A Cross-Sectional Study of Sports Food Consumption Patterns, Experiences, and Perceptions amongst Non-Athletes in Australia

Sports foods are designed for athletes, yet their availability, type, and sales have increased over the past decade, likely driven by non-athlete use. This could lead to detrimental health outcomes via over/misuse or unwanted side effects. The aim of this study was to describe sports food consumption patterns and associated drivers, consumption reasons, perception of risks, and side effects experienced amongst non-athletes in Australia. In 2022, n = 307 non-athlete Australian adults (18-65 years) completed an online cross-sectional survey including closed-ended (consumption patterns, factors, and exercise participation) and open-ended questions (reasons for consumption, risk perception, and side effects experienced). Descriptive statistics (frequency and percent) described the sample. Ordinal logistic regression was used for univariate associations and a multivariate model was used to determine relationships between sports food consumption proxy and significant univariate associations. The themes were analysed via inductive thematic analysis using NVivo 14. Females consumed sports foods most frequently, 65% of participants consumed three or more sports foods, and participants with higher sports food consumption/frequency were less likely to perceive risks or experience side effects. The main reason for consumption was protein intake, digestion/stomach issues were the main perceived risks, and the main side effect was bloating. Despite understanding the risks and side effects, non-athlete consumers continue to use numerous sports foods, which appear to be influenced by sociodemographic factors and packaging labels. Tighter regulation of packaging-label information would ensure safer and more informed consumption.

Perseverance, partnerships and passion: ingredients for successful local government policy to promote healthy and sustainable diets

BACKGROUND

Local government authorities are well-placed to invest in evidence-based food policies that promote a population-wide shift to healthy and sustainable diets. This study describes the contextual factors that facilitated or impeded policy-making related to healthy and sustainable diets within a 'best-performing' local government in Victoria, Australia.

METHODS

Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), data from semi-structured interviews with individuals involved in developing the City of Greater Bendigo's Food System Strategy were analysed using the seven-stage Framework Method.

RESULTS

Semi-structured interviews (n = 24) were conducted with City of Greater Bendigo employees (n = 15) and key stakeholders working for local organisations (n = 6) or at a state or national level (n = 3). Interviewees mostly held positions of leadership (n = 20) and represented diverse areas of focus from health (n = 7), food systems (n = 4) and planning and public policy (n = 3). Data analysis revealed 12 cross-cutting themes; eight facilitating factors and four impeding factors. Facilitating factors included perseverance, community engagement, supportive state policy, effective leadership, a global platform and networks, partnerships, workforce capacity and passion, and the use of scientific evidence. Impeding factors included access to secure, ongoing financial resources, prohibitive state and federal policy, COVID-related disruptions to community engagement and competing stakeholder interests. Overall, this study suggests that the City of Greater Bendigo's success in developing an evidence-based local food system policy is built upon (i) a holistic worldview that embraces systems-thinking and credible frameworks, (ii) a sustained commitment and investment throughout the inner-setting over time, and (iii) the ability to establish and nurture meaningful partnerships with community groups, neighbouring local government areas and state-level stakeholders, built upon values of reciprocity and respect.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite insufficient resourcing and prohibitive policy at higher levels of government, this 'best performing' local government in Victoria, Australia developed an evidence-based food system policy by employing highly skilled and passionate employees, embracing a holistic worldview towards planetary health and harnessing global networks. Local government authorities aspiring to develop integrated food policy should nurture a workforce culture of taking bold evidence-informed policy action, invest in mechanisms to enable long-standing partnerships with community stakeholders and be prepared to endure a 'slow-burn' approach.

Local government policy to facilitate healthy and sustainable diets and the broader policy hierarchy: insights from Milan Urban Food Policy Pact cities

BACKGROUND

Local government authorities are well positioned to change the way food is produced and consumed through the implementation of integrated food policies. By facilitating the uptake of healthy and sustainable diet-related practices, integrated local government food policy can trigger change throughout the food supply chain. This study aimed to provide insights as to how the policy hierarchy surrounding local governments may be influencing local government's capacity to create integrated food policy.

METHODS

Content analysis was conducted on local government food policies (n = 36) from signatory cities of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact were mapped to seven global regions. A set of 13 predetermined healthy and sustainable diet-related practices, organized into three categories: "where to source food", "what to eat" and "how to eat", was used to assess the level of integration of each local government food policy. Additional policies from the broader policy hierarchy that were mentioned in each local government food policy were sourced and then screened for relevancy, charted according to their level of administration (local, national, global region, international) and analysed to consider which diet-related practice(s) each broader policy was likely to promote.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed three key insights: (i) local government food policies across all included global regions (n = 4) mostly promoted practices in the "where to source food" category, (ii) local government food policies across all global regions referred to policies from higher levels of administration (local, national, global region and international) which tended to also promote practices in the "where to source food" category and (iii) regarding the level of integration, local government food policies in Europe and Central Asia targeted the highest number of diet-related practices.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of integration of food policy at national, global region and international levels may be influencing that of local governments. Further research is required to understand why local government food policies are referring to some relevant policies and not others, and to determine whether a greater focus on the diet-related practices of "what to eat" and "how to eat" in policies from higher levels of government would support local governments to also prioritize these practices in their food policies.

