Assessment of microalga biofilms for simultaneous remediation and biofuel generation in mine tailings water.

Microalgae crops can generate a biochemical profile of high energy density and may be used for remediation of contaminated waste waters. This manuscript presents a laboratory-scale investigation into the potential for growing endemic microalgae biofilms in phosphorus-enriched nickel refinery tailings water, with an emphasis on product potential and the remediation of heavy metals. The dominant species of the consortia was a Chlorella-like microalga. The growth was monitored over time, with a productivity (0.77±0.07gAFDW.m-2.day-1) showing promising potential. The biochemical profile of biomass had a high total carbohydrate yield (40.0%), and a potential for increased lipid yields (6.7-19.5%). Biofilms showed a significant potential for the removal of heavy metals (Ni, Co, Mn, Sr) from the waste water with 24.8%, 10.5%, 24.8% and 26.4% reduction in Ni, Co, Mn and Sr, respectively. Results highlight significant potential for large-scale biofilm biomass production using metal-laden nickel refinery waste waters.

Response of mixed methanotrophic consortia to different methane to oxygen ratios.

Methane (CH4) and oxygen (air) concentrations affect the CH4 oxidation capacity (MOC) and mixed methanotrophic community structures in compost (fresh) and landfill (age old) top cover soils. A change in the mixed methanotrophic community structure in response has implications for landfill CH4 bio-filter remediation and possible bio-product outcomes (i.e., fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) content and profiles and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) contents). Therefore the study aimed to evaluate the effect of variable CH4 to oxygen ratios (10-50% CH4 in air) on mixed methanotrophic community structures enriched from landfill top cover (LB) and compost soils (CB) and to quantify flow on impacts on MOC, total FAME contents and profiles, and PHB accumulation. A stable consortium developed achieving average MOCs of 3.0±0.12, 4.1±0.26, 6.9±0.7, 7.6±1.3 and 9.2±1.2mgCH4g-1DWbiomassh-1 in LB and 2.9±0.04, 5.05±0.32, 6.7±0.31, 7.9±0.61 and 8.6±0.48mgCH4g-1DWbiomassh-1 in CB for a 20day cultivation period at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% CH4, respectively. CB at 10% CH4 had a maximal FAME content of 40.5±0.8mgFAMEg-1DWbiomass, while maximal PHB contents (25mgg-1DWbiomass) was observed at 40% CH4 in LB. Despite variable CH4/O2 ratios, the mixed methanotrophic community structures in both LB and CB were relatively stable, dominated by Methylosarcina sp., and Chryseobacterium, suggesting that a resilient consortium had formed which can now be tested in bio-filter operations for CH4 mitigations in landfills.

Particle emissions from microalgae biodiesel combustion and their relative oxidative potential.

Microalgae are considered to be one of the most viable biodiesel feedstocks for the future due to their potential for providing economical, sustainable and cleaner alternatives to petroleum diesel. This study investigated the particle emissions from a commercially cultured microalgae and higher plant biodiesels at different blending ratios. With a high amount of long carbon chain lengths fatty acid methyl esters (C20 to C22), the microalgal biodiesel used had a vastly different average carbon chain length and level of unsaturation to conventional biodiesel, which significantly influenced particle emissions. Smaller blend percentages showed a larger reduction in particle emission than blend percentages of over 20%. This was due to the formation of a significant nucleation mode for the higher blends. In addition measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS), showed that the oxidative potential of particles emitted from the microalgal biodiesel combustion were lower than that of regular diesel. Biodiesel oxygen content was less effective in suppressing particle emissions for biodiesels containing a high amount of polyunsaturated C20-C22 fatty acid methyl esters and generated significantly increased nucleation mode particle emissions. The observed increase in nucleation mode particle emission is postulated to be caused by very low volatility, high boiling point and high density, viscosity and surface tension of the microalgal biodiesel tested here. Therefore, in order to achieve similar PM (particulate matter) emission benefits for microalgal biodiesel likewise to conventional biodiesel, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) with high amounts of polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids (≥C20) may not be desirable in microalgal biodiesel composition.

The ratio of abdominal circumference and body weight--an objective parameter for the daily ward round in a NICU?

