bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition labelling: purpose, scientific issues and challenges
Authors: Van den Wijngaart Annoek WEM
Published: March 2003

Nutrition labels describe the nutrient content of a food and are intended to guide the consumer in food selection. The nutrition information provided must be selected on the basis of consistency with dietary recommendations. Selection of the specific nutrients or food components to be listed should further take into account label space, the analytical feasibility of measuring the particular nutritional component within the food matrix, and the relative costs of such analyses. Nutrition information provided on labels should be truthful and not mislead consumers. At the same time, labelling regulations should provide incentives to manufacturers to develop products that promote public health and assist consumers in following dietary recommendations. It is likely that in many countries, there would be some segments of the population that would benefit from information about the composition of foods. In these cases, countries should consider the need to provide for appropriate labelling and its presentation relative to existing guidelines and approaches. As nutrition‐labelling efforts have evolved, different approaches and legal requirements have been established. These create difficulties in developing and harmonizing nutrition information listings, which have broad international applications. For these reasons, the Codex Guidelines on Nutrition Labeling play an important role to provide guidance to member countries when they want to develop or update their national regulations and to encourage harmonization of national standards with international standards. These Guidelines are based on the principle that no food should be described or presented in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive. The Guidelines include provisions for voluntary nutrient declaration, calculation and presentation of nutrient information. The Guidelines on Claims establish general principles to be followed and leave the definition of specific claims to national regulations. Definitions are provided for a number of claims (nutrient content, comparative claims, nutrient function claims) as well as general requirements concerning consumer information in relation with claims. Nutrition labelling by itself cannot solve nutrition problems. It should be seen as one of the elements of nutrition policy and should be envisaged in the larger perspective of consumer education, which in its turn is part of an overall development policy. Exchange of information at the regional and subregional level is important, as each country can learn from the experience of others and regional co‐ordination and co‐operation can be developed.
Nutrition labelling: European Union and United Kingdom perspectives
Authors: Hurt Eva
Published: March 2003

The growing public interest in the relationship between diet and health and increasing public health problems in Europe were among the determining factors which led the European Commission to propose harmonized legislation on nutrition labelling. The Directive which was adopted in 1990 primarily aimed at providing information which helps consumers to make an informed choice and assist action in the area of nutrition education for the public. The provisions of the Directive are voluntary but become obligatory if the manufacturer decides to make a ‘nutritional claim’. Where nutrition labelling is applicable, the information may be given in two formats: group 1, energy value and the amounts of protein, carbohydrate and fat (‘Big 4’); or group 2, energy value and the amounts of protein, carbohydrate, sugars, fat, saturates, fibre and sodium (‘Big 8’). A claim for one of the following sugar, saturated fat, fibre or sodium automatically triggers group 2 information. Additional information can be provided on the amounts of starch, polyols, mono‐unsaturates, poly unsaturates, cholesterol and any of the vitamins or minerals. The nutrition information must be given per 100 g or 100 mL of food but may also be declared per quantified serving of food, or per portion where the number of portions is indicated on the label. The information must be presented together in one place in tabular form. A revision of the Nutrition Labelling Directive is due and will address issues such as the voluntary character of the legislation, the amount of information given and its presentation, legibility and consumer understanding.
Association of overall and abdominal obesity with coronary heart disease risk factors: comparison between urban and rural Indian men
Authors: Venkatramana Palla , Reddy Palakuru C
Published: March 2003

The relationship of body mass index (BMI), conicity index (CI) and waist circumference to four coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors (systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels) was examined in urban (n = 110) and rural (n = 102) men aged ≥ 20 years, drawn
from the ‘Reddy’ population of Southern Andhra Pradesh, India. Using
ANCOVA we found significant difference (< 0.01) for systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol between the urban and rural samples. The Pearson’s correlation coefficients suggest that BMI and waist circumference had significant relationships with most of the risk factors in both the populations. The CI did not significantly influence any of the risk factors in the urban population; however, in the rural population, CI did show a significant positive relationship with both of the blood pressures and with TC. Even after controlling for age, smoking and physical activity (partial correlations), the relations remained constant. In multiple linear regression, BMI showed significant positive association with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (< 0.01) and HDL cholesterol (< 0.05) in the rural population only. However, the CI showed a significant association with HDL cholesterol, and waist circumference with total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in the rural population. The results of the present study revealed that BMI and waist circumference had a greater influence on the CHD risk factors, and that the influence was more conspicuous in the rural sample. Comparing the association of abdominal obesity measures (CI and waist circumference) with CHD risk factors, waist circumference better correlated with most of the risk factors. Hence the present study suggests that BMI and waist circumference are better indicators of CHD risk factors. However, the importance of CI has to be further studied in South Asian populations.
Physicochemical properties and nutritional traits of millet‐based weaning food suitable for infants of the Kumaon hills, Northern India
Authors: Thathola Anju , Srivastava Sarita
Published: March 2003

