of the fibular collateral ligament of the ankle. A report of 50 cases]. / Devenir à long terme des entorses du ligament latéral externe de la cheville traitées chirurgicalement. A propos d'une série de 50 cas.

The authors report their findings in a series of 49 patients with 50 acute ankle sprains, who underwent surgical repair of their ruptured fibular collateral ligaments. All patients were selected for surgical treatment based upon the findings on stress-films taken under anesthesia, showing a laxity at least superior by 10 degrees to the value found on the contralateral ankle. All patients were reviewed 2 to 12 years after operation. Clinical evaluation was based upon Duquennoy's criteria, and dynamic x-rays were performed in all patients to evaluate residual laxity. The clinical results were good or excellent in 78% of patients, fair in 14% and poor in 8%. Seven patients (14%) complained of subjective instability. Stress films showed residual laxity from 5 to 10 degrees in 10 patients (20%). The authors conclude that their findings do not support the alleged superiority of surgical repair over conservative management of severe ankle sprains.

[Treatment of Morton neuroma by neurectomy. Apropos of 43 cases]. / Traitement du névrome de Morton par neurectomie. A propos de 43 observations.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Morton's neuroma is a frequent cause of metatarsalgia. Its diagnosis is clinical but progress in medical imaging: ultrasound, evoked potentials and above all MRI allows an improvement of para-clinical diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 48 neuromas were treated surgically between 1979 and 1990. That represents 46 feet in 43 patients. Female predominance was clear with an average age of 53 years. The follow-up period was 6 years and 10 months. 3 patients had multiple injuries. Medical treatment had been prescribed prior to surgery in 24 patients (15 had injections, 9 orthopedic shoe inserts and 5 both injections and inserts). The interval between the first symptoms and surgery was long since it was on average of 3 years and 6 months. The neuroma was located 36 times in the third interdigital space. The initial incision was plantar 11 times dorsal 32 times. Only neurectomies were performed. The neuroma was very large 9 times. 10 patients had treatment for other affections in the same operative time. RESULTS: At review, 41 feet were completely painless. Shoe wear was normal for 32 patients. 12 pulpar hypoesthesia and 7 commissural and pulpary hypoesthesia were noted. 3 of 11 patients operated by the plantar approach had a painful hyperkeratosic scar. DISCUSSION: None of our cases had preoperative MRI because our most recent case has 4 years of evaluation. At the present time the MRI could contribute to diagnosis owing to good tissular differentiation. The neurectomy led to a total disappearance of pain but hypoesthesia was frequent. The dorsal approach induces cutaneous complication. Neurolysis induces a sensitive postoperative deficit but recurrence occurs in 77 per cent of cases after neurolysis. CONCLUSION: Morton's neuroma is located essentially in the third interdigital space. Neurectomy is a simple operation that often leads to recovery.

["Chevron" basal osteotomy of the middle metatarsal bones for static metatarsalgia. Apropos of 69 cases]. / Métatarsalgie statique et ostéotomie basale en chevron des métatarsiens moyens. A propos de 69 cas.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Round or flat forefoot metatarsalgia are frequent and surgical techniques are various. The authors relate a series with chevron basi-metatarsal osteotomy. MATERIAL: 69 operated metatarsalgia were reviewed at a mean follow up of 5 years. METHODS: The surgical approach was dorsal, aligned on metatarsal diaphysis. The basi metatarsal "chevron shape" osteotomy was performed using an oscillatory saw, on 1, 2 or 3 metatarsi inducing lowering and shortening. This osteotomy wasn't fixed. Weight bearing was allowed at the third post-operative day. RESULTS: In 68 per cent of cases, the global result was good or very good, but it persisted 32 per cent of post-operative pain either climatic or continuous, including 29 per cent metatarsalgia. The plantar corns only disappeared one out of twice, but the shoe wearing was improved in 82.6 per cent of cases. DISCUSSION: This study showed that the results improved when 3 median metatarsal osteotomy were performed simultaneously. The forefoot morphology didn't influenced the final result. In fact, this technique includes a good result one out of twice in hollow feet. It seems that three metatarsal osteotomies induce a metatarsal elevation and shortening, once out of twice. CONCLUSION: The advantage of this technique are : a dorsal medio plantar surgical approach, an osteotomy realized in cancellous bone and no need for fixation allowing a more accurate adjustment of the metatarsal height.