OBJECTIVE: Feeding tolerance and the degree of abdominal distension are important factors on the ward round on a NICU. They are basis for systematic changes in enteral feeds and an early indicator of clinical deterioration. Our aim was to examine the ratio of abdominal circumference(AC) to body weight (BW) as an additional variable for abdominal distension and its relationship to feeding, the increase of feeds and CPAP. HYPOTHESIS: The AC/BW ratio of premature infants decreases in serial measurements with increasing body weight during the fi rst 28 days of life. Higher amount of enteral nutrition and CPAP cause an increase. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 30 premature infants(mean: 27.5 weeks, SD 2.2; 16 male, 2 200 measurements),daily measurement and recording during the fi rst 28 days of life: AC (cm), BW (g),enteral/parenteral amount of fluid intake, type of formula, composition of macronutrients (breastmilk, type of formula), gastric residual volume,CPAP therapy. RESULTS: Increase of AC ratio mean value from 19.9, SD 3.2 (d1) to 25.0, SD 5.2 (d6), followed by continuous decrease to 19.9, SD 4.4 (d28). Weeks of gestation, total amount of enteral feeding had a significant eff ect (p < 0.05). With increasing total amount of enteral feeding, the AC/BW ratio decreased. Changes in enteral feeding volume,CPAP had no significant eff ect. CONCLUSION: Our aim was to provide longitudinal data from VLBW infants and to assess whether AC/BW ratio is affected by feeding, increase in feds and CPAP. In future the ratio may be a more objective parameter to avoid withholding feds or to detect early clinical deterioration.

Healthcare worker-related MRSA cluster in a German neonatology level III ICU: a true European story.

Here we investigated a cluster of eight newly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-colonized neonates at an ICU, and present data on molecular strain characterization as well as the source identification process in which we analyze the impact of MRSA-colonized HCWs. Molecular strain characterization revealed a unique pattern which was identified as spa-type t 127--an extremely rare strain type in Germany. Environmental sampling and screening of parents of colonized neonates proved negative. However, staff screening identified one healthcare worker (HCW; 1/134) belonging to a group of recently employed Romanian HCWs who was colonized with the spa 127 strain. Subsequent screening also detected MRSA in 9/51 Romanian HCWs (18%) and 7/9 (14% of all) isolates showed the same molecular pattern as the index case (spa/PFGE type). All carriers were successfully decolonized, after which no new patient cases occurred. As a result, we have now implemented a universal screening programme of all new employees as part of our infection control management strategy. MRSA-colonized HCWs can act as a source for in hospital transmission. Since HCWs from high endemic countries are particular prone to being colonized, they may pose a risk to patients.

[Hyperglycaemia and preterm infants: a chapter of its own]. / Hyperglykämie und Frühgeborene: Ein Kapitel für sich.

Antenatally, glucose maintenance takes place via transplacental transfer from mother to fetus. In the third trimester, the amount of glucose transported increases, while glycogen and fat stores are developed. After delivery a continuous and sufficient glucose supply for vital organs and brain is essential. In term infants hormonal and metabolic adaption is well-coordinated, involving adrenal gland, pancreas and liver. However, in preterm infants, mainly during first week of life, there is a high risk of abnormalities in glucose homeostasis. Due to limited glycogen and fat stores, hypoglycaemia may occur which is avoided by continuous glucose infusion. An underestimated risk is hyperglycaemia due to a combination of relative insulin deficiency and insulin resistance, associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Management of hyperglycaemia is one of the topics in neonatology and is still being discussed controversially. This review approaches different therapeutic strategies and gives an overview about the current recommendations in the literature.

Thermoregulation of Premature Infants during and after Skin-to-Skin Care.

