The effect of dietary intake on body weight may vary based on individual genetic differences. However, children are rarely used in such investigations. The aim was to identify possible genetic moderation through polygenic scores (PGS) for BMI, of the association between dietary intakes and BMI in children. The study sample included children who were part of a French-Canadian birth-cohort study. BMI data was available on seven occasions between ages 4 and 13 years. FFQ (juice and fruit drinks, sweets and snack foods, meats, and fruits and vegetables) and 24-h dietary recall (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, total energy) data were available up to 4 years. Linear mixed models were used to account for repeated BMI measurements. The consumption of juice and fruit drinks (in girls), sweets and snack foods, fruits and vegetables, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and total energy were associated with BMI. Associations with BMI increased with age (kg/m2 per year) for fruits and vegetables (β: −0.03, 95%CI: −0.06;−0.01), lipids (β: 0.11, 95%CI: 0.01;0.22), carbohydrates (β: 0.05, 95%CI: 0.01;0.08), and total energy (β: 0.07, 95%CI: 0.02;0.12), and with higher values of a PGS (kg/m2 per SD) for proteins (β: 0.54, 95%CI: 0.03;1.06), lipids (β: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.12;1.13), and total energy (β: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.06;0.58). Using longitudinal data, we showed that the associations between specific dietary intakes and BMI may vary depending on age and genetic susceptibility in childhood.

In central Argentina there is intense conflict between productive livestock activities and wild carnivores, particularly the puma Puma concolor. Livestock guarding dogs are one of the most effective non-lethal tools for reducing predation on livestock, and their use has increased globally, and in this area recently. Using 5 years (2018–2022) of camera-trap data, we analysed the daily activity patterns of pumas and a guarding dog, identified the major factors affecting puma habitat use, and examined puma–dog interactions in a human-dominated landscape in central Argentina. In a total sampling effort of 23,738 trap-days, we recorded 212 events of pumas and 166 of the dog. Pumas had a nocturnal activity pattern, whereas the guarding dog was mostly diurnal, with activity peaks in the early morning and afternoon. The intensity of habitat use by pumas increased with the proportion of scrubland cover and the distance from points where human activity was the greatest but was not affected by the presence of the dog. We found that the interactions between pumas and the guarding dog were infrequent and limited in space, and some evidence that pumas may avoid the presence of the dog. This exploration of puma–livestock guarding dog interactions contributes to knowledge of how guarding dogs work as a non-lethal measure to mitigate human–carnivore conflicts and what their effects are on wildlife in a modified rural landscape where ranching is the main economic activity.

To investigate early radiolarian evolution and phylogeny, exceptionally well-preserved materials from the middle Cambrian and Lower Ordovician were examined using laboratory-based and synchrotron X-Ray micro-computed tomography (MCT). From the middle Cambrian (Wuliuan–Drumian) Inca Formation of the Georgina Basin, three families, including one new family, the Fungomaculidae n. fam., have been recovered. Analysis of MCT three-dimensional models of radiolarians reveals significant intraspecific variations in Archeoentactinia incaensis Won in Won and Below, 1999 and A. hexactinia Won in Won and Below, 1999 with six morphotypes recognized. Two new species, A. heptactinia n. sp. and A. pentactinia n. sp, are established. The first median-bar-centered initial spicule was identified in a specimen of A. incaensis morphotype 4.

Specimens of Varispiculum ectospiculatum Won and Iams, 2015 from the Lower Ordovician (upper Floian) Cow Head Group, Newfoundland, are digitized with the aid of the Australian Synchrotron MCT. The exclusively spicular composition of V. ectospiculatum is recognized. Morphological comparison suggests possible phylogenetic affinity between A. incaensis and V. ectospiculatum. At least one Entactinarian lineage appears to have evolved from the point-centered spicular Echidninidae.

