The Proetida likely represent the only surviving trilobite clade past the Devonian mass extinction event(s). Although members of order Proetida have long been studied, the global phylogenetic relationships across this pivotal time are still unresolved. I used a Bayesian phylogenetic approach to construct a subordinal level tree for members within the superfamily Proetoidea. Two models, a relaxed and strict clock model, were compared and used to assess past reconstructions of clades within the order. The trees from both models highlight key relationships among proetides across the Devonian and show paraphyly in groups that have been considered monophyletic in the past. Trees from both models also suggest that major groups, e.g., the genus Gerastos Goldfuss, 1843 and the family Phillispidae (which represents the most diverse post-Devonian proetide group under current taxonomic schemes) are polyphyletic. This in turn suggests, in a paleobiological context, a more complex pattern of survivorship over the Late Devonian than previously suggested as well as pervasive parallelisms toward certain ‘Gerastos’ or ‘phillipsid’ morphotypes.

Algal beds are biodiversity hotspots in coastal ecosystems, forming complex food webs based on seaweeds. Epifauna serve as important indicators of algal productivity and environmental change, interacting closely with their host seaweeds. This study compared the composition of epifaunal assemblages associated with different seaweed species in the Noto Peninsula, Japan, to elucidate their characteristics. A survey of epifaunal communities on 13 seaweed species around Tsukumo Bay revealed significant differences in abundance and composition among species. Epifaunal abundance was particularly high in Sargassum siliquastrum and Sargassum patens. Differences in assemblage structures were observed among seaweed species and sampling sites. Fucales seaweeds harboured more diverse epifaunal communities compared with Laminariales species. Variations in epifaunal composition among taxa suggest that interactions with host seaweed species play a crucial role in shaping assemblage structure.

We investigated variations in biomass among oil palm progenies and quantified K and Mg uptake by assessing the distribution pattern of these minerals throughout plant organs, including roots and bunches. A split-plot trial was set up in which potassium chloride (KCl: 60% K2O) and kieserite (MgSO4: 27% MgO) were applied as main factors, each with three levels: 0, 1.5, 3.0 kg KCl palm˗1 year˗1; and 0, 0.75, 1.5 kg MgSO4 palm˗1 year˗1. Each fertiliser combination was applied to subplots containing four oil palm progenies (C1 to C4). Samples of oil palm organs were collected to assess their dry matter (DM) and mineral contents. Oil palm biomass was significantly different among progenies, with C3 having the highest biomass (268 kg DM palm˗1). K and Mg contents in the entire palm also varied among progenies. C2 and C3 progenies exhibited the highest amounts of K (3.81 and 3.86 kg K palm˗1, respectively), whereas C1 and C4 displayed 3.35 and 3.31 kg K palm˗1, respectively. However, C4 progeny showed the highest leaflet K concentration, revealing the dilution phenomenon and the inequal mineral distribution among palm organs. Progeny C3 had the highest Mg content (0.54 kg palm˗1) and was the most productive, exporting more K and Mg through harvest than other progenies. Our results indicate genetic variability in K and Mg uptake by oil palm, and planting materials with high K and Mg uptake efficiency would be valuable for farmers and breeders.

Colostrum (CM) and transition milk (TM) are crucial for neonatal development but knowledge about the changes in their composition in dairy goats is still limited. The aim of this study was to characterise the immunological, lipid and microbial changes from CM to TM in Guanzhong dairy goats, an indigenous, highly productive Chinese breed. Milk samples were collected from eight primiparous goats at day 0 (CM) and day 7 (TM) postpartum. Immunoglobulin concentrations (IgG, IgA, IgM) were measured by ELISA, long-chain saturated fatty acids (FA) were analysed by gas chromatography, and bacterial communities were profiled by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Microbial functions were inferred using PICRUSt2 (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) software based on KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) orthologs. Immunoglobulin concentrations declined significantly from CM to TM, reflecting a transition from immunoprotection to food supply. The TM had increased concentrations of long-chain saturated FA, particularly palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) and higher concentrations of branched-chain FA, suggesting an adaptation to the growing energy demands of the newborn. Although overall microbial diversity was stable, taxonomic shifts were observed. CM was enriched in Emticicia, which may be involved in oligosaccharide degradation, while TM had higher abundance of Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus and Salinicoccus, genera associated with SCFA production and intestinal development. Functional predictions indicated enrichment of cold shock and haem biosynthetic pathways in CM and enhanced carbohydrate degradation pathways in TM. Correlation analyses revealed relationships between specific FA and bacterial genera, suggesting interactions between host, microbes and nutrients that may influence milk functionality. This integrative analysis of milk components during early lactation provides new insights into the compositional and functional dynamics of goat milk.

