Shorter, warmer winters linked to climate change are inviting the northwards expansion of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) and the pathogens they vector. Monitoring can play an important role in helping to mitigate the health impacts of mosquito-borne disease due to changes in regional mosquito species composition. To update the inventory of mosquito species currently residing in Nova Scotia, we sampled adult mosquitoes from 60 locations using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps and collected mosquito larvae from 232 water sources across nine ecozones from May to October in 2021 and 2022. Of the 12 652 mosquitoes collected, we identified 35 species, including eight species not previously recorded in the province: Aedes aurifer (Coquillett), Aedes decticus Howard et al., Aedes pionips Dyar, Aedes hendersoni Cockerell, Aedes sticticus (Meigen), Culiseta minnesotae Barr, Culiseta melanura (Coquillett), and Culex salinarius Coquillett. We have also observed the province-wide expansion of Aedes japonicus (Theobald) since the species’ first detection in Nova Scotia in 2007. Overall, vector species are being detected more frequently in Nova Scotia, highlighting potential changes in disease dynamics as climate change progresses and furthering the need for continued monitoring.

Seed respiration is a key metabolic process linked to physiological status. Q2 respiration analysis enables detailed profiling of individual seeds, and combined with multispectral imaging, allows to explore seed-to-seed relationships between respiration and spectral or morphological traits. Thus,the study aims to investigate the relationship between the respiration profiles of individual soybean seeds and their morphological and spectral characteristics, using single-seed respiration analysis and multispectral imaging. Multispectral images were captured from 1,808 seeds using the VideometerLab system, from which 75 features were extracted. The seeds were placed in vials with 0.4% (w/v) agar to induce germination and sealed with caps containing a fluorescent polymer dot. The Q2 analyzer, tracked the oxygen consumption of each seed during germination. Both the VideometerLab and Q2 analyzer data were categorized through hierarchical clustering, and a subpopulation of seeds was selected from three categories of respiration profiles due to computational limitations. The association between respiration patterns and biometric features was analyzed using contingency tables and entropy analysis. The results revealed significant differences in respiration patterns, particularly in autofluorescence excitation-emission at 365/600, 430/700, 450/700 and 470/700 nm, as well as in reflectance at 365, 690 and 405 nm. Notably, 75% of seeds with similar respiration profiles were grouped based on similarities in their biometric characteristics, suggesting a relationship between respiration patterns and biometric features. Additionally, patterns of certain biometric traits indicated that different combinations can lead to similar respiration profiles, highlighting the complexity of evaluating this association.

Integrating metabolic syndrome (MetS) screening procedures into routine care remains challenging. Traditional anthropometric and body composition assessments, while useful, have drawbacks that limit their application. However, automated anthropometrics produced from smartphone scanning applications may offer a solution. This study aimed to determine whether smartphone-derived anthropometrics could effectively predict both MetS and its severity. A total of 281 participants underwent a MetS screening assessment to determine fasting blood pressure, lipids, glucose and waist circumference and completed a smartphone scanning assessment (MeThreeSixty®) to collect digital anthropometrics. Actual MetS classification and MetS severity (MetSindex), a continuous estimate of MetS progression, were determined using MetS screening data. Then, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used to develop a new MetSindex prediction equation in a subset of participants (n 226), which was subsequently tested in the remaining participants (n 55), and MetS classification was predicted from the retained variables using logistic regression. The following equation was produced: Smartphone-predicted MetSindex: −0·8880 + 0·1493(medication use = 1; 0 = no medication use) + 0·0089(weight) + 0·0079(bust circumf.) + 0·0140 (thigh circumf.) – 0·6247(appendage-to-trunk circumf. index), where medication use includes medications for hypertension, dyslipidaemia or hyperglycaemia. The newly developed MetSindex prediction model demonstrated equivalence with actual MetSindex and revealed acceptable agreement (R2:0·72; root mean squared error: 0·42; se of the estimate: 0·22) when evaluated in the testing sample (n 55), although proportional bias was observed (P < 0·001). Smartphone-predicted MetS classification demonstrated acceptable diagnostic performance with an accuracy of 92·7 % and an AUC of 0·89. Smartphone scanning applications can accurately assess MetS prevalence and severity, presenting new possibilities for health screening beyond clinical environments.