A weaning food based on malted foxtail millet flour (30%), malted barnyard millet flour (30%), roasted soybean flour (25%) and skim milk powder (15%) was prepared. The mix contained 18.37 g protein and 398 kcal energy per 100 g. The nutrient composition of this unfortified weaning (UW) mix met the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) standards, except in total ash. In order to meet the minor constituent requirements, the UW mix was fortified. The fortified weaning (FW) mix met PFA standards for various nutrients. The protein efficiency ratio of the UW mix was 2.25 against a casein control, for which a value of 2.50 was recorded. The nutrient composition, viscosity and sensory quality of the UW mix was compared with the marketed weaning mix, commercial infant formula. The viscosity of UW gruel was much lower (20 centipoise (cps)) than that of marketed weaning mix (7400 cps). The high α‐amylase activity of 661 units in the UW mix was responsible for its low viscosity. The sensory quality of UW mix and marketed weaning mix did not differ significantly (P = 0.05). Both of the gruels were liked moderately on the Hedonic Scale. The UW gruel met the acceptability criteria for weaning food. It could be stored in plastic airtight containers at room temperature for 4 months without any changes in sensory quality.
Influence of fish consumption on the distribution of serum cholesterol in lipoprotein fractions: comparative study among fish‐consuming and non‐fish‐consuming populations
Authors: Bulliyya Gandham
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to investigate serum lipoprotein levels in order to assess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors between fish‐consuming populations and non‐fish‐consuming populations, as it has been speculated that fish intake reduces CVD risk. A representative sample of one thousand subjects (529 men and 471 women) were selected, with ages ranging from 20 to 70 years, from 40 villages belonging to fish‐consuming (500) or non‐fish‐consuming (500) populations. Serum lipoprotein lipids such as total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) were analysed biochemically using standard procedures. The ratios of TC : HDL‐C and LDL‐C : HDL‐C were computed. Mean values of serum LDL‐C and the ratios of LDL‐C : HDL‐C and TC : HDL‐C were significantly lower and HDL‐C levels were higher in fish‐consumers than in non‐fish‐consumers. The concentrations of HDL‐C decreased with increasing age, while the reverse was true for LDL‐C and for the LDL‐C : HDL‐C and TC : HDL‐C ratios. There were significant sex differences for certain age groups in both of the population groups. The 5th, 50th and 95th percentile cut‐off values for these parameters were lower in fish‐consumers than in non‐fish‐consumers. The prevalence of individuals at risk of CVD because of low HDL‐C (<35 mg/dL), high LDL‐C (>130 mg/dL) and their atherogenic ratios (LDL‐C : HDL‐C > 3.5 and TC : HDL‐C > 4.5) was significantly greater in non‐fish‐consumers. This study highlights that the fish‐consuming population had a lower atherogenic risk than the non‐fish‐consuming population. The intake of fish may have substantial implications for public health and health economy by decreasing the risk of CVD. However, more studies are warranted to better define the mechanisms of cardioprotection by dietary fish and fish oils.
Dietary patterns and risk factors for Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Fijian, Japanese and Vietnamese populations
Authors: Tomisaka Kazue , Lako Jimaima , Maruyama Chizuko , Anh Nguyen Thi Lan , Lien Do Thi Kim , Khoi Ha Huy , Chuyen Nguyen Van
Published: March 2003

Diabetes mellitus is now a serious and increasing problem in Asian countries, where dietary patterns have shifted toward Westernized foods and people are becoming more sedentary. In order to elucidate the relationship of dietary habits to the development of diabetic risk factors, the dietary patterns of 200 Fijian, 171 Japanese and 181 Vietnamese women of 30–39 years of age were investigated using 3 day–24 h recall or dietary records. Anthropometric measurements and glycosuria tests were also conducted. The dietary trends of Fijians and Japanese have changed drastically in the past 50 years, while Vietnamese have been minimally influenced by Western dietary habits. The mean 24 h dietary intake showed that Fijians had the highest energy intake. Energy intake from fat was only 13% for Vietnamese, but over 30% for Japanese and Fijians. Percentage of body fat was higher in Vietnamese than in Japanese, though there were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI). In the overweight and obese women, Vietnamese had higher abdominal obesity than Japanese. The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≧ 30 kg/m2) was 63.0% for Fijians, 1.8% for Japanese and 1.1% for Vietnamese. Glycosuria testing yielded the most positive cases among Fijians. Dietary transition and dietary excess appear to be potential risk factors for diabetes in Fijian women.
Role of plant metabolites in toxic liver injury
Authors: Gole Mukul K , Dasgupta S
Published: March 2003

Aphanamixis polystachya is a traditional medicinal plant of the Meliaceae family in India. A crude ethanolic extract of the leaf of this plant shows a beneficial effect on toxic liver injury. Its antihepatotoxic activity was evaluated on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver injury in a rat model. The assessment of hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by measuring the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum total bilirubin and albumin and histology of the liver. The crude leaf extract significantly inhibits the enhanced ASAT, ALAT, ALP, ACP and LDH activities released from the CCl4‐intoxicated animals. It also ameliorated the depressed value of serum albumin and the enhanced value of total bilirubin in plasma caused by CCl4 intoxication. The study showed that the crude ethanolic extract from A. polystachya leaves provided protection against acute carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver damage.
Socioeconomic status and the prevalence of coronary heart disease risk factors
Authors: Reddy Kanala KR , Rao Alahari P , Reddy Thavanati PK
Published: March 2003

