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The carapacial scute pattern is a conserved trait in sea turtles that provides taxonomic information, although hatchlings with aberrant scute numbers are commonly described in all extant species. These anomalies have been associated with reduced individual fitness, but very little is known about their occurrence in the juvenile and adult portion of the population. Here, we compared the frequencies of major non‐modal scute patterns (i.e. number of vertebral/coastal scutes ≠ 5, MNMSP) in hatchling, juvenile and adult loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Central Tyrrhenian Sea. 20.5% of the analysed hatchlings exhibited MNMSP (N = 1047, range 0–52%). These individuals were significantly lighter than modals, but no other morphological difference was observed. Hatchlings from relocated nests (N = 241) had a lower rate of scute variation compared to those from natural nests (N = 806, MNMSP frequencies 10.37 and 23.57% respectively). The proportion of MNMSP decreased in early juveniles (12.1%, N = 149, SCLst < 41 cm) and even further in late juveniles/adults (4.8%, N = 124, SCLst > 41 cm). These results are coherent with those from previous studies and suggest that individuals with modal scute pattern may have a greater survival rate. However, selection against abnormal scute patterns may not occur within the first few days of life, as previously suggested, but it is probably a much slower process that may require several years. It is unlikely that alterations of the scute pattern affect survival directly; they may be a phenotypic expression of underlying morphological or physiological anomalies that stem from environmental stressors similar to those causing scute variations during embryonic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A statistical procedure has been developed to derive a screening value from an observational study related to the developmental toxicity observed in loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) eggs exposed to long chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A dataset of 41 nests in which the hatching rate was inversely correlated with the increase in the PFAS concentration in unhatched eggs was processed via a categorical regression approach. After outliers identification and removal, categorical regression analysis tested the relationships of the outcomes with the following parameters: perfluoro-nonanoic (PFNA), decanoic (PFDA), undecanoic (PFUdA), and dodecanoic (PFDoA) acids; perfluoroctansulfonate (PFOS); polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, 180; lead (Pb), total mercury (Hgtot), and cadmium (Cd); and other factors, such as "nest site," "clutch size," "incubation duration," and "nest minimum depth," as confounders/modifiers of the hatching rate. Among considered contaminants, PFOS, PFDA, and PFNA only were significant (p ˂ 0.05), as were "nest site," "clutch size," and "incubation duration," confirming their possible role in decreasing the hatching rate of sea turtle eggs. According to a chemical-specific visual strategy, PFOS only showed a typical monotonic dose/response curve, which allowed the identification of provisional hypothetical thresholds of PFOS, 1,386 (CI95 = 1,080-1,692) ng/kg, corresponding to average hatching rates of 93.3% (CI95 = 91.4%-95.2%). Our preliminary results indicate the feasibility of the extrapolation of a screening value from observational studies under the following requirements: (a) individuation of most influencing factors for the outcome; (b) datasets referred to baseline contamination; (c) selection of undisturbed nests; (d) appropriate statistical multivariate methodology. This work aims to contribute to the New Approach Methods (NAMs) to assess PFAS early-stage embriotoxicity in marine biota., (© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.)

Syringoceles are cystic dilations of the bulbourethral gland, also known as Cowper's gland. Syringoceles are a rare pathology with no standard treatment. Herein, we report the diagnosis and endoscopic management of an imperforate syringocele causing bothersome urinary symptoms in an adult male patient. We present our technique for transurethral holmium laser unroofing of a syringocele as a feasible treatment option., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta has been chosen as bioindicator to monitor the amount of litter ingested by marine animals within the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Barcelona Regional Sea Convention. European Member States and Contracting Parties are committed to achieve the Good Environmental Status (GES), which is reached when the quantity of ingested litter does not adversely affect the health of the species concerned. Although the monitoring strategy has been outlined for more than a decade, to date no threshold values have been adopted to verify GES achievement. After five years of extensive monitoring along the Italian coasts, this study evaluates the suitability of five different GES scenarios and proposes a new threshold value (i.e., "there should be less than 33% of sea turtles having more than 0.05 g of ingested plastic in the GI") for its implementation in the European seas and the Mediterranean basin., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Antimicrobial resistance affects all environments, endangering the health of numerous species, including wildlife. Increasing anthropic pressure promotes the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic resistance by wild animals. Sea turtles, being particularly exposed, are considered sentinels and carriers of potential zoonotic pathogens and resistant strains. Therefore, this study examined the antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from loggerhead sea turtles hospitalised in a rescue centre of Southern Italy over a 9-year period. Resistance to ceftazidime, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, flumequine, gentamicin, oxytetracycline and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim was evaluated for 138 strains isolated from the clinical samples or organs of 60 animals. Gram-negative families were the most isolated: Vibrionaceae were predominant, followed by Shewanellaceae , Pseudomonadaceae , Enterobacteriaceae and Morganellaceae . These last three families exhibited the highest proportion of resistance and multidrug-resistant strains. Among the three Gram-positive families isolated, Enterococcaceae were the most represented and resistant. The opportunistic behaviour of all the isolated species is particularly concerning for diseased sea turtles, especially considering their resistance to commonly utilised antibiotics. Actually, the multiple antibiotic resistance was higher when the sea turtles were previously treated. Taken together, these findings highlight the need to improve antimicrobial stewardship and monitor antibiotic resistance in wildlife, to preserve the health of endangered species, along with public and environmental health.

