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1,25(OH)2D3, the active form of vitamin D, has been extensively studied for its putative protective activities against tumors. It does biological work by connecting to a nuclear receptor called VDR, which heterodimerizes itself to another nuclear receptor, RXR. The study observed differences in VDR and RXR expression in non‐melanoma skin cancer a actinic keratosis and compared it with normal skin. We performed VDR and RXR immunohistochemistry of 76 controls (normal skin), 49 actinic keratosis, 99 basal cell carcinomas and 96 squamous cell carcinomas from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded, resulting from surgical procedures. There was a clear pattern in the control group (p < 0.001), with the positivity of both receptors, VDR and RXR. Actinic keratosis differed from the basal cell carcinoma and control groups concerning RXR expression (p < 0.001). SCC was negative for both receptors, differing in all groups (p < 0.001). The site of positivity (nuclear, cytoplasmatic or both) of VDR differed between all groups (p < 0.001). To date, our series is the largest of VDR and RXR immunohistochemistry concerning non‐melanoma skin cancer. Our findings reinforce the need to understand the pathways involving VDR and RXR to direct therapies and prevention manoeuvres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main challenges in experimental fracture mechanics is to correctly estimate fracture parameters of a nonhomogeneous and nonlinear material under large deformation. The crack tip detection is strongly affected by fibers at crack tip, leading to inaccurate measures. To overcome this limitation, a novel methodology based on the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method for crack tip detection of fibrous soft composites is proposed in this work. The unidirectional composite was manufactured using a matrix of polydimethylsiloxane reinforced with a single layer of extensible cotton knit fabric. For two different fiber orientations, the crack growth ( d a ), Crack Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD) and Crack Tip Opening Angle (CTOA) were determined using pure shear specimens under mode I fracture. A consistent estimation of fracture parameters was obtained. The location of the crack tip position during the fracture test using the DIC-based methodology was validated against a visual inspection approach. Results indicated that the DIC-based methodology is easily replicable, precise and robust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first description of parapsoriasis more than 100 years ago, parapsoriasis has been a questionable condition and occasionally considered a precursor of cutaneous lymphoma. The name "parapsoriasis" is related to a heterogenous group of diseases that show a distinct clinical presentation; however, the histopathological criteria are not strongly specific. Pathologists do not consider parapsoriasis as a possible histopathological diagnosis, but dermatologists use the term as clinical hypothesis. We aim to provide an historical review of parapsoriasis focusing on histopathological criteria, considering its possible relation with cutaneous skin lymphoma, based on articles from PubMed and standard dermatopathological books. Parapsoriasis does not have well‐defined histopathological criteria, so its use should be avoided. Being aware of parapsoriasis complexity, a consensus meeting can help to create a guideline regarding this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental protocols are fundamental for quantifying the mechanical behaviour of soft tissue. These data are crucial for advancing the understanding of soft tissue mechanics, developing and calibrating constitutive models, and informing the development of more accurate and predictive computational simulations and artificial intelligence tools. This paper offers a comprehensive review of experimental tests conducted on soft aortic tissues, employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, based on the Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. This study includes a detailed overview of the test method protocols, providing insights into practical methodologies, specimen preparation and full-field measurements. The review also briefly discusses the post-processing methods applied to extract material parameters from experimental data. In particular, the results are analysed and discussed providing representative domains of stress–strain curves for both uniaxial and biaxial tests on human aortic tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the biodiversity of an ecosystem is crucial to determine its structure and resistance to climate change. The South Sandwich Islands (SSI) are located in the Scotia Sea (Southern Ocean), within the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area. However, the biodiversity of the archipelago remains poorly studied, whilst climate change has the potential for wide-ranging impacts in the Antarctic and Subantarctic regions. Here we used predators as biological samplers to study the bathyal communities of SSI. A total of 61 species including fish, cephalopods and crustaceans, were identified from the diet of 13 predatory taxa (11 fish and two cephalopod). Common Subantarctic and Antarctic species were found, with Moroteuthopsis longimana being the species with the highest density (1.74 individuals per stomach at Montagu Island). Eleven fish and one cephalopod species were recorded for the first time at the archipelago. Furthermore, 16 fish species had their bathymetric range increased. Fifteen fish and one crustacean appear to have SSI as the northern or southern limit of their distribution. Community analysis found two major groups at SSI, one in the north and one in the south, with the southern group subdivided into two groups. This separation is related to the environmental conditions at the archipelago that abruptly change at Saunders Islands. Latitude (correlated with sea surface temperature) and sea surface height (proxy for upwelling) both correlated with the dissimilarity between communities. These results suggest that climate change may affect the biodiversity at SSI in the future as warming waters of the Scotia Sea and changes in the upwelling system may favour range extensions of more northerly species into the archipelago. Furthermore, it could lead to local extinctions of some species exclusively found in the southernmost areas of the archipelago. • Biological samplers allow the study of the deep-sea biodiversity of remote locations. • Twelve species were identified for the first time at South Sandwich Islands. • Subantarctic and Antarctic species were identified at the archipelago. • Two communities exist at South Sandwich Islands, one at north and one at south. • Sixteen species have South Sandwich Islands as the limit of their distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet analyses can reveal important changes in seabird foraging ecology and, by inference, resource availability and predator–prey dynamics within the wider marine ecosystem. Here, we analysed stomach contents of 1544 grey-headed albatross Thalassarche chrysostoma (GHA) and black-browed albatross T. melanophris (BBA) chicks from Bird Island, South Georgia. We describe dietary shifts (1996–2017), and link those to annual prey availability indices and breeding success. Annual variability in diet was high, and long-term trends in the main components were broadly similar in both albatrosses. Fish consumption (by mass) generally increased over time. Mackerel icefish Champsocephalus gunnari occurrence increased in GHA diets, but was unrelated to local densities derived from fisheries/research cruises. Cephalopod consumption declined until the early 2000s, then plateaued, and the occurrence of the ommastrephid squid Martialia hyadesi declined over time in both albatrosses. In BBAs, Antarctic krill Euphausia superba consumption decreased over time. Conversely, Antarctic krill consumption by GHAs increased until the early 2000s, decreased until the mid-2010s, and increased again in 2017. Antarctic krill consumption was unrelated to local densities based on acoustic surveys, and did not correlate with breeding success. Remotely sensed chlorophyll-a within core foraging areas showed a positive relationship with Antarctic krill in GHA diets, but a negative relationship with M. hyadesi occurrence in both albatross diets. Dietary shifts had consequences for GHA breeding success, which was negatively related to the importance of the cranchiid Galiteuthis glacialis and positively related to M. hyadesi importance. These results highlight the complex mechanisms linking prey availability, diet and breeding success in