scholarly journals Selenium Intake in Iodine-Deficient Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in New Zealand

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Jin ◽  
Jane Coad ◽  
Janet L Weber ◽  
Jasmine S Thomson ◽  
Louise Brough
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Thyroid Function ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Selenium Deficiency ◽  
Selenium Concentration ◽  
Selenium Intake ◽  
The North ◽  
In Pregnancy

Selenium plays a role in antioxidant status and, together with iodine, in thyroid function. Iodine deficiency exists in New Zealand during pregnancy and lactation, and selenium deficiency may further affect thyroid function. This study investigated selenium intakes of pregnant and lactating women, in Palmerston North, in the North Island of New Zealand. Dietary intake was estimated using three repeated 24-h dietary recalls. Dietary intake in pregnancy was also estimated from 24-h urinary excretion of selenium. Selenium concentrations were determined in urine and breastmilk using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Median selenium intakes based on dietary data were 51 (39, 65) μg/day in pregnancy and 51 (36, 80) μg/day in lactation, with 61% and 68% below estimated average requirement (EAR). Median daily selenium intake in pregnancy based on urinary excretion was 49 (40, 60) µg/day, with 59% below EAR. Median selenium concentration in breastmilk was 11 (10, 13) µg/L and estimated median selenium intake for infants was 9 (8, 10) µg/day, with 91% below the Adequate Intake of 12 μg/day. These pregnant and breastfeeding women were at risk of dietary selenium inadequacy. Further research is required to assess selenium status in relation to thyroid function and health in this group.

scholarly journals Vitamin D in pregnancy at high latitude in Scotland

2012 ◽  
Vol 109 (5) ◽  
pp. 898-905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Haggarty ◽  
Doris M. Campbell ◽  
Susan Knox ◽  
Graham W. Horgan ◽  
Gwen Hoad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
High Latitude ◽  
Maternity Hospital ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
The North ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Supplements ◽  
In Pregnancy

The aims of the present study were to determine compliance with current advice on vitamin D and to assess the influence of season, dietary intake, supplement use and deprivation on vitamin D status in pregnant mothers and newborns in the north of Scotland where sunlight exposure is low. Pregnant women (n 1205) and their singleton newborns were studied in the Aberdeen Maternity Hospital (latitude 57°N) between 2000 and 2006. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were measured at 19 weeks of gestation in mothers and at delivery in newborns. During pregnancy, 21·0 (95 % CI 18·5, 23·5) % of women took vitamin D supplements. The median intake was 5 μg/d and only 0·6 (95 % CI 0·1, 1·0) % took the recommended 10 μg/d. Supplement use, adjusted for season, dietary intake and deprivation, significantly increased maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) by 10·5 (95 % CI 5·7, 15·2) nmol/l (P< 0·001); however, there was no significant effect on cord 25(OH)D (1·4 (95 % CI − 1·8, 4·5) nmol/l). The biggest influence on both maternal and cord 25(OH)D was season of birth (P< 0·001). Compared with the least deprived women (top three deciles), the most deprived pregnancies (bottom three deciles) were characterised by a significantly lower seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D ( − 11·6 (95 % CI − 7·5, − 15·7) nmol/l in the mother and − 5·8 (95 % CI − 2·3, − 9·4) nmol/l in the cord), and a lower level of supplement use (10 (95 % CI 4, 17) v. 23 (95 % CI 20, 26) %). More should be done to promote vitamin D supplement use in pregnancy but the critical importance of endogenous vitamin D synthesis, and known adaptations of fat metabolism specific to pregnancy, suggest that safe sun advice may be a useful additional strategy, even at high latitude.

scholarly journals Can selenium deficiency in Malawi be alleviated through consumption of agro-biofortified maize flour? Study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Joy ◽  
Alexander Kalimbira ◽  
Dawd Gashu ◽  
Elaine Ferguson ◽  
Joanna Sturgess ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Selenium Deficiency ◽  
Selenium Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Maize Flour ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Hidden Hunger

