Gramineous weeds have become increasingly problematic in field crops over the past decade, especially in crops without herbicide tolerance traits, making effective management of them more challenging. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of four very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) elongase–inhibiting herbicides for preemergence control of two grass species, large crabgrass and Texas panicum, which produce seeds of different sizes. The results were consistent across locations and rating times. Applications of all evaluated herbicides resulted in >94% visible control of crabgrass, while control of Texas panicum ranged from just 50% to 87%. The greatest level of Texas panicum control occurred after applications of pyroxasulfone + carfentrazone, whereas all treatments demonstrated similar efficacy against large crabgrass compared with plants that served as nontreated controls. Visible weed control ratings aligned with normalized difference vegetation index readings collected from both unmanned aerial vehicles and a handheld GreenSeeker device, as well as with biomass measurements. Furthermore, stand counts of both weed species exhibited no significant differences among the herbicides. These findings indicate that the selectivity of herbicides that inhibit VLCFA elongase on grass species when applied preemergence may be attributable to differences in seed size.

Anisakis pegreffii (Nematoda: Anisakidae) is a marine parasitic nematode responsible for anisakiasis, a zoonotic disease acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish. With the rising popularity of dishes such as sushi and sashimi, the risk of infection has grown, prompting the need for effective food-safety measures. This study investigates the nematocidal effects of commercial wasabi substitute paste (WSP) and its bioactive compound, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), on third-stage larvae (L3) of A. pegreffii, and explores their associated stress-response mechanisms. WSP at 1 g/mL and 2 g/mL significantly reduced larval viability, with hazard rates of 3.1% and 3.8% per minute and mean lethal times of 45 and 30 minutes, respectively (p < 0.0001). AITC, tested at a 10-fold dilution, exhibited stronger activity, inducing 50% mortality in 16 minutes with a hazard rate of 13.45%/min. Expression analyses revealed that WSP robustly upregulated HSP70 mRNA and protein in a time-dependent manner, whereas AITC caused only a modest increase in HSP70 mRNA without a significant protein-level rise over the same exposure window. Conversely, HSP90 expression showed early, transient upregulation followed by suppression or downregulation, suggesting differential regulation of heat shock pathways under chemical stress. These findings demonstrate that WSP and AITC exert potent, rapid nematocidal effects on A. pegreffii larvae and elicit distinctive molecular stress responses. The data support the potential of wasabi-derived compounds as safe, natural agents for reducing anisakiasis risk in raw seafood consumption.

Obesity and depression are highly prevalent diseases that are strongly correlated. At the same time, there is a growing gap in care, and treatment options should be improved and extended. Positive effects of a mediterranean diet on mental health have already been shown in various studies. Additionally to physiological effects of nutrients, the way how food is eaten, such as mindful eating, seems to play a role. The present study investigates the effect of a mediterranean diet and mindful eating on depression severity in people with clinically diagnosed major depressive disorder and obesity. Participants will be randomized to one of the four intervention groups (mediterranean diet, mindful eating, their combination and a befriending control group). The factorial design allows investigating individual effects as well as potential synergistic effects of the interventions. The study consists of a 12-week intervention period, where five individual appointments will take place, followed by a 12-week follow up. The primary outcome is depression severity. Secondary outcomes are remission of depression, assessor-rated depression severity, quality of life, self-efficacy, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio and body composition, also adherence to mediterranean diet and mindful eating will be assessed. Alongside, mediator and moderator analysis, a microbiome analysis, a qualitative evaluation and an economic analysis will be conducted. The study investigates an important health issue in a vulnerable target group. It allows to draw valuable conclusions regarding effectiveness of different interventions, and therefore contributes to improving available care options for people suffering from depression and obesity.

