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Biomass, production, consumption, and detrital export and decomposition of four dominant seagrass species were determined in tropical multispecies beds as a means of constructing carbon budgets. These processes varied among seagrass species. The living biomass held a high carbon stock. The leaf production of multispecies beds was also higher than that of monospecific beds. However, the sediment organic carbon stock was much lower than the global median stock, which was likely due to decomposition of most of the detritus and export to nearshore waters. Reliable measurements of decomposition and export are particularly needed to estimate the organic carbon storage rate., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The incidence of acute appendicitis in elderly patients is increasing due to prolonged life span. The associated morbidity and mortality related to perforation of acute appendicitis continue to present challenges to physicians. The role of laparoscopic appendectomy is still controversial. This study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of elderly patients who received either a laparoscopic or an open appendectomy. We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients with acute appendicitis between January 2005 and February 2009. Elderly patients who received laparoscopic or open appendectomies were enrolled. The demographics, preoperative condition, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative course were analyzed. A total of 150 patients were enrolled in this study. On average, patients who received a laparoscopic appendectomy had fewer hospital days and lower rates of postoperative ventilator dependence than patients who received an open appendectomy. In the management of elderly patients with acute appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy provides better outcomes than open appendectomy.