Monk seals (Monachus monachus) in the Mediterranean Sea: The threat of organochlorine contaminants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is an emblematic species of conservation concern. Anthropogenic pressures have led to severe population declines and significant fragmentation of the remaining populations. Because of their close relationship with coastal areas, Mediterranean monk seals may be potentially exposed to pollution from agricultural sources, as well as from oil tanker spills. Although monitoring of pollution has long been considered a priority for this species, data on monk seal contamination levels are scarce. In this study, 55 blubber samples of all genders and age classes collected during necropsies (1995-2013) from seals of the Eastern Mediterranean subpopulation were analyzed for organochlorine compounds (OCs), i.e., hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Overall, PCBs > DDTs ≫ PAHs > HCB in all samples. Results showed a significant downward trend over the 19-year period for DDTs and HCB. No marked pattern was found for PAHs, even though relative abundance of cancerogenic PAH fraction rose in recent years. PCB levels in subadult specimens increased noticeably over time despite worldwide ban. Our findings did not suggest recent releases of DDT or new pesticides (e.g., Dicofol) in the environment, but may indicate an improper disposal of ancient storages of PCBs or a remobilization from reservoirs. OC levels exceeded thresholds that are commonly associated with immunosuppression and reproductive impairment in other pinnipeds. Hence, OCs could be responsible of potential toxicological effects in this subpopulation. This study represents the first report on PAH and one of the few reports on OC bioaccumulation in Mediterranean monk seals. Based on the levels found in the blubber of monk seals from the Eastern Mediterranean, and given the known harmful effects associated to the prolonged exposure to these substances and the reduced long-term expectations of species recovery, regular monitoring is advocated.

Fecal and skin microbiota of two rescued Mediterranean monk seal pups during rehabilitation.

IMPORTANCE: This study showed that during the rehabilitation of two rescued Mediterranean monk seal pups (Monachus monachus), the skin and fecal bacterial communities showed similar succession patterns between the two individuals. This finding means that co-housed pups share their microbiomes, and this needs to be considered in cases of infection outbreaks and their treatment. The housing conditions, along with the feeding scheme and care protocols, including the admission of antibiotics as prophylaxis, probiotics, and essential food supplements, resulted in bacterial communities with no apparent pathogenic bacteria. This is the first contribution to the microbiome of the protected seal species of M. monachus and contributes to the animal's conservation practices through its microbiome.

First Description of the Underwater Sounds in the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus in Greece: Towards Establishing a Vocal Repertoire.

The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is one of the most endangered pinnipeds in the world, and is classified as "Endangered" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Any additional knowledge about the species is invaluable to its effective conservation. In the present study, we deployed an autonomous underwater recorder in an important reproductive area of the Mediterranean monk seal in Greece to describe its underwater vocal repertoire. Over the 330 h of continuous recordings, 9231 vocalizations were labelled as potentially produced by Mediterranean monk seals, and 1694 good quality calls were analyzed. We defined 18 call types divided into three main call categories: harmonic, noisy, and pulsative calls. We also described the soundscape in which this endangered species lives and found that human activities around the two main pupping caves had a strong impact on the sonic environment of these seals: the noise level produced by boat traffic was high, and occurred on an hourly (25 to 50 min/hour) and daily basis (10.8 to 16.9 h/day). Such high levels of noise might not only impair the communication of the species, but also impact its survival, as chronic noise can induce physiological stress.

Neuromuscular control of the lower extremities can be better enhanced by applying ankle taping and kinesiological taping rather than elastic bandaging: a randomized control study in amateur soccer players.

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of ankle elastic bandaging, taping, and kinesiology taping on the neuromuscular control of the lower extremities before and after their application and after exercise in soccer athletes. [Participants and Methods] Fifty-five amateur soccer players were randomly divided into four research sub-groups either receiving bandaging (n=15), taping (n=15), and kinesiology taping (n=15) on their ankle or serving as controls (n=10). The dynamic stability of the non-dominant limb was assessed through the star excursion balance test (SEBT) in three research conditions: a) before sports taping application, b) after the application, and c) after a 15 min laboratory simulation of soccer activities. [Results] Taping and kinesiology taping improved the dynamic stabilization of the lower limb more statistically significantly than bandaging. The addition of exercise significantly improved the SEBT results in the taping and kinesiology taping more than the bandaging and control groups. [Conclusion] Exercise activates the proprioceptive mechanisms of the lower limb and improves its neuromuscular control. This functional improvement of the lower limb appears to be enhanced after ankle taping and kinesiology taping compared with elastic bandaging and controls.

