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The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, marked by stringent lockdowns and reduced human activity, resulted in a significant decrease in air pollutant emissions. This study investigates the impact of these altered atmospheric conditions on human health by focusing on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and meta-xylene (BTX), comparing data from before, during, and after the pandemic lockdowns. The objectives were to assess changes in Total VOC (TVOC) concentrations and to evaluate the associated health risks, particularly Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) from benzene exposure. Analysis of the data revealed a notable reduction in TVOCs during the 2020 lockdown, with average concentrations of 12.15 ± 20.49 µg/m3 in 2019, 8.08 ± 5.50 µg/m3 in 2020, and 5.12 ± 7.56 µg/m3 in 2021. LCR values also fluctuated, with averages of 1.12 × 10−5, 1.23 × 10−5, and 6.91 × 10−6 or pre-pandemic, during-pandemic, and post-pandemic periods, respectively. The findings highlight the potential effectiveness of lockdowns in reducing air pollution and underscore the need for continued, targeted environmental policies to improve public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of firing pulverized coal in thermal power plants, enormous amounts of fly ash (FA) are produced as industrial waste. The release into the atmosphere and storage of this industrial waste remains one of the major environmental problems that threaten human health by contributing to air, water, and soil pollution. The recovery and reuse of FA in the construction industry is the only economic solution to the existing problem. In this study, the potential radiological risk caused by the usage of FA in concrete and cement production as a main component and its storage in landfill sites was evaluated for people and works by estimating radiological parameters (activity concentration and alpha index, annual effective doses, and the corresponding excess lifetime cancer risks) based on activity concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides in FA. Also, the radiological risk to the workers working in the FA landfill site was evaluated using the Residual Radioactivity Onsite 7.2 code. The average activity concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides in FA samples from the Tunçbilek lignite coal-fired thermal power plant at Kütahya province of Turkey were measured as 417, 156 and 454 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. When using up to 35% by mass of FA in cement and concrete, the average values of the radiological parameters revealed that they were within the recommended safety limits. However, code estimations showed that a regular worker in FA storage would be exposed to a total effective dose rate greater than 3 mSv y−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the heavy metal content in dust storm samples from Erbil, Iraq, along with four other locations. Using ICP-MS, Cd, Ni, Cr, Hg, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Fe and As were determined. The health risks due to exposure to these metals through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact were assessed for both adults and children. Non-carcinogenic risks were evaluated using the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). Children faced a cumulative risk with HQ > 0.2 for As and Cr and HI > 1. The carcinogenic risk was measured using the carcinogenic risk factor (CRF), which fell below 10–6, indicating low cancer risk. However, children had a higher cancer risk (10−4 to 10−6) for As. The pollution indices revealed varying pollution levels from unpolluted to moderately polluted in the studied areas. Overall, this study highlights potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure during dust storms, particularly for children, and emphasises the importance of addressing these concerns to safeguard public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has emerged as an important global health challenge, significantly influencing the incidence and progression of various cancers. This comprehensive review elucidates the complex relationship between obesity and oncogenesis, focusing particularly on the role of dysregulated signaling pathways as central mediators of this association. We delve into the contributions of obesity-induced alterations in key signaling cascades, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin to carcinogenesis. These alterations facilitate unchecked cellular proliferation, chronic inflammation and apoptosis resistance. Epidemiological evidence links obesity with increased cancer susceptibility and adverse prognostic outcomes, with pronounced risks for specific cancers such as breast, colorectal, endometrial and hepatic malignancies. This review synthesizes data from both animal and clinical studies to underscore the pivotal role of disrupted signaling pathways in shaping innovative therapeutic strategies. We highlight the critical importance of lifestyle modifications in obesity management and cancer risk mitigation, stressing the benefits of dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral interventions. Moreover, we examine targeted pharmacological strategies addressing aberrant pathways in obesity-related tumors and discuss the integration of cutting-edge treatments, including immunotherapy and precision medicine, into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lead (Pb) content in lipsticks and potential life-long exposure of which might cause severe effects in consumers are an important concern for public. Thus, studies emphasize that lead exposure has no safe levels. Methods From 10 different brands, in total, 25 solid, gloss and creamy lipsticks are deployed from Turkish markets that are also categorized in two different price ranges. In order to evaluate the blood Pb levels in children, the United States Environmental Protection Agency's 'Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model' is utilized. To assess the health risk of chronic usage both for children and adults, oral daily systemic exposure levels are calculated with the worst-case scenario and are compared with Maximum Allowable Dose Level for lipsticks. For lifetime risk assessment, exposure is assumed to start by age 7, and four different exposure scenarios have been deployed. Results The mean lead content of lipsticks shows significant statistical differences between the high- and low-priced lipstick groups. Daily level and total risk for lifetime Pb exposure from deployed lipsticks are below the acceptable risk levels but long-worn usage of products with routine monitoring of metal content is crucial for sensitive and unintended exposure groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2018, the authors reported estimates of the number and proportion of cancers attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in 2014 in the United States. These data are useful for advocating for and informing cancer prevention and control. Herein, based on up‐to‐date relative risk and cancer occurrence data, the authors estimated the proportion and number of invasive cancer cases (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) and deaths, overall and for 30 cancer types among adults who were aged 30 years and older in 2019 in the United States, that were attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors. These included cigarette smoking; second‐hand smoke; excess body weight; alcohol consumption; consumption of red and processed meat; low consumption of fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber, and dietary calcium; physical inactivity; ultraviolet radiation; and seven carcinogenic infections. Numbers of cancer cases and deaths were obtained from data sources with complete national coverage, risk factor prevalence estimates from nationally representative surveys, and associated relative risks of cancer from published large‐scale pooled or meta‐analyses. In 2019, an estimated 40.0% (713,340 of 1,781,649) of all incident cancers (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) and 44.0% (262,120 of 595,737) of all cancer deaths in adults aged 30 years and older in the United States were attributable to the evaluated risk factors. Cigarette smoking was the leading risk factor contributing to cancer cases and deaths overall (19.3% and 28.5%, respectively), followed by excess body weight (7.6% and 7.3%, respectively), and alcohol consumption (5.4% and 4.1%, respectively). For 19 of 30 evaluated cancer types, more than one half of the cancer cases and deaths were attributable to the potentially modifiable risk factors considered in this study. Lung cancer had the highest number of cancer cases (201,660) and deaths (122,740) attributable to evaluated risk factors, followed by female breast cancer (83,840 cases), skin melanoma (82,710), and colorectal cancer (78,440) for attributable cases and by colorectal (25,800 deaths), liver (14,720), and esophageal (13,600) cancer for attributable deaths. Large numbers of cancer cases and deaths in the United States are attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors, underscoring the potential to substantially reduce the cancer burden through broad and equitable implementation of preventive initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has a high mortality rate and can be the first manifestation of cancer. We investigated the incidence of cancer after first-ever VTE and the association between VTE and all-cause mortality. Methods: A Swedish cohort study that included 105,997 participants without previous cancer who underwent a health examination from 1985–2014 was conducted. Manually validated first-ever VTE events, incident cancer according to the Swedish cancer registry, and mortality were registered. Participants were followed until September 5, 2014. Results: The mean age at inclusion was 46.2 years, and 50.3% of participants were female. We identified 1303 persons in the cohort with a VTE and no previous cancer. Among these, 179 (13.7%) were diagnosed with cancer after the VTE event, resulting in a cancer incidence of 26.4 (95% CI 22.8–30.6) cases per 1000 person-years. The incidence was highest during the first 6 months after the VTE. In the study population, VTE was associated with an increased risk of cancer (HR 1.95 [95% CI 1.67–2.29] in a multivariable model). VTE was also associated with an increased risk of death (HR 6.30 [95% CI 5.82–6.81]) in a multivariable model). There was an interaction between sex and VTE in relation to both risk of cancer and mortality, with a stronger association in women. Conclusions: The incidence of cancer is high after first-ever VTE, especially close to the VTE event. VTE seems