Obesity and Cancer: Existing and New Hypotheses for a Causal Connection

The article presents an example model of a seminar on the topic of the connection between three phenomena: poverty, deviant behavior, social exclusion. Taking into account the general parameters valid for the whole community, the attention is focused on the specific dimensions in children. The general structure follows the logic: from the identification of the problem in its essence, through its causal connection, to the approaches to dealing with it. The possibilities and limitations in principle and in individual cases that affect the analysis and methodological decisions are taken into account – e.g. some popular stereotypes and prejudices. The model can be used both in the form of the above – in the training of students – future specialists in pedagogy and social activities, as well as for work with current specialists in practice.

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Causal Efficacy of Dispositions

10.1093/oso/9780198717805.003.0009 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Jennifer McKitrick

Keyword(s):

Causal Efficacy ◽

Causal Connection ◽

Cause And Effect

Some dispositions are causally relevant to or causally efficacious for their manifestations. But according to the Inert Dispositions Thesis, dispositions are causally inert. Some philosophers claim that grounded dispositions are causally impotent. According to Analyticity Arguments, the analytic connection between a disposition term and a manifestation term indicates that there is no causal connection between their referents. According to Independence Arguments, cause and effect must be independent in a way that dispositions and manifestation are not. According to Exclusion Arguments, a disposition’s causal basis causally explains its manifestation, leaving no causal work for the disposition to do. These arguments for the Inert Dispositions Thesis do not succeed. Higher-level, grounded dispositions can be causally efficacious with respect to their manifestations.

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Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13111711 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 1711

Author(s):

Heba A. Gad ◽

Autumn Roberts ◽

Samirah H. Hamzi ◽

Haidy A. Gad ◽

Ilham Touiss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Industrial Applications ◽

Literature Survey ◽

Jojoba Oil ◽

Pharmacological Activities ◽

Wide Range ◽

Liver Functions ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Use ◽

Pharmaceutical Uses ◽

Obesity And Cancer

Jojoba is a widely used medicinal plant that is cultivated worldwide. Its seeds and oil have a long history of use in folklore to treat various ailments, such as skin and scalp disorders, superficial wounds, sore throat, obesity, and cancer; for improvement of liver functions, enhancement of immunity, and promotion of hair growth. Extensive studies on Jojoba oil showed a wide range of pharmacological applications, including antioxidant, anti-acne and antipsoriasis, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antipyretic, analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-hyperglycemia activities. In addition, Jojoba oil is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in cosmetics for topical, transdermal, and parenteral preparations. Jojoba oil also holds value in the industry as an anti-rodent, insecticides, lubricant, surfactant, and a source for the production of bioenergy. Jojoba oil is considered among the top-ranked oils due to its wax, which constitutes about 98% (mainly wax esters, few free fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons). In addition, sterols and vitamins with few triglyceride esters, flavonoids, phenolic and cyanogenic compounds are also present. The present review represents an updated literature survey about the chemical composition of jojoba oil, its physical properties, pharmacological activities, pharmaceutical and industrial applications, and toxicity.

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Targeting obesity-related dysfunction in hormonally driven cancers

British Journal of Cancer ◽

10.1038/s41416-021-01393-y ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maria M. Rubinstein ◽

Kristy A. Brown ◽

Neil M. Iyengar

Keyword(s):