Previous studies have shown that low-fat diet (LFD) is associated with various health benefits, and that lipid and fatty acid metabolism are linked to telomere shortening. However, no epidemiological studies have examined the association between LFD and telomere length (TL). Dietary information was collected using 24-hour recalls among 6,981 adults from a nationwide cross-sectional study. Diet quality was assessed using overall LFD, healthful LFD (hLFD), and unhealthful LFD (uLFD). TL was measured using quantitative PCR. Linear regression was employed to evaluate the association between LFDs and log-transformed TL, and ordinal logistic regression was performed to assess the association of LFDs with ordinal quintiles of TL in descending order. In both fully adjusted linear and ordinal regression models, higher overall LFD [Tertile 3 vs. Tertile 1: percentage change = 2.48%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60%, 4.40%, Ptrend = 0.003; odds ratio (OR) = 0.79, 95% CI:0.68, 0.93; Ptrend = 0.001] and hLFD [Tertile 3 vs. Tertile 1: percentage change = 2.71%, 95% CI: 0.87%, 4.58%; Ptrend = 0.002; OR = 0.84, 95% CI:0.72, 0.97; Ptrend = 0.003] scores were significantly associated with longer TL. The positive association between hLFD and TL was observed in other racial/ethnic groups, but not in non-Hispanic whites (Pinteraction < 0.005). There was no significant association between uLFD and TL in all the models. Our results suggest that LFD rich in high-quality carbohydrates, unsaturated fat, and plant protein is associated with longer TL, and underscore the need to consider the quality and dietary sources of the macronutrients.

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a well-known intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and plays an important role in the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, and valine). While previous study suggested that AKG enhances glucose metabolism, its effect on the adaptation of muscles and adipocytes has not been well studied in diabetic condition. This study aimed to determine whether AKG improves glucose metabolism in the skeletal muscles and adipose tissues in diabetic mice. Male institute of cancer research mice were divided into control, diabetic, and diabetic + AKG groups. Diabetes (DM) was induced by a high fat diet consumption and streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Mice in the DM + AKG group were administered 1% AKG in drinking water for 6 weeks. The non-fasting plasma glucose level was significantly higher in the diabetic group than that in the control and DM + AKG groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein levels in the muscles between the DM and DM + AKG groups. AKG supplementation attenuated the decrease in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1 alpha and GLUT4 protein levels in inguinal and epididymal adipose tissues in diabetic condition. In conclusion, the study findings suggested that AKG supplementation increased protein levels related to mitochondrial biogenesis and glucose transporters in adipocyte tissue accompanied with improved whole-body glucose metabolism in STZ and high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice.

While animal welfare is a growing global concern, there has been very little research into how it is understood in Iran. Cultural, religious, and legal factors influence attitudes and practices in ways not addressed by existing research. This study provides culturally grounded insights for improvement of animal welfare in Iran. Utilising a validated survey tool, we investigated the attitudes of Iranians toward the welfare of farmed, companion, and wild animals. A total of 325 responses were collected. The findings indicate that animal welfare is considered important to Iranians, with the majority expressing interest in improving the welfare practices. Despite varying degrees of familiarity with different animal species, there was a consensus on the importance of enacting laws to protect animal welfare. Most participants agreed that chickens feel pain (92.9%) and emotions (79%), whereas fewer attributed these capacities to fish, with 63.6% acknowledging pain and 59.5% acknowledging emotions. Furthermore, most of the participants agreed that animals should not endure pain in the slaughter process (97.8% agreement). While the majority of participants agreed that pre-slaughter stunning was better for the animals (78.7%), only 51.7% agreed that they would prefer to eat meat from animals that had been stunned; reflecting the traditionally held views regarding the role of stunning in Halal meat production. The results of the current study support previous findings suggesting that concern for animals may be a universal human inclination, although, in Iran, attitudes towards specific species and agricultural practices are also shaped by religious perspectives.

There is a gap in the understanding of meal patterns offered to students targeted by the National School Feeding Programme (PNAE). This study aimed to identify and analyse the menu patterns planned in schools participating in the PNAE. This observational cross-sectional study was carried out from a database consisting of 557 weekly menus from primary schools across Brazilian municipalities. We used factor analysis (FA) with principal components analysis (PCA) to identify menu patterns. Nutritional quality assessment of the menus was based on the Revised School Feeding Menu Quality Index (IQCAE-R). Differences in nutritional quality and associations with sociodemographic factors were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Wilcoxon post hoc testing with Bonferroni correction. Two menu patterns were identified: (1) ‘Traditional’, predominantly composed of cereals and pasta, roots and tubers, legumes, vegetables, and meats and eggs; and (2) ‘Snack’, with a higher occurrence of bread, cakes, and biscuits, milk and dairy products, chocolate powder, and coffee and tea. The ‘Traditional’ pattern, consisting of food items commonly found in Brazilian food culture, and the ‘Snack’ pattern, characterised by the presence of sweets and highly processed foods, showed significant relationships with sociodemographic variables and nutritional quality of menus. Stimulating schools to provide meals that resemble the ‘Traditional’ pattern may contribute to the adoption of healthier dietary patterns, thus benefiting and strengthening health promotion through PNAE.