OBJECTIVE: Providing normothermia is an important issue in daily routine care of premature neonates. We recently found with infrared thermography (IRT) a drop in skin temperature of premature babies after they were positioned from skin-to-skin care (SSC) back into the incubator. Since this did not disappear within 10 min, we wanted to find out how long it takes until the baby has fully warmed up after SSC and if the IRT measurements correlate with conventional rectal temperature? STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study was undertaken with 5 premature infants [3 male, median gestational age 28 weeks (25-29), median age at study 34 d (28-52), median birth weight 898 g (400-1095), median weight at study 1263 g (790-1465)], temperature was determined with IRT (leg, back, arm, head, upper abdomen; diameter 1 cm, scale 0.00°C), comparison with 2 conventional sensors and rectal temperature. Temperatures were recorded every 2 min and displayed for 4 time points, namely at the beginning and the end of skin-to-skin care (SSC1, SSC2), as well as at the beginning and the end of a subsequent 60 min incubator period (I). RESULTS: A significant rise during SSC occurred while the cooling after SSC persisted during the complete incubator measurement time (I; p<0.05). Rectal temperature remained stable through the whole measuring period. CONCLUSION: While SSC in our setting led to an increase in temperature, the lack of compensation of peripheral heat loss in the incubator after 60 min may express an inadequate peripheral regulation of body temperature. This should be taken into account before routine care after SSC.

Impact of skin to skin care, prone and supine positioning on cardiorespiratory parameters and thermoregulation in premature infants.

BACKGROUND: Skin to skin care (SSC), prone (PP) and supine (SP) positions are standard positions in daily care for premature infants. Their influence on cardiorespiratory parameters and thermoregulation is discussed controversially. OBJECTIVES: We compared SSC with PP, the recommended position for preterm infants, and SP, the safest position for term infants, and tested the hypothesis that SSC has no impact on cardiorespiratory parameters and thermoregulation. METHODS: In 18 spontaneously breathing premature infants [median gestational 28 weeks (24-32); chronological age 36 days (7-64), and weight 1,543 g (750-2,100)], heart and respiratory rate, breathing pattern, episodes of desaturation (<85 but >or=80 and <80%), oxygen saturation and rectal temperature were analyzed with polygraphy (Alice 3(R) and 3.5(R)) in a 6-hour measuring cycle of three subsequent series (120 min each in SP, SSC and PP) and compared (Wilcoxon test). RESULTS: During SSC, we found no increase in apneic attacks and bradycardic episodes and no difference in respiratory rate, breathing pattern, oxygen saturation, episodes and duration of desaturation compared to SP and PP. Episodes of desaturation <85 but >or=80 and <80% were more frequent in SP compared to PP (p = 0.0421 and p = 0.0319). Heart rate increased in SSC and PP compared to SP (154.86 bpm, SD 11.55, and 153.33 bpm, SD 15.95 vs. 150.25 bpm, SD 14.64; p = 0.0013 and p = 0.0346). Temperature level was not significantly higher during SSC and PP compared to SP except a rise between the start and the end of the 6-hour measuring cycle (37.05 degrees C, SD 0.2 vs. 37.30 degrees C, SD 0.3; p = 0.0436). CONCLUSION: We found no significant SSC-mediated changes in quality and quantity of desaturations and in body temperature compared to PP in preterm infants.

Persistent cyanosis in a 4 month old infant with severe pneumonia and haemoglobin M.

M haemoglobinaemia is a rare cause of persistant cyanosis. We report a four months old infant who suffered from severe pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome. After return of normal respiration, cyanosis persisted. Oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry never exceeded 85%. Finally, we succeeded in isolating a haemoglobin M Saskatoon. HbM Saskatoon is normally a harmless variant. However, in conjunction with severe pneumonia, we assume that it did not only affect clinical evaluation, but also exacerbated pneumonia by reducing the oxygen binding capacity.

[Depression of respiration via toxic effects on the central nervous system following use of topical brimonidine in an infant with congenital glaucoma]. / Zentralnervöse Atemdepression als Komplikation der Behandlung des kongenitalen Glaukoms mit Brominidin-Augentropfen.

We report the case of a premature newborn (gestational age 33 weeks) with congenital glaucoma. After a trabeculotomy high intraocular pressure persisted, leading to adjuvant treatment with timolol and--when the infant was 3 weeks old--with brimonidine. After the first application of topical brimonidine the infant developed such severe apnoeic spells that intubation and temporary ventilation were necessary. A review of the literature reveals that when used in young infants brimonidine eye drops can potentially have toxic effects on the central nervous system (e.g. respiratory depression). The use of topical brimonidine is therefore not advised in this age group.

[Foudroyant rhinocerebral zygomycosis]. / Foudroyante rhinozerebrale Zygomykose.

