Coordination of pinna, petiole, and root anatomical traits in 24 tropical-subtropical fern species.

Ferns are primitive vascular plants with diverse morphologies and structures. Plant anatomical traits and their linkages can reflect adaptation to the environment; however, these remain are still poorly understood in ferns. The main objective of this study was to explore whether there was structural coordination among and within organs in fern species. We measured 16 hydraulically related anatomical traits of pinnae, petioles, and roots of 24 representative fern species from the tropical and subtropical forest understory and analyzed trait correlation networks. In addition, we examined phylogenetic signals for the anatomical traits and analyzed co-evolutionary relationships. These results indicated that stomatal density and all petiole anatomical traits exhibited significant phylogenetic signals. Evolutionary correlations were observed between the tracheid diameter and wall thickness of the petiole and between the water transport capacity of the petiole and stomatal density. Conversely, anatomical traits of roots (e.g., root diameter) showed no phylogenetic signals and were not significantly correlated with those of the pinnae and petioles, indicating a lack of structural coordination between the below- and above-ground organs. Unlike angiosperms, vein density is unrelated to stomatal density or pinna thickness in ferns. As root diameter decreased, the cortex-to-stele diameter ratio decreased significantly (enhanced water absorption) in angiosperms but remained unchanged in ferns. These differences lead to different responses of ferns to climate change and improve our knowledge of the water adaptation strategies of ferns.

A Study on Morphometric Changes of the Pinna Following Ear Surgery.

Morphometry of pinna may change following ear surgeries. This study gives information about postoperative changes following ear surgeries. This study aims to measure the variation of ear morphology following surgery and to correlate the type of surgery with post-operative variations. Eighty patients with Chronic Otitis Media(COM) undergoing surgery by post aural approach were grouped into Modified Radical Mastoidectomy (MRM), Cortical Mastoidectomy + Tympanoplasty (CM + TM) and Tympanoplasty groups(TM). The MRM, CM + TM and TM groups had 14, 46 and 20 participants respectively. Various morphometric measurements were taken pre and post operatively. In all groups, the mean Concho-Mastoid Angle (CMA) was increased post operatively, with increase of 11.1 degrees in MRM (p value-0.002), 8.9 degrees in CM + TM (p value-0.000) and 4.8 degrees (p value- 0.657) in TM group. Similarly, the Cepahlo-auricular distances (D1 and D2) showed statistically significant changes in MRM and CM + TM groups (p value < 0.05). Mean CMA of MRM group compared with other groups did not show any statistically significant difference. However, when the CMA of CM + TM group was compared with TM group showed significant difference of 14.53 degree (p value 0.002). Similarly, the D1 and D2 showed statistically significant changes between the CM + TM and TM groups (p value 0.005 and 0.000 respectively). Prominence of pinna following ear surgery is a not a myth. It happens mostly in cases requiring drilling of the mastoid, rather than Tympanoplasty alone. This needs to be explained to the patient beforehand to prevent any confusion post operatively.

Sink-source connectivity for restocking of Pinna nobilis in the western Mediterranean Sea.

The critically endangered endemic bivalve Pinna nobilis from the Mediterranean Sea suffered a sudden population decline after a mass mortality event in early autumn 2016. Conservation efforts aimed at preventing extinction included safeguarding resistant individuals and implementing a breeding plan to contribute to the repopulation of the species. This study utilized a model combining Lagrangian dispersion and connectivity analyses to pinpoint optimal restocking sites in the Western Mediterranean. Our approach allowed to identify locations capable of sustaining and generating larvae for broader repopulation in key areas of the Western Mediterranean Sea prior to the mass mortality event. Six important repopulation locations from Murcia, Valencia and Balearic Islands were selected for reintroduction efforts. The results obtained in this study show how the network could be self-sufficient and able to self-replenish itself of recruits. Overall, our work can be used to direct the reintroduction of resistant animals in the Western Mediterranean Sea.

Ulcerative colitis with autoimmune thyroid disease results in bilateral auricular ossificans：a case.

