Distinct changes of taste quality and metabolite profile in different tomato varieties revealed by LC-MS metabolomics.

Breeding of tomato varieties based on phenotypic traits can potentially lead to a decline in taste and nutritional values, thereby impacting consumer acceptance. However, taste is an intrinsic characteristic of tomatoes. Its decoding requires the identification of crucial compounds and the associated metabolic pathways implicated in taste development and formation. In this study, the taste parameter differences of four tomato varieties were distinguished using an electronic tongue. The content of organic acids and free amino acids, which were closely associated with taste variations, was quantitatively analyzed. Several important taste metabolites and metabolic pathways were identified based on LC-MS metabolomics and enrichment analysis. Through correlation analysis, it was determined that there existed significant associations between the taste, compounds, and metabolites of tomato varieties with different phenotypes. This study could provide references and theoretical basis for tomato breeding, as well as the control and evaluation of taste and quality of tomato varieties.

Flavonoid Extract from Propolis Provides Cardioprotection following Myocardial Infarction by Activating PPAR-γ.

We have previously reported that flavonoid extract from propolis (FP) can improve cardiac function in rats following myocardial infarction (MI). However, the mechanisms responsible for the cardioprotective effects of FP have not been fully elucidated. In the current study, we explored whether FP can reduce inflammatory cytokines and attenuate sympathetic nerve system activity and antiendoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and whether the cardioprotective effects are related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) activation. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group received the surgical procedure but no artery was ligated; MI group received ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) branch of the coronary artery; MI + FP group received FP (12.5 mg/kg/d, intragastrically) seven days prior to LAD ligation; FP group (Sham group + 12.5 mg/kg/d, intragastrically); MI + FP + GW9662 group received FP prior to LAD ligation with the addition of a specific PPAR-γ inhibitor (GW9662), 1 mg/kg/d, orally); and MI + GW9662 group received the PPAR-γ inhibitor and LAD ligation. The results demonstrated that the following inflammatory markers were significantly elevated following MI as compared with expression in sham animals: IL-1ß, TNF-α, CRP; markers of sympathetic activation: plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine and GAP43, nerve growth factor, thyroid hormone; and ER stress response markers GRP78 and CHOP. Notably, the above changes were attenuated by FP, and GW9662 was able to alleviate the effect of FP. In conclusion, FP induces a cardioprotective effect following myocardial infarction by activating PPAR-γ, leading to less inflammation, cardiac sympathetic activity, and ER stress.

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of angina pectoris of coronary heart disease (CHD): A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease (CHD) angina pectoris is a clinical syndrome in which episodic chest pain or chest discomfort is the main manifestation of temporary ischemia and hypoxia of the myocardium due to coronary atherosclerosis and coronary artery functional changes (spasm). A large amount of clinical evidence confirms that acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of CHD and angina pectoris can relieve the symptoms of angina pectoris and improve the performance of electrocardiograph ischemia; It still has obvious therapeutic effects in regulating the levels of cardiovascular regulatory peptides ET and cGRP. To better evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of CHD and angina pectoris, we designed a systematic evaluation program to provide a reliable scientific basis for the future use of this method. METHODS: Search Pubmed database, Embase, Cochrane library, Chinese Biomedical Literature CD-ROM Database (CBMdisk), China Journal Network Full-text Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Web of Science (SCI-E), the retrieval time is established from each database Until October 2021, search for relevant eligible randomized controlled trials with keywords or subject terms "acupuncture", "Chinese herbal medicine", and "CHD angina". Outcome indicators were clinical symptoms of CHD and angina pectoris, changes in electrocardiogram, changes in blood lipids, and significant improvement in traditional Chinese medicine syndromes before and after treatment. Two researchers independently carried out data extraction and quality assessment, and use RevMan5.3 software to carry out final data analysis and assessment. RESULTS: This study provides a reliable clinical scientific basis for acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of CHD and angina pectoris. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of CHD and angina pectoris and improve the performance of electrocardiograph. At the same time, it can reduce the cardiovascular regulatory peptide ET and increase the level of cGRP in the patient's plasma, thus confirming its effectiveness and safety.

