The concept of interaction classes (iClasses) for multi-environment trial data was introduced to address the problem of summarising variety performance across environments in the presence of variety by environment interaction (VEI). The approach involves the fitting of a factor analytic linear mixed model (FALMM), with the resultant estimates of factor loadings being used to form groups of environments (iClasses) that discriminate varieties with different patterns of VEI. It is then meaningful to summarise variety performance across environments within iClasses. The iClass methodology was developed with respect to a FALMM in which the genetic effects for different varieties were assumed independent. This was done for pedagogical reasons but it was pointed out that the accuracy of variety selection is greatly enhanced by considering the genetic relatedness of varieties, either via ancestral or genomic information. The focus of the current paper is therefore to extend the iClass approach for FALMMs which incorporate such information. In addition a measure of stability of variety performance across iClasses is defined. The utility of the approach for variety selection is illustrated using a multi-environment trial dataset from the lentil breeding program operated by Agriculture Victoria.

The global population and status of Snowy Owls Bubo scandiacus are particularly challenging to assess because individuals are irruptive and nomadic, and the breeding range is restricted to the remote circumpolar Arctic tundra. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) uplisted the Snowy Owl to “Vulnerable” in 2017 because the suggested population estimates appeared considerably lower than historical estimates, and it recommended actions to clarify the population size, structure, and trends. Here we present a broad review and status assessment, an effort led by the International Snowy Owl Working Group (ISOWG) and researchers from around the world, to estimate population trends and the current global status of the Snowy Owl. We use long-term breeding data, genetic studies, satellite-GPS tracking, and survival estimates to assess current population trends at several monitoring sites in the Arctic and we review the ecology and threats throughout the Snowy Owl range. An assessment of the available data suggests that current estimates of a worldwide population of 14,000–28,000 breeding adults are plausible. Our assessment of population trends at five long-term monitoring sites suggests that breeding populations of Snowy Owls in the Arctic have decreased by more than 30% over the past three generations and the species should continue to be categorised as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List Criterion A2. We offer research recommendations to improve our understanding of Snowy Owl biology and future population assessments in a changing world.

Chronic low protein intake can negatively affect human growth, cardiovascular function, metabolic profiles, immunity and exacerbate deficiencies of other nutrients including iron(1). It’s widely accepted that athletes and active individuals have an increased requirement for dietary protein, however to date little is known about the prevalence of low protein intake or protein supplementation practices within this population in Ireland.

This study aimed to examine the following in an Irish population of athletes and active adults: (i) the prevalence, frequency, and reasons for using protein supplements and protein-fortified foods; and (ii) the proportion of those at risk of consuming less than 1.0g of protein/kilogram bodyweight/day.

Participants, aged ≥18 years, residing in Ireland, and engaging in competitive sport or structured physical activities at least twice weekly, completed a self-administered, web-based questionnaire. A validated protein intake screening tool(2) was included to estimate the risk of low protein intake based on self-reported food consumption over the previous 4-weeks. Data collection occurred in April 2024 and descriptives and Chi-squared tests were performed (IBM SPSS v29).

The questionnaire yielded 885 (median age=40yrs, range=18-77yrs; 57.6% female) completed responses. More than half (54.5%) of this population were athletes competing at either local (34.3%), regional (24.3%), national (25.8%) or international (15.4%) level, while the remaining 45.5% engaged in regular exercise only. Overall, 50.2% of this population used protein supplements, with a greater prevalence among men (55.5% vs 46.3%, P<0.01) than women. There was no difference in the use of protein supplementation between athletes (55.5%) and active adults (53.7%, P = 0.595). The main reasons participants provided for using protein supplements were: 1) they found it difficult to meet daily protein requirements through diet alone (59.4%), 2) their training goals required higher intakes (47.7%), and 3) convenience (41.1%). Based on data from the protein intake screening tool, 36.5% of this population were at risk of low protein intakes from food alone, with no difference between athletes and active individuals (P = 0.909), but a higher risk among men (47.7% vs 28.2%, P<0.01) than women. Those who were at risk of low protein intakes were no more likely to use protein supplements (P =0.972) or protein-fortified foods (P = 0.956) than those not at risk. Of those at risk, 49.1% and 4.5% did not consume any protein supplements or protein-fortified foods respectively, while only 14.4% took protein supplements daily and 7.7% consumed proteinfortified foods daily.

Up to a third of this population may not consume adequate protein through their diet alone. While protein-fortified foods and supplements may be helpful, athletes and active adults should attempt to meet their daily protein requirements through a balanced whole food diet, where possible.

