Extensive elemental mapping unlocks Mg/Ca ratios as climate proxy in seasonal records of Mediterranean limpets.

Elemental analysis of biogeochemical archives is an established technique used to study climate in a range of applications, including ocean circulation, glacial/interglacial climates, and anthropogenic climate change. Data from mollusc archives are especially important because of their global abundance and sub-annual resolution. Despite this potential, they are underrepresented among palaeoclimate studies, due to enigmatic physiological influences skewing the elemental record. Understanding the patterns behind these influences will improve data interpretation and lead to the development of new climate proxies. Here, we show for the first time that extensive spatial mapping of multiple mollusc specimens using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) across a wider region can resolve enigmatic patterns within the elemental record caused by physiological influences. 2D elemental (Mg/Ca) maps of whole limpet shells (Patella caerulea) from across the Mediterranean revealed patterns of variability within individual mollusc records as well as within isochronous parts of specimens. By registering and quantifying these patterns, we established previously uninterpretable correlations with temperature (R2 > 0.8, p < 0.01). This outcome redefines the possibilities of accessing sub-annual climate proxies and presents the means to assess annual temperature ranges using oxygen isotope analysis requiring only 2 samples per shell.

Cytosolic calcium, hydrogen peroxide and related gene expression and protein modulation in Arabidopsis thaliana cell cultures respond immediately to altered gravitation: parabolic flight data.

Callus cell cultures of Arabidopsis thaliana (cv. Columbia) were exposed to parabolic flights in order to assess molecular, short-term responses to altered gravity fields. Using transgenic cell lines, hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and cytosolic Ca(2+) were continuously monitored. In parallel, the metabolism of samples was chemically quenched (RNAlater, Ambion for RNA; acid/base for NADPH, NADP) at typical stages of a parabola [1 g before pull up; end of pull up (1.8 g), end of microgravity (20 s) and end of pull out (1.8 g)]. Cells exhibited an increase in both Ca(2+) and H2 O2 with the onset of microgravity, and a decline thereafter. This behaviour was accompanied by a decrease of the NADPH/NADP redox ratio, indicating Ca(2+) -dependent activation of a NADPH oxidase. Microarray analyses revealed concomitant expression profiles. At the end of the microgravity phase, 396 transcripts were specifically up-, while 485 were down-regulated. Up-regulation was dominated by Ca(2+) - and ROS-related gene products. The same material was also used for analysis of phosphopeptides with 2-D SDS PAGE. Relevant spots were identified by liquid chromatography-MS. With the exception of a chaperone (HSP 70-3), hypergravity (1.8 g) and microgravity modified different sets of proteins. These are partly involved in primary metabolism (glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, citrate cycle) and detoxification of ROS. Taken together, these data show that both gene expression and protein modulation jointly respond within seconds to alterations in the gravity field, with a focus on metabolic adaptation, signalling and control of ROS.

Regulation of human eye growth by the energy density of the radiation in the retina--a biophysical theory in ophthalmology.

A number of theoretical and experimental models analyze regulation of eye growth in humans and animals. In this article we introduce a biophysical theory to explain human eye growth from an energetic point of view. We find different energy densities of the electromagnetic radiation in the retina for hyperopic, emmetropic and myopic eyes. We postulate a relation between the different energy densities of the radiation in the retina and growth regulation by the retina. Based on this relation between physics and biology we are modeling emmetropization, missing emmetropization in severe hyperopia and development and progression of myopia in correspondence with a number of clinical and experimental results.

[Transient visual decrease after photodynamic therapy]. / Passagere Visusminderung nach photodynamischer Therapie. Ein refraktives Problem?

BACKGROUND: After photodynamic therapy (PDT) some patients complain about a transient decrease of visual acuity during the first postoperative week. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prior to and at 2 days and 1 week after PDT the following parameters were measured: (1) best corrected visual acuity (VA), (2) changes in refraction, and (3) A scan ultrasound biometry was carried out. Linear and 3-D optical coherence tomography was performed in three cases. A total of 53 PDT treatments were followed-up in 24 patients. RESULTS: Comparison of the pre- and postoperative refraction demonstrated a mean hyperopic shift of +0.35 diopters (dpt) in 43% of treatments (23/53) on the second postoperative day. The hyperopic shift reduced to +0.07 dpt after 1 week. The best corrected VA remained stable or was even better in 68% (36/53) on the second postoperative day. A decrease in VA could be noticed in 32% (17/53) at this time which declined to 23% (12/53) after 1 week. Measurement of the cornea-retina distance using A-scan ultrasound biometry disclosed a mean axial reduction of 0,13 mm at the second postoperative day. This correlates closely with an average hyperopic shift of 0,35 dpt. OCT examination disclosed a transient macular edema in the treated retinal areas. CONCLUSIONS: A transient hyperopic shift can be measured in 43% on the second postoperative day. The subjective decrease in visual acuity measured over the postoperative days was mainly due to a transient hyperopic shift in our patients. OCT findings disclosed a transient macular edema of the retina treated with PDT, which may relate to a hyperopic shift.

