Discovery of late Stone Age jugs suggest that intentionally fermented drinks existed at least as early as the Neolithic period (c. 10,000 BC). Several other animals are affected by alcohol similarly to humans and, once they consume it, will consume it again if given the opportunity, though humans are the only species known to produce alcoholic drinks intentionally. Fermented drinks
Beer
Beer is a beverage fermented from grain mash. It is typically made from barley or a blend of several grains and flavored with hops. Most beer is naturally carbonated as part of the fermentation process. If the fermented mash is distilled, then the drink becomes a spirit. Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world. Cider
Cider or cyder ( SY-dər) is a fermented alcoholic drink made from any fruit juice; apple juice (traditional and most common), peaches, pears ("Perry" cider) or other fruit. Cider alcohol content varies from 1.2% ABV to 8.5% or more in traditional English ciders. In some regions, cider may be called "apple wine". Fermented tea
Fermented tea (also known as post-fermented tea or dark tea) is a class of tea that has undergone microbial fermentation, from several months to many years. The tea leaves and the liquor made from them become darker with oxidation. Thus, the various kinds of fermented teas produced across China are also referred to as dark tea, not be confused with black tea.
Band keratopathy is a corneal disease derived from the appearance of calcium on the central cornea. This is an example of metastatic calcification, which by definition, occurs in the presence of hypercalcemia. Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of band keratopathy include eye pain and decreased visual acuity. Causes
Band keratopathy has several causes. These causes include uveitis, interstitial keratitis, superficial keratitis, phthisis, sarcoidosis, trauma, intraocular silicone oil, systemic diseases (high levels of calcium in the blood, vitamin D intoxication, Fanconis Syndrome, low levels of phosphorus in the blood, gout, milk-alkali syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, and chronic mercury exposure). Pathology
Band keratopathy is seen when there is calcification of the epithelial basement membrane, Bowmans membrane, and the anterior stroma with destruction of Bowmans membrane. The calcium salts are intracellular when the process is due to alteration of systemic calcium metabolism, whereas they are extracellular when due to local disease. Diagnosis
Band keratopathy is diagnosed by slit lamp examination of the eye. Treatment
Treatment is indicated if vision is threatened or if the eye is uncomfortable. It is important to recognize and treat any underlying condition. Improvement of vision may be obtained by scraping off the opacity. Topical disodium EDTA can be used as a chelating agent. It can also be removed with the excimer laser (phototherapeutic keratectomy). Other modalities include diamond burr and lamellar keratoplasty. References


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