Histologic comparison of formocresol, platelet-rich fibrin, and hesperidin in pulpotomy: A randomized trial in dogs.

Aims: To histologically assess and compare formocresol (FC), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and hesperidin (HPN) as pulpotomy agents in dogs. Materials and Methods: Pulpotomy was attempted from the buccal surface (class V) of 48 teeth in three mongrel dogs (Canis Lupus). Cavities were randomly allocated for three groups (n = 16) according to the pulpotomy agent used; (group I: FC (control), group II: PRF, and group III: HPN). All cavities were then sealed with zinc oxide eugenol followed by resin-modified glass ionomer restoration. Two months later, dogs were euthanized; the specimens were obtained and prepared for histological assessment followed by statistical analysis. Results: HPN specimens showed the best dentin bridge formation and the least inflammatory signs and pulp disorganization. Followed without statistically significant difference by PRF (P ≥ 0.05). Both of HPN and PRF, however, showed a significant difference statistically (P ≤ 0.05) to FC that showed no dentin bridging with more pronounced inflammation, necrosis, and pulp disorganization. Conclusions: For pulpotomy, HPN and PRF seemed histologically to be good substitutes for FC in the dog model.

Antibacterial and UV Protection Properties of Modified Cotton Fabric Using a Curcumin/TiO2 Nanocomposite for Medical Textile Applications.

Medical textiles are one of the most rapidly growing parts of the technical textiles sector in the textile industry. This work aims to investigate the medical applications of a curcumin/TiO2 nanocomposite fabricated on the surface of cotton fabric. The cotton fabric was pretreated with three crosslinking agents, namely citric acid, 3-Chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (Quat 188) and 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS), by applying the nanocomposite to the modified cotton fabric using the pad-dry-cure method. The chemistry and morphology of the modified fabrics were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the chemical mechanism for the nanocomposite-modified fabric was reported. UV protection (UPF) and antibacterial properties against Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative E. coli bacterial strains were investigated. The durability of the fabrics to 20 washing cycles was also examined. Results demonstrated that the nanocomposite-modified cotton fabric exhibited superior antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive bacteria and excellent UV protection properties. Moreover, a good durability was obtained, which was possibly due to the effect of the crosslinker used. Among the three pre-modifications of the cotton fabric, Quat 188 modified fabric revealed the highest antibacterial activity compared with citric acid or GPTMS modified fabrics. This outcome suggested that the curcumin/TiO2 nanocomposite Quat 188-modified cotton fabric could be used as a biomedical textile due to its antibacterial properties.

Morphometric parameters and histological study of the filum terminale of adult human cadavers and magnetic resonance images.

BACKGROUND: Morphology and histology of filum terminale (FT) has a role in the pathophysiology of tethered cord syndrome (TCS). This research was implemented to investigate the morphometric parameters and histological structure of normal FT in adult human cadavers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to correlate them with the pathophysiology of TCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty five adult human cadavers (15 males, 10 females) and 100 MRI echo scans of lumbosacral region (50 males and 50 females), were used in this study. MRI patients were divided into 21-40 and 41-60 age groups. The cadavers were dissected at the prone position to explore their fila. The length of FT, filum terminale internum (FTI), filum terminale externum (FTE), vertebral level of beginning, dural piercing and termination of FT, and the initial, midpoint, and mid-FTE diameters were determined. Four segments were excised from lower conus, upper, middle, and lower thirds of FT. The specimens were processed for light microscopic examination. Statistical analysis was done for these parameters. RESULTS: MRI morphometrical parameters of FT, except FTI length, revealed no age effect or sex differences, where length of FTI, FTE, initial diameter, level of conus medullaris termination (CMT) and dural sac termination (DST) were 174.1 ± 16.8, 75.8 ± 9.5, 1.6 ± 0.21, L1-2 and S2U in males and 166.9 ± 18.9, 74.1 ± 9.3, 1.53 ± 0.25, L1-2 and S2M vertebrae in females, respectively. However, non-significant sex difference was observed in morphometric parameters of cadaveric FT, where length of FTI and FTE, initial diameter, CMT and DST levels were 164.2 ± 11.6, 76.7 ± 8.1, 1.7 ± 0.14, L1L and S2U vertebrae in males and 159.2 ± 10.1, 71.02 ± 7.3, 1.6 ± 0.29, L1L and S2U in females, respectively. Moreover, CMT below L2 vertebra was seen in 5% of MRI scans and 8% of cadavers. Also, the initial diameter of FT > 2 mm was recorded in 7% of MRI and 8% of cadaveric cases. Histologically, the structure of FT showed gradual reduction in nervous, glial, and vascular tissues with converse increase in collagen content in FTE compared with those of FTI. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the morphometric parameters and the histological structure of FT are necessary for clinicians who dealing with diagnosis or treatment of tethered cord syndrome.