Sports foods are not all they shake up to be. An audit of formulated supplementary sports food products and packaging in Australian retail environments

Objective

To determine store availability, total number of products, and types of Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods in Australia, along with their stated nutrition content, sweeteners added, total number, and type of claims displayed on the packaging.

Design

A cross-sectional, visual product audit of mainstream retailers.

Setting

Supermarkets, pharmacies, health food stores, and gym/fitness centres.

Results

A total of 558 products were captured in the audit, 275 of which displayed the correct mandatory packaging attributes. Three categories of products were identified, based on the dominant nutrient. Only 184 products appeared to display the correct energy value based on the listed macronutrient content (protein, fat, carbohydrate, dietary fibre). The stated nutrient content was highly variable across all product subcategories. Nineteen different sweeteners were identified, with most foods containing only one (38.2%) or two (34.9%) types. The predominant sweetener was stevia glycosides. Packages displayed multiple claims, with a maximum of 67 and minimum of 2 claims. Nutrition content claims were most frequently displayed (on 98.5% of products). Claims included regulated, minimally regulated and marketing statements.

Conclusion

Sports food consumers should be provided with accurate and detailed on pack nutrition information, to ensure informed choices are made. However, this audit showed multiple products which did not conform to current standards, appeared to provide inaccurate nutrition information, contained multiple sweeteners, and displayed an overwhelming number of on-pack claims. The increase in sales, availability, and products available in mainstream retail environments, could be impacting both intended consumers (athletes), and general non-athlete population. The results indicate underperformance in manufacturing practices which preference marketing over quality and stronger regulatory approaches are needed to protect consumer health and safety, and to prevent misleading consumers.

Energy Density of New Food Products Targeted to Children

High dietary energy density (ED) is linked to childhood obesity and poor diet quality. The Australian Health Star Rating (HSR) system aims to assist consumers in making healthful food choices. This cross-sectional study used 2014-2018 data from the Mintel Global New Products Database to describe the ED of new food products targeted to children (5-12 years) released after the introduction of HSR and examine relationships between ED and HSR. Products were categorised by ED (low < 630 kJ/100 g, medium 630-950 kJ/100 g, high > 950 kJ/100 g) and HSR (no, HSR < 2.5 low, HSR ≥ 2.5 high). Non-parametric statistics were used to examine ED and HSR. A total of 548 products targeted children: 21% low, 5% medium, 74% high ED. One hundred products displayed an HSR: 24% low, 76% high; 53 products with both high HSR and ED. The EDs of products differed by HSR (p < 0.05), but both group's medians (HSR < 2.5: 1850 kJ/100 g, HSR ≥ 2.5: 1507 kJ/100 g) were high. A high proportion of new products had a high ED, and the HSR of these foods did not consistently discriminate between ED levels, particularly for high ED foods. Policies to promote lower ED foods and better alignment between ED and HSR may improve childhood obesity and diet quality.

Evaluating Nutrient-Based Indices against Food- and Diet-Based Indices to Assess the Health Potential of Foods: How Does the Australian Health Star Rating System Perform after Five Years?

Nutrient-based indices are commonly used to assess the health potential of individual foods for nutrition policy actions. This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient profile-informed Australian Health Star Rating (HSR), against NOVA and an index informed by the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADGs), to determine the extent of alignment. All products displaying an HSR label in the Australian marketplace between June 2014 and June 2019 were extracted from the Mintel Global New Product Database, and classified into one of four NOVA categories, and either as an ADG five food group (FFG) food or discretionary food. Of 4451 products analysed, 76.5% were ultra-processed (UP) and 43% were discretionary. The median HSR of non-UP foods (4) was significantly higher than UP foods (3.5) (p < 0.01), and the median HSR of FFG foods (4) was significantly higher than discretionary foods (2.5) (p < 0.01). However, 73% of UP foods, and 52.8% of discretionary foods displayed an HSR ≥ 2.5. Results indicate the currently implemented HSR system is inadvertently providing a ‘health halo’ for almost ¾ of UP foods and ½ of discretionary foods displaying an HSR. Future research should investigate whether the HSR scheme can be reformed to avoid misalignment with food-and diet-based indices.

Stability and Resiliency of Biological Control of the Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Hop

The twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) is a common pest in agricultural and ornamental crops. This pest can be controlled by resident predatory arthropods in certain situations. This research quantified the stability and resiliency of established conservation biological control of the twospotted spider mite in hop over a 5-yr period associated with nitrogen fertilization rate and use of a broad-spectrum insecticide. Biological control generally was stable and resilient over a sixfold range of nitrogen fertilization rates, and in only 1 of 5 yr did elevated nitrogen rates significantly affect populations of spider mites. In contrast, one application of the insecticide bifenthrin was associated with disruption of biological control and a severe outbreak of spider mites. The complex of natural enemies suppressed the outbreak during the same year in which bifenthrin was applied, but only after populations of spider mites exceeded levels associated with economic damage. However, in the following year the system returned to an equilibrium state where spider mites were suppressed below economically damaging levels. Therefore, conservation biological control in hop appears stable and robust to factors such as nitrogen fertilization that increase reproductive rates of spider mites but may be sensitive to factors such as nonselective insecticides that are lethal to natural enemies. Conservation biological control can be considered resilient to a single use of a nonselective insecticide in the year following the application, but not within the year of application.