Cell Signalling ◽

Treatment Resistance ◽

Tumour Microenvironment ◽

Subsequent Increase ◽

Treatment And Prevention ◽

Cancer Pathogenesis ◽

Diet And Exercise ◽

Systemic Factors ◽

Tumour Vascularity ◽

Obesity And Cancer

AbstractObesity is a risk factor for at least 13 different types of cancer, many of which are hormonally driven, and is associated with increased cancer incidence and morbidity. Adult obesity rates are steadily increasing and a subsequent increase in cancer burden is anticipated. Obesity-related dysfunction can contribute to cancer pathogenesis and treatment resistance through various mechanisms, including those mediated by insulin, leptin, adipokine, and aromatase signalling pathways, particularly in women. Furthermore, adiposity-related changes can influence tumour vascularity and inflammation in the tumour microenvironment, which can support tumour development and growth. Trials investigating non-pharmacological approaches to target the mechanisms driving obesity-mediated cancer pathogenesis are emerging and are necessary to better appreciate the interplay between malignancy, adiposity, diet and exercise. Diet, exercise and bariatric surgery are potential strategies to reverse the cancer-promoting effects of obesity; trials of these interventions should be conducted in a scientifically rigorous manner with dose escalation and appropriate selection of tumour phenotypes and have cancer-related clinical and mechanistic endpoints. We are only beginning to understand the mechanisms by which obesity effects cell signalling and systemic factors that contribute to oncogenesis. As the rates of obesity and cancer increase, we must promote the development of non-pharmacological lifestyle trials for the treatment and prevention of malignancy.

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Biomedical Properties of Propolis on Diverse Chronic Diseases and Its Potential Applications and Health Benefits

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13010078 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 78

Author(s):

Nelly Rivera-Yañez ◽

C. Rebeca Rivera-Yañez ◽

Glustein Pozo-Molina ◽

Claudia F. Méndez-Catalá ◽

Adolfo R. Méndez-Cruz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alternative Medicine ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Geographical Origin ◽

Complex Mixture ◽

Relevant Information ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Primary Health ◽

Potential Applications ◽

Obesity And Cancer ◽

Resinous Product

The use of alternative medicine products has increased tremendously in recent decades and it is estimated that approximately 80% of patients globally depend on them for some part of their primary health care. Propolis is a beekeeping product widely used in alternative medicine. It is a natural resinous product that bees collect from various plants and mix with beeswax and salivary enzymes and comprises a complex mixture of compounds. Various biomedical properties of propolis have been studied and reported in infectious and non-infectious diseases. However, the pharmacological activity and chemical composition of propolis is highly variable depending on its geographical origin, so it is important to describe and study the biomedical properties of propolis from different geographic regions. A number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer, are the leading causes of global mortality, generating significant economic losses in many countries. In this review, we focus on compiling relevant information about propolis research related to diabetes, obesity, and cancer. The study of propolis could generate both new and accessible alternatives for the treatment of various diseases and will help to effectively evaluate the safety of its use.

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Obesity and cancer: student therapeutic radiographers’ understanding of obesity and cancer and their role in weight management

Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice ◽

10.1017/s1460396920001065 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Manmeet Kaur ◽

Laura Charlesworth

Keyword(s):

Weight Management ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Education Institution ◽

Service Users ◽

Healthy Weight ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Staff Members ◽

Margin Of Error ◽

Management Advice ◽

Obesity And Cancer

Abstract Aims: To explore student therapeutic radiographers’ understanding of obesity and cancer and to identify if student therapeutic radiographers believe that radiographers should have a role within weight management. Materials and Methods: This study used a self-completed online questionnaire (google forms) to collect data from Radiotherapy and Oncology students, studying at one Higher Education Institution, to gain an understanding of their current knowledge of weight management. A retrospective margin of error calculation was carried out, showing a 9% margin of error with a 90% confidence level. Results: In total 57 responses were received, n = 50 BSc students and n = 7 pre-registration MSc students. Three key barriers to openly discussing weight loss management with service users emerged from the questionnaire data; these were a lack of time, lack of clear guidelines and lack of confidence. These barriers could potentially be addressed by improving education and training, making it easier for therapeutic radiographers to openly discuss weight management with service users. Findings: Awareness of guidelines was suboptimal, with 82% (n = 47) of respondents unaware of any guidelines. In addition to this, the majority of students identified a lack of confidence as a barrier to them providing weight management advice. Despite this, 54·4% of respondents agreed that radiographers should have a role in providing weight management advice, with 22·2% of respondents being unsure. Findings suggest that behaviour change is required amounts both students and staff members, so that healthcare professionals are more inclined to have healthy weight management discussions. Perhaps more specialist roles need to be developed, so that healthy weight management discussions can become a norm.

