The family Kogiidae, comprising the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) and the dwarf sperm whale (K. sima), represents some of the least-known cetaceans worldwide. Their small size, deep-diving behaviour, and elusive surface activity result in very few live sightings, particularly in the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, we report two significant observations from the Azores in July 2025: a group of six K. breviceps, the largest reported group size of this species, and a confirmed sighting of K. sima off Pico Island – representing only the sixth record for the archipelago. Photographic evidence and expert validation confirmed the identification of K. sima based on body proportions. We also review records of both species, including other live encounters and strandings, across the Macaronesian archipelagos (Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde). Together, our observations and synthesis document an exceptional group size for K. breviceps, emphasise the rarity of K. sima in the region, and highlight the value of whale-watching platforms and citizen science for monitoring elusive cetaceans.

This research paper describes the effect of fermented substrates comprised of dairy by-products and underutilised cereals on murine faecal enzymes and faecal microbial profiles, and the development of the fermented substrate into a sour-spicy beverage for human consumption. A fermented substrate was made by using dairy by-products and underutilised cereals, whey and skim milk blend (60:40, v/v), germinated pearl millet flour and barley malt extract. The substrate was fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC 13. The growth pattern of the organism in the composite substrate was satisfactorily described by a logistic-type equation. Faecal samples were obtained from 18 Swiss albino male mice that had been fed on either a control diet (n = 6), a diet based on an unfermented substrate, and a diet based on a fermented substrate (six in each group) and analysed. The fermented substrate caused a significant (P < 0.05) increment in faecal lactobacilli with a concomitant reduction in faecal coliform counts. Further, the fermented substrate caused a significant (P < 0.05) and sustainable decline in faecal enzyme β-glucuronidase activity in the mouse model, which is commonly considered a marker of colon cancer. The reductions in the numbers of coliform bacteria in faeces might explain the decline in faecal enzyme activity. Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme produced by faecal bacteria that converts procarcinogens to potential carcinogens from available substrates. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli generally have lower activities of these harmful enzymes, whereas β-glucuronidase is produced in high amounts by enterobacteria and clostridia spp. The fermented substrate was developed into a sour and spicy beverage for human consumption. The average TS, fat, protein, ash, starch and fibre contents of the beverage were 11%, 0.3%, 2%, 0.61%, 1% and 1.4%, respectively. The sensory score with an overall acceptability of 7.5, revealed that the product was sensory acceptable.

The medicinal significance of Phlomis olivieri Benth. and the unknown diversity among its distinct populations prompted the investigation. The primary objective of the study was to analyse the components of essential oils (EOs) derived from the above-ground parts of 10 wild populations of P. olivieri Benth. (Lamiaceae) originating from different regions of the Iranian plateau. The EOs were subjected to analysis using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 20 compounds were identified in the oils, with a relatively high content variation. The major components of the EO were (E)-caryophyllene (2.51–54.48%), germacrene D (6.25–53.51%), spathulenol (4.38–23.41%), bicyclogermacrene (3.97–16.41%), α-pinene (0.07–11.32%), caryophyllene oxide (0.28–9.57%) and germacrene B (2.21–9.13%). To assess chemical variability, the EO components were categorized using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), which revealed two main clusters. HCA of the EO data revealed two main clusters, and principal component analysis corroborated this grouping. Identifying compounds such as isospathulenol, (2E)-2-dodecen-1-ol and undecanal in this species for the first time adds to its chemical profile. Furthermore, the discovery of a substantial presence of (E)-caryophyllene and germacrene D in select populations underscores the high chemical diversity among these populations.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder characterised by insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation and increased adipose tissue. The very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet has been suggested to reduce obesity risks in polycystic ovary syndrome. This study aimed to update the evidence on the effects of the very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Searches were conducted in electronic databases for randomised clinical trials addressing the research question. The values for the meta-analysis were presented as weighted mean difference (WMD). Twelve studies were included in the qualitative analysis and eleven in the quantitative analysis. Significant reductions were observed in anthropometric outcomes: weight (WMD: −9·57 kg; P < 0·0001), waist circumference (WMD: −7·75 cm; P < 0·0009), fat body mass (WMD: −7·44 kg; P = 0·0008), BMI (WMD: −3·45 kg/m2; P < 0·0001) and waist-to-hip ratio (WMD: −0·02; P < 0·0034). Hormonal improvements included free testosterone (WMD: −0·31 ng/dl; P < 0·0001), total testosterone (WMD: −7·21 ng/dl; P < 0·0001), sex hormone-binding globulin (WMD: 15·22 nmol/l; P = 0·0035), luteinising hormone (WMD: −3·97 U/L; P = 0·0008) and luteinising hormone:follicle-stimulating hormone ratio (WMD: −1·04; P = 0·0053), but not for follicle-stimulating hormone levels (WMD: 1·23 mUI/ml; P = 0·12). Significant changes in metabolic markers were seen in blood glucose (WMD: −9·65 mg/dl; P = 0·0031), insulin (WMD: −2·41 mg/dl; P = 0·0387), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (WMD: −2·46; P = 0·0123) and TAG (WMD: −29·95 mg/dl; P = 0·0188). The very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet shows significant benefits in managing body composition, reducing hyperandrogenism, balancing sex hormones and improving glucose metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Haskap, Lonicera caerulea Linnaeus (Caprifoliceae), is an emerging crop in Nova Scotia, Canada, that relies on cross-pollination for fruit production. In 2016 and 2017, we assessed the activity of honey bees, Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Apidae), in haskap orchards and compared this with native bumble bees, Bombus spp. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), while also documenting the early season wild bee community and potential of nesting boxes to support cavity-nesting bees. We found that haskap orchards in southern Nova Scotia support a diverse pollinator community. Andrena (Hymenoptera: Adrenidae) spp., A. mellifera, Bombus spp., and Lasioglossum spp. (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) comprised more than 75% of individuals captured in pan traps, but only A. mellifera and Bombus spp. were frequently observed on haskap blossoms. Honey bees and bumble bees deposited equal amounts of pollen on haskap stigmas, but bumble bees visited threefold more flowers per minute and visited both flowers of the haskap inflorescence more than twice as often as honey bees. Uptake of cavity-nesting bees into nesting boxes was relatively poor, and as many parasites (mostly Sapygidae) were collected from nesting boxes as bees. These results suggest honey bees and bumble bees are the best pollinators for haskap production in Nova Scotia.