albatrosses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeo anthrosols are soils that record human occupation and can be found in ancient housing settlements known by archaeological sites. This type of soil generally presents distinct characteristics of the surrounding soils due to changes in its chemical properties caused by past human activities and its study helps to understand these activities and the organization of these prehistoric populations. Therefore, the objective of this research was to characterize the soils of the archaeological site AP-MA-05 in relation to its chemical composition, pointing to the alterations suffered as a result of past human activity, in comparison to its adjacent area. The study area is in the municipality of Macapá, Amapá State, on the campus of the Federal University of Amapá (UNIFAP). To reach the objectives, 41 soil samples were collected in two transverse lines in the area of the archaeological site and, for the purpose of comparison in the adjacent area, a trench was opened in which the soils were collected for the pertinent determinations. The chemical identification was measured by pH determination in water, available phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, exchangeable potassium and aluminium, potential acidity. The chemical data showed a great variability in the soils of the archaeological site and superior fertility to the soil of the adjacent area, inferring that the alterations observed in the site are due to the previous human activities as the soils present the same origin. The chemical determinations also indicated the growth of the archaeological site in the south direction, outside the limits established in previous researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is a systematic review of the literature that aimed to characterize the profile in animal models used to study perinatal protein malnutrition correlating with the cardiovascular system and the implications of malnutrition to the heart. Therefore, an extensive search was conducted in the PubMed, BVS, and SciELO databases, using combinations of the descriptors protein malnutrition, pregnancy, heart, lactation, and cardiovascular system. A total of 247 articles were found, but after excluding duplicities and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, only 12 papers remained. The analysis of the results shows that the diet used in the studies has a protein content of between 17 and 22% for the control animals, and of between 0 and 9% for the animals submitted to perinatal protein malnutrition. The main morphofunctional changes observed in the cardiovascular system are related to high blood pressure, increased apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, and reduction in the absolute size of the heart, among other ultrastructural and molecular changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protective and preservative role of apple skin in maintaining the integrity of the fruit is well-known, with its mechanical behaviour playing a pivotal role in determining fruit storage capacity. This study employs a combination of experimental and numerical methodologies, specifically utilising the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. A specially devised inverse strategy is applied to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of apple skin under uniaxial tensile loading. Three apple cultivars were tested in this work: Malus domestica Starking Delicious, Malus pumila Rennet, and Malus domestica Golden Delicious. Stress–strain curves were reconstructed, revealing distinct variations in the mechanical responses among these cultivars. Yeoh's hyperelastic model was fitted to the experimental data to identify the coefficients capable of reproducing the non-linear deformation. The results suggest that apple skin varies significantly in composition and structure among the tested cultivars, as evidenced by differences in elastic properties and non-linear behaviour. These differences can significantly affect how fruit is handled, stored, and transported. Thus, the insights resulting from this research enable the development of mathematical models based on the mechanical behaviour of apple tissue, constituting important data for improvements in the economics of the agri-food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although fisheries discards are recognized as a key food source for many seabirds, there have been few thorough assessments of their importance relative to natural prey, and of their influence on the trophic structure of pelagic seabird communities during the non-breeding period. Competition for resources in Procellariiformes appears to be reduced mainly by avoiding spatial overlap, which is supposed to influence diet composition. However, artificial food sources provided by fisheries might relax niche partitioning, increasing trophic niche overlap. Using bycaught birds from pelagic longline fisheries, we combined the conventional diet and stable isotope analyses to assess the importance of fishing discards in the diet of eight species of Procellariiformes. Both methods revealed the high contribution of trawl discards to the non-breeding diet of three neritic species and a moderate contribution in several other species; discards from pelagic and demersal longline fisheries were considerably less important. There was a clear contrast in diets of neritic vs. oceanic species, which are closely related taxonomically, but segregate at sea. Niche partitioning was less clear among neritic species. They showed an unexpectedly high level of diet overlap, presumably related to the large volume of trawl discards available. This is the first study combining the conventional diet and stable isotope analyses to quantify the importance of fishery discards for a community of non-breeding seabirds, and demonstrates how the super-abundance of supplementary food generates high levels of overlap in diets and allows the coexistence of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about sexual segregation and gender-specific, or indeed individual specialization, in marine organisms has improved considerably in the past decade. In this context, we tested the “Intersexual Competition Hypothesis” for penguins by investigating the feeding ecology of Gentoo penguins during their austral winter non-breeding season. We considered this during unusual environmental conditions (i.e. the year 2009 had observations of high sea surface and air temperatures) in comparison with the long term average at Bird Island, South Georgia. Through conventional (i.e. stomach contents) and stable isotopic values from red blood cells, plasma and feathers of both male and female Gentoo penguins, we showed that there were significant differences between sexes, with males feeding mainly on fish (54% by mass) followed by crustaceans (38%) whereas females fed mainly on crustaceans (89% by mass) followed by fish (4%). Themisto gaudichaudii was the most important crustacean prey for males (64% by mass; 82% by number; 53% by frequency of occurrence) and females (63% by mass; 77% by number; 89% by frequency of occurrence), contrasting with all previous studies that found Antarctic krill Euphausia superba were generally the main prey. Stable isotopic data showed that, in terms of habitat use (based on δ 13C), there were significant differences in short-term carbon signatures between males and females (based on plasma and red blood cells), suggesting that both sexes explored different habitats, with females exploring more offshore pelagic waters and males feeding more in coastal benthic waters. Based on δ 15N, males fed on significantly higher trophic level than females (based on plasma and red blood cells), in agreement with our diet results., Thus, Gentoo penguins behave in a similar manner to other non-breeding penguins species (e.g. king, macaroni and rockhopper penguins), albeit at a smaller spatial scale (as they do not disperse as these other penguins do), in that they have a wider habitat and trophic niche during the Antarctic Winter (in comparison to Summer). We also detected individual specialization in feeding/trophic levels for each gender, with certain males feeding mainly on fish and certain females mainly on crustaceans, which may be driven the prevailing environmental conditions that lead individuals to search for alternative prey, and cause sexual diet segregation. Our results provide further information to help improve understanding about sexual segregation and individual specialization of marine organisms, while contributing valuable information on the winter diet for Antarctic monitoring programs and for modelling Antarctic marine food webs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding of how environmental change in the Southern