Ghrelin ameliorates cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction by regulating the Nrf2/NADPH/ROS pathway.

To evaluate the role of ghrelin in cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of ghrelin-regulated Nrf2/NADPH/ROS pathway-mediated cardioprotection, the profile of Nrf2, fibrosis markers, and oxidative stress markers were characterized in a rat model of MI and Angiotensin II (Ang II)-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). The effects of ghrelin on cardiac function, fibrosis and oxidative stress were investigated after MI in vivo. The role of ghrelin in CF migration and proliferation was evaluated in Ang II-stimulated CFs in vitro. Inhibition of ghrelin receptors using the antagonist, d-Lys3-GHRP-6, in addition to ghrelin was employed in MI and CFs to investigate the direct effect of ghrelin on cardiac fibrosis. Loss function of Nrf2 in CFs was performed to investigate the effect of ghrelin-regulated Nrf2 on oxidative stress and cardiac fibrosis. Ghrelin improved the post-MI cardiac function and reduced cardiac fibrosis. This phenotype is associated with the upregulation of Nrf2 and downregulation of fibrotic proteins, NADPH oxidase and ROS production. In line with in vivo findings, ghrelin attenuated Ang II-stimulated CF migration, proliferation, and oxidative stress in vitro. Inhibition of the ghrelin receptor or knockdown of Nrf2 abolished the beneficial effects of ghrelin on MI or Ang II-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts. In conclusion, ghrelin ameliorates post-MI and Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis by activating Nrf2, which in turn inhibits the NADPH/ROS pathway.

Assessment of dietary exposure of young Chinese children to aluminium residues.

The aim of this study was to assess the Al dietary exposure of young Chinese children aged 0-3 years via formulae, complementary foods and wheat-based foods. Al residue data were obtained from the national food contamination monitoring programme from 2013 to 2016, encompassing 13,833 samples of 12 food items with a detection rate of 76.0%. Food consumption data were gathered from the China National Food Consumption Survey conducted in 2015, comprising 20,172 children aged 0-3 years old. The mean dietary exposure to Al for the general population of young Chinese children was estimated at 0.76 mg/kg bw/week, which does not exceed the PTWI. The 97.5th percentile intakes of Al reached 3.42 mg/kg bw/week, more than 1.7 times the PTWI. Wheat-based foods contributed 80.5% of the Al intake for the general population of young Chinese children, while formulae and complementary foods accounted for 19.5% of the total intake. The dietary intake of Al from formulae and complementary foods accounted for 6.0% and 1.6% of PTWI, respectively. These findings suggested that dietary exposure to Al among the general population of young Chinese children was lower than the PTWI and that there are no health concerns related to this level of Al intake. However, more attention should be placed on the health risks associated with Al exposure from wheat-based foods for young consumers with high food consumption in China (97.5th percentile).

Dietary Exposure to Benzyl Butyl Phthalate in China.

OBJECTIVE: Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) is a plasticizer used in food contact materials. Dietary exposure to BBP might lead to reproduction and developmental damages to human. The present paper was aimed to assess the health risk of BBP dietary exposure in Chinese population. METHODS: The BBP contents were detected in 7409 food samples from 25 food categories by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry operated in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The dietary exposures of BBP in different age and sex groups were estimated by combining the content data with food consumption data derived from 2002 China National Nutrient and Health Survey, and evaluated according to the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of BBP established by European Food safety Agency. RESULTS: It was found that BBP was undetectable in most samples and the highest level was 1.69 mg/kg detected in a vegetable oil sample. The average dietary exposure of BBP in people aged ⋝2 years was 1.03 µg/kg bw per day and the highest average exposure was found in 2-6 years old children (1.98 µg/kg bw per day). The BBP exposure in 7-12 months old children excessed 10% of tolerable daily intake (TDI) in worst scenario. . CONCLUSION: The health risk of BBP dietary exposure in Chinese population is low and, considering BBP alone, there is no safety concern.