South Asian countries have a high prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in line with their economic development. India, in particular, has a high burden of CHD. Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of CHD risk factors in a semiurban population of Andhra Pradesh, India, in different socioeconomic status (SES) groups. Information was collected on socioeconomic status, physical activity, cigarette smoking, body mass, blood pressure (BP) and serum lipid profiles among a healthy sample of 440 men and 210 women with an age range of 20–70 years. Mean levels of serum cholesterol (SC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and skinfold ratio were found to be higher among women, whereas triglycerides (TG), systolic BP and diastolic BP were higher in men. No statistically significant differences in body mass index (BMI) or pulse rate were observed between the sexes. In men, a significant positive rank correlation (rho = P < 0.05) was observed between SES and SC, TG, systolic
and diastolic BP, pulse rate and BMI, but in women, the same trend was found only
with SC, TG, skinfold ratio and age. The prevalence (age standardized to the world
population of Segi, 95% CI) of obesity was 14.37% (11.06–17.68),
hypertension 13.13% (9.11–17.15), hypercholesterolemia 18.56%
(13.88–23.24), hypertriglyceridemia 45.98% (36.47–55.49) and
low HDLC 31.01% (24.25–37.77). In both sexes, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia,
hypertriglyceridemia and sedentary life style increased among higher SES groups (P < 0.05). Also, an increase in the level of social class was positively associated with mean levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides in both men and women. The results demonstrate that higher SES groups have greater prevalence of CHD risk factors than lower SES groups. Preventive measures are required to reduce the risk factors among higher SES groups.
Cholesterol oxides: their occurrence and methods to prevent their generation in foods
Authors: Savage Geoffrey P , Dutta Paresh C , Rodriguez‐Estrada Maria T
Published: March 2003

Eight cholesterol oxides are commonly found in foods with high cholesterol content, such as meat, egg yolk and full fat dairy products. Factors known to increase the production of cholesterol oxides in foods are heat, light, radiation, oxygen, moisture, low pH, certain pro‐oxidising agents and the storage of food at room temperature. Processes, such as pre‐cooking, freeze‐drying, dehydration and irradiation, have all been reported to result in increased production of cholesterol oxides in meats. As prepared consumer foods are becoming increasingly popular, the consumption of higher levels of cholesterol oxides in foods is inevitable. An understanding of the mechanisms involved in the generation of cholesterol oxides may assist in their reduction in foods and possibly reduce the impact of these compounds on human health.
Sources of dietary iron in urban and provincial 4‐year‐old children in Iran
Authors: Zohouri Fatemeh V , Rugg‐Gunn Andrew J
Published: March 2003

Iron‐deficiency anaemia is prevalent in childhood, especially in developing countries. Nutritional deficiency is one of the main causes of iron‐deficiency anaemia, although absorption varies considerably between different dietary items. Information on the sources of iron in young children is limited. A study was therefore undertaken to investigate the different dietary sources of iron in 151 healthy children aged 4 years who were selected from two districts of Fars province, Iran. Two 3‐day dietary diaries with pre‐ and post‐interview were used to record the dietary intake of the children. Food and drinks were categorised into four groups (animal, plant, drinks and other) to measure the relative importance of different sources of iron. Sixty‐eight percent of the children completed the 3‐day dietary diaries in both summer and winter. The results showed no statistically significant differences in total daily iron intake between the two seasons or between genders. However, the difference in the total daily iron intake between children in the city and the provincial district was significant: 7.73 ± 1.75 mg/day and 10.33 ± 2.9 mg/day, respectively (P < 0.001). About 75 and 60% of iron intake came from plant sources in the provincial district and city, respectively. The three most important sources of iron for children of the provincial district were bread (51%), fruit and vegetables (12%) and meat (7%). This pattern was also observed for children living in the city, but with different percentages: 27%, 16% and 16%, respectively. In conclusion, total iron intakes were similar to those recorded in European countries, but little of the intake came from animal sources and substantial differences between city and provincial children were recorded.
Gastrointestinal tolerance of a new infant milk formula in healthy infants: multicenter study conducted in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Nancy , Alarcon Pedro A , Comer Gail M , Tressler Randall L
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to test whether the gastrointestinal tolerance of a new infant formula equalled or exceeded the tolerance of other milk‐based infant formulas, and to compare the tolerance of the new formula to that of human milk. This prospective, observational, multicenter, open‐label study was conducted in Taiwan. Healthy, full‐term infants aged 28–98 days were enrolled on their current feeding regimen (no treatment assigned). Feeding regimens included human milk (HM), a new infant formula (NF, Similac Advance®), other marketed infant formulas (OF, mainly Enfalac® or S‐26®), HM + NF and HM + OF. Data for stool frequency, stool consistency and gastrointestinal intolerance symptoms were recorded in study diaries by parents for a period of two weeks. Gastrointestinal tolerance was evaluated in 967 infants, of whom 481 (49.7%) received NF, 312 (32.2%) received OF, 101 (10.4%) received HM + NF, 41 (4.2%) received HM + OF and 32 (3.3%) received HM. Infants fed HM only had softer and more frequent stools than those who received NF only or OF only (P < 0.001). Infants fed NF
only had softer stools than those fed OF only (P < 0.001), including those
fed either Enfalac® or S‐26® (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between feeding groups for the incidence of general intolerance, spit‐up or flatulence. All feeding regimens were well tolerated. We thereby concluded that NF is well tolerated in healthy infants and results in stool consistencies that more closely resemble those of infants fed human milk than those of infants fed other formulas.
Effect of Cassia auriculata leaf extract on lipids in rats with alcoholic liver injury
Authors: Kumar Rajagopal Senthil , Ponmozhi Manickam , Viswanathan Periyasamy , Nalini Namasivayam
Published: March 2003