This study presents the first sponge biodiversity inventory of Los Picos reef in Veracruz, Mexico. Although the Veracruz Reef System is known for its high sponge diversity, several recently discovered submerged reefs – including Los Picos – had remained biologically uncharacterised until this investigation. Our comprehensive inventory documents 37 species, identified at the species level, all belonging to Demospongiae; 15 of which are new records for the Mexican coast, and 13 for the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Six species are described as new: Psammocinia alcoladoi sp. nov., distinguished by a dermal surface armoured with sand and spongin filaments, lightly fasciculated primary fibres, and non fasciculated secondary with long conules and slender fiber diameters; Hyatella hyattus sp. nov., distinguished by its soft and lobular habitus, and slender fiber diameters; Zyzzya marinagreenae sp. nov., is an open fistula with acanthostrongyles irregularly spined and both, acanthostrongyles and isochelae, smaller in size; Desmapsamma paulumharenae sp. nov., has an encrusting shape with larger spicules than D. anchorata; Phorbas veracruzanus sp. nov., consists of conule-shaped processes on an embedded layer and morphometric differences on spicules; and Timea citlallitzina sp. nov., stands out by the lumpy tips of the oxyaster type. The whole, highlighted by two genera, Psammocinia and Zyzzya, both reported for the first time in the GoM. Samples were obtained by SCUBA surveys at 10–16 m depth, between August and October 2017.

Herbicides are commonly used for weed control in wheat production due to their effectiveness, speed, and lower cost compared to other management methods. This study aimed to evaluate the selectivity and efficacy of herbicides applied alone or in combination for controlling major weed species infesting wheat. Field experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Terbuthylazine (500 and 750 g ha-1) + adjuvant, carfentrazone-ethyl (120 g ha-1), saflufenacil and pyraflufen-ethyl (3.75 and 5 g ha-1) + clodinafop-propargyl caused the highest phytotoxicity to wheat. The best wheat physiological performance (internal CO2 concentration, photosynthesis and transpiration rates, stomatal conductance, water use, and carboxilation efficiencies) was observed with terbuthylazine (750 g ha-1), carfentrazone-ethyl (80 g ha-1), 2,4-D, and terbuthylazine + clodinafop-propargyl (750 + 96 g ha-1). Terbuthylazine (500 and 750 g ha-1) and pyraflufen-ethyl (3.75 and 5 g ha-1) combined with clodinafop-propargyl (96 g ha-1), provided the most effective control of wild radish and ryegrass and resulted in the highest grain yields. Regarding the grain yield components of wheat (number of plants per meter, number of spikes, spike length, number of filled and sterile grains, hectoliter weight, thousand-grain mass, and grain yield), the weed-free control and the treatment with terbuthylazine + clodinafop-propargyl (750 + 96 g ha⁻¹) showed the best performance. In the absence of weed control, average grain yield losses reached 91%. The herbicides terbuthylazine and pyraflufen-ethyl demonstrated potential for the control of broadleaf weeds, such as wild radish, which exhibit resistance to acetolactate synthase inhibitors, and where 2,4-D is less effective under low-temperature conditions. However, further studies using commercial formulations, adjuvants, and varietal tolerance tests are required to validate the use of these herbicides in wheat in Brazil.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is the dominant pest management paradigm in agriculture, and adoption of IPM is a policy goal at various levels of government. However, with over 67 definitions, what is considered IPM varies, and some implementations of IPM fail to achieve desired results (e.g., reduced pesticide use). The natural complexity of agriculture and pest management leads growers to rely on professionals, usually certified crop advisors (CCAs), to help make management decisions. Though communication with crop advisors is one way to improve IPM, this effort requires an understanding of CCA education, knowledge, and information sources. Previous surveys in North America found most crop advisors were very experienced (>20 years), which may present a concern for the adequate supply of crop advisors in the future, since they will very likely retire in the coming decades. In this survey, nearly 95% of CCAs earned a bachelor’s level degree (or higher). Independent crop advisors reported spending about 43% less time communicating with growers than CCAs employed by consultancies. Most crop advisors gave appropriate, but incomplete, definitions of IPM, and adoption of specific guidelines (i.e., scouting recommendations for red sunflower seed weevil, Smicronyx fulvus) was also low. Some CCAs expressed an opinion that universities (and the federal government) were less valued than other sources of information (e.g., their own CCA network). Collectively, survey responses show room for improvement to IPM through CCA education, but because crop advisors are most likely to be influenced through their network of peers, outreach might be best accomplished through targeting early adopters of IPM practices among the CCA population.

