Banksia attenuata is a resprouting species growing in deep sand, while B. sessilis is a fire-killed species occurring in shallow sand over laterite or limestone. We aimed to discover the ecophysiological basis for their different distributions by exploring their investment in deep non-cluster roots and shallow cluster roots, and their cluster-root functioning.
Methods
Deep-pot (1 m), shallow-pot (400 mm), hydroponic experiments and phosphorus (P)-extraction experiment were carried out. Biomass allocation, cluster-root exudation, plant P and leaf manganese (Mn) concentrations were measured.
Results
Banksia attenuata allocated more biomass to deep roots and less biomass to cluster roots than B. sessilis did in deep pots. The two Banksias released similar carboxylates in all experiments, with similar carboxylate-exudation rates in hydroponics. The carboxylate amount per unit cluster root of B. sessilis grown in shallow pots was greater than that of B. attenuata, and B, sessilis acquired more P than B. attenuata did in limestone substrate.
Conclusions
Greater investment in deep roots for water uptake accounts for the presence of B. attenuata in deep sand, and vice versa for the absence of B. sessilis. A larger investment in cluster roots, which released greater amounts of carboxylates, likely accounts for B. sessilis occurring over limestone. Trade-offs in investment and cluster-root functioning support the species' distribution patterns and life histories. Leaf Mn concentration was a good proxy for the plant capacity to acquire P.
from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2SKpJkl
Antimony (Sb) is a highly toxic heavy metal, and its amount in soil is increasing due to anthropogenic activities. Excessive Sb intake could ultimately threat human health. Recently, biochar (BC) has been accepted for remediation of Sb-contaminated soil. Understanding the interaction between BC and Sb and the effect of BC-induced changes in soil properties on immobilization/mobilization of Sb will help, therefore, to elucidate the mechanism of BC in immobilization/mobilization of Sb in contaminated soils.
Materials and methods
Wheat straw-derived BC (SBC) and fruit (apple) tree-derived BC (FBC) were obtained at the pyrolysis temperatures of 500 °C. Sb-contaminated soil was incubated with/without 0.5, 5, or 10 wt% of SBC and FBC for 130 days. Change of soil properties induced by BC was explored during the incubation. Dynamic change of Sb fraction and speciation were assessed by the sequential chemical extraction and citric acid extraction, respectively. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to check elemental change of soil with 10% SBC at different incubation times. The correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze relationship between Sb immobilization/mobilization and change of soil properties induced by BC.
Results and discussion
The obvious change of soil properties can be observed when the soil was treated with 10% BC instead of 5 and 0.5% BC. During the first 20 days with SBC incubation and 50 days with FBC incubation, Sb mobilization increased may be because of the electrostatic repulsion of functional groups in BC; OM and functional group of BC govern the reduction reactions, anionic competition, electrostatic repulsion, and biological reduction in soil induced by BC. By contrast, after 20 days with SBC incubation and 50 days with FBC incubation, the mobilization of Sb decreased, which may be attributed to the formation of complexes between Sb and OM of BC, secondary mineral precipitation, and organic complex between Sb and humus acid in soil induced by BC.
Conclusions
It is noteworthy that the application of BC has a potential mobilizing risk for Sb and the final effect depends on BC characteristic and the change of soil properties induced by BC. The possible risks induced by BC should be considered before applying the BC to Sb-contaminated soil.
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TNOA Journal of Ophthalmic Science and Research 2018 56(4):215-218
Aim: To evaluate the preservation of visual acuity (VA) and the development of complications after keratoprosthesis (KPro) implantation (Boston KPro and Auro KPro) over a long follow-up period at a tertiary eye center in North-East India. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center retrospective case series. The records of all patients who underwent KPro implantation between March 2013 and August 2017 were analyzed. The preoperative characteristics, postoperative outcomes, complications, its management, and retention rates were reviewed. Results: Ten cases were included in the study. Preoperative VA ranged from counting finger close to face to hand movement close to face. The cause for KPro implantation included multiple graft failures (5 eyes, 50%), chemical injury (3 eyes, 30%), and Stevens–Johnson syndrome (2 eyes, 20%). Mean follow-up duration was 26.9 months (range, 12–54 months). At 1-month follow-up, eight patients had a vision ≥6/60 (80%). At 1-year follow-up, eight patients had a VA ≥6/24. Glaucoma was newly diagnosed in three eyes (30%); progression was noted in one eye (10%). Glaucoma drainage device was implanted in one eye (10%). Retroprosthetic membrane formed in seven eyes (70%) and one eye (10%) underwent KPro replacement. The initial KPro was retained in nine eyes (90%). Conclusions: KPro is an effective and a viable option for treating end-stage corneal diseases for salvaging vision. A significant number of patients lose vision following KPro implantation due to glaucoma and corneal melts. Our study reiterates the importance of regular and long-term follow-up and a comprehensive team approach for management of postoperative complications.
