scholarly journals Nutraceutical Boom in Cancer: Inside the Labyrinth of Reactive Oxygen Species

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maura Calvani ◽  
Amada Pasha ◽  
Claudio Favre

In recent years, epidemiological studies have shown that food is a very powerful means for maintaining a state of well-being and for health prevention. Many degenerative, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases are related to nutrition and the nutrient–organism interaction could define the balance between health and disease. Nutrients and dietary components influence epigenetic phenomena and modify drugs response; therefore, these food–host interactions can influence the individual predisposition to disease and its potential therapeutic response. Do nutraceuticals have positive or negative effects during chemotherapy? The use of nutraceutical supplements in cancer patients is a controversial debate without a definitive conclusion to date. During cancer treatment, patients take nutraceuticals to alleviate drug toxicity and improve long-term results. Some nutraceuticals may potentiate the effect of cytotoxic chemotherapy by inducing cell growth arrest, cell differentiation, and alteration of the redox state of cells, but in some cases, high levels of them may interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy, making cancer cells less reactive to chemotherapy. In this review, we highlighted the emerging opinions and data on the pros and cons on the use of nutraceutical supplements during chemotherapy.

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 529-547
Author(s):  
Helena Bakić

Disasters pose a significant threat to the long-term well-being of individuals, communities and societies. Therefore, studying resilience, defined as the process of maintaining and recovering psychological well-being after adversity, is crucial for disaster preparedness and mitigation. The aims of this paper are to summarize the historical context of resilience research, present the key concepts, discuss current measurement approaches and propose future research directions. Key determinants of resilience - risk, positive adaptation and resources - are discussed with the focus on studies of adults affected by disasters. This narrative review demonstrates that research up to date has focused mostly on finding the individual characteristics that predict the absence of psychopathology or mental health disorder symptoms, while other types of resources or dynamic relations between key aspects of resilience have been neglected. Future studies should aim to include multiple measurement points, high- and low-risk groups, long-term follow-up and broader perspectives on both psychological well-being and potential resources.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 593-595
Author(s):  
Anahita Dua ◽  
Venita Chandra

Retrograde pedal access is a technique utilized with increasing frequency by many interventionists to address patients with advanced multilevel peripheral artery disease and significant comorbidities. This approach to revascularization is being used both in patients who fail traditional antegrade access and in some patients thought to be poor candidates for antegrade approach. However, the lack of randomized controlled trial data, or long-term results, coupled with the associated potential risks including dissection, spasm, and thrombosis have rendered retrograde pedal access a controversial topic. This article details the pros and cons associated with the debate surrounding retrograde pedal access and highlights the current literature and remaining questions regarding outcomes of this technique.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A M G van Tintelen ◽  
S H Bolt ◽  
D E M C Jansen

Abstract Background This study aims to address the lack of information about teenage mothers in different stages of their lives by exploring how they are doing in the long term and the social support they receive. Methods From December 2018 to February 2019 teenage mothers in the Netherlands were recruited by Fiom (an expert centre for unintended pregnancy), via social media and a website for teenage mothers (n = 248). Using an online survey, data were obtained to assess various outcomes, such as well-being, education, work, income, housing and social support. Respondents were divided into three groups: 0-3 years after teenage childbearing (short-term), 4-12 years (medium-term), >12 years (long-term). Results were analysed using univariate and bivariate descriptions in SPSS. Results Almost 80% of the respondents reported that they were doing well and were satisfied with their life. 63.3% had a job, and 17.0% was enrolled in education. Short-term mothers worked fewer hours per week compared to long-term mothers (p < 0.001). 85.1% of the respondents reported that they received benefits, short-term mothers receiving more benefits than long-term mothers (p < 0.001). The majority (78.2%) was satisfied with their living conditions; short-term mothers were less satisfied than long-term mothers (p = 0.031). 36.3% of the respondents smoked cigarettes. Most support was given by family (83.1%), mainly from female relatives. About 24% of the respondents received formal support. Conclusions This study shows that teenage mothers, on average, were doing well and were satisfied with their life, in both the short and long term. Regarding income and housing, short-term mothers were in a less favourable position. These results suggest that as the years pass, teenage mothers overcome difficulties. Since the association between well-being and social support on the long term is unknown, we advise investigating the effect of social support on the outcomes of teenage childbearing. Key messages Both in the short-term and the long-term, most teenage mothers were doing well and satisfied with life. Regarding housing and income, short-term mothers function less well compared to long-term mothers.


