The 58th Annual Scientific Conference of the Nutrition Society of New Zealand, held in Christchurch in 2024, brought together 187 delegates under the theme ‘Kotahitanga: Bridging Research, Industry and Practice’. This theme reflected the society’s commitment to uniting diverse sectors to address key nutrition challenges across the life course. Kotahitanga refers to unity and collective action. Topics included nutrition in ageing and chronic disease, infant and toddler nutrition, gut health, sustainable food systems and food safety. Presentations on sarcopenia and Parkinson’s disease emphasised the need for greater awareness and tailored nutrition strategies for older adults. The Muriel Bell Lecture celebrated the legacy of New Zealand’s first State Nutritionist and called for continued leadership in evidence-based nutrition and encouraged nutritionists to communicate research to the public. A panel on science communication offered practical strategies for engaging the public and countering misinformation. The conference reinforced the importance of collaboration, advocacy and practical application in advancing nutrition.

This research article addresses the hypothesis that vehicles used for cattle transport are contaminated with Escherichia coli, a potential foodborne pathogen, despite current regulations on sanitation practices. Dairy cattle and calves are regularly transported to auction markets, calf rearers and slaughterhouses. UK Government guidelines require livestock transport vehicles to be cleaned and disinfected within 24 hours of use or before re-use within that period. It is feasible, however, that if cleaning fails to eradicate bacteria, then transport vehicles can act as a fomite in the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pathogens. In this study, 13 trailer-loads (TLs) of calves were transported for 40–60 minutes. Trailers were then cleaned and disinfected within 20 minutes of unloading. Five sites within the trailer were swabbed after pressure washing and again 30 minutes after application of disinfectant. A bacterial count for E. coli was performed through growth on selective agar, and species identification was confirmed by MALDI-TOF. A subset of 30 isolates was selected for antibiotic susceptibility screening to a panel of veterinary and human antibiotics. E. coli were recovered from all TLs and sites; however, not all sites were contaminated in each TL. E. coli count was significantly reduced, but not eliminated, following application of disinfectant. Furthermore, high prevalence of resistance to sulphonamides, first-generation cephalosporins, and tetracyclines was observed. Forty percent of screened isolates were also classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) (i.e. resistant to at least one antibiotic from three or more antibiotic classes). Application of disinfectant did not increase the risk of recovering an MDR isolate. This study demonstrates that livestock trailers can harbour potential zoonotic pathogens with AMR properties. Disinfection in accordance with current guidelines is an important step in reducing, but not eradicating, bacterial populations in these vehicles. Improved cleaning and/or disinfection policies are required to mitigate the potential for AMR transmission.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), found primarily in red blood cells, plays a key role in regulating hemoglobin’s (Hb) affinity for oxygen. Increased 2,3-DPG levels shift the oxygen dissociation curve to the right, reducing Hb’s oxygen affinity and enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues—particularly important in conditions like anemia and high-altitude adaptation. Despite its physiological significance, research on 2,3-DPG is outdated and limited. This review aims to summarize current knowledge and identify research gaps. Measuring 2,3-DPG is challenging due to its instability and the need for careful sample handling. Chromatography and enzymatic methods are commonly used. Several factors influence 2,3-DPG levels, including diet, physiological state, and disease. Dietary phosphorus, for example, can acutely affect 2,3-DPG levels, though the impact of different meal compositions remains unexplored. Age, pregnancy, and physical activity also modulate 2,3-DPG, yet little is known about its role in infants and children. While changes in 2,3-DPG levels under various pathological conditions have been described, the molecular mechanisms behind these alterations remain poorly understood and warrant further investigation.

Obesity has significant implications regarding the welfare of companion animals. Data regarding obesity in exotic companion mammals (ECM) are sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate obesity in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), and rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Estonia, and to survey husbandry practices and owner awareness. Husbandry data were collected from patients visiting the Estonian University of Life Sciences’ small animal clinic via anonymous questionnaires over an eleven-month period. Three hundred and fifty-one questionnaire responses and body condition score (BCS) data for 177 patients (71 rabbits, 73 guinea pigs, 33 rats) were collected. Twenty-eight percent of rabbits, 23% of guinea pigs and 28% of rats were overweight (BCS > 3/5). Male rats were more likely to be overweight than females and there was a negative correlation between age and body condition. There was an increased likelihood of male guinea pigs being underweight. Owner questionnaires revealed that 20% of rabbit owners, 14% of guinea pig owners and 11% of rat owners believed their pets to be overweight while 58% of owners had not received husbandry advice from a veterinarian. Obesity is a significant welfare issue in the Estonian ECM population and several detrimental husbandry practices were identified, including inappropriate feeding, insufficient physical activity, individual housing. Further studies might investigate veterinarian awareness of the issues at hand and tendencies for other species.