Design of multi-functional cotton gauze with antimicrobial and drug delivery properties.

The ideal biomedical fiber/fabric materials can both promote the drug delivery properties and prevent microbial infection. Herein we present an innovation-based strategy for fabrication of biomedical cotton gauze which concomitantly displays antimicrobial and drug delivery performance properties. The innovative strategy involved three distinct steps: (1) Cationization of cotton gauze by reacting it with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride [Quat-188] or anionization of cotton gauze through partial carboxymethylation. (2) Thus modified samples of cotton gauze along with unmodified blank samples were submitted to in situ formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using trisodium citrate (TSC) which has three-fold functions: (a) reducing agent for conversion of Ag+ to Ago (atom), (b) stabilizing agent to prevent aggregation of AgNPs and, (c) linker for fixation of AgNPs on the surfaces of the cotton gauze. (3) All the modified and unmodified cotton gauze samples were loaded with oxytetracyline hydrochloride drug. To this end, characterization of the modified and unmodified cotton samples before and after being loaded with drug using state-of-the-art facilities was undertaken. These facilities comprised UV-vis spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, scanning electron microscope and Infrared Spectroscopy by Attenuated total Reflectance (ATR/IR). Evaluation of the antimicrobial and drug release properties of the cotton gauze samples in question was conducting. Results obtained signified that the modified cotton gauze can be used in the area of biomedical textiles particularly as antimicrobial and drug delivery. Also reported were mechanisms entailed in chemical modifications of cotton gauze and interactions of this modified cotton gauze with antimicrobial as well as with drugs.

Development of improved nanosilver-based antibacterial textiles via synthesis of versatile chemically modified cotton fabrics.

Cationization of cotton fabric form was effected by reacting the cellulose with 3-chloro-2 hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride in presence of sodium hydroxide as per the pad dry cure method. Thus obtained cationized cotton cellulose was reacted with a reactive copolymer, namely, reactive ß-cyclodextrin grafted with polyacrylic acid (MCT-ßCD-g-PAA).Bridging of another copolymer, namely, ß-cyclodextrin grafted with polyacrylic acid (ßCD-g-PAA) to the cationized fabric using epichlorohydrin crosslinker was also performed. Inclusion of Ag nanoparticles in these three cotton substrates via treatment of the latter with colloid of Ag nanoparticles or through in situ formation of the former was exercised. Characterization of cotton fabric before and after being chemically modified was carried out using FTIR, XRD and SEM. Bacterial examination of the cationized cotton containing either (MCT-ßCD-g-PAA) or (ßCD-g-PAA) incorporated with Ag nanoparticles showed these substrates function against G+ve and G-ve bacteria. Ability of (MCT-ßCD-g-PAA) modified cotton to include hydrophobic molecules was examined.

In situ formation of silver nanoparticles for multifunctional cotton containing cyclodextrin.

This research presents new approach for functionalization of cotton fabrics against antibacterial. It comprises: (a) synthesis and characterization of two polymeric products that can referred to as reactive copolymer (monochlorotriazinyl-ß-cyclodextrin grafted with acrylic acid AA, MCT-ßCD-g-PAA) and normal copolymer (ß-cyclodextrin grafted with acrylic acid AA, ßCD-g-PAA), (b) reacting cotton with the reactive copolymer (c) treatment of the chemically modified cotton so-obtained with silver nitrate, (d) in situ reduction of silver ions using either the copolymer (ßCD-g-PAA) or a conventional reducing agent, namely, sodium borohydride, and (e) monitoring the antibacterial activity and resilience properties of the modified cotton fabrics. FTIR, SEM, and X-ray diffraction were employed to prove the structure of the synthesized polymeric products as well as micro structural changes in cotton cellulose as a result of the aforementioned treatments. The finished fabrics displayed superior antibacterial activity along with good fabric stabilization as indeed by fabric resilience.