Ocean will affect marine diversity, habitats and distribution remain limited. The habitats and distributions of Southern Ocean cephalopods are generally poorly understood, and yet such knowledge is necessary for research and conservation management purposes, as well as for assessing the potential impacts of environmental change. We used net-catch data to develop habitat suitability models for 15 of the most common cephalopods in the Southern Ocean. Using modeled habitat suitability, we assessed favorable areas for each species and examined the relationships between species distribution and environmental parameters. The results compared favorably with the known ecology of these species and with spatial patterns from diet studies of squid predators. The individual habitat suitability models were overlaid to generate a 'hotspot' index of species richness, which showed higher numbers of squid species associated with various fronts of the Antarctic circumpolar current. Finally, we reviewed the overall distribution of these species and their importance in the diet of Southern Ocean predators. There is a need for further studies to explore the potential impacts of future climate change on Southern Ocean squid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feathers have been widely used to assess mercury contamination in birds as they reflect metal concentrations accumulated between successive moult periods: they are also easy to sample and have minimum impact on the study birds. Moult is considered the major pathway for mercury excretion in seabirds. Penguins are widely believed to undergo a complete, annual moult during which they do not feed. As penguins lose all their feathers, they are expected to have a low individual-variability in feather mercury concentration as all feathers are formed simultaneously from the same somatic reserves. This assumption is central to penguin studies that use feathers to examine the annual or among-individual variation in mercury concentrations in penguins. To test this assumption, we measured the mercury concentrations in 3–5 body feathers of 52 gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) breeding at Bird Island, South Georgia (54°S 38°W). Twenty-five percent of the penguins studied showed substantial within-individual variation in the amount of mercury in their feathers (Coefficient of Variation: 34.7–96.7%). This variation may be caused by differences in moult patterns among individuals within the population leading to different interpretations in the overall population. Further investigation is now needed to fully understand individual variation in penguins’ moult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polar marine ecosystems have global ecological and economic importance because of their unique biodiversity and their major role in climate processes and commercial fisheries, among others. Portugal and Spain have been highly active in a wide range of disciplines in marine biology of the Antarctic and the Arctic. The main aim of this paper is to provide a synopsis of some of the results and initiatives undertaken by Portuguese and Spanish polar teams within the field of marine sciences, particularly on benthic and pelagic biodiversity (species diversity and abundance, including microbial, molecular, physiological and chemical mechanisms in polar organisms), conservation and ecology of top predators (particularly penguins, albatrosses and seals), and pollutants and evolution of marine organisms associated with major issues such as climate change, ocean acidification and UV radiation effects. Both countries have focused their polar research more in the Antarctic than in the Arctic. Portugal and Spain should encourage research groups to continue increasing their collaborations with other countries and develop multi-disciplinary research projects, as well as to maintain highly active memberships within major organizations, such as the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR), the International Arctic Science Council (IASC) and the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS), and in international research projects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Xavier, J. C., Cherel, Y., Roberts, J., and Piatkowski, U. 2013. How do cephalopods become available to seabirds: can fish gut contents from tuna fishing vessels be a major food source of deep-dwelling cephalopods? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70:46–49.Cephalopods are important prey for numerous seabird species. However, the physical mechanisms by which cephalopods (particularly species considered as deep-dwelling) become available to seabirds are poorly understood, and it has recently been suggested that the discarded stomachs of gutted fish captured by tuna longliners can be a major source of deep-dwelling species. Here, we identify some deep-dwelling cephalopods that appear in the diet of seabirds, review the current knowledge of their vertical distribution, and compare the stomach contents of commercially captured tuna with those of seabirds foraging in the same area. The limited available information leads us to conclude that tuna longliners are unlikely to be a major source of deep-dwelling cephalopods for seabirds. However, much more information is required on the ecology of seabird prey, particularly commercially unexploited cephalopod species, which may be obtained from scientific cruises devoted to cephalopod biological research. In addition multispecies/foodweb modelling studies may be required to explore potential interactions between seabirds, their predators and prey, and commercial fishing operations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A digital image correlation (DIC) algorithm for displacement measurements combining cross-correlation and a differential technique was validated through a set of experimental tests. These tests consisted of in-plane rigid-body translation and rotation tests, a tensile mechanical test, and a mode I fracture test. The fracture mechanical test, in particular, was intended to assess the accuracy of the method when dealing with discontinuous displacement fields, for which subset-based image correlation methods usually give unreliable results. The proposed algorithm was systematically compared with the Aramis® DIC-2D commercial code by processing the same set of images. When processing images from rigid-body and tensile tests (associated with continuous displacement fields), the two methods provided equivalent results. When processing images from the fracture mechanical test, however, the proposed method obtained a better qualitative description of the discontinuous displacements. Moreover, the proposed method gave a more reliable estimation of both crack length and crack opening displacement of the fractured specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xavier, J. C., Phillips, R. A., and Cherel, Y. 2011. Cephalopods in marine predator diet assessments: why identifying upper and lower beaks is important. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1857–1864.Cephalopods are components of the diet of many predators worldwide. They are identified mainly using their chitinized upper and lower beaks, but because it has been assumed that the number of upper and lower beaks would be the same in predator diet samples, more effort has been put into creating keys for the lower beaks, which are more easily identifiable from morphology. A test is made of whether the number of upper and lower beaks differs in diet samples collected from a major cephalopod predator, the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans), potential biases in the estimation of predator diets are assessed, and upper:lower beak ratios in published studies of other seabirds, seals, whales, and fish from different parts of the world reviewed. The ratio of upper to lower beaks in diet samples from wandering albatrosses varied greatly in a single year (from 69.6% more lower beaks to 59% more upper beaks), and between years (from 0.5 to 32.1% more upper beaks), and biases were greater for certain cephalopod species, resulting in underestimation of their relative importance. Future studies need to consider using both upper and lower beaks to improve the assessment of the contribution of different cephalopods to predator diets. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses a study of the diet of Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomeda borealis in the Azores archipelago from 1994 to 2005. Fish has emerged as the main food source of Cory's Shearwater on Corvo, Santa Maria and Graciosa islands. Results show that Cory's Shearwaters are surface-feeders and they prefer blue jack mackerel. The connection between a change in the diet of seabirds and a change in prey abundance or access to prey is highlighted. The researchers emphasize the necessity for further investigation into the negative impact of tuna fisheries and fishing vessels on the population of Cory's Shearwater.