This research aimed to analyse the influence of Apis mellifera intermissa honey supplementation on the technological, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of stirred goat yoghurt containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum C78, a novel probiotic strain, during 28 days of refrigerated storage. Four formulations of yoghurt were prepared, with different honey contents (0.5 %, 10 % and 15 %), and all samples were inoculated with the probiotic strain. The colour, syneresis (52.45 ± 0.19%), viscosity (28 ± 0.25 Pa.s) and sensory acceptance were improved in samples having 15% honey. The viability of L. plantarum C78 in all yoghurt samples presented counts above 7 log CFU/mL until the day-28 of refrigerated storage and honey increased the count of probiotic culture to 8.5 and 8.7 log CFU/mL at day-14 and day-21 of storage. These results reveal a successful incorporation of both probiotic and honey and promote the nutritional and sensory properties of the new yoghurt formulation.

Shanlan upland rice, as a unique local rice germplasm resource in Hainan comprises abundant genetic diversity. One hundred and sixty two Shanlan upland rice accessions collected from diverse ecological regions in Hainan were systematically characterized based on 11 agronomic traits. The rich genetic diversity was confirmed by phenotypic data from two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). Coefficient of variation ranged from 14.11% to 46.04% in 2023 and from 11.45% to 44.82% in 2024, with panicle-related traits (number of primary branches, grain number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, grain number of secondary branches and grain number per main panicle) exhibiting particularly high variation. Correlation analysis revealed highly significant synergistic effects among yield-related traits. Cluster analysis of the 162 accessions consistently classified them into five major groups across both growing seasons. Through grain number per main panicle and seed setting rate investigation, three excellent resources were selected that demonstrated stable and superior performance in both seasons. Notably, Line 69 exhibited outstanding “large panicles with high seed-setting rate,” producing 261.4 and 305 grains per main panicle in 2023 and 2024, respectively, with seed-setting rates reaching 93.79% and 90.07%. This study presents phenotypic data for Shanlan upland rice, offers high-quality breeding materials for subsequent research, and lays a theoretical groundwork for conserving and exploiting Hainan’s rice resources.

This study investigates how the consumption of interesterified palm oil (IPO) affects the metabolic and morphological features of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet. Mice were divided into four groups: control, high-fat diet (lard), high-fat diet with palm oil (PO; HFP) and high-fat diet with IPO (HFI). The HFP and HFI groups exhibited significant body weight gain, increased fat mass and impaired glucose metabolism. Histological analyses revealed lipid infiltration in BAT, leading to structural remodelling from multilocular to unilocular adipocytes, which are hallmark features of the whitening process. This morphological shift was accompanied by reduced nuclear density and impaired vascularisation. Gene expression analysis indicated downregulation of key thermogenic markers, including Ucp1, Pparγ and Prdm16, especially in the HFI group. Increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers such as Chop and Atf4 and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) highlighted the pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic microenvironment induced by PO and IPO. These changes culminated in a loss of BAT thermogenic capacity, as evidenced by decreased uncoupling protein 1 levels and impaired adaptive thermogenesis. Our findings underscore the detrimental effects of PO, mainly IPO, on BAT functionality, exacerbating obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions such as insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. The results emphasise the need for caution in the dietary use of these fats, particularly in ultra-processed food formulations, given their potential role in promoting adipose tissue remodelling and metabolic imbalances.

Recent reports of glyphosate-resistant (GR) waterhemp pose serious concerns among crop producers in New York. Field experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 near Waterloo, New York, to evaluate the effectiveness of preemergence, postemergence, preemergence followed by (fb) postemergence, and preemergence herbicides fb row cultivation (RC) to control glyphosate-resistant (GR) waterhemp in dicamba-resistant (DR) soybean. In 2019, all two-pass herbicide treatments resulted in significantly reduced GR waterhemp densities (2 to 13 plants m−2) compared with nontreated plots (160 plant m−2) at 8 wk after preemergence/2 wk after postemergence, reductions in shoot dry biomass (85% to 99% of nontreated), and greater soybean grain yields (2,659 to 2,936 kg ha−1). In addition, flumioxazin, acetochlor, chlorimuron + flumioxazin + metribuzin, acetochlor + fomesafen + metribuzin, carfentrazone + sulfentrazone + metribuzin, and S-metolachlor + sulfentrazone + metribuzin applied preemergence resulted in significant reductions in GR waterhemp density (3 to 19 plants m−2) and shoot dry biomass (60% to 98% of nontreated). In 2020, most preemergence (except cloransulam), postemergence only, and preemergence fb postemergence herbicide application strategies resulted in lower densities of GR waterhemp (1 to 46 plants m−2) compared with nontreated plots (104 plants m−2) at 8 wk after preemergence/2wk after postemergence and lower shoot dry biomass (66% to 99% of nontreated). All two-pass strategies as well as metribuzin, acetochlor + fomesafen + metribuzin, carfentrazone + sulfentrazone applied preemergence resulted in higher grain yields (3,343 to 4,244 kg ha−1). These results conclude that two-pass strategies tested in this research can consistently provide effective control of GR waterhemp in DR soybean in New York.