Polyphenols in Ammania auriculata: structures, antioxidative activity and cytotoxicity.

Chemical and biological investigations of the extract of Ammania auriculata (Lytheraceae) resulted in the identification of eight polyphenols (1 - 8) for the first time from this plant, including the gallotannin, 2,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-(α,ß)-4C1-glucopyranose (8), for which 1D and 2D-NMR spectra were recorded and assigned for the first time. The structures of all isolates (1 - 8) were elucidated by conventional methods, spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, and by HR-ESIMS as well. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activities, determined by the DPPH and ORAC methods and for their cytotoxicity against the keratinocyte cell line HaCaT using the neutral red assay (NRU) and cell cycle analysis. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species production with ED50 values between 3.22 and 9.79 µg/ml. Compounds 1, 3, 4, and 5 showed cytotoxic activity against HaCaT cells with IC50 values between 30.7 and 84.1 µg/ml. The new galloyl glucose (8) was found not cytotoxic. Ellagitannins, 2,3-hexahydroxy-((α/ß)-glucopyranose (1) and 1 -0-galloyl 2,3-hexahydroxy-(α)-glucopyranose (5) possess remarkable antioxidative and comparably weak cytotoxic activity.

Low adherence of Kuwaiti adults to fruit and vegetable dietary guidelines.

The study aimed to assess the adherence of Kuwaiti adults to dietary guidelines for daily fruit and vegetable intake. Data were compiled from national cross-sectional studies from 2006 to 2008 including 9350 adults. Demographic data, frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and anthropometric and lifestyle indicators were collected. Approximately 11% of people reported consuming 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily with a mean consumption of 3.04 times per day. Consumption increased with age and body mass index but decreased with smoking and non-exercising. Minimal change in compliance with 5-per-day fruit and vegetable consumption was observed between 2006 and 2008. However, the average daily consumption of total vegetables and green salads decreased and of total fruits, fruit juices and cooked and fried potatoes increased. The low frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption among Kuwaiti adults indicates the need to adopt more healthy eating patterns to control chronic diseases.

Low adherence of Kuwaiti adults to fruit and vegetable dietary guidelines

The study aimed to assess the adherence of Kuwaiti adults to dietary guidelines for daily fruit and vegetable intake. Data were compiled from national cross-sectional studies from 2006 to 2008 including 9350 adults. Demographic data, frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and anthropometric and lifestyle indicators were collected. Approximately 11% of people reported consuming 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily with a mean consumption of 3.04 times per day. Consumption increased with age and body mass index but decreased with smoking and non-exercising. Minimal change in compliance with 5-per-day fruit and vegetable consumption was observed between 2006 and 2008. However, the average daily consumption of total vegetables and green salads decreased and of total fruits, fruit juices and cooked and fried potatoes increased. The low frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption among Kuwaiti adults indicates the need to adopt more healthy eating patterns to control chronic diseases

Nutrition transition in the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The United Arab Emirates has undergone remarkable economic and social transformations over the past few decades. We present findings on the prevalence of overweight and obesity, dietary and activity patterns among Emiratis in 2009/10, and explore associated urbanization and wealth factors. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 628 randomly selected households in all seven emirates. Sociodemographics, 24-h dietary recalls, physical activity and anthropometric data were collected from adult females (≥ 19 years), adolescents (11-18 years) and children (6-10 years) in each family via in-person interviews using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: In 2009/10, 65% of adult women, 28% of male adolescents and 40% of female adolescents, 25% of male children and 41% of female children were overweight or obese. 43% of girls and 38% of boys (6-10 years) consumed more calories than their estimated energy requirements. Snacking represents a major source of Emirati caloric intake (>20%) of total calories. In addition, caloric beverages account for 8-14% of total calories. Meanwhile, physical activity levels are low, especially among females Emiratis and those living in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: These trends represent the potential risk for severe cardiometabolic problems in the United Arab Emirates. The significant gender differentials among children and adolescents are driven by diet and activity differences. More attention should be paid to educate the public on nutrition (for example, limit the consumption of sugared sodas, fruit drinks and whole milk, promote water and low-fat/skim milk consumption instead) and encourage physical activity from a young age, especially among females. Built environments and social support for improved lifestyle choices by individuals are needed.

The prevalence and trends of overweight, obesity and nutrition-related non-communicable diseases in the Arabian Gulf States.