We studied the effect of administering Cassia auriculata leaf extract to rats with experimentally induced liver damage. Hepatotoxicity was induced by administering 9.875 g/kg bodyweight ethanol for 30 days by intragastric intubation. C. auriculata leaf extract was administered at a dose of 250 mg/kg bodyweight daily in one group and 500 mg/kg bodyweight daily in another group of alcohol‐treated rats. All rats were fed with standard pellets. The control rats were also given isocaloric glucose solution. The average bodyweight gain was significantly lower in alcohol‐treated rats, but improved on supplementation with C. auriculata leaf extract. Alcohol supplementation significantly elevated the cholesterol, phospholipid and triglyceride concentration in the liver, brain, kidney and intestine, as compared with those of the normal control rats. Treatment with C. auriculata leaf extract and alcohol significantly lowered the tissue lipid levels to almost normal levels. Microscopic examination of alcohol‐treated rat liver showed inflammatory cell infiltrates and fatty changes, which were reversed on treatment with C. auriculata leaf extract. Similarly, alcohol‐treated rat brain demonstrated spongiosis, which was markedly reduced on treatment with C. auriculata. In conclusion, this study shows that treatment with C. auriculata leaf extract has a lipid‐lowering effect in rats with experimentally induced, alcohol‐related liver damage. This is associated with a reversal of steatosis in the liver and of spongiosis in the brain. The mechanism of C. auriculata leaf extract lipid‐lowering potential is unclear.
Association between overweight or obesity and household income and parental body mass index in Australian youth: analysis of the Australian National Nutrition Survey, 1995
Authors: Wang Zaimin , Patterson Carla M , Hills Andrew P
Published: March 2003

This study is a secondary data analysis based on the 1995 Australian National Nutrition Survey (NNS). A random subsample of 1581 school children aged 7−15 years old from the NNS was studied. The results show the prevalence of overweight, obesity and combined overweight and obesity was 10.6−20.9%, 3.7−7.2% and 15.6−25.7%, respectively. The odds ratio of overweight or obese boys with highest household income was significantly smaller than those with the lowest household income. The proportion of combined overweight and obesity in children whose parents were overweight or obese was significantly greater compared with those whose parents were not. The trend of increasing prevalence of overweight or obesity among children with increasing parental body mass index (BMI) was significant after adjusting for age except the trend of father's BMI for boys. This study provided baseline data on the recent prevalence of overweight or obesity of Australian school children using new international absolute BMI cut‐off points. It indicated that young school girls (7−9 years) were more likely to be overweight or obese compared with boys, the prevalence rates of overweight or obesity in older boys (13−15 year) was significantly greater than in other age groups while in girls it was the opposite. The boys with lowest household income ($0−17 500) were more likely to be overweight or obese compared with those with the highest household income (greater than $67 500). Having parents especially mothers who were overweight or obese may increase the risk of children being overweight or obese.
Oxalate content and calcium binding capacity of tea and herbal teas
Authors: Charrier Marina JS , Savage Geoffrey P , Vanhanen Leo
Published: March 2003

Thirty‐two commercially available teas consisting of green, oolong and black teas were bought from supermarkets in Christchurch, New Zealand in June 2001. Fifteen herbal teas were also purchased at the same time. The soluble oxalate content of the infusate made from each of the teas was determined using high pressure liquid chromatography. The mean soluble oxalate contents of black tea in tea bags and loose tea leaves were 4.68 and 5.11 mg/g tea, respectively, while green teas and oolong tea had lower oxalate contents, ranging from 0.23 to 1.15 mg/g tea. The soluble oxalate content of the herbal teas ranged from not detected to 3.00 mg/g tea. A regular tea drinker consuming six cups of tea/day would have an intake of between 26.46 and 98.58 mg soluble oxalate/day from loose black tea, 17.88 and 93.66 mg soluble oxalate/day from black tea in tea bags and a maximum of 18.0 mg/day from herbal teas. The oxalate intake from the regular daily consumption of black teas is modest when compared to the amounts of soluble oxalate that can be found in common foods. However, oxalate in black teas has the potential to bind to a significant proportion of calcium in the milk, which is commonly consumed with the black teas.
Effect of different curcumin dosages on human gall bladder
Authors: Rasyid Abdul , Rahman Abdul Rashid Abdul , Jaalam Kamaruddin , Lelo Aznan
Published: March 2003