Additional detail revealed by closer examination of Archeoentactinia hexactinia Won in Won and Below, 1999 morphotype 2 includes the possibility that rays of the initial spicule are hollow. This previously unrecognized feature is significant in the broader context of the mode of skeletal growth and early radiolarian evolution.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/7edbe7fa-1238-4914-b57b-f455037e1b7e

Tail biting in growing pigs is both a sign and cause of impaired welfare. On one-day visits to ten Finnish farms, we assessed weaned pigs between approximately 4 to 10 weeks of age. On each farm, tail health was assessed at the pen level in 2–15 rooms (n = 81) selected randomly within age strata (n = 3), and on individual level in one high-prevalence pen per age category (n = 37 pens). Risk factors for tail biting were assessed in 2–3 age-representative rooms per farm according to 57 resource- and animal-based questions on environment, hygiene, health, feeding and enrichment. Tail health data were reduced into three pen- and three individual-level principal components. Component scores were used as outcome variables when establishing effects of risk factors on tail health using regression tree analysis and mixed modelling. Tail health deteriorated over the weaner period, especially from the first to the second third. Besides age, risk factors for impaired tail health consisted predominantly of shortcomings related to basic needs, such as adequate resting areas and enrichment. In the individual-level data, different risk factors could be associated with different types of tail lesions in problem pens, suggesting distinct aetiologies. In conclusion, improvements to the early environment in the farms studied here may have a significant positive impact on the well-being of pigs, not only post-weaning, but potentially permanently if experiencing less tail biting in early life leads to prevention later.

This study assesses the sustainability of agricultural practices in Western Newfoundland by evaluating the technical, allocative, cost, scale, and environmental efficiencies of 15 local farms using data envelopment analysis. The findings reveal that while most farms demonstrated high technical efficiency (average score: 95%), notable inefficiencies persist in the allocative, cost, and environmental efficiency dimensions. Key issues include labor inefficiency, chemical fertilizer overuse, and suboptimal farm scale, whereas effective land management and quality seed use were identified as major drivers of productivity. A detailed case study highlights a farm achieving full efficiency across all metrics through sustainable practices such as no-dig methods, permaculture, rainwater harvesting, and composting, demonstrating how regenerative strategies can enhance both economic and ecological performance. The study also uses stepwise regression to identify education, farm experience, and farm type as significant factors influencing efficiency outcomes. These results underscore the potential for targeted interventions, technology adoption, and policy support to improve farm performance and advance sustainable agriculture in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. By integrating multidimensional efficiency metrics, this research provides actionable insights for optimizing resource use, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening the resilience of regional agrifood systems.

This cross-sectional study examines differentials in age at marriage, collecting data from 665 ever-married women in Howrah district, West Bengal, using a mixed-methods approach across three generational cohorts. Quantitative analyses included ANOVA and multinomial logistic regression, complemented by qualitative interviews to contextualize marriage timing. Results revealed a non-linear trajectory of marriage age across generations. Mean age at marriage was 21.4 years, 23.2 years, and 19.5 years in Generation I, Generation II, and Generation III, respectively, with significant differences. MLR results showed respondents in Generation II had higher odds of marrying at ages 19–24 (RRR = 1.5, CI = 0.6–2.7) and ≥25 years (RRR = 1.4, CI = 0.9–4.0), whereas Generation III women had lower odds at ages 19–24 (RRR = 0.3, CI = 0.2–0.9) and ≥25 years (RRR = 0.6, CI = 0.1–0.9), compared to Generation I. Urban women showed delayed marriage at ages 19–24 (RRR = 3.1, CI = 2.6–11.5) and ≥25 years (RRR = 4.5, CI = 2.2–15.5). Higher educated women increased the likelihood of delaying marriage at ages 19–24 (RRR = 1.6, CI = 0.4–1.9) and ≥25 years (RRR = 1.2, CI = 0.8–1.6). Fathers’ secondary education was associated with marriage at ages 19–24 (RRR = 1.5, CI = 1.0–2.3) and ≥25 years (RRR = 4.6, CI = 1.3–15.8), and fathers’ higher education was associated with marriage at ≥25 years (RRR = 2.6, CI = 1.3–12.8); mothers’ secondary education was associated with marriage at ages 19–24 (RRR = 1.7, CI = 1.0–2.9) and ≥25 years (RRR = 3.1, CI = 1.9–12.3), and mothers’ higher education was associated with marriage at ≥25 years (RRR = 3.2, CI = 1.6–10.4). Respondents in white-collar jobs were more likely to delay marriage at 19–24 (RRR = 1.5, CI = 0.3–2.0) and ≥25 years (RRR = 1.6, CI = 0.8–3.4). White-collar employment of fathers increased the odds of marriage at ages 19–24 (RRR = 1.7, CI = 0.7–2.1) and ≥25 years (RRR = 1.6, CI = 0.4–2.6) and of mothers at ages 19–24 (RRR = 1.2, CI = 0.4–1.6) and ≥25 years (RRR = 1.1, CI = 0.3–1.9). Women from the upper wealth quintile were more likely to marry at ≥25 years (RRR = 1.2, CI = 0.5–2.8). Muslim women showed significantly less likelihood to marry at ≥25 years (RRR = 0.2, CI = 0.1–0.6). Ethnographic narratives revealed tensions between aspirations for daughters’ education and parental anxieties related to employment insecurity, dowry, and premarital relationships, shaping marriage decisions.