This paper reviews studies on the prevalence of overweight, obesity and related nutrition-related non-communicable diseases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Obesity is common among women; while men have an equal or higher overweight prevalence. Among adults, overweight plus obesity rates are especially high in Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and especially among 30-60 year olds (70-85% among men; 75-88% among women), with lower levels among younger and elderly adults. The rate of increase in obesity was pronounced in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Prevalence of obesity is high among Kuwaiti and Saudi pre-schoolers (8-9%), while adolescent overweight and obesity are among the highest in the world, with Kuwait having the worst estimates (40-46%); however, comparison of child data is difficult because of differing standards. Among nutrition-related non-communicable diseases, hypertension and diabetes levels are very high and increase with age, with the UAE performing the worst because of a rapid rate of increase between 1995 and 2000. Additional monitoring of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and cancers is necessary. Nationally representative longitudinal surveys with individual, household and community-level information are needed to determine the importance of various factors that contribute to these troubling trends.

Histologic study of the tunica albuginea of the penis and mode of cavernosus muscles' insertion in it.

The tunica albuginea (TA) is the outer covering of the corpora cavernosa (CCs) and corpus spongiosum (CS) of the penile shaft. The different histoanatomical patterns of the TA, as well as the mode of attachment of the ischio-/bulbo-cavernosus muscles (ICM, BCM) to the TA, were studied, aiming at elucidating their role in the mechanism of erection. Twenty-eight cadaveric specimens (18 adults, 10 neonatal deaths) were studied morphologically and histologically after staining with hematoxylin and eosin and Verhoeff-van Gieson stains. The TA consisted in 20 specimens of 2 layers: inner circular and outer longitudinal, in 6 specimens of 3 layers: inner circular, longitudinal and outer circular, and in 2 of only one longitudinal layer. The CS TA was formed of one layer of longitudinal fibers. The mode of cavernosus muscles insertion into the TA revealed 3 patterns. The conjoint BCM and ICM formed a fibrous belt over the CCs in 18 specimens, a muscular belt in 6 and no belt in 4. The functional role of the variations in the TA morphological structure is not exactly known. We hypothesize that the 3-layered TA gives more penile rigidity than the double and single layers. Considering the type of cavernosus muscles insertion into the TA, it appears that the fibrous belt exerts more CC compression than the other 2 types of insertion.

Bulboprostatic anastomotic urethroplasty with preservation of potency: anatomical study, operative approach and clinical results.

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE. To identify the precise anatomy of the membranous and bulbous urethrae and their relation to the neurovascular bundles (cavernous nerves and vessels). Based on the findings, a modified surgical technique was developed to preserve potency by avoiding injury to the neurovascular bundles during surgery on the posterior urethra. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material for this study consisted of 10 male cadavers. We injected eight cadavers with a mixture of red latex and lead oxide. By means of meticulous dissection we removed the bladder, prostate, urethra, penis, surrounding vessels and nerves. We also identified the anatomical relations between various urogenital structures and the vessels and nerves. We examined the specimens radiologically. In the other two cadavers, we removed the membranous urethrae and subjected them to histological examination. We used haematoxylin-eosin and Verhoeff von Gieson stains to study the elastic tissues. RESULTS: The membranous urethra measured 2.5-3 cm in length. It originated from the lower third of the anterior surface of the prostate (and not from the apex) as a continuation of the prostatic urethra. The wall of the membranous urethra contained abundant elastic fibres. The neurovascular bundles were located posterolateral to the mid-portion of the prostate and prostatic apex. Near the apex the neurovascular bundle divided into two parts: a larger anterior part and a smaller posterior part. The anterior part crossed the membranous urethra, then the bulb of the penis at the 1 and 11 o'clock positions and finally entered the corpus cavernosum. The posterior part crossed the membranous urethra more posteriorly to enter the bulb of the penis. Between 1992 and 2003 we managed 22 patients (age range 16-50 years) with posterior urethral obstruction secondary to pelvic fracture by means of bulboprostatic anastomosis. We managed 17 patients via the perineal route and five via a combined perineoabdominal-transpubic route. All of these patients were potent before the operation, which proved the integrity of the neurovascular bundles. We could spare the anterior divisions of the neurovascular bundles (greater cavernous nerves and vessels) during their crossing of the bulb of the penis by cutting and dissecting within the bulb (not outside it) before dismembering it from the urogenital diaphragm. We also refrained from any dissection of the apex and the posterolateral surfaces of the prostate to avoid injury to the neurovascular bundles. At 6-year follow-up (range 1-10 years) 21/22 patients preserved their potency, giving a success rate of 95.45%. Of the 22 patients, two became temporarily impotent after the operation but regained potency within a period of 4-6 months. CONCLUSION: Our technique of neurovascular bundle preservation during bulboprostatic anastomotic urethroplasty may solve the problem of postoperative impotence.