Author(s):  
Peet Du Toit ◽  
Lee-Anne Naicker ◽  
Evangeline Nortje ◽  
Michael Kleynhans ◽  
Ronél Ferreira ◽  
...  

The concept of wellness has changed over the decades with the ever-changing lifestyle of society as it adapts to technological advances. The contemporary view is that wellness is the primary responsibility of the individual and is accomplished by practising health-promoting behaviour. There are various factors that contribute to wellness in the sense of an individual’s long-term sense of overall well-being. One of the most essential factors is physical activity, and there is a large body of research that explores the benefits of a physically active lifestyle. This article is based on the assumption that the most accurate way to measure these benefits are to compare an active with a sedentary lifestyle. The purpose of this review is to clarify the concept of wellness and highlight the benefits of a physically active working environment as opposed to the disadvantages of a sedentary environment in attaining overall wellbeing.


2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 2311-2322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Augusto Monteiro ◽  
Geoffrey Cannon ◽  
Jean-Claude Moubarac ◽  
Ana Paula Bortoletto Martins ◽  
Carla Adriano Martins ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo present and discuss the dietary guidelines issued by the Brazilian government in 2014.DesignThe present paper describes the aims of the guidelines, their shaping principles and the approach used in the development of recommendations. The main recommendations are outlined, their significance for the cultural, socio-economic and environmental aspects of sustainability is discussed, and their application to other countries is considered.SettingBrazil in the twenty-first century.SubjectsAll people in Brazil, now and in future.ResultsThe food- and meal-based Brazilian Dietary Guidelines address dietary patterns as a whole and so are different from nutrient-based guidelines, even those with some recommendations on specific foods or food groups. The guidelines are based on explicit principles. They take mental and emotional well-being into account, as well as physical health and disease prevention. They identify diet as having cultural, socio-economic and environmental as well as biological and behavioural dimensions. They emphasize the benefits of dietary patterns based on a variety of natural or minimally processed foods, mostly plants, and freshly prepared meals eaten in company, for health, well-being and all relevant aspects of sustainability, as well as the multiple negative effects of ready-to-consume ultra-processed food and drink products.ConclusionsThe guidelines’ recommendations are designed to be sustainable personally, culturally, socially, economically and environmentally, and thus fit to face this century. They are for foods, meals and dietary patterns of types that are already established in Brazil, which can be adapted to suit the climate, terrain and customs of all countries.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam P. Shaw ◽  
Andrew M. Smith ◽  
Adam P. Roberts

The human microbiome is receiving a great deal of attention as its role in health and disease becomes ever more apparent. The oral microbiome, perhaps due to the ease with which we can obtain samples, is arguably the most well-studied human microbiome to date. It is obvious, however, that we have only just begun to scratch the surface of the complex bacterial and bacterial–host interactions within this complex community. Here, we describe the factors which are known to influence the development of the seemingly globally conserved, core, oral microbiome and those which are likely to be responsible for the observed differences at the individual level. We discuss the paradoxical situation of maintaining a stable core microbiome which is at the same time incredibly resilient and adaptable to many different stresses encountered in the open environment of the oral cavity. Finally, we explore the interactions of the oral microbiome with the host and discuss the interactions underlying human health and disease.


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne O’Donohue ◽  
Lindsay Nelson

Purpose – This study aims to re-examine the concept of alienation, particularly from the perspective of existential psychology. While research interest continues to centre on links between human resource management (HRM) and organizational performance, such as in studies by Beer et al. (1984), Huselid (1995), Becker and Gerhart (1996) and Guest (2011), there is a growing interest in individual attributes such as employee well-being in addition to organizational performance, as mentioned in studies by Macky and Boxall (2007), Wood and de Menezes (2011) and Guest and Conway (2011). In this paper, we focus on issues related to the individual, and in doing so we suggest that HRM theory needs further development, as pointed out by Guest (2011). Design/methodology/approach – This is a paper in the tradition of critical theory that draws on both classical and modern research in the business and psychology literature. It outlines the development of the concept of alienation from its classic articulation by Marx through to the perspective offered by existential psychologists such as Blauner (1964). How alienation, thus, defined might manifest in the workplace is then discussed, as are its links to other concepts associated in the literature with positive and negative work experiences is presented. Findings – We argue that alienation needs to be addressed at two levels, namely, at the systemic level, in terms of factors external to the individual such as work and organizational systems and processes, and in terms of factors internal to the individual’s “state of mind”. We offer strategies for management to consider counterbalancing the negative effects of residual feelings of powerlessness, meaninglessness, isolation and self-estrangement that systemic change is unable to eliminate. Originality/value – The paper refocuses attention on the individual within the context of HRM, the effects of alienation and other outcomes of positive and negative work experiences such as work engagement and job burnout.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-443
Author(s):  
Humera Asrar ◽  
Ume Amen ◽  
Ume Sumayya ◽  
Adnan Butt

