During a biodiversity survey conducted in the Gulf of Izmit (Sea of Marmara, Türkiye), 87 individuals of bat star Asterina stellifera, whose native distribution is along the South Atlantic coasts of South America and Africa, were identified. The population seems to be well adapted to a mixed substrate composed of coarse sand, silt, and shell fragments of Mytilus galloprovincialis between 4 and 8 meters of depth range. DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene showed over 99% identity with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank sequences from South America, indicating the possible origin and shipping as the mode of introduction. This is the first record of this species outside of its native range.

There is scant information about seed germination and seedling emergence of common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.), even though it is a common and widespread weed in North America. This study was conducted to determine the influence of several environmental factors on its seed germination and seedling emergence from three North American populations in autumn. In alternating light (12 h)/darkness (12 h), maximum germination (89.7% to 97.7%) of freshly matured seeds occurred at alternating temperature regimes ≥25/15 C, and germination was lowest (0% to 80.3%) at the coolest temperature regime of 15/5 C. In comparison to seeds incubated with an alternating light/dark photoperiod, germination was lower when seeds were exposed to continuous darkness, indicating that seeds were positively photoblastic. Cold stratification at 4 C enhanced germination, with seed dormancy alleviated after 4 to 8 wk, depending on the study population. For freshly matured seeds, germination exceeded 67% in test solutions ranging from pH 3 to 10, and was highest (80% to 100%) at neutral or near-neutral pH. Germination exceeded 84% in solutions with osmotic potentials ranging from 0 to −0.4 MPa, and germination was observed at osmotic potentials as low as −0.8 to −1.0 MPa, depending on the study population. Seedling emergence was only observed for seeds sown on the surface of soil or buried to depths ≤2 cm. Thus, seeds of O. biennis are positively photoblastic and exhibit germination characteristics associated with type 2 non–deep physiological dormancy at maturity, with seeds being capable of germinating under a variety of climatic and edaphic conditions.

In tropical forests, the relative thermal and climatic stability contrasts with the seasonal oscillations, mainly due to rainfall patterns, that structure life cycles in temperate zones, leading to different ecological strategies among species. This study investigates the seasonal activity patterns and size-abundance relationships of four sympatric Goliath beetle species (Goliathus goliatus, Mecynorhina confluens, Mecynorrhinella poggei, and Fornasinius russus) in the Mabira Forest Reserve and in other forest areas, Uganda. Over three years (2021–2023), 1,231 individuals were sampled monthly using standardised traps and random transects. Time series analyses were used to explore patterns of abundance. We found a significant negative correlation between body size and abundance (r = –0.78, P < 0.05), with the smaller species, M. confluens and F. russus, being most numerous. Time series and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significant sinusoidal patterns of seasonality for G. goliatus, M. poggei, and F. russus, while M. confluens showed non-significant cyclical trends, indicating potential stochastic fluctuations or greater ecological flexibility. Seasonal peaks were species-specific and generally occurred during transitional periods between wet and dry seasons, diverging from previously reported insect patterns peaking during the wet season. These findings suggest that differing phenological strategies may facilitate coexistence and niche partitioning, particularly among species differing in body size. Furthermore, larger species appeared to emerge earlier in the year, possibly reflecting life history adaptations or competitive dynamics. Our study highlights the importance of long-term, species-specific monitoring to understand ecological roles and vulnerabilities of tropical beetles, especially large-bodied taxa increasingly threatened by habitat loss and climate variability. Such insights are essential for informing conservation strategies in biodiverse tropical ecosystems.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the fermentation characteristics, losses, aerobic stability and nutritive value of the silage of three cultivars of cactus pear {‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ – OEM (Opuntia sp.), ‘IPA Sertânia’ and ‘Miúda’ [Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm Dyck.]} mixed with three levels of inclusion of Leucaena [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit] hay (0, 15 and 30%). The design was completely randomized in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, corresponding to cactus pear varieties and Leucaena hay levels, with four replications. Gas and effluent losses, pH, organic acids, aerobic stability and nutritional value of silages were evaluated. The silages of the cultivar OEM without the inclusion of Leucaena hay had a higher pH (4.95) compared to Miúda (4.11) and IPA Sertânia (4.17). The aerobic stability was maintained for more than 60h after opening the silos. The inclusion of Leucaena hay (up to 30%) increased the pH and reduced losses by effluents without compromising the fermentative characteristics of the silages, indicated by the predominance of lactic acid (93 g/kg).

Growing evidence has linked both the onset and symptoms of various mental disorders to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and sleep. The link between diet and mental health in particular in depressive disorders has gained interest in recent years. Previous reviews assessing the link between the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and mental health predominantly focused on depression, whilst others failed to integrate a summary of possible underlying mechanisms related to a link between MedDiet and mental health to complement their findings. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of evidence on the MedDiet and diverse mental health outcomes complemented by narration of potential mechanisms involved. A literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane library, Google scholar, CINAHL and Embase database. A total of 10,249 articles were found through the primary literature search and 104 articles (88 observational and 16 interventional studies) were eligible for inclusion. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been associated with favourable mental health outcomes in adult populations, including reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms, lower perceived stress, and improved quality of life and overall well-being, both in healthy individuals and those with comorbidities, across diverse geographical settings. Mechanisms involved include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory potential of MedDiet and its effect on gut microbiota. Further research is warranted to rigorously establish causal inferences and to guide the optimal incorporation of Mediterranean diet principles into comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies aimed at improving mental health outcomes.

