bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute effects of meal fatty acid composition on insulin sensitivity in healthy post-menopausal women
Authors: Robertson M. D. , Jackson K. G. , Fielding B. A. , Williams C. M. , Frayn K. N.
Published: February 2003

Postprandial plasma insulin concentrations after a single high-fat meal may be modified by the presence of specific fatty acids although the effects of sequential meal ingestion are unknown. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of altering the fatty acid composition in a single mixed fat–carbohydrate meal on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity of a second meal eaten 5 h later. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using a minimal model approach. Ten healthy post-menopausal women underwent four two-meal studies in random order. A high-fat breakfast (40 g fat) where the fatty acid composition was predominantly saturated fatty acids (SFA),n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), long-chainn-3 PUFA or monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was followed 5 h later by a low-fat, high-carbohydrate lunch (5·7 g fat), which was identical in all four studies. The plasma insulin response was significantly higher following the SFA meal than the other meals after both breakfast and lunch (P<0·006) although there was no effect of breakfast fatty acid composition on plasma glucose concentrations. Postprandial insulin sensitivity (SI(Oral)) was assessed for 180 min after each meal. SI(Oral)was significantly lower after lunch than after breakfast for all four test meals (P=0·019) following the same rank order (SFA <n-6 PUFA <n-3 PUFA < MUFA) for each meal. The present study demonstrates that a single meal rich in SFA reduces postprandial insulin sensitivity with ‘carry-over’ effects for the next meal.
The mobile bag technique as a method for determining the degradation of four botanically diverse fibrous feedstuffs in the small intestine and total digestive tract of ponies
Authors: Moore-Colyer M. J. S. , Hyslop J. J. , Longland A. C. , Cuddeford D.
Published: February 2003

Anin saccomobile bag technique was used to determine the rate and extent of disappearance of unmolassed sugar-beet pulp, soyabean hulls, hay cubes and an oat hull–naked oats mixture (67:33, w/w) in the foregut and total digestive tract of ponies. Ponies were administered naso-gastrically polyester mesh bags (60×10×10 mm) containing 350 mg feed, in a 3×4 Latin square design. Bags were collected at the ileo-caecal junction (small intestine bag, SIB) and in the faeces (faecal bag, FB) and their residues analysed for proximate constituents and NSP composition and content. DM disappearances from individual bags were fitted to degradation profiles () and effective degradability values determined. Significant differences (P<0·05) in DM, organic matter and crude protein (N×6·25) losses from SIB were noted between feeds with hay cubes and oat hulls–naked oats > sugar-beet pulp and soyabean hulls. Acid-detergent fibre, neutral-detergent fibre and NSP disappearances were small and varied little between feeds. In contrast, FB losses showed significant (P<0·05) differences for all constituents measured with sugar-beet pulp > soyabean hulls > hay cubes > oat hulls–naked oats. Crude protein losses from sugar-beet pulp and soyabean hulls in FB were significantly higher (P<0·05) than from SIB. FB degradation curves showed degradation to be affected by bag residence time with sugar-beet pulp > soyabean hulls and the effective degradability showed that significantly more (P<0·05) sugar-beet pulp was lost at 40.0 and 60.0 h than for the other three feeds. These results show that sugar-beet pulp and soyabean hulls are rapidly degraded by ponies and could be used as alternatives to hay in equid rations. However, the foregut availability of crude protein from sugar-beet pulp is poor, so a readily digestible source of crude protein should be offered to animals with high protein demands when diets are based on sugar-beet pulp.
Whole-body protein turnover of a carnivore,Felis silvestris catus
Authors: Russell K. , Lobley G. E. , Millward D. J.
Published: February 2003

The cat (Felis silvestris catus) has a higher dietary protein requirement than omnivores and herbivores, thought to be due to metabolic inflexibility. An aspect of metabolic flexibility was examined with studies of whole-body protein turnover at two levels of dietary protein energy, moderate protein (MP; 20 %) and high protein (HP; 70 %), in five adult cats in a crossover design. Following a 14 d pre-feed period, a single intravenous dose of [15N]glycine was administered and cumulative excretion of the isotope in urine and faeces determined over 48 h. N flux increased (P<0·005) with dietary protein, being 56 (SE 5) MMOL /G BODY WEIGHT (BW) PER D FOR CATS FED THE MP DIET AND 146 (se 8) mmol /g BW per d for cats fed the HP diet. Protein synthesis was higher (P<0·05) on the HP diet (75 (se 10) mmol /g BW per d; 6·6 (se 1) g protei/g BW per d) than the MP diet (38 (se 5) mmol /g BW per d; 3·4 (se 0·4) g protei/g BW per d). Protein breakdown was higher (P<0·05) on the HP diet (72 (se 8) mmol /g BW per d; 6·3 (se 0·7) g protei/g BW per d) than the MP diet (44 (se 3) mmol /g BW per d; 3·9 (se 0·3) g protei/g BW per d). Compared with other species the rate of whole-body protein synthesis in the well-nourished cat (9·7 (se 1·3) g protei/g BW0·75per d) is at the lower end of the range. These results show that feline protein turnover adapts to dietary protein as has been shown in other species and demonstrates metabolic flexibility. Further work is required to determine exactly why cats have such a high protein requirement.
Determination of each neutral oligosaccharide in the milk of Japanese women during the course of lactation
Authors: Sumiyoshi Wataru , Urashima Tadasu , Nakamura Tadashi , Arai Ikichi , Saito Tadao , Tsumura Norihiko , Wang Bing , Brand-Miller Janette , Watanabe Yoko , Kimura Kazumasa
Published: February 2003

