Wasabi-Derived 6-(Methylsulfinyl)Hexyl Isothiocyanate Induces Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer by Possible Involvement of the NF-κB Pathways

6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) is a bioactive ingredient of wasabi (Wasabia japonica), which is a popular spice in Japan. 6-MSITC has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer and melanoma cell lines. We inoculated 30 female Balb-nu/nu mice with MDA-MB-231 or -453 cells, and orally administered varying concentrations of 6-MSITC for 12 days following tumor growth. The tumor volumes and tumor weights from mice inoculated with MDA-MB-231 cells, and the tumor volumes of MDA-MB-453 cells were significantly inhibited by 6-MSITC on Days 9 and 11 after drug administration. DNA fragmentation, DNA ladder, and caspase 3/7 activity performed in vitro revealed that 6-MSITC induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453, and MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression in the nuclei and phosphorylation of inhibitor κBα (IκBα) was downregulated by 6-MSITC in a concentration-dependent manner; however, this activity was not observed in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, this downregulation of phosphorylated IκBα by 6-MSITC in MDA-MB-231 and -453 cells supports its inhibitory effects on NF-κB activity. The expression of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) reduced by 6-MSITC was confirmed in MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, we conclude that 6-MITC promotes apoptosis of breast cancer cells by inhibiting NF-kB and therefore releasing its control of the PI3K/AKT pathway.     

Associations of Whole and Refined Grain Intakes with Adiposity-Related Cancer Risk in the Framingham Offspring Cohort (1991–2013)

Case-control studies suggest that higher whole grain and lower refined grain intakes are associated with reduced cancer risk, but longitudinal evidence is limited. The objective of this prospective cohort study is to evaluate associations between whole and refined grains and their food sources in relation to adiposity-related cancer risk. Participants were adults from the Framingham Offspring cohort (N = 3,184; ≥18 yr). Diet, measured using a food frequency questionnaire, medical and lifestyle data were collected at exam 5 (1991–95). Between 1991 and 2013, 565 adiposity-related cancers were ascertained using pathology reports. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations of whole and refined grains with risk of adiposity-related cancers combined and with risk of breast and prostate cancers in exploratory site-specific analyses. Null associations between whole and refined grains and combined incidence of adiposity-related cancers were observed in multivariable-adjusted models (HR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.71–1.23 and HR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.70–1.38, respectively). In exploratory analyses, higher intakes of whole grains (oz eq/day) and whole grain food sources (servings/day) were associated with 39% and 47% lower breast cancer risk (HR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38–0.98 and HR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.33–0.86, respectively). In conclusion, whole and refined grains were not associated with adiposity-related cancer risk. Whole grains may protect against breast cancer, but findings require confirmation within a larger sample and in other ethnic groups.     

Cells and the (imaginary) patient: the multistable practitioner–technology–cell interface in the cytology laboratory

Modern health care is inextricably bound up with technologically mediated knowledge and practice. It is vital to investigate its use and role in different clinical contexts characterized, on one hand, by face to face practitioner and patient encounters (where technology may be conceptualised as hindering therapeutic relations) and, on the other hand, by practitioners?? encounter with bodily parts in laboratories (where conceiving of patients may be thought of as confounding objectivity). To contribute to the latter, I offer an ethnographic analysis of cytology laboratory practitioners?? work and microscopic assessment of normal and abnormal cells. First, I discuss the biomedical literature on cytology and the quest for a non-variational bodiless vision. Second, I discuss the concept of multistability, first developed by philosopher of technology Don Ihde, here used to analyse technologically mediated perception and how practitioners interact with technology. Combined with long term ethnographic fieldwork it enables access to, and analysis and articulation of the implicit multifaceted practitioner?Ctechnology?Ccell interface embedded in clinical practice and diagnostic processes. I will also address some implications of my analysis for clinical cytology.     