Per-and Poly-FluoroAlkyl Substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent, toxic, and mobile and chemicals both from industrial sources and from the use and disposal of Consumers products containing PFAS, whose concentration in marine food webs could pose a toxicological risk for biota and humans. In 2021, unhatched eggs were sampled from 41 loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta nests from the Italian shores of the Campania Region (Southern Italy). Whole eggs were analysed for the presence of 66 legacy and emerging PFAS with Liquid Chromatography coupled to Hybrid High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. A median Σ 66 Per- and Poly-FluoroAlkyl Substances value of 3.34 ng/g egg fresh weight was found; perfluoroctane sulfonate (PFOS) represented the most contributing congener (47%), followed by perfluoro-n-undecanoic acid, perfluoro-n-tridecanoic acid, perfluoro-n-decanoic acid, perfluoro-n-decanoic acid, and perfluoro-n-tetradecanoic acid, respectively. Such compounds showed a log-norm distribution, suggesting found concentrations could represent the baseline levels in the considered sampling area. Emerging ChloroPolyFluoroPolyEthers Carboxylic Acids (ClPFECAs) were found in 20 out of 41 samples in the range 0.01-1.59 ng/g. Four samples had 20-100 fold higher concentration compared to that of other samples, suggesting the presence of hot spot areas possibly related to presence of fluoropolymer-based marine litter turtles may ingest. The analysis of two paired eggs/liver samples recovered from stranded animals revealed PFAS concentration in the same order of magnitude, supporting the role of vitellogenin in their selective transfer to yolk. Significant (P = 0.0155) Kendall negative correlation coefficient of -0.2705 among PFOS content in eggs and the recorded hatching success prompts for further investigation on associated exposure assessment and related eco-toxicity risk. This work reports for the first time PFAS presence in georeferenced loggerhead turtle eggs of the Mediterranean Sea and results represent a starting point to study PFAS time-trends in this vulnerable species., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Urologists are experts in the fields of genital and pelvic anatomy, sexual health and reproductive medicine. As such, a working understanding of urologic conditions relevant to transgender and gender diverse patients should be expected within their scope of practice. Herein, we describe an introductory framework for general urologists to grow their knowledge of the appropriate terminology, anatomy, and basic tenets of gender-affirming care to better manage the urologic needs of transgender and gender diverse patients., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Bilateral cataracts were diagnosed in two rescued juvenile, immature loggerhead sea turtles ( Caretta caretta ), weighing 1.65 and 1.7 kg. Both animals showed vision impairment and difficulty in feeding without assistance. In fact, they did not notice the presence of the food in the tank unless it was brought close to touching the mouth. Ocular ultrasonography and electroretinography showed no lesions of the vitreal body and retinal layer, therefore, both animals were candidates for bilateral cataract surgery. Topical administration of tropicamide + phenylephrine alternating with rocuronium resulted in only minimal mydriasis. Administration of intracameral rocuronium did not improve mydriasis. Phacoemulsification using a one-handed technique was performed bilaterally with a phacoemulsification device (Sovereign, AMO (Abbott Medical Optics ® ). After surgery, the systemic anti-inflammatory drug (dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg, IM daily for one week) and antibiotics (enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg IM q 72 h, for 4 weeks; ceftazidime 20 mg/kg IM q 72 h for 3 weeks) were administered. Topical ofloxacin, flurbiprofen and tobramycin/dexamethasone were instilled TID for 4 weeks. Both turtles regained vision in both eyes. Results at a 10-month follow-up were satisfactory. This is the first report of cataracts in turtles rescued in the Mediterranean Sea and the first description of surgical treatment of cataracts in loggerhead turtles so young.

