Dominance of Scorpaena maderensis among scorpaenids of littoral rocky reefs in Corsica (NW Mediterranean): Further evidence of Mediterranean Sea warming.

The population of Scorpaenidae was investigated in the Nature Reserve of Scàndula (Corsica, France, NW Mediterranean). While absent from Corsica a few decades ago, the Madeira rockfish Scorpaena maderensis is now the most abundant scorpaenid species in shallow rocky reef areas, far outnumbering Scorpaena notata and Scorpaena porcus. Considered as a subtropical species of Atlantic origin, the northward progression of the thermophilic S. maderensis and its dominance in Corsican waters is further evidence of the ongoing warming of the Mediterranean Sea.

The transverse musculo-cutaneous gracilis flap for breast reconstruction: How to avoid complications.

BACKGROUND: The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap has become a common solution for breast reconstruction. However, the safe skin paddle limits are not yet understood. In this study, we attempted to address this issue based on our experiences with inferior and posterior skin paddle extension. METHODS: Forty-four breast reconstructions with TMG flaps performed between November 2010 and January 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. For the first 20 cases, the flap skin paddle was extended 3 cm posteriorly to the middle thigh (group 1). For the next 20 flaps (group 2), the posterior tip was limited to this line, whereas more fat was recruited inferiorly. In the four cases of group 3, the skin flap was extended posteriorly with a second vascular pedicle from the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap. The weights and the dimensions of the flaps, operating durations, and postoperative complications of the entire series were analyzed. Groups 1 and 2 were statistically compared. RESULTS: Flap complications were statistically more frequent in group 1 compared with group 2 (45 vs. 0%, P = 0.0012); 40% posterior flap tip necrosis was observed in group 1. Conversely, donor site complications were statistically more frequent in group 2 than in group 1 (40 vs. 5%, P = 0.019) with 35% inner thigh dehiscence. In the TMG with extended PAP flap group, the operating duration was 77 min longer compared with the rest of the series with no donor site complications. In one case, limited necrosis occurred at the anterior skin tip. CONCLUSIONS: Harvesting the posterior portion of the TMG up to the middle of the posterior thigh may lead to partial flap necrosis. Extending subcutaneous fat removal under the inferior skin incision may increase the risk of donor site complications. Adding a second vascular pedicle from the PAP flap may improve posterior TMG tip perfusion at the expense of a longer operation.

A regionally scalable habitat typology for assessing benthic habitats and fish communities: Application to New Caledonia reefs and lagoons.

Scalable assessments of biodiversity are required to successfully and adaptively manage coastal ecosystems. Assessments must account for habitat variations at multiple spatial scales, including the small scales (<100 m) at which biotic and abiotic habitat components structure the distribution of fauna, including fishes. Associated challenges include achieving consistent habitat descriptions and upscaling from in situ-monitored stations to larger scales. We developed a methodology for (a) determining habitat types consistent across scales within large management units, (b) characterizing heterogeneities within each habitat, and (c) predicting habitat from new survey data. It relies on clustering techniques and supervised classification rules and was applied to a set of 3,145 underwater video observations of fish and benthic habitats collected in all reef and lagoon habitats around New Caledonia. A baseline habitat typology was established with five habitat types clearly characterized by abiotic and biotic attributes. In a complex mosaic of habitats, habitat type is an indispensable covariate for explaining spatial variations in fish communities. Habitat types were further described by 26 rules capturing the range of habitat features encountered. Rules provided intuitive habitat descriptions and predicted habitat type for new monitoring observations, both straightforwardly and with known confidence. Images are convenient for interacting with managers and stakeholders. Our scheme is (a) consistent at the scale of New Caledonia reefs and lagoons (1.4 million km2) and (b) ubiquitous by providing data in all habitats, for example, showcasing a substantial fish abundance in rarely monitored soft-bottom habitats. Both features must be part of an ecosystem-based monitoring strategy relevant for management. This is the first study applying data mining techniques to in situ measurements to characterize coastal habitats over regional-scale management areas. This approach can be applied to other types of observations and other ecosystems to characterize and predict local ecological assets for assessments at larger scales.

An integrated method to evaluate and monitor the conservation state of coralligenous habitats: The INDEX-COR approach.

A new method based on photographic sampling coupled with in situ observations was applied to 53 stations along the French Mediterranean coast, to assess the integrity of coralligenous reefs affected by different levels of anthropogenic pressure. The conservation state of the assemblages characterizing these habitats was then assessed by an index - the INDEX-COR - that integrates three metrics: (i) the sensitivity of the taxa to organic matter and sediment deposition, (ii) the observable taxonomic richness, and (iii) the structural complexity of the assemblages. The sensitivity of INDEX-COR was tested and showed good correlation with the Level of Pressure calculated for each station according to expert judgment and field observations.

Bilateral simultaneous breast reconstruction with transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flaps.

BACKGROUND: A transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap provides good autologous reconstruction for small- and medium-sized breasts. Although the procedure is well adapted for bilateral breast reconstruction, no publication has specifically addressed simultaneous bilateral cases. METHODS: From 2010 to 2014, the authors performed seven simultaneous bilateral breast reconstructions using transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flaps. The results with respect to operative data, immediate complications, second-stage reconstruction, and patient satisfaction after >1 year of follow-up were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 7 h and 48 min (range, 6-9 h). Three minor complications occurred: two cases of limited flap necrosis and one case of donor-site wound dehiscence. Surgical revision was not required, and there was no flap failure. A second-stage operation was performed in 71% of the patients to improve the aesthetic results and flap volume. On average, 167 cm(3) of fat was injected per breast. After a mean follow-up of 27 months, the satisfaction rate was 86% without significant functional deficits. CONCLUSIONS: A transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap is an effective and safe option for simultaneous bilateral reconstruction. The operating time is shorter than that for other autologous procedures with similar complication rates and high patient satisfaction levels.