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Introduction: The production of root exudates with biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) effects is a strategy adopted by ammonium-N (NH4+ - N) tolerant plant species that occur in N-limited environments. Most knowledge on BNI comes from plant species that occur in acidic soils. Methods: Here, combining field sampling and laboratory culture, we assessed the BNI-capacity of Leymus chinensis, a dominant grass species in alkaline grasslands in eastern Asia, and explored why L. chinensis has BNI ability. Results and discussion: The results showed that L. chinensis has strong BNIcapacity. At a concentration of 1 mg mL-1, L. chinensis' root exudates inhibited nitrification in soils influenced by Puccinellia tenuiflora by 72.44%, while DCD only inhibited it by 68.29%. The nitrification potential of the soil of L. chinensis community was only 53% of the P. tenuiflora or 41% of the Suaeda salsa community. We also showed that the supply of NH4+ -N driven by L. chinensis' BNI can meet its requirements. In addition, NH4+ -N can enhance plant adaptation to alkaline stress by regulating pH, and in turn, the uptake of nitrate-N (NO3- - N). We further demonstrated that the regulatory function of NH4+ -N is greater than its nutritional function in alkaline environment. The results offer novel insights into how L. chinensis adapts to high pH and nutrient deficiency stress by secreting BNIs, and reveal, for the first time, differences in the functional roles of NH4+ -N and NO3- -N in growth and adaptation under alkaline conditions in a grass species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of cancer globally is increasing, partly due to lifestyle factors. Despite a better understanding of cancer biology and advancement in cancer management and therapies, current strategies in cancer treatment remain costly and cause socioeconomic burden especially in Asian countries. Hence, instead of putting more efforts in searches for new cancer cures, attention has now shifted to understanding how to mitigate cancer risk by modulating lifestyle factors. It has been established that carcinogenesis is multifactorial, and the important detrimental role of oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and genomic instability is evident. To date, there is no study linking dietary pattern and genomic stability in cancer risk in the Asian food landscape. Thus, this present review article discusses recent literature on dietary pattern and genomic stability and its relationship with cancer risk in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigated, rainfed, deepwater rice agro-ecosystems of Asia replete with a suite of edible flora and fauna have provided an alternate and affordable source of essential nutrients apart from the staple. This diverse edible biota once constituted a viable means to supplement the staple and sustained large populations of the rice growing countries of Asia; it is imperative especially in the current crisis of micronutrient deficiency or hidden hunger that afflicts one-third of the global population. In this narrative review, building on secondary literature, we sketch the breadth of the edible biota found in rainfed, deepwater, and irrigated rice fields that have been accepted as food across a large geography of Asian rice-eaters. The nutritional outcome of this edible biodiversity has also been described. We argue that it has been an integral part of the food system that eroded with the intensification of agriculture in recent centuries. Finally, we identify and emphasize on the underlying drivers leading to the fall of this system and suggest a possible way to revive this age-old practice for sustainable agricultural intensification, simultaneously addressing the potential of this system to combat the global health problem of micronutrient deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient malnutrition is a key driver of morbidity and mortality for millions of children in South Asia. Understanding the specific micronutrients lacking in the diet during the complementary feeding period is essential for addressing undernutrition caused by inadequate diets. A Comprehensive Nutrient Gap Assessment was used to synthesize diverse evidence and estimate the public health significance of complementary-feeding micronutrient gaps and identify evidence gaps in 8 countries in South Asia. There were important gaps across the region in iron, zinc, vitamin A, folate, vitamin B12, and, to a lesser extent, calcium and vitamin C. The most nutrient-dense, whole-food sources of these micronutrients include liver, small fish, eggs, ruminant meat, and dark leafy greens. Investment is needed in some countries to collect data on micronutrient biomarkers and dietary intakes. A food systems approach is essential for improving child diets and reducing malnutrition, which affects millions of children, their futures, and society at large across South Asia and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet nutritional needs and prevent nutritional deficiencies and chronic diseases, dietary guidelines (DGs), tailored to nation's dietary and lifestyle characteristics, were developed by many countries. So far, there are many researches focusing DGs on one country or continent, but a full and systematic comparison of global DGs is still sparse. DGs and related information of 96 countries (regions), including 46 full texts in English, 95 key items and 91 graphics, were collected complying with explicit inclusion criteria. A comparative study is made on graphics, food groupings, associated messages of healthy eating and behavior and DGs for specific populations based on information extracting from DGs key items, graphics and full texts. Pyramid model was the preferred model of most countries in Asia and Europe to illustrate their food guide, other shapes were the choices of most countries in both South and North Americas. Vegetable/fruit, salt/sodium, fat, sugar, physical activity, water, dairy/milk, grain/cereal, fish, variety/diversity are mentioned most frequently, suggesting these projects or items are currently the major concerns for world diet. Few countries have developed specific DGs for special populations. Different countries presented different features in DGs due to various reasons such as traditional culture, geographical condition, ethnic relation and other social-cultural conditions. Based on the interpretation of the similarities and differences of DGs among different countries, we believe that this review could provide some available information and help for a better understanding of dietary guidelines about the main points and important principles. • Dietary guidelines of 96 out of 233 countries (regions) were collected in our study. • Dietary guidelines for special populations in various countries are still lacking. • Pyramid model is the preferred dietary guidelines graphic. • Eating more vegetables and fruits is principle key recommendation of all countries. • Different countries have different recommended intake of key foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fortification of food-grade (edible) salt with iodine is recommended as a safe, cost-effective and sustainable strategy for the prevention of iodine-deficiency disorders. The present paper examines the legislative framework for salt iodization in Asian countries.Design: We reviewed salt iodization legislation in thirty-six countries in Asia and the Pacific. We obtained copies of existing and draft legislation for salt iodization from UNICEF country offices and the WHO's Global Database of Implementation of Nutrition Actions. We compiled legislation details by country and report on commonalities and gaps using a standardized form. The association between type of legislation and availability of iodized salt in households was assessed.Results: We identified twenty-one countries with existing salt iodization legislation, of which eighteen were mandatory. A further nine countries have draft legislation. The majority of countries with draft and existing legislation used a mandatory standard or technical regulation for iodized salt under their Food Act/Law. The remainder have developed a 'stand-alone' Law/Act. Available national surveys indicate that the proportion of households consuming adequately iodized salt was lowest in countries with no, draft or voluntary legislation, and highest in those where the legislation was based on mandatory regulations under Food Acts/Laws.Conclusions: Legislation for salt iodization, particularly mandatory legislation under the national food law, facilitates universal salt iodization. However, additional important factors for implementation of salt iodization and maintenance of achievements include the salt industry's structure and capacity to adequately fortify, and official commitment and capacity to enforce national legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which explored research issues related to complementary feeding in Asian countries. Spectrum of nutritional problems in children; Prevalence and prevention of micronutrient deficiencies; Secular trends in the prevalence of allergic disease.

In a cross-sectional study, children 0-6 yr of age from eight different population groups in Africa and Asia were examined. Clinical assessment defined 8750 children as being well nourished and 194 as having marasmus. Height, weight, arm circumference (AC), and triceps skinfold thickness were measured; the latter two measurements and the clinical assessment were done by the same observer. Based on data from normal children, local growth curves were computed for each group. Each child's growth was expressed in standard deviation scores (SDS) of his own group. On the basis of the results of a discriminant analysis, all variables were ranked by their decreasing power to discriminate between normal and marasmic children. For 83% of the children one measurement (AC/age) is sufficient to classify them definitely; for the others several variables are needed. This strategy yields an overall sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 97%, and a positive predictive value of 38%.