Rapid deforestation in the tropics reduces the global carbon sequestration and storage capacity of forests. However, abandoned lands can recover naturally through secondary succession. While soil organic carbon (SOC) represents the largest carbon pool in young secondary forests, its drivers remain poorly understood. Here, we assessed the roles of environmental conditions (macro- and microclimate) and forest attributes (biomass and litter nutrients) in determining three key ecosystem processes (litter production, decomposition, and soil respiration) that influence SOC dynamics in secondary forests. We collected data from young secondary tropical dry and wet forests (2.3–3.6 years old) in Ghana. Wet forests had higher aboveground biomass, soil temperature and moisture, and litter production, whereas dry forests had higher litter nutrient concentrations and faster decomposition rates. SOC and soil respiration rates were similar between forest types. Structural equation modelling showed that (1) litter decomposition increased with litter production, litter nitrogen concentration, and soil temperature (rather than soil moisture), and (2) decomposition was the only significant driver of SOC. These findings highlight the central role of litter decomposition in building SOC during early forest succession and the indirect influence of climate on belowground carbon dynamics through its effects on litter quantity and quality and microclimate.

Antimicrobials are widely used to maintain animal health and productivity; however, their misuse contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a critical One Health and global health concern. This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and practices of animal health practitioners regarding antimicrobial use and AMR in Niger State, Nigeria. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using purposive sampling, and data were analyzed at a 95% confidence level. A total of 62.8% of targeted practitioners participated. About 42.3% used antimicrobials for treating infections, while 12.2% used them for growth promotion. Only 19.5% correctly identified misuse as under-dosing, and 13.0% were unaware of what misuse entailed. Although 69.1% adhered to daily dosages as prescribed, only 1.6% performed confirmatory diagnoses before administration. Tetracycline (99.2%) and penicillin-streptomycin (82.1%) were the most frequently used antimicrobials. Satisfactory knowledge of antimicrobial use was significantly associated with practitioners aged 50–59 years (p = 0.002) and veterinarians (p = 0.001). Factors influencing misuse included improper usage (p < 0.001), weak regulation (p = 0.005), poor client finances (p = 0.001), low expertise (p = 0.001), and counterfeit drugs (p = 0.001). The findings underscore the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship, stricter regulation, and continuous education of animal health practitioners.

Statins are effective drugs for lowering hypercholesterolemia and preventing cardiovascular diseases. They can cause various side effects, in particular statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and micronutrient depletion. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of a supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against SAMS in statin-treated patients. A systematic literature search was performed in Medline and Cochrane Library in August 2024. Studies were selected for a meta-analysis according to the following criteria: randomised controlled trials (RCTs), adults taking statins (any type and dose), supplementation of CoQ10, a comparable control group, and muscle pain as outcome criterion. Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used for bias assessment. Seven RCTs with 389 patients in total were included in this meta-analysis. The selected studies included 35 to 76 patients and had a duration ranging from 30 to 90 days with CoQ10 dosages ranging from 100 to 600 mg per day. Results show a significant reduction of SAMS in four trials and no significant change in three trials. Overall, a significant reduction in SAMS, measured as pain intensity, after CoQ10 supplementation was found: weighted mean difference (WMD) −0.96 (95% Confidence Interval −1.88; −0.03), p < 0.05. Supplementation of CoQ10 can reduce muscle pain in patients with SAMS, which is relevant for their well-being and treatment continuation. More research is needed for evidence-based recommendations.

Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) is a globally distributed weed species with the ability to evolve resistance to herbicides. Oregon hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) growers have recently reported poor control of P. annua with clethodim, pendimethalin, paraquat, and glyphosate, raising concerns about new herbicide-resistance cases. To investigate these reports, we conducted a herbicide resistance survey of field-collected accessions using seed-based and whole-plant dose–response bioassays. Based on dose–response estimates, resistance to all four herbicides was confirmed. Clethodim-resistant accessions had resistance indices (RIs) of 2 to 10 compared with susceptible accessions with seed-based LD50 values of 0.4 to 0.5 µM and whole-plant LD50 values of 14 to 19 g ha⁻¹. Pendimethalin-resistant accessions had RIs of 3 to 47 compared with susceptible accessions with seed-based LD50 values of 0.5 to 1 µM and whole-plant LD50 values of 360 to 590 g ha⁻¹, and cross-resistance to pronamide was also confirmed (RI = 7 to 16; susceptible accessions LD50 = 550 to 600 g ha⁻¹). The glyphosate-resistant accession had RIs of 2 to 6 compared with susceptible accessions with seed-based LD50 values of 340 to 490 µM and whole-plant LD50 values of 60 to 95 g ha⁻¹. Paraquat-resistant accessions had RIs of 2 to 85 compared with susceptible accessions with seed-based LD50 values of 0.6 to 1 µM and whole-plant LD50 values of 30 to 50 g diquat ha⁻¹. This study documents the first global case of clethodim resistance in P. annua, pendimethalin and glyphosate resistance in Oregon, and paraquat resistance in P. annua in the United States. We also demonstrate, for the first time, that seed-based bioassays can detect clethodim and paraquat resistance in P. annua. Seed assays provided a rapid (2 wk), cost-effective diagnostic tool suitable for on-farm implementation and complementary to molecular diagnostics. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated weed management in perennial systems and adoption of resistance diagnostics and stewardship programs to mitigate further resistance evolution.