Marine pollution is one of the major threats affecting loggerhead turtles, which due to their long life span, highly migratory behavior, and carnivorous diet, may be exposed to elevated levels of toxic elements throughout their life. The transfer of chemicals from mothers to their offspring is of particular conservation concern because it may affect embryonic development and hatching success. In this study, the concentrations of 16 toxic and potentially toxic trace elements, 6 indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticide residues (OCPs) were determined in 138 eggs from 46 loggerhead turtle nests laid during the 2021 nesting season in Campania, Italy, western Mediterranean Sea. The possible impact of pollutant levels on hatching success and early embryonic death was also investigated. Trace element analysis was performed using an ICP-MS, except for mercury, which was determined using a Direct Mercury Analyzer® (DMA). PCBs and OCPs were analyzed with high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS) and gas chromatography tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry GC-MS /MS, respectively. The concentrations of essential elements in the eggs were higher than those of non-essential elements. In addition, the highly chlorinated PCBs (153, 138, and 180) contributed the most to the total PCBs, while OCPs were not detected. No correlations were found between contaminant concentrations and reproductive parameters (hatching success and no obvious embryos). The results obtained suggest that the levels of contaminants found in the eggs do not affect the reproductive success of the species in the study area.

Antibiotic stewardship in urologic reconstruction is critically important, as many patients will require indwelling catheters for days to weeks following surgery and thus are at risk of both developing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) as well as multi-drug resistant (MDR) uropathogens. Accordingly, limiting antibiotic use, when safe, should help reduce antibiotic resistance and the prevalence of MDR organisms. However, there is significant heterogeneity in how antibiotics are prescribed to patients who need indwelling urethral catheters post-operatively. We performed a literature review to determine if there are benefits in the use of antibiotics for various clinical scenarios that require post-operative indwelling catheters for greater than 24 h. In general, for patients undergoing prostatectomy, transurethral resection of the prostate, and/or urethroplasty, antibiotic administration may be limited without increased risk of CAUTI. However, more work is needed to identify optimal antibiotic regimens for these and alternative urologic procedures, whether certain sub-populations benefit from longer courses of antibiotics, and effective non-antibiotic or non-systemic therapies.

Adhesions involving the bulbar and the palpebral conjunctiva (Symblepharon) may interfere with tear drainage, cause chronic conjunctivitis, and reduce ocular motility. This condition may be associated with adhesion of the edges of the upper and lower eyelids (ankyloblepharon). The present case describes bilateral symblepharon, ankyloblepharon and salt gland dysfunction in a juvenile Caretta caretta . The loggerhead presented both eyelids swollen, ulcerated, and not separable when rescued. Eye examination was not possible, but ultrasonography showed right bulbar integrity, while the left eye was smaller, with a thicker cornea that had lost its normal doubled lined structure. Surgical dissection of the fibrous adhesions between the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and third eyelid was performed, and large dacryoliths were removed. The microscopic findings were consistent with chronic keratoconjunctivitis. Ultrastructurally, no virus-like particles were observed. In addition, tissue samples were negative for herpesvirus by qualitative PCR. The eyelids of both eyes and the corneal epithelium of the right eye healed; moreover, the vision was restored in the right eye. There were no recurrences after 12 months of follow-up, and the turtle was released 16 months after the end of treatments on the southern Tyrrhenian coast in the western Mediterranean Sea. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of symblepharon with ankyloblepharon and salt gland dysfunction in Caretta caretta turtle. Ocular ultrasonography was helpful in the preliminary diagnostic work-up.

Background and Objectives : The National Cancer Database (NCDB) captures nearly 70% of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States, but there exists significant variation in this capture rate based on primary tumor location and other patient demographic factors. Prostate cancer has the lowest coverage rate of all major cancers, and other genitourinary malignancies likewise fall below the average NCDB case coverage rate. We aimed to explore NCDB coverage rates for patients with genitourinary cancers as a function of race. Materials and Methods : We compared the incidence of cancer cases in the NCDB with contemporary United States Cancer Statistics data. Results : Across all malignancies, American Indian/Alaskan Natives subjects demonstrated the lowest capture rates, and Asian/Pacific Islander subjects exhibited the second-lowest capture rates. Between White and Black subjects, capture rates were significantly higher for White subjects overall and for prostate cancer and kidney cancer in White males, but significantly higher for bladder cancer in Black versus White females. No significant differences were observed in coverage rates for kidney cancer in females, bladder cancer in males, penile cancer, or testicular cancer in White versus Black patients. Conclusions : Differential access to Commission on Cancer-accredited treatment facilities for racial minorities with genitourinary cancer constitutes a unique avenue for health equity research.