[Treatment of hallux valgus by varus osteotomy of the first phalanx associated with adductor plasty]. / Hallux valgus traité par ostéotomie de varisation de la première phalange associé a la plastie de l'adducteur.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Sixty two hallux valgus treated by first phalanx varus osteotomy associated to adductor hallux plasty were reviewed with a minimum follow-up of 4 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 48 females and 2 males were operated. Average age was 46 years. The forefoot was grecian 40 times. The pre-operative metatarsus varus was at an average of 14.2 degrees when the metatarso-phalangeal valgus was 33.3 degrees. The interphalangeal valgus was 8.25 degrees. The first phalanx base lateral translation measured an average of 5.8 mm. Sesamoids were always dislocated. 36 patients were treated in the same operative time, using this associated approach at different level. RESULTS: Results were evaluated according to 3 Groulier's criteria. In 10 cases, a post-operative pain persisted. Shoe wearing continually improved. The great toe valgus was corrected in 31 cases (50 per cent). The correction was partial in 20 cases (32.3 per cent) but on radiographs, only 34 cases (54.8 per cent) conserved a normal joint space. The first phalanx base lateral translation only improved partially. It measured an average of 408 mm. The global result was good in and very good, 67 per cent, while patients subjective estimation was good or very good in 90.3 per cent. DISCUSSION: The study of this series of first phalanx varus osteotomy associated to adductor plasty shows lateral subluxation partial correction, factor of long term modification on articular metatarso-phalangeal joint space. The adductor plasty associated to abductor disinsertion showed a results improvement compared with other published series. CONCLUSION: The first phalanx varus osteotomy associated to adductor plasty should be limited to moderate hallux valgus deformity with interphalangeal valgus and without any major articular incongruity.

[Complications and failures of total ankle prosthesis. Apropos of 21 cases]. / Complications et échecs des prothèses totales de la cheville. A propos de 21 observations.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The authors relate a heterogeneous series of twenty one total ankle prosthesis performed by the same surgeon with an average follow up of 37 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four types of prosthesis were implanted: 4 Ramses, 8 New Jersey, 5 Star, 4 Freeman. The etiology was seven times a rheumatoid polyarthritis, ten times post-traumatic, two idiopathic arthrosis, an hemochromatosis and a late clubfoot sequelae. RESULTS: Results were appreciated according to Bousquet's criteria: 4 excellent results, 5 good, 3 fair, 9 bad. The ankle mobility was not improved by arthroplasty. We noticed 7 loosening whose 2 septic occurring between 18 and 38 months after implantation of prosthesis. DISCUSSION: This series indicates that prosthesis should be only suggested for patients over sixty years old. No difference was found between post-traumatic and rhumatoîd. The pre-operative subtalar arthrosis promoted in significant way an unexpected failure occurrence. CONCLUSION: Indications for total ankle arthroplasty must remain selected. Arthrodesis remains in the immediate future, the best solution for young patients with post-traumatic arthrosis.

Hydrodynamically mediated macrophyte silica dynamics.

In most aquatic ecosystems, hydrodynamic conditions are a key abiotic factor determining species distributions and abundance of aquatic plants. Resisting stress and keeping an upright position often relies on investment in tissue reinforcement, which is costly to produce. Silica could provide a more economical alternative. Two laboratory experiments were conducted to measure the response of two submerged species, Egeria densa Planch. and Limnophila heterophylla (Roxb.) Benth., to dissolved silicic acid availability and exposure to hydrodynamic stress. The results were verified with a third species in a field study (Nuphar lutea (L.) Smith). Biogenic silica (BSi) concentration in both stems and leaves increases with increasing dissolved silica availability but also with the presence of hydrodynamic stress. We suggest that the inclusion of extra silica enables the plant to alternatively invest its energy in the production of lignin and cellulose. Although we found no significant effects of hydrodynamic stress on cellulose or lignin concentrations either in the laboratory or in the field, BSi was negatively correlated with cellulose concentration and positively correlated with lignin concentration in samples collected in the field study. This implies that the plant might perform with equal energy efficiency in both standing and running water environments. This could provide submerged species with a tool to respond to abiotic factors, to adapt to new ecological conditions and hence potentially colonise new environments.

