Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin B6.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin B6. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted by a contractor. The relationship between excess vitamin B6 intakes and the development of peripheral neuropathy is well established and is the critical effect on which the UL is based. A lowest-observed-effect-level (LOAEL) could not be established based on human data. A reference point (RP) of 50 mg/day is identified by the Panel from a case-control study, supported by data from case reports and vigilance data. An uncertainty factor (UF) of 4 is applied to the RP to account for the inverse relationship between dose and time to onset of symptoms and the limited data available. The latter covers uncertainties as to the level of intake that would represent a LOAEL. This leads to a UL of 12.5 mg/day. From a subchronic study in Beagle dogs, a LOAEL of 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day can be identified. Using an UF of 300, and a default bw of 70 kg, a UL of 11.7 mg/day can be calculated. From the midpoint of the range of these two ULs and rounding down, a UL of 12 mg/day is established by the Panel for vitamin B6 for adults (including pregnant and lactating women). ULs for infants and children are derived from the UL for adults using allometric scaling: 2.2-2.5 mg/day (4-11 months), 3.2-4.5 mg/day (1-6 years), 6.1-10.7 mg/day (7-17 years). Based on available intake data, EU populations are unlikely to exceed ULs, except for regular users of food supplements containing high doses of vitamin B6.

Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for selenium.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for selenium. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted to identify evidence regarding excess selenium intake and clinical effects and potential biomarkers of effect, risk of chronic diseases and impaired neuropsychological development in humans. Alopecia, as an early observable feature and a well-established adverse effect of excess selenium exposure, is selected as the critical endpoint on which to base a UL for selenium. A lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) of 330 µg/day is identified from a large randomised controlled trial in humans (the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT)), to which an uncertainty factor of 1.3 is applied. A UL of 255 µg/day is established for adult men and women (including pregnant and lactating women). ULs for children are derived from the UL for adults using allometric scaling (body weight0.75). Based on available intake data, adult consumers are unlikely to exceed the UL, except for regular users of food supplements containing high daily doses of selenium or regular consumers of Brazil nuts. No risk has been reported with the current levels of selenium intake in European countries from food (excluding food supplements) in toddlers and children, and selenium intake arising from the natural content of foods does not raise reasons for concern. Selenium-containing supplements in toddlers and children should be used with caution, based on individual needs.

Efficacy of Habb-e-Asab in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomized placebo control study.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common diabetes complication. The prevalence of neuropathy is 55% for type 1 and 66% for type 2 diabetes. In Unani medicine neuropathy is known as Khidr (numbness). It is treated with drugs possessing hypoglycemic and analgesic properties, etc. Habb-e-Asab, a polyherbal Unani formulation used for the treatment of Waja-ul-Asab (neuralgia) is routinely used for its indications in neurological pain in Unani medicine. The aim of this study to investigate the efficacy of Habb-e-Asab in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: Thirty patients with DPN were randomly assigned to test (n=20) and control (n=10) groups in a randomized single-blind placebo control study. For 45 days, the test group was given 250 mg Habb-e-Asab twice a day and the control group 250 mg placebo twice a day. The subjective parameters Pain in feet, burning in feet, and tingling in feet was assessed by the arbitrary scale and VAS fortnightly and objective parameters MNSI, and VPT was assessed in pre-post-treatment. RESULTS: The research drug revealed highly statistically significant with p<0.001 on VAS score and MNSI whereas VPT is significant with p<0.01 on few points. But control group exhibits no significant effect in any of the parameters. No adverse effects had been reported in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding indicated that the Habb-e-Asab for 45 days improved and reduced the severity of DPN in a patient with diabetes (CTRI/2018/02/011725).

Ameliorative impact of herbal formulation -Majoon-Dabeed-ul-ward and Sharbat-e-Deenar against CCl4 induced liver toxicity via regulation of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress.

