bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrahousehold food distribution: A case study of eight provinces in China
Authors: Luo Wei , Zhai Fengying , Jin Shuigao , Ge Keyou
Published: March 2003

A longitudinal survey of health and nutrition in China was undertaken in eight provinces (Liaoning, Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi, Guizhou). Data were collected in 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1997. The 1991 and 1993 data were used to investigate factors affecting intrahousehold food distribution. The discrepancy score and the ratio of food share to energy share were used to describe food distribution within households. Findings indicated that, in most cases, males had a higher proportion of nutrient intake than females, particularly in the young adult group where men presented with a higher discrepancy score than women for energy and all nutrients observed. The food and nutrient distribution tends to be more favourable to the middle‐aged group, although the youngest group, while accepting relatively smaller amounts of cereals, ate much bigger amounts of meat, dairy products and fruits. Household members with higher incomes are more favoured in terms of food consumption and nutrient intake. Household leaders accepted a higher share of energy and nutrients in comparison with other members of the household across all age and sex groups. Administrators and people working in service or trade industries in rural areas are favoured in terms of food distribution relative to farmers and manual workers. Well‐educated people accepted a better food allocation than others and those in employment received more nutrients than the unemployed. The ‘contribution rule’ (individuals who make a greater contribution to the family receive a larger share of the family’s food) is discussed and deemed to be applicable in explaining the discrepancy in food distribution and nutrient intake among household members.
Biomarkers, yesterday, today and tomorrow: the basis for health claims
Authors: Roberts DCK
Published: March 2003

The development of useful and accurate biomarkers for predicting outcomes of food based interventions is becoming more and more important, given the emphasis being placed on ingredients in foods contributing to disease risk reduction and optimal health promotion. With the human genome now laid bare, opportunities abound to barcode individuals with their risk profiles. The massive increase in DNA sequence information together with the development of new technologies such as genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics, has resulted in a much greater capacity to determine individual risk profiles. Screening for biomarkers at the gene or protein expression level using microarray technology has the potential to identify new biomarkers for disease diagnosis. Whether these techniques will enable a better understanding of food–gene interactions to permit health claims rather than better therapeutic treatment (at high economic cost) remains to be demonstrated.
International guidelines and experiences on health claims in Europe
Authors: Hurt Eva
Published: March 2003

The relationship between nutrition and health is gaining public acceptance and consumers are increasingly health‐conscious and want to obtain more information about the food they buy. There is a legal void with regard to health claims in the European Union. The framework labelling legislation prohibits ‘attributing to any foodstuff the property of preventing, treating or curing a human disease or referring to such properties’. In the absence of a specific Directive on claims for foodstuffs, EU member states apply different interpretations of the existing labelling legislation. Therefore, it may occur that a claim which is permitted in one country may be prohibited in another one, and vice versa. Because of this, manufacturers have to deal with a variety of regulations, guidelines and codes of conduct. As regards national self‐regulation systems (guidelines, consensus documents, voluntary codes of practice, joint interpretation of law), increasingly their development in EU countries (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Finland), is an attempt to remedy the situation of legal uncertainty. In most countries, a coalition of industry experts, enforcement authorities, consumer representatives, and scientists was involved in the elaboration of rules for the scientific justification and formulation, communication and presentation of health claims. At the international level, Codex Alimentarius is currently debating a draft on Enhanced Function Claims and Reduction of Disease Risk Claims. The draft recommendation is currently at step 3 of the Codex procedure. A lot of work has been undertaken internationally (Codex), in the EU (FUFOSE) and beyond (Council of Europe) in order to demonstrate that scientific substantiation of claims is possible and to establish valid criteria for this process.
Newly established regulation in Japan: foods with health claims
Authors: Shimizu Toshio
Published: March 2003

The Japanese government enacted a new regulatory system called ‘Foods with health claims’ in April 2001, which consists of ‘Foods for Specified Health Use’ (FOSHU) and ‘Foods with Nutrient Function Claims’ (FNFC). The FOSHU was set up by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 1991 to approve descriptions on a label regarding an effect of food on the human body. It was enacted as a part of ‘food for specified dietary use’ under the Nutrition Improvement Law. There are three important requirements for FOSHU approval. The first is scientific evidence of the efficacy, including clinical testing. The second is safety for consumption. The third is analytical determination of the effective component. At present there are 293 items approved as FOSHU. Most of the descriptions of foods under the FOSHU system are similar to the category of enhanced function claims of Codex. Under FNFC, 12 vitamins (vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, D, biotin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and niacin) and two minerals (calcium and iron) are standardized. These claims are similar to the nutrient function claims approved by Codex in 1997. It is desirable that the Japanese administration and the food industry cooperate with ASEAN countries to work together in the development and promotion of nutrition and health claims on foods.
Assessment of iodine deficiency in Kottayam district, Kerala State: a pilot study
Authors: Kapil Umesh , Jayakumar PR , Singh Preeti , Aneja Bhawna , Pathak Priyali
Published: March 2003

