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BackgroundVeno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a valuable treatment option for patients in cardiogenic shock, but complications during decannulation may worsen the overall outcome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of suture-based to pure plug-based vascular closure devices for VA-ECMO decannulation.MethodsIn this retrospective study, the procedural outcome of 33 patients with suture-based Perclose ProGlide closure devices was compared to 38 patients with MANTA plug-based closure devices.ResultsRate of technically correct placement of closure devices was 88% in the suture-based group and 97% in the plug-based group (p = 0.27). There was a significant reduction of severe bleeding events during VA-ECMO decannulation in plug-based versus suture-based systems (3% vs. 21%, p = 0.04). Ischemic complications occurred in 6% with suture-based and 5% with plug-based device (p = 1.00). Pseudoaneurysm formation was detected in 3% in both groups (p = 1.00). No switch to vascular surgery due to bleeding after decannulation was necessary in both groups.ConclusionBased on our retrospective analysis, we propose that plug-based vascular closure should be the preferred option for VA-ECMO decannulation. This hypothesis should be further tested in a randomized trial.

Microplastics (MPs) (plastic particles < 5 mm in size) have become the most ubiquitous type of anthropogenic litter contaminating aquatic environments worldwide, and are capable of harming aquatic organisms and entering the food web. Microplastic research has rapidly evolved over several decades, with many studies sampling microplastic in surface waters. For sea surface sampling of MPs, different net devices have been used. But although there is an increasing number of studies using these devices to quantifying MPs in different aquatic environments, data comparison is difficult due to the lack of standardised, harmonised sampling methods and data reporting units. The Manta net device is actually the most commonly used method for sea surface sampling of MPs. The three main parts of this net are: the floating/stabilizing part, the opening mouth and the net bag, and each of them can have its own specifications. These specifications, along with the sampling methods, can be critical for the efficiency of the sampling accurate quantification of MPs in the aquatic environments. The use of different mesh sizes, inconsistency in trawling duration, speed and distance, and in the net opening dimensions, make it impossible to compare the studies between each other. This review analyzes the methodologies and characteristics of Manta nets used for MPs sampling, discussing factors that can impact the efficiency of the sampling and the quantification of MPs, and proposes recommendations in order to improve and standardize the sampling protocol.

Manta and devil rays are filter-feeding elasmobranchs that are found circumglobally in tropical and subtropical waters. Although relatively understudied for most of the Twentieth century, public awareness and scientific research on these species has increased dramatically in recent years. Much of this attention has been in response to targeted fisheries, international trade in mobulid products, and a growing concern over the fate of exploited populations. Despite progress in mobulid research, major knowledge gaps still exist, hindering the development of effective management and conservation strategies. We assembled 30 leaders and emerging experts in the fields of mobulid biology, ecology, and conservation to identify pressing knowledge gaps that must be filled to facilitate improved science-based management of these vulnerable species. We highlight focal research topics in the subject areas of taxonomy and diversity, life history, reproduction and nursery areas, population trends, bycatch and fisheries, spatial dynamics and movements, foraging and diving, pollution and contaminants, and sub-lethal impacts. Mobulid rays remain a poorly studied group, and therefore our list of important knowledge gaps is extensive. However, we hope that this identification of high priority knowledge gaps will stimulate and focus future mobulid research.