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Evaluate the impact of the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant program on self-reported fruit and vegetable (FV) expenditures. Pre-post quasi-experimental study design. Farmers markets and grocery stores in states with FINI projects. A total of 2,471 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households in 4 intervention groups who lived near a FINI retailer (farmers market or grocery store) and 4 matched comparison groups who did not live near a FINI retailer. Awareness and use of point-of-sale incentives and changes in self-reported monthly household FV expenditures. Ordinary least squares intent-to-treat regression model using lagged dependent variable model framework. Awareness of FINI was higher among households who were near a FINI retailer and had shopped there before FINI than those who lived near a FINI retailer but had not shopped there before FINI; the number of information sources from which SNAP participants heard about FINI was positively associated with incentive receipt (P < 0.05). Among those who received incentives, the average amount of incentives received at the last shopping trip ranged from $15 to $23. The FINI program had a positive impact on the average monthly FV expenditures for those in the farmers market shopper, grocery store shopper, and grocery store general intervention groups—increases ranged from $9 to $15 (P < 0.05). Point-of-sale incentives were associated with an increase in FV expenditures among SNAP households. Further research is needed to examine (1) effective messaging strategies to increase incentive awareness and (2) the long-term impact of incentives on FV expenditures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compare the incidence and mortality of gynecologic cancers among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women to the Non-Hispanic White (NHW) population in the Pacific Northwest. Age-adjusted cancer incidence (1996–2016) and mortality (2006–2016) rates were calculated from population-based state cancer registry and death certificate data obtained from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and corrected for AI/AN misclassification. Incidence and mortality rate ratios (RR) were calculated to compare AI/AN and NHW women with gynecologic cancers. Across all gynecologic cancer sites, AI/AN women were diagnosed at a younger age compared to NHW women. AI/AN women had a higher incidence of cervical cancer compared to NHW women with a RR of 1.53 (95% CI: 1.34, 1.75). For all age groups, AI/AN women had a higher incidence of cervical cancer and the disparity was greatest in the 50–64 age group with a RR of 1.76 (95% CI: 1.36, 2.30). Cervical cancer mortality was greater among AI/AN women, with an all-ages RR of 1.79 (95% CI: 1.30, 2.46); the disparity was greatest in the 50–64 age group (RR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.89, 4.38). For uterine cancer, AI/AN women had similar incidence rates as NHW women but higher mortality rates (RR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03–1.75). Incidence and mortality for ovarian cancer were similar between groups. Our analysis of gynecologic cancers among AI/AN in the PNW found significant disparities relative to NHW women in cervical cancer incidence and mortality. These disparities persist despite advances in prevention strategies. • AI/AN women have a higher incidence of cervical cancer and a higher mortality from this disease than their NHW counterparts. • Incidence and mortality for ovarian cancer were similar between AI/AN women and NHW women. • AI/AN women have a higher rate of mortality from uterine cancer than NHW women, despite similar incidence rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons are commonly misclassified in epidemiologic and administrative data sets. The race-corrected hepatitis C virus (HCV)–related mortality rate among AI/AN persons in the Northwest United States (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington State) is unknown. We quantified the disparity in HCV-related mortality between AI/AN persons and non-Hispanic white (NHW) persons in the Northwest during 2006-2012 after correcting misclassified AI/AN race. Methods: After conducting probabilistic record linkage between death records and the Northwest Tribal Registry, we calculated HCV-related mortality rates for AI/AN and NHW persons by using National Center for Health Statistics bridged-race estimates standardized to the US 2000 standard population. Results: The 2006-2012 aggregate age-adjusted HCV-related mortality rate per 100 000 population in the Northwest was 19.