Risk Factors for Occupational Illnesses Associated with the Use of Paraquat (1,1′-Dimethyl-4,4′-Bipyridylium Dichloride) in California

This study was conducted to identify risk factors for paraquat-related occupational illnesses. Pesticide-related illness is a reportable disease in California. A total of 231 skin (26.0%), eye (32.0%), local respiratory (3.5%), and systemic (38.5%) paraquat-related cases were reported to the Worker Health and Safety Branch, California Department of Food and Agriculture, during 1971 through 1985. Following paraquat exposure, we found no cases of pulmonary fibrosis. Annual numbers of cases ranged between 1 and 33 (median = 14 cases/y). Information on illnesses reported during 1981 through 1985 (n = 62) was merged with detailed information on paraquat use in agricultural settings (111 716 applications) for the same years. We found that crop treated, method of application, and season of application all contributed independently to the risk of reported illness. Hand application was associated with a higher risk of illness, compared with air application (RR = 99.1, 95% CI = 22.16–443.47); summer application was associated with a higher risk of illness than was winter application (RR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.91–8.61); and fruit trees were associated with higher risk of illness than were other crops (mainly cotton) (RR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.18–11.21).     

Sperm Aneuploidy in Faroese Men with Lifetime Exposure to Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) and Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Pollutants

Background:

Although it is known that sperm aneuploidy contributes to early pregnancy losses and congenital abnormalities, the causes are unknown and environmental contaminants are suspected.

Objectives:

Our goal was to evaluate associations between lifetime exposure to organochlorines, specifically dichlorodiphenyldicholorethylene (p,p´-DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and sperm aneuploidy in men from the general population of the Faroe Islands, a population with a known history of organochlorine exposures.

Methods:

Serum and semen samples from men (n = 90) 22–44 years old who participated in Faroe Islands health studies were analyzed for p,p´-DDE and PCBs 118, 138, 153, and 180 and adjusted for total lipids. Cord blood and age-14 serum were available for a subgroup (n = 40) and were also analyzed for p,p´-DDE and PCBs. Sperm fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for chromosomes X, Y, and 18 was used to determine rates of XX18, XY18, YY18, and total disomy. Multivariable adjusted Poisson models were used to estimate the relationship between organochlorine exposure and sperm disomy outcomes.

Results:

Adult p,p´-DDE and total PCB serum concentrations were both associated with significantly increased rates of XX18, XY18, and total disomy. Age-14 p,p´-DDE and PCB concentrations were both associated with significantly increased rates of XX, XY, and total disomy in adulthood. Associations between cord blood concentrations of p,p´-DDE and PCBs and sperm disomy in adulthood were not consistently significant.

Conclusions:

Organochlorine exposures measured at age 14 and in adulthood were associated with sperm disomy in this sample of high-exposure men, suggesting that the impacts of persistent pollutants on testicular maturation and function require further investigation.

Citation:

Perry MJ, Young HA, Grandjean P, Halling J, Petersen MS, Martenies SE, Karimi P, Weihe P. 2016. Sperm aneuploidy in Faroese men with lifetime exposure to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p´-DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) pollutants. Environ Health Perspect 124:951–956; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1509779     

Immunodeficiency and lymphocyte ecto-5′-nucleotidase activity in the elderly: A comparison of the effect of a trace mineral supplement (1 USRDA) with high zinc (6.7 X USRDA)

The effect of administering a total mineral supplement (TMS) or 100 mg of elemental zinc alone on immune function was studies in 17 normal subjects, aged 66–85. Subjects were given either TMS containing 1 USRDA of zinc, copper, iron, and manganese or 100 mg of elemental zinc alone as zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄). Administration of either supplement led to a slight increase in peripheral blood lymphocytes and improved maturation of B-lymphocytes to antibody-producing cells in culture of peripherla blood mononuclear cells. Ecto-5′-nucleotidase, a zinc obligate enzyme of lymphocyte cell membranes, increased when TMS was administered daily but failed to increase when ZnSO₄ was administered. Serum zinc levels increased in all subjects receiving the ZnSO₄. Only those subjects with low initial serum zinc levels had higher serum zinc levels after 3 months on the TMS. These studies indicate that dietary supplementation with a TMS (1 USRDA) can improve certain in vitro parameters of immune competence in the aged, avoiding the deleterious effects possible with excessive intake.     