Iodine is one of the essential micro‐elements required for normal human growth and development. Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) are an important public health problem in India. There has been no data on the prevalence of IDD from the Kottayam district, India and hence, the present pilot study was conducted in the year 1999 to assess whether iodine deficiency existed in the district or not and to estimate the iodine content of salt consumed by the population. A total of 1872 children in the age group of 6–12 years were included in the study and were clinically examined. On the spot urine samples were collected from 251 children. A total of 420 salt samples were collected randomly from the families of the children. The total goitre prevalence was found to be 7.05% in the subjects studied. It was found that the percentage of children with urinary iodine excretions of < 2, 2– < 5, 5–9 and 10 μg/dL and above were 6.4%, 6.0%, 20.7%, and 66.9%, respectively. Assessment of the iodine content of salt by the iodometric titration method revealed that 60.6% of the children were consuming salt with an iodine content of 15 p.p.m. and more, which was the stipulated level of salt iodisation. The findings of the present study indicated that the population is in a transitional phase from iodine deficient, as revealed by total goitre rate, to iodine sufficient nutriture, as revealed by the median urinary iodine excretion level of 17.5 μg/dL.
Serum concentrations of micronutrient antioxidants in an adult Arab population
Authors: Abiaka Clifford , Olusi Samuel , Simbeye Amos
Published: March 2003

Serum concentrations of retinol, α‐tocopherol, β‐carotene and lycopene were measured by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (r‐P
HPLC) in 260 randomly selected healthy adult Kuwaitis (159 men and 101 women) aged
18–63 years (mean 33.3 years) to established reference ranges of the micronutrient
antioxidants. Total cholesterol concentrations were assayed by an enzymatic method
to determine α‐tocopherol : cholesterol ratios. The mean ± SEM (μmol/L)
for retinol, α‐tocopherol, β‐carotene and lycopene were 1.76 ± 0.02,
20.0 ± 0.5, 0.52 ± 0.03, 0.95 ± 0.05, respectively. Compared
to other populations, these data showed, on the whole, ordinary concentrations of
β‐carotene, comparatively low concentrations of retinol and α‐tocopherol
and high concentrations of lycopene. Retinol concentrations were similar for both
sexes, whereas α‐tocopherol concentration was significantly (P < 0.0001)
lower and the carotenoid levels (β‐carotene and lycopene) significantly higher
(P < 0.0001) in women. Of the micronutrient antioxidants, α‐tocopherol
was most correlated with cholesterol (r = 0.492; P < 0.0001). β‐Carotene
and lycopene were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.744, P <
0.0001). Age was positively associated with β‐carotene (r = 0.214, P
= 0.001) and lycopene (r = 239, P < 0.0001). Our data enabled us to establish a gender non‐specific reference range for retinol and gender‐specific reference ranges for α‐tocopherol, β‐carotene and lycopene.
Effects of haemoglobin and serum ferritin on cognitive function in school children
Authors: Sungthong Rassamee , Mo‐suwan Ladda , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: March 2003

The association between iron deficiency anaemia and cognitive function impairment has been widely reported in young children, but whether the impairment is a result of iron deficiency per se or a combination of iron deficiency and anaemia, and how these conditions interact, is still questionable. Four hundred and twenty‐seven school children from two schools in socioeconomically deprived communities were selected in southern Thailand. Iron status was determined by haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations. Cognitive function in this study was measured by IQ test and school performance, including Thai language and mathematics scores, usingz‐scores based on distributions within the same grade and school. Data on demography and socioeconomic status were collected by questionnaire answered by the parents. Linear regression models were used to investigate the effect of anaemia and iron deficiency, reflected by haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentration, on cognitive function and school performance. We found that cognitive function increased with increased haemoglobin concentration in children with iron deficiency, but did not change with haemoglobin concentration in children with normal serum ferritin level. Children with iron deficiency anaemia had consistently the poorest cognitive function (IQ, 74.6 points; Thai language score, 0.3 SD below average; and mathematics score, 0.5 SD below average). Children with non‐anaemic iron deficiency but with high haemoglobin levels had significantly high cognitive function (IQ, 86.5 points; Thai language score, 0.8 SD above average; and mathematics score, 1.1 SD above average). This study found a dose–response relationship between haemoglobin and cognitive function in children with iron deficiency, whereas no similar evidence was found in iron sufficient children.
Dietary calcium intake in postmenopausal Malaysian women: comparison between the food frequency questionnaire and three‐day food records
Authors: Chee WSS , Suriah AR , Zaitun Y , Chan SP , Yap SL , Chan YM
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to compare the dietary calcium intakes assessed by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the three‐day food record method in 230 Chinese postmenopausal women aged 50–65 years in Kuala Lumpur. The results showed that the mean calcium intake from the dietary records was 447 ± 168 mg/day and 499 ± 211 mg/day from the FFQ. The mean difference in intake by the two methods was 51.3 mg (95% CI = – 30.8 – 77.9; SD = 181.2, P > 0.05), which did not differ significantly from zero. Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.56 was obtained between the two methods. Ninety‐five percent of the individuals classified by food records fell into the same or within‐one‐quartile category when classified by FFQ. Forty‐eight percent were classified into the same quartile by both methods. No subjects were grossly misclassified by the FFQ. The FFQ correctly identified subjects with calcium intakes below the Malaysian recommended daily allowance (450 mg/day) with 60% specificity and with 92% specificity for women consuming less than 800 mg calcium/day. In conclusion, the FFQ developed was a useful, rapid clinical tool for assessing calcium intake and identifying postmenopausal Chinese women with low calcium intakes in Malaysia.
Therapeutic effects of NaFeEDTA‐fortified soy sauce in anaemic children in China
Authors: Huo Junsheng , Sun Jing , Miao Hong , Yu Bo , Yang Tao , Liu Zhaoping , Lu Chengqian , Chen Junshi , Zhang Ding , Ma Yuzhen , Wang Anxu , Li Yongli
Published: March 2003