Our previous study demonstrated that curcumin, an active compound of Curcuma xanthorrhiza and C. domestica, produces a positive cholekinetic effect. A 20 mg amount of curcumin is capable of contracting the gall bladder by up to 29% within an observation time of 2 h. The aim of the current study was to define the dosage of curcumin capable of producing a 50% contraction of the gall bladder, and to determine if there is a linear relationship between doubling the curcumin dosage and the doubling of gall bladder contraction. A randomised, single‐blind, three‐phase, crossover‐designed examination was carried out on 12 healthy volunteers. Ultrasonography was carried out serially to measure the gall bladder volume. The data obtained was analysed by analysis of variance (anova). The fasting volumes of gall bladders were similar (P > 0.50), with 17.28 ± 5.47 mL for 20 mg curcumin, 18.34 ± 3.75 mL for 40 mg and 18.24 ± 3.72 mL for 80 mg. The percentage decrease in gall bladder volume 2 h after administration of 20, 40 and 80 mg was 34.10 ± 10.16, 51.15 ± 8.08 and 72.25 ± 8.22, respectively, which was significantly different (P < 0.01). On the basis of the present findings, it appears that the dosage of curcumin capable of producing a 50% contraction of the gall bladder was 40 mg. This study did not show any linear relationship between doubling curcumin dosage and the doubling of gall bladder contraction.
Body fat accumulation is greater in rats fed a beef tallow diet than in rats fed a safflower or soybean oil diet
Authors: Matsuo Tatsuhiro , Takeuchi Hiroyuki , Suzuki Hiroo , Suzuki Masashige
Published: March 2003

The effects of dietary fats, consisting of different fatty acids, on body fat accumulation and uncoupling protein (UCP) in interscapular brown adipose tissue were studied in rats. Metabolisable energy in experimental diets based on safflower oil, soybean oil or beef tallow was measured strictly (experiment 1). Male Wistar rats were then meal‐fed an isoenergetic diet for 8 weeks (experiment 2). Each group of rats showed the same weight gain during the 8‐week experimental period. Carcass fat content was greater in rats fed the beef tallow diet than in those fed the with the safflower or soybean oil diets, whereas the weight of abdominal adipose tissue was the same for all three dietary groups. Gene expression of UCP1 and the UCP content of the interscapular brown adipose tissue was lower in the beef tallow diet group than in the other dietary groups. A negative correlation was observed between carcass fat content and n‐6 unsaturated fatty acid content in dietary fats. These results suggest that the greater body fat accumulation in rats fed the beef tallow diet results from lower expression of UCP1 mRNA and lower UCP content in brown adipose tissue. n‐6 Polyunsaturated fatty acids may be the most effective fatty acids in limiting body fat.
Green tea catechin improves microsomal phospholipase A2 activity and the arachidonic acid cascade system in the kidney of diabetic rats
Authors: Rhee Soon‐Jae , Choi Jeong‐Hwa , Park Mo Ra
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of green tea catechin on the microsomal phospholipase A2 activity and arachidonic acid cascade in the kidneys of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Sprague‐Dawley male rats weighing 100 ± 10 g were assigned randomly to one normal and three streptozotocin‐induced diabetic groups. The diabetic groups were the DM‐0C group (n = 10), fed a catechin‐free diet, the DM‐0.25C group (n = 10), fed a 0.25 g catechin per 100 g diet, and the DM‐0.5C group (n = 10), fed a 0.5 g catechin per 100 g diet. The kidney microsomal phospholipase A2 activity was higher in the diabetic groups than in the normal group, while it was lower in the DM‐0.25C and DM‐0.5C groups than in the DM‐0C group. The percentage of phosphatidylcholine hydrolysed in the kidney microsomes was not significantly different between any of the four groups. The percentage of phosphatidylethanolamine hydrolysed in the kidney microsomes was progressively higher in the DM‐0.5C, DM‐0.25C and DM‐0C groups, respectively, compared to the normal group. The formation of thromboxane A2 was significantly higher while the formation of prostacyclin was lower in kidney microsomes of the streptozotocin‐induced diabetic groups compared with the normal group, but this condition was improved by catechin supplementation. Kidney microsomal vitamin E concentrations were progressively lower in the DM‐0.5C, DM‐0.25C, and DM‐0C groups, respectively, compared to the normal group. The kidney thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) contents became higher in the DM‐0C and DM‐0.25C groups as compared with the normal group, whereas the DM‐0.5C group did not differ from the normal group. Kidney function appears to be improved by green tea catechin supplementation due to its antithrombus action, which in turn controls the arachidonic acid cascade system.
Insecticide susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Townsville
Authors: Canyon Dv , Hii Jlk
Published: March 2003