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.3-22.2) for AI/AN persons and 5.9 (95% CI, 5.7-6.1) for NHW persons (rate ratio [RR] = 3.3; 95% CI, 3.0-3.8). The disparity was larger among females (RR = 4.6; 95% CI, 3.8-5.5) than among males (RR = 2.9; 95% CI, 2.5-3.4). Conclusion: The disproportionate rate of HCV-related mortality among AI/AN persons in the Northwest highlights the need to expand HCV education, screening, and treatment among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opioid epidemic has resulted in a threefold increase in drug overdose deaths in the United States during 1999-2015 (1). Whereas American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) have experienced larger increases in drug overdose mortality than have other racial/ethnic groups in the United States (2), little is known about the regional impact of opioids in tribal and urban AI/AN communities. To address this data gap, death records from the Washington State Center for Health Statistics, corrected for misclassification of AI/AN race, were examined to identify trends and disparities in drug, opioid-involved, and heroin-involved overdose mortality rates for AI/AN and non-Hispanic whites (whites) in Washington. Although AI/AN and whites had similar overdose mortality rates during 1999-2001, subsequent overdose rates among AI/AN increased at a faster rate than did those among whites. During 2013-2015, mortality rates among AI/AN were 2.7 and 4.1 times higher than rates among whites for total drug and opioid-involved overdoses and heroin-involved overdoses, respectively. Washington death certificates that were not corrected for misclassification of AI/AN race underestimated drug overdose mortality rates among AI/AN by approximately 40%. National statistics on the opioid epidemic, which report that overdose mortality rates are significantly higher among whites than among AI/AN, are not reflective of regional prevalences, disparities, and trends. Comprehensive efforts to address the opioid epidemic in AI/AN communities rely on strong partnerships between tribal governments and local, state, and federal entities. Additional measures are needed for community-based surveillance, treatment, and prevention to effectively respond to the epidemic across diverse tribal and urban AI/AN communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls provide high-quality intake data but have been prohibitively expensive for large epidemiologic studies. This study's goal was to assess whether the web-based Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Recall (ASA24) performs similarly enough to the standard interviewer-administered, Automated Multiple-Pass Method (AMPM) 24-hour dietary recall to be considered a viable alternative. In 2010-2011, 1,081 adults from 3 integrated health systems in Detroit, Michigan; Marshfield,Wisconsin; and Kaiser-Permanente Northern California participated in a field trial. A quota design ensured a diverse sample by sex, age, and race/ethnicity. Each participant was asked to complete 2 recalls and was randomly assigned to 1 of 4 protocols differing by type of recall and administration order. For energy, the mean intakes were 2,425 versus 2,374 kcal for men and 1,876 versus 1,906 kcal for women by AMPM and ASA24, respectively. Of 20 nutrients/food groups analyzed and controlling for false discovery rate, 87%were judged equivalent at the 20% bound. ASA24 was preferred overAMPM by 70% of the respondents. Attrition was lower in the ASA24/AMPM study group than in the AMPM/ASA24 group, and it was lower in the ASA24/ASA24 group than in the AMPM/AMPM group. ASA24 offers the potential to collect high-quality dietary intake information at low cost with less attrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although research shows that children from households with low incomes have diet quality that is better during the school year vs the summer, very little research exists around the nutritional quality of summer meals available to children through the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) summer meals programs. The objective was to examine the extent to which summer meals contributed to meeting the daily nutritional goals from the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) for 9- to 13-year-olds. The current study also analyzed the types of food offered and the top food sources of energy and nutrients in summer lunches. This cross-sectional study analyzed a nationally representative sample of summer meal sites participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or the Seamless Summer Option (SSO). Weekly lunch menus were obtained from 731 summer meal sites operating in the summer of 2018 (SFSP sites: n = 578; SSO sites: n = 153). Outcome measures included the most frequently offered foods in the major food groups. The energy and nutrient content of lunches offered were estimated and compared with the daily nutritional goals provided by the 2015–2020 DGAs for 9- to 13-year-olds. Menu data were entered into USDA's SurveyNet and linked to the USDA's Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies 2015–2016. Foods were classified into major and minor food groups from the USDA's School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study. The energy and nutrient values were compared with the daily nutritional goals provided by the DGAs for children ages 9 to 13 years. Summer lunches provided substantial