Search

Purpose: To report on a case of the successful treatment of Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy (APMPPE) in a pediatric patient with a prior diagnosis of cerebral vasculitis. Observations: A 16-year-old male with a prior diagnosis of cerebral vasculitis presented without ocular complaints. Visual acuity was 20/20, and color vision remained normal. Fundus examination revealed yellowish-white placoid lesions and retinal pigmented epithelial changes involving the posterior pole. A work-up including a rapid plasma reagin test, complete cell blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and urinalysis was within normal limits. A head computed tomography angiography without contrast and a brain magnetic resonance imaging scan were compatible with acute and past episodes of ischemia. Ancillary testing was compatible with an assessment APMPPE. Immunosuppressive and monoclonal antibody therapy resulted in the improvement and remission without residual neurologic deficits and with a BCVA of 20/20. Conclusionand Importance: This case suggests that a diagnosis of cerebral vasculitis should prompt physicians to consider an ophthalmic evaluation that includes a dilated fundus exam, regardless of the presence or absence of ocular symptoms. Ophthalmic findings may affect the diagnostic processes, particularly concerning infectious and non-infectious etiologies, or potentially neoplastic diseases.

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) presents a viable route for converting a vast range of materials into liquid fuel, without the need for pre-drying. Currently, HTL studies produce bio-crude with properties that fall short of diesel or biodiesel standards. Upgrading bio-crude improves the physical and chemical properties to produce a fuel corresponding to diesel or biodiesel. Properties such as viscosity, density, heating value, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur content, and chemical composition can be modified towards meeting fuel standards using strategies such as solvent extraction, distillation, hydrodeoxygenation and catalytic cracking. This article presents a review of the upgrading technologies available, and how they might be used to make HTL bio-crude into a transportation fuel that meets current fuel property standards.