The therapeutic effects of NaFeEDTA‐fortified soy sauce on anaemic students were investigated. Three hundred and four iron‐deficient anaemic school children (11–17 years) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: control group (consuming non‐fortified soy sauce), low‐NaFeEDTA group (consuming fortified soy sauce, providing 5 mg Fe/day) and high‐NaFeEDTA group (consuming fortified soy sauce, providing 20 mg Fe/day). Blood haemoglobin (Hb) levels were determined before and after 1 month, 2 months and 3 months of intervention. In addition, serum iron (SI), serum ferritin (SF), free erythrocytic porphyrin (FEP), total iron binding capability (TIBC) and transferritin (TF) were measured before and after consumption of soy sauce for 3 months. The results obtained herein show that the parameters measured were not changed remarkably within the 3‐month intervention in the control group (P < 0.05).
However, increased Hb, SI, SF and TF levels and decreased TIBC and FEP levels were
observed in both the high‐NaFeEDTA group (P < 0.01) and the low‐NaFeEDTA
group (P < 0.05). The effectiveness of iron intervention in the low‐NaFeEDTA group and high‐NaFeEDTA group had no statistical significance after 3 months. It was concluded that nutritional intervention for anaemic students using NaFeEDTA‐fortified soy sauce could play a positive role in the improvement of iron status and control of anaemia.
A prospective study of weight and height going from infancy to adolescence
Authors: Tienboon Prasong , Wahlqvist Mark L
Published: March 2003

Weight and height from infancy to age 15 years was studied in the Geelong population (n = 1200 in infancy; n = 213 at adolescence), Victoria, Australia.
Body mass index (BMI) increased from 3 months to 12 months and then decreased again
until 80 months after which it increased to 20.5 kg/m2 at the age of 15 years. The extent of tracking of BMI in infants classified as overweight or underweight was similar and differed from that of subjects of normal weight. Only one in four of the infants classified as overweight or underweight in infancy were still in the same category in adolescence, compared with three in four of those classified as of normal weight. Socioeconomic status has an effect on weight and height status in adolescence but not on the tracking of BMI. The age at 6–7 years is a critical age for weight and height status in adolescence. It appears that weight and height in infancy have a significant relationship with body size in adolescence but only in boys.
Simultaneous analysis of retinol, β‐carotene and tocopherol levels in serum of Vietnamese populations with different incomes
Authors: Kieu Nguyen Thi Minh , Yurie Kidokoro , Hung Nguyen Thi Kim , Yamamoto Shigeru , Chuyen Nguyen Van
Published: March 2003

In this study, we clarified the status of the fat‐soluble vitamins retinol and tocopherol, as well as β‐carotene, as antioxidants in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in middle‐aged Vietnamese populations with different incomes. In order to measure simultaneously the serum concentrations of retinol, β‐carotene and tocopherol, we carried out high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis with three separate detectors. The analytical method was modified, omitting the saponification process, and used a multi‐evaporating system with dry ice. This allowed the analysis to proceed more rapidly, use a small amount of serum (40 μL) and be free of hexane contamination to the environment. The analyses reflected an adequate status of vitamin A (serum retinol = 20 μg/dL), but inadequate status of β‐carotene and vitamin E (serum β‐carotene < 40 μg/dL; serum tocopherol < 600 μg/dL) in all three Vietnamese populations. As large numbers of Vietnamese subjects were observed with very low serum concentrations of β‐carotene and tocopherol, higher consumptions of green and yellow vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils and other foods rich in vitamin E are recommended for these Vietnamese populations.
Characteristics of soy bread users and their beliefs about soy products
Authors: Worsley Anthony , Wahlqvist Mark L , Dalais Fabien S , Savige Gayle S
Published: March 2003

A two‐stage random telephone/mail survey was conducted during the last quarter of 1998 among Adelaide residents to determine consumers’ use of soy bread and other soy products and their health expectations of soy products. One in five (21%) of 1477 telephone subscribers usually consumed soy bread and related soy products. Comparisons of soy bread consumers and non‐consumers, based on the mail survey sample, showed that more soy bread consumers used dietary supplements and ate low fat and vegetarian diets, though their experiences of ill health were similar. Soy bread consumers held stronger universalism (pro‐nature) values than non‐consumers. They also held more positive expectations about the benefits of soy consumption, including reductions in menstrual and menopausal symptoms, increased bowel regularity and reductions in the risk of heart disease and cancer. The findings are discussed in relation to the psychology of dietary supplementation, values orientations and physiological plausibility. Further investigations are suggested.
Zinc and iron status during pregnancy of Filipino women
Authors: De Jong Nynke , Romano Aurora B Ampong , Gibson Rosalind S
Published: March 2003