contributions toward the daily goals for energy and nutrients for 9- to 13-year-olds. SSO programs provided significantly more vegetables than SFSP programs (P < 0.05) and contained significantly higher amounts of vitamins A (P < 0.05), C (P < 0.05), and iron (P < 0.05). Sodium amounts were below the daily limit for 9- to 13-year-olds across both program types. Although SSO lunches offered more vegetables than SFSP lunches, lunches served in both SSO and SFSP contributed substantially toward the daily goals for energy and nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) pregnant people face barriers to health and healthcare that put them at risk of pregnancy complications. Rates of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) among Indigenous pregnant people are estimated to be twice that of non-Hispanic White (NHW) pregnant people. Methods: Race-corrected Oregon Hospital Discharge and Washington Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System data were combined to create a joint dataset of births between 2012 and 2016. The analytic sample was composed of 12,535 AI/AN records and 313,046 NHW records. A multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between community-level, individual and pregnancy risk factors on SMM for AI/AN pregnant people. Results: At the community level, AI/AN pregnant people were more likely than NHW to live in mostly or completely rural counties with low median household income and high uninsured rates. They were more likely to use Medicaid, be in a high-risk age category, and have diabetes or obesity. During pregnancy, AI/AN pregnant people were more likely to have insufficient prenatal care (PNC), gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. In the multilevel model, county accounted for 6% of model variance. Hypertension pre-eclampsia, and county rurality were significant predictors of SMM among AI/AN pregnant people. High-risk age, insufficient PNC and a low county insured rate were near-significant at p < 0.10. Discussion: Community-level factors are significant contributors to SMM risk for AI/AN pregnant people in addition to hypertension and pre-eclampsia. These findings demonstrate the need for targeted support in pregnancy to AI/AN pregnant people, particularly those who live in rural and underserved communities. Significance: What is already known on this subject? American Indian and Alaska Native pregnant people face higher rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality, and the risk is exacerbated for rural Indigenous pregnant people. What this study adds? This publication uses a multilevel model to assess the contribution of community-level factors in severe maternal morbidity risk for American Indian and Alaska Native pregnant people. This analysis highlights the important role that rurality, prenatal care adequacy and access to insurance play in maternal morbidity risk and discusses how those risks are disproportionately felt by American Indian and Alaska Native pregnant people in the Pacific Northwest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses COVID-19 mortality rate among American Indian and Alaska Native people. Topics include that American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) have experienced disproportionate rates of infection and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic; and that persons belonging to 20–49 age should implement medical countermeasures and other prevention activities.

Objective: To compare rates and risk factors of severe COVID-19-related outcomes between American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and non-Hispanic White people (NHW). Methods: Aggregate Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), COVID-19-related risk factor, hospitalization, and mortality data were obtained from 16 states for January 1, 2020-March 31, 2021. Generalized estimating equation Poisson regression models calculated age-adjusted cumulative incidences, incidence ratios (IR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing AI/AN and NHW persons by age, sex, and county-level SVI status. Results: Race data were missing for 42.7% of COVID-19 cases, 24.7% of hospitalizations, and 10.1% of deaths. Risk of AI/AN COVID-19 mortality was 2.6 times that of NHW persons (IR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.7 - 3.4); risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization among AI/AN persons was 3.5 times that of NHW (IR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.7 - 4.3). Severe COVID-19 outcomes were significantly higher for AI/AN persons compared to NHW persons across all age and sex groups. There was no statistically significant difference in COVID-19 outcomes by SVI status. Associations between severe COVID-19 outcomes and co-morbid risk factors were inconsistent. Conclusions: Results describe increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes for AI/AN persons compared to NHW persons despite quality issues in public health surveillance data. Data linkages and improved ascertainment