The antique genetic plight of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).

Disentangling the impact of Late Quaternary climate change from human activities can have crucial implications on the conservation of endangered species. We investigated the population genetics and demography of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the world's most endangered marine mammals, through an unprecedented dataset encompassing historical (extinct) and extant populations from the eastern North Atlantic to the entire Mediterranean Basin. We show that Cabo Blanco (Western Sahara/Mauritania), Madeira, Western Mediterranean (historical range) and Eastern Mediterranean regions segregate into four populations. This structure is probably the consequence of recent drift, combined with long-term isolation by distance (R2 = 0.7), resulting from prevailing short-distance (less than 500 km) and infrequent long-distance dispersal (less than 1500 km). All populations (Madeira especially), show high levels of inbreeding and low levels of genetic diversity, seemingly declining since historical time, but surprisingly not being impacted by the 1997 massive die-off in Cabo Blanco. Approximate Bayesian Computation analyses support scenarios combining local extinctions and a major effective population size decline in all populations during Antiquity. Our results suggest that the early densification of human populations around the Mediterranean Basin coupled with the development of seafaring techniques were the main drivers of the decline of Mediterranean monk seals.

First Report of Uncinaria hamiltoni in Orphan Eastern Mediterranean Monk Seal Pups in Greece and Its Clinical Significance.

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is classified by the IUCN as "endangered," with a global population estimated to number fewer than 800 individuals. Our understanding of the biology and health status of the species is still limited, rendering every medical case a challenge for conservationists and veterinary clinicians. Although studying and managing disease in wild marine hosts is complex and challenging, studying and mitigating the effects of any disease to the Mediterranean monk seal is of utmost importance for conservation. The aim of this study was to document for the first time the presence of the hookworm Uncinaria hamiltoni in rehabilitated Mediterranean monk seal pups in Greece. A detailed examination protocol was followed for all pups that live-stranded over 30 years in 22 different locations, including physical, parasitological, and other examinations. Hookworms (adults and/or eggs) were detected in all the fecal samples, from all animals. Molecular identification using MtDNA (COI) and ribosomal DNA (D2/D3 28S and internal transcribed spacer [ITS] regions) identified the nematode species as Uncinaria hamiltoni. The clinical impacts and the benefits of anthelmintic treatment as a tool for the conservation management of the species are discussed.

Genetic and demographic history define a conservation strategy for earth's most endangered pinniped, the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus.

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is a flagship species for marine conservation, but important aspects of its life history remain unknown. Concerns over imminent extinction motivated a nuclear DNA study of the species in its largest continuous subpopulation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Despite recent evidence of partial subpopulation recovery, we demonstrate that there is no reason for complacency, as the species still shares several traits that are characteristic of a critically endangered species: Mediterranean monk seals in the eastern Mediterranean survive in three isolated and genetically depauperate population clusters, with small effective population sizes and high levels of inbreeding. Our results indicated male philopatry over short distances, which is unexpected for a polygynous mammal. Such a pattern may be explained by the species' unique breeding behavior, in which males defend aquatic territories near breeding sites, while females are often forced to search for new pupping areas. Immediate action is necessary to reverse the downward spiral of population decline, inbreeding accumulation and loss of genetic diversity. We propose concrete conservation measures for the Mediterranean monk seal focusing on reducing anthropogenic threats, increasing the population size and genetic diversity, and thus improving the long-term prospects of survival.