Low birthweight is associated with maternal anaemia and, in some circumstances, with low iron and zinc status, but this relationship has not been investigated in the Philippines. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of anaemia and suboptimal iron and zinc status in pregnant women from three geographical regions (mountain, coast, city) of Zamboanga del Sur province at 24 weeks (n = 305), and again at 36 weeks (n = 127), gestation. At 24 weeks, 34% were anaemic (i.e., haemoglobin < 105 g/L) from all causes, of whom only 14% had concomitant low serum ferritin values (i.e., < 12 μg/L). The presence of infection was low, based on both elevated white blood cell count (> 11 × 109/L; 19%) and serum C‐reactive protein (> 15 mg/L; 3%). Of the women surveyed, 20% were iron depleted but not anaemic, and 15% were zinc deficient (i.e., serum zinc < 7.1 μmol/L). The mean (± SD) birthweight of the infants (n = 250) was 3074 g ± 408 g, of whom 5% were of low birthweight (< 2500 g). No differences existed for biochemical indices or birthweight among the three regions, or between women consuming maize or rice‐based diets. Women with low haemoglobin (P = 0.05) and low serum zinc (P = 0.14) values at 24 weeks gestation had infants with lower birthweights than those with values ≥ 105 g/L and ≥ 7.1 μmol/L, respectively. However, in the multivariate model, the contribution of maternal haemoglobin to the variance in birthweight at 24 weeks gestation was non‐significant, although modest for serum zinc. Anaemia and/or suboptimal zinc status during pregnancy may be related to low birthweight in the Philippines, and their aetiology deserves further study.
Antioxidant effect of Phaseolus vulgaris in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Venkateswaran Subramanian , Pari Leelavinothan
Published: March 2003

The antioxidant effect of an aqueous extract of Phaseolus vulgaris pods, an indigenous plant used in Ayurvedic medicine in India, was studied in rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. Oral administration of Phaseolus vulgaris pod extract (PPEt; 200 mg/kg body weight) for 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydroperoxides. The extract also causes a significant increase in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione‐S‐transferase in the liver and kidneys of rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. These results clearly show the antioxidant property of PPEt. The effect of PPEt at 200 mg/kg body weight was more effective than glibenclamide.
Glycaemic glucose equivalent: combining carbohydrate content, quantity and glycaemic index of foods for precision in glycaemia management
Authors: Monro John A
Published: March 2003

The glycaemic index (GI) is the blood glucose response to carbohydrate in a food as a percentage of the response to an equal weight of glucose. Because GI is a percentage, it is not related quantitatively to food intakes, and because it is based on equi‐carbohydrate comparisons, GI‐based exchanges for control of glycaemia should be restricted to foods providing equal carbohydrate doses. To overcome these limitations of GI, the glycaemic glucose equivalent (GGE), the weight of glucose having the same glycaemic impact as a given weight of food, is proposed as a practical measure of relative glycaemic impact. To illustrate the differences between GGE and GI in quantitative management of postprandial glycaemia, published values for carbohydrate content, GI and serving size of foods in the food groupings, breads, breakfast cereals, pulses, fruit and vegetables, were used to determine the GGE content per equal weight and per serving of foods. Food rankings and classifications for exchanges based on GGE content were compared with those based on GI. In all of the food groupings analysed, values for relative glycaemic impact (as GGE per 100 g food and per serving) within each of the categories, low, medium and high GI, were too scattered for GI to be a reliable indicator of the glycaemic impact of any given food. Correlations between GI and GGE content per serving were highest in food groupings of similar carbohydrate content and serving size, including breads (r = 0.73) and breakfast cereals (r = 0.8), but low in more varied groups including pulses (r = 0.66), fruit (r = 0.48) and vegetables (r = 0.28). Because of the non‐correspondence of GI and GGE content, food rankings by GI did not agree with rankings by GGE content, and placement of foods in GI‐based food exchange categories was often not appropriate for managing glycaemia. Effects of meal composition and food intake on relative glycaemic impact could be represented by GGE content, but not by GI. Because GGE is not restricted to equicarbohydrate comparisons, and is a function of food quantity, GGE may be applied, irrespective of food or meal composition and weight, and in a number of approaches to the management of glycaemia. Accurate control of postprandial glycaemia should therefore be achievable using GGE because they address the need to combine GI with carbohydrate dose in diets of varying composition and intake, to obtain a realistic indication of relative glycaemic impact.
Comparative effects of a tocotrienol‐rich fraction and tocopherol in aspirin‐induced gastric lesions in rats
Authors: Nafeeza MI , Fauzee AM , Kamsiah J , Gapor MT
Published: March 2003

