Argus retinal prosthesis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:00, 11 February 2025

Apfelwein

Apfelwein, also known as cider, is a traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. It is particularly popular in the Hesse region of Germany, especially around the city of Frankfurt. Apfelwein is known for its tart, refreshing taste and is often enjoyed in social settings.

Production

The production of Apfelwein involves several key steps. First, apples are harvested and pressed to extract the juice. This juice is then fermented, typically using wild yeasts, although cultivated yeasts may also be used to control the fermentation process. The fermentation can take several weeks to months, depending on the desired flavor profile and alcohol content.

Pressing

The pressing of apples is a crucial step in Apfelwein production. Traditional presses, known as Kelter, are often used. These presses can be seen in various cider houses and are a symbol of the Apfelwein culture.

Traditional apple press used in Apfelwein production

Fermentation

After pressing, the apple juice is transferred to fermentation vessels. The fermentation process converts the sugars in the juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The resulting beverage is typically around 5-7% alcohol by volume.

Serving

Apfelwein is traditionally served in a Geripptes, a ribbed glass that enhances the grip and aesthetic of the drink. It is often poured from a Bembel, a stoneware jug that keeps the beverage cool.

Cultural Significance

Apfelwein holds a special place in the culture of Hesse. It is not only a popular drink but also a part of local traditions and festivals. The Viezstraße is a famous cider route that highlights the cultural and historical significance of Apfelwein in the region.

Signpost along the Viezstraße, a cider route

Variations

There are several variations of Apfelwein, depending on the type of apples used and the production methods. Some producers add other fruits or spices to create unique flavors. Speierling is a variety made with the addition of service tree berries, which adds a distinct taste.

Related Pages

Gallery

Heil Eschbacher Traditions Apfelwein
Höhl Der alte Hochstädter Speyerling Apfelwein
Kelterei Heil Apfelwein Speierling
Müller Speierling Apfelwein
Müller Wetterauer Apfelwein
Possmann Frankfurter Apfelwein
Possmann Frau Rauscher Speierling
Rapp's Meisterschoppen Naturtrüb
Rapp's Wetterauer Gold Apfelwein
Uhl Apfelwein

