Functional foods need to be assessed for beneficial effects to support claims, but also for toxic effects. This report describes two examples of how complex food samples are initially characterized in human cells in vitro. Water extracts of green tea (GT) and black carrots (BC) were analyzed for key ingredients (catechins and anthocyanidins, respectively). Extracts, reconstituted mixtures of the major ingredients or individual compounds [(-)-epigallocatechin gallate or cyanidin, respectively] were evaluated in parallel using human colon cells (HT29 clone 19A). End points of cytotoxicity included determination of membrane integrity, proliferation inhibition, and genetic damage. Cells were pretreated with plant compounds at sub-toxic concentrations, and their resistance to toxicity of H2O2 was evaluated as a parameter of protection. The extracts reduced cell viability (BC) and cell growth (BC, GT) and caused DNA damage (BC, GT). They were more toxic than their key ingredients. Neither GT-samples nor BC protected against H2O2-induced DNA damage, whereas cyanidin did. In vitro analysis of extracts from functional foods firstly aims at defining the sub-toxic concentrations at which protective activities are then further characterized. It also allows comparing responses of complex samples and individual compounds, which is important since effects from protective food ingredients can be masked by accompanying toxic components.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Migrant farm workers' access to pesticide protection and information: Cultivando Buenos Habitos campaign development.

Formative evaluation of south Georgian migrant farm workers' access to information and products to promote pesticide protection and understanding of cancer risk associated with pesticide exposure was conducted using field observation, in-depth interviews of Georgia's Migrant Health Program's outreach workers, and structured face-to-face surveys of migrant farm workers. The data indicated that fewer than one-third of the pesticide products reviewed contained messages about pesticide use and exposure risk for humans. Risk information on products appeared in English only. Few protective devices were available for purchase. Migrant farm workers were aware in a very general sense of health risks posed by pesticides, but they were specifically unaware of the reach of pesticides sprayed, as illustrated by their field behaviors. Findings also demonstrated the need to educate outreach workers about migrant farm workers' cancer risk, so that they may act as migrant farm workers' health advocates to reduce the adverse effects associated with pesticide exposure.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cervical cancer screening from the public health perspective.

Many state health departments have a significant role in cervical cancer screening. Given that role, a group of public health personnel from eight southeastern states drafted a set of questions and quality assurance issues to be discussed with a laboratory under consideration as a contract provider of cytology services. The major points of concern included: (1) quality of laboratory services (accreditation, personnel, facilities and operational and quality control procedures); (2) quality of sampling (including techniques used and the training and monitoring of sample takers); (3) terminology for cytology reporting; and (4) protocols used for diagnostic evaluation of abnormal Papanicolaou smears.

Female↗