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the gold standard treatment for appropriately selected renal masses. Recent surgical advancements and adoption of the robotic technique has led to greater adoption of nephron-sparing surgery. Robotic PN was initially described via the transperitoneal (TP) approach, however, retroperitoneal (RP) access is possible and in some cases more desirable. In the RP approach, the kidney is accessed from its posterior surface and the intraperitoneal space is avoided. The RP approach to PN has the benefit of avoiding intraperitoneal viscera and colonic mobilization in patients with extensive prior abdominal surgery. The technique also eliminates the need for renal unit rotation in patients with posterior tumors and affords access to masses directly posterior to the renal hilum. The RP and TP approach to PN have shown similar oncologic and perioperative outcomes. Several recent studies have reported shorter operative times and lengths of stay (LOS) with comparable warm ischemia times for the RP approach when compared to transperitoneal PN (tPN). Given the indispensable deliverables of this approach in select patients, robotic retroperitoneal PN (rPN) should be in the armamentarium of a versatile urologic kidney surgeon. This review describes the current state of rPN and compares the indications and outcomes of the TP and RP approaches., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tau.2019.12.09). The series “Controversies in Minimally Invasive Urologic Oncology” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2021 Translational Andrology and Urology. All rights reserved.)

Penile strangulation is an uncommon urologic emergency that requires prompt evaluation and treatment to avoid disastrous consequences. Strangulation has been reported with objects ranging from hair tourniquets, to plastic rings, to iron rings. Strangulation with these devices can result in vascular congestion of the penis, swelling and eventual gangrene of the penis distal to the constricting device. We present a case report of a 43-year-old male who had a 2-day history of penile pain and swelling secondary to a metal ring constricting the proximal phallus. Ring removal was achieved with an orthopedic bolt cutter to cut the ring in two places, using a malleable retractor to act as a "backboard" to prevent iatrogenic injury to the penis., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Adaptation of osteology and myology lead to the formation of hydrofoil foreflippers in Cheloniidae (all recent sea turtles except Dermochelys coriacea) which are used mainly for underwater flight. Recent research shows the biomechanical advantages of a complex system of agonistic and antagonistic tension chords that reduce bending stress in bones. Finite element structure analysis (FESA) of a cheloniid humerus is used to provide a better understanding of morphology and microanatomy and to link these with the main flipper function, underwater flight. Dissection of a Caretta caretta gave insights into lines of action, that is, the course that a muscle takes between its origin and insertion, of foreflipper musculature. Lines of action were determined by spanning physical threads on a skeleton of Chelonia mydas. The right humerus of this skeleton was micro-CT scanned. Based on the scans, a finite element (FE) model was built and muscle force vectors were entered. Muscle forces were iteratively approximated until a uniform compressive stress distribution was attained. Two load cases, downstroke and upstroke, were computed. We found that muscle wrappings (m. coracobrachialis magnus and brevis, several extensors, humeral head of m. triceps) are crucial in addition to axial loading to obtain homogenous compressive loading in all bone cross-sections. Detailed knowledge on muscle disposition leads to compressive stress distribution in the FE model which corresponds with the bone microstructure. The FE analysis of the cheloniid humerus shows that bone may be loaded mainly by compression if the bending moments are minimized., (© 2019 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.)