The Health Star Rating system - is its reductionist (nutrient) approach a benefit or risk for tackling dietary risk factors?

The Australian Government's voluntary Health Star Rating (HSR) system has potential to provide a user-friendly approach to help shoppers choose healthier packaged food options. However, despite evidence that it is dietary imbalances and excesses that are the predominant causes of diet-related noncommunicable diseases and obesity, the star-rating system's design is based on a reductionist (nutrient) world view of nutrition science which is not a fit-for-purpose solution to the cause of the problem. As a result, the HSR system frequently is inadvertently contradicting Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) recommendations, and promoting the marketing of discretionary and ultraprocessed foods. This perspective article looks at how the HSR system could be reformed to complement the ADG and stresses the overriding priority is to position it within, and not be a distraction from, a comprehensive national nutrition policy if dietary risk factors are to be effectively tackled.

Electron microscopy and tomography reveal that sodium 2-naphthalene sulfonate incorporated into perming solutions swells and tilts trichocyte intermediate filaments causing straightening of curly Japanese human hair

OBJECTIVE

A new hair-care process has been specifically developed for the straightening of curved Japanese woman's hair . The process included sodium 2-naphthalene sulfonate (SNS) in the reduction and oxidation steps of a conventional perming process. Our objective was to develop an understanding of how this process caused hair straightening by measuring the changes to morphology and ultrastructure between untreated, conventionally permed and SNS permed hair. Untreated and SNS permed Merino wool fibres were used to confirm structural changes.

METHODS

Japanese hair samples were measured for single-fibre curvature before and after perming treatments. A silver staining method was developed to stain hair fibres without changing fibre curvature so that transmission electron microscopy could be used to measure changes in the lateral dimensions of all structural components from the cellular to protein filament level. Electron tomography determined intermediate filament slopes and slope changes after SNS perming relative to the central longitudinal axis of the fibre.

RESULTS

SNS perming was found to cause greater lateral swelling than conventional perming of: the paracortical cells of wool; the cuticle, the cuticular cell membrane complex and the macrofibrillar centre-to-centre distance of hair; and of the intermediate filaments in wool and hair. In curved hair, SNS perming caused the intermediate filaments of the helical macrofibrils to simultaneously swell and to tilt further, resulting in the slight longitudinal contraction of the macrofibrils. The overall swelling and tilting was greatest in the helical macrofibrils of Type B cortical cells predominately located in the convex fibre half. The presence of a higher percentage of helical macrofibrils in the convex fibre half than in the concave fibre half caused a contraction differential between the two halves leading to straighten of the curved fibre. A mechanical model was proposed to explain how SNS perming straightened curly hair.

CONCLUSION

The effects of conventional and SNS perming on the morphological and ultrastructural components of curved Japanese hair and high-curl Merino wool fibres have given clear insights into understanding the mechanism of fibre curvature change.

Analysing the use of the Australian Health Star Rating system by level of food processing

BACKGROUND

The consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with diminished dietary quality and adverse health outcomes. The Australian Health Star Rating (HSR) is a nutrient-based front-of-pack (FOP) labelling system that assesses the 'healthiness' of foods on a scale of 0.5 to 5 stars based on their content of 'risk' and 'positive' nutrients. This study aimed to analyse the use of health stars on new packaged food products entering the Australian marketplace by level of food processing.

METHODS

The Mintel Global New Product Database (GNPD) was searched to identify the number of stars displayed on the labels of all new packaged food products participating in the HSR system released into the Australian retail food supply between 27 June 2014 (the endorsement date) and 30 June 2017. Products were categorised by the four NOVA food processing categories: unprocessed and minimally processed (MP), processed culinary ingredients (PCI), processed (P), and ultra-processed (UP), and the distribution of the star ratings within each category was compared and analysed.

RESULTS

The majority of new food products displaying an HSR were UP (74.4%), followed by MP (12.5%), P (11.6%), and PCI (1.5%). The median HSR of MP products (4.5) was significantly higher than the median of P (4) and UP products (3.5) (all p < 0.05). In all NOVA categories HSR profiles were distributed towards higher star ratings, and the majority (77%) of UP products displayed an HSR ≥ 2.5.

CONCLUSIONS

The HSR is being displayed on a substantial proportion of newly released UP foods. Technical weaknesses, design flaws and governance limitations with the HSR system are resulting in 3 out of 4 instances of these UP foods displaying at least 2.5 so-called 'health' stars. These findings add further evidence to concerns that the HSR system, in its current form, is misrepresenting the healthiness of new packaged food products and creating a risk for behavioural nutrition.

Vegetables and legumes in new Australasian food launches: how are they being used and are they a healthy choice?

BACKGROUND

Despite the health benefits of regular vegetable and legume consumption, on average Australians are consuming only half of the recommended daily intake. The reasons for this low consumption are complex, and are particularly driven by societal shifts towards convenient and ready-to-eat meal options. It is currently unknown how legumes and vegetables are being utilised in food products within the Australian context, and the nutritional value or level of processing of these products.

METHODS

The Mintel Global New Food Database was used to identify all new products launched between May 2012 and May 2017 in Australasia which at least 0.5 serves of vegetables and/or legumes per recommended serving. Eligible products were coded using the NOVA food classification system and the Healthy Choices guidelines, and were categorized by the researchers based on the type and proportion of vegetable and legume ingredients used.