reduce race/ethnicity misclassification and improve data quality. COVID-19-related health burdens among AI/AN persons warrant improved access for AI/AN communities to medical countermeasures and healthcare resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine whether duration of participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and early feeding practices are associated with the likelihood of meeting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendation for added sugars (AS) at age 3 years. Using data from the WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 (WIC ITFPS-2), logistic regression assessed associations between WIC participation patterns, early feeding practices, and whether 3-year-olds met the AS recommendation. Children introduced to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in their first year were about half (adjusted odds ratio, 0.65; P < 0.01) as likely to meet the recommendation as those not exposed in their first 2 years. First-year-only WIC participation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.61; P < 0.04) also increased the risk of excessive consumption compared with children who participated in their third year. Duration of WIC participation is inversely associated with young children's AS intakes. Public health efforts to reduce WIC attrition and enhance education efforts focused on delaying sugar-sweetened beverage introduction are supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Protecting myocardium from ischaemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury is important to reduce the complication of myocardial infarction (MI) and interventional revascularization procedures. In the present study, the cardioprotective potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Andrographispaniculata was evaluated against left anterior descending coronary artery (LADCA) ligation-induced I-R injury of myocardium in rats. Methods: MI was induced in rats by LADCA ligation for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 60 min. The rats were divided into five experimental groups viz., sham (saline treated, but LADCA was not ligated), I-R control (saline treated + I-R), benazepril (30 mg/kg + I-R), A. paniculata (200 mg/kgper se) and A. paniculata (200 mg/kg + I-R). A. paniculata was administered orally for 31 days. On day 31, rats were subjected to the I-R and cardiac function parameters were recorded. Further, rats were sacrificed and heart was excised for biochemical and histopathological studies. Results: In I-R control group, LADCA ligation resulted in significant cardiac dysfunction evidenced by reduced haemodynamic parameters; mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). The left ventricular contractile function was also altered. In I-R control group, I-R caused decline in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as leakage of myocytes injury marker enzymes, creatine phosphokinase-MB (CK-MB) isoenzyme and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and enhanced lipid peroxidation product, malonaldialdehyde (MDA). However, rats pretreated with A. paniculata 200 mg/kg showed favourable modulation of haemodynamic and left ventricular contractile function parameters, restoration of the myocardial antioxidants and prevention of depletion of myocytes injury marker enzymes along with inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Histopathological observations confirmed the protective effects of A. paniculata. The cardioprotective effects of A. paniculata were found comparable to that of benazepril treatment. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results showed the cardioprotective effects of A. paniculata against I-R injury likely result from the suppression of oxidative stress and preserved histoarchitecture of myofibrils along with improved haemodynamic and ventricular functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Menopause is a pro-atherogenic state with a sharp rise in the incidence of coronary artery disease. This pilot study was designed as an equivalence randomized clinical trial to explore the potential of LycoRed (containing 2000 µg lycopene) as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the prevention of coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women. Methods: Forty-one healthy postmenopausal women were randomly allocated to receive either continuous combined HRT ( n = 21) or LycoRed ( n = 20) for six months. Serum lipid profile, marker of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), and the level of endogenous antioxidant (glutathione) were measured at the baseline, and 3 and 6 months after the intervention in both groups. Results: At 6 months, HRT resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC) level by 23.5%, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) by 19.6%, and an increase in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) by 38.9%. The LycoRed group showed similar changes in TC (−24.2%), LDL (−14.9%) and HDL (+26.1%). Triglyceride levels showed a smaller