Background: Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) often exhibit susceptibilities to multiple autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome, primary sclerosing cholangitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This propensity likely stems from common pathogenic mechanisms underlying immune-mediated conditions. This report highlights the occurrence of autoimmune thyroid disease during UC exacerbations. Notably, the patient displayed petrified auricles.Case Summary.A 57-year-old male complained of sustained abdominal pain, diarrhea, hematochezia, and mucus for a duration of 20 days. The diagnosis of UC was confirmed via colonoscopy, histopathological examination, and small bowel MRE. Clinical evaluations revealed bilateral ectopic ossification in his ears, which appeared to develop over an unspecified timeframe. Imaging and histological evaluations substantiated the ectopic ossification diagnosis while eliminating the possibility of adrenal insufficiency. The presented case offers a unique instance of bilateral auricular ossification, which is hypothesized to result from hyperthyroidism. Conclusion: Our case report underscores the necessity of enhancing awareness of the rare complications associated with UC. Medical practitioners should recognize the potential overlap of autoimmune thyroid disorders in UC patients. It is imperative to test for thyroid-related antibodies in such individuals, irrespective of overt thyroid dysfunction.

Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic related chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis: the role of masks.

BACKGROUND: Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis is a benign, but painful inflammatory condition of the ear, characterised by a tender nodule located on the helix or antihelix. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis associated with the use of coronavirus disease 2019 masks during the pandemic. METHOD: A retrospective single-centre study was performed from February 2020 to February 2022 in the Maxillo-Facial Unit at the University Hospital of Siena, Italy. RESULTS: During the indexed period, 11 patients were affected by chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis. All patients wore a mask for more than 8 hours a day, every day for several months. CONCLUSION: Although there is no certain proof of the correlation between masks and chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis, an increase in the incidence of this condition was highlighted in our single-centre experience in the pandemic period. The prolonged use of coronavirus disease 2019 masks may explain this correlation.

Insights on Pinna nobilis population genetic structure in the Aegean and Ionian Sea.

The fan mussel Pinna nobilis Linnaeus, 1758 is an endemic species of the Mediterranean Sea, protected by international agreements. It is one of the largest bivalves in the world, playing an important role in the benthic communities; yet it has been recently characterized as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, due to mass mortality events. In this context, the assessment of the genetic variation of the remaining P. nobilis populations and the evaluation of connectivity among them are crucial elements for the conservation of the species. For this purpose, samples were collected from six regions of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea; the Islands of Karpathos, Lesvos and Crete; the Chalkidiki and Attica Peninsulas; and the Amvrakikos Gulf. Sampling was performed either by collecting tissue from the individuals or by using a non-invasive method, i.e., by scraping the inside of their shells aiming to collect their mucus and thus avoid stress induction to them. Conventional molecular techniques with the use of the COI and 16S rRNA mitochondrial markers were selected for the depiction of the intra-population genetic variability. The analyses included 104 samples from the present study and publicly available sequences of individuals across the whole Mediterranean Sea. The results of this work (a) suggest the use of eDNA as an efficient sampling method for protected bivalves and (b) shed light to the genetic structure of P. nobilis population in the Eastern Mediterranean; this latter knowledge might prove to be fundamental for the species conservation and hence the ecosystem resilience. The haplotype analyses reinforced the evidence that there is a certain degree of connectivity among the distinct regions of the Mediterranean; yet there is evidence of population distinction within the basin, namely between the Western and the Eastern basins. The combination of both genetic markers in the same analysis along with the inclusion of a large number of individuals produced more robust results, revealing a group of haplotypes being present only in the Eastern Mediterranean and providing insights for the species' most suitable conservation management.

Cartilage Conduction Sounds in Cases of Wearing Different Transducers on a Head and Torso Simulator with a Manipulated Ear Pinna Simulator.

Cartilage conduction is known widely as a third hearing transmission mechanism after the air and bone conduction methods, and transducers dedicated to the production of cartilage conduction sounds have been developed by several Japanese companies. To estimate the acoustic performance of the five cartilage conduction transducers selected for this study, both airborne sounds and cartilage conduction sounds were measured. Airborne sounds can be measured using a commercial condenser microphone; however, cartilage conduction sounds are impossible to measure using a conventional head and torso simulator (HATS), because the standard-issue ear pinna simulator cannot reproduce cartilage conduction sounds with the same spectral characteristics as the corresponding sounds measured in humans. Therefore, this study replaced the standard-issue simulator with a developed pinna simulator that can produce similar spectral characteristics to those of humans. The HATS manipulated in this manner realized results demonstrating that transducers that fitted the entrance to the external auditory canal more densely could produce greater cartilage conduction sounds. Among the five transducers under test, the ring-shaped device, which was not much larger than the entrance to the canal, satisfied the spectral requirements.