This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire that investigates sugar-related eating behaviour, excessive consumption, and addictive-like eating. This questionnaire was validated using a rigorous process assessing content validity, face validity, reliability testing, feasibility testing, and construct validity. Spearman’s correlation coefficients and Cronbach’s alpha were used to assess reliability. Feasibility testing was used to further validate and confirm the scoring/categorisation of ‘low’, ‘medium’, and ‘high’ scorers for use in future research. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis were used to determine underlying latent factors and assess construct validity. Content validity was assessed by health professionals (n = 16), face validity was assessed by the lay public who had no expertise in nutrition or addiction (n = 20). Reliability (n = 54), repeat reliability (n = 50), and feasibility (n = 113) testing were assessed with a sample from the lay public. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were in the range of 0.58–0.91 and were statistically significant (P < 0.001), indicating good temporal stability within the questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were in the range of 0.62–0.93, indicating good internal consistency. Feasibility testing confirmed the use of calculating an ‘average total score’ from the data set and splitting the data set into tertiles: low, medium, and high scorers. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed three latent factors: F1: Compulsive Eating; F2: Comfort Eating; and F3: Withdrawal. Results suggest the questionnaire is highly reliable and was successfully validated. This questionnaire can be used in research to investigate problematic and addictive-like eating behaviour and its effects on ill health.

Allosteric communication is established by networks through which strain energy generated at the allosteric site by an allosteric event, such as ligand binding, can propagate to the functional site. Exerted on multiple molecules in the cell, it can wield a biased function. Here, we discuss allosteric networks and allosteric signaling bias. Networks are graphs specified by nodes (residues) and edges (their connections). Allosteric bias is a property of a population. It is described by allosteric effector-specific dynamic distributions of conformational ensembles, as classically exemplified by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). An ensemble describes the likelihood of a specific (strong/weak) allosteric signal propagating to a specific functional site. A network description provides the propagation route in a specific conformation, pinpointing key residues whose mutations could promote drug resistance. Efficiency is influenced by path length, relative stabilities and allosteric transitions. Through specific contacts, specific ligands can bias signaling in proteins, for example, in receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) toward specific phosphorylation sites and cell signaling activation. Thus, rather than the two – active and inactive – states, and a single pathway, we consider multiple states and favored pathways. This allows us to consider biased allosteric switches among minor, invisible states and observable outcomes. Within this framework, we further consider signaling strength and duration as key determinants of cell fate: If weak and sustained, it may induce differentiation; If bursts of strong and short, proliferation.