RESULTS

Overall, 1313 products were identified, which contained a median of 55% vegetable and legume ingredients (IQR = 45%). This translated to approximately 1 (IQR = 1) serves of vegetables and legumes per recommended serving of the products. The product launches were most likely to be classified as an 'amber' choice, and be classified as either 'processed' or 'ultra-processed'. Vegetables and legumes were mainly found in the form of new prepared meals, soups or whole vegetables products, however there were some more innovative uses of these ingredients, such as yoghurts and pastas.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the new products currently released onto the Australian market which contain vegetable and legume ingredients do not provide meaningful amounts of these ingredients, and tend to be highly processed and unhealthier options. A multi-faceted approach is needed to improve vegetable and legume consumption, which includes improving the availability of products which help consumers to meet vegetable and legume consumption recommendations. Future research should consider the acceptability of these products to consumers, and the barriers for food manufacturers in creating products with a higher amount of vegetables and legumes.

Influence of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate on Hop Looper

Hop looper, Hypena humuli Harris, can cause substantial defoliation and crop damage by feeding on hop leaves and cones. A 4-yr field study conducted in western Oregon evaluated the abundance of hop looper larvae and associated defoliation of leaves on plants fertilized with nitrogen rates ranging from 44.8 to 269 kg/ha. There was annual variation in abundance of hop looper and defoliation, with a tendency for increasing nitrogen rate to increase both abundance of hop looper and defoliation. A mixed model analysis with data combined from 2014 to 2017 found that abundance of hop looper was linearly related to nitrogen fertilizer rate, with a 2.5 increase in hop looper-days per kilogram of nitrogen fertilizer applied. Similarly, based on data from 2015 to 2017, defoliation associated with hop looper increased 0.031 percent with each kilogram of nitrogen fertilizer applied. Therefore, avoiding unduly high rates of nitrogen fertilizer may reduce the abundance and defoliation caused by hop looper. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms associated with nitrogen stimulation of hop looper.

Nutritional quality of new food products released into the Australian retail food market in 2015 - is the food industry part of the solution?

BACKGROUND

Food manufacturers have made public statements and voluntary commitments, such as the Healthier Australia Commitment (HAC), to improve the nutritional quality of foods. However, limited information about the nutritional quality or healthfulness of new products makes it difficult to determine if manufacturers are doing this. The purpose of this study was to assess the healthfulness of new food products released into the Australian retail market in 2015, and whether those companies who were HAC members released healthier food options compared to non-HAC members.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study assessed the healthfulness of all new retail food products launched in Australia in 2015 as indexed in Mintel's Global New Products Database. Healthfulness was assessed using three classification schemes: Healthy Choices Framework Victoria, Australian Dietary Guidelines and NOVA Food Classification System. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests described and compared the number and proportions of new foods falling within each of the food classification schemes' categories for companies that were and were not HAC members.

RESULTS

In 2015, 4143 new food products were launched into the Australian market. The majority of new products were classified in each schemes' least healthy category (i.e. red, discretionary and ultra-processed). Fruits and vegetables represented just 3% of new products. HAC members launched a significantly greater proportion of foods classified as red (59% vs 51% for members and non-members, respectively) discretionary (79% vs 61%), and ultra-processed (94% vs 81%), and significantly fewer were classified as green (8% vs 15%), core foods (18% vs 36%) and minimally processed (0% vs 6%) (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that the majority of new products released into the Australian retail food market in 2015 were classified in each of three schemes' least healthy categories. A greater proportion of new products launched by companies that publicly committed to improve the nutritional quality of their products were unhealthy, and a lower proportion were healthy, compared with new products launched by companies that did not so commit. Greater monitoring of industry progress in improving the healthfulness of the food supply may be warranted, with public accountability if the necessary changes are not seen.

Suppression of hop looper (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by the fungicide pyraclostrobin

The hop looper, Hypena humuli Harris, is a reemergent pest of hop that often requires treatment to mitigate crop damage. In 4 yr of field trials, plots treated with fungicides were observed to sustain less hop looper defoliation compared with nontreated plots. Further investigation revealed that abundance of hop looper and associated defoliation were reduced when the fungicide pyraclostrobin was applied in late July to early August. Two other fungicides possessing active ingredients in the same chemical family (quinone outside inhibitor) did not reduce abundance of hop looper or its defoliation. Pyraclostrobin is efficacious against powdery mildew diseases, and the application timing evaluated in these studies corresponds with a period of juvenile susceptibility of hop cones to the disease. Use of fungicides containing pyraclostrobin at this time may have the ancillary benefit of reducing hop looper damage, potentially obviating the need for broad-spectrum insecticides later in the season. Follow-up studies are warranted to determine whether pyraclostrobin may inhibit other lepidopteran species.