Cancer mortality and exposure to chemical carcinogens in the work place: An ecological study in the Valencian Community, Spain (1981–1995)

To evaluate the geographical distribution of the mortality from malignant tumours in relationship with exposure to chemical carcinogens in the work place, and to asses the possible association between these questions and the percentage of population employed in certain high-risk sectors, an ecological study in the Valencian Community (VC), Spain was carried out. Age-adjusted mortality rates for the total number of malignant tumours, lung, bladder, lymphomas and leukaemia during the periods 1981–1985 and 1991–1995 were calculated for the 34 geographical areas. The percentage of population in each area working in sectors in which they may be exposed to chemical carcinogens was obtained. The relationship between mortality on-the-job exposure was studied using linear regression methods. Large differences in cancer mortality were seen. In men, the geographical pattern was very stable and reveals a significant association with the distribution of certain high-risk jobs. cStatistically significant positive correlations (p< 0.001) were found between cancer mortality and the percentage of the population working in metal, wood and furniture sectors. In contrast, a negative and statistically significant (p< 0.001) correlation was observed between cancer mortality and the percentage of the population working in agriculture. In conclusion, although the variability in cancer mortality in men was significantly associated with some occupational sectors in the VC, caution is needed when drawing conclusions about causation from ecological studies.     

Metabolism and storage ofp,p′ dicofol in American kestrels (Falco sparverius) with comparisons to Ring Neck Doves (Streptopelia risoria)

Residues ofp,p dicofol,p,p dichlorobenzophenone (p,p DCBP),p,p dichlorobenzhydrol (p,p DCBH), 1,1-bis (4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethanol (p,p DCD) and 1,1-bis (4-chlorophenyl)-2,2 dichloroethylene (p,p DDE) are reported in liver, fat, brain and oviducts of American kestrels exposed top,p dicofol. Breeding female kestrels were exposed to oral gavage dosages of 3.0 and 0.3 mg dicofol/kg body weight per day, equivalent to 1 or 10 mg dicofol/kg diet, for 39 days. Kestrels exhibited an eggshell thinning response similar to that produced by DDE, under these exposures. The major hepatic metabolite of dicofol in kestrels was DCD, but most organochlorine stored in tissues was in the form of dicofol. DDE was not a major metabolite of dicofol in kestrels. Compared with doves, kestrels had a significantly reduced metabolic capacity to transform dicofol to DCBP and DCBH, and had a steeper dose-response curve for dicofol-induced eggshell thinning.     

Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Sarcopenia in Korean Cancer Survivors: Based on Data Obtained by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008–2011

Using a representative dataset from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2008 to 2011, we analyzed anthropometric and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-determined body composition findings for 493 cancer survivors (mean age a61.1 ± 12.6 years; 35.7% male). A much higher proportion of men (30.1%) than women (0.6%) met the criteria of sarcopenia. Subjects with a history of lung cancer, genitourinary cancer, or gastric cancer were prone to develop sarcopenia (31.6%, 26.3%, and 21.4%, respectively). Furthermore, sarcopenia was more prevalent among elderly (≥65 years; P < 0.001), those with a lower BMI level (<23 kg/m²; P < 0.001), heavy drinker (P = 0.012), or smoker (P < 0.001), and those with inadequate intakes of protein (P = 0.017) and vitamin A (P = 0.024). Multivariable logistic analyses revealed sarcopenia was significantly associated with male gender (odds ratio [OR], 68.14; 95% CI, 15.52–299.13), a BMI of <23 kg/m² (OR 35.93, 95% CI, 8.24–156.67), and inadequate protein intake (OR 3.07, 95% CI, 1.30–7.22); these factors are significant predictors of sarcopenia in Korean cancer survivors.     