Planamandibulus nevadensis n. gen n. sp. is a newly discovered exceptionally preserved Laurentian phosphatocopid crustacean described from the upper Windfall Formation (Furongian, Stage 10) in Nevada. Planamandibulus nevadensis has closest affinity with the Baltic and Avalonian taxon Cyclotron. Its occurrence in sedimentary facies associated with dysoxia on the Laurentian paleocontinent fills in a gap in the global distribution of phosphatocopid crustaceans, facilitating a paleoenvironmental synthesis of this Cambrian group. We assess 75 taxa from nine paleocontinental areas spanning Cambrian stages 3 to 10 (~521–486.9 Ma). Comparison of these data with paleoclimate model simulations suggests that phosphatocopid distribution is explained partly by biogeography and ocean temperature patterns. Dabashanella species (e.g., D. hemicyclica Huo et al., 1983) are found across the low paleolatitude (<35°) paleocontinents of East Gondwanan (Australia), South China, and the central Asian terranes, spanning marine shelf carbonates to deeper marine black shale lithofacies, but are absent from mid- and high-paleolatitude sites, suggesting a warmer water preference. A similar warm-water preference is inferred for endemic taxa (e.g., Ulopsis, Parashergoldopsis) of East Gondwana, and perhaps for the newly described Laurentian Planamandibulus. By contrast, the mid- to high-paleolatitude paleocontinents Baltica and Avalonia are characterized by Veldotron, Cyclotron, Bidimorpha, Waldoria, Vestrogothia, Falites, and Trapezilites species, which occur in deep-shelf, cooler-water settings, typically below storm wave base. Hesslandona species sensu lato occur in mid-depth (likely above storm-wave base) warm tropical marine waters but are more typically found in deeper shelf and cooler waters in mid to high paleolatitudes. Phosphatocopids are also associated with sedimentary deposits characteristic of low environmental oxygen concentrations; this is emphasized by a peak in occurrences in the Guzhangian (Miaolingian) and Paibian (Furongian) stages, around the interval of the Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion (SPICE) and its associated expansion of anoxic water masses onto shallow marine shelves. Our data compilation and data–model comparison support the environmental preference of phosphatocopids for low-oxygen, but not anoxic, water masses, and the new occurrence of Planamandibulus is consistent with this pattern.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/f136f8bf-1ccf-46b0-8980-b88be8f9603d

Acute effects of a daily dose of red wine may cause deterioration of visual function; however, there is limited information on healthy individuals. This study aims to investigate acute effects of daily red wine consumption on visual function and retinal microvasculature in healthy young adults through a randomised self-controlled design and to explore the molecular mechanisms using an animal model. In healthy young adults’ study, twenty-seven adults with follow-up at baseline, 0·5 h and 2 h after consuming 300 ml of either red wine or water underwent blood biochemistry, visual function, morphology and blood flow of retinal and choroidal vasculatures, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) evaluation. Acute red wine consumption caused abnormal changes in retinal function (multifocal visual electrophysiology) that preceded changes in vision. Macular vessel diameter index (VDI) increased significantly at 0·5 h but decreased significantly at 2 h, despite increased regional CBF following red wine consumption, which was consistent with increased choroidal thickness and decreased retinal thickness. Animal experiments conducted on Brown Norway rats demonstrated a significant decrease in retinal VDI and vessel area density (VAD) associated with increased reactive oxygen species production following red wine administration, as well as decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and increased endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in the retina. Consequently, red wine consumption caused abnormal changes in retinal function and microvascular constriction in healthy young adults, and an animal model suggested that the underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of eNOS and ET-1 levels in the retina. These findings imply the potential detrimental effects of drinking habits on individuals with retinal ischaemic diseases.

Family meals are positively associated with healthier diets among children and parents. We aimed to deepen the understanding of these relationships by exploring the associations between shared meals and dietary quality among children, fathers and mothers. A subset of parent-child dyads (296 children aged 3–6 years, 103 fathers, 293 mothers) from the DAGIS Intervention baseline assessment was included in this cross-sectional study. The parents reported how often they shared meals with the child and filled in a food frequency questionnaire assessing their child’s and their own food consumption. A Healthy Food Intake Index (HFII) describing dietary quality was calculated for all family members. We used linear regression to investigate the associations between shared meals and the HFII of the children, fathers and mothers. Models were adjusted for child’s age and gender, parent’s age and educational level and number of children in the household. Children whose fathers reported less frequently sharing a weekend lunch with the child had a lower HFII (B estimate –1·58, 95 % CI –2·66, –0·50). The association remained close to statistical significance with adjustments (B estimate –0·99, 95 % CI –2·17, 0·19). A less frequently shared weekend lunch was also borderline significantly associated with lower HFII among the fathers (adjusted model, B estimate –1·13, 95 % CI –2·30, 0·04). Fathers should be encouraged to share meals with their family, since it might have a role in the dietary quality of both children and fathers. Future studies should recognise fathers as important contributors to a healthy home food environment.

