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By Pooja Toshniwal Paharia Feb 22 2024 Reviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLM

In a recent review published in Frontiers in Oncology, researchers investigated eating patterns and indices related to gastric cancer and explored their association with stomach cancer risk.

Study:  Review of dietary patterns and gastric cancer risk: epidemiology and biological evidence . Image Credit: Peakstock/Shutterstock.com Background

Gastric cancer is a common cancer worldwide, accounting for considerable global mortality. Despite attempts to minimize Helicobacter pylori prevalence and enhance food storage, the incidence and fatality rates of stomach cancer have decreased.

Epidemiological studies have found links between eating habits and stomach cancer risk. Individual dietary components, on the other hand, have produced inconsistent results in terms of the stated risk of stomach cancer.

Assessing eating patterns yields more reliable effect estimates and outcomes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive cancer prevention recommendations. About the review

In the present review, researchers reviewed existing data on the impact of diet on gastric cancer risk.

Diet patterns can be posteriori (formed from cohort population data) or a priori (created using existing information about food, nutrients, and illness). Posteriori patterns are determined using statistical approaches such as principal component analysis, factor analysis, and cluster analysis.

A priori patterns may derive from country-specific standards, chronic disease-preventive diets, or cultural eating habits. Association between a posteriori eating patterns and stomach cancer

In case-control studies, healthy eating patterns minimized the risk of stomach cancer, but an "unhealthy" dietary pattern raised the risk.

A comprehensive meta-analysis revealed that greater compliance with "prudent" diet patterns was related to a lower incidence of stomach cancer [odds ratio (OR) 0.8].

In contrast, increased compliance with Western diets increased the risk of total stomach cancer (odds ratio, 1.5). The association between poor eating habits and stomach cancer risk was more robust for cardia stomach cancers (OR, 2.1) than for distal stomach cancers (OR, 1.4).

Other meta-analyses showed that individuals consuming healthy foods had decreased stomach cancer risks (OR, 0.7) considerably.

In contrast, following unhealthy diets increased stomach cancer risk (OR, 1.6). A 2017 meta-analysis found that "Western" diets increase gastric cancer risk.

However, meta-analytical research of 13 case-control studies and eight studies of the prospective cohort type found that those abiding by "prudent" diets had a lower chance of developing stomach cancer. A priori dietary patterns, dietary indices, and gastric cancer

The relationship between eating habits and stomach cancer risk is complicated and nuanced. There is limited research on the link between high health eating index (HEI) or alternate HEI (AHEI) scores and the risk of stomach cancer.

A comprehensive review and meta-analysis found that higher adherence to HEI and AHEI dietary patterns was associated with a lower risk of total cancer-specific mortality.

New case-control research from Iran found that eating the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet was related to a 54% lower incidence of stomach cancer.

The DASH diet's components, such as excessive salt intake, red meat consumption, and fruits, have been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.

A Markov cohort state-transition model projected that a low sodium-DASH diet reduced stomach cancer risk by 25% in men and 21% in women.

Meta-analyses indicate that Mediterranean diet (MD) followers are less likely to develop stomach cancer.

MD vitamins and fibers reduce H. pylori colonization, whereas polyphenol-rich foods and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) reduce inflammation by inhibiting free radicals and lowering oxidative stress.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce triglyceride levels and inflammation, methionine reduces body weight and insulin resistance, branched-chain amino acids improve insulin sensitivity, and short-chain fatty acids reduce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and inflammation and regulate autoimmunity factors. Patterns based on biological markers

Inflammation increases gastric cancer risk, particularly among men. Pro-inflammatory foods increase the incidence of intestinal and diffuse cancer subtypes.

The upregulation of cytokines and chemokines, which recruit several hematopoietic and progenitor cell types to inflamed stomach tissues, may cause chronic inflammation.

Gastric cancer-related inflammation includes inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). IL-1 has an anti-tumor impact, whereas IL-6 is associated with tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is associated with anti-cancer treatment in advanced gastric cancer patients. The KD alters glucose metabolism and inhibits insulin signaling and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), the primary energy source for tumor cells. KD reduces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) generation to increase oxidative stress in tumor cells.