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for roughly 5% of urothelial carcinomas. Historically, the gold standard for high-risk or bulky low-risk UTUC was an open radical nephroureterectomy with formal bladder cuff excision (BCE). The development of novel endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques has transformed this operation, yet no level I evidence exists at present that demonstrates the superiority of one strategy over another. While new approaches to nephroureterectomy in the last decade have shifted the management paradigm to decrease the morbidity of surgery, controversy continues to surround the approach to the distal ureter and bladder cuff. Debate continues within the urologic community over which surgical approach is best when managing UTUC and how various approaches impact clinical outcomes such as intravesical recurrence, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific mortality (DSM). When focusing on the existing treatment algorithm, key metrics of quality include (I) removal of the entire specimen en bloc , (II) minimizing the risk of tumor and urine spillage, (III) R0 resection, and (IV) water-tight closure allowing for early use of prophylactic intravesical chemotherapy. In the absence of robust evidence demonstrating a single superior approach, the urologic surgeon should base decisions on technical comfort and each patient's particular clinical circumstance., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tau.2020.01.17). The series “Upper-Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Current State and Future Directions” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2020 Translational Andrology and Urology. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To describe the technique of robotic remnant vaginectomy/excision of urethral diverticulum in transmen and report postoperative outcomes., Materials and Methods: Between 2015 and 2018, 4 patients underwent robotic remnant vaginectomy/excision of urethral diverticulum for relief of urinary symptoms. Patients were of mean age 36 ± 10.1 years (range 26-50) at time of vaginal remnant excision, and were 26 ± 9.1 months (range 20-39) post-op following their primary vaginectomy and radial forearm free flap (n = 3) or anterolateral thigh (n = 1) phalloplasty. All had multiple urologic complications after primary phalloplasty, most commonly urinary retention (n = 4), urethral stricture (n = 3), fistula (n = 3), dribbling (n = 2), and obstruction (n = 2). Indication for revision was obstruction and retention (n =3 ) and/or dribbling (n = 2). In each case, the robotic transabdominal dissection freed remnant vaginal tissue from the adjacent bladder and rectum without injury to these structures. Concurrent first- or second-stage urethroplasty was performed in all cases at a more distal portion of the urethra using buccal mucosa, vaginal, or skin grafts. Intraoperative cystoscopy was used in each case to confirm complete resection and closure of the diverticulum., Results: At mean follow-up of 294 ± 125.6 days (range 106-412), no patients had persistence or recurrence of vaginal cavity/urethral diverticulum on cystoscopic follow-up. Of 3 patients who wished to ultimately stand to void, 2 were able to do so at follow-up., Conclusion: Robotic transabdominal approach to remnant vaginectomy/excision of urethral diverticulum allows for excision without opening the perineal closure for management of symptomatic remnant/diverticulum in transgender men after vaginectomy., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Design: Retrospective analysis., Objective: To improve understanding of the impact of comorbid mental health disorders (MHDs) on long-term outcomes following cervical spinal fusion in cervical radiculopathy (CR) or cervical myelopathy (CM) patients., Summary of Background Data: Subsets of patients with CR and CM have MHDs, and their impact on surgical complications is poorly understood., Methods: Patients admitted from 2009 to 2013 with CR or CM diagnoses who underwent cervical surgery with minimum 2-year surveillance were retrospectively reviewed using New York State's Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System. Patients with a comorbid MHD were compared against those without (no-MHD). Univariate analysis compared demographics, complications, readmissions, and revisions between MHD and no-MHD cohorts. Multivariate binary logistic regression models identified independent predictors of outcomes (covariates: age, sex, Charlson/Deyo score, and surgical approach)., Results: A total of 20,342 patients (MHD: n = 4819; no-MHD: n = 15,523) were included. MHDs identified: depressive (57.8%), anxiety (28.1%), sleep (25.2%), and stress (2.9%). CR patients had greater prevalence of comorbid MHD than CM patients (P = 0.015). Two years postoperatively, all patients with MHD had significantly higher rates of complications (specifically: device-related, infection), readmission for any indication, and revision surgery (all P < 0.05); regression modeling corroborated these findings and revealed combined surgical approach as the strongest predictor for any complication (CR, odds ratio [OR]: 3.945, P < 0.001; CM, OR: 2.828, P < 0.001) and MHD as the strongest predictor for future revision (CR, OR: 1.269, P = 0.001; CM, OR: 1.248, P = 0.008) in both CR and CM cohorts., Conclusion: Nearly 25% of patients admitted for CR and CM carried comorbid MHD and experienced greater rates of any complication, readmission, or revision, at minimum, 2 years after cervical spine surgery. Results must be confirmed with retrospective studies utilizing larger national databases and with prospective cohort studies. Patient counseling and psychological screening/support are recommended to complement surgical treatment., Level of Evidence: 3.