Sanctuaries are not inviolable: Haplosporidium pinnae as responsible for the collapse of the Pinna nobilis population in Lake Faro (central Mediterranean).

The rapid spread of the protozoan Haplosporidium pinnae is having a strong negative effect on Pinna nobilis populations. A case study on a residual population in Lake Faro (Sicily, Central Mediterranean), whose long-term monitoring has revealed a dramatic decline following the 2018-2020 mass mortality event, is presented. In the framework of such monitoring, we performed tissue sampling on nine living P. nobilis, detecting the pathogen in seven of them. In contrast, other pathogens associated with P. nobilis disease in other areas, i.e., Mycobacterium spp. and Vibrio mediterranei, were not recorded. The surviving individuals (approximately twenty) showed that brackish areas only weakly mitigate the effects of H. pinnae disease and might not be resolutive. Nevertheless, the results show that Lake Faro may constitute one of the last Mediterranean P. nobilis sanctuaries.

Solitary superficial angiomyxoma of the ear pinna: a diagnostic dilemma with a review of literature.

Superficial angiomyxoma is an extremely rare subcutaneously placed myxoid soft tissue neoplasm. There are few case reports with fine needle aspiration cytological and histopathological findings available for this tumor because of its rarity. Here, we describe a case of superficial angiomyxoma in a 24-year-old girl who had a solitary left ear pinna mass without a Carney's complex at the time of presentation or at the end of two years of follow-up next to the surgical removal of the tumor. The clinical, cytomorphological, and histological findings, together with the immunohistochemical markers, in a case of superficial angiomyxoma are described in this rare case report for the first time in the English literature.

Our Experience at Tertiary Medical College: Comparative Study Between Surgical Deroofing with Buttoning Technique and Posterior Cartilage Window with Pressure Gauze Dressing Technique in Patients with Pseudocyst of Pinna.