This communication addresses the hypothesis that silver nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis (G-AgNPs), using an aqueous extract of chicory, have antibacterial activity against bovine mastitis-associated strains and may inhibit their adherence capacity. Bovine mastitis is among the diseases with the greatest economic impact worldwide. Multifactorial in nature, it is usually associated with infection caused by bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptococcus uberis, and Escherichia coli. Antibiotics are currently the main line of treatment, but in order to offset the emergence of resistance, alternative compounds and nanomaterials are being researched for prevention and control. In this study, bacteria that cause bovine mastitis were molecularly identified by groEL gene PCR-RFLP. Then, G-AgNPs were produced using an aqueous extract of chicory as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The nanoparticles showed powerful antibacterial activity, but they did not seem to reduce the adherence of pathogens to MAC-T cells that had been preincubated with a sub-MIC concentration of G-AgNPs. Nevertheless, very low concentrations (21-30 pM) were needed for the antibacterial effect to take place, which makes G-AgNPs promising candidates for the control of bovine mastitis.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is an annual herbaceous plant from the Apiaceae family, renowned for its medicinal and culinary applications as the second most popular spice globally after black pepper. Germination is a critical stage in the life cycle of plants, particularly for medicinal plants, as it determines successful establishment and productivity. This study explores the impact of ploidy levels (diploid and tetraploid) and genotype interactions on germination traits, seed morphology and early seedling growth in five selected cumin genotypes (YAR1, KBA4, SKD6, SIV8 and NKM9). Induction of tetraploidy significantly influenced germination percentage, rate, seed vigour index, and morphological traits. Notably, diploid genotypes exhibited higher germination percentages, while tetraploid SKD6 displayed the highest germination speed and seedling biomass, demonstrating genotype-specific ploidy effects. For the first time, root growth kinetics were analyzed, revealing distinct growth patterns between diploid and tetraploid seeds. Morphometric evaluations showed that tetraploid seeds and embryos were significantly larger, attributed to the ‘gigas effect’, which enhances storage reserves and seed vigour. However, challenges such as embryo-less seeds and variability in genotype responses to ploidy manipulation were observed. These findings underscore the importance of targeted breeding strategies that optimize genotype-ploidy interactions to improve seed quality, germination performance and early growth in cumin. By advancing our understanding of polyploidy’s role in shaping key agronomic traits, this study provides a foundation for sustainable cultivation practices and enhanced productivity of medicinal plants.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the kinetics of local and systemic immune cell populations in mammary secretions and blood samples from cows free of intramammary infections (IMI) and chronically infected with Staphylococcus aureus during active involution. Cows in late lactation that were either uninfected or with chronic S. aureus IMI were included in this study. The percentages of CD14+ cells in blood samples were significantly higher in S. aureus-infected animals than in uninfected animals at days 7 and 21 post-drying-off. However, the percentages of these cells in the mammary secretions from S. aureus-infected quarters were significantly lower compared with those of the uninfected quarters in all evaluated periods. The percentages of CD4+ cells were similar between uninfected animals and S. aureus-infected animals at all involution times in both blood and mammary secretion samples. The percentages of CD8+ cells decreased significantly in mammary secretions of S. aureus-infected quarters compared with those of the uninfected quarters at all involution stages. The percentages of CD21+ cells decreased in blood samples of S. aureus-infected animals compared with uninfected animals at day 21. In secretion samples, the percentages of CD21+ cells decreased in S. aureus-infected quarters at day 7 compared with those of the uninfected quarters. In conclusion, chronic S. aureus IMI induces a significant increase in the number of CD14+ cells in the blood circulation; however, these cells do not appear to migrate to the mammary secretion being potentially retained in the tissue. Although CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes did not vary between S. aureus-infected and uninfected animals throughout involution, the decrease in CD8+ cells in mammary secretion from S. aureus-infected animals suggests that these cells are retained in the mammary tissue, fulfilling their specific functions to eliminate intracellularly infected cells. The low number of CD21+ lymphocytes in mammary secretions of infected animals would reduce the humoral defence potential of the gland.

Regular physical activity for adults is associated with optimal appetite regulation, though little work has been performed in adolescents. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a study examining appetite across a range of physical activity and adiposity levels in adolescent males. Healthy males (n 46, 14–18 years old) were recruited across four body weight and activity categories: normal weight/high active (n 11), normal weight/low active (n 13), overweight, obese/high active (n 14), overweight and obese/low active (n 8). Participants from each group completed a 6-h appetite assessment session on Day 0, followed immediately by a 14-day free-living physical activity and dietary assessment period on Days 1–14, and a fitness test session occurring between Days 15–18. Subjective and objective assessment of appetite, resting energy expenditure, body composition using dual energy absorptiometry and thermic effect of feeding (TEF) was conducted on Day 0. Physiological variables in the normal weight low active group that were different than their peers included lower fat-free mass, cardiorespiratory fitness, glucose/fullness response to a standardised meal, TEF in response to a standardised meal, lower self-rated fullness and satiety and higher self-rated hunger to a standardised meal. Conversely, the overweight, obese high active group displayed better subjective appetite responses, but higher insulin responses to a standardised meal. Taken together, these results suggest that physical inactivity during adolescence has a negative impact on metabolic health and appetite control, which may contribute to future weight gain.