Polyherbal Unani formulations have been used in the treatment of liver diseases for a long time. (Ibrahim M, Khaja MN, Aara A, Khan AA, Habeeb MA, Devi YP, Narasu ML, Habibullah CM. Hepatoprotective activity of Sapindus mukorossi and Rheum emodi extracts: in vitro and in vivo studies. World J Gastroenterol. 2008:14:2566-2571.) The aim of the present study was to investigate comparative hepatoprotective potential of Majoon-e-Dabeed-ul-ward (MD) and Sharbat-e-Deenar (SD) against CCl4 induced subchronic hepatic toxicity. In vivo study, albino rats were divided into 5 groups. Group I was control; Group II was experimental control treated with CCl4 (0.15 mL/kg, i.p. for 21 days); Groups III-IV treated with SD (2 mL/kg, p.o.) and MD (1,000 mg/kg, p.o.) for 5 days following CCl4 intoxication as in group 2 respectively; and Group V was positive control treated with silymarin (50 mg/kg, p.o.). In vitro hepatoprotective activity of SD and MD (25, 50, and 100 µg/mL) was assessed by SRB assay and flow cytometry analysis. CCl4 exposure significantly elevated the release of hepatic enzymes i.e. AST, ALT, LDH, and SALP in serum and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue which all these parameters were reversed after SD and MD administration. Therapy for 5 days also normalized the levels of antioxidant enzymes i.e. catalase, SOD, GPx, GR, tissue GSH, and aniline hydroxylase in CCl4 treated group. DNA damage and histological alterations caused by CCl4 were restored towards normal group. In vitro study showed protective effect of SD and MD against CCl4 treated HepG2 cell lines and rat hepatocytes. The results suggested that MD has a significant hepatoprotective potential and regulatory effect on oxidative stress than SD against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity, and that this effect may be related to its antioxidant activity.

Effect of gliding cupping with Roghan-e-Surkh in low back ache (Waja-uz-Zahr): a case series study.

OBJECTIVES: Pain in joints is a major clinical problem since ancient times. Waja-uz-Zahr stands for low back pain which may arise from internal or external structures of lumbosacral region due to Su-e-Mizaj sada or maddi due to the surplus of Burudat or accumulation of Kham Balgham in lower back. Imala (diversion) and Taqiya-e-Mavad (Evacuation) are inevitable in case of maddi amraz. Hijama (cupping therapy) is a simple, safe, tolerable, and effective regimenal modality, helpful in the treatment of aches and pains. Gruner mentioned a special kind of cupping method in the canon of medicine of Avicenna where cupping glasses are glided over a specified area of body intending the diversion of morbid material under the name of Bier's treatment. The purpose of present case series was to provide the insight into the effect of gliding cupping in low back ache. CASE PRESENTATION: Three patients of Waja-uz-Zahr, aged between 29 and 64 years, were given gliding cupping treatment after the application of Roghan-e-Surkh on lumbosacral region alternatively for 14 days. Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used for the assessment of efficacy. Improvement, in case 1, case 2, and case 3 in ODI score was 42.42, 68.18, and 62.50%, respectively while in VAS score, it was 50, 62.5, and 50%, respectively, was observed without any adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the above results, it can be concluded that the gliding cupping therapy may be used as an effective modality of treatment for low back ache.

Research Progress on Lichongtang in Treatment of Uterine Leiomyoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Uterine leiomyoma （UL）， the most common benign tumor of the reproductive system in women of childbearing age， is characterized by clinical symptoms such as increased menstrual flow， prolonged menstrual period， breast tenderness，backache， lower abdominal pain and mass in the lower abdomen. With the continuous progress of modern society， the age of women's marriage and childbirth is gradually pushed back， which to a certain extent has led to an increase in the probability of modern women suffering from UL. Relevant literature shows that the incidence of UL is about 70%， and 25%-50% of the patients have clinical symptoms， seriously endangering women's physical health. The prevention and treatment of UL by modern medicine is currently limited to two aspects： drug control of estrogen and progesterone levels and surgical removal. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）has shown obvious advantages in improving the clinical symptoms of UL patients， with very broad application prospects as it can regulate body's Qi and blood on the basis of syndrome differentiation， treatment and overall concepts. Lichongtang， as a famous TCM prescription for replenishing Qi， activating blood and removing blood stasis， was created by ZHANG Xi-chun， a famous Chinese medicine doctor in the Qing dynasty， and recorded in the Records of Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine in Combination. It is widely used in the field of gynecological diseases in clinical practice. Studies have shown that Lichongtang is effective in treating UL. Clinical observations show that Lichongtang can significantly relieve the clinical symptoms of UL patients such as prolonged menstrual period， dysmenorrhea， waist and abdomen swelling and irregular vaginal bleeding， with the characteristics of stable curative effect， high safety， less side effect and low recurrence rate. The experimental results show that Lichongtang has a comprehensive regulatory effect on UL through inhibiting the proliferation of UL cells and inducing apoptosis， reducing serum estrogen and progesterone level， regulating the apoptosis pathway of tumor cells， and promoting the degradation of extracellular matrix（ECM）. After retrieval in PubMed， CNKI and other databases， the authors made a review by summarizing the theories， clinical efficacy and action mechanisms of Lichongtang in the treatment of UL， in order to provide reference for the follow-up in-depth study of pharmacological mechanism of Lichongtang and its further clinical application and promotion.