Factors associated with plasma concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p’-DDE) in the Canadian population

This study describes blood plasma concentrations of PCBs and p,p’-DDE in the Canadian population aged 20–79 years. PCBs and p,p’-DDE were measured in 1668 participants in the Canadian Health Measures Survey, Cycle 1 (2007–2009). We investigated how concentrations vary by sociodemographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle variables, identified factors associated with exposures, and evaluated concentrations against health-based guidance values. Congeners of PCB most commonly detected were PCB-138, PCB-153, and PCB-180. p,p’-DDE was detectable in > 99% of the samples. Factors associated with ∑PCBs were age, region of birth, frequency of fish consumption, and liver intake (R² = 58.1%). For p,p’-DDE, significant factors were sex, age, region of birth, household education, and ethnic origin (R² = 47.0%). PCB concentrations in Canadians were similar to those in the United States, and lower than those reported in Europe. A small percentage equalled or exceeded the Human Biomonitoring value of 3.5 µg/L for PCBs. Few exceedances of the p,p’-DDE biomonitoring equivalent were observed.     

The development of the Be Active & Relax ¿Vitality in Practice¿ (VIP) project and design of an RCT to reduce the need for recovery in office employees

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence to suggest that multiple work-related health problems are preceded by a higher need for recovery. Physical activity and relaxation are helpful in decreasing the need for recovery. This article aims to describe (1) the development and (2) the design of the evaluation of a daily physical activity and relaxation intervention to reduce the need for recovery in office employees. METHODS: The study population will consist of employees of a Dutch financial service provider. The intervention was systematically developed, based on parts of the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol. Assessment of employees needs was done by combining results of face-to-face interviews, a questionnaire and focus group interviews. A set of theoretical methods and practical strategies were selected which resulted in an intervention program consisting of Group Motivational Interviewing (GMI) supported by a social media platform, and environmental modifications. The Be Active & Relax program will be evaluated in a modified 2 X 2 factorial design. The environmental modifications will be pre-stratified and GMI will be randomised on department level. The program will be evaluated, using 4 arms: (1) GMI and environmental modifications; (2) environmental modifications; (3) GMI; (4) no intervention (control group). Questionnaire data on the primary outcome (need for recovery) and secondary outcomes (daily physical activity, sedentary behaviour, relaxation/detachment, work- and health-related factors) will be gathered at baseline (T0), at 6 months (T1), and at 12 months (T2) follow-up. In addition, an economic and a process evaluation will be performed. DISCUSSION: Reducing the need for recovery is hypothesized to be beneficial for employees, employers and society. It is assumed that there will be a reduction in need for recovery after 6 months and 12 months in the intervention group, compared to the control group. Results are expected in 2013. Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2553 KEYWORDS: Need for recovery, relaxation, physical activity, environmental modifications, group motivational interviewing, employees, RCT.     

Weight change and 15 year mortality: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer in Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk) cohort study

Studies have reported a higher mortality risk associated with weight loss, particularly in middle-aged and older adults, although some of these studies did find that gaining weight was also associated with an increased mortality risk. We examined changes in weight in relation to mortality in a prospective population-based cohort study of men and women, resident in Norfolk, UK. Participants were assessed at baseline (1993–1997) and at a second examination (1998–2000), as part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-Norfolk) study, and followed up to 2015 for mortality. Participants with a self-reported history of cancer or cardiovascular disease, body mass index < 18.5 kg/m² or missing data on adjustment variables, at either time-point were excluded, leaving 12,580 participants, aged 39–78 in 1993–1997, eligible for analyses. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine Hazard Ratios (HRs) for all-cause (2603 deaths), cardiovascular (749 deaths), cancer (981 deaths), respiratory (226 deaths) and other causes of mortality (647 deaths) by categories of weight change. After multivariate adjustment, the HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality for men and women who lost more than 5 kg were 1.85 (1.48–2.31) and 1.64 (1.31–2.05) respectively. Higher hazards were also found for specific causes of mortality and weight loss > 5 kg. Similar associations were observed after excluding deaths in the first 5 years of follow-up. Results for weight gain were inconclusive. We conclude that objectively measured weight loss, but not weight gain, was associated with subsequent higher mortality risk in this population-based study of middle-aged and elderly men and women. However, undiagnosed, pre-existing disease and the inability to account for weight cycling need to be remembered when interpreting these results. Unravelling the causal pathways underlying this association will require more detailed studies, including that of changes in body composition.     

