Life form, diversity, and spatial distribution of macroalgae in Komodo National Park waters, East Nusa Tenggara

Komodo National Park is one of the favorite destinations for both domestic and international marine tourism. Marine tourism activities have caused environmental changes and impact on fisheries and marine resources. Macroalgae were also affected by the environmental changes, so management of macroalgae was required. Ecological data of macroalgae can be used as baseline data for coastal area management. The study aimed to determine the life form, species composition, spatial distribution, and ecological aspects of macroalgae assemblages in Komodo National Park waters. The study was conducted in September 2013, in eight locations, namely Setuga, Komodo Karang Makasar, Padar Kecil, Padar, Papagarang, Mangaitan, and Muntia island. Macroalgae samples were collected by the quadratic transect method. The data analyzed were Sorensen’s similarities. A total of 42 species of macroalgae were recorded, consisting of three Phylum: Chlorophyta (19 species), Ochrophyta (8 species), and Rhodophyta (15 species). Epilithic was the dominant life form of macroalgae. In general, macroalgae can be stably attached to hard substrates. The highest macroalgae diversity was found on Mangaitan Island (22 species). Halimeda and Amphiroa were macroalgae that can be found in almost all locations. Setuga Island had similar macroalgae with both Mangaitan and Muntia islands. The differences in the number of macroalgae species were influenced by environmental pressure, topography, and substrate profile. Management of macroalgae resources was needed to maintain the sustainability of the macroalgae ecosystem.

Cancer and Infective Endocarditis: Characteristics and Prognostic Impact

Background: The interplay between cancer and IE has become of increasing interest. This study sought to assess the prevalence, baseline characteristics, management, and outcomes of IE cancer patients in the ESC EORP EURO-ENDO registry.Methods: Three thousand and eighty-five patients with IE were identified based on the ESC 2015 criteria. Three hundred and fifty-nine (11.6%) IE cancer patients were compared to 2,726 (88.4%) cancer-free IE patients.Results: In cancer patients, IE was mostly community-acquired (74.8%). The most frequently identified microorganisms were S. aureus (25.4%) and Enterococci (23.8%). The most frequent complications were acute renal failure (25.9%), embolic events (21.7%) and congestive heart failure (18.1%). Theoretical indication for cardiac surgery was not significantly different between groups (65.5 vs. 69.8%, P = 0.091), but was effectively less performed when indicated in IE patients with cancer (65.5 vs. 75.0%, P = 0.002). Compared to cancer-free IE patients, in-hospital and 1-year mortality occurred in 23.4 vs. 16.1%, P = 0.006, and 18.0 vs. 10.2%; P < 0.001, respectively. In IE cancer patients, predictors of mortality by multivariate analysis were creatinine > 2 mg/dL, congestive heart failure and unperformed cardiac surgery (when indicated).Conclusions: Cancer in IE patients is common and associated with a worse outcome. This large, observational cohort provides new insights concerning the contemporary profile, management, and clinical outcomes of IE cancer patients across a wide range of countries.