Comparison of fundus autofluorescence images acquired by the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (488 nm excitation) and the modified Topcon fundus camera (580 nm excitation).

To compare autofluorescence (AF) images obtained with the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (using the Heidelberg retina angiograph; HRA) and the modified Topcon fundus camera, in a routine clinical setting. A prospective comparative study conducted at the Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital. Fifty-six patients from the medical retina clinic. All patients had complete ophthalmic slit-lamp and fundus examinations, colour and red-free fundus photography, AF imaging with both instruments, and fluorescein angiography. Cataract and fixation were graded clinically. AF patterns were analyzed for healthy and pathological features. Differences of image noise were analyzed by cataract grading and fixation. A total of 105 eyes were included. AF patterns discovered by the retina angiograph and the fundus camera images, respectively, were a dark optic disc in 72 % versus 15 %, a dark fovea in 92 % versus 4 %, sub- and intraretinal fluid visible as hyperautofluorescence on HRA images only, lipid exudates visible as hypoautofluorescence on HRA images only. The same autofluorescent pattern was found on both images for geographic atrophy, retinal pigment changes, drusen and haemorrhage. Image noise was significantly associated with the degree of cataract and/or poor fixation, favouring the fundus camera. Images acquired by the fundus camera before and after fluorescein angiography were identical. Fundus AF images differ according to the technical differences of the instruments used. Knowledge of these differences is important not only for correctly interpreting images, but also for selecting the most appropriate instrument for the clinical situation.

Die Debatte um die Reform der Armenpflege im Europa des 16. Jahrundert

(Résumé de l'ouvrage) Mit der vorliegenden Dokumentation werden die wichtigsten sozialen Ordnungen im Europa des 16. Jahrhunderts in unserer Gegenwartssprache publiziert und Lehrenden wie Studierenden als Arbeitsbuch an die Hand gegeben. Im gegenwärtigen Ringen um soziale Reformen angesichts der Krisen und neuen Herausforderungen, aber auch um Konvergenzen zwischen den gewachsenen nationalen Sozialordnungen in Europa ist es unabdingbar, deren sozialgeschichtliche Ausgangsbedingungen zu beleuchten. Damit soll ein zentraler Bestand des gemeinsamen sozial-kulturellen Erbes in Europa ans Licht und in unser heutiges Bewusstsein gehoben werden.

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Different arbuscular mycorrhizal (AMF) fungal taxa have a differential effect on the growth of co-existing plant species. This means that in order to fully understand the role of these fungi in plant communities, information is needed on whether the symbiosis is specific. In this chapter, I briefly review the ecological consequences of specificity versus non-specificity in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis on plant ecology. Both from a theoretical approach, and based on observations, there has been an underlying assumption that no specificity exists in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. I consider why these assumptions have been made. Direct evidence for or against specificity in the symbiosis is scant and the reason is mainly due to the difficulty in describing AMF community structure in natural communities (see Clapp et al., Chap.8, this Vol.). Here, I take an evolutionary, as well as an ecological, approach to look at the evidence that predicts that evolution of specificity in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis could occur. I then consider alternative hypotheses and evidence that could explain why the evolution of specificity might not occur. These hypotheses are based on the growth habit, reproductive strategies and foraging behaviour of AMF and on new findings concerning ANF genetics.