TNOA Journal of Ophthalmic Science and Research 2018 56(4):219-221
Background: Infectious keratitis is a leading cause of blindness, more so in developing countries where rates of corneal ulceration are much more than those of industrialized countries. The organisms responsible for infectious keratitis differ regionally, with bacterial organisms more common in temperate climates and fungal organisms more common in tropical climates. A large fraction of infectious corneal ulcers that are referred to tertiary care centers in South India is fungal in etiology. Methods: Parameters studied were age, sex, residential district, occupation, risk factor, clinical presentation, microscopic examination of the sample, fungal culture, and Pythium insidiosum. Results: History of trauma was observed in half the cases. History of contact lens usage or diabetes mellitus was not seen in any case. Hypopyon was seen in 50% of the cases of which 33.33% were immobile. KOH preparation for all the samples was negative. Of the 15 samples sent for culture, 12 grew no fungus and 2 were contaminated. One fungus grew and was identified as Aspergillus terreus. P. insidiosum could not be isolated.
TNOA Journal of Ophthalmic Science and Research 2018 56(4):222-225
Objectives: To study the awareness about causes of blindness, Eye donation, NPCB and Vision 2020 among students of Medical, Paramedical, Engineering College and General Public in a semi-urban centre. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Velammal Medical College Hospital in 4 months duration, which recruited around 2000 individuals from general public, students from various disciplines. A semi structured Questionnaire was presented and responses were recorded. They were analysed statistically. Results: Almost half of the respondents were not aware about existence of NPCB programme and awareness about existence of programme is high among Nursing Students (96.92%). Awareness about causes of blindness is significantly higher among Medical students (99.23%).Awareness about eye donation is only about 74.5%. Awareness about various aspects of Childhood eye diseases is about 70-80%. Conclusion: There is an improper utilisation of NPCB programme services due to lack of awareness about the same. Some of the strategies that the students were willing to participate were widespread awareness programmes in media and outreach programmes at gross root level. So we should utilise the resources and potential of student community in educating the public.
TNOA Journal of Ophthalmic Science and Research 2018 56(4):226-231
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ophthalmological and medical aspects of patients with a history of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) after a long-term follow-up. Design: This was a retrospective case–control study. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven consecutive CRVO patients (29 eyes) were enrolled between April 2011 and April 2012, each participant underwent a comprehensive and detailed interview and also they had an ophthalmic examination with investigations such as color retinography and optical coherence tomography. Finally, medical and cardiologic examinations, including the laboratory analysis of blood specimens, were performed to all participants. Results: Our data confirm the significant association of CRVO with age (P = 0.025) and with ischemia (P = 0.022) and also treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin. Main risk factors of developing CRVO were as follows: hypertension (59.0%), dyslipidemia (48.0%), blood diseases (15.0%), and high body mass index (15.0%). There was no any significant association between all of the thrombophilic factors (laboratory parameters) and visual acuity (VA), except IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (P = 0.004). Two patients had myocardial infarction during the follow-up period. There was a parallel reduction of VA and foveal thickness during a long follow-up period. Conclusions: VA and central foveal thickness decreased during the follow-up period probably because of a progressive atrophy of the central retinal area, which suggest an early treatment of the macular edema prior an unfavorable evolution of the clinical situation, only one laboratory parameter had association with VA, small minority of patients developed serious cardiovascular events during the follow-up period after CRVO; these data suggest no overall association of CRVO with cardiovascular events.
TNOA Journal of Ophthalmic Science and Research 2018 56(4):232-236
Pediatric cataracts pose multiple challenges in terms of management and postoperative rehabilitation. Difficulties in obtaining accurate measurements for axial length and keratometry are encountered due to poor cooperation in children and instrumentation errors. There exist multiple formulae for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation, which are based on various factors and have varying degrees of accuracy. Children exhibit a tendency for myopic shift due to the anatomical differences from adult eyes and due to the growth of eyeball, as a result of which they require undercorrection, when IOL implantation is planned.