A Doppler Sonic Detection and Ranging (SODAR) wind-profiling system was deployed at Jang Bogo Station, Antarctica, during the summer of 2017. The parameters measured by the SODAR system were wind speed and direction averaged for 15 min from 30 m above the surface to 500 m aloft. Additionally, wind measurements obtained from the nearby walk-up tower and automatic weather station (AWS) were also used for additional data and comparison, respectively. The analysis and comparison used hourly average for consistency. The mean wind speed obtained from the SODAR measurement is highly correlated with those from the walk-up tower and the AWS measurements. All three measurements recorded westerlies during all strong wind events but varied during calm periods. The measurements also reveal that Jang Bogo Station experiences lower wind speeds compared to the nearest katabatic confluence region (Inexpressible Island), where the maximum airflow usually occurred. From the hourly averaged data, SODAR only detected a maximum wind speed of 18.1 m s−1. There were 238 occurrences of strong wind events equal to or above 10.8 m s−1 (Beaufort scale 6) from 10 May to 31 October 2017. These occurrences were recorded in 50 out of 175 days analysed in this study. From 10 to 12 June 2017, predominantly south-westerly-westerly winds were recorded at the surface and aloft during two strong wind events. Based on this case study, the boundary layer during calm and strong wind periods was also analysed.

Minimum tillage potato production with rice straw mulching was widely promoted in Vietnam during the 2010s for efficient land use in the winter fallow season. This study evaluates the current adoption status 15 years after its introduction by a qualitative case study consisting of desk review, phone interviews and in-depth interviews, and field observation. Findings reveal that the original practice has been discontinued after initial adoption, primarily attributed to the adoption of rice harvesters and power tillers. The reasons for discontinuation differ from those for other conservation agriculture practices like zero tillage maize or wheat production, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches for each crop and locality. Some farmers have adapted the method to fit their specific conditions in which the principles of conservation agriculture have been maintained. Those findings underscore the need for continual refinement of agricultural innovations along with socioeconomic and agroecological changes. Drawing on insights from the case of Vietnam, the study proposes a scaling strategy for South Asia where there is increasing interest in promoting potato zero tillage rice straw mulching.

Children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) have an increased risk of iron deficiency, anaemia and death from infectious diseases. The iron-regulating hormone hepcidin is increased in inflammation and may be important in regulating iron metabolism in children with MAM. Asymptomatic malaria has previously been associated with elevated s-hepcidin. We assessed the association between inflammation, iron status, anthropometry and malaria and serum hepcidin (s-hepcidin) and evaluated the effect of food supplementation on s-hepcidin in a secondary analysis in 1019 children with MAM from a randomised intervention trial in Burkina Faso. Children received 12 weeks of supplementation of 500 kcal/d as either corn–soy blend (CSB) or lipid-based nutritional supplements (LNS). S-hepcidin was measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. At baseline, correlates of s-hepcidin were determined using Tobit regression. The effect of supplementation was determined using mixed effects Tobit regression. Children with iron deficiency had 82 % (95 % CI 76, 87) lower s-hepcidin than those without, whereas children with acute infection and inflammation had elevated s-hepcidin. Children with symptomatic malaria had 103 % (95 % CI 32, 210) higher s-hepcidin than afebrile children without detectable malaria, while children with recent or asymptomatic malaria had 51 % (95 % CI 35, 63) lower s-hepcidin. S-hepcidin increased 61 % (95 % CI 38, 87) after 12 weeks of food supplementation with 22 % higher (95 % CI 2, 45) concentration in those who received LNS compared with CSB. Expectedly, morbidity and inflammation were associated with higher, and iron deficiency with lower, s-hepcidin. Further studies are needed to corroborate the finding of decreased s-hepcidin in malnourished children with asymptomatic malaria.

The majority of dogs in US animal shelters are of mixed breed. Many animal shelters still use visual identification to assign breed labels, despite research indicating it to be largely inaccurate. Some shelters now include personality descriptions in conjunction with, or instead of, breed labels. However, little is known about the interaction between these factors. Thus, the aim of this study was to experimentally evaluate the impact of breed labels and descriptions on the perceived adoptability of dogs. Participants, recruited both in-person at a shelter and online, were shown ten dog photos, and indicated how likely they were to adopt the dog. The photos were randomly presented under four conditions: (1) photo only; (2) photo with breed label; (3) photo with description; and (4) photo with both a breed label and description. Overall, descriptions significantly increased perceived adoptability, while breed labels decreased it. Certain breed labels, such as ‘Chihuahua mix’, ‘Chow mix’, ‘Jack Russell Terrier mix’, ‘Miniature Pinscher mix’, and ‘Terrier mix’, negatively impacted adoption ratings, while ‘Lab mix’ had a positive effect. Descriptions like affectionate, calm, eager to make you proud, easy-going, friendly, lively, non-dominant, and sociable improved perceived adoptability, whereas energetic reduced adoptability. There were no significant interactions between breed labels and descriptions. Additionally, there was substantial individual participant variability in adoption interest across photos. These findings suggest animal shelters might increase adoption interest in dogs by removing breed labels and including positive descriptions in dog adoption profiles. Such changes may contribute to improved animal welfare by reducing shelter length of stay.