An LC-MS/MS method with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in the positive mode [M + H]+, for simultaneous determination of the aflatoxins (AFLs): AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 in Brazil nuts matrix is described. By means of multiple reaction monitoring it was possible to analyse the AFLs fragment ions to increase specificity and sensitivity. The separation of the toxins was carried out in a C8 column with gradient mobile phase composed of water:methanol (25 mM ammonium acetate) in a total run time of 5.0 min. The toxin extraction solvent was acetonitrile : water (80 : 20) and no clean up was required for the Brazil nut samples. The method values of LOD and LOQ utilizing the Brazil nut matrix for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 were 0.04; 0.045; 0.050 and 0.060 µg kg-1; 0.08, 0.09, 0.10 and 0.12 µg kg-1, respectively. The recoveries from the Brazil nuts were between 92 and 100% and ΣAFL levels obtained from the positive naturally contaminated Brazil nuts ranged from 1.2 to 11.5 µg kg-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of collecting and analyzing boluses to characterize the cephalopod diet of albatrosses has been used in many diet studies. However, no study has validated this method. We compared boluses and stomach samples from Gray-headed Albatrosses (Thalassarche chrysostoma) and Black-browed Albatrosses (T. melanophris) to (1) study the consumption and diversity of cephalopods in these species, (2) investigate biases associated with each sampling method, and (3) estimate the number of samples needed to characterize these albatross's cephalopod diet. We found that collection and analysis of boluses is a simple, efficient, and noninvasive method for assessing the cephalopod diet of these albatross species, but it is inadequate for characterizing the more easily digestible dietary components, such as fish and crustaceans. Both boluses and stomach samples showed that the two albatross species fed on cephalopods of similar sizes and from the same families (Ommastrephidae, Onychoteuthidae, and Cranchiidae). Furthermore, the main prey species (Martialia hyadesi, Kondakovia longimana, and Galiteuthis glacialis) and the total number of cephalopod species consumed (18-24 species) were the same for both albatrosses. To include all cephalopod species, using a sample-randomization technique, a minimum of 61 and 43 boluses were needed for Gray-headed and Black-browed albatrosses, respectively; but to adequately describe the diversity and size frequency of the main prey species, 82 and 371 boluses would be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a previous work (J. L. Luna-Xavier et al., Colloid Polym. Sci.279, 947 (2001)), silica–poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposite latex particles have been synthesized in emulsion polymerization using a cationic initiator, 2,2′-azobis (isobutyramidine) dihydrochloride (AIBA), and a nonionic polyoxyethylenic surfactant (NP30). Silica beads with diameters of 68, 230, and 340 nm, respectively, were used as the seed. Coating of the silica particles with PMMA was taking place in situ during polymerization, resulting in the formation of colloidal nanocomposites with a raspberry-like or a core–shell morphology, depending on the size and nature of the silica beads. The amount of surface polymer was quantified by means of ultracentrifugation and thermogravimetric analysis as extensively described in the first article of the series (see above reference). The influence of some determinant parameters such as the pH of the suspension, the initiator, silica, monomer, or surfactant concentration on the amount of coating polymer and on the efficiency of the coating reaction was investigated in details and discussed in light of the physicochemical properties of the seed mineral. Electrostatic attraction between the positive end groups of the macromolecules and the inorganic surface proved to be the driving force of the polymer assembly on the seed surface at high pH, while polymerization in adsorbed surfactant bilayers (so-called admicellar polymerization) appeared to be the predominant mechanism of coating at lower pH. Optimal conditions have been found to reach high encapsulation efficiencies and to obtain a regular polymer layer around silica. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases regulated by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). TIMP-1 is overexpressed in several types of human neoplasms. Tissue expression of TIMP-1 was evaluated in 41 samples of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors. The percentage of immuno-positive cells for TIMP-1 was compared with histopathological grading. The cytoplasmic expression of TIMP-1 in mast cells were positive (100%) of tumors examined. The mast cell classified as less differentiated by Patnaik showed higher expression of TIMP-1 (P <0.05 between stages I and III). These results suggest that expression of TIMP-1 may be a potential prognostic marker for the canine cutaneous mast cell tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governing cohesive laws in mixed mode I+II loading of Pinus pinaster Ait. are directly identified by coupling the mixed mode bending test with full-field displacements measured at the crack tip by Digital Image Correlation (DIC). A sequence of mixed mode ratios is studied. The proposed data reduction relies on: (i) the compliance-based beam method for evaluating strain energy release rate; (ii) the local measurement of displacements to compute the crack tip opening displacement; and (iii) an uncoupled approach for the reconstruction of the cohesive laws and its mode I and mode II components. Quantitative parameters are extracted from the set of cohesive laws components in function of the global phase angle. Linear functions were adjusted to reflect the observed trends and the pure modes (I and II) fracture parameters were estimated by extrapolation. Results show that the obtained assessments agree with previous experimental measurements addressing pure modes (I and II) loadings on this wood species, which reveals the appropriateness of the proposed methodology to evaluate the cohesive law under mixed mode loading and its components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) supports valuable fisheries across the Southern Ocean under the management of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. The fishery at South Georgia accounts for 26 % of the catch of this species in the Southern Ocean in the last 25 years. This study assesses the effects of exploitation and changes in management of the fishery on long-term trends in biological traits of Patagonian toothfish at South Georgia. Our results show variability in the size of fish, but no evidence of a systematic decline during the 25-year period. The mean size of fish was linked to recruitment, with pulses of recruitment associated with a reduction in mean size of the fishery. The years when recruitment was highest were in 2000–2010, with >50 % of toothfish of length classes < 90 cm. Management measures implemented over the last 25 years, including depth restrictions and benthic closed areas, have resulted in a gradual stabilization of the population structure. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) dropped from 1997 to 2010, gradually increased until 2017 and since 2018 has returned to values typical of the mid-2010s. Monthly changes in fish length, depth of capture and CPUE confirm that the spawning peak is in July. Size at maturity has remained stable over the last 25 years, suggesting the fishery has not had a major impact on population size structure. These results illustrate the role of management regulations in limiting the impacts of commercial exploitation on the population structure of a long-lived fish species. Given the bigger-deeper size pattern in Patagonian toothfish, there may be a case for increasing the minimum depth of the fishery (currently 700 m) when strong recruitment pulses are detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the adoption of the BBNJ Agreement under UNCLOS, highlighting the need for integrated governance approaches, marine protected areas, and strategic environmental assessments to sustain ocean ecosystems beyond national jurisdiction. It emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive climate-smart marine spatial planning in the high seas to ensure the long-term resilience of marine biodiversity.