Solar radiation explains litter degradation along alpine elevation gradients better than other climatic or edaphic parameters

Organic matter (OM) decomposition has been shown to vary across ecosystems, suggesting that variation in local ecological conditions influences this process. A better understanding of the ecological factors driving OM decomposition rates will allow to better predict the effect of ecosystem changes on the carbon cycle. While temperature and humidity have been put forward as the main drivers of OM decomposition, the concomitant role of other ecosystem properties, such as soil physicochemical properties, and local microbial communities, remains to be investigated within large-scale ecological gradients. To address this gap, we measured the decomposition of a standardized OM source – green tea and rooibos tea – across 24 sites spread within a full factorial design including elevation and exposition, and across two distinct bioclimatic regions in the Swiss Alps. By analyzing OM decomposition via 19 climatic, edaphic or soil microbial activity-related variables, which strongly varied across sites, we identified solar radiation as the primary source of variation of both green and rooibos teabags decomposition rate. This study thus highlights that while most variables, such as temperature or humidity, as well as soil microbial activity, do impact decomposition process, in combination with the measured pedo-climatic niche, solar radiation, very likely by means of indirect effects, best captures variation in OM degradation. For instance, high solar radiation might favor photodegradation, in turn speeding up the decomposition activity of the local microbial communities. Future work should thus disentangle the synergistic effects of the unique local microbial community and solar radiation on OM decomposition across different habitats

Current Trends about Inner Limiting Membrane Peeling in Surgery for Epiretinal Membranes

The inner limiting membrane (ILM) is the basement membrane of the Müller cells and can act as a scaffold for cellular proliferation in the pathophysiology of disorders affecting the vitreomacular interface. The atraumatic removal of the macular ILM has been proposed for treating various forms of tractional maculopathy in particular for macular pucker. In the last decade, the removal of ILM has become a routine practice in the surgery of the epiretinal membranes (ERMs), with good anatomical results. However many recent studies showed that ILM peeling is a procedure that can cause immediate traumatic effects and progressive modification on the underlying inner retinal layers. Moreover, it is unclear whether ILM peeling is helpful to improve vision after surgery for ERM. In this review, we describe the current understanding about ILM peeling and highlight the beneficial and adverse effects associated with this surgical procedure

Malignant melanoma of the rectum: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Anorectal melanoma represents an unusual but important presentation of rectal malignancy. There have only been a few cases reported and the optimum management for this condition is still undecided, however, prompt diagnosis is essential. We have outlined current treatment options.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report a case of malignant melanoma of the rectum in a 55-year-old Caucasian man presenting as an emergency with rectal bleeding. Biopsies were taken of the fleshy mass found on digital examination, which confirmed malignant melanoma. No distant metastases were found. He underwent an abdominoperineal resection. We report the surgical management of this rare and aggressive malignancy.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Treatment options for this condition are divergent. Surgical management varies from wide local excision to abdominoperineal resection. Clinical awareness in both medical and surgical clinics is required for prompt diagnosis and treatment.</p

Relative contribution of high and low elevation soil microbes and nematodes to ecosystem functioning

1. Ecosystem productivity is largely dependent on soil nutrient cycling which, in turn, is driven by decomposition rates governed by locally adapted below-ground microbial and soil communities. How climate change will impact soil biota and the associated ecosystem functioning, however, remains largely an open question. 2. To address this gap, we first characterized differences in soil microbial and nematode communities as well as functional characteristics from soils collected from the foothills or in sub-alpine elevations of the Alps. We next performed a full-factorial reciprocal transplant common garden experiment at two elevations, and asked whether elevation-related functional and taxonomic differences are maintained or can be altered depending on the local climatic conditions. For this, we separately transplanted soil microbial and nematode communities from low and high elevation in their home or opposite elevation in pots added with a common plant community. 3. We found evidence for taxonomic and functional differentiation of the microbial and nematode communities when collected at high or low elevation. Specifically, we observed a decrease in microbial diversity and activity at high elevation, and additionally, through nematodes' functional characterization, we found increased fungal-dominated energy channels at high elevation. 4. Moreover, according to the reciprocal transplant experiment, while we found little effect of soil biodiversity change based on elevation of origin on plant growth and plant community composition, soils inoculated with microbes originating from low elevation respired more than those originating from high elevation, particularly when at low elevation. This observation correlates well with the observed faster carbon degradation rates by the low elevation microbial communities. 5. Climate change can reshuffle soil communities depending on organism-specific variation in range expansion, ultimately affecting soil fertility and carbon-cycle dynamics

Quality of vision in patients implanted with aspherical and spherical intraocular lens: Intraindividual comparison.

4noAims: To compare the quality of vision in pseudophakic patients implanted with aspherical and spherical intraocular lenses (IOLs). Materials and Methods: Randomized prospective longitudinal intrapatient comparison between aspherical and spherical IOLs performed on 22 patients who underwent bilateral cataract surgery. Best corrected visual acuity, subjective contrast sensitivity, Strehl ratio and spherical aberrations (SA), and higher order wavefront aberrations for a 3.5 mm and a 6.0 mm pupil were measured after 3 months of cataract surgery. Results: SA (Z4,0) decreased significantly in eyes with aspherical IOL implant (P = 0.004). Modulation transfer function (MTF) and point spread function (PSF) resulted no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.87; P = 0.32). Conclusion: Although the SA is significantly lower in eyes implanted with aspherical IOL, the quality of vision determined with MTF and PSF does not significantly differ for subjective and objective parameters that were analyzed.reservedmixedSemeraro F; Romano MR; Duse S; Costagliola C.Semeraro, Francesco; Romano, Mr; Duse, S; Costagliola, C