Antiviral effect of Artemisia aucheri aqueous extract on UL46 and US6 genes of HSV-1.

HSV-1 is associated with oral lesions. Recently, anti-herpetic activity of different plant species has been investigated. In this study, the effects of Artemisia aucheri aqueous extract on the HSV-1 virus-infected Vero cells were assessed. The highest cell viability occurred in plant aqueous extracts was with a concentration of 75 µg/mL, 1-2 h before viral infection. The IC50 of the aqueous extract of 24.7 µg/ml was calculated. Most percentage of infected cell inhibition (89.6%) was with the chloroform fraction in concentration of 75 µg/ml, and the least percentage of infected cell inhibition (21.7%) was in concentration of 12.5 µg/ml with the ethyl acetate fraction in comparison with untreated control. Moreover, Q-PCR results revealed that the expression of genes UL46 and US6 were significantly reduced in the presence of different treatments utilized in the experiment. In conclusion, the present study proposes that aqueous extracts of medicinal plant Artemisia aucheri have anti-viral property and may be considered as a remedy for HSV-1 treatment.

Vitamin D status in children and adults in Sweden: dietary intake and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in children aged 10-12 years and adults aged 18-80 years.

The study aimed to estimate vitamin D intake and plasma/serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, investigate determinants of 25(OH)D concentrations and compare two 25(OH)D assays. We conducted two nationwide cross-sectional studies in Sweden with 206 school children aged 10-12 years and 1797 adults aged 18-80 years (n 268 provided blood samples). A web-based dietary record was used to assess dietary intake. Plasma/serum 25(OH)D was analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and immunoassay in adults and LC-MS/MS in children. Most participants reported a vitamin D intake below the average requirement (AR), 16 % of children and 33 % of adults met the AR (7⋅5 µg). In adults, plasma 25(OH)D below 30 and 50 nmol/l were found in 1 and 18 % of participants during the summer period and in 9 and 40 % of participants during the winter period, respectively. In children, serum 25(OH)D below 30 and 50 nmol/l were found in 5 and 42 % of participants (samples collected March-May), respectively. Higher 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with the summer season, vacations in sunny locations (adults), and dietary intake of vitamin D and use of vitamin D supplements, while lower concentrations were associated with a higher BMI and an origin outside of Europe. Concentrations of 25(OH)D were lower using the immunoassay than with the LC-MS assay, but associations with dietary factors and seasonal variability were similar. In conclusion, vitamin D intake was lower than the AR, especially in children. The 25(OH)D concentrations were low in many participants, but few participants had a concentration below 30 nmol/l.

Lithotriptic effect of Safuf Hajar-al Yahud in patients of Hasat-ul Kilya (Nephrolithiasis) - an open prospective clinical validation trial.

BACKGROUND: Hasat-ul Kilya (Nephrolithiasis) is one of the most common chronic conditions and has been known to the mankind since antiquity. The incidence is increasing globally with geographic, racial and gender variation in its occurrence. Medical management of Nephrolithiasis still poses a considerable challenge for modern medical practice. Unani drugs possessing lithotriptic activity are not only cost effective but also have least side effects. Safuf Hajar-al Yahud has been used since long for the treatment of Hasat-ul Kilya (Nephrolithiasis) but no documentary evidence based on scientific parameters as to its safety and efficacy are available. OBJECTIVE: To validate the safety and efficacy of Safuf Hajar-al Yahud in the treatment of Hasat-ul Kilya. METHODOLOGY: An open prospective clinical trial was carried out on 107 subjects of renal calculi of 3-7 mm diameter diagnosed by Ultrasonogram-KUB (USG-KUB). Subjects were evaluated by clinical history & examination, laboratory investigations followed by USG-KUB for confirmation. The safety was assessed by reporting of adverse events and by pathological and biochemical investigations. Assessment of efficacy was based on improvement observed in VAS score and expulsion/reduction of stone size as detected by USG-KUB. RESULTS: Substantial reduction (53%) in the size of calculi confirmed by USG-KUB and considerable lowering of VAS score (75%) were observed with the active intervention in majority of the cases. CONCLUSION: The trial has revealed that the Unani pharmacopoeal formulation Safuf Hajar-al Yahud was well tolerated and has the therapeutic potential in the reduction and expulsion of renal calculi.