Development of biological control of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phorodon humuli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Oregon hop yards

The temporal development of biological control of arthropod pests in perennial cropping systems is largely unreported. In this study, the development of biological control of twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, and hop aphid, Phorodon humuli (Schrank), in a new planting of hop in Oregon is described over a period of 9 yr (2005-2013). Both the abundance and diversity of natural enemies increased over time. Known predators of hop aphid (Coccinellidae and Anthocoridae) were present in all years; however, stable biological control of hop aphid was not achieved in most years and aphicides were required to suppress populations at commercially acceptable levels in 5 of 9 yr. Populations of aphidophagous coccinellids developed synchronously with hop aphid populations, and temporal correlations indicated these are the primary predatory insect associated with hop aphid regulation. However, sampling methods did not assess levels of aphid parasitoids and hyperparasitoids and their contribution to biological control was unquantified. Spider mite biological control was associated primarily with predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) and Stethorus spp. (Coccinellidae). The magnitude of temporal correlations of abundance of these predators with spider mites was found to be greatest on the same sampling dates and at lags of 7-14 d. Stable biological control of spider mites occurred after four field seasons, suppressing spider mites to levels similar to those commonly achieved with chemical control. A survey of 11 commercial hop yards in Oregon documented pest and natural enemy densities under commercial management practices over a period of 4 yr (2008-2011). Natural enemy abundance in commercial hop yards was similar to that of a 2- to 3-yr-old hop yard with limited disturbance. Whereas total reliance on biological control for hop aphid is unlikely to be successful, there appears to be unrealized potential for biological control of spider mites in commercial production. Dynamic action thresholds that consider the value of natural enemies are needed for both pests.

Immunological and nutritional factors in elderly people in low-level care and their association with mortality

Background

This study examines associations between markers of nutritional status and lymphocyte subsets and seeks to determine if lymphocyte profile is predictive of survival in elderly Australians residing in aged care facilities. Aged yet still ambulatory subjects (n = 88, 73% female) living in low-level care and requiring minimal assistance were studied for 143 weeks. At baseline when participants were aged (mean ± SD) 86.0 ± 5.9 years, dietary intake was determined by 3-day weighed food record, body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and a venous blood sample was taken.

Results

At baseline assessment, study participants were consuming nutrient-poor diets and most had symptoms of chronic disease. Although overweight, 40% exhibited sarcopenia. Markers of nutritional status did not relate closely to immune cell numbers (absolute or relative), which on average were within the normal range. Men had lower numbers of CD3⁺CD4⁺ cells (CD4⁺ T cells), a higher proportion of CD3⁻ CD16^± CD56^± (natural killer (NK) cells) and a higher ratio of NK: CD4⁺ T cells than women (all P < 0.05). The main age-related changes evident were decreased T cells, particularly low CD4⁺ T cell counts, and increased numbers of CD19⁺ (B-cell) and NK cells. During the 143 week duration of follow-up, about one quarter of the study participants died, with death more likely in men than women (P < 0.01). Poor survival was predicted by the presence of decreased numbers of CD4⁺ T cells (hazard ratio (HR) 0.919, P < 0.01) and expanded numbers of NK cells (HR 1.085, P < 0.05) in the blood, and therefore the presence of a high NK: CD4⁺ T cell ratio (HR 30.521, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The NK: CD4⁺ T cell ratio may potentially have clinical utility for predicting longevity in elderly populations. Further studies are needed in other elderly populations to confirm this finding.

Population density and phenology of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) in hop is linked to the timing of sulfur applications

The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a worldwide pest of numerous agronomic and horticultural plants. Sulfur fungicides are known to induce outbreaks of this pest on several crops, although mechanisms associated with sulfur-induced mite outbreaks are largely unknown. Studies were conducted during 2007-2009 in Oregon and Washington hop yards to evaluate the effect of timing of sulfur applications on T. urticae and key predators. In both regions, applications of sulfur made relatively late in the growing season (mid-June to mid-July) were associated with the greatest exacerbation of spider mite outbreaks, particularly in the upper canopy of the crop. The severity of mite outbreaks was closely associated with sulfur applications made during a relatively narrow time period coincident with the early exponential phase of spider mite increase and rapid host growth. A nonlinear model relating mean cumulative mite days during the time of sulfur sprays to the percent increase in total cumulative mite days (standardized to a nontreated plot) explained 58% of the variability observed in increased spider mite severity related to sulfur spray timing. Spatial patterns of spider mites in the Oregon plots indicated similar dispersal of motile stages of spider mites among leaves treated with sulfur versus nontreated leaves; however, in two of three years, eggs were less aggregated on leaves of sulfur-treated plants, pointing to enhanced dispersal. Apart from one experiment in Washington, relatively few predatory mites were observed during the course of these studies, and sulfur-induced mite outbreaks generally occurred irrespective of predatory mite abundance. Collectively, these studies indicate sulfur induces mite outbreaks through direct or indirect effects on T. urticae, mostly independent of predatory mite abundance or toxicity to these predators. Avoidance of exacerbation of spider mite outbreaks by sulfur sprays was achieved by carefully timing applications to periods of low spider mite abundance and slower host development, which is generally early to mid-spring for hop.