Marine litter is any persistent, manufactured or processed solid material discarded, disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environment. Ingestion of marine litter can have lethal and sub-lethal effects on wildlife that accidentally ingests it, and sea turtles are particularly susceptible to this threat. The European Commission drafted the 2008/56/EC Marine Strategy Framework Directive with the aim to achieve a Good Environmental Status (GES), and the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta, Linnaeus 1758) was selected for monitoring the amount and composition of litter ingested by marine animals. An analogous decision has been made under the UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea, following the Ecosystem Approach. This work provides for the first time, two possible scenarios for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive GES, both related to "Trends in the amount and composition of litter ingested by marine animals" in the Mediterranean Sea. The study validates the use of the loggerhead turtle as target indicator for monitoring the impact of litter on marine biota and calls for immediate use of this protocol throughout the Mediterranean basin and European Region. Both GES scenarios are relevant worldwide, where sea turtles and marine litter are present, for measuring the impact of ingested plastics and developing policy strategies to reduce it. In the period between 2011 and 2014, 150 loggerhead sea turtles, found dead, were collected from the Italian Coast, West Mediterranean Sea Sub-Region. The presence of marine litter was investigated using a standardized protocol for necropsies and lab analysis. The collected items were subdivided into 4 main categories, namely, IND-Industrial plastic, USE-User plastic, RUB-Non plastic rubbish, POL-Pollutants and 14 sub-categories, to detect local diversity. Eighty-five percent of the individuals considered (n = 120) were found to have ingested an average of 1.3 ± 0.2 g of litter (dry mass) or 16 ± 3 items., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Copepods belonging to the Oncaeidae family are commonly and abundantly found in marine zooplankton. In the Mediterranean Sea, forty-seven oncaeid species occur, of which eleven in the Gulf of Naples. In this Gulf, several Oncaea species were morphologically analysed and described at the end of the XIX century by W. Giesbrecht. In the same area, oncaeids are being investigated over seasonal and inter-annual scales at the long-term coastal station LTER-MC. In the present work, we identified six oncaeid species using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS rDNA) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI). Phylogenetic analyses based on these two genomic regions validated the sisterhood of the genera Triconia and the Oncaea sensu stricto. ITS1 and ITS2 phylogenies produced incongruent results about the position of Oncaea curta, calling for further investigations on this species. We also characterised the ITS2 region by secondary structure predictions and found that all the sequences analysed presented the distinct eukaryotic hallmarks. A Compensatory Base Change search corroborated the close relationship between O. venusta and O. curta and between O. media and O. venusta already identified by ITS phylogenies. The present results, which stem from the integration of molecular and morphological taxonomy, represent an encouraging step towards an improved knowledge of copepod biodiversity: The two complementary approaches, when applied to long-term copepod monitoring, will also help to better understanding their genetic variations and ecological niches of co-occurring species.

Distribution shifts are a common adaptive response of marine ectotherms to climate change but the pace of redistribution depends on species-specific traits that may promote or hamper expansion to northern habitats. Here we show that recently, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) has begun to nest steadily beyond the northern edge of the species' range in the Mediterranean basin. This range expansion is associated with a significant warming of spring and summer sea surface temperature (SST) that offers a wider thermal window suitable for nesting. However, we found that post-hatchlings departing from this location experience low winter SST that may affect their survival and thus hamper the stabilization of the site by self-recruitment. The inspection of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change model projections and observational data on SST trends shows that, despite the annual warming for this century, winter SST show little or no trends. Therefore, thermal constraints during the early developmental phase may limit the chance of population growth at this location also in the near future, despite increasingly favourable conditions at the nesting sites. Quantifying and understanding the interplay between dispersal and environmental changes at all life stages is critical for predicting ectotherm range expansion with climate warming.

Marine turtle lungs have multiple functions including respiration, oxygen storage and buoyancy regulation, so lung size is an important indicator of dive performance. We determined maximum lung volumes (V(L)) for 30 individuals from three species (Caretta caretta n=13; Eretmochelys imbricata n=12; Natator depressus n=5) across a range of body masses (M(b)): 0.9 to 46 kg. V(L) was 114 ml kg(-1) and increased with M(b) with a scaling factor of 0.92. Based on these values for V(L) we demonstrated that diving capacities (assessed via aerobic dive limits) of marine turtles were potentially over-estimated when the V(L)-body mass effect was not considered (by 10 to 20% for 5 to 25 kg turtles and by >20% for turtles > or =25 kg). While aerobic dive limits scale with an exponent of 0.6, an analysis of average dive durations in free-ranging chelonian marine turtles revealed that dive duration increases with a mass exponent of 0.51, although there was considerable scatter around the regression line. While this highlights the need to determine more parameters that affect the duration-body mass relationship, our results provide a reference point for calculating oxygen storage capacities and air volumes available for buoyancy control.