Uveal coloboma is a condition defined by missing ocular tissues and is a significant cause of childhood blindness. It occurs from a failure of the optic fissure to close during embryonic development and may lead to missing parts of the iris, ciliary body, retina, choroid, and optic nerve. Because there is no treatment for coloboma, efforts have focused on prevention. While several genetic causes of coloboma have been identified, little definitive research exists regarding the environmental causes of this condition. We review the current literature on environmental factors associated with coloboma in an effort to guide future research and preventative counseling related to this condition.

The worldwide increase in life expectancy is leading to an increase in age-dependent diseases, including nonfamilial, sporadic Alzheimer\'s disease (AD), which is the subject of this review. The etiology and pathophysiology of the disease is not fully understood, but present observations suggest that, in addition to genetic risk factors, environmental influences may be involved via epigenetic mechanisms. Currently, there is no effective treatment, but there are indications that lifestyle has an impact on the development of the disease. This view is supported by preclinical studies not only showing that human lifestyle-equivalent interventions have a positive effect on cognitive function in animal models of AD, but also indicating the involvement of underlying epigenetic mechanisms. After a brief overview of the most characteristic chromatin modifications, ie, DNA methylation and histone modifications, epigenetic changes associated with aging are considered, given that aging is the most important risk factor for AD. This is followed by a description of some epigenetic alterations recognized in AD. The impact of environmental factors and lifestyle on the epigenome is then considered. Epigenetic treatments with HDAC inhibitors and RNA-based drugs are considered, which - while still in preclinical stages - are promising for potential benefit. It is concluded that while awaiting results from clinical trials in progress, focusing on lifestyle adjustments with an epigenetic background are the best way to prevent/delay the onset of this devastating disease.

Paranasal sinus cancers are rare diseases, accounting for about 5% of all head and neck malignancies. The variety of histological types and the overlapping pathological features with other entities constitute difficulties in pathologic interpretation, often requiring a skilled interpretation or a second opinion. Treatment of locally advanced disease relies on surgery and radiation therapy for operable disease, with a possible role for systemic treatment in selected histologies within a multimodal approach; unresectable paranasal sinus cancers are generally treated with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The employment of high conformal radiation techniques, such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy orcharged particle therapy, proton or carbon ion therapy may improve outcome and reduce late effects. Surgical treatment has evolved due to the progressive application of transnasal endoscopic techniques for naso-ethmoidal malignancies and due to innovative reconstructive techniques after resection of cancers of the maxillary sinus. Because of the rarity and complexity of this disease, multicenter trials represent an urgent need to improve prognosis and to reduce treatment-related effects.