Using reverse-phase HPLC after pyridylamination, we quantified the concentrations of major neutral oligosaccharides in the milk of sixteen Japanese women collected at 4, 10, 30 and 100 d postpartum. In colostrum and mature milk (30 d lactation), lacto-N-fucopentaose (LNFP) I was the most abundant oligosaccharide, followed by 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) + lacto-N-difucotetraose (LNDFT), LNFP II + lacto-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), and 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL). Together these accounted for 73 % of the total weight of neutral oligosaccharides in colostrum and mature milk. Changes in concentration occurred during the course of lactation. LNFP I and 2′-FL + LNDFT increased from 4 to 10 d postpartum, and then declined by 100 d. LNFP II + LNDFH II steadily increased during the first 30 d and then declined. In contrast, 3-FL increased steadily throughout the entire 100 d of study. Large differences were observed between our data and previously published data in Italian women, in terms of both the concentration and temporal changes of each oligosaccharide. These differences may be caused by different assay methodology, although racial differences cannot be ruled out.
Anthropometric measurements from a cross-sectional survey of Irish free-living elderly subjects with smoothed centile curves
Authors: Corish Clare A. , Kennedy Nicholas P.
Published: February 2003

Anthropometric screening has been recommended for the detection of undernutrition as it is simple, inexpensive and non-invasive. However, a recent study estimating the prevalence of undernutrition on admission to hospital in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, highlighted that the anthropometric reference data currently available in the UK and Republic of Ireland are inadequate to accurately determine nutritional status. In order to provide current anthropometric data, we carried out a cross-sectional study of 874 free-living, apparently healthy Irish-born elderly individuals aged over 65 years. Height, weight, triceps skinfold thickness, mid-arm and calf circumference were measured, values for BMI, mid-arm muscle circumference and arm muscle area were calculated and smoothed centile data derived for each variable. One-third of these elderly individuals had a BMI between 20–25 k/2, approximately two-thirds (68·5 % of males and 61 % of females) were classified as overweight or obese, almost one-fifth having a BMI over 30 k/2(17 % of men and 20 % of women). Very few were underweight, only 3 % having a BMI below 20 k/2. Height, weight, BMI and muscle reserves decreased with increasing age. The reduction in muscle size was associated with lower handgrip strength. Fat reserves declined with age in females only. Just over half of elderly Irish women reported participating in active leisure of 20 min duration four or more time/eek, although 13 % reported having no involvement in active leisure. These data for the Irish elderly extend the data generated from a recent countrywide survey of Irish adults aged 18–64 years, thus providing suitable reference standards for nutritional assessment of elderly Irish individuals.
Plasma retinol and tocopherol levels in relation to demographic, lifestyle and nutritional factors of plant origin in Greece
Authors: Papas A. , Stacewicz-Sapuntzakis M. , Lagiou P. , Bamia C. , Chloptsios Y. , Trichopoulou A.
Published: February 2003

In the context of the Greek segment of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) we have conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the effect of demographic, lifestyle and nutritional factors of plant origin on retinol, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol. Study subjects were a random sample of forty-five men and sixty-eight women, aged 30–82 years, from the Greek EPIC cohort of 27953 volunteers. Analyses were done using linear regression models with the vitamin blood levels as dependent variables, and BMI, the intake of selected food items, total energy intake and a set of demographic factors as independent variables. Women had significantly lower plasma retinol levels (P<0·006) than men. Both α- and γ-tocopherol levels increased by approximately 5 % for every additional 5 years of age. Among dietary factors, intake of non-fruity vegetables was associated with increase, while intake of added lipids other than olive oil with decrease, of plasma retinol levels. BMI was positively associated with plasma γ-tocopherol only, while none of the foods or food groups investigated significantly affected the plasma levels of either of the two tocopherols. These findings need to be confirmed before attempts are made to use them in the context of explanatory mechanistic processes.
Metabolism and requirements for calcium and phosphorus in the fast-growing chicken as affected by age
Authors: Bar Arie , Shinder Dmitry , Yosefi Sara , Vax Eliaho , Plavnik Isaac
Published: February 2003

