Anatomical Retinal Changes after Photodynamic Therapy in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Purpose. To evaluate anatomical retinal changes measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), after applying photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 patients (48 eyes) with chronic CSC treated with PDT. Visual acuity (VA), central retinal thickness (CRT), outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, subretinal fluid (SRF), and photoreceptor ellipsoid zone (EZ) measured by SD-OCT were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after PDT. Differences between normally distributed variables were calculated by a paired-sample t-test; p < 0 05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Mean age was 50 +/- 9.8 years. Mean time from diagnosis to PDT was 12.5 months. Baseline VA was 0.51 +/- 0.24 and significantly improved (p < 0 001) to 0.74 +/- 0.26 one year after PDT. CRT and SRF significantly decreased (p < 0 001) at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. ONL thickness and EZ did not significantly change at any point during follow-up. Conclusions. Not significant changes were found in the ONL or EZ 12 months after PDT

Use of a new ocular insert versus conventional mydriasis in cataract surgery

Background. To compare the efficacy and safety of a new ocular insert versus conventional mydriasis in cataract surgery. Methods. We selected 70 patients undergoing cataract surgery. Thirty five patients (Group 1) received instillation of mydriatic drops (tropicamide 1%, phenylephrine 10%, and cyclopentolate 1%) prior to surgery, and 35 patients (Group 2) had a Mydriasert insert (Théa Pharma) (0.28¿mg of tropicamide and 5.4¿mg of phenylephrine hydrochloride) placed in the inferior fornix. Pupil size before and after surgery, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured. Results. Before surgery, pupil diameter was ¿mm in Group 1 and in Group 2 ( ). Twenty four hours after surgery, pupil diameter was ¿mm in Group 1 and in Group 2 ( ). There were no statistically significant differences in blood pressure or heart rate between groups. Conclusions. The effect of the Mydriasert insert was similar to conventional mydriatic agents. Pupil size was restored to normal faster when using the Mydriasert insert compared with conventional mydriatic agents for pupil dilation

Natural attenuation of residual heavy metal contamination in soils affected by the Aznalcóllar mine spill

NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Journal of Environmental Management. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Journal of Environmental Management 92.8 (2011): 2069-2075 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2011.03.030Non-amended soils affected by pyritic sludge residues were monitored for 7 years to assess the long-term natural attenuation ability of these soils. The decrease in both the total concentration of elements (particularly As) and (NH4)2SO4-extractable fractions of Mn, Cu, Zn, and Cd below maximum permissible levels indicate a successful natural ability to attenuate soil pollution. Soil acidification by pyrite oxidation and rainfall-enhanced leaching were the largest contributors to the reduction of high (Mn, Cu, Zn and Cd) and low (Fe, Al, and As) availability metals. Periodic use of correlation and spatial distribution analysis was useful in monitoring elemental dispersion and soil property/element relationshipsFinancial support from the Spanish MICINN (CTM 2007-66401-CO2-02/TECNO; CTM 2004-06715-CO2-01), and from Comunidad de Madrid (EIADES S2009/AMB-1478) is acknowledge

Below Ground Benefits of Cactus \u3ci\u3eOpuntia stricta\u3c/i\u3e Under Rangeland Conditions in Laikipia, Kenya

Cactus Opuntia stricta primarily invades arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), which form more than 80% of Kenya’s landmass. The ability of the plant to tolerate poor soils and accumulate biomass under low precipitation has resulted in studies into its potential use by pastoral communities for biofuel and livestock feed. However, few studies have assessed the below-ground benefits associated with cactus under rangeland conditions. In this study, we evaluated the root contributions of the invasives cactus Opuntia stricta under rangeland conditions in Laikipia, Kenya. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with ten (10) replicates, each measuring 30 × 30 m. Each block was further subdivided into three plots of 10 x 30m Three clusters were randomly selected from each plot for roots and soil samples starting from the center of the cluster (C) to the outside in a gradient of three radii, R1, R2 and R3. Data was collected for root (dry root biomass, % carbon and % nitrogen) and soil (pH, bulk density, % moisture and % nitrogen) characteristics. Significant differences in total root mass, root carbon, and root nitrogen were observed under varying cluster gradients. Root mass ranged from 4527.0 to 9242.0 kg/ha for the outermost radius (R3) and the cluster’s center, respectively. Similarly, except for the soil nitrogen, statistical differences were observed for soil bulk density, percent soil moisture and percent nitrogen along the different cluster gradients. The soil bulk density ranged from 1.2±0.02 (center) to 1.5±0.01 g cm3 (radius 2). Findings from this study demonstrate the important contribution of the invasive cactus species in sustaining the ecological functions of rangeland soils such as those found in Laikipia, Kenya