A pseudocyst of pinna is benign, painless, rare and asymptomatic swelling on the lateral or anterior surface of the pinna resulting from intracartilaginous accumulation of fluid. The condition auricular pseudocyst was first described by Engel (Arch Otolaryngol 83:197-202, 1966). Pseudocyst of in majority of cases presents as unilateral lesions, predominantly in 35-40 years mean age group and affecting predominantly males (Ramadass and Ayyaswamy in Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 58:156-192, 2006). Commonly these cysts shows no symptoms but occasionally, there may be presence of minor discomfort and mild inflammatory signs. The pseudocyst of pinna typically involves in its descending order of involvement as scaphoid fossa, triangular fossa of the antihelix, and the Cymba concha (Ramadass and Ayyaswamy in Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 58:156-192, 2006). Diagnosis of psuedocyst is based mainly on the clinical characteristics without evidence of infection (Ramadass and Ayyaswamy in Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 58:156-192, 2006). There are wide range of treatment modalities described in the literature for this condition ranging from medical line of management including minimally invasive Intralesional steroid therapy, intralesional sclerosant therapy, systemic steroid therapy to surgical line of management including aspiration and pressure dressing, quilting suture with corrugated rubber drain, incision and drainage with mastoid dressing, cartilage curettage with drainage tube, surgical de-roofing and cartilage window procedure. Although multiple treatment options are available for this condition,there is no gold standard option is found In literature as more invasiveness of procedure associated with more complications and less invasiveness is associated with more recurrence (Bhat et al. in J Clin Diagn Res 8:KC05-KC07, 2014). The main aim of treatment is preservation or restoration of normal Anatomy or architecture of the auricle without recurrence or complications in postoperative duration (Schulte et al. in J Am Acad Dermatol 44:285-286, 2001). In our study we are going to compare the surgical deroofing with buttoning technique with Posterior Cartilage window with Pressure Gauze dressing technique in patients with pseudocyst on the basis of recurrence and complications. To compare effectiveness in terms of recurrence and complications between surgical deroofing with buttoning technique and posterior cartilage window with Pressure Gauze dressing technique in patients with pseudocyst of pinna. Prospective observational study done for duration of one year from June 2021 till June 2022 at Ashwini Rural medical college and Hospital, Solapur. Study was done on 30 patients aged between 20 and 70 years with pseudocyst of who are diagnosed on the basis of clinical presentation and characteristics of the aspirated fluids with no signs of infection or inflammation. Among 30 patients with pseudocyst 15 patients were undergone surgical deroofing with buttoning technique and remaining 15 patients were undergone posterior cartilage window with Pressure Gauze dressing technique. The age distribution of patients with psuedocyst of pinna in our study ranged from 20 to 70 years with maximum number of cases (i.e. 16) in the age group of 30-40 years which comprised of about 53% of study population. Among 30 cases in our study 26 were males (86.7%). All cases were of unilateral pseudocyst with left ear involvement more than right ear i.e. 20 and 10 cases respectively which indicates predominantly affecting left ear (66.6%). In our study we observed the site of involvement of pinna by pseudocyst showing maximum number of cases involving combined scaphoid fossa and triangular fossa i.e. 15 cases (50%) and minimum number of cases involving Concha i.e. 2 cases (6.6%). In our study we found that the aspirated fluid from pseudocyst of pinna was sterile in all cases i.e. 30 cases (100%). In our study we observed that the aspirated fluid was serous in majority of cases i.e. 21 cases (70%) and serosanguinous in few of them i.e. 3 cases (10%). Success rate in our study for surgical deroofing with buttoning technique was 66.6% and for posterior cartilage window with Pressure Gauze dressing technique was 100% but in terms recurrence of pseudocyst of pinna, 2 groups were not statistically significant. Success rate in our study for posterior cartilage window with Pressure Gauze dressing technique was 100% with no recurrence. Among patients who have undergone surgical deroofing with buttoning technique 2 cases have minor complications like pressure discoloration of skin i.e. 1 case and thickening of skin of pinna i.e. 1 case. All these complications are temporary one and show recovery in follow up duration. Among patients who have undergone Posterior cartilage window with Pressure Gauze dressing technique 1 case had perichondritis at 1 week follow up which was resolved spontaneously at the end of 2 weeks and 2 cases had painless thicknening of pinna which also resolved spontaneously at the end of 2 weeks. Pseudocyst of pinna occurs commonly in middle aged males as unilateral lesions with left ear involvement in majority of cases. The most common involvement of pinna by pseudocyst is combined scaphoid fossa and triangular fossa, the least common site is concha. Most of the pseudocyst of pinna contain sterile serous fluid. Success rate in our study for surgical deroofing with buttoning technique was 66.6% and for posterior cartilage window with Pressure Gauze dressing technique was 100% but in terms recurrence 2 groups were not statistically significant. Both surgical treatment groups have few and temporary complications but in terms of complications 2 groups were not statistically significant.

Neural crest cells give rise to non-myogenic mesenchymal tissue in the adult murid ear pinna.

Despite being a major target of reconstructive surgery, development of the external ear pinna remains poorly studied. As a craniofacial organ highly accessible to manipulation and highly conserved among mammals, the ear pinna represents a valuable model for the study of appendage development and wound healing in the craniofacial complex. Here we provide a cellular characterization of late gestational and postnatal ear pinna development in Mus musculus and Acomys cahirinus and demonstrate that ear pinna development is largely conserved between these species. Using Wnt1-cre;ROSAmT/mG mice we find that connective tissue fibroblasts, elastic cartilage, dermal papilla cells, dermal sheath cells, vasculature, and adipocytes in the adult pinna are derived from cranial crest. In contrast, we find that skeletal muscle and hair follicles are not derived from neural crest cells. Cellular analysis using the naturally occurring short ear mouse mutant shows that elastic cartilage does not develop properly in distal pinna due to impaired chondroprogenitor proliferation. Interestingly, while chondroprogenitors develop in a mostly continuous sheet, the boundaries of cartilage loss in the short ear mutant strongly correlate with locations of vasculature-conveying foramen. Concomitant with loss of elastic cartilage we report increased numbers of adipocytes, but this seems to be a state acquired in adulthood rather than a developmental abnormality. In addition, chondrogenesis remains impaired in the adult mid-distal ear pinna of these mutants. Together these data establish a developmental basis for the study of the ear pinna with intriguing insights into the development of elastic cartilage.