Anxiolytic effect of essential oils of Salvia miltiorrhiza in rats.

This study aims to investigate the anxiolytic effects of essential oil from S. miltiorrhiza in rats. The elevated plus maze test and the social interaction test were performed to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of essential oil. The levels of noradrenaline (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) in cerebral cortex of rats as well as the plasma corticosterone (CORT) level were examined in the rats with the treatment of essential oil. The rota-rod test was carried out to exclude any false positive results in experimental procedures related to anxiety disorders. The catalepsy test was carried out to investigate whether essential oil induces the catalepsy. Our results showed that oral administration of essential oil increased the percentage of time spent in the open arms and increased the number of entries to the open arms in the elevated plus maze test. Oral administration of essential oil also increased the time for social interaction in rats. No apparent extrapyramidal symptom (EPS) was observed in the animals with essential oil treatment. The effect of essential oil in the intracellular chloride (Cl(-)) concentration in the cultured human neuroblastoma cells was assessed. Treatment with essential oil (50-100 mg/kg) increased intracellular Cl(-) concentration in the cell culture in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting the involvement of GABAA receptor-Cl(-) ion channel. Together, our data indicate an anxiolytic effect induced by the essential oil from S. miltiorrhiza.

Trans Fatty Acid Levels in Foods and Intakes among Population Aged 3 Years and above in Beijing and Guangzhou Cities, China.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the dietary intake levels of trans fatty acids (TFA) in a Chinese population and establish a basis for health risk assessment of trans fatty acids. METHODS: The TFA contents data of 2613 food items and food consumption data of 10,533 people aged 3 years and above in two large cities in China were matched and a simple assessment method was used to estimate the distribution of dietary TFA intake. RESULTS: The mean content of TFA was highest in margarine (1.68 ± 0.83 g/100g), followed by chocolate and candy (0.89 ± 2.68 g/100g), edible vegetable oils (0.86 ± 0.82 g/100g), milk (0.83 ± 1.56 g/100g), and bakery foods (0.41 ± 0.91 g/100g). TFA intake accounted for 0.34%, 0.30%, 0.32%, and 0.29% of the total energy intake in the 3-6, 7-12, 13-17, and ⋝18 year age groups, respectively. Of the populations studied, 0.42% demonstrated TFA intakes (as percentage of energy intake) greater than 1%. The main sources of dietary TFA intake were edible vegetable oils, milk, mutton, and beef, and baked foods, which accounted for 49.8%, 16.56%, 12.21%, and 8.87%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The current intake of TFA among people in two cities did not appear to be of major health concern regarding the threshold of TFA intake as the percentage of total energy recommended by the World Health Organization. Because most TFA were derived from industrially processed foods, the government should reinforce nutrition labeling and regulate food producers to further reduce TFA in food and to provide scientific instruction for consumers to make sound choices.

Methodology and application for health risk classification of chemicals in foods based on risk matrix.

The method has been developed to accurately identify the magnitude of health risks and provide scientific evidence for implementation of risk management in food safety. It combines two parameters including consequence and likelihood of adverse effects based on risk matrix. Score definitions and classification for the consequence and the likelihood of adverse effects are proposed. The risk score identifies the intersection of consequence and likelihood in risk matrix represents its health risk level with different colors: 'low', 'medium', 'high'. Its use in an actual case is shown.

[Development of a model diets for consumers with high exposure to food chemicals].