Modeling Possible Outcomes of Updated Daily Values on Nutrient Intakes of the United States Adult Population.

The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration has updated the Daily Values (DVs) for the Nutrition Facts Label on packaged foods. We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2012 data with the International Life Sciences Institute, North America Fortification Database, which identifies intrinsic, mandatory enriched, and fortified sources of nutrients in foods and beverages, to model the new DVs' potential impact on adult (≥19 years of age) intake. We assumed that manufacturers will adjust voluntary fortification to maintain percent DV claims. We assessed the percent of the US population whose usual intake (UI) was < the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), and ≥ the Upper Limit (UL) based on the current DVs, and modeled estimated UI and %

Management of Ganciclovir Resistant Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in a Solid Organ Transplant Recipient: A Review of Current Evidence and Treatment Approaches.

Purpose: Cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) is a serious and potentially sight-threatening infection in immunocompromised individuals. Strategies for the management of drug-resistant CMVR are described. Methods: A case of severe bilateral CMVR in a single lung transplant patient, with UL97 mutation conferring ganciclovir-resistance, is presented. Treatment with standard antiviral agent and adjuvant leflunomide, immunosuppression modifications (calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroid), intravitreal antiviral therapy and novel use of CMV-immunoglobulin is described. A literature review to support drug-resistant CMVR management is presented. Results: Severe and progressive CMV retinitis was refractory to intravitreal foscarnet and systemic leflunomide. Drug-toxicity restricted systemic antiviral therapy options. The use of combined leflunomide and CMV-immunoglobulins, in the absence of viremia, has not been previously reported. Loss of ganciclovir-resistance was eventually observed permitting successful treatment with systemic and intravitreal ganciclovir. Conclusions: Drug-resistant CMVR is a complex clinical challenge. Multiple systemic and local treatment strategies may be necessary but toxicity, resistance, and co-morbidities may severely restrict available options.

Optimisation modelling to improve the diets of First Nations individuals.

We examined the feasibility of linear programming (LP) to develop diets that were economical, included traditional (cultural, non-market) foods and met the dietary reference intakes (DRI) in a Canadian Indigenous population. Diet optimisation using LP is a mathematical technique that can develop food-based dietary guidelines for healthy eating in Indigenous populations where food insecurity, availability and cost are important considerations. It is a means of developing nutritionally optimal food combinations that are based on economical and culture-specific foods. Observed food consumption data were derived using 24-h food recalls from the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study. The LP models were constructed to develop diets meeting DRI, cost and food constraints. Achieving the recommended food intake was not feasible in a model meeting all nutrient requirements. Models that met most nutrient requirements at reduced cost were designed for men and women, separately. In women, it was necessary to increase energy intake to meet most nutrient requirements. Nutrient requirements could not be met for fibre, linoleic and linolenic acids, vitamin D, Ca and K in both sexes, P in women, and Mg and vitamin A in men. Using LP to develop optimal diets for First Nations people, we found simultaneous achievement of all DRI was difficult, suggesting that supplementation might be necessary which goes against recommendations for individuals to meet their nutrient needs through healthy eating patterns. Additionally, to make diets feasible, programmes to reduce market food costs and to support First Nations people in traditional food harvesting are recommended.

Update of the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D for infants.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to revise the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin D for infants (≤ 1 year) set in 2012. From its literature review, the Panel concluded that the available evidence on daily vitamin D intake and the risk of adverse health outcomes (hypercalciuria, hypercalcaemia, nephrocalcinosis and abnormal growth patterns) cannot be used alone for deriving the UL for infants. The Panel conducted a meta-regression analysis of collected data, to derive a dose-response relationship between daily supplemental intake of vitamin D and mean achieved serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Considering that a serum 25(OH)D concentration of 200 nmol/L or below is unlikely to pose a risk of adverse health outcomes in infants, the Panel estimated the percentage of infants reaching a concentration above this value at different intakes of vitamin D. Based on the overall evidence, the Panel kept the UL of 25 µg/day for infants aged up to 6 months and set a UL of 35 µg/day for infants 6-12 months. The Panel was also asked to advise on the safety of the consumption of infant formulae with an increased maximum vitamin D content of 3 µg/100 kcal (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/127 repealing Directive 2006/141/EC in 2020). For infants aged up to 4 months, the intake assessment showed that the use of infant formulae containing vitamin D at 3 µg/100 kcal may lead some infants to receive an intake above the UL of 25 µg/day from formulae alone without considering vitamin D supplemental intake. For infants aged 4-12 months, the 95th percentile of vitamin D intake (high consumers) estimated from formulae and foods fortified or not with vitamin D does not exceed the ULs, without considering vitamin D supplemental intake.