to be a stronger risk marker in women than in men for both cancer and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Diabetes and cancer are major global health problems that cause significant illness and death. Many cancer patients also have diabetes, which complicates their treatment, especially if surgery is needed. This review highlights the link between diabetes and cancer. It looks into how cancer treatments can worsen blood sugar control, examines the risks that surgery holds for patients with both conditions, and outlines the strategies that can be used to manage diabetes around the time of surgery. More research is needed to provide new strategies that can reduce complications following surgery in patients with diabetes and cancer. Background: Both diabetes and cancer are major global health issues that are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. There is a high prevalence of diabetes among cancer patients, many of whom require a surgical procedure. This review focuses on the operative complications in patients with diabetes and cancer, and the perioperative management of diabetes in cancer patients. Methodology: A literature search of articles in English—published between January 2010 and May 2024—was carried out using the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The search primarily focused on the operative complications in patients with diabetes and cancer, and perioperative management strategies. Results: The relationship between cancer and diabetes is complex; cancer patients have a high risk of developing diabetes, while diabetes is a risk factor for certain cancers. In addition, various cancer therapies can induce or worsen diabetes in susceptible patients. Many individuals with cancer and diabetes require surgery, and due to underlying diabetes, they may have elevated risks for operative complications. Optimal perioperative management for these patients includes managing perioperative glycemia and other comorbid illnesses, adjusting diabetic and cancer treatments, optimizing nutrition, minimizing the duration of fasting, supporting early mobilization, and providing patient education to enable self-management. Conclusions: While evidence is limited, optimal perioperative management for patients with both diabetes and cancer is necessary in order to reduce surgical complications. Future studies are needed to develop evidence-informed perioperative strategies and improve outcomes for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is one of the most important societal challenges in the world, with over 23 million new cases/year and 10 million deaths/year, that will only be properly tackled with a stronger focus on prevention. This calls for an informed population, aware of risk factors and willing to adopt preventive behaviors and early cancer screenings. For that purpose, 2' Life-changing minutes was created, the first ever televised Entertainment-Education series on cancer prevention. This study aims to evaluate the impact of 2' Life-changing minutes , a novel E-E format for cancer prevention, on knowledge gains and behavior changes. Two complementary studies were performed involving a total of 1314 participants: a test-screening (TS) study targeting potential viewers of the series, and a natural-screening (NS) study targeting those that spontaneously watched the series on television. We found (i) very high levels of appreciation and narrative engagement, and also willingness to see more episodes; (ii) statistically significant knowledge gains, ranging from 17% to 44%, on all four topics tested; (iii) evidence of effective behavior change. Regression analysis showed that narrative engagement was the best predictor of behavior change [NS: odds ratio (OR) = 3.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.70–6.74, p  = 0.001; TS: OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.13–0.371, p  = 0.018]. This study demonstrates the series' real impact and serves as a proof-of-concept for a novel strategy of cancer prevention that is based around compelling health narratives, rather than information or data, to engage viewers, increase knowledge and induce behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: It has been proposed that a higher habitual protein intake may increase cancer risk, possibly via upregulated insulin-like growth factor signalling. Since a systematic evaluation of human studies on protein intake and cancer risk based on a standardised assessment of systematic reviews (SRs) is lacking, we carried out an umbrella review of SRs on protein intake in relation to risks of different types of cancer. Methods: Following a pre-specified protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42018082395), we retrieved SRs on protein intake and cancer risk published before January 22th 2024, and assessed the methodological quality and outcome-specific certainty of the evidence using a modified version of AMSTAR 2 and NutriGrade, respectively. The overall certainty of evidence was rated according to predefined criteria. Results: Ten SRs were identified, of which eight included meta-analyses. Higher total protein intake was not associated with risks of breast, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer incidence. The methodological quality of the included SRs ranged from critically low (kidney cancer), low (pancreatic, ovarian and prostate cancer) and moderate (breast and prostate cancer) to high (colorectal cancer). The outcome-specific certainty of the evidence underlying the reported findings on protein intake and cancer risk ranged from very low (pancreatic, ovarian and prostate cancer) to low (colorectal, ovarian, prostate, and breast cancer). Animal and plant protein intakes were not associated with cancer risks either at a low (breast and prostate cancer) or very low (pancreatic and prostate cancer) outcome-specific certainty of the evidence. Overall, the evidence for the lack of an association between protein intake and (i) colorectal cancer risk and (ii) breast cancer risk was rated as possible. By contrast, the evidence underlying the other reported results was rated as insufficient. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that higher total protein intake may not be associated with the risk of colorectal and breast cancer, while conclusions on protein intake in relation to risks of other types of cancer are restricted due to insufficient evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a global increase in the older population in recent decades and, as age advances, complex metabolic and epigenetic changes occur in the organism, and these may trigger some health complications commonly found among this population. Additionally, several changes occur in older people that can reduce the dietary intake or the process of nutrient absorption. In this way, tissues with high nutrient requirements are more affected. Hematopoiesis is the process of formation, development, and maturation of blood cells and is a process with a high turnover. This high demand makes the integrity of the hematopoietic process susceptible to various factors that impair physiological function, such as aging and micronutrient bioavailability. Among these micronutrients, Zinc is considered an important micronutrient, playing diverse roles across various tissues and cell types. Some of the alterations in hematopoiesis that appear as a consequence of aging and due to insufficient micronutrient intake are well described in the literature; however, not much is known about how zinc deficiency contributes towards the development of diseases seen in aging. Considering the importance of zinc to act on several biological processes, this narrative review discusses several studies related to the physiological requirements, deficiency, or excess of zinc, including studies in experimental models and humans, and aimed to shed light on the relationship between zinc and the regulation of hematopoietic tissue, exploring possible links between this mineral with common disorders that appear during aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To use the bibliographic data of publications regarding the association between orofacial cleft (OC) and cancer to examine the implications of publication growth, co-citation, co-words, and authorship networks using bibliometric indicators and network visualization. Bibliometric study analyzed documents related to the association between OC and cancer. Data were obtained in October 2023 from the Scopus, Pubmed, Web of Science. The search strategy was developed, and data obtained were imported into R ("bibliometrix") for analysis. Results: 70 documents were found from 1977 to 2023. Most were journal articles (90.0%) designed as case–control studies (42.8%). American Journal of Epidemiology was the most relevant source. The most cited document was Frebourg T, et al. (2006). Vieira A, Martelli-Junior were the most cited author. Most authors were affiliated to Brazil (University of Montes Claros) and United States (University of Pittsburgh). Research in this thematic has included children and adults of both sexes. Research trend points to gastric cancer, leukemia and breast cancer as the most investigated cancers in association to OC. This bibliometric analysis helps fill research gaps regarding the knowledge of the relationship between OC and cancer, providing some clues for selecting future research in this topic. Analysis of publications regarding the association between orofacial cleft and cancer highlighted: The majority of publications as journal articles (90.0%) designed as case–control studies (42.8%). American Journal of Epidemiology was the most relevant source. The most global cited documents were Frebourg T, et al. (2006). Vieira A, Martelli-Junior was the top author of the published literature and the most local cited author. Most of the authors were mainly affiliated to Universities from Brazil (University of Montes Claros) and United States (University of Pittsburgh). Motor themes of study include genetic association studies, investigating single nucleotides polymorphisms shared by OC and cancer types. Research in this thematic has included children and adults of both sexes. Research trend points to gastric cancer, leukemia and breast cancer as the most investigated cancers in association to OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of conditions and factors can cause the transformation of normal cells in the body into malignant tissue by changing the normal functions of a wide range of regulatory, apoptotic, and signal transduction pathways. Despite the current deficiency in fully understanding the mechanism of cancer action accurately and clearly, numerous genes and proteins that are causally involved in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer have been identified. But due to the lack of space and the abundance of details on this complex topic, we have emphasized here more recent advances in our understanding of the principles implied tumor cell transformation, development, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Inhibition of angiogenesis is a significant strategy for the treatment of various solid tumors, that essentially depend on cutting or at least limiting the supply of blood to micro-regions of tumors, leading to pan-hypoxia and pan-necrosis inside solid tumor tissues. Researchers have continued to enhance the efficiency of anti-angiogenic drugs over the past two decades, to identify their potential in the drug interaction, and to discover reasonable interpretations for possible resistance to treatment. In this review, we have discussed an overview of cancer history and recent methods use in cancer therapy, focusing on anti-angiogenic inhibitors targeting angiogenesis formation. Further, this review has explained the molecular mechanism of action of these anti-angiogenic inhibitors in various tumor types and their limitations use. In addition, we described the synergistic mechanisms of immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy and summarizes current clinical trials of these combinations. Many phase III trials found that combining immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy improved survival. Therefore, targeting the source supply of cancer cells to grow and spread with new anti-angiogenic agents in combination with different conventional therapy is a novel method to reduce cancer progression. The aim of this paper is to overview the varying concepts of cancer focusing on mechanisms involved in tumor angiogenesis and provide an overview of the recent trends in anti-angiogenic strategies for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Systemic sclerosis (SSc)-specific autoantibodies allow the diagnosis and predict the prognosis of SSc patients with different clinical characteristics. The aim of this study was to describe new SSc-related autoantibodies by a novel protein immunoprecipitation (IP) assay. Methods Serum samples and clinical data were collected from 307 SSc patients. Antinuclear autoantibodies were tested in all patients by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on HEp-2 cells. SSc-specific autoantibodies were evaluated with a commercial immunoblot and chemiluminescence immunoassay, and traditional RNA-IP. Patients negative for all these autoantibodies (n  = 51) were further tested with a non-radioactive protein IP assay. Protein bands detected on SDS–PAGE were then analysed by mass spectrometry (MS) and confirmed by western blot (WB). Additional 56 patients with nucleolar pattern by IIF were tested by protein IP-WB. Results Five patients who underwent protein IP testing showed a 110-115kDa molecular weight band on SDS–PAGE and a homogeneous nucleolar pattern by IIF. MS identified the bands as nuclear valosin-containing protein-like (NVL). An additional positive patient was detected by IP-WB. As compared with the remaining 101 negative patients, anti-NVL positive patients showed a greater prevalence of calcinosis (100% vs 18.9%, P  < 0.001), and cancer (66.7% vs 8.9%, P  = 0.002), with a particular association with synchronous cancer (OR = 16.3; P  = 0.024). Conclusion We identified NVL as a new autoantibody target by a novel protein IP assay in SSc patients with a homogeneous nucleolar IIF pattern, testing negative for all known SSc-specific autoantibodies by commercial assays and RNA IP. Anti-NVL identifies a new clinical phenotype, characterized by calcinosis and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There is increasing evidence that Type-2 diabetes and pre-diabetes may increase cancer risk; however, the biology that links these diseases is poorly understood. Epigenetics is the biological study of how DNA can be modified without mutations; epigenetic changes link medical, social, and environmental changes with cancer. Here, we investigated whether insulin resistance (pre-diabetes) may result in epigenetic changes that increase cancer risk. We discovered that women with insulin resistance have epigenetic changes that increase inflammation and perhaps accelerated aging. Our study is important because the inflammatory changes we see are associated with an increased risk for heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer. Background: Epigenetic changes link medical, social, and environmental factors with cardiovascular and kidney disease and, more recently, with cancer. The mechanistic link between metabolic health and epigenetic changes is only starting to be investigated. In our in vitro and in vivo studies, we performed a broad analysis of the link between hyperinsulinemia and chromatin acetylation; our top "hit" was chromatin opening at H3K9ac. Methods: Building on our published preclinical studies, here, we performed a detailed analysis of the link between insulin resistance, chromatin acetylation, and inflammation using an initial test set of 28 women and validation sets of 245, 22, and 53 women. Results: ChIP-seq identified chromatin acetylation and opening at the genes coding for TNFα and IL6 in insulin-resistant women. Pathway analysis identified inflammatory response genes, NFκB/TNFα-signaling, reactome cytokine signaling, innate immunity, and senescence. Consistent with this finding, flow cytometry identified increased senescent circulating peripheral T-cells. DNA methylation analysis identified evidence of accelerated aging in insulin-resistant vs. metabolically healthy women. Conclusions: This study shows that insulin-resistant women have increased chromatin acetylation/opening, inflammation, and, perhaps, accelerated aging. Given the role that inflammation plays in cancer initiation and progression, these studies provide a potential mechanistic link between insulin resistance and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and the causes of cancer are numerous and multifactorial, including genetic and environmental factors. There is a developing interest in the role of sleep and light at night (LAN) exposure in cancer development. The aim of our study is to further understand the relationship between LAN exposure and the risk of cancer by systematically reviewing existing literature assessing LAN exposure and the risk of various cancer types. We found a positive association between LAN exposure and breast cancer risk, but there was insufficient data to convincingly draw a conclusion for other cancer types. This emphasizes the need for further research not only assessing LAN exposure and the incidence of other cancers but also the pathophysiology of sleep interruption on the formation of cancer. Background: Emerging interest surrounds the role of environmental factors, notably exposure to light at night (LAN), as a potential cause of cancer. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and, if possible, meta-analysis of observational studies on LAN and cancer risk of multiple types. Methods: A systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, spanning from inception to May 2023, was conducted. Studies focusing on the association between LAN exposure and cancer risk in adult populations were included. We used random effects models to calculate pooled risk estimates (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed study quality using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions. Results: Among 8492 initially identified studies, 26 met the inclusion criteria (13 were case–control and 13 were cohort studies). These studies were published from 2001 to 2023 and assessed diverse cancer types in North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. Except for breast cancer, there was a paucity of site-specific cancer studies. In the meta-analysis of 19 breast cancer studies, higher exposure to indoor (summary RR, 1.08; 95% CI 1.01–1.15) and outdoor (summary RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.15) LAN were associated with increased risk. After excluding one low-quality study, the results were unchanged. Conclusions: We found a positive association between LAN exposure and breast cancer risk in women. However, data are lacking for other cancer types, and further studies are required to better understand the role of LAN on cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of methodological changes to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) Score on associations with risk for all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and cancer risk jointly among older adults in the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-AARP Diet and Health Study. Weights were incorporated for each score component; a continuous point scale was developed in place of the score's fully discrete cut points; and cut-point values were changed for physical activity and red meat based on evidence-based recommendations. Exploratory aims also examined the impact of separating components with more than one subcomponent and whether all components were necessary to retain within this population utilizing a penalized scoring approach. Findings suggested weighting the original 2018 WCRF/AICR Score improved its predictive performance in association with all-cause mortality and provided more precise estimates in relation to cancer risk and mortality outcomes. The importance of healthy weight, physical activity, and plant-based foods in relation to cancer and overall mortality risk were highlighted in this population of older adults. Further studies are needed to better understand the consistency and generalizability of these findings across other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the world, the leading source of mortality in 15–49‐year‐olds, and a major risk factor for heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, and cancer. Despite this, alcohol is regularly misused in wider society. Consumers of excess alcohol often note a constellation of negative symptoms, known as the alcohol hangover. However, the alcohol hangover is not considered to have long‐term clinical significance by clinicians or consumers. We undertook a critical review of the literature to demonstrate the pathophysiological mechanisms of the alcohol hangover. Hereafter, the alcohol hangover is re‐defined as a manifestation of sickness behavior secondary to alcohol‐induced inflammation, using the Bradford‐Hill criteria to demonstrate causation above correlation. Alcohol causes inflammation through oxidative stress and endotoxemia. Alcohol metabolism is oxidative and increased intake causes relative tissue hypoxia and increased free radical generation. Tissue damage ensues through lipid peroxidation and the