Inadequate dietary intakes are widespread amongst pre-school aged children, with 56% of preschool children worldwide suffering from a deficiency in at least one of iron, zinc or vitamin A(1). The neurological and physical development of children is sensitive to changes in micronutrient status, with nutrient deficiencies at this age likely to have irreversible effects on childhood development(2). This study aims to evaluate the major influences on the dietary patterns, feeding practices and eating behaviours of young children in Ireland.

A self-administered, web-based survey was administered to parents/guardians of 18-36 months old children. The survey consisted of 103 questions, delivered across 5 sub-sections (demographics, parental nutrition knowledge, feeding practice, barriers to healthy eating and dietary patterns). Validated questionnaires were used to assess fussy eating (Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, CEBQ) and parental feeding practice (Child Feeding Questionnaire,

CFQ)(3–5). Adherence with the 2020 FSAI Scientific Recommendations for Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for 1-5-Year-Olds in Ireland was evaluated using FFQ-style questions to estimate consumption patterns of food groups.

Parents/guardians (n = 1141) answered with respect to 608 male and 529 female toddlers, with a mean ( ± SD) age of 26.2± 5.8 months. The greatest barriers to healthy eating reported by parents/guardians were food fussiness (49%), time to prepare healthy foods (47%), provision of unhealthy foods by caregivers outside the home (47%), the short shelf life of “healthy foods” (42%) and the marketing of unhealthy foods to children (42%). The children’s food pyramid was recognised by 76% of parents. A large number of toddlers met the FSAI’s dietary recommendations for consumption of fish (70%) and fruit and vegetables (97%). Fewer children met the FSAI’s recommendations for consumption of processed meat (24%), beverages (40%), red meat (52%) and confectionary (57%).

Using the CEBQ food fussiness scale, 36% had a score indicative of moderate to severe fussy eating (Score ≥ 3). Higher levels of food fussiness were noted among children who did not meet recommendations for consumption of red meat (2.81 vs 2.64, p = 0.001), fish (2.82 vs 2.68, p = 0.010) and confectionary (2.85 vs 2.62, p<0.001). The nutrition knowledge assessment showed that parents had a mean ( ± SD) knowledge score of 58.0± 14.6%. Higher knowledge scores were observed among parents/guardians of toddlers who met the dietary recommendations for dairy (64% vs 47%), fish (59% vs 56%), red meat (59% vs 57%), confectionary (59% vs 57%) and fruit and vegetables (58% vs 55%) (all p<0.05).

This study highlights a multitude of interrelated and dynamic factors, particularly fussy eating and parental nutrition knowledge, that influence the dietary intakes and patterns of toddlers. Understanding these factors may help to guide the development of targeted multi-factorial interventions to improve dietary quality among toddlers.

Food choice determinants in the general population are influenced by sociocultural, sensory, nutritional, and economic factors, among others(1). For athletes, these choices are further complicated by additional sporting and nutritional demands(2). The objective of this study is to conduct the first large-scale analysis of the determinants of food choice in athletes and active individuals, and to conduct comparison of these determinants across competition levels and sporting categories.

Participants, aged over 18, residing in Ireland, and engaged in competitive sport or structured physical activity at least twice weekly, completed an online survey via Qualtrics. The survey included the previously validated Athlete Food Choice Questionnaire (AFCQ)(3,4). The AFCQ comprises of 32 statements divided into 9 categories where athletes rate the frequency that their food choice is affected by various factors. Data were collected in February 2024, analysed using SPSS V28.0, with statistical significance set at P<0.05.

A total of 1,148 athletes (38% male, 62% female), median [IQR] age 26 years [21-40 years], reported participating in 7 hours [5-10 hours] of structured physical activity per week, spanning 32 sports. Participation levels ranged from non-competitive (32%) to those involved in international competitions (6%). Sensory appeal was highlighted as the most influential factor on food choices (P<0.01), followed by food and health awareness (P<0.01)—encompassing cooking ability, nutrition knowledge, and food planning. Performance-related factors were joint second most influential, with no significant difference with food and health awareness (P = 0.30). This included statements related to choosing food that enhances fuelling for competition, recovery and feeling energetic during training.

Ordinal logistic regressions showed variables such as age, gender, education level, and sporting variables such as competition level, sport type and average hours of exercise per week showed distinct impacts on food choice. For example, the nutritional attributes of a food impacts choice more as participants got older (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.02, 95% CI [1.01, 1.04], P = 0.01). However, the nutritional attributes had less influence if the participant was born in the USA (OR 0.37, 95% CI [0.16, 0.86], P = 0.02) or the rest of the world (OR 0.38, 95% CI [0.18, 0.81], P = 0.01) compared with those born in Ireland, and if the participant was a team sport athlete rather than an endurance athlete (OR 0.55, 95% CI [0.37, 0.81], P<0.01).