Use of Limpograss as an Alternative Feed During the Fall Forage Gap in Beef and Dairy Systems in Central and North Florida

In central and North Florida, the use of limpograss [Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf & C. E. Hubb.] for beef and dairy operations is limited and its potential use is not well documented. Two on-farm projects have been conducted in Central and North Florida to explore the use of limpograss as an alternative conserved forage during late fall and winter. The potential use of this forage as baleage for dairy farmers and as stockpiling for livestock producers would offer another alternative to reduce feed costs and fill the forage gap in the area when typical warm-season forages go dormant. In addition, the on-farm limpograss establishment would serve as dissemination for the limpograss planting material. Four dairy farms in Central and North Florida were enrolled in the study to evaluate two cultivars of limpograss for their potential when conserved as baleage. Four 0.2 ha strips were planted per farm, two for each variety (‘Kenhy’ and ‘Gibtuck’). The strips were arranged in a randomized complete block design, with two replicates in each location. Before wrapping the harvested forage for baleage, samples were taken to evaluate crude protein (CP) and in vitro digestible organic matter concentration (IVDOM). In addition, samples of fresh baleage at 60 and 90 d were analyzed for fermentation profile (pH, organic acids, and ammonia). Four beef cattle farms in North Florida allowed us to plant 1 ha of ‘Gibtuck’ for stockpiling evaluating the nutritive value at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. Each plot was replicated four times and allocated in a randomized complete block design. The fermentation profile from the bales does not show differences between cultivars (P \u3e 0.05) and the pH is lower than 5 indicating that the fermentation process was successful. The CP and IVDOM of the stockpiling limpograss were different among the treatments (P \u3c 0.001)

Agroinoculation of Citrus tristeza virus Causes Systemic Infection and Symptoms in the Presumed Nonhost Nicotiana benthamiana

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) naturally infects only some citrus species and relatives and within these it only invades phloem tissues. Failure to agroinfect citrus plants and the lack of an experimental herbaceous host hindered development of a workable genetic system. A full-genome cDNA of CTV isolate T36 was cloned in binary plasmids and was used to agroinfiltrate Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, with or without coinfiltration with plasmids expressing different silencing-suppressor proteins. A time course analysis in agroinfiltrated leaves indicated that CTV accumulates and moves cell-to-cell for at least three weeks postinoculation (wpi), and then, it moves systemically and infects the upper leaves with symptom expression. Silencing suppressors expedited systemic infection and often increased infectivity. In systemically infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants, CTV invaded first the phloem, but after 7 wpi, it was also found in other tissues and reached a high viral titer in upper leaves, thus allowing efficient transmission to citrus by stem-slash inoculation. Infected citrus plants showed the symptoms, virion morphology, and phloem restriction characteristic of the wild T36 isolate. Therefore, agroinfiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana provided the first experimental herbaceous host for CTV and an easy and efficient genetic system for this closterovirus

High-pressure Raman spectroscopy and lattice-dynamics calculations on scintillating MgWO4: A comparison with isomorphic compounds

Raman scattering measurements and lattice-dynamics calculations have been performed on magnesium tungstate under high pressure up to 41 GPa. Experiments have been carried out under a selection of different pressure-media. The influence of non-hydrostaticity on the structural properties of MgWO4 and isomorphic compounds is examined. Under quasi-hydrostatic conditions a phase transition has been found at 26 GPa in MgWO4. The high-pressure phase has been tentatively assigned to a triclinic structure similar to that of CuWO4. We also report and discuss the Raman symmetries, frequencies, and pressure coefficients in the low- and high-pressure phases. In addition, the Raman frequencies for different wolframites are compared and the variation of the mode frequency with the reduced mass across the family is investigated. Finally, the accuracy of theoretical calculations is systematically discussed for MgWO4, MnWO4, FeWO4, CoWO4, NiWO4, ZnWO4, and CdWO4.Comment: 36 pages, 9 figures, 4 table

A highly efficient organogenesis protocol based on zeatin riboside for in vitro regeneration of eggplant