OBJECTIVE: To develop and verify a model diet for consumers with high exposure to food chemicals. METHODS: Based on the assumption that a person might consume average amounts of several different foods but only two or three at high levels, a model diet were put forward to calculate the high exposures to certain food chemical.Important parameters of this model were selected by comparing the outputs of this model with those of a reference model-semi-probabilistic model that is based on individual data. The concentration data of lead, cadmium and mercury (45 832, 43 862 and 25 243 samples respectively) from the national risk surveillance for chemical contaminations and harmful factors (2011), and the consumption data from the national survey on nutrition and health status in Chinese population (2002) were used in this model optimization process. The final model was verified using concentration data of eight chemical contaminations from national surveillance database of 2010. RESULTS: When 90, 95 and 97.5 percentile exposure being calculated under the conditions that 7, 12, 20 and 30 food categories was used respectively, the model containing two high consumption foods (2+x model) got results lower than the reference values (the relative deviation < 0) , the model containing three high consumption foods (3+x model) got results higher than the reference values (the relative deviation > 0 ),but the relative deviation of the two models were both within 20%. The verification results showed that the dietary exposure results of 8 food contaminations got from 3+x model were all higher than and(or) close to those got from semi-probabilistic model, and the relative deviations were between -5% and 25%. CONCLUSION: The 3+x model diet can fulfill the demands of "conservative" and "accurate" on exposure assessment model, and can give reliable estimations of high exposure to food chemicals occurred in various food categories.

[The status and trend of cereal consumption among Chinese adults in nine provinces (municipality) from 1989 to 2006].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the status and trend of cereal consumption among Chinese adults aged 18 to 59 years in nine provinces (municipality) from 1989 to 2006. METHODS: The survey data were collected by consecutive 3 d 24 h dietary recall method in 1989, 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006 China Health and Nutrition Survey Project. The subjects aged 18-59 years with complete information on dietary survey were included. The sample number of the subjects were 5978, 7566, 7492, 7738, 8439, 7484 and 7157 in the 7 round surveys from 1989 to 2006, respectively. The trends of their cereal consuming rate and daily intake were analyzed by year, gender, age and regions. RESULTS: The cereal intake of 18 - 59 years old Chinese adults in 9 provinces (municipality) decreased from 522.3 g/d in 1989 to 431.9 g/d in 2006 (χ(2) = 2421.76, P < 0.01). The cereal intake of males decreased from 545.6 g/d in 1989 to 471.6 g/d in 2006 (χ(2) = 861.21, P < 0.01) and females decreased from 500.3 g/d in 1989 to 395.5 g/d in 2006 (χ(2) = 1844.13, P < 0.01). Compared with 1989, the average cereal consumption were reduced to 104.8, 134.4, 103.3 and 98.2 g in the suburban, female, 18 to 29 years old age group and level of education for college and above separately in 2006. The rice consuming rate among 18 - 59 year-old residents increased from 79.9% (4776/5978) in 1989 to 87.3% (6248/7157) (Z = 18.45, P < 0.01) in 2006, the wheat consuming rate increased from 63.3% (3784/5978) in 1989 to 80.2% (5740/7157) (Z = 27.28, P < 0.01) in 2006. CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that there was a decreasing trend of cereal intake among Chinese adults aged 18 - 59 years in 9 provinces (municipality). In the stratified groups, cereal intake in groups of female, suburb, aged 18 - 59 years and higher educational level decreased significantly.