The determinants of food choice for athletes are multifaceted and more complex than those of the general population, attributed to additional exercise-related factors. Despite this complexity, sensory appeal remains the predominant influence across all sport types and competition levels. Understanding the dynamics of this food choice matrix in athletes allows for more personalised nutrition advice and identification of those at risk of poor dietary practices that may negatively impact upon their performance and health.

Carotene-rich vegetables like carrots have been consistently associated with lowered cancer risk in observational studies(1). Beta-carotene, a phytochemical found in fruits and vegetables, is known for its antioxidant properties. In rodent trials, supplementation with carrot (containing both carotenes and polyacetylenes) significantly reduced tumour numbers in the APCMin/+ mouse model(2). However, human intervention trials with pure beta-carotene showed more adverse effects than benefits(3). This study aimed to investigate the impact of beta- and alpha-carotene supplementation (without polyacetylenes) on colorectal cancer using the APCMin/+ mouse model, which spontaneously develops intestinal tumours and an enlarged liver(4).

APCMin/+ mice were fed either a daily supplement of 10mg/kg mouse of a polyacetylene-free extract from carrots containing a beta- and alpha-carotene mixture, in a dose corresponding to the beneficial carrot supplementation, or the control diet, with a very low beta-carotene content (providing approx. 0.02mg/kg mouse/day). The 8-week supplementation commenced at 5 weeks of age. Tumour quantification in the small intestines of APCMin/+ mice was performed by histology of the entire small intestine, with one slide per 0.3mm, using the H&E staining method and Imagescope software.

Supplementation with carotenes had no significant effect on the total number of tumours (≥0.5 mm), showing no discernible difference between the control (n = 6) (20.5, 95% CI [14.69, 26.31]) and treatment (n = 8) (24.5, [19.21, 29.79]) group (P = 0.237). However, the liver weight, in % of body weight, showed a significant 25% decrease in the treatment group (n = 7) (4.78 95% CI [4.45, 5.15]) compared to controls (6.42, [5.71, 7.13]) (P<0.0003), reaching a level comparable with wildtype mice (4.48, [4.13, 4.83].

These findings confirm the results from the human intervention trials by indicating that beta- and alpha-carotene do not confer any benefit for cancer prevention, while the decrease in liver weight suggests a potential beneficial effect on another aspect of liver health. Additional research is necessary to fully understand these relationships and uncover the underlying mechanisms behind these results. Specifically, beta-and alpha-carotene from carrots do not provide the reduction in tumour numbers in a mouse model of colon cancer found when feeding the corresponding dose of freeze-dried carrot. However, the carotenes significantly attenuate the liver enlargement also seen in this model.

Our diet and its impact on the human gut microbiota in terms of composition and function are key determinants of human health across the life-course(1). Fermented vegetables can have enhanced functional and nutritional properties through substrate transformation by microbes and production of biochemicals during the fermentation process(2). Kimchi is a traditional Korean vegetable ferment produced via spontaneous lactic acid bacteria fermentation. Plant nutrients and biochemicals, microbial metabolites and microbial cell components are present in kimchi(3). As live products, fermented vegetables present challenges to commercial producers who need shelf/ transport stability to deliver consistent products to consumers. We hypothesise that fermented vegetable health advantages will be preserved by freeze-drying, while enabling product stability, extended shelf and storage life, stable transportation and utility as food ingredients.

Utilising existing kimchi physiochemical data, we identified kimchi biochemicals (KBs) (benefit health but not essential to it) and kimchi nutrients (KNs) (essential to health). We quantified these components in 3-day old fresh kimchi (T3) and in 3-day old fresh kimchi that had been freeze-dried and powdered (T3 FDP). We sampled technical triplicates and calculated P values using an unpaired 2 tailed t-test.

The hypothesis that KBs and KNs in T3 FDP are preserved at levels not statistically significantly different to those in (T3) (P > 0.005) was disproved. Components of kimchi were affected differently by the FDP process, with decreases in some and increases in others. As a result, the overall profile of KBs and KNs in T3 FDP was different to T3. Based on a daily portion of fresh kimchi being ∼50 g, there was 2.64 g KBs and KNs in 50 g T3 and 2.28 g KBs and KNs in equivalent portion T3 FDP (7.5 g), a reduction of 13.64% after FDP in KBs and KNs combined. Unexpectedly, soluble fibre and iron were significantly lower in equivalent sample T3 FDP compared to T3 (P=0.003 and P < 0.0001 respectively) and vitamin B9 was significantly higher in T3 FDP compared to T3 (P < 0.0001). For KBs, acetic acid and lactic acid were significantly lower in T3 FDP (P=0.020 and P=0.046 respectively), but propionic acid was undetectable in T3 and the equivalent sample T3 FDP contained 1.44 g. Capsaicinoids were not detectable in T3, but were notably present in T3 FDP.