This cross-sectional study examined the association between diet price and diet quality in a national sample of Australian adults (n 1956). Diet recall data from the 2020 International Food Policy Study were linked to a national food and beverage price dataset. Daily diet price was calculated by summing the median non-promotional prices of all foods and beverages recorded in diet recall data, priced per gram (or millilitre) and adjusted for edible portions. Diet quality was determined using the Australian Dietary Guideline Index 2013 (scored out of 115). Linear regression models tested the association between the diet price (per dollar and per ten-dollar increments) and diet quality, adjusted for education, age and sex. A positive association was observed, where diet quality increased by 0·09 units (95 % CI 0·05, 0·14) for every $AU 1 increase in diet price. Daily diet price explained approximately 8 % of the variation in diet quality across the sample (R2 = 0·08). When categorised in ten-dollar increments, participants with diet prices < $AU 10/d had a lower mean diet quality score (51·96) compared with all other diet price categories, 5–6 points lower than those whose diet was > $30/d. Diet price appeared to be a modest yet significant determinant of diet quality for Australian adults in 2020. Additional analyses are needed to investigate these associations during recent food inflation. As diet quality appears to be lowest for people who spend the least on food, government action to increase priority communities’ food budgets may help improve the nutritional quality of population diets.

Shift work-induced circadian disruption has been linked to various cardiometabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes and CVD. Limited studies have explored the impact of different variables such as night work durations, intensities and chronotype on cardiometabolic risk. This study aimed to determine the impact of circadian disruption on cardiometabolic risk markers in shift workers. This case–control study was conducted with 104 male workers (shift workers; n 52, mean age; 43·3 (sd 10·2), and non-shift workers; n 52, mean age; 41·2 (sd 9·8)). Shift work details were determined via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Cardiometabolic risk was evaluated through anthropometric (height, weight, waist circumference and body composition), biochemical (fasting glucose and lipid profile), clinical (blood pressure) and dietary assessment (24-h recalls from working and non-working days). The chronotype was determined via the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ). Shift workers had significantly higher mean body fat percentage (31·7, 22·7 % P = 0·031), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (138·6, 128·5 mmHg P = 0·009), pulse rate (78·7, 72·3 bpm P = 0·015), TAG (1·60, 1·30 mmol/l P = 0·021) and LDL-cholesterol (3·90, 3·40 mmol/l P = 0·012) than non-shift workers. Evening chronotype shift workers had significantly higher visceral fat levels (12·8, 8·90 P = 0·001), SBP (137·0, 127·6 mmHg P = 0·006), pulse rate (82·7, 73·3 bpm P = 0·005) and LDL-cholesterol (4·00, 3·40 mmol/l P = 0·039) than shift workers with a morning chronotype. In conclusion, shift workers exhibited higher metabolic risk markers than non-shift workers. Shift workers with evening chronotypes had higher cardiometabolic risk than morning chronotypes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and inform targeted interventions for individuals engaged in shift work, considering chronotypes.

There is increased interest in self-selected exclusionary diet patterns, specifically vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free (GF) diets, but there is a lack of research exploring the beliefs and behaviours surrounding these diets in Canadians capable of bearing children (CCBC). The goal of this study was to explore the beliefs and behaviours of CCBC who follow vegetarian, vegan, and/or GF diets using mixed methods. A self-administered online Qualtrics™ survey containing 102 questions was conducted using open text and closed format questions. Continuous variables were summarized using mean and standard deviation while percentages were used to summarize categorical variables. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. A total of 271 CCBC between 18–45 years of age were analysed, with 27%, 22%, and 3.7% indicating they followed a vegan, vegetarian, and/or GF diet, respectively. Three main themes emerged that influenced CCBC beliefs about their chosen diet. The belief that these diets are healthy or could impart health in some way, was the main reason for following their chosen diet, especially in those who identified as vegetarian. Ethical/moral concerns, primarily around animal welfare and the environment, was the second theme for following their chosen dietary pattern, especially amongst those who identified as vegan. Perception of social judgement in the forms of criticism, guilt, and isolation were noted by some CCBC, with family, friends, and colleagues interacting differently with them because of their dietary choices. These findings serve to enhance our understanding of the beliefs and behaviours of CCBC who choose to follow exclusionary diets.