We present a fatal case of rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis in an 81-year old immunocompromised patient with a 18-year history of multiple myeloma. The patient initially presented with symptoms of an orbital complication, loss of vision after acute sinusitis and agranulocytosis. Endonasal sinus surgery with orbital decompression was performed. Within days a rapid visero-cerebral progression of necrosis developed finally causing the patient's death. Invasive fungal infections are generally characterized by diagnostic difficulties in the early stage and exhibit an extremely high mortality. Definitive diagnosis of rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus microsporus was made by histology, culture and polymerase chain reaction. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative for the management of patients afflicted with this devastating and life-threatening fungal infection.

[Sonography and scintigraphy in the diagnosis of cystadenolymphomas (warthin tumor)]. / Wertigkeit der Szintigraphie und der Sonographie in der Diagnostik der Zystadenolymphome der Glandula parotis.

BACKGROUND: Is scintigraphy in the preoperative diagnosis of cystadenolymphomas dispensable? PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study 35 patients with tumors of the parotid gland were examined sonographically and scintigraphycally and the results were compared with the histological findings. RESULTS: By means of sonography 88 % (22/25) of the cystadenolymphomas were correctly diagnosed and by means of scintigraphy 80 % (20/25). CONCLUSIONS: Sonography is recommendable as the first-line diagnostic procedure in cystadenolymphomas because it is without radiation load, the free choice of the echographic plane, and it can be repeated as often as desired. Scintigraphy adds in selected cases, as in elder patients, additional informations. The combination of sonography and scintigraphy confirms the presence of cystadenolymphoma and allows the surgeon to make a decision and to avoid surgery especially in high-risk patients.

The GRIP domain is a specific targeting sequence for a population of trans-Golgi network derived tubulo-vesicular carriers.

Vesicular carriers for intracellular transport associate with unique sets of accessory molecules that dictate budding and docking on specific membrane domains. Although many of these accessory molecules are peripheral membrane proteins, in most cases the targeting sequences responsible for their membrane recruitment have yet to be identified. We have previously defined a novel Golgi targeting domain (GRIP) shared by a family of coiled-coil peripheral membrane Golgi proteins implicated in membrane trafficking. We show here that the docking site for the GRIP motif of p230 is a specific domain of Golgi membranes. By immuno-electron microscopy of HeLa cells stably expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-p230GRIP fusion protein, we show binding specifically to a subset of membranes of the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Real-time imaging of live HeLa cells revealed that the GFP-p230GRIP was associated with highly dynamic tubular extensions of the TGN, which have the appearance and behaviour of transport carriers. To further define the nature of the GRIP membrane binding site, in vitro budding assays were performed using purified rat liver Golgi membranes and cytosol from GFP-p230GRIP-transfected cells. Analysis of Golgi-derived vesicles by sucrose gradient fractionation demonstrated that GFP-p230GRIP binds to a specific population of vesicles distinct from those labelled for beta-COP or gamma-adaptin. The GFP-p230GRIP fusion protein is recruited to the same vesicle population as full-length p230, demonstrating that the GRIP domain is solely proficient as a targeting signal for membrane binding of the native molecule. Therefore, p230 GRIP is a targeting signal for recruitment to a highly selective membrane attachment site on a specific population of trans-Golgi network tubulo-vesicular carriers.

Prophylactically-administered rectal acetaminophen does not reduce postoperative opioid requirements in infants and small children undergoing elective cleft palate repair.