Insecticide susceptibility of a 1995 Townsville Aedes aegypti (L.) population was investigated in the laboratory according to World Health Organization guidelines. Using baseline data from two Townsville populations (1955 and 1989), larval bioassays detected significant increases in susceptibility to synthetic pyrethroids and malathion, and significant reductions in susceptibility to most organophosphates and propoxur. Adult bioassays detected significant resistance to bendiocarb and DDT. Comparison of larval data with the international reference ROCK strain showed substantial resistance to have developed to malathion and fenthion. Further analysis revealed the presence of distinct substrains in the baseline 1989 population, which displayed varying levels of temephos susceptibility. We concluded that susceptibility investigations should assess mosquito populations collected from many sites within an area rather than taking a single population from one site, and that the 1989 Ae. aegypti colony would be unsuitable for use as a susceptible reference population.
Activity of fruit‐piercing moths, Eudocima spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in north Queensland crops: Some effects of fruit type, locality and season
Authors: Fay Hac , Halfpapp Kh
Published: March 2003

Fruit‐piercing moth activity was assessed in lychee or carambola crops on the wet tropical coast and on the dry tropical tablelands of north‐eastern Queensland between 1985 and 1993. Monitoring occurred at fruiting, from 30 min after sundown for 1 h by systematically inspecting orchard trees under torchlight. Six species were recorded: Eudocima fullonia (Clerck), Eudocima jordani (Holland), Eudocima materna (L.), Eudocima salaminia (Cramer), Eudocima aurantia (Moore) and Eudocima cocalus (Cramer). Moths were detected between November and August, with activity lowest during the driest months (July–October) when fruit availability also decreased. Most annual variation in moth numbers occurred at the beginning of the wet season (November–December) when lychees cropped. The principal species recorded at all three sites on both fruit types between November and mid‐March was E. fullonia. It represented 95.5% of the moths on coastal lychees. During autumn, the major species in carambola crops were E. jordani on the coast and E. materna on the tablelands (where total activity was only about half that in the coastal crop). Over all sampling years, 77.9% of all moths caught on coastal fruit were males, compared to 51.4% on tableland fruit. Of the female moths dissected from all sites, 77.7% contained spermatophores and fully developed eggs. An assessment of moth activity through a single night (19.00–05.00 h) in coastal carambolas showed that 72.9% of all moths arrived before midnight. The results indicate that there are opportunities in tableland areas for fruit production during the dry season without the need for control measures.
A second species of Apteropanorpa Carpenter from Tasmania (Mecoptera: Apteropanorpidae)
Authors: Byers George W , Yeates David K
Published: March 2003

Apteropanorpa evansi, sp. n., from the Central Plateau of Tasmania, is described and several of its taxonomically useful characters are illustrated. It is compared with Apteropanorpa tasmanica Carpenter, the only other species in the family Apteropanorpidae. Some characters used by Carpenter are re‐evaluated, and probable generic characters are derived from the descriptions of both species. What little is known of the biology and distribution of the genus is summarised, and convergent similarities in morphology and biology with the Northern Hemisphere Boreidae are noted. Tasmania probably harbours further undescribed Apteropanorpa spp.
Loamaggalangta pedderensis gen. & sp. nov.: A new mayfly from Tasmania (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae: Atalophlebiinae)
Authors: Dean Jc , Forteath Gnr , Osborn Aw
Published: March 2003

The genus Loamaggalangta gen. nov. is established to accommodate a species of leptophlebiid mayfly from Tasmania. Adults and nymphs of Loamaggalangta pedderensis sp. nov. are described and figured. Nymphs have only been collected from greater than 5 m below the surface in the impounded Lake Pedder. Nymphs of additional species from mainland south‐eastern and south‐western Australia probably also belong in the genus, but formal descriptions must await associations with adults.
Obligatory ontogenetic colour change correlated with sexual maturity in adult Chrysoperla congrua (Walker) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: Winterton Shaun L
Published: March 2003

Soon after pupal eclosion, adult Chrysoperla congrua undergo obligatory ontogenetic colour change. This phenomenon, unique among lacewings to C. congrua, is investigated further and its functional significance is discussed. Four to 5 days after eclosion, adult C. congrua undergo obligatory ontogenetic colour change from yellow‐brown to green, which corresponds with maturation of gonads in both sexes. Courtship displays by both sexes involving abdominal tremulation (calling) always occurred soon after colour change. I propose that colour change in adult C. congrua serves not only as camouflage in a dynamic habitat, as suggested by previous authors, but may also serve as a visual cue to conspecifics of sexual maturity and receptiveness to a potential mate.
Volumes of petroleum spray oil required for control of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in mature citrus orchards
Authors: Liu Zm , Beattie Gac , Jiang L , Watson Dm
Published: March 2003

Studies on the relationship between volume of spray and suppression of citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella) oviposition by petroleum spray oil on 4 m‐high mature orange trees showed a negative exponential relationship between spray volume and the number of mines per leaf. Significant reductions in the number of mines per leaf compared to unsprayed trees was achieved at spray volumes of ≥ 3300 L/ha using oscillating boom and at ≥ 3200 L/ha using rotary atomiser sprayers. However, improvements in efficacy at volumes over 3200–3300 L/ha were not significant and so of little practical value. The optimal spray volumes for citrus leafminer control are therefore suggested to be 3000–3500 L/ha. No significant difference in effectiveness was found between the oscillating boom at 3300 L/ha and a rotary atomiser at 3200 L/ha. The effect of oil spray on the citrus leafminer parasitoid Semielacher petiolatus (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was inconsistent. Improved droplet deposition and coalescence may enhance the coverage of new growths and increase the efficacy of oil spray for protection of plants from oviposition.
Oviposition behaviour of two Australian stingless bees,Austroplebeia symeiRayment andAustroplebeia australisFriese (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)
Authors: Drumond Patrícia M , Oldroyd Benjamin P , Dollin Anne E , Dollin Leslie J
Published: March 2003