Sclerotinia Wilt of Hop (Humulus lupulus) Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in the Pacific Northwest United States

In June 2009, wilted hop bines were observed in a yard in Marion County, OR. The wilt was associated with a stem rot that occurred ~1 m from the ground near the point where bines are tied together for horticultural purposes. Samples of affected stems were submitted to the Oregon State University Plant Clinic. White hyphae and large, black sclerotia were present on the stems, with a clear delineation between healthy and diseased tissue. The pathogen was identified as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum based on morphological characters. In June 2011, bine wilting was observed on the same farm but in a different hop yard (cv. Nugget) ~10 km from the 2009 occurrence. Affected plants had upward curled leaves with necrotic margins or wilted bines that were severed at the soil line. Wilted bines tended to have smaller diameters than bines with foliar symptoms only. Of 100 plants examined, 75% displayed some foliar symptoms and 66% had at least one bine that was wilted. Yield loss was estimated at 10 to 20% due to bine wilting before cone development. Unlike the 2009 occurrence, wilted bines did not display aerial signs of S. sclerotiorum. Rather, water-soaked lesions covered in white, cottony mycelium were apparent on affected stems 2.5 to 5 cm below the soil surface, some bearing large, irregularly shaped sclerotia. Isolations made onto potato dextrose agar yielded isolates with rapid growth rates and morphological characters consistent with S. sclerotiorum (1). DNA was extracted (2) and pathogen identity was confirmed by PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer regions from isolates SS001 and SS002 as described before (4). The amplicons were sequenced bidirectionally and consensus sequences were 100% similar to S. sclerotiorum (GenBank No. AAGT01000678.1). Two nucleotide polymorphisms were present that differentiated the sequences from those of 12 S. trifoliorum accessions in GenBank that could be aligned (2). Greenhouse assays utilizing a toothpick inoculation procedure (3) were conducted to fulfill Koch's postulates. Stems of five 4-week-old hop plants of cv. Agate were pierced with a toothpick colonized with S. sclerotiorum. Five control plants were similarly inoculated with toothpicks without the fungus. Inoculated plants developed symptoms similar to those observed in the field within 11 days; four of five plants inoculated with isolate SS001 and two of five plants inoculated with isolate SS002 completely wilted. S. sclerotiorum was reisolated from all inoculated plants but not the control plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Sclerotinia wilt on hop in Oregon or the Pacific Northwest (1), where nearly all commercial hop production occurs in the United States. The disease appears to be localized to a limited number of yards, although given the widespread distribution and host range of S. sclerotiorum, it is plausible that the disease may occur in other yards. Recurrent outbreaks and spread of the disease among yards on the affected farm suggests that Sclerotinia wilt has the potential to become a perennial problem on hop and efforts to limit the introduction of S. sclerotiorum into other yards are warranted. References: (1) D. H. Gent. Page 32 in: Compendium of Hop Diseases and Pests. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 2009. (2) E. N. Njambere et al. Plant Dis. 92:917, 2008. (3) M. L. Putnam. Plant Pathol. 53:252, 2004. (4) T. J. White et al. PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.

Weight loss in elderly women in low-level care and its association with transfer to high-level care and mortality

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine whether unintentional weight loss in older women predicts an imminent transition out of low-level care (either to higher-level care or by mortality).

Methods

Fifty-three Australian women, ambulatory while living in low-level care and requiring minimal assistance, were studied. At baseline, when the women were aged (mean ± standard deviation) 86.2 ± 5.3 years, body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, dietary intake was determined by a three-day weighed food record, a venous blood sample was taken, and both muscle strength and physical functioning were measured. The women were then followed up for 143 weeks to record the composite outcome of transfer to high-level care or mortality.

Results

During follow-up, unintended loss of body weight occurred in 60% of the women, with a mean weight loss of −4.6 ± 3.6 kg. Seven women (13.2%) died, and seven needed transfer to high-level care. At baseline, those who subsequently lost weight had a higher body mass index (P < 0.01) because they were shorter (P < 0.05) but not heavier than the other women. Analysis of their dietary pattern revealed a lower dietary energy (P < 0.05) and protein intake (P < 0.01). The women who lost weight also had lower hip abductor strength (P < 0.01), took longer to stand and walk (P < 0.05), and showed a slower walking speed (P < 0.01). Their plasma C-reactive protein was higher (P < 0.05) and their serum albumin was lower (P < 0.01) than women who did not lose weight. Nonintentional weight loss was a significant predictor of death or transfer to high care (hazards ratio 0.095, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Weight loss in older women predicts adverse outcomes, so should be closely monitored.

Evaluation of airborne methyl salicylate for improved conservation biological control of two-spotted spider mite and hop aphid in Oregon hop yards

The use of synthetic herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPV) to attract natural enemies has received interest as a tool to enhance conservation biological control (CBC). Methyl salicylate (MeSA) is a HIPV that is attractive to several key predators of two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), and hop aphid, Phorodon humuli (Schrank) (Homoptera: Aphididae). A 2-year study was conducted to evaluate the recommended commercial use of MeSA in hop yards in Oregon. Slow-release MeSA dispensers were stapled to supporting poles in 0.5 ha plots and these plots were compared to a paired non-treated plot on each of three farms in 2008 and 2009. Across both years, there was a trend for reduced (range 40-91%) mean seasonal numbers of T. urticae in five of the six MeSA-baited plots. Stethorus spp., key spider mite predators, tended to be more numerous in MeSA-baited plots compared to control plots on a given farm. Mean seasonal densities of hop aphid and other natural enemies (e.g., Orius spp. and Anystis spp.) were similar between MeSA-treated and control plots. Variability among farms in suppression of two-spotted spider mites and attraction of Stethorus spp. suggests that the use of MeSA to enhance CBC of spider mites in commercial hop yards may be influenced by site-specific factors related to the agroecology of individual farms or seasonal effects that require further investigation. The current study also suggests that CBC of hop aphid with MeSA in this environment may be unsatisfactory.