Three series of experiments were conducted with fast-growing chickens in order: to evaluate the effects of dietary Ca and P on cholecalciferol metabolism and expression; to determine dietary Ca requirements; to determine dietary P requirements. The results of the first series confirmed previous results on the effects of dietary Ca and P on some variables of vitamin D metabolism and expression, Ca homeostasis and P metabolism in the young chicken (1- to 21-d-old), and extended them to older birds (22- to 43-d-old). The bone formation rate and the duodenal calbindin content were maintained at high levels until the age of 43 d. Dietary Ca or P restriction increased duodenal calbindin and decreased bone ash in both 22- and 43-d-old chickens, but the effect on bone ash was less pronounced in the 43-d-old birds than in the younger ones. These results suggest that: (a) the capabilities for adaptation to dietary Ca and P restriction remain high during the whole growing period; (b) the growing broilers express a high adaptive capability even when the diet contains the recommended Ca and P contents. The results of the second and third series of experiments suggest that: (c) unlike the Ca requirements of the 1- to 22-d-old chick, P requirements for growth and bone ash are similar, and are as high in the older chicks as in the younger ones (7·4–8·3 g P/kg or 4·8–5·7 g non-phytate P/kg diet); (d) although growth and bone ash in the 29- to 43-d-old chickens appear to be less sensitive to dietary Ca content, within a range close to the calculated P requirement, 10 g Ca/kg diet appears to be required for best tibia mineralization, and to a lesser extent for better growth at this age.
Effect of the addition of malate onin vitrorumen fermentation of cereal grains
Authors: Carro M. D. , Ranilla M. J.
Published: February 2003

Batch cultures of mixed rumen micro-organisms were used to study the effects of different concentrations of malate (Rumalato®; Norel & Nature S.A., Barcelona, Spain; composed of disodium malate–calcium malate (0·16:0·84, w/w)) on the fermentation of four cereal grains (maize, barley, wheat and sorghum). Rumen contents were collected from four Merino sheep fed lucerne hayad libitumand supplemented with 300 g concentrate/d. Rumalato® was added to the incubation bottles to achieve final concentrations of 0, 4, 7 and 10 mM-MALATE. Gas production was measured at regular intervals up to 120 h. Malate increased (P<0·01) the average fermentation rate of all substrates, and the lag time decreased (P<0·05) linearly with increasing concentrations of malate for all substrates, with the exception of sorghum. in 17 h incubations, the final pH and total volatile fatty acid production increased (P<0·001) linearly for all substrates as malate concentration increased from 0 TO 10 mM. Propionate and butyrate production increased (P<0·05), while the value of the acetate: propionate ratio and L-lactate concentrations decreased (P<0·05) linearly with increasing doses of malate. Malate treatment increased (P<0·05) the CO2production and decreased the production of CH4, although this effect was not significant (P>0·05) for maize. Malate at 4 and 7 mm increased (P<0·05) optical density of the cultures measured at 600 nm for maize, with no differences for the other substrates. The results indicate that malate may be used as a feed additive for ruminant animals fed high proportions of cereal grains, because it increased pH and propionate production and decreased CH4production and L-lactate concentrations; however, in general, no beneficial effects of 10 compared with 7 mM-malate were observed.
Conjugated linoleic acid decreases fat accretion in pigs: evaluation by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
Authors: Ostrowska Ewa , Suster Danny , Muralitharan Morley , Cross Reg F. , Leury Brian J. , Bauman Dale E. , Dunshea Frank R.
Published: February 2003

Thirty female Large White × Landrace pigs (average weight 57·2 (SD 1·9) kg) were allocated to one of six dietary treatments containing 0, 1·25, 2·5, 5·0, 7·5 or 10·0 g 55 % conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) isomers (CLA-55)/kg diet and fed for 8 weeks. Each pig was scanned at 0, 28 and 56 d and again at post slaughter using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to determine the temporal pattern of body composition responses. Values determined by DXA were adjusted using regression equations generated from validation experiments between chemically and DXA-predicted values. Overall, there was a significant linear reduction in fat content with the increasing levels of CLA in the diet (P=0·007,P=0·011,P=0·008 at week 4, week 8 and for the carcass, respectively). The greatest improvement was recorded at the early stages of CLA supplementation and for the highest dose of CLA (week 4, −19·2 % compared with week 8, −13·7 %). In the first 4 weeks of feeding CLA, pigs receiving 10 g CLA-55/kg diet deposited 93 g less fat/d than pigs fed basal diets (P=0·002) compared with only 6 g less fat than control animals in the final 4 weeks. Lean content and lean deposition rate were maximised at 5 and 2·5 g CLA-55/kg diet for the first 4 weeks (P=0·016) and the final 4 weeks of treatment (P=0·17), respectively. DXA estimates of bone mineral content and bone mineral density were not affected by CLA supplementation throughout the experiment. These data demonstrate that dietary CLA decreases body fat in a dose-dependent manner and that the response is greatest over the initial 4 weeks of treatment.
A comparative study of helminth parasites from the fish Tilapia zillii and Oreochromis leucostictus in Lake Naivasha and Oloidien Bay, Kenya
Authors: Aloo P.A.
Published: February 2003