Raramuri Criollo (RC) cattle offer substantial sustainability advantages in arid regions. Their adaptation to harsh conditions and ability to adjust forage use according to the season make them efficient in pasture management. Furthermore, their lighter weight reduces soil pressure, and their preference for low-palatability grasses contributes to improved soil health and reduced erosion. These characteristics from RC make them more adaptable to such terrains and conditions than European cattle breeds. Regarding water usage, and compared to European cattle breeds, RC can wander further from water sources, which proves advantageous in the context of climate change. Moreover, their role in fire ecology involves reducing the risk of fires by altering the characteristics of forest fuels and managing fine fuels, which is crucial for minimizing fire hazards in grasslands. The potential use of this breed to produce high-quality meat derived from their grazing behaviour offers an alternative to new consumers’ demands concerning healthy and efficient production options. This narrative review discusses the role of RC in soil health, water sources and meat production. Overall, attributes from RC cattle make these animals a valuable option for mitigating overgrazing and fostering sustainability in arid regions.

The aim of this study was to characterize the physiological variation of somatic cell count (SCC) and milk somatic cell subsets in relation to total bacterial count and milk production parameters, in mastitis-free local Greek ewes. To this end, we studied the SCC, daily milk yield and composition, milk somatic cell subset distribution and total bacterial count in the milk of first and second parity Frizarta ewes, at different lactation stages. As there is a total lack of evidence for differential milk somatic cell distribution in local Greek ewes, we chose to study the Frizarta breed, one of the most promising local sheep breeds, extensively reared in Western Greece, highly productive and well adapted to geoclimatic conditions. Partial correlation analysis was performed between SCC and somatic cell subtype populations with milk yield, composition and total bacterial count. Total SCC in Frizarta ewes ranged between 35 and 74 × 103 cells/ml and was significantly influenced by lactation stage and parity number. Neutrophils and lymphocytes were the most abundant immune cell types followed by mammary epithelial cells and macrophages. A positive association of bacterial count with neutrophils and macrophages and a negative association with lymphocytes were observed. Finally, a negative association between total bacterial count with daily milk yield was detected. Our data forms the basis for understanding how parity and stage of lactation affects different immune and epithelial cell populations in the milk of healthy Frizarta ewes and can be used in future studies investigating the effect of the health status on differential cell count in ewe milk.

This study assessed changes in complete pneumococcal vaccination coverage (CPVC) among Peruvian children <5 years before and after the COVID 19 pandemic and evaluated regional differences, associated sociodemographic factors and wealth-related inequality. 2018–2023 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) was analyzed. CPVC was defined as receiving the full 2 + 1 schedule of the 13 valent pneumococcal vaccine. Children aged 13–60 months were included. Multivariable analysis used modified Poisson regression and wealth related inequality was assessed using the Concentration index and Erreygers’s corrected Concentration index at national and regional levels. Among 95,586 children, CPVC decreased from 71.9% in 2019 to 69.4% in 2020 (p = 0.003), then returned to pre Covid levels from 2021 onward (72.2% in 2023; p = 0.001), particularly in Lima Metropolitana. Puno (53.3–58.6%) and Madre de Dios (50.9–62.1%) consistently showed the lowest coverage. Nationally, wealth- or sociodemographic related inequalities were minimal; however, regional interactions indicated that the effect of wealth on CPVC varied by area. Depending on the region, factors such as age group, household members and mather’s education were associated with lower CPVC, whereas age at first pregnancy, institutional birth, antenatal care and access to information increased CPVC. Ucayali showed persistently higher CPVC among wealthier populations. Despite a temporary decline during the pandemic, CPVC in Peru rapidly recovered, although regional gaps persist.