The Hyphantria cunea (Drury) is a highly polyphagous invasive pest that has become widespread and destructive in China. Although sex pheromone components of H. cunea have been identified, the weak field attraction of synthetic sex pheromone has hindered the application of sex pheromone-based lures in efficient monitoring and management of this pest. In this study, the electroantennographic (EAG) and field responses of H. cunea male adults to three synthetic sex pheromone components, including Z9, Z12, Z15-18Ald (C18:Ald), Z3, Z6-9S,10 R-epoxy-21Hy (C21-2Epo), and 1, Z3, Z6-9S,10 R-epoxy-21Hy (C21-3Epo), were evaluated. Male antennae exhibited significant dose-dependent response to three individual components and a ternary mixtures. The younger and virgin male moths showed stronger electrophysiological activity to synthetic compounds, whereas sensitivity decreased significantly after mating. Among the three components, C21-3Epo elicited the strongest antennal responses. Field trapping revealed that neither single compounds nor binary blends attracted males, whereas only the ternary blend of C18:3Ald, C21-2Epo, and C21-3Epo (ratio 8:1:1; 10 mg total load) effectively captured large numbers of males. In addition, the field trapping indicated that the green rubber septum functioned as a practical dispenser for synthetic pheromones. The Unitraps baited with the green rubber septum showed significantly higher trapping efficiency than cotton wicks, highlighting the septum as a promising dispenser for field deployment of synthetic sex pheromones. Finally, the green rubber septum baited with a ternary blend monitored the dynamics of H. cunea occurrence and detected that the emergence period overlapped with the commercially available synthetic lure. In general, the bioactivity of the synthetic sex pheromone of H. cunea was validated. It could effectively capture H. cunea male adults, be used to monitor and control H. cunea, and further be incorporated into the integrated pest management programme.

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting herbicides are primarily applied for controlling grass weeds in broadleaf crops. These herbicides are foliar-active, providing minimal residual weed control. This review aims to summarize: (1) the history and use of ACCase-inhibiting herbicides in the United States, (2) ACCase-inhibitor-resistant weeds, their mechanisms of resistance, and management strategies, and (3) the future of ACCase-inhibiting herbicides. ACCase-inhibiting herbicides belong to three chemical families: aryloxyphenoxypropionates (FOPs), cyclohexanediones (DIMs), and phenylpyrazoles (DENs). They function by inhibiting the enzyme ACCase activity, blocking the first step in de novo fatty acid biosynthesis, thereby preventing the production of phospholipids and essential secondary metabolites in susceptible plants. Diclofop-methyl was the first ACCase-inhibitor discovered in 1975, commercialized in 1982 in the United States, and pinoxaden was the last herbicide commercialized in 2005. As of 2025, a total of 51 grass weed species have been documented resistant to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides worldwide, including 16 in the United States. The resistance in these weeds is attributed to both target-site and non-target-site mechanisms. Mixing ACCase-inhibiting herbicides with auxinic herbicides can reduce grass weed control due to antagonistic interactions. Therefore, selecting an appropriate tank-mix partner with an ACCase-inhibitor is crucial for achieving broad-spectrum weed control, or a dual-tank precision sprayer could be utilized. Clethodim is the most widely used ACCase-inhibiting herbicide, with 920,339 kg applied to approximately 16% of soybean planted in the United States in 2023, at an average application rate of 179 g ha‒¹. A recent discovery, metproxybicyclone, will be the first carbocyclic aryl-dione herbicide from a new ACCase-inhibitor family. This novel herbicide will be applied postemergence to control sensitive and ACCase-inhibitor-resistant grass weeds in broadleaf crops. Continued research efforts are focused on discovering new ACCase-inhibiting herbicides capable of controlling ACCase-inhibitor-resistant grass weeds.