The importance of seed reserves for seedling performance: an integrated approach using morphological, physiological, and stable isotope techniques.

To investigate how seed reserves affect early seedling performance, we conducted a factorial greenhouse experiment using Lithocarpus densiflora (Tanoak). Seedlings were grown from large (5.8+/-0.7 g) and small (3.2+/-0.4 g) seeds and, following shoot emergence, seeds were either removed or left attached. Seedlings were harvested for quantification of biomass and delta13C at seven time periods following seed removal (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 days) and seedling photosynthesis was measured three separate time periods (2-4, 49-82, 95-128 days after seed removal). Biomass increased for all seedlings, but the increase was significantly larger for seedlings with attached seeds than with removed seeds. Seed removal just after shoot emergence significantly decreased seedling biomass, but seed removal 64 days after shoot emergence had no effect on seedling biomass. Seedling photosynthesis per unit leaf area varied by time and seed presence, but not by seed size. At the first period, seedlings with attached seeds had significantly higher photosynthetic rates than seedlings with removed seeds, at the second period there was no effect of seed removal, and at the third time period seedlings with attached seeds had significantly lower photosynthetic rates than seedlings with removed seeds. Despite temporal variation in photosynthesis per unit leaf area, seedlings with attached seeds always had significantly greater leaf area than seedlings with removed seeds, resulting in significantly higher total plant photosynthesis at all three time periods. The delta13C values of both the leaves and roots were more similar to that of the seed for seedlings with attached seeds than for seedlings with removed seeds, however, seed removal and seed size strongly affected root delta13C. This study demonstrates that seed reserves have important effects on the early growth, physiology, and delta13C of L. densiflora seedlings.

Retinal detachment with severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy in Terson syndrome.

BACKGROUND: In several reports, early vitrectomy has been proposed for eyes with vitreous hemorrhage due to Terson syndrome as a means to hasten visual recovery. But the development of nuclear sclerosis and the neurologic problems arising from this disease encourage surgeons to wait for spontaneous resorption, especially with young patients. Although the formation of epiretinal membranes has been described, to the authors' knowledge retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy in Terson syndrome never has been observed. METHODS: The authors report five eyes from four patients with Terson syndrome due to spontaneous aneurysm rupture, in whom retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy developed. RESULTS: The early onset and the severe clinical course of proliferative vitreoretinopathy in these eyes showed parallels to traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The retina in all eyes could be reattached. CONCLUSION: The authors point out the necessity for accurate and close follow-up and early, extensive surgical treatment in Terson syndrome, especially in patients with a reduced general state of health.

Diplophthalmia versus cyclopia and synophthalmia. Mechanisms of doubling of the eye.

In historical and many scientific papers of the 20th century double formation of eyes has been described as cyclopia, which develops as a variably marked fusion of both eye anlagen into a single eye in median position. In contrast with mythology, no cases were viable, as cyclopia is always accompanied by other severe deformities, such as cerebral defects and proboscis. For the first time a double eye on one side - a unilateral diplophthalmia - in a viable child born in Austria is presented after a reviewal of fundamentals of general and experimental embryology, cyclopia and unilateral synophthalmia. Unlike cases of cyclopia with two fused eyes from two anlagen in one single orbit, we found a total of three eyes from two anlagen in two orbits; a normally developed eye in the right orbit and a double eye in the left with no proboscis. In addition porencephaly, a double canine tooth, and a lateral branchial cyst were also present on the left side. An examination of this unique case partially corroberated the findings of experimental embryology as to the normal formation of the lens and brought to light new findings concerning the formation of the vitreous body and the retina, because in the 'extra' left eye a hyaloid artery did not develop. There was only one optic nerve with a normal optic disc as a guiding structure for this artery in the 'normal' left eye.

Acquired ocular toxoplasmosis. A fluorescein angiography study.