The parasitic fauna of two fish species, namely gill-netted samples of 652 Oreochromis leucostictus and 448 Tilapia zillii from Lake Naivasha and Oloidien Bay was investigated during the period from the end of October 1995 to September 1996. Five larval helminth parasites were recovered including the nematode, Contracaecum sp., the acanthocephalan Polyacanthorhynchus kenyensis, the digenetic trematode, Clinostomum sp. and two cestodes, Amirthalingamia sp. and Cyclustera sp. Both prevalence and intensity of the infection of these helminths increased in larger sized fish, whereas male fish were more heavily infected than females. No seasonality in infection level were observed. The health status of both fish species remained unaffected, although O. leucostictus from Oloidien Bay which harboured heavy infections of Contracaecum exhibited stuntedness and the lack of fatty deposits around the digestive caecum.
Dictyocaulus capreolus n. sp. (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) from roe deer, Capreolus capreolus and moose, Alces alces in Sweden
Authors: Gibbons L.M. , Höglund J.
Published: February 2003

Dictyocaulus capreolus n. sp. recovered from roe deer, Capreolus capreolus and moose, Alces alces in Sweden is described and figured. Morphological studies revealed the new species to be closest to D. eckerti and D. africanus on the basis of mouth shape, all three species having an elongate mouth opening. The other species of the genus, including D. viviparus, all have a circular to oval mouth opening. Dictyocaulus capreolus n. sp. can be distinguished from D. eckerti and D. africanus on the basis of the morphology of the buccal capsule and the bursa. These morphological studies support earlier evidence of the presence of a new species of Dictyocaulus in roe deer and moose that could be distinguished from D. eckerti and D. viviparus using either a PCR-linked hybridization assay or image analysis software to study the dimensions of the buccal capsule.
Optimal treatment of Ascaridia galli-infected chickens with salts of trace elements and a kinetic model for chicken growth
Authors: Teodorova S.E. , Gabrashanska M.
Published: February 2003

Data from seven experiments with Ascaridia galli-infected chickens have been considered. The results of treatment with neutral and basic copper, zinc and copper–zinc salts and inorganic and organic manganese compounds have been compared. An optimal therapy, containing a pure Cu basic salt (Cu2(OH)3Cl) and an organic Mn compound (2Gly.MnCl2.2H2O), is proposed to correct mineral deficiencies and pathological symptoms and to ensure lower mortality and higher gains in body weight. A mathematical model has been proposed for the growth of a healthy chicken. The relative rates for two growth stages have been determined by the model using data from mean chicken weights. The time course of the average biomass of a single A. galli has been theoretically derived from the same logistic equation describing chicken growth, which in turn might explain, phenomenologically, the mechanisms involved in the biomass growth of eukaryote organisms.
Affinities between Asian non-humanSchistosomaspecies, theS. indicumgroup, and the African human schistosomes
Authors: Agatsuma T. , Iwagami M. , Liu C.X. , Rajapakse R.P.V.J. , Mondal M.M.H. , Kitikoon V. , Ambu S. , Agatsuma Y. , Blair D. , Higuchi T.
Published: February 2003

Schistosomaspecies have traditionally been arranged in groups based on egg morphology, geographical origins, and the genus or family of snail intermediate host. One of these groups is the ‘S. indicumgroup’ comprising species from Asia that use pulmonate snails as intermediate hosts. DNA sequences were obtained from the four members of this group (S. indicum,S. spindale,S. nasaleandS. incognitum) to provide information concerning their phylogenetic relationships with other Asian and African species and species groups. The sequences came from the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of the ribosomal gene repeat, part of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene (28S), and part of the mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene. Tree analyses using both distance and parsimony methods showed theS. indicumgroup not to be monophyletic.Schistosoma indicum,S. spindaleandS. nasalewere clustered among African schistosomes, whileS. incognitumwas placed as sister to the African species (using ITS2 and 28S nucleotide sequences and CO1 amino acid sequences), or as sister to all other species ofSchistosoma(CO1 nucleotide sequences). Based on the present molecular data, a scenario for the evolution of theS. indicumgroup is discussed.
Aminopeptidases in Caenorhabditis elegans and Panagrellus redivivus: detection using peptide and non-peptide substrates
Authors: Masler E.P.
Published: February 2003

Aminopeptidase activities were detected in extracts of the free-living nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Panagrellus redivivus using the aminoacyl substrate L-alanine-4-nitroanilide. The activities exhibited similarities in Km (C.elegans = 2.22 mM; P.REDIVIVUS = 2.09 Mm) and specific activity (C. elegans=1.38±0.43 mAU min-1 μg-1; P. redivivus, 1.23±0.18 mAU min-1 μg-1). Each is inhibited competitively by amastatin (C. elegans IC50=0.46 μm; P. redivivus IC50=15.90 μm) and non-competitively by leuhistin (C. elegans IC50=3.00 μm; P. redivivus IC50=37.35 μm). The bioactive peptides adipokinetic hormone and substance P decrease the apparent aminopeptidase activities of each extract suggesting that the peptides compete with the Ala-pNA as substrates. With each extract, adipokinetic hormone appeared to be the more effective substrate. Digestion of adipokinetic hormone by C. elegans and P. redivivus extracts in the presence and absence of 1 mm amastatin produced distinct chromatographic profiles that suggest different digestion patterns for the two species. However, amastatin had clear effects on chromatographic profiles from each species indicating that an aminopeptidase is involved in the digestion of the peptide substrates. The data presented indicate that extracts of free-living nematodes are capable of metabolizing peptide hormones, and that this metabolism involves substrate-selective aminopeptidases.
Inequalities in size and intensity-dependent growth in a mermithid nematode parasitic in beach hoppers
Authors: Poulin R. , Latham A.D.M.
Published: February 2003