Organizations today are globally facing the dilemma of inappropriate work behaviours, especially bullying, as it has long term negative effects on target employees. Workplace bullying is a major reason for work-related distress and subsequently psychological wellbeing issues for employees. The main objective of this study was to identify the effect of bullying on the psychological well-being of doctors in Karachi, Pakistan. Data from 135 doctors were collected through a structured questionnaire. Results of the study indicated that workplace bullying significantly affects the psychological well-being of employees’ and gender plays moderating effect in the relationship between workplace bullying and the psychological well-being of the doctors. The findings of the study are very important for policymakers and top management of the hospitals, to prevent the healthcare sector from the detrimental impact of this unhealthy practice and to minimize the psychological effect of bullying. This study suggests management should pay attention to designing and executing rules and policies against bullying in order to minimize the adverse results of workplace bullying. Moreover, the findings demonstrated that bullying affects create more devastating effects on female doctors than their male counterparts. Further, it was observed that skills and experience are major factors to obtain positive outcomes of employee psychological wellbeing.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0256553
Author(s):  
Martin Vollmann ◽  
Christiane Schwieren ◽  
Margarete Mattern ◽  
Knut Schnell

Depression in the workplace is a significant factor for reduced personal well-being and productivity. Consequently, this has negative effects on the economic success of the companies in which depressed people are employed. In addition, the economy has to deal with the significant burden of this illness on the health system. In this paper, we investigated how different working contexts—working in a group or individually—influenced depressed individuals towards higher or lower well-being and productivity. We examined this using a laboratory experiment. In this setting, we were also able to analyze how, in turn, a depressive individual impacted the productivity and affective situation of their workgroup, reflecting the company perspective. The experimental design mimicked the very basic processes of a workplace in a stylized way. We used two distinct samples: subclinically and clinically depressed, both working in a group with healthy controls. As expected, we found generally lower performance in the clinically depressed sample, but in the subclinically depressed sample, we only found this in the individual work context. In contrast to our expectations, the performance of subclinically depressed individuals working in groups with healthy controls was even higher than that of healthy controls in homogenously healthy groups. The performance of the entire group with a depressed member was lower for the sample with clinically manifested depression, while the performance of groups with a subclinically depressed participant was significantly higher than the performance of homogeneously non-depressed control groups. We discuss our results with a focus on the design of workplaces to both re-integrate clinically depressed employees and prevent subclinically depressed employees from developing major depression.


2019 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilaria Ardoino ◽  
Stefano Signoroni ◽  
Enzo Malvicini ◽  
Maria Teresa Ricci ◽  
Elia M. Biganzoli ◽  
...  

Background: The best surgical choice for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is still debated. No prospective trials have been carried out to evaluate the pros and cons of the recommended procedures: total colectomy (ileorectal anastomosis [IRA]) vs restorative proctocolectomy (ileal pouch–anal anastomosis [IPAA]). The aim of this study was to provide a basis for tailored precision surgery in patients with FAP. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with FAP who underwent surgery and were registered in a dedicated database in Milan, Italy. Twenty-year survival related to surgical approach and prognostic factors were investigated using a Cox regression model. Results: A total of 925 patients underwent surgery between 1947 and 2015: 340 (36.8%) IPAA and 585 (63.2%) IRA. Colorectal cancer (CRC) at surgery was diagnosed in 28.6% of patients and a pathogenic APC variant was identified in 88%. During a median follow-up of 129 months, 150 patients died. The survival probability was significantly higher in the IRA than the IPAA group: 0.82 vs 0.75 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–0.84). Multivariable regression modeling adjusted for propensity scores showed a similar difference, although no longer significant. Multivariable analysis indicated as independent risk factors CRC (HR 4.68, 95% CI 3.04–7.20) and age at surgery (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.06). Among patients without cancer, the main risk factor for shorter survival was older age (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.09). Conclusion: The study confirms excellent long-term results of surgical approaches with IRA and IPAA, suggesting that the best surgical choice may be an individually and clinically tailored approach, preferably at a young age.


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