This study examined the effects of a tocotrienol‐rich fraction (TRF) obtained from palm oil on the healing of aspirin‐induced gastric mucosal lesions. Thirty‐six male Sprague−Dawley rats (200−250 g) were randomly divided into three groups. Group I was fed a vitamin E‐deficient diet (control), Group II was fed a vitamin E‐deficient diet supplemented with tocopherol (300 mg/kg food) and Group III was fed a vitamin E‐deficient diet supplemented with TRF (300 mg/kg food). After eight weeks, the control and treated groups received a single intragastric dose of 400 mg/kg body weight aspirin. The rats were killed 24 h after exposure to aspirin. Assessment of gastric lesions showed a lower gastric lesion index in the TRF (P = 0.0005) and tocopherol groups (P = 0.0008) compared to the control. The gastric malondialdehyde (MDA) content was also lower in the TRF (P = 0.025) and tocopherol groups (P = 0.025) compared to control. There were, however, no significant differences in the gastric lesion index and gastric MDA content between the TRF and tocopherol‐fed groups. There were no significant differences in the adherent gastric mucous concentration and gastric acid concentration among all groups. We conclude that the TRF and tocopherol are equally effective in preventing aspirin‐induced gastric lesions. The most probable mechanism is through their ability to limit lipid peroxidation, which is involved in aspirin‐induced gastric lesions.
Impact of supplementary high calcium milk with additional magnesium on parathyroid hormone and biochemical markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women
Authors: Green J Hilary , Booth Chris , Bunning Richard
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of magnesium‐enriched, high‐calcium milk on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women. We recruited 50 healthy postmenopausal women to take part in this randomised controlled study. Half of the women consumed two serves of high‐calcium skim milk enriched with magnesium (milk group) and half consumed two serves apple drink per day (apple group), each for 4 weeks. The milk provided 1200 mg calcium and an additional 106 mg magnesium. We investigated the responses of serum PTH, as well as the serum and urinary calcium, magnesium and biochemical markers of bone turnover. There was no effect of time or drink on the clinical biochemistry, serum PTH or urine markers of bone resorption (free deoxypyridinoline and N‐­telopeptides). Serum C‐telopeptides (CTX), another marker of bone resorption, did not change with time in the apple group. However, in the milk group, serum CTX decreased significantly from 0.43 ± 0.04 ng/mL to 0.32 ± 0.02 at 2 weeks (p < 0.0001) and 0.28 ± 0.02 at 4 weeks (p < 0.0001). In the milk group, urinary calcium and magnesium each increased during the night but not during the day. Overall, these data suggest that milk has an antiresorptive effect on bone, but that this is not accompanied by measurable changes in serum PTH.
Effect of green tea catechin on arachidonic acid cascade in chronic cadmium‐poisoned rats
Authors: Choi Jeong‐Hwa , Chang Hyeun‐Wook , Rhee Soon‐Jae
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of green tea catechin on the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways in chronic cadmium‐poisoned rats. Sprague−Dawley male rats weighing 100 ± 10 g were randomly assigned to one normal and three cadmium‐poisoned groups. The cadmium groups were classified as catechin‐free diet group (Cd‐0C), 0.25% catechin diet group (Cd‐0.25C) and 0.5% catechin diet group (Cd‐0.5C), in accordance with the level of catechin supplement. The phospholipase A2 activity was remarkably increased 117% in the Cd‐0C group and 60% in the Cd‐0.25C group compared with the normal group, and the level in the Cd‐0.5C group was the same as the normal group. Activity of platelet cyclooxygenase increased 284% in the Cd‐0C group, 147% in the Cd‐0.25C group and 193% in the Cd‐0.5C group. The synthesis of platelet thromboxane A2 (TXA2) increased 157% in the Cd‐0C group and 105% in the Cd‐0.25C group, compared with the normal group. The Cd‐0.5C group showed the same level as the normal group. Prostacyclin (PGI2) formation in the aorta decreased 24% in the Cd‐0C group and 18% in the Cd‐0.25C group. The ratio of PGI2/TXA2, the thrombocyte synthesis index, decreased 70% in the Cd‐0C group and 59% in the Cd‐0.25C group. The activity of 5′‐lipoxygenase in the polymorphonuclear leukocyte was increased 40% in the Cd‐0C group as compared with the normal group. Catechin‐supplemented Cd‐0.25C and Cd‐0.5C groups showed the level of the normal group. In this study, the observed content of leukotriene B4, which induces the inflammatory process, increased 54% in the Cd‐0C group, and in catechin‐supplemented groups, showed the same level as in the normal group. The serum peroxide value increased 60% in the Cd‐0C group compared with the normal group; but in the Cd‐0.5C group, it showed the level of the normal group. These results indicate that chronic cadmium poisoning in rats accelerates arachidonic acid metabolism. Inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism due to catechin supplementation, however, decreases platelet aggregation and inflammatory action. In conclusion, it would appear that green tea catechin supplementation in chronic cadmium‐poisoned rats inhibits the arachidonic acid cascade by regulating the activity of phospholipase A2.
Bread enriched with microencapsulated tuna oil increases plasma docosahexaenoic acid and total omega‐3 fatty acids in humans
Authors: Yep Yolande L , Li Duo , Mann Neil J , Bode Ortwin , Sinclair Andrew J
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to determine the acute and chronic effects of low doses of long chain (LC) n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (<100 mg per day) on plasma LC n‐3 PUFA levels using a novel delivery form; bread containing microencapsulated tuna oil (MTO). Six omnivores (three men and three women) participated in the acute study, which involved ingesting a prototype MTO bread containing approximately 80 mg of LC n‐3 PUFA/four slices. Plasma triacylglycerol fatty acid compositions were measured after an overnight fast and postprandially at 2 and 4 h. In the chronic study, 10 vegetarian subjects (nine men and one woman) consumed MTO bread at six to eight slices/day (comprising 60 mg of LC n‐3 PUFA) as the only dietary source of these PUFA for three weeks. Fasting plasma total and phospholipid fatty acid compositions were measured at baseline and endpoint. In the acute study, the proportions of 22:6 n‐3 and total n‐3 PUFA in plasma triacylglycerol were significantly increased (P < 0.05). In the chronic study, the proportions of 20:5 n‐3, 22:5 n‐3, 22:6 n‐3, total n‐3 PUFA in plasma, and 22:6 n‐3 and total n‐3 PUFA in plasma phospholipid fractions were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at the endpoint compared with the baseline. This study showed that a low dose of LC n‐3 PUFA, consumed as MTO‐enriched bread, was bioavailable, as measured by an increase in LC n‐3 PUFA levels in the plasma of human subjects.
Longitudinal study of diet and iron deficiency anaemia in infants during the first two years of life
Authors: Heath Anne‐Louise M , Reeves Tuttle Cynthia , Simons Megan SL , Cleghorn Christine L , Parnell Winsome R
Published: March 2003