TNOA Journal of Ophthalmic Science and Research 2018 56(4):237-243
Scleral-fixated intraocular lenses (SFIOLs) are important tools for an ophthalmologist when dealing with the eyes that have inadequate capsular support. Since the time of its introduction, SFIOLs and techniques for their implantation have seen many innovations. Initially, sutured SFIOLs were widely performed. In the last two decades, sutureless SFIOLs are gaining popularity. Both these methods and the different surgical techniques to perform them offer unique advantages to the surgeon. Therefore, careful consideration is to be given to the choice of technique and steps to be employed for a particular eye. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of the commonly used techniques in SFIOL surgery and provide certain surgical tips that may help the surgeon in the operating room.
TNOA Journal of Ophthalmic Science and Research 2018 56(4):244-246
In developing countries like India, cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is becoming common cause of visual impairment due to better neonatal care and advancement in technology. CVI is characterized by visual malfunction due to the retrochiasmal and visual association pathway pathology. The visual malfunction can present in any combination and any severity in the setting of developing brain functions. Higher centers damage may lead to cognitive dysfunction. Most common cause of CVI is hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, due to reduced blood flow in immature brain blood vessels in watershed zones. Early identification of impairment and early intervention help these children to achieve higher level of vision. Customized and integrated approach needed between ophthalmologist, paediatrician and other interventional professional. Counselling of parents also have very important role in the treatment.
TNOA Journal of Ophthalmic Science and Research 2018 56(4):249-250
Congenital anomalies of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are rare entities among which simple hamartoma of RPE is extremely rare. Majority of reported cases of congenital simple hamartoma were extrafoveal and patients were asymptomatic. These lesions may pose diagnostic challenge if not aware. Here, we present two cases of simple congenital hamartoma involving fovea presenting with diminished vision and also discuss the review of literature in brief.
Aim: To evaluate the preservation of visual acuity (VA) and the development of complications after keratoprosthesis (KPro) implantation (Boston KPro and Auro KPro) over a long follow-up period at a tertiary eye center in North-East India. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center retrospective case series. The records of all patients who underwent KPro implantation between March 2013 and August 2017 were analyzed. The preoperative characteristics, postoperative outcomes, complications, its management, and retention rates were reviewed. Results: Ten cases were included in the study. Preoperative VA ranged from counting finger close to face to hand movement close to face. The cause for KPro implantation included multiple graft failures (5 eyes, 50%), chemical injury (3 eyes, 30%), and Stevens–Johnson syndrome (2 eyes, 20%). Mean follow-up duration was 26.9 months (range, 12–54 months). At 1-month follow-up, eight patients had a vision ≥6/60 (80%). At 1-year follow-up, eight patients had a VA ≥6/24. Glaucoma was newly diagnosed in three eyes (30%); progression was noted in one eye (10%). Glaucoma drainage device was implanted in one eye (10%). Retroprosthetic membrane formed in seven eyes (70%) and one eye (10%) underwent KPro replacement. The initial KPro was retained in nine eyes (90%). Conclusions: KPro is an effective and a viable option for treating end-stage corneal diseases for salvaging vision. A significant number of patients lose vision following KPro implantation due to glaucoma and corneal melts. Our study reiterates the importance of regular and long-term follow-up and a comprehensive team approach for management of postoperative complications.
Background: Infectious keratitis is a leading cause of blindness, more so in developing countries where rates of corneal ulceration are much more than those of industrialized countries. The organisms responsible for infectious keratitis differ regionally, with bacterial organisms more common in temperate climates and fungal organisms more common in tropical climates. A large fraction of infectious corneal ulcers that are referred to tertiary care centers in South India is fungal in etiology. Methods: Parameters studied were age, sex, residential district, occupation, risk factor, clinical presentation, microscopic examination of the sample, fungal culture, and Pythium insidiosum. Results: History of trauma was observed in half the cases. History of contact lens usage or diabetes mellitus was not seen in any case. Hypopyon was seen in 50% of the cases of which 33.33% were immobile. KOH preparation for all the samples was negative. Of the 15 samples sent for culture, 12 grew no fungus and 2 were contaminated. One fungus grew and was identified as Aspergillus terreus. P. insidiosum could not be isolated.
