A switch from horizontal compression to vertical extension in the Vrancea slab explained by the volume reduction of serpentine dehydration.

The Vrancea slab, Romania, is a subducted remnant of the Tethyan lithosphere characterized by a significant intermediate-depth seismicity (60-170 km). A recent study showed a correlation between this seismicity and major dehydration reactions, involving serpentine minerals up to 130 km depth, and high-pressure hydrated talc deeper. Here we investigate the potential link between the triggering mechanisms and the retrieved focal mechanisms of 940 earthquakes, which allows interpreting the depth distribution of the stress field.

The Role of PDGFs and PDGFRs in Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Angiogenesis was reported as one important mechanism activated in colorectal carcinogenesis. Tumor microenvironment associated angiogenesis involves a large spectrum of signaling molecules and deciphering their role in colorectal carcinogenesis still represents a major challenge.

[About entropy in ophthalmology].

Entropy is one of the most controversial ideas ever described. Clausius, who discovered this natural propriety in 1865, used this notion in order to define the conversion of energy. Out of a thermodynamic point of view, health is seen as a minimum of entropy and illness as a maximum.

[The risk of blindness in diabetic retinopathy].

A good control of blood sugar <110 mg/dl, HbA1c <7%, diastolic BP <80 mmHg and systolic BP <140 mmHg, cholesterol <200 mg/dl, triglycerides <150 mg/dl are the best way to set a limit to the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Progression of DR leads finally to blindness! Blindness is visual acuity less than 3/60 with the best possible correction. Low-vision is a visual acuity less than 6/18, but equal to or better than 3/60, best possible correction in the better eye.

[Glaucoma--threatening in darkness].

Glaucoma is not just an unique affliction but a group of afflictions that have in common optic nerve damage and loss of visual field. The 2 main types of glaucoma are POAG and PACG. AS early stages of glaucoma are largely asymptomatic, patients tend to seek help rather late, especially in low-income countries.