Abstract Background Micronutrient deficiencies including selenium (Se) are widespread in Malawi and potentially underlie a substantial disease burden, particularly among poorer and marginalised populations. Concentrations of Se in staple cereal crops can be increased through application of Se fertilisers – a process known as agronomic (agro-) biofortification – and this may contribute to alleviating deficiencies. The Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial aims to establish the efficacy of this approach for improving Se status in rural Malawi. Methods A double-blind, randomised, controlled trial will be conducted in a rural community in Kasungu District, Central Region, Malawi. The hypothesis is that consumption of maize flour agro-biofortified with Se will increase serum Se concentration. We will recruit 180 women of reproductive age (WRA; 20–45 years) and 180 school-aged children (SAC; 5–10 years) randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either maize flour enriched through agro-biofortification with Se or a control flour not enriched with Se. Households will receive flour (330 g capita -1 day -1 ) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is Se concentration in serum (µg L -1 ). Serum will be extracted from venous blood samples drawn at baseline (prior to flour distribution) and end-line. Selenium concentration will be measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). Discussion Findings will be communicated to policy stakeholders and participating communities and reported in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration The Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (Malawi) trial is registered (March 2019; ISCRTN85899451).

scholarly journals Can selenium deficiency in Malawi be alleviated through consumption of agro-biofortified maize flour? Study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Joy ◽  
Alexander Kalimbira ◽  
Dawd Gashu ◽  
Elaine Ferguson ◽  
Joanna Sturgess ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Selenium Deficiency ◽  
Selenium Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Maize Flour ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Gates Foundation ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract BackgroundMicronutrient deficiencies including selenium (Se) are widespread in Malawi and potentially underlie a substantial disease burden, particularly among poorer and marginalised populations. Concentrations of Se in staple cereal crops can be increased through application of Se fertilisers – a process known as agronomic (agro-) biofortification – and this may contribute to alleviating deficiencies. The Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial aims to establish the efficacy of this approach for improving Se status in rural Malawi.MethodsA double-blind, randomised, controlled trial will be conducted in a rural community in Kasungu District, Central Region, Malawi. The hypothesis is that consumption of maize flour agro-biofortified with Se will increase serum Se concentration. We will recruit 180 women of reproductive age (WRA; 20–45 years) and 180 school-aged children (SAC; 5–10 years) randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either maize flour enriched through agro-biofortification with Se or a control flour not enriched with Se. Households will receive flour (330 g [i]capita[/i]-1 day-1) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is Se concentration in serum (µg L-1). Serum will be extracted from venous blood samples drawn at baseline (prior to flour distribution) and end-line. Selenium concentration will be measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS).DiscussionFindings will be communicated to policy stakeholders and participating communities and reported in peer-reviewed journals. This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grant Number OPP1181048

Studies of Ptiliidae (Coleoptera) in the Spirit Collection of the Natural History Museum, London 2: New species and records from P. Hammond's visit to New Zealand in 1983–84

2018 ◽  
Vol 154 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-196
Author(s):  
Michael Darby
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Natural History Museum ◽  
History Museum ◽  
The North ◽  
Three New Species ◽  
North And South

Some 2,000 Ptiliidae collected in the North and South Islands of New Zealand in 1983/1984 by Peter Hammond of the Natural History Museum, London, are determined to 34 species, four of which are new to the country. As there are very few previous records, most from the Auckland district of North Island, the Hammond collection provides much new distributional data. The three new species: Nellosana insperatus sp. n., Notoptenidium flavum sp. n., and Notoptenidium johnsoni sp. n., are described and figured; the genus Ptiliodes is moved from Acrotrichinae to Ptiliinae, and Ptenidium formicetorum Kraatz recorded as a new introduction. Information is provided to aid separation of the new species from those previously recorded.

scholarly journals Spatial Distribution of Lichens in Metrosideros excelsa in Northern New Zealand Urban Forests

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 170
Author(s):  
Gladys N. Benitez ◽  
Glenn D. Aguilar ◽  
Dan Blanchon
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Lichen Species ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Lichen Community ◽  
The North ◽  
The City ◽  
Lichen Flora

The spatial distribution of corticolous lichens on the iconic New Zealand pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) tree was investigated from a survey of urban parks and forests across the city of Auckland in the North Island of New Zealand. Lichens were identified from ten randomly selected trees at 20 sampling sites, with 10 sites classified as coastal and another 10 as inland sites. Lichen data were correlated with distance from sea, distance from major roads, distance from native forests, mean tree DBH (diameter at breast height) and the seven-year average of measured NO2 over the area. A total of 33 lichen species were found with coastal sites harboring significantly higher average lichen species per tree as well as higher site species richness. We found mild hotspots in two sites for average lichen species per tree and another two separate sites for species richness, with all hotspots at the coast. A positive correlation between lichen species richness and DBH was found. Sites in coastal locations were more similar to each other in terms of lichen community composition than they were to adjacent inland sites and some species were only found at coastal sites. The average number of lichen species per tree was negatively correlated with distance from the coast, suggesting that the characteristic lichen flora found on pōhutukawa may be reliant on coastal microclimates. There were no correlations with distance from major roads, and a slight positive correlation between NO2 levels and average lichen species per tree.

