Relationship between CAIs and chondrules: A case study of a compound chondrule from the Allende (CV3) meteorite

We report the mineralogy, petrology, major, minor and trace element geochemistry, O and Si isotopes of a complex compound chondrule from the Allende meteorite. The chondrule contains zones of refractory (Ca, Al-rich) regions along with regions more similar to ferromagnesian chondrules. The bulk silicon isotopic composition of the object is δ30Si = –0.71 ± 0.03‰. The oxygen isotopic composition of the different phases within the compound chondrules fall along the Allende chondrule line and range from Δ17O – 12.5 to –2‰. Rare earth element abundances are enriched compared to chondritic levels by up to 15× CI, and show a nebular condensate signature with depletions in Eu and Yb. Our data show that the object evolved in oxygen isotopes in a nebular environment, most likely due to formation from a mixture of diverse components combined with interaction with nebular gas. In addition, differences in olivine composition across the inclusion suggest isotopically distinct oxygen regions also existed in dust in the protoplanetary disk. This object and other compound objects demonstrate that CAIs were present in the chondrule forming region, however they are not found in the majority of chondrules. We speculate that the bulk of the CAIs may have been added into the CV parent body after initial accretion of the body

Neuropsychological and neuroanatomical phenotype in 17 patients with cystinosis

BACKGROUND: Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by intracellular cystine accumulation. Proximal tubulopathy (Fanconi syndrome) is one of the first signs, leading to end-stage renal disease between the age of 12 and 16. Other symptoms occur later and encompass endocrinopathies, distal myopathy and deterioration of the central nervous system. Treatment with cysteamine if started early can delay the progression of the disease. Little is known about the neurological impairment which occurs later. The goal of the present study was to find a possible neuroanatomical dysmorphic pattern that could help to explain the cognitive profile of cystinosis patients. We also performed a detailed review of the literature on neurocognitive complications associated with cystinosis. METHODS: 17 patients (mean age = 17.6 years, [5.4-33.3]) with cystinosis were included in the study. Neuropsychological assessment was performed including intelligence (Intelligence Quotient (IQ) with Wechsler's scale), memory (Children Memory Scale and Wechsler Memory Scale), visuo-spatial (Rey's figure test) and visuo-perceptual skills assessments. Structural brain MRI (3 T) was also performed in 16 out of 17 patients, with high resolution 3D T1-weighted, 3D FLAIR and spectroscopy sequences. RESULTS: Intellectual efficiency was normal in patients with cystinosis (mean Total IQ = 93). However the Perceptual Reasoning Index (mean = 87, [63-109]) was significantly lower than the Verbal Comprehension Index (mean = 100, [59-138], p = 0.003). Memory assessment showed no difference between visual and verbal memory. But the working memory was significantly impaired in comparison with the general memory skills (p = 0.003). Visuospatial skills assessment revealed copy and reproduction scores below the 50th percentile rank in more than 70% of the patients. Brain MRI showed cortical and sub-cortical cerebral atrophy, especially in the parieto-occipital region and FLAIR hypersignals in parietal, occipital and brain stem/cerebellum. Patients with atrophic brain had lower Total IQ scores compared to non-atrophic cystinosis patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cystinosis have a specific neuropsychological and neuroanatomical profile. We suggest performing a systematic neuropsychological assessment in such children aiming at considering adequate management