Antarctic ice-free coastal environments, like the Vestfold Hills (East Antarctica), are shaped by a complex interplay of physical processes. This study synthesizes new data and existing research from the Vestfold Hills across marine, terrestrial and cryosphere science, meteorology, geomorphology, coastal oceanography and hydrology to explore interconnected processes ranging from icescape morphology and sediment transport to ocean-floor scouring and ocean-atmosphere interactions. Coastal landforms and habitats result from the interaction of marine dynamics with the aeolian and fluvial transport of glacially derived sediments and geomorphic features. Rocky shorelines dominate the region, and extensive fjords are prominent coastal features, whereas intertidal sediments and beaches are scarce. The marine environment is characterized by slow currents, low-energy waves, annually variable land-fast ice, irregular sedimentation rates and a geomorphologically complex shoreline. Aeolian and fluvial sediment deposition into coastal waters and onto sea ice can significantly impact local ecological and physical processes. Human activity further modifies these dynamics. Ice-free coastal areas such as the Vestfold Hills are predicted to experience substantial environmental shifts due to climate change. Wind speeds, temperature and precipitation are increasing in the Vestfold Hills. Retreating grounded ice sheets are likely to expand this coastal area and increase meltwater and sediment inputs into nearshore marine systems. Concurrently, changes in sea-ice extent, thickness and/or duration may profoundly alter the structure and function of this coastal environment.

The dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS) is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the overall antioxidant potency of a diet by considering the synergetic effects of dietary antioxidants. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to the imbalance of the body’s oxidant and antioxidant defense system. The objective of the present research was to investigate the possible associations between DAQS and odds of NAFLD in a large population of the Azar cohort study. The present propensity score–matched case–control study was applied to a population of 14 655 individuals. Demographic, anthropometric and dietary data were gathered, and biochemical markers were measured. The DAQS was evaluated based on the daily dietary intake of vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, Se and Zn, compared with the daily recommended intake. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the association between DAQS with NAFLD-related outcomes. After propensity score matching based on age, gender and body mass index (BMI), participants were allocated into NAFLD (n 660) and non-NAFLD (n 1234) groups. Findings indicated significant differences in age, weight, BMI, waist:hip ratio, TAG, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and dietary intake between percentiles of DAQS in NAFLD patients. Nonetheless, no significant associations were observed between DAQS and NAFLD before and after propensity score matching. Comparing the results to prior research underlines the need for a comprehensive approach for exploring the association between dietary antioxidants, serum antioxidant level and biochemical indices in NAFLD, which is essential for the efficient clarification of the underlying mechanisms.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally and the most prevalent cancer in women. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based frameworks have shown great promise in correctly classifying breast carcinomas, particularly those that may have been difficult to discern through routine microscopy. Additionally, mitotic number quantification utilizing AI technology is more accurate than manual counting. With its many advantages, such as improved accuracy, efficiency and consistency as shown in this literature review, AI has promise for significantly enhancing breast cancer diagnosis in the clinical world despite the paramount obstacles that must be addressed. Ongoing research and innovation are essential for overcoming these challenges and effectively harnessing AI’s transformative potential in breast cancer detection and assessment.