Trace element concentrations in the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. The biggest sub-population of the species survives in Greece, where understanding the effects of pollution on the survival of the species has been identified as a national research and conservation priority. From 1990 to 2013 we collected tissue samples from 59 deceased monk seals in order to: (i) Define the concentration of trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, Cr, Ni) in three different matrices (i.e., blubber, liver and kidney), (ii) Determine whether differences in trace element concentrations are age- or gender-related, (iii) Evaluate the potential effects of these pollutants. The study recorded differences in trace element concentrations among matrices, but in general, trace element exposure in Mediterranean monk seals in Greece was low and within the non-acutely toxic levels for Pinnipeds. Only arsenic concentrations were at the upper limit of the normal range observed in other marine mammals (0.69±0.55mg/kg w.w. in blubber, 0.79±0.62mg/kg w.w. in liver and 0.79±0.59mg/kg w.w. in kidney). We recorded also exceptionally high Hg concentrations in a single adult female (24.88mg/kg w.w.). Age- and gender-related differences were also recorded and were due to various biological, ecological and chemical factors. Based on the results of the study, potentially adverse effects on the immune and endocrine system of the Mediterranean monk seal from some pollutants (e.g., As, Cd, Se, Ni, Cr) cannot be ruled out, which may expose the Mediterranean seal population in Greece to epizootics and stochastic phenomena of mass mortality. It is therefore of utmost importance that pollutant monitoring becomes an integral component of the standard monitoring protocol of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal in the eastern Mediterranean.

Stable isotopes confirm a coastal diet for critically endangered Mediterranean monk seals.

Understanding the ecology and behaviour of endangered species is essential for developing effective management and conservation strategies. We used stable isotope analysis to investigate the foraging behaviour of critically endangered Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) in Greece. We measured carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (expressed as δ(13)C and δ(15)N values, respectively) derived from the hair of deceased adult and juvenile seals and the muscle of their known prey to quantify their diets. We tested the hypothesis that monk seals primarily foraged for prey that occupy coastal habitats in Greece. We compared isotope values from seal hair to their coastal and pelagic prey (after correcting all prey for isotopic discrimination) and used these isotopic data and a stable isotope mixing model to estimate the proportion of coastal and pelagic resources consumed by seals. As predicted, we found that seals had similar δ(13)C values as many coastal prey species and higher δ(13)C values than pelagic species; these results, in conjunction with mean dietary estimates (coastal=61 % vs. pelagic=39 %), suggest that seals have a diverse diet comprising prey from multiple trophic levels that primarily occupy the coast. Marine resource managers should consider using the results from this study to inform the future management of coastal habitats in Greece to protect Mediterranean monk seals.

Ecoregion-based conservation planning in the Mediterranean: dealing with large-scale heterogeneity.

Spatial priorities for the conservation of three key Mediterranean habitats, i.e. seagrass Posidonia oceanica meadows, coralligenous formations, and marine caves, were determined through a systematic planning approach. Available information on the distribution of these habitats across the entire Mediterranean Sea was compiled to produce basin-scale distribution maps. Conservation targets for each habitat type were set according to European Union guidelines. Surrogates were used to estimate the spatial variation of opportunity cost for commercial, non-commercial fishing, and aquaculture. Marxan conservation planning software was used to evaluate the comparative utility of two planning scenarios: (a) a whole-basin scenario, referring to selection of priority areas across the whole Mediterranean Sea, and (b) an ecoregional scenario, in which priority areas were selected within eight predefined ecoregions. Although both scenarios required approximately the same total area to be protected in order to achieve conservation targets, the opportunity cost differed between them. The whole-basin scenario yielded a lower opportunity cost, but the Alboran Sea ecoregion was not represented and priority areas were predominantly located in the Ionian, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas. In comparison, the ecoregional scenario resulted in a higher representation of ecoregions and a more even distribution of priority areas, albeit with a higher opportunity cost. We suggest that planning at the ecoregional level ensures better representativeness of the selected conservation features and adequate protection of species, functional, and genetic diversity across the basin. While there are several initiatives that identify priority areas in the Mediterranean Sea, our approach is novel as it combines three issues: (a) it is based on the distribution of habitats and not species, which was rarely the case in previous efforts, (b) it considers spatial variability of cost throughout this socioeconomically heterogeneous basin, and (c) it adopts ecoregions as the most appropriate level for large-scale planning.

The structure of Mediterranean rocky reef ecosystems across environmental and human gradients, and conservation implications.