Inequality in body sizes is a common feature in populations of helminth parasites, with potential consequences for egg production and population genetics. Inequalities in body lengths and the effects of intraspecific competition on worm length were studied in a species of mermithid nematode parasitic in the crustacean Talorchestia quoyana (Amphipoda: Talitridae). The majority of the 753 worms recovered were relatively small, and an analysis using a Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient suggested that there were no marked inequalities in body lengths among the worms. Total worm length in the 356 infected amphipods (i.e. the sum of the lengths of all the worms in a host) increased steadily as a function of the number of worms per amphipod, whereas the length of the longest worm per amphipod peaked in amphipods harbouring intermediate numbers of worms. This last result was not significantly accounted for by the observed increase in host size with increasing intensity of infection, but resulted from a correlation between worm length and host size. As the number of worms per amphipod increased, the relative sizes of the second-, third-, and fourth-longest worms per host increased markedly. This means that relative inequalities in sizes become less pronounced, i.e. subordinate worms get closer in size to the longest worm, as the number of worms per host increases. The main consequence of this phenomenon is that worm sizes in the mermithid population are more homogeneous than they would be if intraspecific competition had stronger effects on worm growth.
Larval development of Fasciola hepatica in experimental infections: variations with populations of Lymnaea truncatula
Authors: Vignoles P. , Dreyfuss G. , Rondelaud D.
Published: February 2003

A retrospective study was undertaken on 70 French populations of Lymnaea truncatula experimentally infected with Fasciola hepatica to determine whether or not susceptibility of snails to infection influenced redial and cercarial production. Results were compared with those obtained from two control populations, known for prevalences higher than 60% when experimentally infected with F. hepatica. In the 70 other populations examined, the prevalences ranged from 2 to 75%. In 55 of these populations, where the prevalence was more than 20%, a high proportion (50.1–56.8%) of snails died after cercarial shedding, whereas in the other groups (non-shedding snails with the most differentiated larvae being free cercariae, rediae containing cercariae, immature rediae, or sporocysts, respectively), snail death was significantly less. In 11 populations, where the prevalence values were 5–19%, only 14% of snails died after cercarial shedding, whereas snails with free cercariae, rediae with cercariae, or immature rediae showed significant increases in snail mortality. In the remaining four snail populations, with prevalences of less than 5%, the most differentiated larval forms were only immature rediae and/or sporocysts. Overall, the number of rediae containing cercariae significantly decreased with decreasing prevalence values. The low prevalence of experimental infection in several populations of snails might be explained by the occurrence of natural infections with miracidia originating from a mammalian host other than cattle, and/or by genetic variability in the susceptibility of snails to infection.
Redial growth and cercarial productivity of Fasciola hepatica in three species of young lymnaeid snails
Authors: Vignoles P. , Dreyfuss G. , Rondelaud D.
Published: February 2003

Experimental infections of 1-mm high snails using three populations of Lymnaea (L. glabra, L. ovata and L. truncatula) and a cattle strain of Fasciola hepatica miracidia were carried out under laboratory conditions to determine if the snail species had an effect on the number of free rediae, their growth, and cercarial productivity in relation to each redial category (R1a, R1b, R2a, or R2b/R3a). The total number of rediae ranged from 6.4 to 7.5 per snail. The mean body length of rediae varied from 1–1.2 mm (R1a) to 0.3–0.4 mm (R2b/R3a). The width of the intrapharyngeal lumen also varied from 26.0–38.8 μm to 3.0–4.2 μm, respectively. The redial category had a significant effect on both measurements, whereas snail species only had a significant influence on body length. The mean number of cercariae produced by all living rediae at day 49 post-exposure ranged from 63.0 in L. glabra to 87.2 in L. truncatula. In L. ovata and L. truncatula, 55.8% and 58.6% of cercariae, respectively, were produced by R2a rediae, whereas 53.9% of cercariae in L. glabra were formed by the R1b rediae. When young snails were infected with F. hepatica, the species of snail had an effect on the number of living rediae, their length and their cercarial productivity.
Immunization with cathepsin L proteinases CL1 and CL2 secreted by Fasciola hepatica elicit a preferential type 1 response based on IgG2a antibodies in rats
Authors: Bentancor A. , Piacenza L. , Carmona C.
Published: February 2003