This study represents a critical first step in understanding the extent to which the functionality of fresh kimchi is preserved in its freeze dried and powdered form (termed a FermentceuticalTM). Improving health through fermented foods is a critical concept for consumers, food manufacturers and healthcare professionals, alike.

We present the Pilot Survey Phase 2 data release for the Wide-field ASKAP L-band Legacy All-sky Blind surveY (WALLABY), carried-out using the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP). We present 1760 H i detections (with a default spatial resolution of 30′′) from three pilot fields including the NGC 5044 and NGC 4808 groups as well as the Vela field, covering a total of $\sim 180$ deg$^2$ of the sky and spanning a redshift up to $z \simeq 0.09$. This release also includes kinematic models for over 126 spatially resolved galaxies. The observed median rms noise in the image cubes is 1.7 mJy per 30′′ beam and 18.5 kHz channel. This corresponds to a 5$\sigma$ H i column density sensitivity of $\sim 9.1\times10^{19}(1 + z)^4$ cm$^{-2}$ per 30′′ beam and $\sim 20$ km s$^{-1}$ channel and a 5$\sigma$ H i mass sensitivity of $\sim 5.5\times10^8 (D/100$ Mpc)$^{2}$ M$_{\odot}$ for point sources. Furthermore, we also present for the first time 12′′ high-resolution images (“cut-outs”) and catalogues for a sub-sample of 80 sources from the Pilot Survey Phase 2 fields. While we are able to recover sources with lower signal-to-noise ratio compared to sources in the Public Data Release 1, we do note that some data quality issues still persist, notably, flux discrepancies that are linked to the impact of side lobes associated with the dirty beams due to inadequate deconvolution. However, in spite of these limitations, the WALLABY Pilot Survey Phase 2 has already produced roughly a third of the number of HIPASS sources, making this the largest spatially resolved H i sample from a single survey to date.

Following the application of MCPA/MCPB at 1.7 kg ae ha−1 at a field site near Dresden, ON, Canada, poor control (<50% visible control) of green pigweed (Amaranthus powellii S. Watson) was observed. Amaranthus powellii is a common weed in Ontario crop production, and its evolution of resistance to synthetic auxin herbicides (SAHs) could pose a risk to crop yields. The suspected resistant A. powellii population (R) was used in dose–response and field experiments to determine resistance to SAHs. The objective of these studies was to determine whether this population of A. powellii is resistant to MCPA and cross-resistant to other SAHs. The GR50 (herbicide dose that causes a 50% reduction in plant aboveground biomass) values were determined by fitting plant dry weight data, obtained following application with seven SAHs, to a four-parameter log-logistic equation and were compared between the suspected-resistant (R) population and a known susceptible (S) population of A. powellii. The field trial was conducted in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021 in corn (Zea mays L.) and consisted of 11 postemergence SAH treatments. The GR50 values differed between the R and S populations following application with MCPA, aminocyclopyrachlor, dichlorprop-p, and mecoprop, resulting in resistance factors of 4.4, 3.0, 2.5, and 2.4, respectively. In the field study, dicamba and MCPA ester controlled A. powellii 84% and 30%, respectively, at 8 wk after treatment application (WAA). The control of Amaranthus powellii with all SAHs applied POST in corn was poor (<90% visible control) at 8 WAA. Both studies confirmed resistance to SAHs in this population of A. powellii, which will create limitations for farmers aiming to control this weed.

In this retrospective study of adult inpatients who underwent an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery with operative cultures and collection of nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we found that MRSA nasal PCR demonstrated 100% sensitivity and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% when compared to operative cultures.

Background: The use of patient reported and functional outcome measures in routine practice enhances shared decision making and supports patient-centred care. This study compared the perspectives of Chronic Inflammatory Neuropathy (CIN) patients and providers regarding their experience using an outcome measure panel. Methods: A one year study was conducted to evaluate a nine measure outcome set in routine clinical practice for CIN. The panel included patient-reported outcome measures (e.g., I-RODS and EQ-5D-5L) and functional measures (e.g., grip strength). At the conclusion of the study, participants and providers completed an online questionnaire on their experience. Results: 25 patients and five providers completed the questionnaire. Both patients and providers reported benefit in tracking disease progression, supporting treatment-related decisions, and broadening views of health. Both groups agreed patient involvement in care was enhanced. Preference for specific measures, frequency, and data presentation differed. Providers emphasized integration into electronic medical records and streamlining processes. 100% of providers and 80% of patients wanted to continue completing outcome measures. Conclusions: CIN patients and providers recognize the value of integrating outcome measures into routine care. To effectively implement these measures in clinical settings, it is important to understand the patient and provider perspective and prevent unnecessary burdens to ensure sustainability of use.