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Important findings from the second decade of the 21st century on the impact of environmental change on biological processes in the Antarctic were synthesised by 26 international experts. Ten key messages emerged that have stakeholder‐relevance and/or a high impact for the scientific community. They address (i) altered biogeochemical cycles, (ii) ocean acidification, (iii) climate change hotspots, (iv) unexpected dynamism in seabed‐dwelling populations, (v) spatial range shifts, (vi) adaptation and thermal resilience, (vii) sea ice related biological fluctuations, (viii) pollution, (ix) endangered terrestrial endemism and (x) the discovery of unknown habitats. Most Antarctic biotas are exposed to multiple stresses and considered vulnerable to environmental change due to narrow tolerance ranges, rapid change, projected circumpolar impacts, low potential for timely genetic adaptation, and migration barriers. Important ecosystem functions, such as primary production and energy transfer between trophic levels, have already changed, and biodiversity patterns have shifted. A confidence assessment of the degree of 'scientific understanding' revealed an intermediate level for most of the more detailed sub‐messages, indicating that process‐oriented research has been successful in the past decade. Additional efforts are necessary, however, to achieve the level of robustness in scientific knowledge that is required to inform protection measures of the unique Antarctic terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and their contributions to global biodiversity and ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in the shape of braids, in combination with crystals of hydroxyapatite (HAp), were analyzed to perceive the influence of this bioceramic on both the quasi-static and viscoelastic behavior under tensile loading. Analyses involving energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed us to conclude that the production of a homogeneous layer of HAp on the braiding surface and the calcium/phosphate atomic ratio were comparable to those of natural bone. The maximum degradation temperature established by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed a modest decrease with the addition of HAp. By adding HAp to PVA braids, an increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) is noticed, as demonstrated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The PVA/HAp composite braids' peaks were validated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to be in good agreement with common PVA and HAp patterns. PVA/HAp braids, a solution often used in the textile industry, showed superior overall mechanical characteristics in monotonic tensile tests. Creep and relaxation testing showed that adding HAp to the eight and six-braided yarn architectures was beneficial. By exhibiting good mechanical performance and most likely increased biological qualities that accompany conventional care for bone applications in the fracture healing field, particularly multifragmentary ones, these arrangements can be applied as a fibrous fixation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cephalopods play an important role in polar marine ecosystems. In this review, we compare the biodiversity, distribution and trophic role of cephalopods in the Arctic and in the Antarctic. Thirty-two species have been reported from the Arctic, 62 if the Pacific Subarctic is included, with only two species distributed across both these Arctic areas. In comparison, 54 species are known from the Antarctic. These polar regions share 15 families and 13 genera of cephalopods, with the giant squid Architeuthis dux the only species confirmed to occur in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Polar cephalopods prey on crustaceans, fish, and other cephalopods (including cannibalism), whereas predators include fish, other cephalopods, seabirds, seals and whales. In terms of differences between the cephalopod predators in the polar regions, more Antarctic seabird species feed on cephalopods than Arctic seabirds species, whereas more Arctic mammal species feed on cephalopods than Antarctic mammal species. Cephalopods from these regions are likely to be more influenced by climate change than those from the rest of the World: Arctic fauna is more subjected to increasing temperatures per se, with these changes leading to increased species ranges and probably abundance. Antarctic species are likely to be influenced by changes in (1) mesoscale oceanography (2) the position of oceanic fronts (3) sea ice extent, and (4) ocean acidification. Polar cephalopods may have the capacity to adapt to changes in their environment, but more studies are required on taxonomy, distribution, ocean acidification and ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is expected to have major negative effects on marine life across phylogenetic groups. Cephalopods, however, have life history characteristics that suggest they may benefit from certain climate change scenarios. Of all cephalopods, squids reach the greatest biomasses; as a result, they are of substantial importance for human and predator consumption. To test the hypothesis that the effects of climate change are beneficial for commercial squid, we used species distribution models on climate scenarios for the period between 2000 and 2014, as well as the years 2050 and 2100 (RCP [representative concentration pathway] 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5; CMIP5). Our results suggest that consequences of climate change scenarios are species specific. In the North Pacific and Northwest Atlantic, squid's habitat suitability may increase (from + 0.83% [Doryteuthis pealeii] to + 8.77% increase [Illex illecebrosus]), while it is predicted to decrease in other regions (from − 1.03% [Doryteuthis opalescens] to − 15.04% decrease [Loligo reynaudii]). Increases in habitat suitability occurred mostly at higher latitudes (north of 50° N), while suitable habitat decrease was predicted for the tropical regions. These shifts in future habitat suitability were stronger under harsher emission scenarios. Starting in 2050 (with RCP scenarios 4.6, 6.0 and 8.5), as a result of warming of the Arctic, squid habitat may increase along both coasts of North America. In the Southern Hemisphere, squids may lose habitat with no poleward habitat alternatives to move into. Contrary to our hypothesis, these commercial squid do not stand to benefit from climate change. Since these squid are an important food source for marine megafauna and humans, it is imperative that climate change biogeographic impacts are considered for a sustainable management of this important group of molluscs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acquired capabilities defining neoplasms comprise useful tools to improve diagnosis and prognosis. In humans, proliferation is the single most important malignancy criterion in the adrenocortical tumors. In this study we compared histomorphological features and the proliferative activity in 28 ferret adrenocortical nodular lesions. The proliferative activity was assessed immunohistochemically proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA]; Ki-67) or stained for argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions [AgNORs]). All the three parameters indicate a significant difference between benign (adrenocortical nodular hyperplasias and adenomas), and malignant lesions (carcinomas), suggesting a correlation with adrenal malignancies in other species, like humans and dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mast cell tumour (MCT) is one of the most frequent skin tumours in dogs. Due to their unpredictable biological behaviour, MCTs often cause several therapeutic frustrations, leading to investigation regarding prognostic markers. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an enzyme that promotes extracellular matrix stability and contributes to cell migration, angiogenesis and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. Its expression positively correlates with poor prognoses in several human and canine mammary cancers. The aim of this study was to characterise the immunohistochemical expression of LOX in MCT samples and compare it with histological grading and post‐surgical survival. Twenty‐six tumours were submitted to immunohistochemistry for LOX expression evaluation. All samples were positive for LOX, with variable percentages of cytoplasmic and nuclear positivity. Cytoplasmic positivity was significantly higher in high‐grade MCTs (P =.0297). Our results indicate that high expression of cytoplasmic LOX in neoplastic mast cells is an indicator of poor prognosis for canine cutaneous MCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the durability of bond between concrete and carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips installed according to the near-surface mounted (NSM) technique (NSM CFRP-concrete systems) under the effects of two main groups of environmental conditions: (i) laboratory-based ageing conditions; (ii) real outdoor ageing conditions. The bond degradation was evaluated by carrying out direct pullout tests on aged specimens that were previously subjected to distinct environmental conditions for different periods of exposure. Moreover, the degradation of the mechanical properties of the involved materials was investigated. The digital image correlation (DIC) method was used to document the evolution of the deformation fields at the surface over the whole region of interest consisting of concrete and epoxy adhesive at the ligament region. This information supported the discussion about the evolution of the bond resistant mechanism developed in NSM CFRP-concrete specimens during testing, as well as the assessment of the bond quality of the system. In general, the results obtained from the durability tests conducted have shown that the different exposure environments, which may be considered as quite severe, did not result in significant damage on NSM CFRP-concrete system. The maximum decrease of about 12% on bond strength was obtained for real outdoor environments. Conversely, a maximum increase of 8% on bond strength was obtained on the specimens exposed to the temperature cycles between −15 °C and +60 °C. DIC allowed to document the stress transfer mechanisms established between the CFRP and the concrete substrate, revealing the crack patterns and the influence widths of the CFRP reinforcement strips, which were shown to be important for avoiding group effect when using multiple parallel strengthening CFRP strips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsporidia are intracellular pathogens that cause severe disease in immunocompromised humans and animals. We recently demonstrated that XID mice are more susceptible to Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection by intraperitoneal route, evidencing the role of B-1 cells in resistance against infection. The present study investigated the resistance and susceptibility against E. cuniculi oral infection, including the role of B-1 cells. BALB/c and BALB/c XID (B-1 cells deficient) mice were orally infected with E. cuniculi spores. No clinical symptoms were observed in infected animals; histopathology showed lymphoplasmocytic enteritis with degeneration of the apexes of the villi in all infected groups. Higher parasite burden was observed in infected BALB/c XID mice. In the spleen and peritoneum, all infected mice showed a decrease of lymphocytes, including CD8 + T cells, mostly in infected BALB/c XID mice. Adoptive transfer of B-1 cells (XID + B-1) was associated with a lower parasite burden. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6) increased mostly in infected XID + B1 mice. Together, the present results showed that BALB/c XID mice infected by the oral route were more susceptible to encephalitozoonosis than BALB/c mice, demonstrating the B-1 cells importance in the control of the immune response against oral E. cuniculi infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squid play a major role in the Southern Ocean food web. However, their age and growth remain poorly studied. Here, using upper and lower beaks of Moroteuthopsis longimana collected from the diet of Dissostichus mawsoni from Pacific and Atlantic sectors of the Southern Ocean, we studied: (1) Feasibility of using beaks collected from predators' stomachs to study the age of Southern Ocean oceanic squid; and (2) Age estimation and growth patterns of M. longimana. The rostrum sagittal section (RSS) of both beaks had micro-increments, with the lower beak being the best to observe and count a readable sequence of increments to estimate the age. Assuming a daily deposition of increments, our results suggest that M. longimana can live up to 820 days and may hatch throughout the year. Studied individuals presented a consistent growth rate from hatching to death but with, at least, one period of faster growth. A novel pattern of regular cycles, composed of 7–10 lighter increments followed by a darker one, was found in the medium-anterior region of the RSS. Differences were found in the growth rate and size reached at the same age between individuals from the Pacific and Atlantic sectors, which might be related with different environmental conditions between both capture sites. This study shows that lower beaks from predators' stomachs can be used to study the age of Southern Ocean squids and that M. longimana hatches in all seasons, being available year round to predators that feed of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gonatus fabricii is the most abundant cephalopod in the Arctic and northern part of the North Atlantic, which are areas of rapid environmental change. It is very important as a predator of many species of fish and invertebrates and as a prey for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. The life cycle of G. fabricii, in particular ontogenetic changes in diet and habitat, is little known. Ecological modelling is an important method to forecast ecosystems' dynamics in relation to a changing climate, and it is crucial to assess their present structure and functioning for a viable forecast. Here, the ontogenetic changes in the diet and habitat of large G. fabricii from West Greenland are studied using stable isotope analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) along trajectories in chitin beaks, which function as archival structures. Using this approach, four stages with clearly distinct ecologies were revealed in the species' life cycle. This novel ecological periodization is a crucial baseline tool in Arctic marine ecosystem studies and cephalopod biology, and should be used in models to correctly reflect the ecological roles of G. fabricii in marine ecosystems. Cephalopods are important in Arctic marine ecosystems as predators and prey, but knowledge of their life cycles is poor. Consequently, they are under-represented in the Arctic ecosystems assessment models. One important parameter is the change in ecological role (habitat and diet) associated with individual ontogenies. Here, the life history of Gonatus fabricii, the most abundant Arctic cephalopod, is reconstructed by the analysis of individual ontogenetic trajectories of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in archival hard body structures. This approach allows the prediction of the exact mantle length (ML) and mass when the species changes its ecological role. Our results show that the life history of G. fabricii is divided into four stages, each having a distinct ecology: (1) epipelagic squid (ML < 20 mm), preying mostly on copepods; (2) epi- and occasionally mesopelagic squid (ML 20–50 mm), preying on larger crustaceans, fish, and cephalopods; (3) meso- and bathypelagic squid (ML > 50 mm), preying mainly on fish and cephalopods; and (4) non-feeding bathypelagic gelatinous females (ML > 200 mm). Existing Arctic ecosystem models do not reflect the different ecological roles of G. fabricii correctly, and the novel data provided here are a necessary baseline for Arctic ecosystem modelling and forecasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental and numerical study on mode II fracture behaviour of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the RL and TL crack propagation systems is performed. It is a hardwood species that has attracted increasing interest for structural use in Europe in recent years. Three-point end notched flexure tests are performed. The R-curves of both crack propagation systems are obtained, from which the critical strain energy release rate (GIIc) is derived by applying the compliance-based beam method. This data reduction scheme avoids crack length monitoring during its propagation, which is an advantage in wood. Using a direct method, the shear traction‐separation laws in mode II loading are determined. Full field displacements around the crack tip are monitored by 3D digital image correlation technique, and the crack tip shear displacements are analysed. The proposed method is numerically validated by finite element analysis. Cohesive zone models are developed implementing a shear traction–separation law with exponential damage evolution zone and the average value of the experimental elastic and fracture properties. The numerical results for the different properties including upper and lower limits represent well the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in oceanographic conditions, shaped by changes in large-scale atmospheric phenomena such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), alters