Prevention Of Different Types Research Articles

Observational Study of Wind Velocity and Structures during Supertyphoons and Convective Gales over Land Based on a 356-m-High Meteorological Gradient Tower

Abstract Supertyphoons (STs) and strong convection gales (SCGs) are extremely hazardous weather events over land. Knowledge of their processes is crucial for various applications, such as intensity forecasts of gales and the design of high-rise construction and infrastructure. Here, an observational analysis of two strong SCGs and two STs is presented based on data from the Shenzhen meteorological gradient tower, the tallest in Asia. Differences in the intrinsic physical characteristics measured at each event can be associated with different disaster-causing mechanisms. Wind speeds during STs are comparatively much larger but feature slower variations, while those of SCGs are more abrupt. Unlike that observed during STs, the vertical distribution of wind speeds during SCGs obeys a power law or exponential distribution only within 1-h maximum wind speed windows. In comparison with a Gaussian distribution, a generalized extreme value distribution can better characterize the statistical characteristics of the gusts of both STs and SCGs events. Deviations from Kolmogorov’s −5/3 power law were observed in the energy spectra of both phenomena at upper levels, albeit with differences. Different from what is seen in the ST energy spectrum distribution, a clear process of energy increase and decrease could be seen in SCGs during gale evolution. Nonetheless, both SCGs and STs exhibited a high downward transfer of turbulent momentum flux at a 320 m height, which could be attributed to the pulsation of the gusts rather than to the large-scale base flow. Significance Statement Strong gales induced by typhoons and severe convection have potential serious impacts on human society. The current study compares and analyzes the characteristics of the gales induced by the two different weather systems using the data observed by a 356-m-tall tower in South China. This paper also shows the relationship between gusts of the near-surface wind and the turbulent momentum fluxes, thus suggesting a possible mechanism leading to destructive forces in surface winds. In terms of social value, this study would contribute to increase the awareness of gales (the instantaneous wind speed over 17 m s−1) and improve the prediction and prevention of different types of gales, as well as the wind-resistant design of high-rise buildings.

Antioxidant and photoprotective potential of Polypodium leucotomos

In recent years, Polypodium leucotomos has emerged with a great interest for having medicinal and therapeutic potential. It is producing very promising results due to the presence of antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Electronic libraries and databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant studies; 79 publications contributed to this review regarding Polypodium leucotomos botanical aspects, chemical composition, antioxidant and photoprotective activity. It is used in complementary and alternative therapies with various pharmaceutical dosage forms (systemic or topical). Thanks to the composition of phytochemical constituents present in the leaves and rhizomes which confer antioxidant and photoprotective activity that has clinical therapeutic potential to be used as systemic and topical sunscreen of natural origin for the prevention of different types of skin diseases caused by harmful ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiations. However, more studies are needed in the future to test the ability and enhance the capacity of sunscreen and sunblock in cosmetic formulations. To conclude, it is recommended to carry out scientific studies based on different analytical methods to evaluate the phytoconstituents potential and to develop stable pharmaceutical formulations according to the skin phototype.

NSAIDs: Old Acquaintance in the Pipeline for Cancer Treatment and Prevention─Structural Modulation, Mechanisms of Action, and Bright Future.

The limitations of current chemotherapeutic drugs are still a major issue in cancer treatment. Thus, targeted multimodal therapeutic approaches need to be strategically developed to successfully control tumor growth and prevent metastatic burden. Inflammation has long been recognized as a hallmark of cancer and plays a key role in the tumorigenesis and progression of the disease. Several epidemiological, clinical, and preclinical studies have shown that traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exhibit anticancer activities. This Perspective reports the most recent outcomes for the treatment and prevention of different types of cancers for several NSAIDs alone or in combination with current chemotherapeutic drugs. Furthermore, an extensive review of the most promising structural modifications is reported, such as phospho, H2S, and NO releasing-, selenium-, metal complex-, and natural product-NSAIDs, among others. We also provide a perspective about the new strategies used to obtain more efficient NSAID- or NSAID derivative- formulations for targeted delivery.

