We report a nearly complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Echinostoma caproni (Egyptian isolate), which was reassembled and thoroughly annotated from whole-genome sequencing data available from Sequence Read Archive (accession No. ERS055227). Although a mitogenome of E. caproni has previously been deposited in GenBank (accession No. AP017706), it represents a partial sequence lacking the transfer RNA (tRNA)-Ser2 and possessing only a short non-coding region. In contrast, the newly reconstructed mitogenome in this study is 14,549 bp in length and comprises 12 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a 1,256 bp non-coding region containing 4 repeat units. The annotated sequence has been deposited in the Third Party Annotation database in GenBank (accession No. BK071757). Phylogenetic inference based on mitogenomic data indicates that E. caproni is closely related to E. miyagawai strains. This improved mitogenome provides a reliable genomic resource for comparative mitogenomic analyses and phylogenetic studies within the family Echinostomatidae.

The highest-elevation and a far southern pond in the Transantarctic Mountains is briefly documented. The small pond, at an elevation of ~2350 m, was frozen when it was visited in the 1963–1964 field season, and satellite imagery suggests it has remained frozen since 2010. A second frozen pond is noted, but its precise location is uncertain.

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified food insecurity (FI) and stress for many pregnant individuals, which may have contributed to adverse fetal developmental programming. This study aimed to identify key social determinants of health associated with pandemic-related FI and stress, and their association with gestational weight gain (GWG) and newborn birth weight in a Canadian pregnant cohort. Data were collected retrospectively from 273 pregnant individuals who delivered infants in Canada during the pandemic (March 2020–March 2023). Validated questionnaires were used to assess FI and pandemic-related stress, and GWG and infant birth weight were self-reported. FI was experienced by 55.7% of the participants, while 33.7% and 19.7% reported heightened stress related to COVID-19 infection and pregnancy preparedness, respectively. Participants from food-secure and food-insecure households differed significantly in parental structure, age, sexual orientation, housing status, household income, number of children in the household and pregnancy planning (all p values < 0.01). Heightened stress for both pregnancy preparedness and COVID-19 infection was also significantly associated with these same factors (all p values < 0.05) but not for age and housing status. FI and heightened stress were not associated with GWG outside the recommended range. However, significantly higher likelihood of birth weight extremes was observed with heightened COVID-19 infection-related stress (OR, 95% CI 1.50, 1.05–2.12, p = 0.02) and pregnancy preparedness-related stress (1.60, 1.10–2.31, p = 0.01), but not with FI. These findings underscore the influence of psychosocial factors on FI and stress during pregnancy, which may negatively impact infant health outcomes during the pandemic.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are implicated in various functions within the complex mechanisms of intercellular communication. There are several subpopulations of EVs, including apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and exosomes. These nanovesicles are capable of transferring functional proteins and genetic information to alter the phenotype and function of recipient cells. In animal reproduction, numerous studies have demonstrated that EVs are actively involved in the regulation of different physiological events, modulating a variety of processes such as follicular development, spermatogenesis, oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryo development, with results indicating improved gamete quality, embryo development and cryotolerance. Additionally, EVs show therapeutic potential in restoring reproductive function and supporting maternal-embryonic communication in both domestic and wild species. Therefore, the present review aimed to describe the main studies conducted using EVs in the field of animal reproduction, highlighting their biological relevance, experimental applications and future prospects for clinical implementation in assisted reproductive technologies.

Maternal diabetes during pregnancy, including pre-gestational and gestational diabetes mellitus (DM), can significantly affect fetal development, particularly in the kidneys. This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal diabetes on fetal kidney size, parenchymal thickness, and renal artery hemodynamics using ultrasonography. A total of 128 pregnant women were enrolled and classified into pre-gestational DM (n = 28), gestational DM (n = 36), and control (n = 64) groups. Fetal kidney measurements, including anteroposterior, mediolateral, and longitudinal diameters as well as renal parenchymal thickness (RPT) and renal artery pulsatility index (PI), were assessed between 28 and 38 weeks of gestation. Fetal kidney volumes and their ratios to estimated fetal weight (EFW) and abdominal circumference (AC) were significantly lower in both the pre-gestational and gestational DM groups than in the controls (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the RPT/AC ratios or renal artery PI among the groups. Furthermore, no significant correlations were found between maternal hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and fetal kidney or blood flow parameters. These findings suggest that maternal diabetes alters fetal kidney growth patterns relative to the overall fetal size, potentially reflecting developmental programming that may affect nephron endowment and long-term renal health. The lack of significant differences in RPT/AC ratios and renal artery PI may be attributed to effective diabetes management or limitations in detecting subtle changes using the current ultrasound methodologies. Further longitudinal studies with larger cohorts and postnatal follow-up are warranted to clarify long-term renal outcomes and explore the precise mechanisms underlying these developmental changes.

Meconopsis florindae Kingdon-Ward, an alpine species endemic to Xizang, China, is extremely scarce and restricted in distribution. Prior to this study, the first and only collection was in 1924. During three targeted field surveys, we rediscovered one small population not far from its type locality but at a significantly higher elevation and occupying a highly specialized ecological niche. Meconopsis florindae is a monocarpic perennial at high risk of extinction and categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List because of its limited population and restricted geographical range. Its survival is threatened by anthropogenic activities including nomadic livestock grazing, disturbance and habitat destruction, and habitat alteration as a consequence of climate change. We recommend comprehensive in situ and ex situ conservation measures to protect this species, including establishing a micro-reserve, implementing practical conservation interventions and long-term monitoring, and collecting seeds and preserving them in the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species to safeguard genetic diversity. Field surveys should be expanded to locate additional populations, and local communities should be engaged to raise awareness and support the conservation of this rare plant.