DIE AUSSCHEIDUNG VON TESTOSTERON UND EPITESTOSTERON BEI FRAUEN AM ENDE DER SCHWANGERSCHAFT

1969 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 579-585
Author(s):  
K. Schollberg ◽  
E. Seiler ◽  
J. Holtorff
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Female Foetus ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Normal Women ◽  
In Pregnancy

ABSTRACT The urinary excretion of testosterone and epitestosterone by women in late pregnancy has been studied. The mean values of 22 normal women in pregnancy mens X are 12.9 ± 9.2 μg/24 h in the case of testosterone and 16.1 ± 16.2 μg/24 h in the case of epitestosterone. Both values do not differ significantly from those of non-pregnant females. The excretion values of mothers bearing a male foetus (17.3 ± 8.9 μg/24 h) are higher than those of mothers with a female foetus (6.4 ± 4.8 μg/24 h). The difference is statistically significant with P = 0.01.

Graves'DISEASE IN PREGNANCY: TSH RECEPTOR BINDING INHIBITING IMMUNOGLOBULINS AND MATERNAL AND NEONATAL THYROID FUNCTION

1990 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROBIN H. MORTIMER ◽  
SHIRLEY A. TYACK ◽  
JOHN P. GALLIGAN ◽  
DONALD A. PERRY-KEENE ◽  
YONG M. TAN
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Function ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Tsh Receptor ◽  
Neonatal Thyroid Function ◽  
In Pregnancy

Provenance of basaltic tephra from Vatnajökull subglacial volcanoes, Iceland, as determined by major- and trace-element analyses

The Holocene ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 1037-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bergrún Arna Óladóttir ◽  
Olgeir Sigmarsson ◽  
Gudrún Larsen ◽  
Jean-Luc Devidal
Keyword(s):  
Trace Element ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Major Element ◽  
Element Composition ◽  
Major Element Composition ◽  
Volcanic System ◽  
The Holocene ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
The North

The Holocene eruption history of subglacial volcanoes in Iceland is largely recorded by their tephra deposits. The numerous basaltic tephra offer the possibility to make the tephrochronology in the North Atlantic area more detailed and, therefore, more useful as a tool not only in volcanology but also in environmental and archaeological studies. The source of a tephra is established by mapping its distribution or inferred via compositional fingerprinting, mainly based on major-element analyses. In order to improve the provenance determinations for basaltic tephra produced at Grímsvötn, Bárdarbunga and Kverkfjöll volcanic systems in Iceland, 921 samples from soil profiles around the Vatnajökull ice-cap were analysed for major-element concentrations by electron probe microanalysis. These samples are shown to represent 747 primary tephra units. The tephra erupted within each of these volcanic system has similar chemical characteristics. The major-element results fall into three distinctive compositional groups, all of which show regular decrease of MgO with increasing K2O concentrations. The new analyses presented here considerably improve the compositional distinction between products of the three volcanic systems. Nevertheless, slight overlap of the compositional groups for each system still remains. In situ trace-element analyses by laser-ablation-inductively-coupled-plasma-mass-spectrometry were applied for better provenance identification for those tephra having similar major-element composition. Three trace-element ratios, Rb/Y, La/Yb and Sr/Th, proved particularly useful. Significantly higher La/Yb distinguishes the Grímsvötn basalts from those of Bárdarbunga and Rb/Y values differentiate the basalts of Grímsvötn and Kverkfjöll. Additionally, the products of Bárdarbunga, Grímsvötn and Kverkfjöll form distinct compositional fields on a Sr/Th versus Th plot. Taken together, the combined use of major- and trace-element analyses in delineating the provenance of basaltic tephra having similar major-element composition significantly improves the Holocene tephra record as well as the potential for correlations with tephra from outside Iceland.

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