[Milk consumption and its changing trend of Chinese adult aged 18 - 44 in nine provinces (autonomous region) from 1991 to 2006].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the age, gender and region specified milk consumption and its changing trends of Chinese 18 - 44 years old adults in 9 provinces (autonomous region) from 1991 to 2006. METHODS: The data of 18 - 44 aged old adults investigated in Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey from 1991 to 2006 in 9 provinces (autonomous region) were utilized. The numbers of the subjects selected in 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006 were 5593, 5491, 5334, 4188 and 3908, respectively. Changes of the percentage of milk consumption, average intake of daily milk and dietary calcium intake were analyzed across different groups of gender, income levels, and areas. RESULTS: There was an increasing trend in the percentage of milk consumption and daily intake of milk from 1991 to 2006. The average percentage of Chinese adult milk consumption went up from 2.2% (123/5593) in 1991 to 7.6% (297/3908) in 2006 (Z = -22.16, P < 0.01). Specifically, urban adult and rural adult showed significant increase in the percentages from 9.7% (80/823) to 23.7% (112/472) (Z = -12.81, P < 0.01) and 0.1% (2/2937) to 1.8% (36/1987) (Z = -9.21, P < 0.01) respectively. Percentages of adult who ever drank milk at top income level and bottom income level increased from 4.7% (95/2006) to 14.6% (200/1373) (Z = -17.36, P < 0.01) and from 0.1% (2/1748) to 2.4% (28/1171) (Z = -9.58, P < 0.01), respectively. Meanwhile, the average daily intake of milk increased from (3.6 ± 24.6) g/d in 1991 to (11.8 ± 51.4) g/d in 2006 (F = 67.07, P < 0.01). The daily milk consumption among top income level adults and bottom income level adults increased from (8.5 ± 50.9) g/d to (23.1 ± 71.5) g/d and from (0.2 ± 6.5) g/d to (3.3 ± 23.5) g/d (F = 13.90, P < 0.01), respectively. From 1991 to 2006, milk consumers significantly promoted their percentage of achieving the Chinese dietary reference intake on calcium (800 mg/d) from 6.5% (8/123) to 12.8% (38/297) (Z = -1.67, P < 0.05), whereas this percentage increased from 1.6% (38/5470) to 3.6% (130/3611) among milk non-consumers (Z = -5.66, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Chinese adult milk intake still remains in quite low level, and the situation of milk consumption among rural adults requires further promotion.

[Trends of the dietary fiber intake among Chinese aged 18 - 45 in nine provinces (autonomous region) from 1989 to 2006].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the status and trend of dietary fiber intake and its food sources among Chinese residents aged 18 - 45 years old in 9 provinces (autonomous region), from 1989 to 2006. METHODS: Twenty-four-hour dietary recall data of three consecutive days from China Health and Nutrition Survey (1989, 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006) were used. And the 18 - 45 years old subjects with complete information on dietary survey were included. The sample size of these 7 surveys were 5597, 5596, 5323, 5485, 5308, 4144 and 3889, respectively. The trends of dietary fiber intake and food sources by time and sex were studied. RESULTS: From 1989 to 2000, the total of daily dietary fiber intake of 18 - 45 years old healthy residents decreased from 15.1 g/d to 11.6 g/d, insoluble dietary fiber intake decreased from 22.6 g/d to 17.8 g/d. In villages, from 1989 to 2000, the insoluble dietary fiber intake decreased 5.1 g/d in males and 5.2 g/d in females(13.2, 11.8 g in 2000, respectively;18.3, 17.0 g in 1989, respectively). In 2006, the insoluble dietary intake was 12.6 g/d in males and 11.2 g/d in females in villages. In cities, from 1989 to 2006, the insoluble dietary fiber intake was 9.4 - 11.8 g/d in males and 8.3 - 10.8 g/d in females. The total dietary fiber intake was 15.7 - 17.6 g/d in males and 13.5 - 16.4 g/d in females. The difference of insoluble and total dietary fiber intake between city and village was decreasing. In 2006, 70.6% (8.4/11.9) insoluble dietary fiber came from vegetables ((4.1 ± 3.1) g/d), wheat flour and its products ((2.6 ± 3.6) g/d), rice and its products ((1.7 ± 1.3) g/d). CONCLUSION: Dietary fiber intake among Chinese aged 18 - 45 in 9 provinces (autonomous region) decreased from 1989 to 2006. Vegetables, wheat flour, rice and their products were the major food sources of insoluble dietary fiber.