Poor physical function in elderly women in low-level aged care is related to muscle strength rather than to measures of sarcopenia

Purpose:

To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and investigate relationships among body composition, muscle strength, and physical function in elderly women in low-level aged care.

Subjects and methods:

Sixty-three ambulatory women (mean age 86 years) participated in this cross-sectional study where body composition was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); ankle, knee, and hip strength by the Nicholas Manual Muscle Tester; and physical function by ‘timed up and go’ (TUG) and walking speed (WS) over 6 meters. Body composition data from a female reference group (n = 62, mean age 29 years) provided cut-off values for defining sarcopenia.

Results:

Elderly women had higher body mass index (P < 0.001), lower lean mass (P < 0.001), and higher fat mass (P < 0.01) than the young reference group. Only a small proportion (3.2%) had absolute sarcopenia (defined by appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height squared) whereas 37% had relative sarcopenia class II (defined by percentage skeletal muscle mass). Scores for TUG and WS indicated relatively poor physical function, yet these measures were not associated with muscle mass or indices of sarcopenia. In multivariate analysis, only hip abductor strength predicted both TUG and WS (both P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Hip strength is a more important indicator of physical functioning than lean mass. Measurement of hip strength may therefore be a useful screening tool to detect those at risk of functional decline and requirement for additional care. Further longitudinal studies with a range of other strength measures are warranted.

Malnutrition on the menu: nutritional status of institutionalised elderly Australians in low-level care

BACKGROUND

Most studies reporting malnutrition in the elderly relate to high-level care. However, one third of Australians in aged care reside in low-level care facilities. Data is limited on their nutritional status.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the nutritional status of elderly in low-level care facilities.

DESIGN

A cross sectional study design.

SETTING

14 low-level aged care facilities in metropolitan Melbourne.

PARTICIPANTS

Convenience sample of 103 ambulatory elderly (86 +/- 6.6 years (mean +/- SD), 76% female, comprising 15% of the hostel population) able to perform daily functions of living.

MEASUREMENTS

Nutritional intake assessed by three-day weighed food records, and nutritional status by haematological and biochemical markers and body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry).

RESULTS

FOOD served did not supply the estimated average requirements (EAR) for 5 of the 14 nutrients analysed. Compared with EAR, 34% of participants were protein malnourished and 62% had energy intake deficits. Micronutrient intake was low for calcium, magnesium, folate, zinc (for men) and dietary fibre. Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25OH Vitamin D < 50 nmol/L) was present in 58% of residents. More men than women had low haemoglobin (P < 0.000), low red blood cells (P < 0.000), and a raised white blood cell count (P = 0.004). Forty three percent of men and 21% women had sarcopenia, 28% of men and 44% women had excess body fat (> 28% and >40%, respectively) and 14% of men and 12 % of women were sarcopenic-obese. Only 12% showed no sign of undernutrition using seven different nutritional indicators. Around 65% had two or more indicators of undernutrition.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the need for the supply of more, better quality, nutrient dense food to residents and better detection of undernutrition in aged care facilities. Maintenance of nutritional status has the potential to reduce morbidity and delay the transition to high-level care.

Imprinting and the origin of parasite-host species associations in brood-parasitic indigobirds, Vidua chalybeata

Brood-parasitic village indigobirds, Vidua chalybeata, were bred in captivity and foster-reared by their normal host species, the red-billed firefinch, Lagonosticta senegala, or by an experimental foster species, the Bengalese finch, Lonchura striata. Captive-reared female indigobirds were tested as adults for mate choice and for host choice. In tests of mate choice, female indigobirds responded preferentially towards mimicry songs of male indigobirds that were similar to those of the females' own foster parents. Females reared by Bengalese finches responded to male songs that mimicked Bengalese finch song rather than to male songs that mimicked their normal host species, the firefinch. In tests of host choice, females reared by Bengalese finches laid in the nests of Bengalese finches, and females reared by firefinches laid in the nests of firefinches. Wild-caught females showed the same behaviours as captive-bred females reared by firefinches. A female indigobird's social companions (firefinch or Bengalese) following her independence of her foster parents had no effect on her sexual response to male mimicry song or her choice of a host species in brood parasitism. The results support the predictions of a model of imprinting-like behaviour development in which young indigobirds focus their attention on their foster parents, rather than a model of innate bias for songs and nests of their normal host species, or a null model of nonspecific brood parasitism and differential survival. The results provide experimental support for the recent origin of brood parasite-host associations and the significance of imprinting in speciation in these brood parasites. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.

Song learning in brood-parasitic indigobirds Vidua chalybeata: song mimicry of the host species