This study assesses the seroprevalence of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in ruminants in Dhobley, Somalia, following a 2021 outbreak in Kenya. Among 142 ruminants sampled, 4.9% were seropositive for RVF virus (RVFV) antibody, with IgM antibodies (1.4%) indicating recent exposure, though no cases were RT-PCR-positive. Unregulated livestock movement and limited surveillance pose significant risks for future outbreaks, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance systems and One Health strategies.

While an experimental colony of rice root aphids, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale (Sasaki) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) was being reared, hymenopteran parasitoids found their way into the colony and caused substantial aphid mortality. We identified the parasitoids as Aphelinus varipes (Förster) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and further investigated the ability of A. varipes to parasitise rice root aphids and cannabis aphids, Phorodon cannabis Passerini (Hemiptera: Aphididae), both pests of commercial cannabis plants, Cannabis sativa Linnaeus (Cannabaceae). In experiments with different densities of aphid hosts, female A. varipes parasitised both rice root aphids and cannabis aphids. The rate of parasitism did not exceed 21% for either aphid species but may exceed this in unconstrained operational settings. Aphelinus varipes should be investigated further as a potential biocontrol agent of rice root aphids and cannabis aphids.

Foodservice provision is a key contributor to both dietary intake and food waste production(1). The development of ‘root-to-tip’ recipes in foodservice that incorporate more of the plant (i.e. peels and stalks) is being explored to reduce the climate impact of food waste(1) and improve suboptimal population intakes of fruits and vegetables, which provide useful sources of dietary fibre associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality(2). However, given low peels and stalks consumption in the UK(3), the extent to which ‘root-to-tip’ dishes may just shift food waste along the supply chain by increasing plate waste is unknown. The aim of this study is to understand the acceptability of ‘root-to-tip’ dining by exploring consumer attitudes towards food waste and perceived barriers and enablers to eating peels and stalks.

In-person focus groups were conducted at a UK university with current students and employees. Convenience sampling was used to recruit between five to eight participants across six focus groups. A semi-structured topic guide with open-ended questions was developed to facilitate discussion. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and an inductive thematic analysis undertaken. The research protocol was approved by the King’s College London Research Ethics Committee (Ref: MRA-24/25-46016; LRS/DP- 24/25-46017)

Six focus group discussions were conducted with forty participants (November 2024 to January 2025), primarily aged 18-25 years (53%) and female (75%). Six preliminary themes were identified: 1) food waste as a structural issue; 2) personal food waste awareness and the intention-behaviour gap; 3) the role of social modelling in ‘root-to-tip’ behaviours; 4) safety and edibility concerns around peels and stalks; 5) knowledge as a facilitator for ‘root-to-tip’ adoption; and 6) the importance of sensory appeal. These themes illustrate consumers’ perception of food waste as primarily occurring up the supply chain prior to the preparation stage, with structural barriers to its reduction. Participants perceive a growing societal and personal consciousness of food waste and desire to reduce its associated negative consequences. However, results highlight social and personal barriers, such as cost and convenience, which may contribute to an intention-behaviour gap. These barriers were referenced regarding the use of peels and stalks specifically, with upbringing, social modelling and food habits described as factors influencing consumption. Improving awareness of the safety and edibility of peels and stalks and practical knowledge related to their use may facilitate adoption of ‘root-to-tip’ behaviours. Anticipation of an unappealing sensory experience was described as a deterrent for consuming ‘root-to-tip’ dishes. Therefore, ensuring ‘root-to-tip’ dishes have sensory appeal is important to increase acceptability and prevent plate waste.

Our findings contribute to the understanding of attitudes towards food waste reduction practices at the preparation stage, in particular the use of peels and stalks, and highlight a need for increased knowledge to facilitate behaviour adoption.

Low fruit and vegetable (FV) intake is a public health concern in Malta, where more than one in four adults are living with obesity and only approximately 12% meet the recommended five-a-day intake (1). Socioeconomic disparities can contribute to a poor diet, with international evidence pointing to disadvantaged groups consuming fewer FV (2). The main aims of this local study were to assess FV intakes, perceptions and drivers including barriers, among adults residing in Malta.