Objective assessment of compliance with treatments in acne.

BACKGROUND: Acne occurs in prepubertal individuals, teenagers and adults, and can have a devastating effect on self-esteem and social relationships. Whether an acne sufferer will seek treatment often depends, apart from the severity, on cultural and social aspects, which play a significant role in the attitude of the individuals and how they cope with the condition. Compliance with treatment regimen is an essential element in overall effectiveness of therapy. OBJECTIVES: To assess patient compliance in acne vulgaris. METHODS: In an open prospective study at a dermatology outpatient clinic, patients with acne, and on isotretinoin or conventional therapies, were examined and completed a questionnaire consisting of: (i) a brief medical and social history, (ii) a compliance assessment sheet, and (iii) the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Patients were re-examined after 3 months and their actual treatment usage was directly assessed and compared with expected use. The objective medication adherence (Med Ad) was calculated as (actual treatment use/expected treatment use) x 100. The interview (self-report) Med Ad was obtained by direct questioning. To avoid influencing the behaviour of the subjects, they were not informed of the specific aim of the study: the Local Research Ethics Committee gave approval for this approach. Patient attendance was recorded by referring to the outpatient clinic appointment charts. RESULTS: Of 687 patients seen who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 403 completed the study. The mean +/- SD overall objective Med Ad was 64.7 +/- 24% (range 0-111%). The mean +/- SD DLQI was 17.7 +/- 8.1 (range 2-30). There was a highly significant negative correlation (r = -0.87) between DLQI scores and Med Ad. The correlation between age and Med Ad was significantly negative (P < 0.01). Being female, married, employed and not paying for prescriptions were characteristics associated with increased Med Ad and a lower DLQI. Med Ad was greater for isotretinoin therapy and for first time usage of isotretinoin. The major reasons for missing treatment given by the patients were being fed up, forgetful or too busy. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol resulted in reduced Med Ad. The mean +/- SD interview Med Ad was 93.9 +/- 5% (range 85-100%). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that a range of disease-related and social factors may influence compliance with treatment in acne. The inverse relationship between DLQI and Med Ad probably reflects the profound interaction of physical and psychological factors as well as perceived treatment failure.

Validity of a telephone-administered 24-hour dietary recall in telephone and non-telephone households in the rural Lower Mississippi Delta region.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if 24-hour dietary recall data are influenced by whether data are collected by telephone or face-to-face interviews in telephone and non-telephone households. DESIGN: Dual sampling frame of telephone and non-telephone households. In telephone households, participants completed a 24-hour dietary recall either by face-to-face interview or telephone interview. In non-telephone households, participants completed a 24-hour dietary recall either by face-to-face interview or by using a cellular telephone provided by a field interviewer. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Four hundred nine participants from the rural Delta region of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean energy and protein intakes. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Comparison of telephone and non-telephone households, controlling for type of interview, and comparison of telephone and face-to-face interviews in each household type using unpaired t tests and linear regression, adjusting for gender, age, and body mass index. RESULTS: Mean differences between telephone and face-to-face interviews for telephone households were -171 kcal (P = 0.1) and -6.9 g protein (P = 0.2), and for non-telephone households -143 kcal (P = 0.6) and 0.4 g protein (P = 1.0). Mean differences between telephone and non-telephone households for telephone interviews were 0 kcal (P = 1.0) and -0.9 g protein (P = 0.9), and for face-to-face interviews 28 kcal (P = 0.9) and 6.4 g protein (P = 0.5). Findings persisted when adjusted for gender, age, and body mass index. No statistically significant differences were detected for mean energy or protein intake between telephone and face-to-face interviews or between telephone and non-telephone households. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: These data provide support that telephone surveys adequately describe energy and protein intakes for a rural, low-income population.

Perceptions of community nutrition and health needs in the Lower Mississippi Delta: a key informant approach.