The objectives of this study were: (i) to investigate the energy, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin C intakes of a group of healthy term Caucasian infants resident in Dunedin, New Zealand, prospectively from age 9 months to 2 years; and (ii) to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among these infants. A self‐selected sample of 74 Caucasian mothers and their infants born in Dunedin, New Zealand, between October 1995 and May 1996 were recruited. Dietary intake was determined using estimated diet records at 9, 12, 18 and 24 months of age. Haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume and zinc protoporphyrin concentration were determined at the same ages. The infants’ zinc, calcium and vitamin C intakes appeared adequate. Their median iron intakes ranged from 4.3 mg (at 12 months) to 7.0 mg (at 9 months) per day and were below estimated requirements at all ages. At 9, 12 and 18 months of age, 7% (n = 4) of the infants had iron deficiency anaemia. None of the infants had iron deficiency anaemia at 24 months. The iron intakes of this group of Caucasian infants and young children appeared inadequate. However, their rate of iron deficiency anaemia was lower than has been reported in previous New Zealand studies.
Reappraisal of the genus Taumacera Thunberg with descriptions of two new species from South‐East Asia (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)
Authors: Reid Cam
Published: March 2003

The galerucine genus Taumacera Thunberg is reviewed. Platyxantha Baly is placed in synonymy with Taumacera. The Taumacera deusta species‐group is defined and two new species are described in this group: Taumacera mohamedsaidi from Borneo and Taumacera evi from Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. A new name, Taumacera seminigra, is provided for Taumacera nigripennis (Jacoby 1900a), nec Jacoby 1884, and Taumacera martapurensis Mohamedsaid is synonymised with Taumacera sucki Weise. A key is given for the deusta species‐group and a revised checklist presented for all Taumacera species.
Carcinothrips: A genus of Acacia phyllode‐glueing thrips with grossly enlarged fore legs (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)
Authors: Mound Laurence A , Morris David C
Published: March 2003

Members of the Australian thrips genus Carcinothrips Moulton have the front legs modified into massive chelate structures, with elongate and expanded fore femora bearing a row of stout tubercles, and foreshortened fore tibiae that close onto these tubercles. Females of Carcinothrips leai, the only previously described species, and also of a new species, Carcinothrips tania, secrete a ring of glue from their anus to fix together pairs of Acacia phyllodes. Adults and larvae live within the shallow cell so produced, and feed on the phyllode walls of their domicile.
Cephalidiosus: A replacement name for Stenotrachelus (Hemiptera: Tingidae)
Authors: Guilbert Eric
Published: March 2003

Cephalidiosus is proposed as a replacement name for Stenotrachelus Guilbert, a genus of Tingidae from New Caledonia. New combinations are Cephalidiosus megapharsus (Guilbert) and Cephalidiosus mesopharsus (Guilbert).
Occurrence of the mayfly family Teloganodidae in northern New South Wales
Authors: Chessman Bruce C , Boulton Andrew J
Published: March 2003

Teloganodid mayfly nymphs, previously known in Australia only from south‐eastern Queensland, have now been recorded from numerous localities in the coastal drainages of northern New South Wales (NSW) from the Barrington Tops district to the Richmond River system. The nymphs seem to be restricted to riffles in forest streams and occur over a wide altitudinal range with records up to 940 m. They appear identical to those of Austremerella picta Riek, but rearing to the adult is needed to be certain that they represent the same species. The apparent restriction of Australian Teloganodidae to southern Queensland and northern NSW poses a biogeographical puzzle.
Experience acquisition by Trichogramma australicum Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Nurindah  , Cribb Bronwen W , Gordh Gordon
Published: March 2003