This cross-sectional study used an anonymised, convenience sampling design with an online survey (via Google Forms) disseminated on social networks in April-June 2024. The questionnaire (33 items) covered demographics, FV consumption frequency, barriers and suggested improvements. Ethical approval was obtained from the University’s Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC ID: FHS-2023-00664). Chi-square tests (or Fisher- Freeman-Halton Exact tests) and Spearman’s correlations were utilised for analysis, and with cross-tabulations used for suggestions for increased consumption.

315 respondents returned the survey (mean age 44.5 years, range 18–65 years; 72% female) and with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.4 kg/m2 (SD= 5.66). Mean daily consumption was 1.7 and 1.8 FV portions respectively. Age was positively correlated with fruit intake (p=0.001), with older adults consuming fruit more frequently, but vegetable intake showed no significant correlation with age (p=0.39). Participants in lower income brackets were significantly more likely to report cost as a barrier to FV consumption (p=0.001) than those in higher-incomes. Comparing two districts with contrasting high and low-at-risk-of-poverty (ARP) rates classified according to 2022 statistics (National Statistics Office, NSO, 2023)(3), higher proportions of Northern Harbour respondents had higher incomes despite living in a higher ARP district, and reported earning over €50.1k annually (30.7%) compared to 21.9% in the South Eastern (low-ARP) district, whereas participants earning between €15.1–€20k were more represented in the South Eastern district (21.9%) than in Northern Harbour (1.8%). These income differences were significant (p=0.005). Suggested community improvements for FV access based on income levels revealed that a majority of lower-income participants looked for lower prices (55.6% in <€10k income bracket). In contrast, lower proportions of higher-income participants were concerned with cost (40.7% in >€50.1k bracket) and a quarter reported no community improvements needed. Cost was more frequently reported as a barrier to FV consumption (p<0.001) among non-EU participants (44.4%) and Maltese participants (41.3%) compared to other EU nationals (14.3%).

In conclusion, Maltese adults’ FV intakes fall short of dietary recommendations, and affordability barriers affect those in less affluent groups, reflecting socioeconomic barriers exist for FV consumption. There is a need to focus on targeted approaches such as providing subsidies for low-income pockets and different age groups within communities and different nationalities, regardless of district, in an effort to improve FV consumption in Malta.

Remission of T2DM has been shown to be possible with dietary modifications and significant weight loss in clinical trials as well as real-world studies (1,2). Low-Carbohydrate Diets (LCDs; <130 g carbohydrates/d(3)) have been shown to be effective in inducing T2DM remission(2). However, there is limited evidence of adherence to a LCD and exploration on blood lipid levels in the context of maintaining long-term remission, outside of clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in dietary intake, HbA1c, weight and blood lipids during 6-months of post remission while following a LCD.

Participants who recently induced T2DM remission were recruited from two GP clinics in England after receiving advice to follow an LCD. Four-day food diaries, weight, and blood parameters (i.e., HbA1c and blood lipids) were collected at baseline, 3-months and 6- months. Dietary intake analyses and statistical analyses were conducted using NutriticsTMand SPSS 29.0, respectively. A repeated measures ANOVA test was conducted to see any significant differences between timepoints. Ethical approval was granted from the Health Research Ethics Committee at Edge Hill University and the NHS (ETH2122- 0228 and 22/SC/045, respectively).

Twelve participants (4 female/8 male) completed the study. Mean (± SD) age of participants was 69 ± 8 years. Duration of T2DM prior to remission was 66 ± 54 months. There were no statistically significant changes in HbA1c level across time points (p>0.05). At 6-months, all participants had HbA1c ≤ 48mmol/mol, indicating maintenance of remission. No statistically significant changes were observed in blood lipids except for HDL-C, which improved from baseline to 6 months (+0.17 mmol/L [95% CI, -0.31 to -0.02], p=0.019). A statistically significant weight loss was observed between baseline and 3- months (-3.6 kg [95% CI, 0.5 to 6.6], p=0.02) and baseline and 6-months (-3.7 kg [95% CI, 0.3 to 7.1], p=0.03). There were no significant changes in carbohydrate intake over time.

However, two participants’ carbohydrate intake exceeded 130 g per day at both baseline and 3-months while 3 participants exceed 130 g at 6 months, indicating a trend of increasing carbohydrate intake with time. While energy intake did not change significantly, it was reported to fall below the DRVs according to sex and age group. At all timepoints, fibre intake was found to be below the recommended 30 g per day.

This study showed that people with newly induced T2DM remission can maintain it over 6 months in a real-world setting, with observed metabolic improvements. Adherence to a LCD was also shown to be possible, although a consistent low fibre intake was observed. Therefore, supporting people in achieving and maintaining T2DM remission through a well-planned diet within primary care could bring about significant benefits if scaled to a population level.