Ad libitum KD therapy inhibits hypoxia-related and growth-driven proteins, influencing tumor progression.

Ketones enter cancer cells by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), limit lactate export, reduce cancer survival time, and prevent the activation of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation, lowering IL-1β expression.

The review findings indicate that dietary patterns can influence gastric cancer risk by influencing metabolites, gut microbiota, inflammation, and immune function.

Inconsistency in results might be owing to various factors such as meal types, recollection bias, overall energy consumption, and other confounders. Large-scale prospective cohort studies could improve the validity of the findings. Journal reference:

Pu K, Feng Y, Tang Q, Yang G, and Xu C (2024) Review of dietary patterns and gastric cancer risk: epidemiology and biological evidence. Front. Oncol. 14:1333623. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1333623. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2024.1333623/full?utm_source=S-TWT

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Pakistan allocates 2,000MW power for Bitcoin mining and AI centers

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Pakistan allocates 2,000MW power for Bitcoin mining and AI centers

Pakistan allocates 2,000MW power for Bitcoin mining and AI centers

Pakistan has allocated 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity exclusively for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence centers.

The move is part of a broader digital transformation plan spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council and backed by the Ministry of Finance, according to a May 25 report by local news outlet 24NewsHD TV Channel.

In the first phase, the government plans to channel excess power into AI infrastructure and crypto mining operations. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the decision is expected to attract billions in foreign investment while generating high-tech employment across the country.

The initiative’s second phase will introduce access to renewable energy for mining operations, aiming to balance growth with environmental responsibility.

Related: Trump-backed World Liberty Financial partners with Pakistan Crypto Council

Pakistan unveils tax incentives to attract investors

Per the report, interest from international Bitcoin (BTC) miners and AI firms has already picked up. Officials confirmed that multiple foreign delegations have visited Pakistan in recent months to explore potential partnerships.

To further incentivize investment, the Ministry of Finance announced a package of tax incentives for AI centers and duty exemptions for Bitcoin miners.

Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of Pakistan’s Crypto Council, reportedly welcomed the development, calling it a “turning point” for the country’s digital economy.

Saqib claimed that with clear regulations and a transparent framework, Pakistan could emerge as a significant player in the global crypto and AI sectors.

Saqib first proposed using the country’s runoff energy to fuel Bitcoin mining at the Crypto Council’s inaugural meeting on March 21.

The meeting included lawmakers, the Bank of Pakistan’s governor, the chairman of Pakistan’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP), and the federal information technology secretary.

Related: Pakistan proposes compliance-based crypto regulatory framework — Report

Pakistan creates Digital Asset Authority

On May 21, Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance endorsed the creation of a dedicated body to regulate blockchain-based financial infrastructure in the country.

The Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) will serve as a regulatory body to oversee licensing and regulating exchanges, custodians, wallets, tokenized platforms, stablecoins, and decentralized finance applications.

The PDAA will also be tasked with tokenizing national assets and government debt, facilitating monetization of Pakistan’s surplus electricity through regulated Bitcoin mining, and helping startups build blockchain-based solutions at scale.

Pakistan ranked highly in Chainalysis’ 2024 crypto adoption index, coming in ninth, mainly due to strong retail adoption and transactions at centralized services.

Pakistan allocates 2,000MW power for Bitcoin mining and AI centers
Pakistan ranked highly in Chainalysis’ 2024 crypto adoption index, coming in 9th. Source: Chainalysis

Data from Statista also shows Pakistan’s crypto market is “experiencing rapid growth,” estimating the number of crypto users to amount to over 27 million by 2025, out of a population of 247 million.

Magazine: Bitcoin bears eye $69K, CZ denies WLF ‘fixer’ rumors: Hodler’s Digest, May 18 – 24

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Politics

Crypto investor charged with kidnapping, torturing an Italian for passwords

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Crypto investor charged with kidnapping, torturing an Italian for passwords

Crypto investor charged with kidnapping, torturing an Italian for passwords

A Manhattan crypto investor is facing serious charges after allegedly kidnapping and torturing an Italian man in a disturbing bid to extract access to digital assets.