We investigated experience acquisition (alpha‐conditioning) by females of the parasitoid Trichogramma australicum using host eggs of the noctuid moth Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). We compared the acceptance of a host egg by females with different levels of ovipositional experience. The level of experience was designated using the standard oviposition sequence: (1) host contact (C); (2) host examination (E); (3) drilling (D); (4) full insertion (FI); and (5) oviposition (O). Each treatment consisted of a single experience level, but together these consituted a qualitative behavioural continuum of oviposition experience from naive (N) to experienced wasps. We found that host experience by adult T. australicum females can modify their behaviour. Mean duration of host finding was: N = C > E = D > FI = O. Mean duration of host examination and full insertion were: N = C > E = D = FI = O. Drilling was constant for all experience levels. Experience in drilling of the chorion during the previous host‐exposure process represents a critical experience for a female and results in efficient handling and more ready acceptance of a subsequently encountered host egg.
Detection of insecticide resistance in Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) populations in South Australian crucifer crops
Authors: Baker Greg J , Kovaliski John
Published: March 2003

In response to reports of failures of sprays to control Plutella xylostella infestations in vegetable‐growing areas around Adelaide in 1991, the extent of resistance to six insecticides in several South Australian populations of P. xylostella was determined. Populations sampled from vegetable crops in the Adelaide region were five‐ to 200‐fold resistant to organophosphates (chlorpyrifos, methamidophos and mevinphos), eight‐ to 400‐fold resistant to pyrethroids (esfenvalerate and permethrin) and six‐fold resistant to the carbamate methomyl compared with a susceptible strain. Mevinphos and esfenvalerate were the most effective of the tested insecticides. These, together with Bacillus thuringiensis products, have continued until 1998 to be used almost exclusively for the control of P. xylostella in South Australian vegetable crops in the absence of any resistance management strategy.
Gallilichus jonesi sp. n. (Acari: Ascouracaridae): A new species of feather mite from the quills of the Australian brush‐turkey (Aves: Megapodiidae)
Authors: Proctor Heather C
Published: March 2003

Adults, nymphs, larvae and eggs of Gallilichus jonesi sp. n. are described. These mites inhabit the quills of large wing and tail feathers of the megapode Alectura lathami Gray, where they appear to consume the spongy medulla inside the quill. This is the first record of Gallilichus for Australia, and the first observation of quill mites associated with the Megapodiidae. Two nymphal morphologies of G. jonesi were observed and are presumed to represent male and female, but because pharate adults were not found, definitive assignment of morphs to sexes was not possible. The only other species in the genus Gallilichus occurs in the feathers of domestic chickens. The implications of these host‐associations for elucidating relationships between the megapodes and other galliform birds are discussed.
Size of the first spring generation of Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and winter rain in central Australia
Authors: Oertel Anne , Zalucki Myron P , Maelzer Derek A , Fitt Gary P , Sutherst Robert
Published: March 2003

Serious infestations of Helicoverpa punctigera are experienced yearly in the eastern cropping regions of Australia. Regression analysis was used to determine whether the size of the first generation in spring (G1), which is comprised mostly of immigrants from inland Australia, was related to monthly rainfall in inland winter breeding areas. Data from two long series of light‐trap catches at Narrabri in New South Wales (NSW) and Turretfield in South Australia (SA) were used in the analyses. The size of G1 at Narrabri in each year was significantly regressed on the amount of rainfall in western Queensland and NSW in May and June. The size of G1 at Turretfield each year was significantly regressed on the amount of rain in May, June and July in western Queensland and NSW and also in the desert of central Western Australia. Low r2 values of the regressions suggest that rainfall data for more sites, as well as biological and other physical factors, such as temperature, evaporation, and prevailing wind systems, may need to be included to improve forecasts of the potential magnitude of the infestations in coastal cropping regions.
Field evaluation of the effects of the insect growth regulator tebufenozide on entomophagous arthropods and pests of apples
Authors: Gurr Gm , Thwaite Wg , Nicol Hi
Published: March 2003

Organophosphate insecticides are very widely used in commercial apple production to control fruit‐attacking pests but their broad‐spectrum activity constrains biological control of other pests. Compounds with narrow‐spectrum activity are therefore desirable. The insect growth regulator (IGR) tebufenozide was compared with another IGR, fenoxycarb, and the organophosphate, azinphos‐methyl, in a replicated field trial in the 1994/1995 apple‐production season. Vacuum sampling of the tree foliage on five occasions during the growing season showed significantly lower populations of various natural enemies (spiders, lacewings and the specialist mite predator Stethorus spp. adults and larvae) in the azinphos‐methyl treatment than in either of the two IGR treatments. The two‐spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) was most numerous in the azinphos‐methyl treatment. In 1995/1996, the entire trial area was placed under a tebufenozide treatment program to determine the extent to which natural enemy populations would recover when broad‐spectrum insecticide (azinphos‐methyl) use was halted. Populations of polyphagous natural enemies assumed levels broadly equivalent to those observed under IGR treatments the previous year. Numbers of Stethorus spp. were lower than in the 1994/1995 season, possibly because T. urticae (prey) populations were much reduced from the previous season’s densities. All three insecticide treatments were equally effective in controlling the lepidopteran pests, codling moth (Cydia pomonella (L.)), lightbrown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana (Walker)) and early season caterpillars (predominantly Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren)). Results indicate that tebufenozide provides good control of lepidopteran pests, while allowing the rapid build‐up of natural enemies which contribute to control of other pests.
Rainfall sequences leading to population increases of Austracris guttulosa (Walker) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in arid north‐eastern Australia
Authors: Hunter David M , Elder Rod J
Published: March 2003