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Argus Retinal Prosthesis'''
+== Apfelwein ==
-The '''Argus Retinal Prosthesis''', also known as the '''Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System''', represents a significant advancement in [[biomedical engineering]] and [[ophthalmology]], offering a form of visual restoration to individuals suffering from severe cases of [[retinitis pigmentosa]] (RP). This innovative device, developed by Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., is a pioneering effort in the field of visual prosthetics, aiming to partially restore functional vision to those who have lost their sight due to retinal degenerative conditions.
+'''Apfelwein''', also known as '''cider''', is a traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. It is particularly popular in the [[Hesse]] region of [[Germany]], especially around the city of [[Frankfurt]]. Apfelwein is known for its tart, refreshing taste and is often enjoyed in social settings.
-==Overview==
+== Production ==
-The Argus II system works by bypassing damaged photoreceptor cells in the eye and directly stimulating the remaining viable retinal cells to convey visual information to the brain. The system comprises an external camera mounted on a pair of glasses, a video processing unit (VPU), and an implanted retinal prosthesis (the electrode array) that is surgically attached to the retina. The camera captures images, which are then processed by the VPU into instructions that are wirelessly transmitted to the retinal implant. These instructions are interpreted as patterns of light by the brain, allowing the user to perceive visual cues in their environment.
-==Components==
+The production of Apfelwein involves several key steps. First, apples are harvested and pressed to extract the juice. This juice is then fermented, typically using wild yeasts, although cultivated yeasts may also be used to control the fermentation process. The fermentation can take several weeks to months, depending on the desired flavor profile and alcohol content.
-* '''External Camera:''' Mounted on a pair of glasses, it captures the visual scene.
-* '''Video Processing Unit (VPU):''' Processes the captured images into simplified instructions that can be understood by the implanted retinal prosthesis.
-* '''Retinal Implant:''' Receives instructions wirelessly from the VPU and stimulates the retina to send visual information to the brain.
-==Surgical Procedure==
+=== Pressing ===
-The implantation of the Argus II system is a complex surgical procedure that requires a multidisciplinary team including [[ophthalmologists]], [[surgeons]] specializing in [[retinal surgery]], and [[anesthesiologists]]. The surgery involves attaching the electrode array to the retina and connecting it to the electronics case, which is implanted in the eye socket.
-==Clinical Outcomes==
+The pressing of apples is a crucial step in Apfelwein production. Traditional presses, known as ''Kelter'', are often used. These presses can be seen in various cider houses and are a symbol of the Apfelwein culture.
-Clinical trials have demonstrated that the Argus II can provide significant improvements in visual function for individuals with RP, enabling them to perform tasks such as locating and identifying large objects, detecting movement, and navigating in unfamiliar environments. However, it is important to note that the system does not restore normal vision but rather provides a new form of visual perception to aid in daily activities.
-==Ethical and Social Considerations==
+[[File:Kelterstation-fisch.JPG|thumb|Traditional apple press used in Apfelwein production]]
-The development and implementation of the Argus II raise important ethical and social considerations, including the cost of the device, access to the technology, and the long-term effects on patients' quality of life. Ongoing research and dialogue among [[bioethicists]], healthcare providers, and patients are crucial to addressing these issues.
-==Future Directions==
+=== Fermentation ===
-Research continues to advance in the field of retinal prostheses, with efforts focused on improving the resolution of the visual perception provided by devices like the Argus II and extending the technology to treat other forms of blindness. Innovations in [[nanotechnology]], [[neuroscience]], and [[material science]] are expected to play a key role in the development of next-generation visual prosthetics.
-[[Category:Medical devices]]
+After pressing, the apple juice is transferred to fermentation vessels. The fermentation process converts the sugars in the juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The resulting beverage is typically around 5-7% alcohol by volume.
-[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
-[[Category:Visual prosthetics]]
+== Serving ==
-{{medicine-stub}}
+Apfelwein is traditionally served in a ''Geripptes'', a ribbed glass that enhances the grip and aesthetic of the drink. It is often poured from a ''Bembel'', a stoneware jug that keeps the beverage cool.
+[[File:Apfelwein_Geripptes_Bembel.jpg|thumb|A Geripptes glass and Bembel jug used for serving Apfelwein]]
+== Cultural Significance ==
+Apfelwein holds a special place in the culture of Hesse. It is not only a popular drink but also a part of local traditions and festivals. The ''Viezstraße'' is a famous cider route that highlights the cultural and historical significance of Apfelwein in the region.
+[[File:Viezstrasse-tafel.jpg|thumb|Signpost along the Viezstraße, a cider route]]
+== Variations ==
+There are several variations of Apfelwein, depending on the type of apples used and the production methods. Some producers add other fruits or spices to create unique flavors. ''Speierling'' is a variety made with the addition of service tree berries, which adds a distinct taste.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Cider]]
+* [[Fermentation]]
+* [[Alcoholic beverage]]
+* [[Hesse]]
+== Gallery ==
+<gallery>
+File:Heil_Eschbacher_Traditions_Apfelwein.jpg|Heil Eschbacher Traditions Apfelwein
+File:Höhl_Der_alte_Hochstädter_Speyerling_Apfelwein.jpg|Höhl Der alte Hochstädter Speyerling Apfelwein
+File:Kelterei_Heil_Apfelwein_Speierling.jpg|Kelterei Heil Apfelwein Speierling
+File:Müller_Speierling_Apfelwein.jpg|Müller Speierling Apfelwein
+File:Müller_Wetterauer_Apfelwein.jpg|Müller Wetterauer Apfelwein
+File:Possmann_Frankfurter_Apfelwein.jpg|Possmann Frankfurter Apfelwein
+File:Possmann_Frau_Rauscher_Speierling.jpg|Possmann Frau Rauscher Speierling
+File:Rapp's_Meisterschoppen_Naturtrüb.jpg|Rapp's Meisterschoppen Naturtrüb
+File:Rapp's_Wetterauer_Gold_Apfelwein.jpg|Rapp's Wetterauer Gold Apfelwein
+File:Uhl_Apfelwein.jpg|Uhl Apfelwein
+</gallery>
+[[Category:German cuisine]]
+[[Category:Alcoholic drinks]]
+[[Category:Cider]]