John Woeltz, 37, was arraigned on Saturday in Manhattan criminal court following his arrest on Friday. He stands accused of holding a 28-year-old Italian man captive for weeks inside a luxury townhouse in Soho, reportedly rented for $30,000 per month.

According to police reports cited by The New York Times, the victim arrived in the US on May 6 and was allegedly abducted by Woeltz and an accomplice.

The attackers are said to have stolen the man’s passport and electronic devices before demanding the password to his Bitcoin (BTC) wallet. When he refused, the suspects allegedly subjected him to prolonged physical abuse.

Crypto investor charged with kidnapping, torturing an Italian for passwords
Source: Mario Nawfal

Related: Violent crypto robberies on the rise: Six attacks that targeted investors

Crypto victim beaten, electroshocked

The victim described being beaten, shocked with electricity, assaulted with a firearm and even dangled from the upper floors of the five-story building.

He also told police that Woeltz used a saw to cut his leg and forced him to smoke crack cocaine. Threats were also reportedly made against his family.

Photographic evidence found inside the property, including Polaroids, appears to support claims of sustained abuse. The victim managed to escape on Friday and alert authorities, leading to Woeltz’s arrest.

Woeltz was charged with four felony counts, including kidnapping for ransom, and entered a plea of not guilty. Judge Eric Schumacher ordered him to be held without bail. He is expected back in court on May 28.

A 24-year-old woman was also taken into custody on Friday in connection with the incident. However, she was seen walking freely in New York the next day, and no charges against her were found in the court’s online database.

Authorities have yet to clarify the relationship between the suspect and the victim or whether any cryptocurrency was ultimately stolen.

Related: Crypto crime goes industrial as gangs launch coins, launder billions — UN

Crypto executives turn to bodyguards

Executives and investors in the crypto industry are increasingly seeking personal security services as kidnapping and ransom cases surge, especially in France.

On May 18, Amsterdam-based private firm Infinite Risks International reported a rise in requests for bodyguards and long-term protection contracts from high-profile figures in the space.

French authorities have responded by introducing enhanced protections for crypto entrepreneurs and their families, including security briefings and priority access to police assistance.

This comes amid a recent surge in kidnappings and ransom attempts. David Balland, the co-founder of hardware wallet company Ledger, was kidnapped in January 2025 and held for ransom for several days before being rescued by French police.

In May 2024, the father of an unnamed crypto entrepreneur was freed from a ransom attempt after French law enforcement officials raided the location in a Paris suburb where the individual was being held hostage by organized criminals.

Magazine: Bitcoiner sex trap extortion? BTS firm’s blockchain disaster: Asia Express

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Business

Gail’s backer plots rare move with bid for steak chain Flat Iron

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Gail's backer plots rare move with bid for steak chain Flat Iron

A backer of Gail’s bakeries is in advanced talks to acquire Flat Iron, one of Britain’s fastest-growing steak restaurant chains.

Sky News has learnt that McWin Capital Partners, which specialises in investments across the “food ecosystem”, has teamed up with TriSpan, another private equity investor, to buy a large stake in Flat Iron.

Restaurant industry sources said McWin would probably take the largest economic interest in Flat Iron if the deal completes.

They added that the two buyers were in exclusive discussions, with a deal possible in approximately a month’s time.

The valuation attached to Flat Iron was unclear on Sunday.

Flat Iron launched in 2012 in London’s Shoreditch and now has roughly 20 sites open.

The chain is solidly profitable, with its latest accounts showing underlying profits of £5.7m in the year to the end of August.

It already has private equity backing in the form of Piper, a leading investor in consumer brands, which injected £10m into the business in 2017.

Flat Iron was founded by Charlie Carroll, who retains an interest in it, but the company is now run by former Byron restaurant boss Tom Byng.

Houlihan Lokey, the investment bank, has been advising Flat Iron on the process.

McWin has reportedly been in talks to take full control of Gail’s while TriSpan’s portfolio has included restaurant operators such as the Vietnamese chain Pho and Rosa’s, a Thai food chain.

A spokesman for McWin declined to comment.

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