Research Progress of Geraniol in Tumor Therapy

Geraniol is an acyclic monoterpenoid compound, which exists widely in aromatic plants. Geraniol has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Recently, it has been found that geraniol has a strong effect on improving immune function and anti-tumor. Many experimental evidences support that geraniol has a good effect on the treatment or prevention of different types of tumors, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, etc. it also has a synergistic anti-cancer effect with many anti-cancer drugs, revealing the mechanism of its more complex anti-tumor pharmacological action System. In this review, we summarized a variety of anti-cancer signaling pathways and targets. Geraniol is considered to be a safe, effective and promising multi-target anti-cancer drug, which is expected to become an important force in the anti-cancer of traditional Chinese medicine.

Silymarin: not just another antioxidant.

Silymarin (Silybum marianum; SM), popularly known as milk thistle, is an extract that has been used for many centuries to treat liver diseases. In recent years, several studies have shown that SM is not only just another antioxidant but also a multifunctional compound that exhibits several beneficial properties for use in the treatment and prevention of different types of pathologies and disorders. This review aims at demonstrating the main protective activities of SM in diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, metabolic syndrome, depression, cardiovascular diseases and thalassemia, in addition to its photoprotective activity in in vitro tests and preclinical studies. Its main functions include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and it acts as modulator of signaling pathways. It has been suggested that SM presents great multifunctional potential and is capable of achieving promising results in different types of research. However, caution is still needed regarding its indiscriminate use in humans as there are only a few clinical studies relating to the adequate dose and the actual efficacy of this extract in different types of diseases.

Paediatric virology and human papillomaviruses: An update.

Almost 10 years ago, in October, 2008, the scientist who reported for the first time the association between human papillomaviruses (HPV) and cervical cancer, was awarded with the Nobel prize. In the years that followed, Professor Harald zur Hausen actively supported the value of the HPV vaccination in the prevention of different types of cancer and highlighted the necessity of its introduction in both girls and boys. However, to date, in the majority of countries, HPV vaccination among male adolescents has not been implemented into the national vaccination schemes, while in several countries, including Greece, the participation rate to HPV vaccination among female adolescents still remains low. Recent data indicate that catch-up HPV vaccination among young women has been extremely useful and has exhibited a significant effect in decreasing the prevalence of HPV. While the marketed current HPV vaccines prevent anogenital HPV infection, their impact on the natural history of oral HPV and their efficacy in preventing HPV-related head and neck carcinomas need to be further investigated. Juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, as well as HPV-associated conjunctival papillomas continue to be observed in childhood and their clinical management involves different therapeutic approaches with controversial outcomes. This review article provides an overview of recent views and advances on HPV infections and prevention in childhood that were presented at the ‘4th Workshop on Paediatric Virology’ on Saturday September 22, 2018 in Athens, Greece.

COMPARATIVE FEATURES OF CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM STATE, BODY WEIGHT AND ASSOCIATED HORMONAL FACTORS IN VARIOUS MOLECULAR-BIOLOGICAL TYPES OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Aims: The tradition of dividing endometrial cancer (EC) into two types - which existed for many decades - has undergone significant changes over the past few years. The aim of this work was to collect data on important aspect of hormonal-metabolic status in patients having one of the four EC types which compose a modern molecular-biological classification of this tumor. Materials and methods: The division of EC into types (234 tumors from patients predominantly of postmenopausal age) was based on the classification of this carcinoma, which includes cases with mutations in tumor tissue of DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE), signs of mismatch repair deficiency - microsatellite instability (MMR-D), expression of the multifunctional protein p53 and, finally, with the absence of these three features. In the studies of hormone-metabolic status, depending on the methodology, materials from a varying number of patients were involved. Results and conclusions: It has been established that EC patients, carriers of the POLE mutations, are characterized by a lower body mass index (BMI), a decreased incidence of overt diabetes and a lower ratio of leptin/adiponectin in the serum. For patients with EC having signs of MMR-D, an increase in BMI and the most pronounced tendency to disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism were found, while for patients with increased expression of oncoprotein p53 were characteristic frequent detection of patients with low body weight (BMI <25.0) and a trend towards a decrease in the insulin resistance index. In conditionally “triply negative” type (not having three listed markers: POLE mutations, MMR-D signs and p53 hyperexpression), uterine body cancer patients revealed highest average BMI value and positive correlation of BMI with the level of leptinemia. The data obtained indicate the need for a selective approach to the prevention of different types of EC and for the study on the association of revealed type-specific features with the further course of the disease.