the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. Such signals are readily captured by marine top predators, given that their use of foraging habitats and diets change when the NAO changes. In this study we assessed sexual, seasonal and annual (2010/11–2012/13) differences in diet, trophic and isotopic niche (using δ 15 N and δ 13 C values of whole blood, 1st primary, 8th secondary and breast feathers), foraging locations and oceanographic variation within foraging areas for Macaronesian shearwaters' ( Puffinus baroli ) during two years of contrasting NAO values, and between two sub-tropical islands 330 km apart in the North Atlantic Ocean, Cima Islet and Selvagem Grande. These two locations provide contrasting oceanographic foraging regimes for the birds, because the second colony is much closer to the African coast (375 vs 650 km), and, therefore, to the upwelling area of the Canary Current. There was a marked environmental perturbation in 2010/2011, related with a negative NAO Index and lower marine productivity (lower concentration of Chlorophyll a ). This event corresponded to the Macaronesian shearwaters feeding farther north and west, which was readily seen in change of both δ 15 N and δ 13 C values, and in a higher intake of cephalopods. Diet and stable isotopes did not differ between sexes. Regurgitation analysis indicate a dominance of cephalopods in both islands, but prey fish were important for Selvagem Grande in 2012 and cephalopods for Cima Islet in 2011. Both δ 15 N and δ 13 C values were significantly higher for Cima Islet than for Selvagem Grande, irrespective of year, season and tissue sampled. SIBER analysis showed smaller isotopic niches for the breeding period. Our study suggests that during years of poor environmental conditions Macaronesian shearwaters shift their foraging location to more pelagic waters, take more cephalopods and overall present a narrower isotopic niche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes theoretical and experimental work undertaken to obtain a structural model for assessment of historical Latin-American vertically laminated planked timber arches, as built by the Spanish, mainly in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Many such arches still stand, and represent an important historical heritage. Following initial historical and construction studies, a structural analysis is being undertaken; the first stage is described here. Two wire frame analysis models are developed and assessed: a finite-element model using elasto-plastic constitutive equations (implemented in SAP2000), and another model using limit analysis. An experimental programme is also conducted. The structure presents elasto-plastic behaviour with an important plastic range, which is a relevant and favourable property for a structure. The numerical elasto-plastic model shows good agreement with experimental results for the elastic range and deviations around 60% for the plastic range. The plastic model shows a deviation of around 40%, which is an important outcome at this stage. The models show the key problem of the structure: the transference of the bending moment along planks is poor, restricting its overall load-bearing capacity. Additional tests and more complex material models (including failure in tension perpendicular to the grain), using two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite elements, are now under development to recalibrate the models presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three different mode ratios were considered to cover the mixed mode I + II space. • A couple and uncoupled methods were used to get the components of mixed-mode I + II. • Both methods provide consistent tendencies from pure mode I to dominant mode II. • The developed procedures can be applied to any other material with similar behavior. Mixed-mode I + II fracture characterization of cortical bone tissue is addressed in this work. The mixed-mode bending test was used to impose different mode ratios. An equivalent crack length data reduction method was considered to obtain the strain energy release rate components. Crack opening and shear displacements were measured by means of digital image correlation. These quantities were then integrated to propose a direct evaluation of cohesive laws. The components of the cohesive laws for each mixed-mode loading were obtained by the uncoupled and Högberg's methods. The later provided consistent evolution of strain energy release rate and peak stresses components in function of mode-ratio, revealing its appropriateness regarding the fracture characterization of cortical bone under mixed-mode I + II loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fisheries ecosystem-based management is an important tool for sustainable harvesting of fisheries worldwide. Knowledge of trophic interactions is crucial since changes in trophic balances can induce severe changes in the structure of marine communities. While advocated for deep-sea fisheries, a lack of studies in the benthopelagic area persist. The Antarctic toothfish, Dissostichus mawsoni, is a top predator inhabiting the Southern Ocean deep-sea and a high-value species in a fishery managed by CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources). Previous studies suggested a geographical variability in its diet, but never studying it in the same year. We analysed stomach contents and stable isotopes of δ15N and δ13C in the muscle of D. mawsoni captured in three fishing areas from the Amundsen and Dumont D'Urville Seas, during the 2016/17 fishing season. Although significant spatial differences were found, five taxa were found in all sites, Antimora rostrata, Macrourus spp., Muraenolepis spp., Moroteuthopsis longimana and Psychroteuthis glacialis. High diversity of prey confirms D. mawsoni as a generalist feeder. Values of δ15N showed similar trophic position across areas, in contrast to the differences found in δ13C values. GLM showed that δ15N and δ13C values varied with otolith length, latitude and the opposite isotope, i.e. δ13C and δ15N respectively. Implications for D. mawsoni fisheries management are discussed considering different predation release scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (ATAA) is a permanent dilatation of the aorta which is usually related to tissue degeneration, hemodynamic conditions, lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors. As the mechanical conditions can become critical in a dilated aorta, a patient-specific computational model can be very useful to assist clinical decisions in the management of ATAAs. In this article, we model the biomechanical conditions of ATAA by performing Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI) simulations in the SimVascular open-source software package. The patient-specific geometric model is reconstructed from Computed Tomography scan (CT). The numerical implementation takes into account patient-specific outlet conditions and a temporal flow variation at the model inlet. We performed a mesh convergence analysis on a new mesh reconstruction method in SimVascular and showed that it can significantly reduce the computational cost without impacting the accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breast tumors are common neoplasms in several species, with high incidence in dogs. The high frequency and aggressiveness of these cases justifies the search for rapid, low cost and less invasive diagnostic methods, seeking for surgical approach and appropriate therapy. This study evaluated the appropriateness of the use of the agarose cell block technique as a diagnostic tool to complement traditional smears in the diagnosis of these processes. Therefore, it was obtained 51 samples from 30 dogs with breast tumors that underwent tumoral excision at the HOVET-UMESP, comparing the results obtainedfrom smears, cell blocks, alone and in association (smears cell blocks '), with the histopathologic diagnosis. The best results were obtained with the association of smears and cell block analysis, reducing the false negative results and increasing the cyto-histological correlation, reinforcing the importance of the use of cytology in routine veterinary oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comfrey or Symphytum officinale (L.) (Boraginaceae) is a very popular plant used for therapeutic purposes. Since the 1980s, its effects have been studied in long-term carcinogenesis studies, in which Comfrey extract is administered at high doses during several months and the neoplastic hepatic lesions are evaluated. However, the literature on this topic is very poor considering the studies performed under short-term carcinogenesis protocols, such as the ‘resistant hepatocyte model’ (RHM). In these studies, it is possible to