Humans are variously and continuously exposed to a wide range of different DNA-damaging agents, some of which are classed as carcinogens. DNA damage can arise from exposure to exogenous agents, but damage from endogenous processes is probably far more prevalent. That said, epidemiological studies of migrant populations from regions of low cancer risk to high cancer risk countries point to a role for environmental and/or lifestyle factors playing a pivotal part in cancer aetiology. One might reasonably surmise from this that carcinogens found in our environment or diet are culpable. Exposure to carcinogens is associated with various forms of DNA damage such as single-stand breaks, double-strand breaks, covalently bound chemical DNA adducts, oxidative-induced lesions and DNA–DNA or DNA–protein cross-links. This review predominantly concentrates on DNA damage induced by the following carcinogens: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic aromatic amines, mycotoxins, ultraviolet light, ionising radiation, aristolochic acid, nitrosamines and particulate matter. Additionally, we allude to some of the cancer types where there is molecular epidemiological evidence that these agents are aetiological risk factors. The complex role that carcinogens play in the pathophysiology of cancer development remains obscure, but DNA damage remains pivotal to this process.

No abstract

No abstract

Food preferences can be established in young children and these food preferences could extend into adulthood. This article is about MyPlate Food Group Books which are five nonfiction books. Each book covers one food group. The books were developed with input from 4-year-old children, preschool educators, and specialists in nutrition education and child development. The books were tested for acceptance and potential for behavior change with a small group of 3-year-old children. After the books were read once a day for 2 weeks by teachers, the authors tested the effect of book exposure on food consumption by measuring aggregate plate waste. Although changes in food consumption behaviors were not observed, the teachers indicated changes in the preschooler's attitudes toward trying new foods. Positive attitudes toward new foods could result in increased familiarity and eventually changes in food behavior.