Targeting miRNAs by polyphenols: Novel therapeutic strategy for cancer.

In the recent years, polyphenols have gained significant attention in scientific community owing to their potential anticancer effects against a wide range of human malignancies. Epidemiological, clinical and preclinical studies have supported that daily intake of polyphenol-rich dietary fruits have a strong co-relationship in the prevention of different types of cancer. In addition to direct antioxidant mechanisms, they also regulate several therapeutically important oncogenic signaling and transcription factors. However, after the discovery of microRNA (miRNA), numerous studies have identified that polyphenols, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate, genistein, resveratrol and curcumin exert their anticancer effects by regulating different miRNAs which are implicated in all the stages of cancer. MiRNAs are short, non-coding endogenous RNA, which silence the gene functions by targeting messenger RNA (mRNA) through degradation or translation repression. However, cancer associated miRNAs has emerged only in recent years to support its applications in cancer therapy. Preclinical experiments have suggested that deregulation of single miRNA is sufficient for neoplastic transformation of cells. Indeed, the widespread deregulation of several miRNA profiles of tumor and healthy tissue samples revealed the involvement of many types of miRNA in the development of numerous cancers. Hence, targeting the miRNAs using polyphenols will be a novel and promising strategy in anticancer chemotherapy. Herein, we have critically reviewed the potential applications of polyphenols on various human miRNAs, especially which are involved in oncogenic and tumor suppressor pathways.

Program: Functional adaptation at home for dependent and elderly / or disabled people

Introduction : In 2006 Spain approves Law 39/2006 of December 14 named _Promotion of Personal Autonomy and Care for people in dependency situations._ This law represents an advance in individuals’ life and families who have a dependent member. “_In 2014 there were, in Spain, 18’1% of dependent people over 65 years old while in Catalonia there was 18,3%_” (Idescat, 2015). Given the large number of people over 65 years old that are dependent in Barcelona City, Barcelona City Council together with Association for Independent Living create a program named Functional adaptation at home for dependent and elderly / or disabled people. This program is being carried out from 2.011 to the present, and it’s a program for people over 65 years without economic resources and it’s a priority that they live alone or with a dependent person. Objectives : The program objectives are: - Improving the quality of life of this collective: providing autonomy maintaining physical and mental activity while the activity is performed in activities of daily living. It also improves accessibility and security at home, while they are promoting more time in their homes and avoid institutionalization. - Provide the discharge of the caregiver in order to avoid the physical and mental impairment. Project overview : Program: Functional adaptation at home for dependent and elderly / or disabled people is done through requests made by Social Workers from Barcelona’s City Council Social Services Centers and Primary Care Centers in the area of Barcelona as well as coordinators of the service of home care services. Independent Living Center (CVI) professionals: physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist, value the person’s functional limitations at home. All adaptations are done based on this evaluation, usually with support products and, in exceptional cases, arrangements to improve accessibility at home. In arrangements visits also collaborates an expert accessibility engineer. During the assessment, the person also visits CVI, where professionals evaluate which are the best products for the person while learns how to use the prescribed items. Once the functional adaptation is done, the professionals value the person’s satisfaction and his/her caregiver satisfaction. We specifically re-evalue the autonomy’s capacity in those daily tasks that they could not perform: to take a shower, sitting down and standing up from the sofa... by a new scaling. The number of beneficiaries that has been attended during the period taken from 2011 to 2015 is approximately 3,200 people. Project results : Two months after the interventions are finished, CVI professionals track the actions taken to beneficiaries through a satisfaction survey of the products and their use. 86% of users said they feel more independent and 95% of them said they feel safer than before. This program has allowed to CVI to do a study with the University of Barcelona, Econometrics’ Department. The study says that: _For every euro invested in support products annual savings ranging between 2.74 and 3.71 euros_, _taking into account the smaller needs of grants to third parties, and prevention of different types of drops. The repayment of the investment would be lower than 5 months in any case_ _This study also confirmed the efficiency of preventive policies in order to address future situations of dependency aggravations_ Funding : Funding is made through a collaboration agreement that’s been annually signed between Barcelona City Council and Association for Independent Living (AVI), the entity that manages CVI. Improvement proposal : There must be a drawing hand, in order to amend the current care model (more on an assistance and reagent way) to a different system, where social services politics are conceived on a more preventive and active nature. We believe that should be an enhancement interdisciplinary social network (Social Worker, Home Care Service) and healthcare network (physiotherapist, nurse ...) in which could promote comprehensive care person. Barriers of the implementations process : Starting this project back in 2.011 was hard work as we were in the middle of the economic crisis and it was a revolutionary program that had never been done before in Barcelona. We start all work during 2.010 (meetings with different departments from the City Council, meetings with support products suppliers, etc.) in order to get everything ready to be able to start the program in April 2.011.