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Scale Invariance, Horizons, and Inflation

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ◽

10.1093/mnras/stab1102 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Andre Maeder ◽

Vesselin G Gueorguiev

Keyword(s):

Scalar Field ◽

Scale Invariance ◽

Maxwell Equations ◽

High Redshift ◽

Empty Space ◽

Causal Connection ◽

Cosmological Constant Problem ◽

Scale Invariant ◽

Starting Point ◽

Final Answer

Abstract Maxwell equations and the equations of General Relativity are scale invariant in empty space. The presence of charge or currents in electromagnetism or the presence of matter in cosmology are preventing scale invariance. The question arises on how much matter within the horizon is necessary to kill scale invariance. The scale invariant field equation, first written by Dirac in 1973 and then revisited by Canuto et al. in 1977, provides the starting point to address this question. The resulting cosmological models show that, as soon as matter is present, the effects of scale invariance rapidly decline from ϱ = 0 to ϱc, and are forbidden for densities above ϱc. The absence of scale invariance in this case is consistent with considerations about causal connection. Below ϱc, scale invariance appears as an open possibility, which also depends on the occurrence of in the scale invariant context. In the present approach, we identify the scalar field of the empty space in the Scale Invariant Vacuum (SIV) context to the scalar field ϕ in the energy density $\varrho = \frac{1}{2} \dot{\varphi }^2 + V(\varphi )$ of the vacuum at inflation. This leads to some constraints on the potential. This identification also solves the so-called “cosmological constant problem”. In the framework of scale invariance, an inflation with a large number of e-foldings is also predicted. We conclude that scale invariance for models with densities below ϱc is an open possibility; the final answer may come from high redshift observations, where differences from the ΛCDM models appear.

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Survivin drives tumor-associated macrophage reprogramming: a novel mechanism with potential impact for obesity

Cellular Oncology ◽

10.1007/s13402-021-00597-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

E. Benaiges ◽

V. Ceperuelo-Mallafré ◽

A. Madeira ◽

R. Bosch ◽

C. Núñez-Roa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Cells ◽

Expression Patterns ◽

Intracellular Localization ◽

Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽

Subcellular Fractionation ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Macrophage Phenotype ◽

Tumor Associated Macrophages ◽

Obesity And Cancer ◽

The Impact

Abstract Purpose Recent studies point to adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) as a link between obesity and cancer. We aimed to determine whether survivin, which is highly secreted by ASCs from subjects with obesity, might drive a pro-tumoral phenotype in macrophages. Methods The effect of ASC conditioned medium on the macrophage phenotype was assessed by expression studies. Survivin intracellular localization and internalization were examined by subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence, respectively. Loss- and gain-of-function studies were performed using adenoviral vectors, and gene expression patterns, migration and invasion capacities of cancer cells were examined. Heterotypic cultures of ASCs, macrophages and cancer cells were established to mimic the tumor microenvironment. Survivin-blocking experiments were used to determine the impact of survivin on both macrophages and cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of survivin was performed in macrophages from ascitic fluids of cancer patients and healthy controls. Results We found that obese-derived ASCs induced a phenotypic switch in macrophages characterized by the expression of both pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Macrophages were found to internalize extracellular survivin, generating hybrid macrophages with a tumor-associated phenotype that included secretion of survivin. Exogenous expression of survivin in macrophages generated a similar phenotype and enhanced the malignant characteristics of cancer cells by a mechanism dependent on survivin phosphorylation at threonine 34. Survivin secreted by both ASCs from subjects with obesity and tumor-associated macrophages synergistically boosted the malignancy of cancer cells. Importantly, survivin was mainly detected in ascites-associated macrophages from patients with a malignant diagnosis. Conclusion Our data indicate that survivin may serve as a molecular link between obesity and cancer and as a novel marker for tumor-associated macrophages.

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