The spotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari is characterized by pigmentation patterns that are retained for up to 3·5 years. These pigmentations can be used to identify individuals through photo-identification. Only one study has validated this technique, but no study has estimated the percentage of correct identification of the rays using this technique. In order to carry out demographic research, a reliable photographic identification technique is needed. To achieve this validation for A. narinari, a double-mark system was established over 11 months and photographs of the dorsal surface of 191 rays were taken. Three body parts with distinctive natural patterns were analysed (dorsal surface of the cephalic region, dorsal surface of the pectoral fins and dorsal surface of the pelvic fins) in order to determine the body part that could be used to give the highest percentage of correct identification. The dorsal surface of the pectoral fins of A. narinari provides the most accurate photo-identification to distinguish individuals (88·2%).

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This study was designed to determine the concentrations of p-nitrophenyl acetate esterase activity (EA) and cortisol in serum of marine Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) from a Mexican Pacific population ("La Escobilla" beach) and to evaluate the possible relationship of inorganic elements with these biomarkers. EA, cortisol, and selected chemical elements (Cd, Pb, Ti, Sr, Se, Al, As, and Zn) were measured in the blood of 44 sea turtles from the Eastern Pacific (Southeast Mexico). Serum EA ranged from 0.4 to 3.9 UI mL, and cortisol concentrations ranged from 0.07 to 2.5 μL dL. A strong negative correlation between EA and cortisol was observed (r = - 0.59, p < 0.01), and significant correlations also were found between EA and important metals, such as Cd (r = - 0.31, p < 0.05) and Pb (r = - 0.27, p < 0.05), and elements of growing concern like Ti (r = - 0.37, p < 0.01) or Al (r = - 0.34, p < 0.05) and between cortisol and Sr (r = 0.29, p < 0.05), Se (r = - 0.38, p < 0.01), and As (r = - 0.26, p < 0.05). These results suggest that turtles chronically exposed to different inorganic elements (such as Pb and Cd), driving to a highly consume of esterase and to a prolonged cortisol elevation. The obtained results indicate the usefulness of these biomarkers in the assessment of inorganic elements pollution in this species.

The induction of a blood clot allowing apical revascularization with a subsequent apical closure was reported several decades ago. Recent research has been focused on examining different scaffolds for regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs). The aim of this study was to analyze the main outcomes in novel REP reported in the literature. The search was conducted using six databases. Only clinical trials aiming at the study of scaffolds for REP in the treatment of necrotic immature teeth were included. The risk of bias was assessed by the Risk of Bias 2 tool. Additionally, the quality of the included studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. A summary of individual studies and a meta-analysis were performed. Relative risks of data from clinical success and root length changes were used from the studies, and these were combined using a random-effects meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results reveal that the main outcomes showed no differences between the patients who received REP with scaffolds or only REP. Limitations include that the certainty of evidence was low and that there was significant heterogeneity in the scaffolds used in the included studies. The data suggest that the blood clot remains as the gold standard for REP.