observe easily the phenomena related to the early phases of tumor development, since pre-neoplastic lesions (PNLs) rise in about 1–2 months of chemical induction. Herein, the effects of chronic oral treatment of rats with 10% Comfrey ethanolic extract were evaluated in a RHM. Wistar rats were sequentially treated with N-nitrosodiethylamine (ip) and 2-acetilaminofluorene (po), and submitted to hepatectomy to induce carcinogenesis promotion. Macroscopic/microscopic quantitative analysis of PNL was performed. Non-parametric statistical tests (Mann–Whitney and χ2) were used, and the level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Comfrey treatment reduced the number of pre-neoplastic macroscopic lesions up to 1 mm (P ≤ 0.05), the percentage of oval cells (P = 0.0001) and mitotic figures (P = 0.007), as well as the number of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) positive cells (P = 0.0001) and acidophilic pre-neoplastic nodules (P = 0.05). On the other hand, the percentage of cells presenting megalocytosis (P = 0.0001) and vacuolar degeneration (P = 0.0001) was increased. Scores of fibrosis, glycogen stores and the number of nucleolus organizing regions were not altered. The study indicated that oral treatment of rats with 10% Comfrey alcoholic extract reduced cell proliferation in this model. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ocean circulation connects geographically distinct ecosystems across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales via exchanges of physical and biogeochemical properties. Remote oceanographic processes can be especially important for ecosystems in the Southern Ocean, where the Antarctic Circumpolar Current transports properties across ocean basins through both advection and mixing. Recent tracking studies have indicated the existence of two large‐scale, open ocean habitats in the Southern Ocean used by grey petrels (Procellaria cinerea) from two populations (i.e., Kerguelen and Antipodes islands) during their nonbreeding season for extended periods during austral summer (i.e., October to February). In this work, we use a novel combination of large‐scale oceanographic observations, surface drifter data, satellite‐derived primary productivity, numerical adjoint sensitivity experiments, and output from a biogeochemical state estimate to examine local and remote influences on these grey petrel habitats. Our aim is to understand the oceanographic features that control these isolated foraging areas and to evaluate their ecological value as oligotrophic open ocean habitats. We estimate the minimum local primary productivity required to support these populations to be much <1% of the estimated local primary productivity. The region in the southeast Indian Ocean used by the birds from Kerguelen is connected by circulation to the productive Kerguelen shelf. In contrast, the region in the south‐central Pacific Ocean used by seabirds from the Antipodes is relatively isolated suggesting it is more influenced by local factors or the cumulative effects of many seasonal cycles. This work exemplifies the potential use of predator distributions and oceanographic data to highlight areas of the open ocean that may be more dynamic and productive than previously thought. Our results highlight the need to consider advective connections between ecosystems in the Southern Ocean and to re‐evaluate the ecological relevance of oligotrophic Southern Ocean regions from a conservation perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a critical review of in situ full-field measurements provided by digital image correlation (DIC) for inspecting and enhancing additive manufacturing (AM) processes. The principle of DIC is firstly recalled and its applicability during different AM processes systematically addressed. Relevant customisations of DIC in AM processes are highlighted regarding optical system, lighting and speckled pattern procedures. A perspective is given in view of the impact of in situ monitoring regarding AM processes based on target subjects concerning defect characterisation, evaluation of residual stresses, geometric distortions, strain measurements, numerical modelling validation and material characterisation. Finally, a case study on in situ measurements with DIC for wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is presented emphasizing opportunities, challenges and solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the kinematics of the spine in the interaction with an implanted device is of utmost importance from a clinical point of view. The characterization of the biomechanical movement of the spine occurring at each functional unit is a difficult task as it involves the measurement of complex patterns of motion while identifying more delicate abnormalities that could result in longer-term disease complications. Center of rotation is a biomechanical parameter that represents the ratio between rotation and translation. It has been recognized as a valid and reliable parameter to identify any delicate abnormal movement of the spine as opposed to the range of motion. However, center of rotation is still not widely used in clinical practice. In this study, an algorithm intended to easily identify an imbalanced spine through the center of rotation calculation and a new parameter called distance to the ellipse is presented. In this new approach the distance to the ellipse is a key parameter which represents the distance of the center of rotation lying outside the ellipse that represents the asymptomatic group, from the ellipse itself. The presented algorithm allows the comparison of pre-op and post-op outcomes, and the rapid identification of cases needing more attention. When a comprehensive analysis is required, a dashboard is provided with detailed information for each functional spine unit at each follow-up appointment. It is found that the new approach has the potential to become a new methodology in clinical practice. Level of Evidence: Biomechanical Study. • A tool that intends to quickly access and compare pre-op and post-op spine balance. • The Distance to the Ellipse parameter allows to identify unbalanced spine segments. • A comprehensive biomechanical data is required to address unbalanced spines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trophic niche and diet comparisons among closely sympatric marine species are important to understand complex food webs, particularly in regions most affected by climate change. Using stable isotope analyses, all ontogenetic stages of three sympatric species of Arctic cephalopods (genus Rossia) were studied to assess inter- and intraspecific competition with niche and diet overlap and partitioning in West Greenland and the Barents Sea. Seven traits related to resource and habitat utilization were identified in Rossia: no trait was shared by all three species. High boreal R. megaptera and Arctic endemic R. moelleri shared three traits with each other, while both R. megaptera and R. moelleri shared only two unique traits each with widespread boreal-Arctic R. palpebrosa. Thus all traits formed fully uncrossing pattern with each species having unique strategy of resource and habitat utilization. Predicted climate changes in the Arctic would have an impact on competition among Rossia with one potential 'winner' (R. megaptera in the Barents Sea) but no potential 'losers'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fracture parameters are measured using DIC data. • Three different approaches were proposed and implemented. • A comparative experimental study using an IM7/8552 cross ply laminates was conducted. • The effect of different experimental parameters is analysed and discussed. • It was concluded that the different methodologies lead to the same results. The mode I fracture parameters for an orthotropic body are directly calculated from full-field deformation measurements provided by Digital Image Correlation (DIC). Three complementary and direct approaches are evaluated and compared: (i) the determination of the Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) by fitting the displacement field using the analytical expression proposed by Lekhnitskii; (ii) the determination of the J-Integral by using the Energy Domain Integral (EDI) formulation on the raw DIC data; and (iii) the calculation of the J-Integral using the EDI approach on the displacement data fitted using Lekhnitskii's formulation. A comparative experimental study is performed by testing an IM7/8552 cross-ply laminate, and the effect of different parameters is analysed and discussed. The outcomes of this work show that, if an accurate choice of the parameters is performed, the different approaches lead to the same results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]