Brood-parasitic village indigobirds, Vidua chalybeata, were bred in captivity and foster-reared by their normal host, red-billed firefinch, Lagonosticta senegala, or by an experimental foster species, Bengalese finch, Lonchura striata. Male indigobirds reared by Bengalese finches developed the songs of Bengalese finches, and males reared by firefinches developed songs of firefinches. Males copied their foster father only when they had lived with him long after independence (45 days post-fledging), while males separated normally at independence (22-24 days post-fledging) copied songs of other individuals and not songs of their foster father. Males reared by Bengalese finches showed no preference to learn firefinch song over songs of the experimental foster species or other control finch species even when they had lived with firefinches as companions from the time of fledging to independence. Males copied several song themes, acquired the same number of mimicry songs, and acquired their songs at the same age, whether reared by Bengalese finches or by firefinches. When they lived with other indigobirds, the male indigobirds copied mimicry songs of male indigobirds that mimicked the same foster species. We predicted mimicry-song specificity and repertoire size in experimental indigobirds from a hypothesis of an early developmental period when young indigobirds focus their attention on their foster parents, and a later period when they direct their attention to other birds with similar songs. The predictions, based on field observations of wild birds, were that (1) males reared by a novel foster species other than the normal host would learn the song of that foster species, and (2) males that left their foster parents at the normal time of independence would copy the songs of other individuals, including other adult indigobirds that mimicked the same foster species. Begging calls of young indigobirds did not mimic the calls of young firefinches. Indigobirds reared alone, or with young of the normal host or of the experimental foster species, all developed begging calls in adult song that resembled their own begging as nestlings and fledglings, and only males that heard other adult indigobirds with firefinch-mimicry begging developed firefinch begging in their song. The incorporation of the innate begging calls as well as the learned begging calls into adult song, and the modification of the song themes of their individual song models, suggest that song development involves processes in addition to copying the songs of their own foster species and of older adult male indigobirds with songs like their own foster parents. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.

Wool fibre tenacity in Romney sheep genetically different in staple tenacity

Wool from lines of Romney sheep selected for improved or reduced staple tenacity was examined to determine if the difference in staple tenacity was explained by a difference in fibre tenacity. A random sample of ewe hogget wools (n = 32) was chosen from each of the 2 selection lines. Fibre tenacity was measured by breaking 10 fibres from each wool sample using an Instron to measure peak force, and then a fluorescence microscope attached to an image analyser to measure cross-sectional area of the fracture surface. Staple tenacity was measured on 5 staples per sample, by placing each staple in a Staplebreaker set to 40 mm between clamps, and the peak force to break the staple was recorded. Prior to clamping, each staple was adjusted so that the thinnest point measured 1.5 mm2 in cross-section and this point was positioned 20 mm from each clamp. Although the difference in staple tenacity between these 2 groups was highly significant (P = 0.002)) there was no difference in the tenacity of individual fibres (P = 0.903). Staple tenacity was not significantly correlated with fibre tenacity (r = 0.090). Similarly, there was no significant correlation between work to break the staple and either work (r = 0.118) or peak force (r = 0.195) to break the fibre. It is proposed that other components of staple tenacity, such as the profile of cross-sectional area along the fibre and the variability of crimped fibre length within the staple, may be more important determinants of staple tenacity in these selection lines.

Immobilised pH gradient isoelectric focusing of wool proteins

Conventional carrier ampholyte-isoelectric focusing is unsuitable for separating wool and hair proteins. The inability to form stable narrow pH gradients at acidic pH values does not allow good resolution of the many acidic wool and hair proteins. To evaluate the usefulness of immobilised pH gradient-isoelectric focusing (IPG-IEF) for wool proteins, S-amidomethyl wool proteins were analysed using IPG-IEF. Over twenty bands were visible on a pH 4-7 IPG-IEF gel. IPG-IEF was combined with sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to give a two dimensional separation, and over 50 protein spots were observed. IPG-IEF appears to be ideally suited to the separation of wool proteins. The resolution of two-dimensional electrophoresis using IPG-IEF was greater than previously obtained using acid or alkaline PAGE in the first dimension. Good reproducibility of spot position was observed.

Chimeric antithrombin peptide. Characterization of an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)- and hirudin carboxyl terminus-containing synthetic peptides

We investigated the properties of an artificial chimeric peptide that contains an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-tripeptide, the versatile cell recognition signal of extracellular matrix protein components, coupled to a carboxyl-terminal fragment of the highly specific alpha-thrombin inhibitor, hirudin (residues 53-64): WGRGDSANGDFEEIPEEYL (RGD-hirudin53-64). Hirudin53-64 and RGD-hirudin53-64 inhibited the fibrinogen clotting activity of alpha-thrombin and prolonged the activated partial thromboplastin time of human plasma. In addition, both peptides afforded total protection to thrombin from trypsionolysis. Neither hirudin53-64 nor RGD-hirudin53-64 dramatically interfered with the thrombin-antithrombin inhibition reaction either in the absence or presence of added heparin. alpha-Thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was effectively inhibited by hirudin53-64 and RGD-hirudin53-64. Unlike hirudin53-64, RGD-hirudin53-64 in solution inhibited integrin-mediated endothelial cell and fibroblast cell attachment to polystyrene wells in the presence of fetal bovine serum. Collectively, our results demonstrate that RGD-hirudin53-64 has anticoagulant/antiplatelet aggregation activity attributable to its hirudin sequence and integrin-directed cell attachment activity due to its RGD site. Our results suggest that this chimeric motif may serve as a prototype for a new class of anticoagulants where an integrin-specific sequence "targets" the peptide to a cell (ultimately through the platelet integrin alpha IIb beta 3) trapped amid a thrombus with ensuing proteinase inhibition.

Wool Proteins of New Zealand Romney Sheep

Proteins extracted from the wool of 65 Romney ewes were analysed qualitatively by one- and twodimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Romney wool proteins could be classified into the iow-sulfur, high-sulfur, and high-tyrosine protein groups described for wool from other breeds.