though significant increase at 6 months, but not at 3 months, in both groups. There was no significant change in the very LDL (VLDL) level in either group. Malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly by 16.3% and 13.3%, whereas glutathione levels increased significantly by 5.9% and 12.5% in HRT and LycoRed groups, respectively. Conclusion: Both HRT and LycoRed had a favorable effect on serum lipids and oxidative stress markers which were comparable. LycoRed can be used as an alternative to HRT to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate and adjust for American Indian and Alaska Native ( AI/ AN) racial misclassification in two hospital discharge datasets in the Pacific Northwest. Data Sources/Study Setting Oregon (2010-2011) and Washington (2011) hospital discharge datasets were linked with the Northwest Tribal Registry ( NTR), a registry of AI/ AN individuals who accessed services at Indian health facilities in the Northwest. Study Design Record linkage was used to match state hospital records to the NTR. A state record was considered misclassified if it matched the NTR and was coded as non- AI/ AN or missing race data. Effect of misclassification was evaluated by comparing prelinkage and postlinkage, age-adjusted hospital discharge rates. Data Collection/Extraction Methods Researchers used Link Plus 2.0 software (Atlanta, GA, USA) for linkages and SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC, USA) for statistical analyses. Principal Findings In Oregon, 55.4 percent of matching records were misclassified (66.5 percent miscoded white, and 22.1 percent were missing race information). In Washington, 44.9 percent of matching records were misclassified (61.8 percent miscoded white, and 32.7 percent were missing race information). Linkage increased ascertainment of AI/ AN hospitalizations by 31.8 percent in Oregon and 33.9 percent in Washington. Linkage increased the rate ratio ( RR) for AI/ AN hospitalizations in comparison to non-Hispanic whites ( NHW) from 0.81 to 1.07 in Oregon, and from 1.21 to 1.62 in Washington. Conclusion Correction of race in hospital discharge datasets through linkage with a reference file of known AI/ AN individuals is an important first step before analytic research on AI/ AN health care in the Pacific Northwest can be accomplished with administrative datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In Ayurveda, Anacyclus pyrethrum has been used as a brain tonic. The present study evaluates the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of A. pyrethrum (HEAP) root against seizures, seizure-induced oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in experimental models of seizures. Male Wistar rats were used in the study. HEAP was administered in doses of 50, 100, 250, 500 in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) model and 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg in maximal electroshock (MES) model. Myoclonic jerk latency and generalized tonic clonic seizures (GTCS) were noted in PTZ whereas occurrence of tonic hind limb extension (THLE) was observed in MES seizures. Cognitive deficit was assessed using elevated plus maze and passive avoidance tests. Whole brain reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde levels and cholinesterase activity were measured. HEAP showed 50, 66.7, 83.3 and 100% protection at 50,100, 250 and 500mg/kg, respectively against GTCS in PTZ induced seizures. In MES induced seizures, HEAP produced 16.7, 33.3 and 50% protection against THLE at 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg, respectively. HEAP administration significantly prevented seizure induced oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in a dose-dependent manner. HEAP also normalized the decrease in cholinesterase activity caused by seizures. Thus, HEAP showed protective effect against seizures, seizure-induced oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The anticonvulsant effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Zizyphus jujuba (HEZJ) fruit (100, 250, 500, and 1000mg/kg, orally) was evaluated in experimental seizure models in rats. The effect of HEZJ on seizure-induced cognitive impairment, oxidative stress, and cholinesterase activity was also investigated. HEZJ (1000mg/kg) exhibited maximum protection (100%) against generalized tonic–clonic seizures in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure model and and 66.7% protection against tonic hindlimb extension in the maximal electroshock (MES) seizure model. Significant impairment in cognitive functions was observed in both PTZ- and MES-challenged rats. Pretreatment with HEZJ resulted in significant improvement in learning and memory. HEZJ also reversed the oxidative stress induced by both PTZ and MES. The significant decrease in cholinesterase activity observed in the PTZ and MES models was significantly reversed by pretreatment with HEZJ. Thus, the present study demonstrates the anticonvulsant effect of HEZJ as well as amelioration of cognitive impairment induced by