Objectives: To study the awareness about causes of blindness, Eye donation, NPCB and Vision 2020 among students of Medical, Paramedical, Engineering College and General Public in a semi-urban centre. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Velammal Medical College Hospital in 4 months duration, which recruited around 2000 individuals from general public, students from various disciplines. A semi structured Questionnaire was presented and responses were recorded. They were analysed statistically. Results: Almost half of the respondents were not aware about existence of NPCB programme and awareness about existence of programme is high among Nursing Students (96.92%). Awareness about causes of blindness is significantly higher among Medical students (99.23%).Awareness about eye donation is only about 74.5%. Awareness about various aspects of Childhood eye diseases is about 70-80%. Conclusion: There is an improper utilisation of NPCB programme services due to lack of awareness about the same. Some of the strategies that the students were willing to participate were widespread awareness programmes in media and outreach programmes at gross root level. So we should utilise the resources and potential of student community in educating the public.
Ophthalmological and medical long-term follow-up of patients with central retinal vein occlusion
p. 226
Shadi Alashwal, Vittoria Murro, Andrea Sodi, Gianni Virgili, Rossella Marcucci DOI:10.4103/tjosr.tjosr_97_18
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ophthalmological and medical aspects of patients with a history of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) after a long-term follow-up. Design: This was a retrospective case–control study. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven consecutive CRVO patients (29 eyes) were enrolled between April 2011 and April 2012, each participant underwent a comprehensive and detailed interview and also they had an ophthalmic examination with investigations such as color retinography and optical coherence tomography. Finally, medical and cardiologic examinations, including the laboratory analysis of blood specimens, were performed to all participants. Results: Our data confirm the significant association of CRVO with age (P = 0.025) and with ischemia (P = 0.022) and also treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin. Main risk factors of developing CRVO were as follows: hypertension (59.0%), dyslipidemia (48.0%), blood diseases (15.0%), and high body mass index (15.0%). There was no any significant association between all of the thrombophilic factors (laboratory parameters) and visual acuity (VA), except IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (P = 0.004). Two patients had myocardial infarction during the follow-up period. There was a parallel reduction of VA and foveal thickness during a long follow-up period. Conclusions: VA and central foveal thickness decreased during the follow-up period probably because of a progressive atrophy of the central retinal area, which suggest an early treatment of the macular edema prior an unfavorable evolution of the clinical situation, only one laboratory parameter had association with VA, small minority of patients developed serious cardiovascular events during the follow-up period after CRVO; these data suggest no overall association of CRVO with cardiovascular events.
Sandra Chandramouli Ganesh, Shilpa G Rao, Farhadul Alam DOI:10.4103/tjosr.tjosr_105_18
Pediatric cataracts pose multiple challenges in terms of management and postoperative rehabilitation. Difficulties in obtaining accurate measurements for axial length and keratometry are encountered due to poor cooperation in children and instrumentation errors. There exist multiple formulae for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation, which are based on various factors and have varying degrees of accuracy. Children exhibit a tendency for myopic shift due to the anatomical differences from adult eyes and due to the growth of eyeball, as a result of which they require undercorrection, when IOL implantation is planned.
VG Madanagopalan, Parveen Sen, Prabu Baskaran DOI:10.4103/tjosr.tjosr_99_18
Scleral-fixated intraocular lenses (SFIOLs) are important tools for an ophthalmologist when dealing with the eyes that have inadequate capsular support. Since the time of its introduction, SFIOLs and techniques for their implantation have seen many innovations. Initially, sutured SFIOLs were widely performed. In the last two decades, sutureless SFIOLs are gaining popularity. Both these methods and the different surgical techniques to perform them offer unique advantages to the surgeon. Therefore, careful consideration is to be given to the choice of technique and steps to be employed for a particular eye. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of the commonly used techniques in SFIOL surgery and provide certain surgical tips that may help the surgeon in the operating room.
In developing countries like India, cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is becoming common cause of visual impairment due to better neonatal care and advancement in technology. CVI is characterized by visual malfunction due to the retrochiasmal and visual association pathway pathology. The visual malfunction can present in any combination and any severity in the setting of developing brain functions. Higher centers damage may lead to cognitive dysfunction. Most common cause of CVI is hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, due to reduced blood flow in immature brain blood vessels in watershed zones. Early identification of impairment and early intervention help these children to achieve higher level of vision. Customized and integrated approach needed between ophthalmologist, paediatrician and other interventional professional. Counselling of parents also have very important role in the treatment.