Can the manipulation of urinary pH by beverages assist with the prevention of stone recurrence?

The formation of various types of stones in the urinary tract is strongly influenced by urinary pH. An acidic urinary pH promotes the crystallization of uric acid and cystine, respectively. Moreover, changes in systemic acid-base homeostasis alter urinary excretion of citrate, an important inhibitor of calcium oxalate stone formation. The effect of beverages on urinary pH and citrate excretion is mainly determined by the presence of bicarbonate and citrate. The bicarbonate content of mineral water can replace alkalization therapy with potassium citrate and contribute to urine inhibitory power by increasing urinary pH and citrate excretion. Citrus juices are rich sources of citrate. Oral citrate is absorbed in the intestine and nearly completely metabolized to bicarbonate, providing an alkali load, which in turn increases urinary pH and citrate excretion. However, data from observational and interventional studies on the effect of different types of citrus juices on the risk of urinary stone formation are conflicting. In conclusion, favourable changes in urinary pH and citrate excretion can be attained by various beverages. However, the long-term efficacy of certain beverages for the recurrence prevention of different types of stones has yet to be determined.

Clotting activity of camphene derivatives

Aim. To study of the influence of new synthetized sulfur-containing derivatives of camphene on the thrombocytes aggregating ability and clotting activity of human blood plasma in vitro. Methods. Sulfides and sulphones of camphene were synthesized by thiols electrophilic addition reaction. The structures of the synthetized compounds were clarified by using of 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, chromato-mass spectrometry and X-ray analysis. Clotting activity of the synthetized compounds was assessed by studying the spontaneous platelet aggregation and plasma coagulating activity of the venous blood of patients with ischemic heart disease. The induced platelets aggregation was studied on plasma obtained from healthy donors. Results. The synthetized compounds demonstrated anti-aggregating and anti-coagulating activity: they inhibited spontaneous and induced thrombocyte aggregation as well as reduced coagulating ability of human plasma. Both camphene sulphone and mainly camphene sulfide (in contrast with acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel) totally inhibited thrombocytes aggregation induced by adrenaline, adenosine diphosphate, collagen and arachidonic acid, and decreased the influence of ristocetin. Anticoagulant activity of the synthetized substances is associated to their potential to inhibit thrombocyte activation and to reduce the catalyst activity of phospholipid surface participating in coagulating complexes and clotting factors formation. Conclusion. Low toxicity of terpenoids together with discovered anticoagulant activity of sulfur-containing derivatives of camphene revealing the promising potential of these drugs for further development of novel medical treatments for treating and prevention of different types of thrombophilia.

Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels in Bulgarian Patients with Prostate Cancer: a Pilot Study

The antiproliferative effect of the active form of vitamin D on cancer cells and its ability to induce cell differentiation and suppression of tumor-induced angiogenesis in the last decade has provoked enormous research for the elucidation of its role in the prevention of different types of cancer and in slowing down the malignancy progression. The aim of the present pilot study was to determine the circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels in Bulgarian prostate cancer (PCa) patients and to investigate their relationship with various determinants associated with the severity and progression of the disease. A total of 53 male patients (mean age 67.0 ± 7.1 years) with clinical suspicion for PCa were enrolled in the study. All patients were subjected to systemic transrectal ultrasound-guided tru-cut prostate biopsies (10 cores at least). Detected tumors were graded using the Gleason grading system. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) serum levels were measured immunochemically. The 25OHD assay was performed by a validated HPLC-UV method. Other covariates (BMI, age, family history of PCa) were collected by interview at the time of hospitalization. One-way ANOVA with Kruskal Wallis statistics was used for comparison of medians of different parameters. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Significantly lower 25OHD levels were detected in PCa patients compared to those with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) (p < 0.05). Patients with high grade tumors (Gleason score ≥ 7) showed significantly lower 25OHD levels, while those with low grade tumors (Gleason score < 7) revealed better 25OHD status (50.49 vs. 63.17 nmol/L, p < 0.05). A moderate negative correlation between 25OHD levels and the Gleason score was established (Spearman r = -0.46, p < 0.05). Significant seasonal variations in 25OHD levels, both for PCa and BPH patients, were detected (p < 0.01). This preliminary study shows an association between 25OHD status and classical markers characterizing the severity of PCa. The results might suggest a potential beneficial role of vitamin D for PCa patients. Further prospective studies are needed to strengthen the interrelationships between 25OHD levels and variables related with PCa and to test them for causality.

The Role of Soluble, Insoluble Fibers and Their Bioactive Compounds in Cancer: A Mini Review

The cancer incidence has risen dramatically over the last decades. About 8 million people died globally according to latest reports, which represented almost 40% more than it was 20 years ago. Risk factors for the development of cancer have been found to include smoking, alcohol, drugs, obesity and diet. Fiber intake has shown to exhibit chemoprotective effects on cancer proliferation and metastasis that may seem to be very promising. This article will review the role of different types of fiber such as, cellulose, lignin, pectin and inulin in development and prevention of different types of cancers. This article would also discuss the effectiveness of both types of fiber in cancer prevention.

Optimum Blood Pressure Target After Lacunar Stroke

The recent report of the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes (SPS3) trial, a randomized controlled clinical trial of secondary prevention of stroke targeting systolic blood pressures (BPs) <130 versus 130 to 149 mm Hg in patients with recent but not acute subcortical lacunar stroke,1 and the associated Comment2 conclude that “Although the reduction in stroke was not significant, our results support that in patients with recent lacunar stroke, the use of a systolic-blood-pressure target of less than 130 mm Hg is likely to be beneficial.”1 Indeed, the Comment underlined that “the SPS3 trial was underpowered to identify or exclude confidently a slight, but nevertheless clinically important, increase in serious complications of hypotension with systolic blood pressure lower than 130 mm Hg.”2 However, the cover of August 10 to 16, 2013 issue of The Lancet that carries the article on SPS3 and the associated Comment reads “The implications of SPS3 are that clinicians should endeavour to achieve and maintain systolic blood pressures lower than 130 mm Hg in patients who have survived 2 weeks or more after subcortical lacunar ischemic stroke.” This assertion is essentially based on the consistency of results across subgroups, the consistency of results (19% reduction in events) with other studies of primary or secondary prevention of different types of stroke, at similar differences of systolic BP between groups, in this particular trial 11 mm Hg between the achieved BP of the high-target group (138 mm Hg) and the low-target group (127 …

Inhibitory effects of fucoxanthinol on the viability of human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 are correlated with modulation of the NF-kappaB pathway.

Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid present in the chloroplasts of brown seaweeds. When ingested, it is metabolized mainly to fucoxanthinol in the gastrointestinal tract by digestive enzymes. These compounds have been shown to have many beneficial health effects. The present study was designed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of action of fucoxanthin and/or of its metabolite fucoxanthinol against viability of estrogen-sensitive MCF-7 and estrogen-resistant MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol reduced the viability of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners as a result of increased apoptosis. Furthermore, fucoxanthinol-induced apoptosis was more potent than that of fucoxanthin and correlated, for MDA-MB-231 cells, with inhibitory actions on members of the NF-κB pathway p65, p50, RelB, and p52. Being overexpressed and regulated by NF-κB in different types of cancers, the transcription factor SOX9 was also decreased at the nuclear level by fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol in MDA-MB-231. Taken together, the current results suggest that fucoxanthinol and fucoxanthin could be potentially effective for the treatment and/or prevention of different types of cancers, including breast cancer.

Социально-правовые аспекты проблемы насилия против женщины в семье

Social and legal problems of domestic violence against women are considered. Data of researches on domestic violence condition in Russia, its consequences, results of work of crisis centers, interdepartmental interaction for domestic violence prevention are provided. The international documents related to protection of women rights and prevention of different types of domestic violence against women are presented, the assessment of this problem’s legal aspects in Russian legislation is given.

Abstract CN04-02: PPARgamma in aerodigestive cancer prevention

Abstract The development of agents to prevent cancer requires an iterative process of target identification, preclinical testing, and early and late phase clinical trials to establish efficacy and safety. Appropriate target selection is based on efficacy assessment as well as the potential negative effects of impacting the target. Indications of effectiveness fall into several major categories: knowledge of mechanisms, in vitro and animal in vivo experimental data, epidemiological case-control and cohort studies, and data from clinical trials, either early phase prevention trials or secondary endpoint analysis from trials performed for other indications. Given that the history of cancer prevention clinical trials includes multiple examples of unintended harms from the tested agents (e.g., beta carotene increased rather than decreased the risk of lung cancer; rofecoxib and celecoxib were associated with cardiovascular risks despite reducing colorectal polyp recurrence), the current research emphasis is on obtaining a better understanding of the process of lung carcinogenesis and on careful selection of agents whose short and long term side effect profile are well understood. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and is a key regulator of adipogenesis. It is the target of the thiazolidinedione class of oral agents, two of which are currently approved by the FDA to treat type II diabetes mellitus (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone). Abundant cell line studies show that ligands of PPARγ inhibit cell proliferation of a variety of cancer cell types by promoting differentiation and/or apoptosis. Several xenograft studies confirm these effects in breast, lung, and colon cancer models, among others. However, pilot clinical trials of PPARγ ligands in patients with advanced breast or colon cancer who have received multiple lines of chemotherapy have shown no activity. The suggestion that PPARγ ligands may be useful for the prevention of lung and upper aerodigestive (head and neck) carcinogenesis comes from three lines of evidence. First, two epidemiologic studies focusing on a large VA database show that diabetics who used PPARγ ligands compared to those who used other oral agents or insulin had a 30-50% reduced risk of lung or head and neck cancer. Second, multiple mouse carcinogenesis studies suggest that PPARγ ligands may be useful for the prevention of different types of cancer. PPARγ overexpression in mouse lung protects against carcinogen-induced lung tumors. Similarly, PPARγ ligand treatment potently reduces tumor burden in mouse models of lung adenomas/adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, and in rat models of oral squamous cell carcinomas. Finally, a pilot clinical trial of the PPARγ ligand pioglitazone in subjects with oral premalignancy showed a high clinical response rate, with only minor side effects. Taken together, these data provide a strong justification for further clinical trials, which are currently ongoing to explore the role of pioglitazone in the prevention of lung and head and neck malignancies. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):CN04-02.