Streptococcus agalactiae, a major bovine mastitis pathogen, poses significant economic and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenges. This study evaluated AMR in 128 isolates from Shandong, Hebei and Inner Mongolia using the broth microdilution method. Results showed high sensitivity to most antibiotics (e.g. 100% resistance to penicillin, ceftiofur, amoxicillin, cefquinome and vancomycin) but significant resistance to tetracycline (80.7%) and daptomycin (99.3%). Inner Mongolia isolates exhibited higher resistance and mimimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values, reflecting regional antibiotic usage differences, guiding mastitis treatment and antibiotic stewardship in China's dairy industry.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of linseed supplementation on the in vitro production of embryos subjected to vitrification. Pantaneira cows supplemented with linseed or not (control) were evaluated. The best-quality embryos produced in vitro from both groups were vitrified. Oocyte quality and blastocyst rate did not differ between the groups. However, the rates of vitrifiable embryos and re-expansion at 3 h were higher in the linseed-supplemented group. In conclusion, linseed supplementation in Pantaneira cows improved the quality of embryos produced in vitro.

Evidence suggests that trilobites experienced moderate diversification during the middle Permian, of which Pseudophillipsia Gemmellaro, 1892 is the most successful, with an unusually high number of species. However, it remains unclear whether their abundance reflects a stratigraphic trend or is specific to their habitat. To address this, we conducted a taxonomic study of Pseudophillipsia from the middle Permian (Capitanian) Kamiyasse Formation of the Southern Kitakami Terrane, Japan, and examined the burial processes to understand their habitat. Careful taxonomic analysis identified two species, Pseudophillipsia (Pseudophillipsia) spatulifera Kobayashi and Hamada, 1980 and Pseudophillipsia (Carniphillipsia) cf. Pseudophillipsia (Carniphillipsia) raggyorcakaensis Qian, 1981. The trilobites occur in both sandstone and mudstone, preserved as complete outstretched or enrolled specimens as well as disarticulated specimens, the majority of which are pygidia. Sedimentary facies indicate that the sandstone layer was formed in a shallow marine environment close to the lower shoreface, whereas the mudstone layer represents a slightly deeper environment, occasionally altered by storm flows. Based on biostratinomic features, the outstretched specimens with convex-up orientation must be autochthonous, whereas the enrolled specimens are interpreted as para-autochthonous, likely transported by storm flows. The greater the bioturbation, the greater the likelihood of the trilobite skeleton being disarticulated, particularly in mudstone layers. These findings suggest that Pseudophillipsia (Pseudophillipsia) spatulifera inhabited both sandy and muddy substrata, whereas Pseudophillipsia (Carniphillipsia) cf. Pseudophillipsia (Carniphillipsia) raggyorcakaensis was restricted to sandy environments. Given the limited geographic extent of the Kamiyasse Formation, we hypothesize that the appearance of Pseudophillipsia reflects a change in the sedimentary environment.

Oxeiptosis is a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent form of programmed cell death that plays a key role in cellular homeostasis and holds promise as a cancer therapy. This review explores its molecular mechanisms, emphasizing the KEAP1–PGAM5–AIFM1 signalling pathway and its reliance on ROS accumulation. Compared to other cell death pathways, oxeiptosis offers a distinct approach, especially for targeting cancer cells resistant to conventional therapies. The review evaluates emerging inducers, both synthetic and natural, that selectively trigger oxeiptosis in cancer cells. It also examines the potential synergy between oxeiptosis and ROS-generating chemotherapies, particularly in the oxidative tumour microenvironment. However, challenges remain, including identifying tumour-specific inducers, overcoming cancer cell resistance to oxidative stress and reducing off-target effects. The review concludes by highlighting the need for targeted delivery strategies and rigorous preclinical studies to translate oxeiptosis into effective cancer treatments. Overall, it underscores oxeiptosis as a promising avenue to address drug resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes in oncology.