[Food consumption trend of Chinese adults in nine provinces (autonomous region) from 1989 to 2006].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trends of food consumption among Chinese residents aged from 18 to 59 years old in 9 provinces (autonomous region) from 1989 to 2006. METHODS: The paper was based on data collected in 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006 China Health and Nutrition Survey of Chinese residents of 24 h in three consecutive day dietary recall data. The healthy residents aged 18 - 59 years with twenty-four-hour dietary recall data were selected as study subjects. The sample sizes of these seven surveys were 5766, 7296, 7019, 7599, 8143, 7168 and 6827, respectively. The trends of their food consumption in each year were analyzed through Kruskal-wallis method. RESULTS: The intake of cereals decreased significantly from (528.5 ± 192.9) g/d in 1989 to (427.7 ± 173.8) g/d in 2006 (χ(2) = 2833.13, P < 0.01). The minor variation of soybean food intake was observed. The average intake was (22.3 ± 39.4) g/d in 1989 and (18.9 ± 30.5) g/d in 2006 which was still at a low level. The trend of vegetables intake showed a small decrease. It was (374.5 ± 205.9) g/d in males and (346.4 ± 187.6) g/d in females in 2006, respectively. Both quantity and rate of fruits consumption showed an increase trend. Its consumption rate reached at 22.5% (741/3296) in males and 27.7% (1004/3619) in females in 2006, respectively. The average intake increased from (122.4 ± 126.9) g/d in 1989 to (228.5 ± 267.3) g/d in 2006 (χ(2) = 539.66, P < 0.01). At the same time, the daily intake of meat and egg showed a large increase, the average meat intake increased from (97.0 ± 111.5) g/d in males and (80.2 ± 97.0) g/d in females in 1989 to (141.5 ± 125.2) g/d in males and (118.4 ± 111.8) g/d in females in 2006, respectively. The oil consumption showed a significant increase. The average intake increased from (30.4 ± 37.9) g/d in 1989 to (42.8 ± 32.3) g/d in 2006 (χ(2) = 1646.94, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There have been noticeable changes in the Chinese dietary pattern in the past 17 years. Some changes would be helpful for nutritional improvement in Chinese people, but it also caused some adverse effects on health because of improper food consumption.

[Analysis on the status of vitamin A deficiency among children under 5 years old in poor rural areas of 6 Western Chinese provinces in 2009].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the status of vitamin A deficiency among children under 5 years old in poor rural areas of 6 Western Chinese provinces in 2009. METHODS: The study subjects involved 2091 children from a program - 'Appropriate measurements in improving children under-nutrition in poor rural areas'. RESULTS: In 2009, prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among children under 5 years old from the poor rural areas of 6 western Chinese provinces was 20.2%, with boys as 20.6% and girls as 19.7%. Prevalence rates of vitamin A deficiency among children under 5 years old in the highest and lowest areas were seen in Gansu (25.5%) and Guangxi (12.2%) provinces, respectively. The peak of vitamin A deficiency prevalence fell in the 6 - 11 months age group. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency declined along with the increase of age. RESULTS: from this study demonstrated that vitamin A deficiency among children under 5 years old appeared to be a serious public health problem in the poor rural areas of 6 Western Chinese provinces. Education on reasonable ways of feeding and provision of complementary nutrients to children with vitamin A deficiency, should be the key points in the prevention and control programs on this problem.

[Status of anemia among children under 5 years of age in the economically less developed rural areas from the 6 western provinces of China, in 2009].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the status of anemia among children under 5 years of age in the economically less developed rural areas from 6 western provinces of China in 2009. METHODS: 8141 study subjects were from the program- 'Study on Appropriate Technology of Children Under-nutrition Improvement in Poor Rural Areas'. RESULTS: In 2009, the prevalence of anemia among children under 5 years of age in the above said rural areas from 6 western provinces was 24.1%. The prevalence of anemia among male children was much higher than that among female children. The peak of anemia prevalence (38.5%) was among children of 6 - 11 months. The prevalence of anemia decreased along with the increase of age. CONCLUSION: Results from the study demonstrated that anemia among the preschool children was a public health problem in poor rural areas of western China. Improving the knowledge on reasonable feeding seemed a better way for the prevention and control of anemia plus providing complementary nutrients sprinkle to the affected children.