Cathepsin L proteinases (CL1 and CL2), the major components of Fasciola hepatica excretion/secretion products (E/S) are considered potential antigens of a vaccine against fascioliasis. The humoral response elicited by CL1 and CL2 in rats either immunized with the enzymes or infected with F. hepatica has been analysed, examining specific IgE and IgG subclass dynamics. The experiment was continued for 10 weeks and peripheral blood eosinophilia was also determined. Infected rats presented peaks of eosinophilia at weeks 3 and 7 post-infection, while those immunized with CL1 and CL2 were no different from controls. Total IgE in infected rats increased up to week 5, reaching 30 μg -1 in some cases, then decreased slowly and rising again towards the end of the experiment. Determination of specific IgE, carried out in sera previously absorbed with Protein G-Sepharose, reached a peak in infected rats between weeks 2 and 5, depending on the individual. In immunized rats both total and specific IgE levels remained around the pre-immunization values. With regard to the IgG subclass responses to E/S products, in infected rats IgG1 predominated over IgG2a, and the reverse was true in rats immunized with CL1 and CL2 and tested against the respective antigens. In all cases an increase in IgG1 and IgG2a antibody titres was seen, with maximum levels being reached later (weeks 6–7) in infected rats than in immunized ones (weeks 4–5). No IgG2b or IgG2c responses were detected in any of the groups studied.
Larval trematode infections in freshwater snails from the highveld and lowveld areas of Zimbabwe
Authors: Chingwena G. , Mukaratirwa S. , Kristensen T.K. , Chimbari M.
Published: February 2003

Between November 1998 and October 2000, freshwater snails were collected monthly from the highveld and lowveld areas of Zimbabwe to determine the occurrence of larval trematodes. A total of 13,789 snails, representing ten species, were collected from 21 sites and 916 (6.6%) harboured patent trematode infections. Eight morphologically distinguishable types of cercariae were identified. Bulinus tropicus had the highest overall prevalence of infection (13.1%). The echinostome was the most common type of cercaria recovered, contributing 38.2% of all infections. Schistosoma cercariae were recovered mainly from the highveld and comprised 8.0% of all infections. Amphistome cercariae contributed 37.6% of all infections and were recorded from both the highveld and lowveld areas with a peak prevalence occurring during the post-rainy period (March–May). The main intermediate host for amphistomes was B. tropicus. Infections in B. globosus, B. forskalii and Biomphalaria pfeifferi with amphistome cercariae are new records for Zimbabwe.
Helminth communities of two sympatric skinks (Mabuya agilis and Mabuya macrorhyncha ) from two ‘restinga’ habitats in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Vrcibradic D. , Rocha C.F.D. , Bursey C.R. , Vicente J.J.
Published: February 2003

The helminth fauna of two sympatric congeneric skinks (Mabuya agilisandM. macrorhyncha) from two distinct ‘restinga’ habitats (Praia das Neves and Grussaí) in southeastern Brazil were studied, totalling four data sets (sample sizes ranging from 11 to 28). A total of ten helminth species were associated with the skinks:Raillietiellasp.,Paradistomum parvissimum,Pulchrosomoides elegans,Oochoristica ameivae,Hexametra boddaertii,parapharyngodon sceleratus,Physalopteroides venancioi,Physalopterasp., an unidentified acuariid nematode and an unidentified centrorhynchid acanthocephalan. Except forHexametra boddaertii(found only in Grussaí) andPulchrosomoides elegans(found only in Praia das Neves), all helminth species were present at both localities. Half of the helminth species were present only as larvae and, in most cases, appear to represent paratenic parasitism. Overall prevalences of infection were high for both host species in both localities.Mabuya agilistended to have richer and more diverse infracommunities thanM. macrorhyncha. Some parameters of infection by individual helminth species seem to be related to the ecology of eachMabuyaspecies. The parasite faunas were qualitatively very similar among species and/or localities, but quantitative similarities were more varied, due to differential representativeness of individual helminth species among host populations. The helminth communities of both skink species can be classified as non-interactive, being composed of site-specialists and immature stages of non-lizard parasites.
Effect of acanthocephalan parasites on hiding behaviour in two species of shore crabs
Authors: Latham A.D.M. , Poulin R.
Published: February 2003

The effect of acanthocephalan parasites (profilicollis spp.) on the hiding behaviour during low tide of two species of shore crabs (intermediate hosts), Macrophthalmus hirtipes (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) and Hemigrapsus crenulatus (Brachyura: Grapsidae), was examined at Blueskin Bay, South Island, New Zealand. Exposed M. hirtipes were found to have significantly higher infection levels than did hidden conspecifics. This pattern was not observed for H. crenulatus. Mean cystacanth numbers were found to be considerably higher in M. hirtipes than H. crenulatus. Crabs exposed at low tide are at a greater risk of predation by definitive shorebird hosts than are hidden conspecifics. Preferential manipulation of one intermediate host species over another could influence diversity within ecosystems.
Long-term stability in the richness and structure of helminth communities in eels, Anguilla anguilla, in Lough Derg, River Shannon, Ireland
Authors: Kennedy C.R. , Moriarty C.
Published: February 2003

A data set on intestinal helminth parasites was collected in the course of an 18 year investigation into the biology of eels in Meelick Bay, Lough Derg, River Shannon. This was used to test two hypotheses relating to the composition and structure of intestinal helminth communities, namely that eels in large rivers do not harbour richer and more diverse communities than those in small rivers but that community composition and structure are more stable over time than in small rivers. The helminth community was species poor, with only six species comprising the component community and a maximum infracommunity richness of three species. The community was overwhelmingly dominated by the acanthocephalan Acanthocephalus lucii, reflecting the importance of its intermediate host Asellus aquaticus in the eels' diet. The remaining helminth species contributed to species richness but made very little contribution to community diversity. Population levels of Acanthocephalus lucii fell and remained low between 1992 and 2000, probably reflecting increased movement of eels from other parts of the lough into Meelick Bay. Diversity values were low, but similar to those reported from other rivers in Britain and Europe. The results provided support for both hypotheses and indicated that in respect of richness, diversity and dominance, the helminth communities of eels in the River Shannon were typical of, and comparable to, those of other large rivers throughout Europe.
Sampling description and procedures used to conduct the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey
Authors: Kiely M , Flynn A , Harrington KE , Robson PJ , Cran G
Published: February 2003

