Decreasing pH impairs sexual reproduction in a Mediterranean coral transplanted at a CO2 vent

Ocean acidification, due to the increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the atmosphere and its absorption by the oceans, affects many aspects of marine calcifying organisms' biology, including reproduction. Most of the available studies on low pH effects on coral reproduction have been conducted on tropical species under controlled conditions, while little information is reported for either tropical or temperate species in the field. This study describes the influence of decreasing pH on sexual reproduction of the temperate non-zooxanthellate colonial scleractinian Astroides calycularis, transplanted in four sites along a natural pH gradient at the underwater volcanic crater of Panarea Island (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). The average pH values of each site (range: pHTS 8.07–7.40) match different scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for the end of the century. After 3 months under experimental conditions, the reproductive parameters of both oocytes and spermaries (abundance, gonadal index, and diameters) seem to be unaffected by low pH. However, a delay in spermary development in the pre-fertilization period and a persistence of mature oocytes in the fertilization period were observed in the most acidic site. Furthermore, no embryos were found in colonies from the two most acidic sites, suggesting a delay or an interruption of the fertilization process due to acidified conditions. These findings suggest a negative effect of low pH on A. calycularis sexual reproduction. However, long-term experiments, including the synergistic impact of pH and temperature, are needed to predict if this species will be able to adapt to climate change over the next century

Analysis of swallowing after partial frontolateral laryngectomy with epiglottic reconstruction for glottic cancer

The aim of the study was to evaluate swal- lowing using a reproducible objective methodology and to seek preoperative factors that could influence swallowing outcomes in patients operated on for partial laryngectomy. Twenty-four patients who underwent partial frontolateral laryngectomy with epiglottic reconstruction for T1bN0 or T2N0 glottic carcinoma between 2008 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Using fiberoptic endoscopic and videofluoroscopic evaluation, early (15 days postopera- tively) and late (2 months postoperatively) scores were obtained for all patients to quantify their swallowing skills. Eighty-three percent of patients achieved at least partial oral feeding at time of hospital discharge and 87.5 % achieved exclusive oral feeding within 2 months postop- eratively. Early score was good or excellent in 50 %, average in 4.2 % and poor in 41.8 %. Regarding late scores, 63 % were classified as having a good or excellent late score, 7 patients (29 %) were classified as ''middle result'' because their time to recover was longer (i.e. between 1 and 2 months postoperatively), and two patients had a poor late score. Finally, at last follow-up, only one patient was partially fed by gastrostomy (180 days after surgery). T stage (p=0.04) was the only factor influenc- ing early swallowing outcomes and length of hospital stay was longer for poor scores than for good late results (p=0.02). Our findings show good outcomes in terms of postoperative swallowing. Objective assessment of deglu- tition is essential for a better understanding of the mecha- nisms of postoperative swallowing disorders and for patient selection

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus recommendations: Evaluation and management of congenital tracheal stenosis.

To outline an expert-based consensus of recommendations for the diagnosis and management of pediatric patients with congenital tracheal stenosis. Expert opinions were sought from members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) via completion of an 18-item survey utilizing an iterative Delphi method and review of the literature. Forty-three members completed the survey providing recommendations regarding the initial history, clinical evaluation, diagnostic evaluation, temporizing measures, definitive repair, and post-repair care of children with congenital tracheal stenosis. These recommendations are intended to be used to support clinical decision-making regarding the evaluation and management of children with congenital tracheal stenosis. Responses highlight the diverse management strategies and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care of these patients