Variation in faecal testosterone levels in male gray whales on a foraging ground relative to maturity and timing.

Understanding wildlife reproductive seasonality is crucial for effective management and long-term monitoring of species. This study investigates the seasonal variability of testosterone in male Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG) gray whales, using an eight-year dataset (2016-2023) of individual sightings, drone-based photogrammetry and endocrine analysis of faecal samples. We analyzed the relationship between faecal testosterone levels and total body length (TL), body condition (body area index, BAI), sexual maturity and day of the year using generalized additive mixed models.

Temporal epidemiological profile of oral potentially malignant disorders in southern Brazil.

The study aimed to investigate oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) diagnosed in an Oral Pathology service in southern Brazil over a span of 56 years and to assess the factors influencing their severity and outcomes. A retrospective analysis of histopathological records from 1965 to 2021 was performed. Lesions diagnosed as leukoplakia, erythroplakia, leukoerythroplakia, or actinic cheilitis were included.

Bubble blasts! An adaptation for buoyancy regulation in shallow foraging gray whales.

Foraging efficiency is key to animal fitness. Consequently, animals evolved a variety of kinematic, morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations for efficient locomotion to reduce energy expenditure while moving to find, capture, and consume prey. Often suited to specific habitat and prey types, these adaptations correspond to the terrain or substrate the animal moves through.

Leukoplakia and erythroplakia in youngers versus older individuals: a clinicopathological retrospective study.

Background: The incidence of oral cancer has exhibited a rise within the young population. Considering that oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) can precede the development of oral cancer, it is imperative to conduct studies in this particular younger population. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and conduct a comparative analysis of the clinical-demographic characteristics of OPMDs in two distinct age groups.