Spatial variations of ascidian diets in a glacial retreated fjord of the West Antarctic Peninsula.

The impacts of glacial retreat on diets of ascidians, one of the filter feeders and a major component of the benthic-pelagic energy pathway, remain unclear. We analyzed carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of four dominant ascidian species and five potential food sources in Marian Cove, a deglaciating fjord in West Antarctica. Microphytobenthos was a major food source for ascidians regardless of proximity to the glacier, but phytoplankton contribution decreased closer to the glacier.

Blood parameter examination in mountain quails (Oreortyx pictus Douglas, 1829) at the end of the breeding season.

In this publication various serum biochemistry and haematology parameters were determined from blood samples obtained from captive adult individuals of an exotic quail species, the mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus, Douglas, 1829). Venipuncture was performed in the second half of the breeding season from six roosters (males) and seven hens (females). During the examination, in addition to the haematological elements, basic parameters of serum enzyme levels, the products of protein metabolism, uric acid and the most important ions were monitored.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Associated with Increased Home Discharge Rates in Geriatric Patients with Cervical Disc Herniation Compared to Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

Introduction: Cervical disc herniation often necessitates surgery in elderly patients when nonoperative treatments fail. This study compares discharge outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) vs. posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) in geriatric patients.