Systemic thromboembolic adverse events in patients treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: an update

Introduction: Intravitreal anti-VEGF is the most effective therapy for wet AMD, although systemic effects on the endothelium cannot be excluded. Areas covered: The purpose of this review was to evaluate risk of thromboembolic events associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF. Expert opinion: Current data are insufficient to confirm the safety of these compounds, due to the paucity of specific studies. Thus, pharmacovigilance for all anti-VEGF should be improved to verify the true role of anti-VEGF in the occurrence of systemic adverse events

AOP*** Original Article Quality of vision in patients implanted with aspherical and spherical intraocular lens: Intraindividual comparison

Aims: To compare the quality of vision in pseudophakic patients implanted with aspherical and spherical intraocular lenses (IOLs). Materials and Methods: Randomized prospective longitudinal intrapatient comparison between aspherical and spherical IOLs performed on 22 patients who underwent bilateral cataract surgery. Best corrected visual acuity, subjective contrast sensitivity, Strehl ratio and spherical aberrations (SA), and higher order wavefront aberrations for a 3.5 mm and a 6.0 mm pupil were measured after 3 months of cataract surgery. Results: SA (Z4,0) decreased significantly in eyes with aspherical IOL implant (P = 0.004). Modulation transfer function (MTF) and point spread function (PSF) resulted no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.87; P = 0.32). Conclusion: Although the SA is significantly lower in eyes implanted with aspherical IOL, the quality of vision determined with MTF and PSF does not significantly differ for subjective and objective parameters that were analyzed

From the analysis of pharmacologic vitreolysis to the comprehension of ocriplasmin safety

Introduction: Pharmacologic vitreolysis is a strategy used to treat anomalous posterior vitreous detachment, by weakening vitreoretinal adhesion with an intravitreal drug. Pharmacologic vitreolysis facilitates surgery, and abnormalities of the vitreoretinal interface including vitreomacular traction (VMT) and early stage macular hole (MH) could be resolved. Ocriplasmin is a recombinant protease, active against fibronectin and laminin, which are important components of the vitreoretinal interface. Ocriplasmin has been approved for symptomatic treatment of VMT and MH with visible traction, and it functions by dissolving the proteins that link the vitreous to the macula, thereby creating a complete posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Areas covered: This paper reviews the current knowledge and status of investigations regarding the use of ocriplasmin for pharmacologic vitreolysis and its safety. Expert opinion: Ocriplasmin is a non-specific enzyme; therefore, it dissolves vitreal proteins as well as possibly proteins associated with visual function in the retina, choroid, and lens. Ocular adverse events (OAEs) of ocriplasmin include transient visual loss, intraocular inflammation, vitreous floaters, lens opacification, zonular instability of the lens, and intraocular hemorrhage. The prevalence of the OAEs is very low; however, on rare occasions, they can result in widespread retinal dysfunction. Research into the acute and long-term safety of ocriplasmin is required

Hearing healthcare for workers with hearing loss: audiologists' experiences and views

Purpose: This study explored audiologists’ perspectives regarding their interactions with workers with hearing loss (WHL). Materials and methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five audiologists working in the National Health Service (NHS) and independent companies (IC) in the UK and were thematically analysed. Results: The developed themes and sub-themes (shown in parenthesis) are (1) Current practices and routines (Same approach for most patients; Variations between hearing care services; Audiologists’ personal experience of hearing loss) (2) Perceived challenges (Non-routine and challenging cases; The role of hearing technology; Concerns about lack of awareness and knowledge; Communication difficulties between services, Limited funding and resources) (3) Scope for better support (Would like to be informed; Other potential service improvements). Conclusions: This study revealed that audiologists’ perceived deficiencies in the hearing rehabilitation for WHL and identified ways to improve it. Key priorities for improvement were found to include addressing audiologists’ informational and training needs, facilitating WHLs’ access to appointments, improving communication between services, raising awareness in the workplace, developing relevant resources and extending funding for provision of longer appointments and hearing technologies. This is the first time this information has been reported in the literature. Opportunities for conducting further research in this area are suggested.Implications for rehabilitation Workers with hearing loss face many challenges in work life and have the option of audiologic rehabilitation to alleviate their difficulties and improve their wellbeing; however, this study suggests that workers' audiological care needs improvements. Audiologists should assess and consider patients' work needs and psychosocial concerns in consultations to provide personalised care. Audiology educational programmes, services, and the healthcare system can assist audiologists in helping workers with hearing loss by providing updated knowledge, continuous training and improved interprofessional communication and patients’ access to useful resources.</p

Humus Forms and Organic Matter Decomposition in the Swiss Alps

Humus forms and organic matter decomposition are influenced by climate, plants and soil decomposers. Yet, whether different humus forms could be experimentally linked to litter decomposition has still to be fully assessed. To assess the link between humus systems and organic matter decomposition, we worked in two regions of the Swiss Alps (Valais and Ticino) along elevational gradients by following a north/south exposure design. We quantified humus forms macrorests proportion types by the Ponge small-volume method and measured the decomposition of green tea and rooibos tea within the Parasystems and Terrosystems. We found that Parasystems and Terrosystems differed in tea decomposition rates, with a slower decomposition in Parasystems than in Terrosystems. We also observed that elevation, and hence, vegetation type (i.e., forest in the subalpine versus grassland in the alpine), drove humus form distribution, with Parasystems found in the alpine and subalpine in Ticino, while in Valais Parasystems were only found in the alpine and Terrosystems in the subalpine levels. Further analyses are however needed to identify other variables that best correlate with variation in decomposition processes within humus systems, such as soil decomposer community composition