The maintenance of worker sterility in stingless bees may be associated with the ritualised queen/worker interactions that are observed during oviposition. The precise nature of these interactions is often species specific. Queen behaviour and the behaviour of workers towards the queen during oviposition are described for two Australian species,Austroplebeia symeiandAustroplebeia australis.These behaviours appear identical in the two species. Worker oviposition is rare, and those eggs that are laid by workers appear to be trophic. We speculate that queen and worker behaviour during the oviposition process reflects queen/worker conflict over production of male eggs.
Australian Antyx Meuffels and Grootaert and the New Caledonian connection (Diptera: Dolichopodidae)
Authors: Bickel Daniel J
Published: March 2003

Three Australian species of the genus Antyx Meuffels and Grootaert (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) are newly described and illustrated. They comprise A. fagina and A. werrikimbe from eastern New South Wales, and A. edita from north‐eastern Queensland. All occur in moist forests, especially submontane rainforests above 1000 m. Antyx was previously known from five species in New Caledonia, and its present distribution is regarded as relictual Gondwanan. The genus Antyx does not belong to the subfamily Sympycninae, where it was originally referred, but is more closely related to the Neurigoninae.
A new species of spider mite, Oligonychus calicicola (Acari: Tetranychidae), damaging date fruit, Phoenix dactylifera L. (Arecaceae), in Australia
Authors: Knihinicki Danuta K , Flechtmann Carlos Hw
Published: March 2003

Oligonychus calicicola sp. n. is described and illustrated. It was found inhabiting the calyx of dates, Phoenix dactylifera L. (Arecaceae), in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. Oligonychus caliciola causes prolific scarring of dates, but the geographic origin of this new species is unknown.
Field determination of larval instar for the lantana leaf‐mining beetles Octotoma scabripennis Guérin‐Méneville and Uroplata girardi Pic (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Hispinae)
Authors: Broughton Sonya
Published: March 2003

A method of identifying larval instars based on the width of the central chamber of their mines in lantana leaves was developed for two hispine beetles, Octotoma scabripennis Guérin‐Méneville and Uroplata girardi Pic. Head‐capsule widths and the width of the widest part of the larval mine were measured to the nearest 0.001 mm and 1 mm, respectively. Analyses confirmed that head‐capsule measurements followed the Brooks‐Dyar rule. Both species have three larval instars with mean head‐capsule widths of 0.4, 0.57 and 0.80 mm for O. scabripennis, and mean widths of 0.35, 0.50 and 0.80 mm for U. girardi. The width of the larval mine similarly increases with instar. I found that first‐instar larvae of both species occupy mines 1 mm wide; third‐instar larvae were found in mines greater than 8 mm wide for O. scabripennis and 5 mm for U. girardi. For mine widths between these sizes, a fixed percentage of larvae were instar 2 or 3. This method of measuring instar is proposed as an alternative to destructive sampling.
Identification of morphologically similar canegrubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthini) using a molecular diagnostic technique
Authors: Miller Liza J , Allsopp Peter G , Graham Glenn C , Yeates David K
Published: March 2003

Larvae of 19 species of Melolonthini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) are important sugarcane pests in eastern Australia. Larvae of five of these pest species cannot be identified confidently using morphological characters:Lepidiota frenchiBlackburn,Lepidiota negatoriaBlackburn andLepidiota noxiaBritton; andAntitrogus consanguineus(Blackburn) andAntitrogus rugulosus(Blackburn). To develop a DNA‐diagnostic tool, we assessed mtDNA diversity within each species and confirmed their specific status. Species‐level base pair differences in thecytochrome oxidase IIgene (COII) were used to develop a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) protocol for species identification. PCR‐RFLP is a useful tool for identifying morphologically similar species of canegrubs in large‐scale pest identifications.
Rapid estimation of numbers of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleurodidae) and thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on sticky traps
Authors: Steiner MY , Spohr LJ , Barchia I , Goodwin S
Published: March 2003

The presence or absence of greenhouse whiteflies, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, and thrips, primarily western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), in cells of a grid laid over 7.6 cm by 12.7 cm sticky traps was used to estimate the population density of these pests on the trap. The method accurately predicted trap population densities of between 15 and 192 individuals per side for thrips on blue and yellow traps and between 15 and 168 whiteflies per side on yellow traps. The distribution of both whiteflies and thrips tended to be clustered on the sides and upper edge of the traps. The method is useful in giving a far more rapid estimate than counting individuals, particularly at high population densities.
Season‐specific directional movement in migratory Australian butterflies
Authors: Dingle Hugh , Zalucki Myron P , Rochester Wayne A
Published: March 2003