seizures in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Telmisartan is a unique angiotensin II receptor blocker with an additional peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) activity. The present study has been designed to investigate whether telmisartan treatment attenuates the development of acute myocardial infarction in isoproterenol-treated rats by restoring hemodynamic, biochemical, histopathological and ultrastructural changes. Isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity was evidenced by marked decrease in systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures, maximal positive rate of developed left ventricular pressure (+LVdP/dtmax, a marker of myocardial contraction), maximal negative rate of developed left ventricular pressure (−LVdP/dtmax, a marker of myocardial relaxation) and an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP, a marker of pre-load). In addition, a significant reduction in activities of myocardial creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and reduced glutathione (GSH) level along with increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content were observed. Oral pretreatment with telmisartan (1, 5 and 10mg/kg body weight) daily for a period of 14days, favourably modulated the studied parameters in isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury. In addition, the protective role of telmisartan on isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage was further confirmed by histopathological and ultrastructural examinations. Telmisartan at a dose of 10mg/kg produced more pronounced protective effects than the other two doses (1 and 5mg/kg body weight). Present study thus provides evidence for protective effects of telmisartan on myocardium in experimentally induced myocardial infarction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To study the effect of Ocimum sanctum (OS) on selenite-induced morphological and biochemical changes in isolated rat lenses as well as on cataract incidence in rat pups. Methods: Transparent rat lenses were divided into normal, selenite-only, and four treated groups. Selenite-only and treated group lenses were subjected to oxidative stress in vitro by incorporating sodium selenite (100 µ M) in the culture medium. The effect of OS (70, 140, 280, and 560 µ g/ml) was studied on the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) in selenite-challenged lenses. The lowest concentration of OS offering significant modulation on these two parameters was determined. Subsequently, the effect of prior and cotreatment with the lowest effective concentration of OS was studied on TBARS, GSH, and on lens antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Changes in lens protein profiles under different incubation conditions were analyzed by SDS gel-electrophoresis. In vivo , cataract was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (25 µ mole/kg b.w.) to 9-day-old rat pups. The anticataract effect of OS (5 and 10 mg/kg b.w.) injected intraperitoneally 4 hr prior to selenite challenge was evaluated by the presence of lens nuclear opacity in rat pups on the 16th postnatal day. Insolubilization of lens proteins post–selenite injection was monitored for 4 days. Results: The lenses in the selenite-only group developed cortical opacities in 24 hr. OS showed different degrees of positive modulation in selenite-induced morphological as well as biochemical changes. The lowest effective dose of OS that significantly modulated glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances was found to be 140 µ g/ml. At this dose, a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme levels and preservation of normal lens protein profile was observed. OS at the dose of 70 µ g/ml did not show any significant protection with respect to either morphology or biochemistry of lenses. In vivo , 5 and 10 mg/kg of OS reduced the incidence of selenite cataract by 20% and 60%, respectively, and prevented protein insolubilization as well. Conclusions : Aqueous extract of OS possesses potential anticataract activity against selenite-induced experimental cataractogenesis. The protective effect was supported by restoration of the antioxidant defense system and inhibition of protein insolubilization of rat lenses as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) in the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) model of myocardial infarction (MI). Wistar rats were divided into three groups and received saline orally (sham, control I/R group) and Curcuma longa 100 mg/kg (CL-100 treated group) respectively for one month. On the 31st day, rats of the control I/R and Cl treated groups were subjected to 45 min of occlusion of the LAD coronary artery and were thereafter reperfused for 1 h. I/R resulted in significant cardiac necrosis, depression in left ventricular function, decline in antioxidant status and elevation in lipid perodixation in the control I/R group as compared to sham control. Myocardial infarction produced after I/R was significantly reduced in the Cl treated group. Cl treatment resulted in restoration of the myocardial antioxidant status and altered hemodynamic parameters as compared to control I/R. Furthermore, I/R-induced lipid peroxidation was significantly inhibited by Cl treatment. The beneficial cardioprotective effects also translated into the functional recovery of the heart. Cardioprotective effect of Cl likely results from the suppression of oxidative stress and correlates with the improved ventricular function. Histopathological examination further confirmed the protective effects of Cl on the heart. