Declines in TBT contamination in Irish coastal waters 1987-2011, using the dogwhelk (Nucella lapillus) as a biological indicator.

Using the vas deferens sequence index (VDSI) and relative penis size index (RPSI) in dogwhelks (Nucella lapillus), imposex levels were assessed at 63 sites within 11 sea inlets during 2010/2011 and compared these with levels gathered since 1987. Sterile females (VDS>5.0) were found at 14 of the 63 sites and 47 sites (75%) met the EcoQO (VDSI<2.0). The absence of imposex in 'control' areas on the west coast is due to the lack of vessel paint applications or net dips with TBT being used as an active anti-fouling ingredient. A significant decline was observed following 2005 when comparing VDSI levels which is consistent with the decline of TBT usage. Current levels are consistent with an overall improvement towards achieving Good Environmental Status according to the requirements under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

International arrivals: widespread bioinvasions in European Seas.

The European Union lacks a comprehensive framework to address the threats posed by the introduction and spread of marine non-indigenous species (NIS). Current efforts are fragmented and suffer substantial gaps in coverage. In this paper we identify and discuss issues relating to the assessment of spatial and temporal patterns of introductions in European Seas (ES), based on a scientifically validated information system of aquatic non-indigenous and cryptogenic species, AquaNIS. While recognizing the limitations of the existing data, we extract information that can be used to assess the relative risk of introductions for different taxonomic groups, geographic regions and likely vectors. The dataset comprises 879 multicellular NIS. We applied a country-based approach to assess patterns of NIS richness in ES, and identify the principal introduction routes and vectors, the most widespread NIS and their spatial and temporal spread patterns. Between 1970 and 2013, the number of recorded NIS has grown by 86, 173 and 204% in the Baltic, Western European margin and the Mediterranean, respectively; 52 of the 879 NIS were recorded in 10 or more countries, and 25 NIS first recorded in European seas since 1990 have since been reported in five or more countries. Our results highlight the ever-rising role of shipping (commercial and recreational) as a vector for the widespread and recently spread NIS. The Suez Canal, a corridor unique to the Mediterranean, is responsible for the increased introduction of new thermophilic NIS into this warming sea. The 2020 goal of the EU Biodiversity Strategy concerning marine Invasive Alien Species may not be fully attainable. The setting of a new target date should be accompanied by scientifically robust, sensible and pragmatic plans to minimize introductions of marine NIS and to study those present.

Cystosarcoma phyllodes: the Western Australian experience.

BACKGROUND: Cystosarcoma phyllodes is a rare breast tumour whose behaviour is not well understood by many clinicians. METHODS: In 1998 a retrospective study was undertaken of women diagnosed with phyllodes tumour of the breast who had their initial surgery between 1983 and 1994 in Western Australian public hospitals. RESULTS: Forty women were diagnosed and treated over this period; however, only 28 received ongoing follow-up (70%). Follow-up was obtained on 26 of these. The median age at diagnosis in this group was 46 years. Cases were predominantly Caucasian (85.5%). Postmenopausal women were affected in 26.9% of cases. Four patients had recurrences after surgery (one malignant and three benign). No patient had a recurrence with primary tumours with a diameter of < or = 2 cm. Mean time to recurrence was 35.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: Breast-conserving surgery was used in almost all cases (96.2% of first operations).

Recovery of a population of the flame shell, Lima hians, in an Irish bay previously contaminated with TBT.

The flame shell, Lima hians, is dominant in the shallows of the Moross Channel in Mulroy Bay, Co. Donegal. Its interwoven byssal threads form an extensive 'carpet' covering shell-sand. Laminarians attach to this 'carpet' and provide a canopy acting both as a substratum and shelter for several species. The population was first studied in 1980, a year prior to the use of TBT. From 1981-1985 TBT was used within Mulroy Bay as an antifoulant on salmon cages and there was a noticeable decline in the population of Lima. This led to the loss of the byssal carpet and laminarian cover and ultimately exposed the sand, which became unstable and formed waves. TBT usage was discontinued in 1985 and legally controlled in 1987. The Moross Channel was re-visited in 1994; the population has recovered and a canopy of laminarians was present as in 1980.

Carcinoma of the breast with sarcomatous metaplasia.

Carcinoma of the breast with sarcomatous metaplasia (CSM) is a rare and interesting tumour with a poorer prognosis than the usual breast malignancies. The mammographic appearances of this lesion have only previously been described once in the literature. A case of CSM is presented with mammographic-pathological correlation and review of the literature.