[Protective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin on cultured RGC-5 cells against CoCl2-induced hypoxic injury].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts (GSPE) against CoCl2-induced hypoxic injury in cultured RGC-5 cells. METHODS: CoCl2(400 µmol/L) was used to induce hypoxic injury in cultured RGC-5 cells; the cells were pretreated with 0,100,200,400 and 800µmol/L GSPE for 24h. The cell viability was assayed by MTT; the apoptosis was detected by Hoechst 33342 staining; the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by H2DCFDA oxidative reaction. The mRNA expression of Bcl-2, caspase 9 and caspase 3 was determined by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Compared to hypoxic control group, pretreatment with GSPE significantly increased viability of RGC-5 cells (P<0.001), reduced cell apoptosis (P<0 .001) and intracellular ROS(P <0 .001). In addition, GSPE significantly increased the mRNA expression of Bcl-2(P<0 .001) and decreased mRNA expression of caspase 9(P<0 .001) and caspase 3(P<0 .001) compared to hypoxic control group. CONCLUSION: GSPE may have a protective effect against CoCl2-induced hypoxic injury in cultured RGC-5 cells. The decrease of intercellular ROS, up-regulation of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of caspase 9 and caspase 3 may be involved in the mechanism of the protective effect of GSPE.

Translation of an effective tai chi intervention into a community-based falls-prevention program.

Tai chi--moving for better balance, a falls-prevention program developed from a randomized controlled trial for community-based use, was evaluated with the re-aim framework in 6 community centers. The program had a 100% adoption rate and 87% reach into the target older adult population. All centers implemented the intervention with good fidelity, and participants showed significant improvements in health-related outcome measures. This evidence-based tai chi program is practical to disseminate and can be effectively implemented and maintained in community settings.

Aerial lift fall injuries: a surveillance and evaluation approach for targeting prevention activities.

PROBLEM: Work on aerial lift platforms exposes workers to fall hazards. The objective of this study was to identify the most common injury scenarios and determine current research gaps for addressing fall incidents associated with aerial lifts. METHODS: Three databases were searched: Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) reports, and OSHA Incident Investigation Records. RESULTS: The majority of falls/collapses/tipovers were within the height-category of 10-29 feet. Tipovers comprised 44-46% of boom-lift falls and 56-59% of scissor-lift falls. Constructing and repairing activities were most commonly associated with fall/collapse/tipover incidents. DISCUSSION: CFOI and OSHA/FACE show convergent data, suggesting similar scenarios for aerial lift tipovers. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: The analysis provides the aerial lift industry information to prioritize their efforts on aerial lift design.

The provisional license: nighttime and passenger restrictions--a literature review.

PROBLEM: Due to inexperience and inadequate driving skills, the road is a very risky place for young and beginning drivers, yet such experience and skills can only be built by increased driving and exposure to risks on the road. Graduated driver licensing (GDL) allows beginning drivers to get their initial driving experience under less risky conditions and gradually eases them into more complex driving situations. This paper reviews the literature exploring two key features of the intermediate licensing phase of GDL, nighttime driving restrictions and passenger restrictions. METHOD: Literature review. RESULTS: Nighttime driving restrictions have been shown to effectively reduce the number and rate of crash involvements on the part of teenage drivers. Data suggest that having passengers in the car increases the likelihood of a fatal injury in young drivers and that this risk increases with the number of passengers. Young drivers were more likely to cause a crash when accompanied by their peers. DISCUSSION: Nighttime driving and passenger restrictions are effective in decreasing injuries among teenage drivers and their passengers, especially in the context of a full GDL system. Several research questions remain to be answered in order to fully refine and optimize the impact of these provisional measures.