UNLABELLED: Rectal acetaminophen (Ac) is often administered prophylactically at anesthesia induction for postoperative pain management in small children and is thought to have an opioid-sparing effect. We assessed in this double-blinded, prospective, randomized study early opioid requirements after three doses of Ac (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg versus placebo) in 80 children (ASA physical status I, age 11.4 +/- 9.9 mo) undergoing cleft palate repair. Single Ac plasma concentrations were measured. Pain scores assessed in the postanesthesia care unit of > or = 4 of 10 resulted in the IV administration of 25 microg/kg piritramide, a popular European mu receptor agonist (lockout time, 10 min; maximum 0.125 mg/kg). There were no significant differences between groups with regard to the early postoperative pain scores and the overall cumulative IV opioid requirements. Maximal plasma concentrations achieved were only subtherapeutic (Ac 10 mg/kg: 8 microg/mL; Ac 20 mg/kg: 13 microg/mL; Ac 40 mg/kg: 21 microg/mL after 122, 122, and 121 min, respectively). We conclude that rectal Ac up to 40 mg/kg has no opioid-sparing effect, does not result in analgesic Ac plasma concentrations, and lacks proof of its efficacy in infants and small children undergoing cleft palate repair, whereas titrated IV opioid boluses produced rapid and reliable pain relief. IMPLICATIONS: Acetaminophen is widely used prophylactically for postoperative analgesia in children and is thought to have an opioid-sparing effect. We showed that rectal acetaminophen up to 40 mg/kg administered at anesthesia induction lacked proof of efficacy, whereas IV opioid boluses resulted in reliable pain relief in children undergoing cleft palate repair.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy pattern in age-related macular degeneration: a clinicopathologic correlation.

PURPOSE: To report the histopathologic features of surgically removed submacular tissue from an elderly patient with a pattern of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy on indocyanine green angiography. METHODS: Clinical examination including fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography and light microscopy of surgical specimen. RESULTS: A thick yellow proteinaceous subretinal fluid was seen in the right macula of an 81-year-old white man. Fluorescein angiography indicated progressive leakage from undetermined source apart from a few focal hyperfluorescent points. Indocyanine green angiography showed several polyps as well as dilated choroidal vessels in the macula and along the superior temporal arcade. A large plaque was visualized in the late phase. Microscopically, the specimen consisted of a thick fibrovascular membrane located on the choroidal side of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The RPE layer was discontinuous whereas on its choroidal side an almost intact layer of diffuse drusen was observed. A group of dilated thin-walled vessels were found that appeared to be saccular on serial sections. Some of these were located almost immediately under the diffuse drusen. CONCLUSION: Histologic examination of submacular tissue removed from an eye with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy showed several aneurysmal dilatations located directly under diffuse drusen within a sub-RPE, intra-Bruch's fibrovascular membrane.

Influence of membrane differential filtration on the natural course of age-related macular degeneration: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Membrane differential filtration is able to optimize rheologic parameters by eliminating high molecular weight proteins and lipoproteins from the blood. Following the hypothesis that these changes result in an improvement of the microcirculation, the authors tested the efficacy of membrane differential filtration in improving visual function in patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: Forty patients (40 eyes) were randomized into two groups. The treatment group was treated five times over a period of 21 weeks. In both groups, 9/20 of the eyes showed subfoveolar subretinal neovascularization. The main parameter of the study was visual acuity (VA). Electroretinogram (ERG), electrooculogram, and macular visual evoked potentials were also recorded. Plasma and whole blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation were measured. RESULTS: The 20 patients treated repeatedly over a period of 21 weeks showed a mean improvement of 0.63 lines (SD 1.8) of VA on Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts. The control group showed a deterioration of 0.94 lines (SD 1.7) compared to VA at baseline examination. The amplitude of the ERG photopic a-wave and the flicker ERG was significantly increased. The rheologic parameters were lowered in all treated patients. CONCLUSION: Repetitive treatment with membrane differential filtration is able to improve visual acuity of patients with ARMD and the natural course of this disease. Several questions arise from the results of this study. Further research will show if it is possible to optimize the selection of patients for subgroups with predictive responses through morphologic and functional tests and how to create an optimized and individual treatment strategy determined by the quality, intensity, and frequency of treatment sessions.

Oculocerebral non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with uveal involvement: development of an epibulbar tumor after vitrectomy.

Primary ocular lymphoma is the ocular manifestation of primary oculocerebral non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We describe a 79-year-old woman with a 7-year history of bilateral uveitis and subsequent central nervous system lymphomas. Repeated diagnostic vitrectomy during the following 5 years failed to demonstrate intraocular lymphoma cells. Within 9 months after the second vitrectomy, an epibulbar tumor developed in the limbal region of the left eye at the site of the sclerotomy. The eye, blind and painful due to secondary angle-closure glaucoma, was enucleated. Histopathologically, the globe showed a diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma extending from the ciliary body outward through the sclerotomy. We conclude that, following vitrectomy, a primary ocular lymphoma may extend through the sclerotomy lesion and present as an epibulbar tumor. Uveal involvement may occur in oculocerebral non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Idiopathic growth hormone deficiency: a vanishing diagnosis?