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to stress and depression, which can negatively impact birth outcomes and maternal care practices. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of stress, depression, and common mental disorders (CMDs) among pregnant women in East Lombok, Indonesia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was part of the Action Against Stunting Hub. Data on maternal characteristics, dietary intake, anthropometry, and biochemical status were collected. Mental health was assessed during the second and third trimesters using validated instruments, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). The prevalence of maternal stress, depression, and CMDs was 86.3%, 26.5%, and 29.7%, respectively. CMDs were associated with iron deficiency (aOR 1.61) and not receiving government assistance (aOR 1.48). Low adherence to a healthy and diverse diet, i.e., limited intake of grains, tubers, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, was associated with increased odds of antenatal stress (aOR 1.59) and common mental disorders (aOR 1.60). For depression, significant factors included higher maternal education (aOR 2.27), low-to-moderate social support (aOR 1.72), and adherence to an unhealthy dietary pattern characterized by high sugar and fat intake (aOR 1.47). Targeted nutrition interventions, including food-based dietary recommendations (FBDR) and social safety net programs, are essential during pregnancy to support nutrient intake. In addition to addressing iron deficiency, integrated approaches that promote dietary diversity, provide government support to low-income households, and strengthen social support networks are recommended to improve maternal mental health outcomes.

Fall panicum (Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx.) is an annual allochthonous grass weed currently spreading in maize (Zea mays L.) fields in Spain. In the summer of 2022, poor control of P. dichotomiflorum with the acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicide nicosulfuron was reported in two maize fields: Gerb, Catalonia (GB-R), and Sodeto, Aragon (SO-R), with a history of repeated nicosulfuron use. While target-site resistance (TSR) has previously been reported in this species, non–target site resistance (NTSR) to ALS inhibitors has not yet been documented. The objectives of this study were to (1) confirm and quantify nicosulfuron resistance in the putative resistant populations GB-R and SO-R relative to the susceptible population TS-S; (2) characterize the presence of TSR mutations in the ALS gene; and (3) assess the potential involvement of NTSR via enhanced metabolism mediated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) and glutathione S-transferase (GSTs). Dose–response assays confirmed that GB-R and SO-R populations were 29- and 37-fold more resistant than the TS-S population. However, co-application of nicosulfuron with the P450 inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and the GST inhibitor 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD-Cl) significantly reduced resistance in both populations. In GB-R, GR50 values declined from 66.3 g ai ha–1 (nicosulfuron alone) to 15.8 g ai ha–1 with PBO and 6.5 g ai ha–1 with NBD-Cl, both well below the recommended field rate (40 g ai ha–1), corresponding to 76% and 90% resistance reductions, respectively. Similarly, in SO-R, GR50 values declined from 83.8 g ai ha–1 to 16.8 g ai ha–1 with PBO and 15.7 g ai ha–1 with NBD-Cl, representing 80% and 81% resistance reductions. Sequencing of the ALS gene revealed no known target-site mutations, and ALS enzyme activity did not significantly differ between R and S populations. These results suggest that nicosulfuron resistance in two Spanish P. dichotomiflorum populations is potentially associated with enhanced metabolism mediated by P450 and GST enzymes, providing the first worldwide evidence of NTSR in this species.

The two-year study (2020–2022) investigated the effects of seed hydropriming, supplementary irrigation and foliar amino acid application on a rainfed wheat cultivar at Ekbatan Research Station, Hamedan, Iran. Conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications and a factorial arrangement, the experiment evaluated three factors: supplementary irrigation (applied at sowing, flowering, grain filling or no irrigation), seed hydropriming (soaking seeds in tap water for 10 hours vs. unprimed) and foliar sprays (lysine, methionine at 50 mg/l, or water) at the heading stage. The absence of supplementary irrigation maximized leaf soluble protein content. Foliar application of amino acids reduced leaf proline levels by 5 %. The highest proline accumulation was observed in the second year under non-irrigated and unprimed conditions. Supplementary irrigation during flowering and methionine foliar spray decreased catalase activity by 9.7 and 2.6 %, respectively, compared to their controls. In the second year, with an 18 % reduction in rainfall, seed hydropriming increased superoxide dismutase activity by 28 %, carotenoid content by 21 % and grain yield by 28.6 % compared to unprimed seeds. Supplementary irrigation at flowering with seed hydropriming enhanced total chlorophyll by 39.1 % relative to unprimed seeds. Methionine application increased grain yield by 5.4 % compared to water spray. Therefore, seed hydropriming with tap water, supplementary irrigation at flowering and methionine foliar application are recommended to enhance rainfed wheat growth and yield in Hamedan.