Decreased, but still sufficient, iodine intake of children and adults in the Netherlands.

Sufficient I intake is important for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which play an important role in normal growth and development. Our aim was to estimate habitual I intake for the Dutch population and the risk of inadequate or excessive intakes. Further, we aimed to provide an insight into the dietary sources of I and the association with socio-demographic factors. Data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2007-2010 (n 3819; 7-69 years), and from the Dutch food and supplement composition tables were used to estimate habitual I intake with a calculation model. Contribution of food groups to I intake were computed and multiple linear regression was used to examine associations of intakes with socio-demographic factors. A total of ≤2 % of the population had an intake below the estimated average requirement or above the upper level. The main sources of I were bread containing iodised salt (39 %), dairy products (14 %) and non-alcoholic drinks (6 %). I intake (natural sources only, excluding iodised salt and supplements) was positively associated with (parental) education, which could at least partly be attributed to a higher consumption of dairy products. Among children, the consumption of bread, often containing iodised bakery salt, was positively associated with parental education. The I intake of the Dutch population (7-69 years) seems adequate, although it has decreased since the period before 2008. With the current effort to reduce salt intake and changing dietary patterns (i.e. less bread, more organic foods) it is important to keep a close track on the I status, important sources and potential risk groups.

Folate intakes from diet and supplements may place certain Canadians at risk for folic acid toxicity.

To examine the prevalence of folate inadequacy and toxicity based on usual intakes from food and supplements, as well as biomarkers of folate, secondary data analyses were performed using cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 2.2 (n 32 776), as well as biomarker data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, Cycles 1, 2 and 3 (n 15 754). On the basis of unfortified food sources, Canadians would struggle to consume adequate amounts of folate. When folate intakes from all food sources were considered, the overall prevalence of folate inadequacy was low across all age/sex groups, with the exception of females >70 years. However, >10 % of supplement users were above the tolerable upper intake level, increasing to almost 18 % when overage factors were accounted for. In addition, between 20 and 52 % of supplement users had elevated erythrocyte folate concentrations, depending on the cut-off used. Results from this study suggest that insufficient dietary intakes of folate in Canadians have been ameliorated because of the fortification policy, although folate inadequacy still exists across all age groups. However, supplement users appear to be at an increased risk of folic acid (FA) overconsumption as well as elevated erythrocyte folate. As such, the general population should be informed of the potential risks of FA overconsumption resulting from supplement use. This study suggests a need for more careful assessment of the risks and benefits of food fortification, particularly fortification above mandated levels, and FA supplement use in the general population.

Effectiveness of Aloe Vera and Antioxidant along with Physiotherapy in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a well-established precancerous condition affecting the oral mucosa. It is a disease that causes significant morbidity (in terms of loss of mouth function as tissues become rigid and mouth opening becomes difficult) and mortality (when transformation into squamous cell carcinoma occurs). AIM: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of Aloe vera with antioxidant when given along with physiotherapy in the management of OSMF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of OSMF were included for the study after informed consent. Group A included 20 patients who received Aloe vera gel (forever living gel) along with physiotherapy. Group B included 20 patients who received antioxidant capsules twice daily for 3 months along with physiotherapy exercises four times in a day. The following parameters, that is, burning sensation, mouth opening, tongue protrusion and cheek flexibility were recorded at each visit. RESULTS: Majority of the participant enrolled were in the age range of 30 to 35 years. Improvement in all the parameters was seen with the individuals receiving Aloe vera gel in comparison to antioxidants. CONCLUSION: So, Aloe vera being a soothing, simple and safe mode of treatment along with proper habit restriction can be considered to be an effectual protocol in the management of OSMF. The analgesic effects of Aloe vera with the physiotherapy exercises provide better results in reducing burning sensation and improving mouth opening, tongue protrusion and cheek flexibility in comparison to antioxidants.