In northern Australia, the spur‐throated locust, Austracris guttulosa, has one generation per year with locusts surviving the dry season as immature adults. Adults lay after rain early in the wet season, mainly between October/November and January. On cracking clay soils, a fall of > 40 mm is required to allow oviposition, but to ensure survival of the resulting offspring, there must be follow‐up rain of > 40 mm at the oviposition site within 6 weeks. Populations increase during years when more than 50% of the arid zone and Gulf receive both initial and two or more follow‐up rains at intervals of ≤ 6 weeks. During the 1970s and 1990s, there were two periods of 3–5 years of such increase, and a large number of swarms resulted.
A new method for handling invertebrates collected using standard vacuum‐sampling apparatuses
Authors: Smith Joshua Wc
Published: March 2003

The collection sock is an important part of motorised, vacuum‐sampling apparatuses used to sample arthropods from vegetation. A collection sock with a detachable collection jar that improves the ease of handling samples is described.
Abdominal armature and the systematics of Xaniothrips species (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), kleptoparasites of domicile‐producing thrips on Australian Acacia trees
Authors: Mound Laurence A , Morris David C
Published: March 2003

Species of the genus Xaniothrips Mound live as kleptoparasites within domiciles produced by other thrips on the phyllodes of various Acacia trees in the Eremaean zone of Australia. Females of each of these thrips species have an array of very stout spines on the abdomen, and in two of them the anal area is asymmetric and directed dorsally, bearing two pairs of stout setae. The lateral abdominal armature has arisen by multiplication of the plesiotypic setal pattern of the sternites. Observations suggest that members of this genus use their armature to expel a resident thrips from its domicile of tied or glued phyllodes, and then to defend this living space from other intruders. Seven species are now recognised in the genus, of which the following five are described as new species: X. eremus, X. foederatus, X. mulga, X. rhodopus and X. zophus. Three of these are associated with Acacia aneura, whereas the two previously known species, X. leukandrus Mound and X. xantes Mound, are associated with A. harpophylla. However, some evidence suggests that X. xantes may exist as two or more host‐specific forms on other Acacia species. Four of the Xaniothrips are associated with phyllode glues produced by Dunatothrips spp., whereas X. foederatus, X. leukandrus and X. xantes are associated with phyllode glues produced by Lichanothrips spp.
Saltatorial leaf‐feeding Thysanoptera (Thripidae: Dendrothripinae) from Australia and New Caledonia, with newly recorded pests of ferns, figs and mulberries
Authors: Mound Laurence A
Published: March 2003

Thrips of the subfamily Dendrothripinae that have been observed alive are all remarkably saltatorial. Each of them has an elongate and characteristically lyre‐shaped metathoracic endofurca, to which are attached the powerful muscles used by these minute leaf‐feeding thrips when jumping. Out of a world fauna in this subfamily of 10 genera and 86 species, six genera and 11 species are here recorded from Australia with a further new genus and species from New Caledonia. Leucothrips nigripennis Reuter, a pest of cultivated ferns previously known only from the northern hemisphere including southern India, is newly recorded from Australia and Brazil, and the suggestion made that the species is Neotropical in origin; the male is described for the first time as having simple antennal sense cones in contrast to the forked sense cones of females. Three species of Pseudodendrothrips are recorded from Australia: P. gillespiei sp. n. is described from Lord Howe Island; P. darci (Girault) is redescribed, and recorded as damaging young leaves of Ficus species in northern Australia; P. mori (Niwa), a widespread pest of Morus, is recorded from Australia for the first time. The possibility is discussed that P. mori, P. darci, and the south‐east Asian Morus pest P. bhattii Kudô represent a single species. The genus Dendrothrips is recorded from Australia for the first time with the description of three species: D. glynn sp. n. from northern Queensland is related to D. reticulatus Bournier from New Caledonia; D. diaspora sp. n. from Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia is related to D. howei sp. n. from Lord Howe Island. The genus Edissa, previously based on one species from Africa, is recorded from Australia, with E. steinerae sp. n. described from Queensland; this species is also recorded from Japan and Thailand. Asprothrips seminigricornis (Girault) is redescribed from several sites in eastern Australia. Ensiferothrips secundus sp. n. is described from Lord Howe Island, the genus being known previously from a single species in New Caledonia and New South Wales. Filicopsothrips wellsae gen. et sp. n., with forewings intermediate in structure between those of Dendrothrips species and typical thripids, is described from tree ferns in New Caledonia.