Foveal simple hamartoma of retinal pigment epithelium
p. 249
Prabu Baskaran, Nagesha Chokahalli, Pratyusha Ganne DOI:10.4103/tjosr.tjosr_90_18
Congenital anomalies of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are rare entities among which simple hamartoma of RPE is extremely rare. Majority of reported cases of congenital simple hamartoma were extrafoveal and patients were asymptomatic. These lesions may pose diagnostic challenge if not aware. Here, we present two cases of simple congenital hamartoma involving fovea presenting with diminished vision and also discuss the review of literature in brief.
Scleral fixation of intraocular lens (SFIOL) is a challenge in eyes with opaque corneas. It is preferable to implant the IOL before performing penetrating keratoplasty. Most techniques described so far involve SFIOL following corneal trephination (open sky) which increases the risk of expulsive choroidal hemorrhage. Extraocular needle-guided haptic insertion technique involves extraocular docking of the IOL haptic into a bent 26-gauge needle followed by its exteriorization. Since this crucial step of SFIOL surgery is completely extraocular, this method can be used to safely place an SFIOL in a well-formed globe even before corneal trephination. Use of a silicone stopper over the leading haptic prevents intraocular rebound of the haptic.
B Pramila, M Bharathi Mohan, K Kavitha DOI:10.4103/tjosr.tjosr_89_18
This is a report of a very rare case of congenital rubella syndrome with congenital sensorineural hearing loss, rubella retinopathy, and congenital heart disease with patent ductus arteriosus. After the introduction of the rubella vaccine in 1969, the number of babies born with congenital rubella is much less and rare. Not all the babies born with congenital rubella have the classical triad. Hence, our patient who has all the features of the classical triad is an extremely rare one. The baby underwent surgery for patent ductus arteriosus and cochlear implant procedure for sensorineural hearing loss. She is now under follow-up with us for pigmentary retinopathy.
Sadiqha S Banu, Malarchelvi Palani, Pratheeba Devi Nivean, M Nivean DOI:10.4103/tjosr.tjosr_94_18
Papilledema is swelling of the optic nerve head, a sign of increased intracranial pressure. It can have underlying life-threatening etiologies such as intracranial space-occupying lesions or meningitis. However, pseudopapilledema is elevation of the optic disc secondary to local underlying structural conditions. Distinguishing between papilledema and pseudopapilledema is needed to avoid subjecting the patient to unnecessary tests and anxiety associated with it. We report a case of an 18-year-old male who presented to us with the clinical suspicion of disc edema. Simple noninvasive investigations such as red-free fundus photography and ultrasound B-scan aided us to diagnose it as a case of pseudopapilledema-optic nerve head drusen. Thus, a high index of suspicion along with the ancillary tests is helpful in differentiating pseudopapilledema from true papilledema.
A case of hypotony maculopathy after aqueous drainage implant
p. 261
A Sudarvizhi, V Sharmila Devi, M Ananda Babu DOI:10.4103/tjosr.tjosr_101_18
A 60-year-old male presented with defective vision and low intraocular pressure (IOP) in the left eye (LE) following cataract surgery combined with aqueous drainage implant which was done elsewhere 2 months ago. In the right eye (RE), he presented with primary angle closure glaucoma and Grade 2 nuclear sclerosis. In LE, scleral patch graft with loose sutures with shallow anterior chamber and nonvalved aqueous drainage implant with fundus features suggestive of hypotony maculopathy were noted. The patient underwent tight compression suturing of scleral patch graft with intracameral sodium hyaluronate injection for LE and clear corneal phacoemulsification with trabeculectomy with releasable sutures with Mitomycin-C 0.02% for RE. Postoperatively, visual acuity and IOP in LE were improved and in RE postoperative outcome was successful with no complications.
P Saravana Sankar, Shanmugam Rajeswari, K Kavitha DOI:10.4103/tjosr.tjosr_95_18
A dermoid is an overgrowth of normal, noncancerous tissue in an abnormal location. Dermoids occur all over the body. The one in and around the eye usually comprised skin, hair, and/or fat. Our patient had an unusual presentation of dermoid in caruncle of the left eye. The mass was excised and histology confirmed the diagnosis. The patient followed up postoperatively and was uneventful.
Malarvizhi Raman, A Anuradha, K Vasumathi, S Sheela, Gomathi Nayagam Subbiah DOI:10.4103/tjosr.tjosr_98_18
Intraocular cilium is a very rare intraocular foreign body. We report a middle-aged female patient who presented with a cilium in the anterior chamber of the right eye with iritis, following an injury with a stick. In view of anterior chamber reaction, the eyelash was removed. Postoperatively, the iritis resolved in 2 weeks with periocular and topical steroids.