Small-for-gestational age (SGA) is an important global public health issue because of its increasing prevalence and long-term effects. Maternal smoking is a known risk factor for SGA; however, the effect of grandmaternal smoking on the risk of SGA in grandchildren SGA remains unclear. In this study, we examined whether grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with small birth weight, length, and head circumference for gestational age. Data were obtained from 23,730 pregnant women and their offspring from the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Studies. A total of 1,130 grandmaternal-maternal-child triads were identified. Grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy was defined by the Maternal and Child Health Handbook owned by the mothers at birth mothers when they were born. Birth outcomes of grandchildren were obtained from medical records and converted to SGA using the 10th percentile for weight, length, and head circumference. A multivariate logistic regression and propensity scores were used for the analysis. Prevalence of <10th percentile for birth weight, length, and head circumference in grandmaternal smokers were 10.2%, 2.0%, and 10.2%, respectively. Grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with the lower grandchild’s birth weight (odds ratio (OR) [95% (CI)]: 2.86 [1.05–7.82]) and remained consistent when adjusted by propensity score (OR [95% CI]: 2.87 [1.04–7.92]). Grandmaternal smoking should not be ignored when assessing the SGA risk. Future work should consider the complex mediating relationship between smoking and growth restriction across generations.

The finding of an incorrect non-Antarctic locality assigned to a specimen of Trematomus loennbergii at the Natural History Museum, London, led to the discovery of two (of three) syntype specimens, previously considered missing, of this species. The third syntype, a larger specimen in better condition, is designated as the lectotype of T. loennbergii; the two newly discovered specimens, re-identified as Trematomus pennellii, become paralectotypes.

Veterinary Teaching Hospitals (VTHs) represent complex environments that integrate clinical care, education, and research, posing unique biosecurity challenges. In response to increasing scrutiny from accreditation bodies such as the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), there is a growing need for rigorous, evidence-based biosecurity protocols. This review critically analyses internationally recognised protocols – including those of the University of Liège, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), and leading small animal institutions – as well as scientific literature addressing best practices in infection control. We identify key components of successful biosecurity programmes, including risk-based patient classification systems, standardised hygiene and disinfection protocols, and the mandatory training for staff and students. Particular emphasis is placed on the difficulties encountered in teaching contexts, where high human–animal interaction increases the risk of zoonoses and nosocomial infections. A comprehensive set of recommendations is presented to support the development of scalable and institutionally adapted biosecurity protocols, with the aim of ensuring the safety of patients, staff, students, and visitors in VTHs while meeting international accreditation standards.

Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) is an invasive tree that inhibits regeneration of forests. Management of forests invaded by A. altissima often includes chemically treating it and leaving dead boles behind. Verticillium nonalfalfae (Verticillium wilt) infects some populations of A. altissima leading to localized mortality. Areas with population-wide A. altissima mortality may increase as this disease spreads or is used as a biocontrol agent. Ailanthus altissima has documented allelopathic compounds; stems left to decompose may result in soil legacy effects that negatively impact native plant restoration. The goal of this study was to determine if soil under decomposing A. altissima wood has negative impacts on native perennial plant germination and growth. Ailanthus altissima was grown in a garden for four years, basally cut, and treated with herbicide. The stems were sectioned and stacked into piles to decompose for 18 months on grass and garden fabric, after which the wood was mulched. Soil from cores taken under each wood pile was added over potting media in pots in which seeds of three native perennials (Echinacea purpurea, Apocynum cannabinum, and Boehmeria cylindrica) were planted. Seeds for half the pots were covered with potting media or mulch, respectively. The plants were grown under high- and low-light conditions in a greenhouse for three months. Germinations were tallied and dry shoot biomass was determined. Pots with wood-pile soil had lower germination and biomass production for two of the native species, but mulch reduced the impact. Biomass was greater for all soil treatments with mulch added compared to treatments with no mulch. Plants growing in soil under garden fabric had germination values similar to plants in wood-pile soil. This study reveals that soil under decomposing A. altissima wood is likely to negatively impact germination and growth of some newly seeded species for at least 18 months.

Mulberry (Morus spp.), a key moriculture crop, serves a dual role: its leaves are indispensable as exclusive fodder for silkworms, while its fruits, particularly in species such as Morus nigra, Morus laevigata and Morus macroura, are valued as functional foods enriched with antioxidants and vitamins. The genus exhibits remarkable natural chromosome-level variation ranging from 14 to 308, which offers a unique system to investigate the impact of genome expansion on plant function. Herein, the influence of different cytotypes on functional traits associated with cell division, cell size and biomass metrics was studied. Principal component analysis revealed that tetraploid (4x), followed by triploid (3x), exhibits the most favourable cytotype, suggesting a vigorous and balanced expression of polyploid advantage. However, downsizing of many key parameters with increasing ploidy levels was also evident, predominantly at 22-ploid (22x). Furthermore, the estimated plasticity index reveals that the lower limit of cell size and rate-limited attributes influenced the loss of growth superiority of the extreme ploidy level; in turn, data imply the large-genome constraint in mulberry, as the consequence of the functioning of a large genome is likely expensive. Therefore, the present study emphasizes that the benchmarking of ploidy levels for the selection of parental material is essential for improving cellular function and developmental efficiency, thereby optimizing leaf yield for the future sustainability of sericulture.