Weedy species of the genus Amaranthus, commonly referred to as pigweeds, have increased in frequency and severity over the past few years. Identification of these weeds is difficult because of similar morphological characteristics among species and variation within species. Studies were initiated to develop a molecular marker identification system utilizing restriction enzyme analysis of amplified ribosomal DNA (rDNA). A set of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers was developed to distinguish 10 weedy species of pigweeds. Restriction-site variation, utilizing five endonucleases, within the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of the rDNA allowed for the positive identification of eight species and one pair of species. These markers will be useful for biological and ecological studies on the genus.

Herbicide resistance has been reported in several Amaranthus species throughout the U.S. Because evidence exists of interspecies hybridization in some species of this genus, this study was conducted to determine whether acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicide resistance could be transferred from Amaranthus palmeri to Amaranthus rudis through interspecific crosses. Plants of each species were grown in a growth chamber, and controlled interspecies crosses were made between ALS-resistant and -susceptible plants. A total of 15 putative hybrid plants were produced from an estimated 10,000 cross-pollinated flowers. Analysis of restriction enzyme digests of the ALS gene in which a single base substitution confers resistance inferred that herbicide resistance had been transferred from a resistant male A. rudis to the hybrid plant. Offspring of hybrid plants, backcrossed to the susceptible parent, survived herbicide treatment, demonstrating that herbicide resistance was transferred between species. DNA analysis also was performed using the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique between parental and putative hybrid plants. Several unique bands were found only in the hybrid.

Psychological obstacles often impede the unemployed from finding work. The current study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a combined cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) and lifestyle program when applied to an unemployed population from a Disability Employment Network (DEN) provider. CBT focuses on the relationship between an individual's thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The lifestyle program was developed to assess and provide psycho-education on sleep, diet, exercise and social habits. Eight participants completed a questionnaire and interview prior to and following participation in the lifestyle program. Measures included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (RSES), Life Orientation Test (LOT), Self-Efficacy Rating scale, one-on-one interview and participation in the lifestyle program. Key workers participated in a one-on-one interview and rated their perception of their participants' engagement in the job search process. Results were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Levels of depressive symptomatology and optimism were not seen to improve, however, levels of self-esteem and ratings of engagement in the job search process did. Inclusion of the lifestyle component appeared to yield promising results for future studies. Further research into application of qualitative analysis in unemployment research is recommended.

In the elderly, immunosenescence and malnourishment can contribute to increased risk and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Gold kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis ‘Hort16A’) contains nutrients important for immune function and mitigation of symptoms of infection, including vitamins C and E, folate, polyphenols and carotenoids. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether regular consumption of gold kiwifruit reduces symptoms of URTI in older people, and determine the effect it has on plasma antioxidants, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and immune function. A total of thirty-two community-dwelling people ( ≥ 65 years) participated in a randomised crossover study, consuming the equivalent of four kiwifruit or two bananas daily for 4 weeks, with treatments separated by a 4-week washout period. Participants completed the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 daily, and blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of each treatment and washout period. Gold kiwifruit did not significantly reduce the overall incidence of URTI compared with banana, but significantly reduced the severity and duration of head congestion, and the duration of sore throat. Gold kiwifruit significantly increased plasma vitamin C, α-tocopherol and lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations, and erythrocyte folate concentrations, and significantly reduced plasma lipid peroxidation. No changes to innate immune function (natural killer cell activity, phagocytosis) or inflammation markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homocysteine) were detected. Consumption of gold kiwifruit enhanced the concentrations of several dietary plasma analytes, which may contribute to reduced duration and severity of selected URTI symptoms, offering a novel tool for reducing the burden of URTI in older individuals.

Kiwifruit is a good source of several vitamins and minerals and dietary fibre, and contains a number of phytochemicals; so kiwifruit potentially provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Consumption of green kiwifruit can have positive effects on cardiovascular health through antioxidant activity, inhibition of platelet aggregation and lowered TAG levels, and gut health through improving laxation, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut microflora. The importance of nutrition on immune function is well recognised, with deficiencies in vitamins A, C, E, B6 and B12, folic acid, Zn, Cu, Fe and Se being associated with impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to diseases. Evidence is growing that kiwifruit enhances immunity, with several small murine studies showing enhancement of innate and adaptive immune function. Few studies have examined the effect of kiwifruit on immune function in human subjects, but a recent study has revealed that kiwifruit up-regulates several ‘immune’ and ‘DNA and repair’-related gene sets, and down-regulates one gene set related to Ig secretion. Taken together, the evidence from the literature provides supporting data for designing a human intervention trial to validate the ability of kiwifruit to support immune function in healthy and immunocompromised populations.