Marine turtles as bio-indicators of plastic pollution in the eastern Mediterranean.

The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) has been suggested as a bio-indicator species for plastic pollution. However, detailed investigations in the eastern Mediterranean are limited. Here, we present data from loggerhead turtles (2012-2022; n = 131) of which 42.7 % (n = 57) had ingested macroplastic (pieces ≥ 5 mm). Frequency of occurrence (%) was not found to have changed over time, with body size (CCL cm), between stranded or bycaught turtles, or with levels of digesta present. The characteristics of ingested plastic (n = 492) were largely sheetlike (62 %), clear (41 %) or white (25 %) and the most common polymers identified were Polypropylene (37 %) and Polyethylene (35 %). Strong selectivity was displayed towards certain types, colours and shapes. Data are also presented for posthatchling turtles (n = 4), an understudied life stage. Much larger sample sizes will be needed for this species to be an effective bio-indicator, with the consideration of monitoring green turtles (Chelonia mydas) for the eastern Mediterranean recommended allowing a more holistic picture to be gathered.

Threatened North African seagrass meadows have supported green turtle populations for millennia.

"Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity" is the second official aim of the current UN Ocean Decade (2021 to 2030) calling for the identification and protection of critical marine habitats. However, data to inform policy are often lacking altogether or confined to recent times, preventing the establishment of long-term baselines. The unique insights gained from combining bioarchaeology (palaeoproteomics, stable isotope analysis) with contemporary data (from satellite tracking) identified habitats which sea turtles have been using in the Eastern Mediterranean over five millennia. Specifically, our analysis of archaeological green turtle (Chelonia mydas) bones revealed that they likely foraged on the same North African seagrass meadows as their modern-day counterparts. Here, millennia-long foraging habitat fidelity has been directly demonstrated, highlighting the significance (and long-term dividends) of protecting these critical coastal habitats that are especially vulnerable to global warming. We highlight the potential for historical ecology to inform policy in safeguarding critical marine habitats.

Efficacy of two alcohol-free cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwashes - a randomized double-blind crossover study.

AIM: (1) To determine the plaque inhibition properties of two formulations of alcohol-free mouthwash [0.1% w/w cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (B) and 0.05% w/w CPC (A)] versus a placebo mouthwash (C). (2) To compare the plaque-inhibiting activity between these two new CPC mouthwashes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A double-blind, crossover study with three 1-week periods was used. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the following groups. Group 1 (n=10) received the mouthwashes A, C and B in the periods 1, 2 and 3, respectively, group 2 (n=11) received the mouthwashes in the order B, A, C, while group 3 (n=11) received the mouthwashes in the order C, B, A. Mean plaque areas and Quigley & Hein plaque index scores were analysed using anova (analysis of variance). Measurements were made at the start of each period (baseline) and at 16, 24 and 40 h. RESULTS: Mean plaque scores were similar across the groups at baseline. At all time points thereafter, volunteers using mouthwash A or B had significantly lower plaque areas and plaque index scores than those using mouthwash C (p<0.05), but there were no significant differences between the test formulations. At 16 h, the reduction in plaque area relative to mouthwash C was 22% for mouthwash A and 18% for mouthwash B; at 24 h, 11% for mouthwash A and 15% for mouthwash B; and at 40 h, 15% for mouthwash A and 16% for mouthwash B. CONCLUSIONS: The use of both CPC mouthwashes resulted in less plaque accumulation compared with the control. There was no statistically significant difference in plaque accumulation between the two CPC mouthwashes.

Clinical evaluation of the stain removing ability of a whitening dentifrice and stain controlling system.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the stain removing/controlling properties of a whitening dentifrice and a stain controlling system, in a parallel group, multiple use study. METHODS: Subjects (63), were stratified according to baseline stain scores and randomly allocated to a group, A (standard dentifrice), B (whitening/stain removing dentifrice) or C (whitening/stain removing dentifrice, tooth polish, tooth polisher and whitening/stain removing mouthwash). At each attendance, extrinsic stain was scored blind by a trained and calibrated examiner using the Shaw and Murray Stain Index, under constant lighting conditions. In addition, whiteness was measured using a colorimeter. RESULTS: The toothpaste regimens were well balanced at baseline (p=0.811). At 4 weeks, Regimens B and C had significantly less stain than A (p<0.05). Lower stain values were maintained/reduced for regimens B and C by week 6, with changes from baseline significantly greater than for Regimen A. When lightness was assessed by colorimeter, Regimen C was also found to be significantly whiter than Regimen A (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that both whitening regimens had a significant effect on reducing tooth staining and improving whiteness over the 6 week time period.