“I Stand Alone.” An Ethnodrama About the (dis)Connections Between a Client and Professionals in a Residential Care Home

Client participation in elderly care organizations requires shifting traditional power relations and establishing communicative action that involves the lifeworlds of clients and professionals alike. This article describes a particular form of client participation in which one client was part of a team of professionals in a residential care home. Their joint remit was to plan the implementation of a new personal care file for residents. We describe the interactions within this team through an ethnodrama, based on participant observations and the embodied presence of the researcher (first author). The narratives and voices of all team members are dramatized in this ethnodrama. Throughout the project the team members experienced confusion relating to the confrontation between lifeworld and system, as experienced by the client and professionals in the team. We analyze these tensions by making use of a Habermasian theoretical framework. We conclude that forms for collective client participation in residential care homes should be developed based on communicative action between clients and professionals, with room for emotional engagement.     

Immunogenicity, reactogenicity and safety of the human rotavirus vaccine RIX4414 (Rotarix™) oral suspension (liquid formulation) when co-administered with expanded program on immunization (EPI) vaccines in Vietnam and the Philippines in 2006-2007

Evaluation of immunogenicity and safety of a 2-dose liquid formulation of human rotavirus vaccine, RIX4414 following WHO's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) schedule (0, 1, and 2 months; Month 0 indicates day of enrolment) in Vietnam and the Philippines. Infants aged 6-10 (mean = 8.7 ± 1.07 weeks Vietnam) and 5-10 weeks (mean = 6.6 ± 1.03 weeks Philippines) received two doses of RIX4414 vaccine (V) and one dose of placebo (PL) or three placebo doses concomitantly with commercially available diphtheria-tetanus-whole-cell pertussis, hepatitis B and oral poliovirus vaccines. The vaccination schedules were: V-V-PL, V-PL-V and PL-PL-PL (Vietnam); PL-V-V, V-PL-V and PL-PL-PL (Philippines). Anti-rotavirus seroconversion rate was assessed pre-vaccination and post-vaccination (ELISA cut-off = 20 U/ml). 375 infants were enrolled in each country. Seroconversion rates at one month post-Dose 2 of RIX4414 were Vietnam 63.3% (95% CI: 54.3-71.6) in V-V-PL group and 81.5% (95% CI: 73.4-88) in V-PL-V group; Philippines 70% (95% CI: 61-78) in PL-V-V group and 59.2% (95% CI: 49.8-68) in V-PL-V group. Frequencies of solicited (8-day post-each dose) and unsolicited symptoms (31-day post-each dose) were similar. Two-doses of rotavirus vaccine administered within the WHO EPI offer flexibility in existing schedule, though both schedules provides good immune responses.     

Factors associated with the blood and urinary selenium concentrations in the Canadian population: Results of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2011)

Objective

The objective of the present work is to assess the factors associated with whole blood and urinary selenium (Se) concentrations in Canadians aged 6–79 years old, and to interpret the data in the context of exposure guidance values.

Survey of the life-styles and factors associated with the occurrence of cancer in smokers from the city of Sidrolândia (MS, Brazil)

The study refers to a survey of the life-styles and factors associated with the occurrence of cancer in smokers of Sidrolandia (MS, Brazil). Study participants were 501 smokers registered in the Family Health Program, which were identified by community health agents. They answered a questionnaire based on the surveys used by the National Institute of Cancer and Prevention and Surveillance Program. The results showed that: the subjects are mostly women from 26 to 45 years of age (p= 0,035), living with a partner, do not work out, have little schooling and per capita family income of up to one minimum wage. Also they began to smoke in adolescence and smoke industrialized cigarette. They smoke an average of ten cigarettes a day, even indoors, even knowing that this is harmful to health, exposing the family to passive smoking. As for health problems, 30.6% have respiratory problems/allergy, 17.4% high-pressure and 10.8% depression. The sedentary was reported by 77.6% of the interviewees, the frequent habit of drinking alcohol by 48.7% and over-weight by 37.1%. Only 5.8% of respondents reported only smoking, 94.2% presented one or more of these factors associated with the occurrence of cancer.