formation of DNA/protein adducts. Byproducts of alcohol metabolism such as acetaldehyde and congeners, sleep deprivation, and the activation of nonspecific inducible CYP2E1 in alcohol‐exposed tissues exacerbate free radical generation. Tissue damage and cell death lead to inflammation, but in the intestine loss of epithelial cells leads to intestinal permeability, allowing the translocation of pathogenic bacteria to the systemic circulation (endotoxemia). This leads to a well‐characterized cascade of systemic inflammation, additionally activating toll‐like receptor 4 to induce sickness behavior. Considering the evidence, it is suggested that hangover frequency and severity may be predictors of the development of later alcohol‐related diseases, meriting formal confirmation in prospective studies. In light of the mechanisms of alcohol‐mediated inflammation, research into gut permeability and the gut microbiome may be an exciting future therapeutic avenue to prevent alcohol hangover and other alcohol‐related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Women in the criminal justice system and women who have been subject to domestic abuse are at high risk of cancer but underrepresented in health promotion research. We aimed to co‐produce, pilot and evaluate a health promoting programme delivered on group walks. Design: A programme co‐produced by women, based on motivational interviewing, created the opportunity for supportive conversations about cancer prevention. Methods: Programme development in two workshops with women with lived experience using authentic vignettes to prompt help‐seeking conversations. A small pilot and a qualitative evaluation was done using framework analysis. Results: The programme appeared acceptable to women and the walk leaders. Women felt included and found it a safe space for sensitive conversations. They appeared empowered and more confident to seek help. Walk leaders expressed confidence in delivering this informal programme, which used prompts rather than delivering didactic training. Conclusion: Cancer prevention for high‐risk groups can be delivered in a personalised and novel way by creating informal opportunities for supportive conversations about cancer prevention. Careful co‐production of the programme of walks with women, using scenarios and quotes that were authentic vignettes, ensured that these came directly from the women's lived experience and enabled women to talk about change. Our findings indicate that this approach was practical, relevant and acceptable to them with some evidence of women feeling empowered to make informed decisions about their health. We recommend that future cancer prevention programmes for underrepresented groups take an asset‐based approach by utilising pre‐existing community organisations to increase reach and sustainability. Patient and Public Involvement: Women with lived experience co‐designed and tested the programme. Provisional findings were fed back to the women and the women's organisation that partnered with this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer poses a significant health threat to the elderly, accounting for a substantial proportion of cancer patients aged 65 and above. As life expectancy continues to rise and the population ages, the incidence of cancer in the elderly is expected to increase further. Age is a major risk factor for the majority of common cancers, with the incidence and prevalence rising as individuals grow older. Factors such as chemoprevention and environmental carcinogen elimination may influence the process of carcinogenesis. Studies reveal that the incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in the elderly and extremely old individuals are on the rise worldwide, with most types peaking around the age of 75 to 90, followed by a sharp decline. Birth cohort and period effects also play a complex role in the connection between aging and cancer risk. Clinical trials often exclude older individuals, limiting our understanding of cancer treatments' effects on this particular age group. More research is needed to focus on the unique requirements of older adults with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a multifaceted process impacting cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of the body. Like other systems, aging affects both the adaptive and the innate components of the immune system, a phenomenon known as immunosenescence. The deregulation of the immune system puts elderly individuals at higher risk of infection, lower response to vaccines, and increased incidence of cancer. In the Western world, overnutrition has increased the incidence of obesity (linked with chronic inflammation) which increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Aging is also associated with inflammaging a sterile chronic inflammation that predisposes individuals to age‐associated disease. Genetic manipulation of the nutrient‐sensing pathway, fasting, and calorie restriction (CR) has been shown to increase the lifespan of model organisms. As well in humans, fasting and CR have also been shown to improve different health parameters. Yet the direct effect of fasting and CR on the aging immune system needs to be further explored. Identifying the effect of fasting and CR on the immune system and how it modulates different parameters of immunosenescence could be important in designing pharmacological or nutritional interventions that slow or revert immunosenescence and strengthen the immune system of elderly individuals. Furthermore, clinical intervention can also be planned, by incorporating fasting or CR with medication, chemotherapy, and vaccination regimes. This review discusses age‐associated changes in the immune system and how these changes are modified by fasting and CR which add information on interventions that promote healthy aging and longevity in the growing aging population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

U.S. Veterans and people living with HIV (PWH) experience higher rates of unhealthy alcohol and tobacco/nicotine use than non-Veterans and people without HIV (PWoH). Both groups are susceptible to adverse health outcomes associated with alcohol and tobacco/nicotine use. We explored awareness of alcohol- and tobacco/nicotine-related cancer and immune health risks among Veterans Health Administration (VA) patients with and without HIV. Among a sample of 41 (46% PWH; 73% male; 39% Black) purposively-selected VA patients receiving care 2020–2021 we conducted semi-structured interviews via telephone; interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using a Rapid Assessment Process. Purposive selection was based on HIV status, alcohol and/or tobacco/nicotine use, and demographics. Among participants, 66% reported current smoking, and most screened positive for unhealthy alcohol use. Participants had high awareness of cancer and other health risks related to smoking but low awareness of synergistic risks and cancer risks associated with alcohol use despite awareness of a range of other alcohol-related risks. Awareness of alcohol and/or tobacco/nicotine's impacts on the immune system was variable. Findings did not distinctly differ between PWH and PWoH. Low awareness of alcohol-related cancer risk, risks of co-occurring use, and varying awareness of the impacts of alcohol and tobacco/nicotine on the immune system suggest a need for improved messaging regarding substance use-related cancer and immune risk. This may be especially important among PWH, for whom the prevalence and adverse effects of alcohol and tobacco use, and immune dysfunction are higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Nail salon technicians are susceptible to potential exposure to a diverse array of hazardous chemicals in the form of dust or vapors. One of the main routes of exposure is dermal contact. OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to health risk assessment of dermal exposure to dust containing heavy metals in nail salon technicians. METHODS: Dust sampling was done on the work surface of 20 available nail salon technicians. The concentration of five metals including cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, and manganese were determined using ICP-MS. Afterwards, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guideline was used to estimate the potential health risks, including carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, associated with the analyzed metals. RESULTS: Results indicated the mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr and Mn were 0.7953±0.4373, 0.0952±0.0264, 0.7666±0.8629, 0.4900±0.5994 and 1.134±0.4736, respectively. The hazard quotient (HQ) of all metals was within the permissible value, while hazard index (HI) was greater than 1. The probability of cancer risk (CR) resulting from dermal exposure to Ni, Cd and Cr exceeded the acceptable risk levels (10-6–10–4), but CR calculated for Pb was less than allowable value. CONCLUSION: Implementation of engineering controls such as downdraft vented nail tables and portable source capture systems is necessary. Besides, the use of personal protective equipment such as disposable nitrile gloves, N95 respirator masks, and ensuring proper training on safe work practices is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To characterize the impact of rural patients' travel time to obtain healthcare on their reported utilization of preventive healthcare services and personal health outcomes. Methods: Online survey data from rural adults ages 50+ years living in the Northeastern United States were collected from February to August 2021. Study measures included self-reported travel time to obtain healthcare, use of preventive healthcare, and health outcomes. The associations between travel time with use of preventive care and health outcomes were assessed using linear, Poisson, and logistic regression analyses controlling for demographic variables. Results: Our study population included 1052 rural adults, with a mean travel time of 18.5 min (range: 0-60). Travel time was greater for racial/ethnic minority participants and for higher-income participants (both P <.05), but it was not associated with use of preventive healthcare. Greater travel time was associated with poorer mental health and more comorbidities, including cancer and diabetes (all P <.05). Conclusions: Travel time varied by patient demographic factors, and it was associated with mental health and comorbidities. There was no association between travel time and preventive care use, suggesting that other barriers likely contribute to suboptimal use of these services within rural communities. Further research is needed to elucidate the causal pathways linking travel time to mental health and comorbidities within rural communities, as increased travel may exacerbate intrarural health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to assess the methods used for ripening fruits by sellers and to examine the knowledge regarding the health risks associated with the use of calcium carbide (CaC2) among both fruit sellers and consumers in Ado-Ekiti. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire administered in major markets within Ado-Ekiti. Knowledge levels were categorized into good (> 70% score), fair (50–69% score), and poor (< 50% score). One way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Independent sample t-test was used to indicate knowledge score difference with respect to socio demographic characteristics. Results: The study involved 357 consumers and 20 fruit sellers, with a majority being females (54.9% of consumers; 80.0% of sellers) and aged predominantly between 18–27 years and 28–39 years. The findings revealed that the use of CaC2 (50%) and natural ripening methods (100%) were common among fruit sellers. Sellers cited cancer (60%), bacterial infections (35%), and chest tightness (15%) as associated risks with CaC2 usage. Similarly, consumers expressed concerns about consuming CaC2-ripened fruits, attributing risks such as abdominal burns (70%), cancer (70.6%), and diarrhoea (67.3%). A significant proportion of sellers (90%) exhibited poor knowledge regarding the risks associated with CaC2, while 24.6% of consumers demonstrated fair knowledge on the subject. Conclusion: The study identified common fruit ripening practices among sellers. Fruit sellers showed poor knowledge, while consumers displayed fair to poor understanding of health risks linked to calcium carbide use in artificial fruit ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The PELICan hypothesis speaks to the role of perinatal and early life stressors (including malnutrition) in the causation of young-onset cancers. To date, there is no evidence correlating perinatal malnutrition and the risk of young-onset cancer. The Great Famine of China was a significant event in human history. The present study compared the incidence of young-onset cancers in individuals born during and just after the famine to those born prior to the famine. Perinatal exposure to famine, especially in females, was associated with a higher risk of young-onset cancer. This was particularly evident for young-onset genitourinary cancers. Background/Objectives: Perinatal exposure to malnutrition has been hypothesised to influence the development of young-onset cancer (≤50 years of age). This study aimed to determine if perinatal malnutrition in individuals exposed to the Great Famine of China increased their risk of developing young-onset cancer compared to other individuals born prior to the famine. Subjects/Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 7272 participants from the China Health and Nutrition Survey who were classified into four groups based on birth year: participants born between 1953 and 1955 (before the famine) were designated as the pre-famine group (unexposed); the remainder formed perinatal exposure groups comprised of those exposed during the famine (1959–1961), those exposed in the early post-famine period (1962–1964), and those exposed in the late post-famine period (1965–1967). Multivariable adjusted log-binomial regression models were used to calculate the RR and 95% CI of young-onset cancer (including genitourinary cancer) across four groups. Results: Perinatal exposure to early post-famine (RR 2.08; 95%CI 1.04, 4.34; p = 0.043) and the female sex (RR 15.6, 95%CI 4.54, 60.3; p < 0.001) were noted to have a significantly increased risk of young-onset cancer. In addition, the early (RR 13.8; 95%CI 2.68, 253; p = 0.012) and late post-famine (RR 12.3; 95%CI 2.16, 231; p = 0.020) cohorts demonstrated a significantly increased risk of young-onset genitourinary cancer. The latter was accompanied by an increased risk of hypertension (RR 3.30; 95%CI 1.28, 7.87; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Perinatal exposure to famine, especially in females, was associated with a higher risk of young-onset cancer. This was particularly evident for young-onset genitourinary cancers. These findings highlight the potential long-term impact of perinatal malnutrition on young-onset carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: A health warning label (HWL) cautioning about the link between alcohol and cancer may be able to communicate alcohol risks to consumers and potentially counter health‐oriented nutrition advertising on ready‐to‐drink alcoholic beverages. This study aimed to examine the independent and combined effects of nutrient content claims (e.g. 0 g sugar) and a HWL on perceived product characteristics and intentions to consume, and whether these effects differed by gender and age. Design: A between‐subjects randomized experiment. Participants were randomized to view one of six experimental label conditions: nutrient content claims plus nutrition declaration (NCC + ND), ND only, NCC + ND + HWL, ND + HWL, HWL only and no NCC, ND or HWL, all on a ready‐to‐drink (RTD) vodka‐based soda container. Setting and participants: Alcohol consumers (n = 5063; 52% women) in Canada aged 18–64 recruited through a national online panel. Measurements Participants completed ratings of perceived product characteristics, perceived product health risks, and intentions to try, buy, binge and drink the product. Findings Compared with the reference condition NCC + ND (current policy scenario in Canada), the other five experimental label conditions were associated with lower ratings for perceiving the product as healthy. All experimental conditions with a HWL were associated with lower product appeal, higher risk perceptions and reduced intentions to try, buy and binge. The experimental condition with a HWL only was associated with intentions to consume fewer cans in the next 7 days (β = −0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.37,−0.08) versus the reference. Few interactions were observed, suggesting that label effects on outcomes were similar by gender and age. Conclusions: Health warning labels on alcohol packaging appear to be associated with lower product appeal, higher perceived health risks and reduced consumption intentions, even in the presence of nutrient content claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lipodystrophy is characterized by progressive loss of adipose tissue and consequential metabolic abnormalities. With new treatments emerging for lipodystrophy, there is a growing need to understand the prevalence of specific comorbidities that may be commonly associated with lipodystrophy to contextualize the natural history of lipodystrophy without any disease modifying therapy. Objective: To examine the risk of specific clinical characteristics in people living with lipodystrophy (LD) in 2018–2019 compared with the general US population, among the commercially insured US population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the 2018–2019 Clinformatics® Data Mart database. An adult LD cohort (age ≥ 18 years) with at least ≥ 1 inpatient or ≥ 2 outpatient LD diagnoses was created. The LD cohort included non-HIV-associated LD (non-HIV-LD) and HIV-associated LD (HIV-LD) subgroups and compared against age- and sex-matched control groups with a 1:4 ratio from the general population with neither an LD or an HIV diagnosis using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: We identified 546 individuals with non-HIV-LD (mean age, 60.3 ± 14.9 years; female, 67.6%) and 334 individuals with HIV-LD (mean age, 59.2 ± 8.3 years; female, 15.0%) in 2018–2019. Compared with the general population, individuals with non-HIV-LD had higher risks (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) for hyperlipidemia (3.32 [2.71–4.09]), hypertension (3.58 [2.89–4.44]), diabetes mellitus (4.72 [3.85–5.79]), kidney disease (2.78 [2.19–3.53]), liver fibrosis or cirrhosis (4.06 [1.66–9.95]), cancer (2.20 [1.59–3.01]), and serious infections resulting in hospitalization (3.00 [2.19–4.10]). Compared with individuals with HIV, those with HIV-LD have higher odds of hypertension (1.47 [1.13–1.92]), hyperlipidemia (2.46 [1.86–3.28]), and diabetes (1.37 [1.04–1.79]). Conclusions: LD imposes a substantial burden on affected individuals due to a high prevalence of metabolic comorbidities and other complications as compared with the general non-LD population. Future longitudinal follow-up studies investigating the causality between LD and observed comorbidities are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigated cancer-specific mortality risks of workers employed in fbod, accommodation and beverage (FAB) activities. Methods: We performed a case-control study based on countrywide mortality and National Social Insurance data. Adjusted cancer-specific mortality odds ratios (MOR) were calculated. We modeled occupational exposure as "ever/never been employed" in FAB activities, using other sectors as reference. Analysis was performed by gen- proden length of employment and year of smoke banning. Results: About 20,000 cancer deaths iii FAB were analyzed. Working in restaurants was positively asso- emciated with cancer of lung (MOR = 1.24), bladder (MOR = 1.24), pharynx, and larytix. Accommodation was associated with cancer of pharynx (MOR = 1.46), wliile beverage with cancer of liver (MOR= 1.22). Gender, length ofemployment and smoke banning were found effective in modifying some risks. Conclusions: Workers in FAB sectors were at risk for several cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of the human papillomavirus (HPV) to cancer is significant but not exclusive, as carcinogenesis involves complex mechanisms, notably oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and HPV can independently cause genome instability and DNA damage, contributing to tumorigenesis. Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, especially double-strand breaks, aids in the integration of HPV into the host genome and promotes the overexpression of two viral proteins, E6 and E7. Lifestyle factors, including diet, smoking, alcohol, and psychological stress, along with genetic and epigenetic modifications, and viral oncoproteins may influence oxidative stress, impacting the progression of HPV-related cancers. This review highlights various mechanisms in oxidative-induced HPV-mediated carcinogenesis, including altered mitochondrial morphology and function leading to elevated ROS levels, modulation of antioxidant enzymes like Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), induction of chronic inflammatory environments, and activation of specific cell signaling pathways like the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase, Protein kinase B, Mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and the Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. The study highlights the significance of comprehending and controlling oxidative stress in preventing and treating cancer. We suggested that incorporating dietary antioxidants and targeting cancer cells through mechanisms involving ROS could be potential interventions to mitigate the impact of oxidative stress on HPV-related malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin B12 (B12) is a molecule involved in several biological. Abnormally high levels are frequently found, but their causes can be multiple, and consequences have not been clearly elucidated. The objective of this review was to summarize the current evidence on the associations of elevated B12 and the development of cancer, and all-cause mortality in adults. Six references looking at mortality and seven looking at cancer risk were included. The evidence suggests an association between elevated B12 with a higher risk of cancer, with risk ratios ranging 1,88 to 5,9. There was less consistent evidence linking vitamin B12 and mortality. Elevated B12 levels exceeding 1000 pg/L, if sustained and unexplainable, warrant a comprehensive individual assessment of each patient. This evaluation should encompass various potential factors contributing to the elevation, aiming to effectively guide the diagnostic process of neoplastic diseases. Clinical longitudinal observational studies have suggested a potential link between heightened B12 levels and the risks of cancer and mortality. Nonetheless, these studies have been retrospective cohort studies, and lack a defined threshold point of B12 levels. Studies have documented a positive correlation between elevated levels of B12 and the incidence of lung, pancreatic, and liver cancers, as well as certain hematological neoplasms, particularly those related to the myeloid lineage. Conversely, a consistent negative association has been observed in the context of breast cancer. Findings concerning neoplasms of the lower gastrointestinal tract and prostate display contradictory outcomes. The diagnostic significance of elevated B12 levels among patients already diagnosed with cancer remains uncertain and could potentially be linked to reverse causality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aimed to determine the risk and rate of development of overall and site-specific cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with non-diabetic individuals. In this retrospective cohort study, excess incidence of cancer was found in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. While the incidence of cancer decreased in non-diabetic controls between 2015 and 2019 in most age groups and for several cancer sites, this decrease was less significant among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the results of this study demonstrate that the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus leads to a higher incidence of cancer. (1) Background: Among the chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer has become the leading cause of death in several countries. Our objective was to determine whether prevalent type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with a higher incidence of cancer. (2) Methods: This study comprised a nationwide analysis conducted in Hungary. The study population was divided into two groups: a type 2 diabetes mellitus group vs. a non-diabetic group. The primary outcome was the risk related to overall cancer incidence; a key secondary outcome was the overall incidence of cancer in distinct study years; and a further outcome was the annual percent changes. (3) Results: The odds ratio related to the overall incidence of cancer was 2.50 (95% confidence interval: 2.46–2.55, p < 0.0001) in patients with diabetes as related to non-diabetic controls. The odds ratio was higher in males than in females [ORmales: 2.76 (2.70–2.82) vs. ORfemales: 2.27 (2.22–2.33), p < 0.05 for male-to-female comparison]. The annual cancer incidence rate declined in non-diabetic controls, but not in patients with diabetes [−1.79% (−2.07–−1.52%), p < 0.0001] vs. −0.50% (−1.12–+0.10%), p = 0.0991]. Several types of cancer showed a decreasing tendency in non-diabetic controls, but not in patients with type 2 diabetes. (4) Conclusions: Type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of cancer. While the cancer incidence decreased for non-diabetic individuals with time, it remained unchanged in patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ribosomes are essential for the life of all cells. A reduction in the production of ribosomes always leads to a delay in cell cycle progression and to impaired growth, at least at the cellular level. We define ribosomopathies as a number of inherited monogenic diseases characterized by the partial loss of ribosomal factors. Not surprisingly, ribosomopathies show multi-organ signs and reduced cellular fitness. Strikingly, cancer is also a common comorbidity of ribosomopathies. The reconciliation of reduced growth with increased cancer risk poses an interpretative challenge. However, if we consider cancer as a systemic disease in which tumor cells thrive in a favorable microenvironment, we may find the right answers. Ribosomopathies are defined as inherited diseases in which ribosomal factors are mutated. In general, they present multiorgan symptoms. In spite of the fact that in cellular models, ribosomal insufficiency leads to a reduced rate of oncogenic transformation, patients affected by ribosomopathies present a paradoxical increase in cancer incidence. Several hypotheses that explain this paradox have been formulated, mostly on the assumption that altered ribosomes in a stem cell induce compensatory changes that lead to a cancer cell. For instance, the lack of a specific ribosomal protein can lead to the generation of an abnormal ribosome, an oncoribosome, that itself leads to altered translation and increased tumorigenesis. Alternatively, the presence of ribosomal stress may induce compensatory proliferation that in turns selects the loss of tumor suppressors such as p53. However, modern views on cancer have shifted the focus from the cancer cell to the tumor microenvironment. In particular, it is evident that human lymphocytes are able to eliminate mutant cells and contribute to the maintenance of cancer-free tissues. Indeed, many tumors develop in conditions of reduced immune surveillance. In this review, we summarize the current evidence and attempt to explain cancer and ribosomopathies from the perspective of the microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The purpose of this study is to emphasize the importance of genetic testing for healthy individuals with a strong family history of hereditary malignancies. A total of 103 healthy subjects with at least two relatives with cancer were enrolled. By NGS analysis of 27 genes, 5% were found to carry a pathogenic variant in a hereditary cancer susceptibility gene. In the era of personalized medicine, genetic testing of healthy subjects in the absence of a living affected collateral is crucially important for early diagnosis, clinical surveillance and surgical choice. Hereditary cancer syndromes caused by germline mutations account for 5–10% of all cancers. The finding of a genetic mutation could have far-reaching consequences for pharmaceutical therapy, personalized prevention strategies, and cascade testing. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's (NCCN) and the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) guidelines, unaffected family members should be tested only if the affected one is unavailable. This article explores whether germline genetic testing may be offered to high-risk families for hereditary cancer even if a living affected relative is missing. A retrospective study was carried out on 103 healthy subjects tested from 2017 to 2023. We enrolled all subjects with at least two first- or second-degree relatives affected by breast, ovarian, pancreatic, gastric, prostate, or colorectal cancer. All subjects were tested by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) multi-gene panel of 27 cancer-associated genes. In the study population, 5 (about 5%) pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PVs/LPVs) were found, while 40 (42%) had a Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS). This study highlights the importance of genetic testing for individuals with a strong family history of hereditary malignancies. This approach would allow women who tested positive to receive tailored treatment and prevention strategies based on their personal mutation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Removal of the primary tumor is the best treatment for solid tumor disease. However, perioperative factors such as surgical stress, pain, or anemia disrupt the innate and adaptive antitumor immune response and compromise the postoperative benefits of oncological surgery. Alternative strategies could be implemented during the perioperative period to improve immunosurveillance and reduce the incidence of recurrence. Here, we provide a comprehensive list of immunosuppressive factors occurring during the perioperative period and discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods supporting the immune system, with the aim of assisting clinicians in their practice. Surgical excision of the primary tumor represents the most frequent and curative procedure for solid malignancies. Compelling evidence suggests that, despite its beneficial effects, surgery may impair immunosurveillance by triggering an immunosuppressive inflammatory stress response and favor recurrence by stimulating minimal residual disease. In addition, many factors interfere with the immune effectors before and after cancer procedures, such as malnutrition, anemia, or subsequent transfusion. Thus, the perioperative period plays a key role in determining oncological outcomes and represents a short phase to circumvent anesthetic and surgical deleterious factors by supporting the immune system through the use of synergistic pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. In line with this, accumulating studies indicate that anesthetic agents could drive both protumor or antitumor signaling pathways during or after cancer surgery. While preclinical investigations focusing on anesthetics' impact on the behavior of cancer cells are quite convincing, limited clinical trials studying the consequences on survival and recurrences remain inconclusive. Herein, we highlight the main factors occurring during the perioperative period of cancer surgery and their potential impact on immunomodulation and cancer progression. We also discuss patient management prior to and during surgery, taking