Haplosporidium pinnae Parasite Detection in Seawater Samples.

In this study, we investigated the presence of the parasite Haplosporidium pinnae, which is a pathogen for the bivalve Pinna nobilis, in water samples from different environments. Fifteen mantle samples of P. nobilis infected by H. pinnae were used to characterize the ribosomal unit of this parasite. The obtained sequences were employed to develop a method for eDNA detection of H. pinnae. We collected 56 water samples (from aquaria, open sea and sanctuaries) for testing the methodology. In this work, we developed three different PCRs generating amplicons of different lengths to determine the level of degradation of the DNA, since the status of H. pinnae in water and, therefore, its infectious capacity are unknown. The results showed the ability of the method to detect H. pinnae in sea waters from different areas persistent in the environment but with different degrees of DNA fragmentation. This developed method offers a new tool for preventive analysis for monitoring areas and to better understand the life cycle and the spread of this parasite.

Seasonality in Synergism with Multi-Pathogen Presence Leads to Mass Mortalities of the Highly Endangered Pinna nobilis in Greek Coastlines: A Pathophysiological Approach.

Mortalities of Pinna nobilis populations set at risk the survival of the species from many Mediterranean coastline habitats. In many cases, both Haplosporidium pinnae and Mycobacterium spp. are implicated in mass mortalities of P. nobilis populations, leading the species into extinction. In the context of the importance of these pathogens' role in P. nobilis mortalities, the present study investigated two Greek populations of the species hosting different microbial loads (one only H. pinnae and the second both pathogens) by the means of pathophysiological markers. More specifically, the populations from Kalloni Gulf (Lesvos Island) and from Maliakos Gulf (Fthiotis), seasonally sampled, were chosen based on the host pathogens in order to investigate physiological and immunological biomarkers to assess those pathogens' roles. In order to determine if the haplosporidian parasite possesses a major role in the mortalities or if both pathogens are involved in these phenomena, a variety of biomarkers, including apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation and heat shock response were applied. The results indicated a decreased physiological performance of individuals hosting both pathogens in comparison with those hosting only H. pinnae. Our findings provide evidence for the synergistic role of those pathogens in the mortality events, which is also enhanced by the influence of seasonality.

Effects of different subcutaneous sites on heterotopic autotransplantation of canine ovarian tissue.

Ovarian tissue transplantation makes it possible to restore fertility; however, the success of this technique depends on the transplant region used. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of two subcutaneous regions on canine ovarian transplantation, pinna (Pi) and neck (Ne), for 7 and 15 days. Ovaries collected by ovariosalpingohysterectomy were fragmented using a punch device. Fresh fragments were fixed, and the others were immediately grafted onto the animal itself in the Pi and Ne regions for 7 and 15 days. Recovered fragments were evaluated for histology (morphology, development and stromal density), picrosirius (collagen fibers), and immunohistochemistry (fibrosis and cell proliferation). The results showed that follicular normality rates were lower in Pi-7 (78%) vs. control (90%) and Pi-15 (86%), similar in Ne-7 (92%) and superior in Ne-15 (97%) compared to the control, with the effect of the region Ne (94%) superior (P < 0.05) to Pi (82%). Stromal density reduced in both regions vs. control but was similar within 15 days. Fragments from both regions showed higher fibronectin labeling and deposition of type I and lower type III collagen fibers (P < 0.05) vs. control. Proliferation rates in Ne-7 were higher (P < 0.05) than in control, and Pi-15 was higher (P < 0.05) than Ne-15. In conclusion, the pinna may be a region with greater potential than the neck after a 15-day autotransplantation of canine ovarian tissue.

Advancing the knowledge of the nematode Echinocephalus pseudouncinatus (Gnathostomatidae, Spirurida): Morphological and molecular identification, new host, and host specificity in two coexisting pen shells (Bivalvia: Pinnidae).