The impact of increased oxygen conditions on metal-contaminated sediments part I: effects on redox status, sediment geochemistry and metal bioavailability.

In order to evaluate the effect of improved oxygen concentrations in overlying surface water on the redox status, sediment geochemistry and metal bioavailability in metal-polluted sediments a 54 days lab experiment with two different experimental treatments was conducted (90% and 40% O(2)). Changes in redox potential (Eh) in the sediment were monitored over time. At 6 different time points (after 0, 2, 5, 12, 32 and 54 days) and at 4 sediment depths (0-1, 1-4, 4-8 and 8-15 cm), acid volatile sulfides (AVS), simultaneously extracted metals (SEM) and total organic carbon (TOC) were measured and metal release to overlying surface water was determined. Labile metal species in both water and sediment were measured using Diffusive Gradients in Thin films (DGT). Our results showed that elevated oxygen levels in overlying surface water led to an Eh increase in the sediment of the 90% O(2) treatment from 0 to ± 200 mV while AVS concentrations in the upper sediment layer decreased by 70%. Following AVS oxidation metal availability in the pore water was highly elevated after 54 days. However, Cu remained strongly bound to the sediment during the whole experiment. Only a limited metal release to the overlying surface water was noticed, which was due to the fact that SEM(tot) concentrations in the sediment did not yet exceeded AVS levels ([SEM(tot) - AVS]/f(OC) = 0) after 54 days. Additionally, adsorption on Fe and Mn hydroxides and particulate organic carbon also slowed down any potential metal release. Our results indicated that increasing oxygen concentrations due to general water quality improvements can enhance the mobility of trace metals which may result in the leaching of sediment-bound metals to overlying surface water, even in undisturbed watercourses.

The impact of increased oxygen conditions on metal-contaminated sediments part II: effects on metal accumulation and toxicity in aquatic invertebrates.

The present study evaluated the effect of increasing oxygen concentrations in overlying surface water on the accumulation and toxicity of sediment-bound metals in the aquatic invertebrates Lumbriculus variegatus, Asellus aquaticus and Daphnia magna. A 54 days experiment using three experimental treatments (90% O(2) in overlying surface water, 40% O(2) and a non-polluted control) was conducted. At 6 different time points (after 0, 2, 5, 12, 32 and 54 days) acid volatile sulfides (AVS), simultaneously extracted metals (SEM) and total organic carbon (TOC) were measured in the superficial sediment layer (0-1 cm). At each time point, accumulated metal levels as well as the available energy stores were measured in L. variegatus and A. aquaticus and each time D. magna was exposed to surface water in a 24 h toxicity test. Additionally metallothionein-like protein (MTLP) induction was quantified in L. variegatus. Oxygen induced changes in sediment AVS resulted in faster accumulation of metals from contaminated sediments in A. aquaticus, while no differences in toxicity in this species were observed. Ag, Cr, As and Co accumulation as well as toxicity in water exposed D. magna were clearly enhanced after 54 days, caused by oxidation of metal-sulfide complexes. Due to their feeding and burrowing behaviour, metal accumulation and toxicity in L. variegatus was not influenced by geochemical characteristics. Nevertheless, a rapid induction of MTLP was observed in both the 90% O(2) and the 40% O(2) treatment. The present study showed that elevated oxygen concentrations in overlying surface water can directly enhance metal accumulation and toxicity in aquatic invertebrates, however this is highly dependent on the organisms ecology and most dominant metal exposure route (water vs. sediment).