[EN] Background Efficient organogenesis induction in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is required for multiple in vitro culture applications. In this work, we aimed at developing a universal protocol for efficient in vitro regeneration of eggplant mainly based on the use of zeatin riboside (ZR). We evaluated the effect of seven combinations of ZR with indoleacetic acid (IAA) for organogenic regeneration in five genetically diverse S. melongena and one S. insanum L. accessions using two photoperiod conditions. In addition, the effect of six different concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) in order to promote rooting was assessed to facilitate subsequent acclimatization of plants. The ploidy level of regenerated plants was studied. Results In a first experiment with accessions MEL1 and MEL3, significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed for the four factors evaluated for organogenesis from cotyledon, hypocotyl and leaf explants, with the best results obtained (9 and 11 shoots for MEL1 and MEL3, respectively) using cotyledon tissue, 16 h light / 8 h dark photoperiod conditions, and medium E6 (2 mg/L of ZR and 0 mg/L of IAA). The best combination of conditions was tested in the other four accessions and confirmed its high regeneration efficiency per explant when using both cotyledon and hypocotyl tissues. The best rooting media was R2 (1 mg/L IBA). The analysis of ploidy level revealed that between 25 and 50% of the regenerated plantlets were tetraploid. Conclusions An efficient protocol for organogenesis of both cultivated and wild accessions of eggplant, based on the use of ZR, is proposed. The universal protocol developed may be useful for fostering in vitro culture applications in eggplant requiring regeneration of plants and, in addition, allows developing tetraploid plants without the need of antimitotic chemicals.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades, Agencia Estatal de Investigacion and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (grant RTI-2018-094592-B-100 from MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) and by Universitat Politecnica de Valencia. The Spanish Ministerio de Educacion, Cultura y Deporte funded a predoctoral fellowship granted to Edgar Garcia-Fortea (FPU17/02389). The Generalitat Valenciana and Fondo Social Europeo funded a post-doctoral fellowship granted to Mariola Plazas (APOSTD/2018/014). The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science funded a post-doctoral fellowship granted to Pietro Gramazio (FY 2019 Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research in Japan [Standard]). 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Egg intake and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents; role of physical activity: the HELENA study

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECVs) suponen la principal causa de morbi-mortalidad en los países occidentales. El incremento del colesterol plasmático se ha relacionado con el desarrollo de ECV. El huevo, por su alto contenido en colesterol, ha sido indirectamente relacionado con el riesgo de desarrollar ECVs. Objetivo: Examinar la asociación entre ingesta de huevo y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en adolescentes, estudiando si dicha relación está influenciada por la actividad física. Método: Se estudiaron 380 adolescentes pertenecientes al estudio HELENA (HEalthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence). La ingesta de alimentos se estimó mediante anamnesis nutricional de dos días no consecutivos. Se midieron indicadores de adiposidad, perfil lipídico, glucosa, insulina, resistencia a la insulina, tensión arterial y capacidad aeróbica. Se calculó un índice integrado de riesgo cardiovascular (IRCV) como medida del perfil cardiovascular global. La actividad física se midió mediante acelerometría. Se examinó el desarrollo madurativo. El estatus socioeconómico y consumo de tabaco se obtuvieron mediante cuestionario. La asociación entre ingesta de huevo y factores de riesgo de ECV se examinó mediante un modelo de regresión multinivel ajustado por factores de confusión. Resultados: La ingesta de huevo no se asoció con perfil lipídico, nivel de adiposidad, tensión arterial, resistencia a la insulina, capacidad aeróbica o IRCV (todos P > 0,05). Esta falta de asociación no estuvo influenciada por el nivel de actividad física. Conclusiones: Estos resultados sugieren que no existe asociación entre ingesta de huevo y perfil lipídico, adiposidad, resistencia a la insulina, tensión arterial, capacidad aeróbica o el IRCV en adolescentes. La actividad física no influencia dicha falta de asociación.INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the main cause of morbi-mortality in western countries. Serum cholesterol levels have been related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Egg intake has been indirectly related to the risk of developing CVD because of its high cholesterol content. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine the association between egg intake and CVD risk factors in adolescents, assessing the possible influence of physical activity. METHODS: We studied 380 adolescents enrolled in the HELENA (HEalthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) study. Food intake was estimated by 2 nonconsecutive 24 h recalls. We measured adiposity indicators, lipid profile, blood glucose and insulin levels, insulin resistance, blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness. A CVD risk score was computed as a measure of the overall CVD risk profile. Physical activity was objectively measured by accelerometry. Sexual development was examined. Socioeconomic and smoking statuses were obtained by questionnaire. The association between egg intake and CVD risk factors was examined using a multilevel analysis adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Egg intake was not associated with lipid profile, adiposity, insulin resistance, blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness or the integrated CVD risk score. This lack of association was not influenced by physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that egg intake is not associated with a less favorable lipid or CVD risk profile in adolescents. This lack of association is not influenced by the level of physical activity.El estudio HELENA se llevó a cabo con el apoyo económico del Sexto Programa Marco de la Unión Europea (Contract FOOD-CT: 2005-007034). Este estudio también fue apoyado por becas del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (AP 2008-03806: RYC- 2010-05957)