The life cycle of Echinocephalus pseudouncinatus has not been described in detail to date, as is also the case of other species in the genus. This study contributes to the information available about the life history of the genus, particularly E. pseudouncinatus, by (1) using molecular techniques (small subunit rRNA gene [SSU rRNA] sequences) to identify larvae of this species; (2) describing the most conspicuous morphological characteristics that distinguish the species by scanning electron microscopy; (3) describing histological characteristics of the internal anatomy of larvae and the lesions caused by them in the gonads of hosts; (4) reporting new host and reporting evidence of host specificity of E. pseudouncinatus between two species of edible pen shells coexisting in the northern Pacific of Mexico; and (5) analyzing the frequency of infested gonads by host sex, size, and gonadal development stage. The molecular analysis confirmed the morphological and histological diagnosis of E. pseudouncinatus larvae infesting gonads of Atrina maura and Pinna rugosa in Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio lagoons. The morphological characterization of larvae provides internal details of the cephalic bulb (including rows of hooks and ballonets), neural chord, and cell types of the body wall. Histopathological findings such as degenerated and atretic gametes and the displacement of gonadal tissue in hosts infested with E. pseudouncinatus larvae are discussed in terms of temperature anomalies caused by the "Godzilla El Niño". The frequency of infestation increased with shell length and gonadal development in A. maura, with a higher infestation frequency in females versus males observed at both study sites. Our findings expand the list of hosts of E. pseudouncinatus, which was previously unknown as a parasite of P. rugosa. In P. rugosa, infestation frequencies are noticeably lower (<1 %) compared with those observed in A. maura (>30 %) at both study sites, suggesting host-specific requirements or preferences in E. pseudouncinatus larvae.

Seroma of Auricle.

The pseudocyst of the auricle is an intracartilaginous lesion defined as the accumulation of sterile, straw-coloured fluid in a cyst unlined by epithelium. It is more common in males. The most common site of lesion is the scaphoid fossa and right ear. Though the aetiology remains unclear, it may be associated with mechanical irritation, repeated minor injuries and chronic trauma. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent deformity of the auricle. Pseudocyst of the auricle is a rare and challenging condition. Medical management has unfortunately shown no practical results. Hence, surgical treatment modalities are the best option. The universal aim of treatment is the conservation and restoration of the anatomical structure of the pinna, removal of cystic lesions and prevention of recurrence. Simple aspiration or incision and drainage alone lead to reaccumulation of cystic fluid in most cases. The technique of incision and drainage is the easiest but has a high recurrence rate. Conservative treatment often results in recurrence and unsatisfactory results. Other treatment modalities include incision and drainage with daily irrigation, auricular splinting, aspiration with intralesional steroid injection, aspiration followed by compression dressing, or aspiration with intralesional steroid injection followed by compression dressing and surgical deroofing, surgical deroofing followed by compression with buttons or sheet or sandwich method. Cysts with a diameter less than 1 cm are dealt with through non-surgical treatment modalities, while for cysts having a diameter greater than 1 cm, surgery is considered as first choice therapy. These treatment options have shown promising results. Various modifications in the traditional techniques have reduced the recurrence rate, successfully treated the condition and shown good cosmetic results. This review article aims at providing a holistic collection of various conventional treatment modalities and novel modifications introduced, which can be used in a sequence of definitive treatments of seroma of the auricle.

The relict population of Pinna nobilis in the Mar Menor is facing an uncertain future.

Pinna nobilis is undergoing one of the most dramatic events suffered by an endangered species. An emerging disease has relegated its populations to coastal lagoons or estuaries with salinities beyond the 36.5-39.7 psu range. The Mar Menor is one of two such locations on the Spanish coastline. Poor environmental conditions and eutrophication and anoxia events, that became critical in 2016, 2019 and 2021, have reduced its population in >99 %. In this work, the spatial distribution of the species within the lagoon and the factors determining its survival along the successive crises of eutrophication are studied using a two-stage (presence/absence estimation and density modelling) Species Distribution Model. A potential area of 200.97 ha and an average density of 1.05 ind.100 m2 is estimated for 2020. The viability of the Mar Menor population depends on management actions designed both for the species and to improve the lagoon environmental state.

Water quality assessment and occurrence of seagrass associated pen shell Pinna bicolor (Gmelin, 1791) and Pinna deltodes (Menke, 1843) in Pudupattinam Coastal Area, Palk Bay, South East Coast, India.