Large numbers of adults of certain species of butterfly flying in an apparently ‘purposeful’ manner are often noted by entomologists and the general public. Occasionally, these are recorded in the literature. Using these records we summarise information regarding the direction of movement in Australian butterflies and test whether there are consistent patterns that could account for known seasonal shifts in geographical range. The data were analysed using contingency tables and directionality statistics. Vanessa itea, Vanessa kershawi, Danaus plexippus, Danaus chrysippus and Badamia exclamationis flew predominately south in the spring–summer and north in the autumn–winter. Tirumala hamata has a strong southern component to its flight in spring but, as in Euploea core, appears non‐directional in the autumn. For many supposedly known migratory species, the number of literature records are few, particularly in one season (mainly autumn). Thus, for Appias paulina, four of seven records were south in the spring–summer, as were six of nine records for Catopsilia pomona, and three of five for Zizina labradus. For Belenois java, flight records were only available for the spring and these showed geographical differences; predominantly north‐west in northern Australia (Queensland) and south‐west in southern Australia (Victoria, New South Wales). There were too few records for Papilio demoleus in the literature (four only) to draw any conclusions. Major exceptions to the seasonal trend of south in the spring and north in the autumn were Junonia villida, which showed a predominant north‐westward direction in both seasons, and Eurema smilax, with a predominant southern or western flight in both seasons. We discuss these species specific trends in migration direction in relation to seasonal shifts in suitable habitat conditions, possible cues used in orientation and in timing changes in direction.
Spatial heterogeneity in oviposition preference of the mosquito Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Adelaide, South Australia
Authors: Williams Craig R , Kokkinn Michael J , Gilbert Kate S
Published: March 2003

Ovitraps were used to determine the container‐breeding mosquito fauna at three sites in suburban Adelaide, South Australia, from January to May 1998. A novel ovitrap design provided a choice of four distinct, water‐filled oviposition chambers: open top/manure slurry, closed top/manure slurry, open top/pond water and closed top/pond water. The traps were hung in trees, 3–4 m above the ground, and predominantly captured one species, Aedes notoscriptus, which enabled an a posteriori analysis of maternal oviposition preferences. At site 1, Ae. notoscriptus preferred closed‐top chambers, regardless of water type, whereas chambers containing manure slurry were preferred at sites 2 and 3, regardless of whether the chambers were open or closed. It is possible that differences in the complexity of vegetation structure and extent of shading between sites (less overall shading and vegetation complexity at site 1) may have elicited phenotypic variability in maternal oviposition choice. However, genetic variability in Ae. notoscriptus between sites cannot be discounted.
Adult mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) and virus survey in metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas
Authors: Wishart Elwyn
Published: March 2003

Adult mosquito populations were surveyed by trapping weekly with CO2‐baited light traps for 13 weeks over summer 1997–1998 at 15 sites in metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas. All trapped mosquitoes were screened for arboviruses, although none were found. Culex molestus (Forskål) was the most abundant species, with most being trapped at the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee. The arbovirus vector Culex annulirostris (Skuse) and the potential vectors, Aedes camptorhynchus (Thomson), Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse) and Coquillettidia linealis (Skuse), were trapped at a number of sites.
Uroleucon sonchi (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Australia
Authors: Carver Mary
Published: March 2003

Uroleucon sonchi, an aphid species of Palaearctic origin, is a recent adventive to Australia. It is now widespread in anthropic areas of all states and the Australian Capital Territory, principally on sowthistles (Sonchus spp.) but also on lettuce. It is occasionally parasitised by Aphidius sonchi Marshall (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Its possible economic importance in Australia is discussed. The species is also recorded for the first time from Norfolk and Philip Islands.
The ant‐parasitic genus Rhipipalloidea Girault (Hymenoptera: Eucharitidae), with a description of a new species
Authors: Maeyama Tomohiro , Machida Mitsuyo , Terayama Mamoru
Published: March 2003

The genus RhipipalloideaGirault (1934), from the Australian region is revised. Rhipipalloidea gruberiGirault (1940) is synonymised with R. miraGirault 1934. A new species, R. madangensis, is described from Papua New Guinea. This species is separated from R. mira from Australia by the distinct striation on the head, and ramose, 12‐segmented antennae of the females. Males and a host for the genus are described for the first time.
Essigella californica (Essig) and Eulachnus thunbergii Wilson (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae) on Pinus in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Carver Mary , Kent Deborah S
Published: March 2003

Accounts are given of two related, exotic lachnine aphid species colonising Pinus species in eastern Australia. Essigella californica (Essig), a recent adventive, is now abundant and widespread on Pinus radiata in south‐eastern Australia; its economic importance is discussed. Eulachnus thunbergii Wilson is commonly to be found on other, less extensively planted, species of Pinus in north‐eastern New South Wales. Means of distinguishing between the two species are provided.
Panstronhygia, a new genus of Colpurini from Sulawesi, with a description of two new species (Hemiptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Brailovsky Harry , Barrera Ernesto
Published: March 2003

One new genus, Panstronhygia, and two new species, Panstronhygia delectabilis and Panstronhygia faceta, collected in Sulawesi, Indonesia, are described in the tribe Colpurini (Coreidae). Dorsal habitus illustrations and drawings of the male and female genitalia are provided. A key to the known genera of Colpurini from Sulawesi is presented.