Objective

The purpose of this survey was to establish a database of habitual food and drink consumption in a representative sample of Irish adults, aged 18–64 years. The present paper describes the sampling protocol, response rate and characteristics of the survey population in terms of sex and age groups, seasonality, geographical location, marital status, social class, socio-economic status and education level.

Design

A cross-sectional food consumption survey was carried out. In the Republic of Ireland, a nationally representative sample of adults was randomly selected with a validated two-stage clustered design, using the electoral register as the sampling frame. This method produced a self-weighting or ‘epsem’ sample of individuals, where each adult who was registered to vote had an equal opportunity of being selected. Similarly, in Northern Ireland, a two-stage random sampling procedure was used. The sampling frame was the electoral register, and the sample was stratified by urban/rural and by an index of material deprivation, to ensure representation of each sector of the community. The recruitment procedure was the same in the North and South. An introductory letter with an information leaflet was posted to each selected individual and these were followed up by a visit from a fieldworker, who invited participation in the survey.

Setting

Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland between 1997 and 1999.

Results

The response rate, which is the percentage of the total number of people who completed a 7-day food diary (n = 1379) out of the total eligible sample (n = 2177), was 63%. Non-respondents and dropouts constituted 34% and 3%, respectively, of the total eligible sample. Compared with the most recent census figures available, the sample was generally found to be representative in terms of sex and age group profiles, geographical location, marital status, seasonality, social class, socio-economic group and education level. Data on sex and age group and geographical location were collected from non-respondents for comparison with the survey sample. There were no apparent differences between them.

Conclusion

The North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey has established a Samplino relational database of habitual food and drink consumption, in addition to data on Response rate habitual physical activity, anthropometric measurements, socio-demographic factors, Demographics lifestyle, health status indicators and attitudes, in a nationally representative sample Socio-economic factors of the population of the island of Ireland.
The efficacy and safety of nutritional supplement use in a representative sample of adults in the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey
Authors: Kiely M , Flynn A , Harrington KE , Robson PJ , O'Connor N , Hannon EM , O'Brien MM , Bell S , Strain JJ
Published: February 2003

Objective

To describe the current use of nutritional supplements and their contribution to micronutrient intakes in a representative sample of Irish adults, to evaluate the impact of supplement use on the adequacy of micronutrient intakes and to assess the risk to supplement users of exceeding tolerable upper intake levels (UL).

Study design and subjects

Food intake data were collected in 1379 (662 male and 717 female) randomly selected Irish adults aged 18 to 64 years using a 7-day food diary. The current use of nutritional supplements was assessed using a selfadministered questionnaire and respondents entered each supplement as it was consumed into the food diary.

Results

Twenty-three per cent of respondents regularly used nutritional supplements. Twice as many women used supplements as men. The intakes of micronutrients were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in supplement users than in non-users. Micronutrient intakes from food sources were similar in male users and non-users of supplements, but were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in female users, by 3 to 13%, for Fe, Mg, Mn, vitamins C and E and niacin than in non-users. The percentage of female users between 18 and 50 years who had mean Fe intakes below the average requirement (AR) (10 mg) decreased from 50 to 25 when the contribution from supplements was included. The use of supplements reduced the percentage of men who had mean intakes below the AR for Zn from 19 to 13, for riboflavin from 14 to 6 and for vitamin A from 20 to 5, and reduced the percentage of women with intakes below the AR for Ca from 23 to 16 and for riboflavin from 23 to 14. Twenty-one women out of 80 aged between 18 and 50 years, who consumed supplemental folate, achieved the intake of 600 |xg recommended to prevent neural tube defects. Twenty-two per cent of the women who took iron and 15% of the women who took vitamin B$ in supplemental form had mean daily intakes that exceeded that UL for these nutrients. Supplement users did not exceed the UL for the other micronutrients.

Conclusions

Supplementation appears to be beneficial in promoting adequate intakes of some micronutrients, particularly Fe and folate in women aged 18–50 years and vitamin A in men. There appears to be little risk to supplement users of experiencing adverse side effects due to excessive intakes of micronutrients.
Analyses of the anthropometric data from the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey
Authors: McCarthy SN , Harrington KE , Kiely M , Flynn A , Robson PJ , Livingstone MBE , Gibney MJ
Published: February 2003

Objective

To obtain measured anthropometric data for weight, height and other parameters not previously measured in the Irish population such as waist and hip circumferences and body composition.

Design

A cross-sectional survey. Weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference and body composition were measured according to standard procedures.

Setting

Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, 1997–1999.