Pen shell species such as Pinna bicolor and Pinna deltodes are found in the muddy region associated with intertidal seagrass in the coastal area of Pudupattinam. The pen shell is one of the sources of animal protein-rich, thereby encouraging the community of pen shells and their study worldwide. The water samples were collected for a year between January to December 2016 and analysed. Salinity (30.1-31.5‰), pH (8.1-8.2), EC value (39.79 103-46.09103 mho), turbidity 25-54 NTU, TSS value (5.51-108 mg/l), DO (4.45-5.74 ml/l), BOD (0.175 -1.05 mg/l), chemical oxygen demand (9.6-39.1 mg/l), chloride 14,276.8-16,124.9 mg/l), sulphate (1975.3-25 mg/l), ammonia (0.022-0.112 µm/l), inorganic phosphate (0.754 µm/l and maximum 1.568 µm/l), total nitrogen (10.829-29.509 µm/l), total phosphate (1.76-3.174 µm/l) and silicate (42.264-64.121 µm/l). Minimum and maximum water temperature ranges (26.9-30.6 °C) were recorded. A total of 623 Pinna bicolor and 1341 Pinna deltodes were collected during the same time and consisted of 305 males and 318 females and 558 males and 783 females, respectively. The improvements in the parameters of physico-chemical and statistical analysis have been shown to have a minor effect on the distribution of these two species in the present research, as environmental factors were not sufficient to influence their distribution.

Evaluation of Physiological State of Pen Shell Pinna nobilis (Linnaeus, 1758) by a Non-Invasive Heart Rate Recording under Short-Term Hyposalinity Test.

A non-invasive laser fiber-optic method based on infrared sensors for heart rate (Hr) recording was applied to assess the physiological condition of Pinna nobilis. During 2017, the specimens of P. nobilis were sampled at three sites within the Boka Kotorska Bay, Montenegro and used for ex situ experiments with short-term reduction/restoration of ambient salinity to evaluate their physiological adaptive capacity based on heart rate recovery time (Trec). Mean Trec for specimens from Sv. Nedjelja (reference site), Dobrota and Sv. Stasije were 72 ± 3, 91 ± 7 and 117 ± 15 min, while the coefficients of variation (CV) were 0.12, 0.13 and 0.17, respectively. Resting heart rate (Hrrest) and Trec showed statistically significant differences between the groups of mussels from Dobrota and Sv. Stasije in comparison to the reference site. Statistically significant correlations were observed between Trec and shell length/width, which was not the case in comparison between Hrrest and shell length/width. The lower adaptive capacity within the P. nobilis specimens from Dobrota and Sv. Stasije in comparison to the reference site could occur due to stress induced by deterioration of environmental conditions, which could have led to impairment of the physiological state of the mussels evaluated by Hr. All the specimens of P. nobilis survived the experimental treatments; afterwards, they were successfully transplanted at the Dobrota site. The experimental unit with sensor technology applied in this study can provide Hr recording in real time and could have an application in monitoring the physiological/health state of P. nobilis individuals maintained in aquaria.

Regenerative Drug Discovery Using Ear Pinna Punch Wound Model in Mice.

The ear pinna is a complex tissue consisting of the dermis, cartilage, muscles, vessels, and nerves. Ear pinna healing is a model of regeneration in mammals. In some mammals, including rabbits, punch wounds in the ear pinna close spontaneously; in common-use laboratory mice, they remain for life. Agents inducing ear pinna healing are potential regenerative drugs. We tested the effects of selected bioactive agents on 2 mm ear pinna wound closure in BALB/c mice. Our previous research demonstrated that a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, zebularine, remarkably induced ear pinna regeneration. Although experiments with two other demethylating agents, RG108 and hydralazine, were unsuccessful, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, valproic acid, was another epigenetic agent found to increase ear hole closure. In addition, we identified a pro-regenerative activity of 4-ketoretinoic acid, a retinoic acid metabolite. Attempts to counteract the regenerative effects of the demethylating agent zebularine, with folates as methyl donors, failed. Surprisingly, a high dose of methionine, another methyl donor, promoted ear hole closure. Moreover, we showed that the regenerated areas of ear pinna were supplied with nerve fibre networks and blood vessels. The ear punch model proved helpful in testing the pro-regenerative activities of small-molecule compounds and observations of peripheral nerve regeneration.