Invasive M. spicatum sensu lato strains can differ in their growth, spread, impacts, and herbicide response. For example, strains of Eurasian (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) and hybrid (Myriophyllum spicatum × Myriophyllum sibiricum Kom.) watermilfoil have been characterized as resistant or susceptible to specific herbicides (e.g., fluridone and 2,4-D). Identifying resistant and susceptible strains can inform managers as to whether a specific herbicide should be used to treat a water body. However, to date, no centralized location existed to house and share M. spicatum and M. spicatum × M. sibiricum strain and herbicide response information. To address this need, we built MilfoilMapper, a publicly available, user-friendly R Shiny application that houses invasive M. spicatum sensu lato strain distribution and herbicide response information. To date, we have identified 290 strains from more than 300 lakes across the United States sent by state agencies, aquatic plant managers, and citizen scientists. Although some strains are found only in a single lake, some strains have been found in multiple lakes. Therefore, strain information obtained from either the field or the lab can be applied to additional lakes where these strains are found. We encourage people to incorporate genetic surveying and monitoring into their M. spicatum management plans to help identify strains that should be prioritized for herbicide characterization. We believe MilfoilMapper will facilitate and encourage these actions by providing a centralized, interactive platform for tracking M. spicatum and M. spicatum × M. sibiricum strain data, enabling lake managers, stakeholders, and state agencies to share experiences and resources to improve the efficacy and efficiency of invasive M. spicatum sensu lato management.

Early life, or the neonatal period, is perhaps the most challenging time for ruminant livestock, as they adapt to the extra-uterine environment, undergo important physiological maturation, and navigate harsh ambient conditions. Maternal influences during gestation, especially energy and protein nutrition in late pregnancy, can alter many processes that affect the neonatal period. These processes include fetal growth and development, gestation length, difficulty of parturition, and maternal behavior, which interact to affect offspring vigor at birth. Moreover, colostrum and early milk production and composition are affected by gestational nutrition, and these along with the previous factors affect the neonate’s ability to obtain transfer of passive immunity, thermoregulate, perform basal metabolism, and ultimately survive to weaning. Often, the long-term effects of maternal nutrition during gestation on offspring are attributed solely to the prenatal environment, but it is critical to also consider influences of early life on later productivity and health. More research is needed to integrate these neonatal outcomes with prenatal and postnatal mechanisms as well as later ruminant livestock performance. Better understanding of the maternal environment’s effects on the neonatal period provides opportunity for improved management of ruminant livestock dams and offspring.

We report the rediscovery of two endemic tree species of the genus Myrcia (Myrtaceae) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in 2021–2022. Both Myrcia colpodes and Myrcia rubiginosa were previously known from a small number of specimens collected mostly in the 19th century in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil. Living specimens had not been recorded since 1958 and 2005, respectively. We provide here photographic documentation and updated risk assessments for both species, which will be submitted to IUCN for a formal assessment. Our findings illustrate that rare species that have not been collected for long periods can sometimes be found in plain sight in urban forest fragments. We also highlight the importance of protected areas for the conservation of forest trees, in particular rediscovered species. We recommend a number of conservation actions and encourage the Brazilian government, scientific institutions and civil society to acknowledge the importance of these species and to act to safeguard their future.

Children with coeliac disease (CD) on a gluten-free diet (GFD) often have poor dietary quality (DQ). A Gluten-Free Food Guide (GFFG) was developed to address this. This pilot randomised controlled trial evaluated the impact of GFFG dietary counselling on DQ and ultra-processed food (UPF) intake in newly diagnosed CD children. Child–parent pairs were randomised to the standard of care only (CON: n 20) or the intervention (INT: standard of care + GFFG; n 20). Primary outcomes included DQ (Healthy Eating Index-Canadian) and UPF intake (NOVA classification), assessed at baseline (BL), 3 and 6 months. In INT, dietary variety scores, a subcomponent of DQ, increased between BL and 3 months (BL: 6·7 (3·3–6·7) v. 3 months: 10 (10–10); P = 0·01) and in higher variety scores than CON at 3 months (P < 0·01). Total DQ and UPF intake remained unchanged. Increased dietary variety in INT was associated with increases in dairy products (BL: 7·5 (sd 3·6) % v. 3 months: 12·4 (sd 6·7) %; P = 0·01) and unsweetened milk (BL: 2·5 (sd 2·2) % v. 3 months: 4·7 (sd 3·0) %; P = 0·01) servings, consumed as a percentage of the total food group servings. These improvements were not observed at 6 months. A greater number of INT children met the GFFG protein recommendation at 3 months (BL: 0/19 v. 3 months: 5/19; P = 0·01), with no change in CON. A single GFFG session improved short-term dietary variety and unsweetened milk intake. Ongoing work addressing the GF food environment, dietitian access and policies to improve DQ are needed.