[Extraction of praeruptorin A from Radix Peucedani by supercritical fluid extraction-CO2].

OBJECTIVE: To extract praeruptorin A from Radix Peucedani by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)-CO2. METHODS: After preliminary experiment, three main factors were acquired that could influence the result of SFE-CO2, including the time, pressure and temperature of the extraction. The optimal extraction process was carried out on orthogonal design, and SFE-CO2 was compared with the traditional methods. RESULTS: In the extraction of the praeruptorin A, the best extraction conditions were 60 degrees C, 20 MPa, and duration for three hours. As cosolvent alcohol was added, the amount of extraction of the praeruptorin A increased, and the amount of SFE-CO2 extraction was higher than those of decoction and heating reflux. CONCLUSION: The SFE-CO2 in extracting praeruptorin A from Radix Peucedani is feasible and reliable.

[Incidence of low birth weight of neonates and the influencing factors in China].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of low birth weight and identify the influencing factors in China in 2006. METHODS: The national survey was performed by stratified random cluster sampling method in 43 cities and counties in 14 provinces. The subjects were all live neonates during May to October in 2006. Their body weight was measured according to the standardization conducted by the national research team, while the information of all infants was investigated by questionnaires. Non-conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors. RESULTS: Among 18 554 infants investigated, the incidence of low birth weight was 4.6% in 2006 in China, being 3.2%, 4.4%, and 6.3% in eastern middle and western areas respectively. The incidence of low birth weight were 3.9% in urban and 4.8% in rural. The results of logistic regression analysis suggested that maternal education (OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.181 approximately 1.861), body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.229 - 1.876), body weight gain in gestation period (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.246 - 1.965), gestational weeks (OR = 20.16; 95% CI: 15.456 - 26.297), multiple birth (OR = 12.11; 95% CI: 9.229 - 15.893), gestation syndrome, and nutrition instruction (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.550 - 0.798) were associated with low birth weight significantly. CONCLUSION: The main factors resulting in low birth weight in neonates are maternal education, BMI before pregnancy, body weight gain in gestation period, pregnancy age, multiple birth, gestation syndrome, and nutrition instruction.

[Nutrition and feeding situation of Chinese 0- 5 years old infants and children in 8 provinces, cities and villages in 2004].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and analyze present nutrition and feeding situation of 0 - 5 years old infants and children in Chinese cities and villages and to understand main problems existed during Chinese infants and children's develop-growing period in order to provide a basis for further drafting measures of nutrition amelioration. METHODS: To utilize an "Investigation to Nutrition Situation of 0 - 5 Years Old Infants & Children" which is opened in Chinese 8 provinces, cities and villages in 2004 by Social Women Dept. of Ministry of Public Health, P. R. China to proceed measurement of height and body weight for 17081 infants and children of 0 - 5 years of age in 8 provinces, cities and villages, also with Questionnaire form to proceed an investigation to parents of above said infants and children about their feeding situation. RESULTS: The develop-growing difference between cities and villages' infants and children appears to begin in April, a high occurrence period for 1 - 2 years old infants and children in villages with long period chronicle malnutrition as main cause that Chinese western area villages' nutrition rate is 20% above to be higher than Chinese middle and eastern areas. Infants and children's mother milk feeding rate is higher than whole nation's children nutrition monitoring result in 2000 with villages obviously higher than cities. In adding infants' supplementary foods there obviously existed unscientific and unreasonable problem of adding time, adding quality and quantity of supplementary foods. To analyze cause it is besides economic factors there existed obvious relation with shortage of knowledge in nutrition and health care by infants and children's parents.