Historical exploitation of the Mediterranean Sea and the absence of rigorous baselines makes it difficult to evaluate the current health of the marine ecosystems and the efficacy of conservation actions at the ecosystem level. Here we establish the first current baseline and gradient of ecosystem structure of nearshore rocky reefs at the Mediterranean scale. We conducted underwater surveys in 14 marine protected areas and 18 open access sites across the Mediterranean, and across a 31-fold range of fish biomass (from 3.8 to 118 g m(-2)). Our data showed remarkable variation in the structure of rocky reef ecosystems. Multivariate analysis showed three alternative community states: (1) large fish biomass and reefs dominated by non-canopy algae, (2) lower fish biomass but abundant native algal canopies and suspension feeders, and (3) low fish biomass and extensive barrens, with areas covered by turf algae. Our results suggest that the healthiest shallow rocky reef ecosystems in the Mediterranean have both large fish and algal biomass. Protection level and primary production were the only variables significantly correlated to community biomass structure. Fish biomass was significantly larger in well-enforced no-take marine reserves, but there were no significant differences between multi-use marine protected areas (which allow some fishing) and open access areas at the regional scale. The gradients reported here represent a trajectory of degradation that can be used to assess the health of any similar habitat in the Mediterranean, and to evaluate the efficacy of marine protected areas.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a case series of 16 patients treated in a single institution with literature review.

BACKGROUND: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is an uncommon skin tumour with a low to intermediate-grade of malignancy, characterized by progressive growth and a propensity for local recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of a series of 16 consecutive patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans who were treated in the host Institution over the last seven years was performed, with special emphasis on the outcome and disease-free interval, as well as recurrence rate over a mean follow-up period of 43.65 months. RESULTS: The clinicopathological features and results were reviewed. The primary treatment consisted of wide local excision with or without radiotherapy on 13 patients with primary and 3 with recurrent disease, and all patients remained free of disease recurrence during the mean follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The results of this study and a review of the literature support the notion that aggressive, wide surgical resection with disease-free margins, with or without radiotherapy decreases local recurrences and offers an excellent probability of cure. The accumulated data also confirm that all patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans should be followed up for an extended period, beyond the usual recommended 5-year follow-up, because late recurrences may occur.

Histologically malignant solitary fibrous tumour of the anterior thoracic wall: a case report and review of the literature.

Solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) is a rare oncological entity that most often arises in the pleura. Over the past 10 years, the tumour has been described at numerous extrapleural locations. We present the case of a 42-year-old female Caucasian patient with an extrapleural SFT located at the anterior thoracic wall for 22 years, with atypical histological characteristics and clinical features of malignancy. Management consisted of a wide surgical resection, plastic reconstruction, and postoperative radiotherapy. Although extrapleural SFT usually behaves as a benign soft tissue tumour, it can also present with a more aggressive local behavior, including locoregional recurrence or metastasis. In that case, a multidisciplinary approach is required for accurate diagnosis and proper management.

Concentrations and patterns of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) from Western Sahara and Greece.

Blubber from Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) from the Western Sahara coast (Atlantic), sampled during 1996-1999, and from the Greek coast (Mediterranean), sampled during 1995-1999, was analyzed for organochlorine pollutants (OCs). In both populations, no significant difference was found between sexes. In the Atlantic population, mature females presented greater percentages of higher chlorinated PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) congeners in relation to total PCBs (sum of 25 congeners) than pups, indicating a differential transfer of PCB congeners through lactation. In the Mediterranean, the reduced sample size of adult individuals precluded proper statistical investigation of age-related variation. Significant differences in concentrations and pollutant patterns were found between populations. Thus, Mediterranean individuals presented significantly higher levels of HCB (hexachlorobenzene), tPCB, and DDTs (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) concentrations and DDE/tDDT and tDDT/tPCB ratios than their counterparts from the Atlantic. Moreover, the relative proportion of different congeners in relation to the total PCB load (congener/tPCB) was also different between the two areas. The 100*tDDT/tPCB ratio in Atlantic seals was 38.46, which indicates a predominance of industrial inputs over those associated with agriculture. Conversely, in the Mediterranean seal population, the 100*tDDT/tPCB ratio was 177.1, denoting a proportionally higher contribution of pollutants of agricultural origin.