The transition from discovery by genome-wide association studies to validation of clinical risk models: Where are we, what will it take, and when can we expect to be there?

Abstract Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have emerged as an important tool for discovering regions of the genome that harbor genetic variants that confer risk for different types of cancers. The success of GWAS has been a consequence of the convergence of new technologies that can genotype hundreds of thousands of common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers together with comprehensive annotation of genetic variation. This approach has provided the opportunity to scan across the genome in a sufficiently set of cases and controls without a set of prior hypotheses in search of susceptibility alleles with low effect sizes. So far, susceptibility alleles discovered thus far are common, namely, with a frequency in one or more population of greater than 5% and each allele confers a small contribution to the overall risk for the disease. In prostate cancer, there could be more than 35 distinct regions harboring common susceptibility alleles identified by GWAS whereas in lung cancer, a disease strongly driven by exposure to tobacco products, so far, only three regions have been conclusively established. To date, over 125 regions have been conclusively associated in over a dozen different cancers, yet no more than six regions have been associated with more than one distinct cancer type. GWAS are an important discovery tool that require extensive follow-up to map each region, investigate the biological mechanism underpinning the association and eventually test the optimal markers for assessing risk for a disease or its outcome, such as in pharmacogenomics. The early fruits of success employed by GWAS have opened new horizons for applying genetic variation to the early diagnosis, treatment and perhaps prevention of different types of cancers. At the same time, it has become apparent that the complex genomic architecture of disease susceptibility will require further discovery of uncommon and rare variants using next generation sequence technologies that contribute to different cancers before we can expect to establish robust tests of germline DNA to be clinically useful. To reach this goal, new studies will need to be designed to validate the utility of known genetic variants in assessing risk for cancer.

Aspirin in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: an update of the APTC meta‐analysis

We updated the 2002 Antiplatelet Trialists' Collaboration meta-analysis of antiplatelet therapy to assess the effects of aspirin alone in the secondary prevention of different types of thrombotic arterial disease. Results of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of aspirin in patients with confirmed cardiovascular disease were abstracted and synthesized by the Mantel-Haenszel method. We defined three cardiovascular disease groups according to the qualifying disease at entry: coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CRVD), and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Results are given as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Compared with placebo, aspirin decreased significantly the risk of all-cause death in CAD and CRVD (OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.75-0.86 and 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.98, respectively), and of vascular events in CAD, CRVD, and PAD (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.67-0.76, 0.87, 95% CI 0.82-0.93, and 0.50, 95% CI 0.29-0.88, respectively). The risk of non-fatal stroke was decreased in the CAD, CRVD, and PAD (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.50-0.83, 0.81, 95% CI 0.74-0.89, and 0.26, 95% CI 0.07-0.94, respectively). The risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction was decreased significantly in the CAD and CRVD (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.53-0.67, and 0.63, 95% CI 0.48-0.84, respectively), but not in the PAD (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.15-1.25). Aspirin nearly doubled the risk of major bleeds (OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.51-2.32 for all clinical conditions). This meta-analysis confirms that aspirin decreases the risk of thrombotic events in patients with confirmed disease of the coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral artery beds.

Blood pressure-lowering treatment for primary and secondary prevention of different types of stroke

High blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor for stroke and accumulating evidence indicates that blood pressure levels are likely to be associated with all stroke subtypes. There is also evidence from randomized trials suggesting that blood pressure-lowering treatment provides protection against every stroke subtype in both primary and secondary prevention settings. Blood pressure lowering is likely to be one of the most effective and generalizable strategies across a variety of stroke subtypes.