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of hydro-alcoholic extract of Withania somnifera on the basis of haemodynamic, histopathological and biochemical parameters in the isoprenaline-(isoproterenol) induced myocardial necrosis in rats and to compare with Vitamin E, a known cardioprotective antioxidant. Wistar albino male rats (150–200 g) were divided into six main groups: sham, isoprenaline control, Withania somnifera/Vitamin E control and Withania somnifera/Vitamin E treatment groups. Withania somnifera was administered at doses 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg and Vitamin E at a dose of 100 mg/kg, orally for 4 weeks. On days 29 and 30, the rats in the isoprenaline control and Withania somnifera/Vitamin E treatment groups were given isoprenaline (85 mg/kg), subcutaneously at an interval of 24 hr. On day 31, haemodynamic parameters were recorded and the hearts were subsequently removed and processed for histopathological and biochemical studies. A significant decrease in glutathione (P<0.05), activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, creatinine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase (P<0.01) as well as increase in lipid peroxidation marker malonyldialdehyde level (P<0.01) was observed in the hearts of isoproterenol control group rats as compared to sham control. However, we have not observed any significant changes in activity of glutathione peroxidase and protein levels. Left ventricular dysfunction was seen as a decrease in heart rate, left ventricular rate of peak positive and negative pressure change and elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in the control group was recorded. On histopathological examination, myocardial damage was further confirmed. Our data show that Withania somnifera (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) exerts a strong cardioprotective effect in the experimental model of isoprenaline-induced myonecrosis in rats. Augmentation of endogenous antioxidants, maintenance of the myocardial antioxidant status and significant restoration of most of the altered haemodynamic parameters may contribute to its cardioprotective effect. Among the different doses studied, Withania somnifera at 50 mg/kg dose produced maximum cardioprotective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Purpose: To study the effect of environmental toxins on the ocular surface in persons travelling through highly polluted areas of the metropolis of Delhi. Methods: A total of 500 apparently healthy volunteers recruited from the metropolis of Delhi were examined to establish the frequency of ocular surface disorders. All subjects underwent a slit-lamp examination, tear break-up time (BUT) test, Rose Bengal test, Schirmer's test and tear lysozyme level test. Results: Subjects in the study group had significantly higher levels of ophthalmic symptoms compared to the control group. In all, 105 (42%) and 125 (50%) subjects in the study group compared to 50 (20%) and 65 (26%) in the control group complained of redness and irritation (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in visual acuity (VA) between the two groups, with best corrected VA being 6/9 or better in 92% of the study group and 96% of the control group. The average (± standard deviation) Schirmer's test result was 13.42±6.67 mm in the study group compared to 15.95±6.14 mm in the control group. This difference was statistically significant. The BUT was also significantly lower in the study group (12.97±6.12 seconds) compared to the control group (19.23±5.70 seconds) (p < 0.001). The Rose Bengal test and tear lysozyme activity did not show any significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: According to our study, environmental conditions appear to have a very significant effect on the ocular surface. There were very high levels of subclinical ocular surface changes among persons travelling in highly polluted areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectiveLycopene, a nutritional antioxidant, was evaluated for its anticataract potential to further establish its role in cataract prevention.: MethodsThe ability of lycopene to modulate the biochemical parameters was investigated by in vitro studies. Enucleated rat lenses were maintained in organ culture containing Dulbecco''s Modified Eagles Medium alone or in addition with 100 μM selenite and served as the normal and control groups, respectively. For the test group, the control