Some non-organic causes for growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) can be attributed to genetic defects within the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. Using modern molecular biology techniques micromutations within the GH and GH-releasing hormone receptor genes have been detected as a rare cause of isolated GHD. Combined pituitary hormone deficiencies (CPHD), on the other hand, are associated with defects that manifest during the organogenesis of the anterior pituitary gland. In recent years an increasing number of patients with CPHD has been reported, showing mutations within pituitary transcription factors Pit-1, Prop-1 and HesX1. Such defects can be observed with different frequencies in patients. Some disorders, such as CPHD due to Pit-1 mutations, display a hormonal phenotype that seems more or less invariable. In most other forms of genetic CPHD both the combination and severity of anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies vary considerably. Ongoing research concentrates on factors involved in the differentiation and proliferation of cells that belong to the hypothalamo-pituitary growth axis. As not every possible candidate turns out to be a frequent cause of GHD or CPHD in humans, it will be many more years before the term 'idiopathic' becomes a vanishing attribute to the clinical diagnosis of pituitary insufficiency.

Elevated vitreous nitric oxide levels in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine nitric oxide levels in the vitreous of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Using the spectrophotometric method based on Griess reaction, we measured levels of nitrite, the stable product of nitric oxide, in the vitreous of 21 eyes of 21 patients who underwent vitrectomy for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy with tractional retinal detachment, prospectively. Three samples were excluded from the study because of blood contamination. The control group was made up of vitreous samples from 15 eyes of 15 normal cadavers and five eyes of five patients who were undergoing vitrectomy for macular hole surgery. RESULTS: Nitrite levels were 0. 524 +/- 0.27 microM and 0.383 +/- 0.17 microM in the vitreous of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy of diabetes type I and type II, respectively. In 15 cadaver eyes and five vitreous samples from patients who underwent macular hole surgery, nitrite levels were below the detection limit (less than 0.08 microM). There was no significant difference between nitrite levels in patients with type I and type II diabetes (P =.56), whereas there was a significant difference between diabetes groups and controls (P <. 00001). CONCLUSION: Vitreous nitric oxide levels are elevated in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy with tractional retinal detachment. Nitric oxide may play a role in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

[Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in retinal artery occlusion]. / Hyperbare Sauerstofftherapie bei arteriellen Gefässverschlüssen der Netzhaut.

UNLABELLED: Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is an ophthalmological emergency that causes a major decrease of visual parameters in most of the cases. Purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) on visual acuity (VA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with acute central or branch artery occlusion (CRAO/BRAO) consecutively admitted to our hospital were offered adjunctive HBO. Standard therapy consisted of ocular massage for 3 minutes, paracentesis and intravenous acetazolamide. HBO (3 x 30 minutes at 240 kPa) was applied t.i.d. on the first day, b.i.d. on day 2 and 3 and o.d. for at least another 4 days. Patients who refused HBO or had contraindications served as controls. VA was measured according to the guidelines of ETDRS. The follow up was 3 months. RESULTS: HBO: 8 patients with CRAO showed a mean increase in VA of 1 line, 4 of 8 patients had an increase of 2 lines and more, in 3 of 8 patients VA was unchanged and one patient suffered a decrease of 6 lines. 10 patients with BRAO showed a mean increase in VA of 8 lines, 8 of 10 patients showed an mean increase of 2 and more lines, in 2 of 10 patients VA was unchanged. CONTROLS: 8 Patients with CRAO had a mean increase of 2 lines during follow up, 3 of 8 patients showed an increase of 2 lines and more, in 5 of 8 patients VA was unchanged. 6 patients with BRAO had a mean increase of VA of 4 lines, 3 of 6 patients had an increase of 2 lines and more, one patient lost 3 lines and in 2 patients VA was unchanged. The results are compared to the literature. CONCLUSIONS: HBO seems to be beneficial for VA in eyes with BRAO. Further investigations are necessary to prove this observation.