A 31-year-old man exhibited a bilateral deterioration of vision over the course of 1 week. The right fundus showed the picture of a central vein occlusion, and the left of a disseminated choroiditis. Indirect immunofluorescent testing indicated a titer of 1:2048 for toxoplasmosis. Fluorescein angiography revealed a hitherto unique picture of isolated choroidal occlusions but neither a central vein occlusion nor a disseminated choroiditis. Using only specific antitoxoplasmotic therapy, the patient regained full visual acuity on both sides. The original findings and the results of a 14-year follow-up are presented.

Unilateral diplophthalmos.

In a child born of a full-term pregnancy, unilateral diplophthalmos without proboscis was observed along with other craniocervical abnormalities (ipsilateral temporoparietal porencephaly, supernumerary teeth, and cervical cyst). A globe almost normal in shape and size was observed within the left orbit. The upper quadrant of this globe was attached to a smaller, pear-shaped, supernumerary eye containing a small lens, normal vitreous humor, ciliary body structures, avascular retina, choroid, and a rudimentary optic disk. When a two-peaked and enlarging intraocular mass was observed clinically, the eye was enucleated because of suspected neoplasm. The enlarging prominence had been caused by the growing second globe. Our findings indicated that a single primary optic vesicle was formed (globe I with an optic fasciculus), and some unknown damage was caused when this single primary optic vesicle induced the lens formation by contacting the ectoderm. Although the conception and early embryonal life of this child had taken place during a period of increased radiation exposure caused by the explosion of the nuclear plant at Chernobyl, U.S.S.R., in the spring of 1986, it seemed unlikely that the abnormality could have been caused by radioactive fallout in the mountains of Austria.

Investigations on diathermy for anterior capsulotomy.

Diathermy is an approved instrument for intraocular surgery. The authors studied the effects and possible side effects of the first clinical application of a straight bipolar high-frequency probe used to cut the anterior capsule in extracapsular cataract exfraction (ECCE) with a continuous movement. In 25 patients with intumescent or mature cataractous lenses, on which capsulorhexis is difficult to perform, the anterior capsule was cut and a round capsulotomy of the desired diameter obtained. Simultaneously, intraocular temperature was measured for the first time in vivo inside the anterior chamber with a microtemperature probe during the operation. With the technique described, it reached a maximum of 33.4 degrees C (the maximum ranged from 32.8 degrees C-33.4 degrees C). There was no abnormal loss of corneal endothelial cells in the 12-month postoperative follow-up. In addition, electrolysis could not be verified experimentally.

Medulloepithelioma of the ciliary body.

Neuroepithelial tumors of the ciliary body occur more seldom than retinoblastoma. The congenital form is called medulloepithelioma, the adult-acquired adenoma or adenocarcinoma. Medulloepitheliomas consist of organoid epithelial structures developing anteriorly along surfaces such as the iris. The authors report on a congenital type unusually growing not only anteriorly along the lens, but also posteriorly along the retina's surface causing retinal detachment.

Injector for highly viscous silicone oil.

A syringe device for the injection and evacuation of highly viscous silicone oil was developed. The problem of removing the air interfering with these manoeuvres was solved by providing special outlets in the plunger and handle of a conventional glass syringe. A slightly modified commercial motor perfusor was chosen to power this device, which has proved to be good and fail-safe in more than 100 cases.

Second nonocular tumors in cured unilateral retinoblastoma patients.

According to recent data the incidence of second tumors in cured hereditary unilateral retinoblastoma patients is 20% within 10 years, 50% after 20 years and rises to 90% after 30 years. Nonhereditary unilateral retinoblastoma patients have not been regarded as susceptible for second nonocular tumors so far. A case is reported of such a patient having developed a second presacral retroperitoneal tumor after successful treatment of a nonhereditary unilateral retinoblastoma group V without intracranial extension or pulmonary metastases. Consequently all (hereditary and non-hereditary) retinoblastoma patients should receive at least quarterly intensive follow-up examinations after primary ophthalmologic treatment.

[Acute recurrent uveitis and idiopathic interstitial nephritis-- a nosologic entity (tubulo-interstitial nephritis and uveitis)]. / Akut rezidivierende Uveitis und idiopathische interstitielle Nephritis--eine nosologische Einheit (TINU-Syndrom).

So far 34 cases of idiopathic acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU syndrome) have been reported by nephrologists. The patients have mainly been girls and only female adults. The authors describe a 53-year-old woman with this nosological entity, presenting with a granulomatous anterior uveitis and chronic course of nephritis. This is the first such case reported. All other cases described in the literature are compared and an attempt is made to locate the immune deficiency.