A prebiotic matrix for encapsulation of probiotics: physicochemical and microbiological study.

This work aims to develop an encapsulated oral-synbiotic supplement by studying the effect of adding inulin in alginate beads and observing its ability to protect three probiotic strains: Pediocucus acidilactici, Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus salivarius. Beads of different inulin concentrations 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% (w/v) in 2% (w/v) alginate solution were prepared by the extrusion/ionotropic gelation method. Polymer distribution within beads was characterised using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Interactions between alginate and inulin were monitored by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). Effect of encapsulation on viability, antimicrobial ability, acid tolerance and bile tolerance of probiotic strains were investigated. Antimicrobial and probiotic properties of bacterial strains were not affected by encapsulation. Bacterial protection against acidity was increased by adding inulin. Beads with 5% w/v inulin were the most effective in bacterial protection against bile-salts. To our knowledge, this work is the first to use such high concentrations of inulin.

The Contribution of Fortified Ready-to-Eat Cereal to Vitamin and Mineral Intake in the U.S. Population, NHANES 2007-2010.

Micronutrients play a pivotal role in achieving and maintaining optimum health across all life stages. Much of the U.S. population fails to meet Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) for key nutrients. This analysis aims to assess the contribution of fortified ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) to micronutrient intake for U.S. residents aged 2-18, 19-99, and 2-99 years of age according to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2010 data. We used the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method to assess usual intake of 21 micronutrients and the percentage of the population under EARs and above Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL). Without fortification of RTECs, the percentage of those aged 2-18 years that were below EARs increased by 155, 163, 113, and 35% for niacin, iron, thiamin, and vitamin A, respectively. For vitamins B6 and zinc, the respective numbers were 118% and 60%. Adults aged 19-99 and 2-99 had lower percentages but similar outcomes. RTECs are associated with improved nutrient adequacy and do not widely affect prevalence above the UL. The data indicate that large proportions of the population fail to achieve micronutrient sufficiency without fortification, and that its use can help Americans reach national nutrient intake goals.

Spatial and temporal RF electromagnetic field exposure of children and adults in indoor micro environments in Belgium and Greece.

Personal radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure, or exposimetry, is gaining importance in the bioelectromagnetics community but only limited data on personal exposure is available in indoor areas, namely schools, crèches, homes, and offices. Most studies are focused on adult exposure, whereas indoor microenvironments, where children are exposed, are usually not considered. A method to assess spatial and temporal indoor exposure of children and adults is proposed without involving the subjects themselves. Moreover, maximal possible daily exposure is estimated by combining instantaneous spatial and temporal exposure. In Belgium and Greece, the exposure is measured at 153 positions spread over 55 indoor microenvironments with spectral equipment. In addition, personal exposimeters (measuring EMFs of people during their daily activities) captured the temporal exposure variations during several days up to one week at 98 positions. The data were analyzed using the robust regression on order statistics (ROS) method to account for data below the detection limit. All instantaneous and maximal exposures satisfied international exposure limits and were of the same order of magnitude in Greece and Belgium. Mobile telecommunications and radio broadcasting (FM) were most present. In Belgium, digital cordless phone (DECT) exposure was present for at least 75% in the indoor microenvironments except for schools. Temporal variations of the exposure were mainly due to variations of mobile telecommunication signals. The exposure was higher during daytime than at night due to the increased voice and data traffic on the networks. Total exposure varied the most in Belgian crèches (39.3%) and Greek homes (58.2%).

A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb.

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) (Family Ranunculaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world. It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda and Siddha. Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food. The seeds of N. sativa have been widely used in the treatment of different diseases and ailments. In Islamic literature, it is considered as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine. It has been recommended for using on regular basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine). It has been widely used as antihypertensive, liver tonics, diuretics, digestive, anti-diarrheal, appetite stimulant, analgesics, anti-bacterial and in skin disorders. Extensive studies on N. sativa have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which may include antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, antioxidant properties, etc. Due to its miraculous power of healing, N. sativa has got the place among the top ranked evidence based herbal medicines. This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil. The present review is an effort to provide a detailed survey of the literature on scientific researches of pharmacognostical characteristics, chemical composition and pharmacological activities of the seeds of this plant.