Subjects

Random representative sample of 1379 adults aged 18–64 years. Results: With the exception of body fat, all anthropometric values were significantly higher for men than women (P < 0.001). All measurements were significantly higher in the 36–50-year-old age group compared with 18–35 year olds. Height was the exception, which decreased significantly with age (P < 0.05). Weight, height and body mass index (BMI) have increased in Ireland since last measured in 1988 and in 1990. Over the last decade, obesity has increased in men 2.5 fold from 8% to 20% and in women by 1.25 fold from 13% to 16%. Significantly more women have a normal BMI than men (50.4% vs. 33.3%; P < 0.05). Cut-off points for a high waist circumference and high waist-to-hip ratio identified 47% and 33% of the population, respectively, to be at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Social class did not have any significant effect on mean BMI. Location of residence influenced BMI but not in any consistent manner. Ex-smokers had a significantly higher BMI than nonsmokers and smokers (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A revision of current recommendations for combating obesity is warranted to improve the health of the Irish population. Further research is needed to identify the factors that have contributed to the dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity in men over the last decade and have resulted in a higher prevalence of obesity in men than in women.
Increased vitamin A intake in children aged 2–5 years through targeted home-gardens in a rural South African community
Authors: Faber Mieke , Venter Sonja L , Benadé AJ Spinnler
Published: February 2003

Objectives:

To determine vitamin A intake of children aged 2–5 years in a rural South African community one year after the implementation of a home-based food production programme targeting β-carotene-rich fruits and vegetables.

Design:

Dietary intake of children aged 2–5 years was determined during a cross-sectional survey before and one year after the implementation of a home-based food production programme.

Setting:

A low socio-economic rural African community, approximately 60 km north-west of the coastal city of Durban in kwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Subjects:

Children aged 2–5 years (n=100); 50 children from households with home-gardens producing β-carotene fruits and vegetables (project gardens), and 50 children from households without project gardens.

Results:

As compared with baseline data, there was a significant increase in vitamin A intake in children from households with project gardens as well as in children from households without project gardens. However, children from households with project gardens had a significantly higher vitamin A intake than children from households without project gardens. The increased vitamin A intake in those children from households without project gardens can be attributed to the availability of butternuts in the local shop (as a result of the project), and because the mothers negotiated with project garden mothers to obtain these fruits and vegetables for their children.

Conclusion:

A home-based food production programme targeting β-carotene-rich fruits and vegetables can lead to an increase in vitamin A intake.
Nutrition transition in Chile: determinants and consequences
Authors: Albala Cecilia , Vio Fernando , Kain Juliana , Uauy Ricardo
Published: February 2003

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to analyse the determinants and consequences of the nutrition transition in Chile and describe the related health promotion policies.

Design and setting: This is a descriptive, population-based study including data on demographic, diet, nutrition and biomedical related variables. Data came from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the Ministries of Planning, Health and Education surveillance systems, and national surveys.

Results:

As malnutrition decreased during the 1980s, obesity increased rapidly in all age groups. In adults, currently about 25% of women are obese (body mass index > 30 kgm−2); particularly those from low socio-economic levels. Among pre-schoolers, obesity is now 10% while in 6-year-old children it is 17.5% (weight/height greater than two standard deviations (>2SD) of the World Health Organization reference). Nutritional risk factors are prevalent, diet is changing to a ‘Western diet’ with an increasing fat consumption, and sedentarianism is constant in all groups. High blood pressure (>140/90) is greater than 10% in adults. Diabetes is increasing in urban areas, including in the indigenous population, and more than 40% of adults have a cholesterol level of more than 200mgml−1.

Conclusions:

Promotion of healthy lifestyles is the main strategy to cope with this situation, particularly changing behaviour in food habits, physical activity and psychosocial factors. Changes in lifestyles will not only allow the prolonged life expectancy to be of better quality, but also will favour a decrease in the morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases, mainly cardiovascular diseases.
The nutrition transition in Cuba in the nineties: an overview
Authors: Rodríguez-Ojea Arturo , Jiménez Santa , Berdasco Antonio , Esquivel Mercedes
Published: February 2003

Objective:

To describe and analyse the changes in diet, physical activity and body composition of the Cuban population during the 1990s and the health implications of these changes.

Design and setting: Data on national food balance and physical activity are from government agencies and the Ministry of Public Health; nation-wide and local representative surveys were used to analyse body composition and leisure activities. Data on morbidity and mortality arefrom the Ministry of Public Health.

Results:

The collapse of the European socialist countries and the Soviet Union, as well as the reinforced United States' blockade, provoked a sudden shortage of fuel, raw materials, imported foods and essential supplies. Per capita energy availability decreased, physical activity increased, and the prevalence of obesity decreased. Nutrition deficiencies were observed in the early 1990s, while the trend of morbidity from non-communicable disease continued to increase. The nutrition transition characteristics following the economic recovery in 1995–1996 resembled those of the 1980s because of the increased food availability, decreased physical activity and increased obesity prevalence.

Conclusions:

Programmes to deal with the complex situation generated a response in a remarkably short time. Undesirable changes in diet composition and the reduction of physical activity constitute a challenge in the current post-critical stage that must be prevented.