Background Rates of childhood obesity are higher in American Indian and Alaska Native populations, and food insecurity plays a major role in diet-related disparities. To address this need, local healthcare providers and a local non-profit launched the Navajo Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program in 2015. Children up to six years of age and their caregivers are enrolled in the six-month program by healthcare providers. Families attend monthly health coaching sessions where they receive vouchers redeemable for fruits, vegetables, and healthy traditional foods at retailers participating in the FVRx program. Objective We assessed the impact of a fruit and vegetable prescription program on the health outcomes and behaviors of participating children. Methods Caregivers completed voluntary surveys to assess food security, fruit and vegetable consumption, hours of sleep, minutes of physical activity; healthcare providers also measured children's body mass index (BMI) z-score at initiation and completion of the program. We calculated changes in health behaviors, body mass index, and food security at the end of the program, compared with baseline values. Results A total of 243 Navajo children enrolled in Navajo FVRx between May 2015 and September 2018. Fruit and vegetable consumption significantly increased from 5.2 to 6.8 servings per day between initiation and program completion (p < 0.001). The proportion of participant households reporting food insecurity significantly decreased from 82% to 65% (p < 0.001). Among children classified as overweight or obese at baseline, 38% achieved a healthy BMI z-score at program completion (p < 0.001). Sixty-five % of children were retained in the program. Conclusions The Navajo FVRx program improves fruit and vegetable consumption among young children. Children who are obese or overweight may benefit most from the program.
Rationale-The C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice are the most common genotypes used to identify chromosomal regions and neurochemical mechanisms of interest in opioid addiction. Unfortunately, outside of the oral two-bottle choice procedure, limited and sometimes controversial evidence is available for determining their relative sensitivity to the rewarding effects of morphine.Objectives-The purpose of this study was to utilize classically accepted models of drug abuse liability to determine relative susceptibility to the rewarding effects of morphine.Methods-The ability of morphine or amphetamine to potentiate lateral hypothalamic brain stimulation and intravenous morphine self-administration (across three doses in a Fixed Ratio schedule and highest dose in Progressive Ratio schedules) was investigated in both genotypes Results-In both measures, C57 and DBA mice differed dramatically in their response to morphine. Morphine potentiated rewarding stimulation in the C57 mice, but antagonized it in the DBA mice. Consistent with these findings, intravenous morphine did not serve as a positive reinforcer in DBA mice under conditions that were effective in the C57 mice using a Fixed Ratio schedule and failed to sustain levels of responding sufficient to maintain a constant rate of drug intake under a Progressive Ratio schedule. In contrast, amphetamine potentiated the rewarding effects of brain stimulation similarly in the two genotypes.Conclusions-These findings provide strong evidence that morphine is rewarding in the C57 genotype and not in the DBA genotype. Understanding their relative susceptibility is important given the prominence of these genotypes in candidate gene identification and gene mapping.
Rationale Cocaine use during pregnancy is associated with alterations in the dopamine (DA) system in the fetal brain. However, little is known about the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on the postnatal dopaminergic system. Objectives The objective of the study was to examine DA receptor function in adult monkeys that were prenatally exposed to cocaine. Materials and methods Male and female rhesus monkeys (~13 years old) that had been prenatally exposed to cocaine (n=10) and controls (n=10) were used in all studies. First, DA D2-like receptor availability was assessed using positron emission tomography and the D2-like receptor radiotracer [18F]fluoroclebopride (FCP). Next, D3 receptor function was assessed by measuring quinpirole-induced yawning (0.03–0.3 mg/kg). Finally, D1-like receptor function was examined by measuring eye blinking elicited by the high-efficacy D1-like receptor agonist SKF81297 (0.3–3.0 mg/kg). Results There were no differences between groups or sexes in D2-like receptor availability in the caudate nucleus, putamen or amygdala. However, quinpirole elicited significantly more yawns in prenatally cocaine-exposed monkeys compared with control monkeys. A significant correlation between gestational dose of cocaine and peak effects of quinpirole was observed. In all monkeys, administration of SKF81297 elicited dose-dependent increases in eye blinks that did not differ between groups. Conclusions These findings suggest that prenatal cocaine exposure can have long-term effects on DA D3 receptor function in adults.
Objective:To utilise a community-based participatory approach in the design and implementation of an intervention targeting diet-related health problems on Navajo Nation.Design:A dual strategy approach of community needs/assets assessment and engagement of cross-sectorial partners in programme design with systematic cyclical feedback for programme modifications.Setting:Navajo Nation, USA.Participants:Navajo families with individuals meeting criteria for programme enrolment. Participant enrolment increased with iterative cycles.Results:The Navajo Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Programme.Conclusions:A broad, community-driven and culturally relevant programme design has resulted in a programme able to maintain core programmatic principles, while also allowing for flexible adaptation to changing needs.
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