into consideration the latest advances in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to study dual risk of MWFs and vibration according to exposure simulation of selected industry. Air samples of two types MWFs were evaluated according to NIOSH 5026. Vibration acceleration exposure was assessed based on the ISO 8041:2005 standard. Cell treatment of both MWF air samples and vibration as the same as dual exposure to MWF airborne and vibration was assessed. There is a potency of nitrosamine formation in airborne samples of ethylamine containing MWF, while heterocyclic including bore is found in airborne bore containing MWF. DNA breaks caused by boron-containing MWF were higher than nitrosamine air samples. Oxidative stress production and chronic inflammation were highlighted in the response to cell treatments. The risk of cell toxicity in machining workers was evaluated at a level lower than the occupational exposure limit for MWFs and vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Within the scope of the Exposome Project for Health and Occupational Research on applying the exposome concept to working life health, we aimed to provide a broad overview of the status of knowledge on occupational exposures and associated health effects across multiple noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) to help inform research priorities. Methods We conducted a narrative review of occupational risk factors that can be considered to have "consistent evidence for an association," or where there is "limited/inadequate evidence for an association" for 6 NCD groups: nonmalignant respiratory diseases; neurodegenerative diseases; cardiovascular/metabolic diseases; mental disorders; musculoskeletal diseases; and cancer. The assessment was done in expert sessions, primarily based on systematic reviews, supplemented with narrative reviews, reports, and original studies. Subsequently, knowledge gaps were identified, e.g. based on missing information on exposure–response relationships, gender differences, critical time-windows, interactions, and inadequate study quality. Results We identified over 200 occupational exposures with consistent or limited/inadequate evidence for associations with one or more of 60+ NCDs. Various exposures were identified as possible risk factors for multiple outcomes. Examples are diesel engine exhaust and cadmium, with consistent evidence for lung cancer, but limited/inadequate evidence for other cancer sites, respiratory, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases. Other examples are physically heavy work, shift work, and decision latitude/job control. For associations with limited/inadequate evidence, new studies are needed to confirm the association. For risk factors with consistent evidence, improvements in study design, exposure assessment, and case definition could lead to a better understanding of the association and help inform health-based threshold levels. Conclusions By providing an overview of knowledge gaps in the associations between occupational exposures and their health effects, our narrative review will help setting priorities in occupational health research. Future epidemiological studies should prioritize to include large sample sizes, assess exposures prior to disease onset, and quantify exposures. Potential sources of biases and confounding need to be identified and accounted for in both original studies and systematic reviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this study was to analyse the attributable risk of mortality and DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) due to occupational carcinogens for lung cancer between 1990 and 2019 in Brazil and federation units, as well as its relationship with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Epidemiological study. This is an epidemiological study that used GBD 2019 (Global Burden of Disease Study) estimates of lung cancer mortality rates and DALYs attributable to occupational carcinogens. The relationship between these rates and SDI was assessed using panel data analysis. In Brazil, occupational exposure to asbestos, silica and diesel vapours accounted for more than 85.00% of lung cancer deaths and DALYs attributable to occupational carcinogens in both sexes between 1990 and 2019. An increase in both rates was observed in women for almost all the occupational carcinogens assessed, especially in the North and Northeast regions of the country, with diesel vapours standing out the most. The present study highlighted the urge to characterise exposure to occupational risks for lung cancer, especially for the female population in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate disease-related risk factors, malnutrition status, and life quality of individuals receiving treatment for head and neck cancer. Methods: This study which was done at a private hospital for 1 year, was comprised of 42 individuals, with 21 head and neck cancer patients (PG) and 21 controls (CG). Anthropometric measurements were taken, and biochemical parameters were analyzed. The NRS-2002 test was applied to assess malnutrition status. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Head and Neck Module (EORTC-QLQ-H&N-35) were used to determine individuals' life quality. Results: Smokers were 10.264 times more likely to develop the disease than nonsmokers. When serum albumin level increased by 1 unit, the risk of the disease decreased by 32.8%. Results indicated that patients with a risk of malnutrition exhibited statistically significant levels of pain, verbal communication, social-eating, sexuality, limited mouth-opening capacity, and weight-loss compared to those without a risk of malnutrition (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Malnutrition status of individuals was found to affect quality of life. Smoking and low serum albumin levels have been found to be risk factors for head and neck cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The original 'BETTER' (Building on Existing Tools To Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care) approach consisted of a prevention-focused visit between participants aged 40–65 years and a "Prevention Practitioner" (PP), who empowered the participant to set achievable prevention and screening goals for cancers and chronic diseases. BETTER was successfully adapted for economically deprived communities (BETTER HEALTH) in Canada. Our objective was to conduct a review of guidelines in preparation for adapting the 'BETTER HEALTH' approach for younger adults aged 18–39 years living with lower income, a group known to have earlier mortality due to a higher prevalence of preventable chronic diseases than their peers with higher income. Methods: We searched multiple electronic databases and grey literature for clinical practice guidelines on prevention/screening and included those that met the following criteria: published in English from 2008–2020 in Canada or any of the following countries (Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States and England); and addressed prevention or screening. We assessed quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool and extracted data (publication details, recommendations, and Quality/Level of evidence as reported by authors) from sources with overall scores of 5 or higher. Final recommendations were compiled after harmonization with input from diverse stakeholders (co-investigators, PPs, and the Community Advisory Committee). Results: We included a total of 85 guidelines, and developed a final list of 42 recommendations for 18–39 year-olds across 21 topics. Specific recommendations fell under the following topics: cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, lifestyle (alcohol; healthy nutrition/physical activity); healthy relationships and healthy sexuality, immunization, oral health, social determinants of health, and substance use. Conclusion: We identified evidence-based guidelines on individual-level prevention/screening actions for adults 18–39 years old and relevant for those living with lower income which will directly inform development and implementation of the BETTER LIFE intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare how different imputation methods affect the estimates and performance of a prediction model for premature mortality. Study Design and Setting: Sex-specific Weibull accelerated failure time survival models were run on four separate datasets using complete case, mode, single and multiple imputation to impute missing values. Six performance measures were compared to access predictive accuracy (Nagelkerke R2, integrated brier score), discrimination (Harrell's c-index, discrimination slope) and calibration (calibration in the large, calibration slope). Results: The highest proportion of missingness for a single variable was 10.86% for the female model and 8.24% for the male model. Comparing the performance measures for complete case, mode, single and multiple imputation: the Nagelkerke R2 values for the female model was 0.1084, 0.1116, 0.1120 and 0.111–0.1120 with the male model exhibited similar variation of 0.1050, 0.1078, 0.1078 and 0.1078–0.1081. Harrell's c-index also demonstrated small variation with values of 0.8666, 0.8719, 0.8719 and 0.8711–0.8719 for the female model and 0.8549, 0.8548, 0.8550 and 0.8550–0.8553 for the male model. Conclusion: In the scenarios examined in this study, mode imputation performed well when using a population health survey compared to single and multiple imputation when predictive performance measures is the main model goal. To generate unbiased hazard ratios, multiple imputation methods were superior. This study shows the need to consider the best imputation approach for a predictive model development given the conditions of missing data and the goals of the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the long-term risks of overall cancer and all-cause mortality associated with five types of phytopharmaceuticals and the most commonly used estrogen-progestogen medications for the treatment of postmenopausal syndrome in women. Using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2018, we conducted a 1:2 matched cohort study with 12,087 eligible patients. We compared phytopharmaceuticals -only users (n = 4029, phytopharmaceuticals group) with HRT-only users (n = 8058, HRT group) with a washout period of ≥6 months. The phytopharmaceuticals group had significantly lower risks of overall cancer and all-cause mortality than the HRT group (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.60 [0.40–0.9] and 0.40 [0.16–0.99], respectively) after over 180 days of use. Bupleurum and Peony Formula were associated with lower risks of overall cancer and all-cause mortality (aHR: 0.57 [0.36–0.92] and 0.33 [0.11–1.05], respectively). In conclusion, phytopharmaceuticals may serve as an alternative therapy to HRT for alleviating menopausal symptoms and reducing health risks, leading to more favorable long-term health outcomes. Further randomized control trials are necessary to validate the findings of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, the actor–partner interdependence mediation model (APIMeM) was applied to breast cancer patients and their caregivers to assess the factors that affect the fear of cancer recurrence. In particular, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the mediating effect of social support on financial toxicity and the fear of cancer recurrence, providing an effective basis for developing plans to reduce the level of fear of cancer recurrence. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design, and 405 dyads of breast cancer patients and their caregivers were enrolled. Financial toxicity, social support, and fear of cancer recurrence were assessed by computing comprehensive scores for financial toxicity based on patient-reported outcome measures, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory Short Form, respectively. The data were analysed using SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 23.0. Results: The results showed that the fear of cancer recurrence of breast cancer patients and their caregivers was significantly related to dyadic financial toxicity and social support. In addition, the financial toxicity of breast cancer patients and their caregivers had significant actor effects and partner effects on the fear of cancer recurrence through dyadic social support. Conclusions: The financial toxicity of breast cancer patients and their caregivers could produce actor and partner effects on the fear of cancer recurrence through the mediation of social support, which provided empirical support for improving reducing the level of fear of cancer recurrence among patients and caregivers at the dyadic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous observational studies have shown that green tea consumption is associated with a reduced incidence of digestive system cancers (DSCs). However, the observed association could be due to confounding factors. Therefore, we used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal effect of green tea intake on the risk of five common DSCs. Methods: Independent genetic variants strongly associated with green tea consumption in European and East Asian populations were selected as instrumental variables in genome-wide association studies involving up to 64,949 European individuals and 152,653 East Asian individuals, respectively. The associations between genetic variants and DSCs were extracted from the FinnGen study and the Japan Biobank. The primary analysis was performed using random-effects inverse variance weighting (IVW). Other MR analyses, including weighted mode-based estimate, weighted-median, MR-Egger regression, Mendelian Randomization-Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) analysis, were used for sensitivity analyses. In addition, a multivariate MR design was performed to adjust for smoking and alcohol consumption. Results: The IVW results showed no causal relationship between tea intake and DSCs risk in European population (esophagus cancer: odds ratio (OR) = 1.044, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.992–1.099, p = 0.096; stomach cancer: OR = 0.988, 95% CI 0.963–1.014, p = 0.368; colorectal cancer: OR = 1.003, 95% CI 0.992–1.015, p = 0.588; liver cancer: OR = 0.996, 95% CI 0.960–1.032, p = 0.808; pancreatic cancer: OR = 0.990, 95% CI 0.965–1.015, p = 0.432). The MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO analysis and other methods also confirmed the reliability of the conclusion. Similarly, no significant association was found between green tea consumption and the incidence of DSCs among East Asians. This relationship is not significant even after adjusting for smoking and alcohol consumption (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that genetically predicted green tea intake is not causally associated with the development of DSCs in the European and East Asian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate whether early-life exposure to the Great Famine of 1959–1961 in China was associated with the risk of digestive system cancer. The prospective cohort study involved 17 997 participants from the Kailuan Study (Tangshan, China) that began in 2006. All participants were divided into three groups based on their date of birth. The unexposed group (born from 1 October 1962 to 30 September 1964), fetal-exposed group (born from 1 October 1959 to 30 December 1961), and early-childhood-exposed group (born from 1 October 1956 to 30 December 1958). The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the association between early famine exposure and digestive system cancer. During the mean follow-up period of (10.4 ± 2.2) years, a total of 223 digestive system cancer events occurred. Including 54 cases in the unexposed group (62.14/100 000 person-years), 57 cases in the fetal-exposed group (114.8/100 000 person-years), and 112 cases in the early-childhood-exposure group (122.2/100 000 person-years). After adjusting covariates, compared with the unexposed group, the HR and 95% CI were 1.85 (1.28, 2.69) for participants in the fetal-exposed group and 1.92 (1.38, 2.66) for participants in the early-childhood-exposed group. No interactions were observed in our study. After classifying digestive system cancers, the HR and 95% CI were 2.02 (1.03, 3.97) for colorectal cancer for participants in the fetal-exposed group and 2.55 (1.43, 4.55) for participants in the early-childhood-exposed group. The HR and 95% CI were (1.13, 3.83) of liver cancer for participants in the fetal-exposed group and 1.15 (0.63, 2.10) for participants in the early-childhood-exposed group. Early-life famine exposure was associated with a higher risk of digestive system cancer in adulthood. Fetal-exposed individuals might increase the risk of colorectal cancer and liver cancer, and early childhood-exposed might increase the risk of colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several modifiable factors that can be targeted to prevent and manage the occurrence and progression of cancer, and maintaining adequate exercise is a crucial one. Regular physical exercise has been shown to be a beneficial strategy in preventing cancer, potentially amplifying the effectiveness of established cancer therapies, alleviating certain cancer-related symptoms, and possibly mitigating side effects resulting from treatment. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms by which exercise affects tumors, especially its impact on the tumor microenvironment (TME), remain uncertain. This review aims to present an overview of the beneficial effects of exercise in the context of cancer management, followed by a summary of the exercise parameters, especially exercise intensity, that need to be considered when prescribing exercise for cancer patients. Finally, we discuss the influence of exercise on the TME, including its effects on crucial immune cells (e.g., T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, B cells), intratumor angiogenesis, and cancer metabolism. This comprehensive review provides up-to-date scientific evidence on the effects of exercise training on cancer and offers guidance to clinicians for the development of safe and feasible exercise training programs for cancer patients in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Over the last decade, early-onset colorectal cancer incidence has continued to increase. The disparities in outcomes and overall survival (OS) between early-onset colorectal cancer and average-onset colorectal cancer remain controversial. The aim of our study was to compare survival rates and identify potential influential factors affecting outcomes between these two groups. Our results show better overall survival and cancer specific survival in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer which could be contributed to better general health, fewer comorbidities and higher likelihood of receiving aggressive cancer treatments. Background: Early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) is defined as colorectal cancer diagnosed before the age of 50 years, and its incidence has been increasing over the last decade, now accounting for 10% of all new CRC diagnoses. Average-onset colorectal cancer (AO-CRC) has shown a steady decline in its incidence and related mortality over the past 20 years. The disparities in outcomes and overall survival (OS) between EO-CRC and AO-CRC are controversial. Our study compared OS and cause-specific survival (CSS) between metastatic EO-CRC (mEO-CRC) and metastatic AO-CRC (mAO-CRC) and identified the associated factors. Methods: Data on patient characteristics, tumor characteristics, incidence, and mortality were obtained from the SEER database from 2010 to 2020. We identified 23,278 individuals aged > 18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of all histological subtypes of metastatic CRC (M1 on TNM stage) using ICD-O-3 site codes. mEO-CRC and mAO-CRC were compared. OS distributions and CCS were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test to assess differences. A Cox regression model was used to assess the associations between variables. Results: mEO-CRC constituted 17.79% of the cases, whereas 82.21% had mAO-CRC. Most patients with mEO-CRC were 45–49 years old (47.66%), male (52.16%) and White (72.57%) and had adenocarcinoma histology (87.30%). Left colon tumors were most prevalent in both groups (40.26%) but were more prevalent in mEO-CRC patients than in mAO-CRC patients (49.63% vs. 38.23%, p < 0.001). Patients with mEO-CRC had higher OS (p < 0.001) and CSS (p < 0.001) than those with mAO-CRC. Patients with mEO-CRC also had significantly better median overall survival (30 months vs. 18 months, p < 0.001). The factors associated with worse OS included mAO-CRC (p < 0.001), mucinous adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001), male sex (p = 0.003), and a lack of surgical intervention (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Most patients with mEO-CRC fall within the range of 45 to 49 years of age. Patients with mEO-CRC were more likely to receive cancer-directed therapy (including chemotherapy and radiotherapy) and had better OS and CSS than those with mAO-CRC. This is likely attributable to the better performance status, fewer comorbidities, and better tolerance to cancer-directed therapy in mEO-CRC patients. The factors associated with worse OS and CSS were age > 50 years, mucinous adenocarcinoma, male sex, and no surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]