medium was supplemented with 10 μM lycopene. The lenses were incubated for 24 h at 37°C. At the end of the incubation period, the lenses were examined for morphologic variation, and biochemical parameters such as reduced glutathione, the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde, and the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were estimated. In vivo selenite cataract was induced in 9-d-old rats by subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (25 μmoles/kg of body weight). The rats in the test group were injected with lycopene (200 μg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) 4 h before the selenite challenge. The incidence of cataract was observed when the rats first opened their eyes. Galactose cataract was induced in rats by feeding 30% galactose in the diet. Rats in the test group were fed orally with 200 μg/kg of lycopene daily, and rats in the control group received only vehicle. Cataract stages were graded at regular intervals.: ResultsA fall (25%) in the glutathione level and a rise (32%) in the malondialdehyde content were observed in control as opposed to normal lenses. Lycopene supplementation in the medium significantly (P < 0.001) restored glutathione and malondialdehyde levels. A significant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes also was observed in the control lenses. A significant restoration in the activities of superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05) and catalase and glutathione S-transferase (P < 0.01), with no effect on glutathione peroxidase, was observed in the lycopene-supplemented group. Lycopene also reduced the incidence of selenite cataract. Only 9% of the eyes in the test group developed dense nuclear opacity as opposed to 83% in the control group. A significant delay in the onset and progression of galactose cataract was observed with oral feeding of lycopene. Only 35% of the eyes developed mature cataract as opposed to 100% in the control group.: ConclusionsLycopene protects against experimental cataract development by virtue of its antioxidant properties, and it may be useful for prophylaxis or therapy against cataracts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Two studies were conducted to evaluate the National Cancer Institute (NCI)'s web-based Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Recall (ASA24) system, which was developed to facilitate the collection of 24-hour dietary recalls in largescale research. Hypothesis: Energy, nutrient and food group estimates, response rates, and preferences are comparable between ASA24 and USDA's interviewer-administered Automated Multiple-Pass Method (AMPM). Methods: Study 1 assessed the response rates and data collected using ASA24 compared to AMPM. About 1200 participants were recruited from three integrated health systems using quota sampling to ensure representation of a range of ages and race/ethnicity groups. Participants were asked to complete two 24HRs, 4-7 weeks apart, and randomized into four study groups: 1) two ASA24s; 2) two AMPMs; 3) ASA24 first and AMPM second; and 4) AMPM first and ASA24 second. Study 2 assessed the validity of ASA24 compared to AMPM in a one-day feeding study. Eighty-one participants visited a study center to consume three meals from a buffet. All containers were unobtrusively weighed before and after each participant served him/herself; plate waste was also weighed. The next day, participants returned to the center to complete either ASA24 or AMPM. Results: Study 1: Almost all enrolled participants (95%) completed at least one recall and 80% completed two; response rates did not differ by recall mode. Estimated intakes of energy, nutrients and food groups were comparable for ASA24 and AMPM; for example, energy, 2132 vs. 2126 kcal; fat, 84.9 vs. 82.8 g; saturated fatty acids, 27.9 vs. 26.9 g; fiber, 18.4 vs. 18.4 g; and fruits and vegetables, 3.0 vs. 3.1 cup equivalents. Of participants randomized to complete one ASA24 and one AMPM, a greater percentage preferred ASA24. Study 2: The examination of foods and drinks reported showed that exact or close matches were recalled for 76.9% of items truly consumed among ASA24 respondents compared to 82.5% among AMPM respondents. Far matches were reported for 3.1% of items consumed among ASA24 respondents compared to 0.7% for AMPM. The proportions of foods or drinks consumed but not reported (exclusions) were 20.4% and 16.8% for ASA24 and AMPM, respectively. Median differences between reported and true intakes for energy, nutrient and most food groups were not significantly different between ASA24 and AMPM. Conclusion: ASA24 performs well relative to traditional interviewer-administered recalls and is feasible for use in large-scale research. The tool, which offers significant savings over interviewer-administered recalls, is publicly available from NCI and has been used in over 800 studies to collect over 113,000 dietary recalls. The tool is currently being updated to run on mobile applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]