OBJECTIVE: Key informants' perceptions of nutrition and health needs in their southern rural communities were assessed prior to nutrition intervention planning. DESIGN: This cross-sectional survey used in-person interviews. SUBJECTS/SETTINGS: A sample of 490 individuals from 12 professional and lay roles in 8 community sectors in 36 counties in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi was chosen. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Factor analysis was carried out on reported food, nutrition, and health problems and contributing factors. The General Linear Models procedure identified within- and between-subject effects for factors. Tukey's post hoc tests identified differences between sectors and states. Frequencies and weighted rankings were computed for health problems. RESULTS: Key informants rated individual-level factors (food choices, education, willingness to change, health behavior) as more important than community-level factors (food and health care access, resources) with regard to nutrition and health problems and contributors to problems. The number one health problem was hypertension. IMPLICATIONS: Key informants are knowledgeable about nutrition and health problems, contributing factors, and available resources. Individual factors were perceived as more important contributors to nutrition and health problems providing valuable information for planning nutrition interventions.

Outcomes of a cardiovascular nutrition counseling program in African-Americans with elevated blood pressure or cholesterol level.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a cardiovascular nutrition education package designed for African-American adults with a wide range of literacy skills. DESIGN: Comparison of a self-help group and a full-instruction group; each group received nutrition counseling and clinical monitoring every 4 months. SUBJECTS: Three hundred thirty African-American adults, aged 40 to 70 years, with elevated cholesterol level or high blood pressure were randomly assigned to the self-help or full-instruction group; 255 completed the 12-month follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: Counseling to reduce intake of dietary fat, cholesterol, and sodium was based on Cardiovascular Dietary Education System (CARDES) materials, which included food-picture cards, a nutrition guide (self-help and full-instruction group), a video and audiotape series, and 4 classes (full-instruction group only). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in lipid levels and blood pressure after 12 months. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Primary analyses consisted of repeated-measures analysis of variance to examine effects of time and randomization group on outcomes. RESULTS: Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased by 7% to 8% in the self-help and full-instruction groups of men and women (P < .01). The ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased in both groups of women and in the men in the full-instruction group (P < .01). In full-instruction and self-help participants with elevated blood pressure at baseline, systolic blood pressure decreased by 7 to 11 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 4 to 7 mm Hg (P < .01). Outcomes did not differ by literacy scores but were positively related to the reported initial frequency of using CARDES materials. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that periodic nutrition counseling based on CARDES materials used for home study can enhance management of lipid levels and blood pressure in African-American outpatients.

Prevalence of self-reported nutrition-related health problems in the Lower Mississippi Delta.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess demographic and geographic differences in prevalence of self-reported nutrition-related health problems in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. METHODS: The authors analyzed 1991 and 1993 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for adults 18 years or older. RESULTS: Less educated African American women and women of other minority groups who were aged 35 to 64 years reported the highest prevalence of health problems. Geographic differences involved prevalence of hypertension, health status, and insurance status. CONCLUSIONS: Specific demographic subgroups and geographic areas with a high risk of health problems are in particular need of targeted interventions.

Garlic preserves patency and delays hyperthermia-induced thrombosis in pial microcirculation.

Three trials were carried out to study the effect of garlic on thrombus formation and patency in the mouse pial microcirculation in response to hyperthermia. Two different hyperthermic exposures, at 43 degrees C for 60 min and at 44 degrees C for 45 min, were applied to the brain surface of anaesthetized mice by heated artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF). Garlic solutions were prepared 24 h prior to their injection, i.p., from a finely-ground powder in saline (pH 7.3) to deliver doses of 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg. Control groups of the three trials were injected with saline, pH 7.3. Garlic and vehicle solution injections were made 60 min prior to the intended hyperthermic exposure. Microvascular responses were monitored and were recorded by intravital videomicroscopy. With core body temperature kept at 37 degrees C and at the elevated ACSF temperatures, the first observed intravascular response was in the form of either passing emboli or as visible thrombosis in either arterioles or venules. Further thromboembolic events continued and throughout such exposures higher arteriolar patency was evident in the garlic-treated mice. Collectively, garlic significantly delayed the appearance of the first observable thrombo/embolic response. Data of this study evidenced that garlic delayed hyperthermia-induced platelet aggregation, in vivo. Such results could prove beneficial to those adversely affected by antithrombotic drugs, like aspirin.