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Bedding-perpendicular joints striking parallel (longitudinal) and perpendicular (transverse) to both the axis of the hosting anticline and the trend of the foredeep-belt system are widely recognized in fold-and-thrust belts. Their occurrence has been commonly attributed to folding-related processes, such as syn-folding outer-arc extension, although they can also be consistent with a pre-folding foredeep-related fracturing stage. Here we report the pre-folding fracture pattern affecting the Pietrasecca Anticline, in the central Apennines (Italy), resolved by a detailed field structural analysis. Field observations, scan-lines and interpretation of virtual outcrops were used to study the intensity, distribution and the orientations of fracture pattern along the anticline. The fracture pattern of the Pietrasecca Anticline consists of longitudinal and transverse joints, oriented approximately perpendicular to bedding, and of a pre-folding longitudinal pressure-solution cleavage set, which is oblique to bedding regardless of the bedding dip. Cross-cutting relationships show that joints predated the development of the pressure-solution cleavage. Furthermore, joint intensity does not relate to the structural position along the anticline. Taken together, these observations suggest that jointing occurred in a foredeep environment before the Pietrasecca Anticline growth. Our work further demonstrates that joints striking parallel and orthogonal to the main fold axis do not necessarily represent syn-folding deformation structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diet and inflammation have been implicated to play a role in the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: In this Italian case-control study conducted between 1995 and 2003, we explored the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DIITM) and AMI. Cases were 760 patients, below age 79 years, with a first episode of nonfatal AMI and controls were 682 patients admitted to hospital for acute conditions unrelated to diet. The DII was computed based on dietary intake assessed using a reproducible and validated 78-item food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated through logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, total energy intake, tobacco, body mass index, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and other recognized confounding factors. Results: Higher DII scores (i.e., indicating a more pro-inflammatory diet) were associated with increased likelihood of AMI when expressed both as continuous (ORcontinuous=1.14, 95% confidence interval, CI:1.05, 1.24; one-unit increase in DII score corresponding to ≈9% of the range of DII) and as quartiles (ORQuartile4vs1= 1.60, 95%, CI 1.06, 2.41; P-trend = 0.02). Stratified analyses produced slightly stronger associations between DII and AMI among women, ≥60 years, never smokers, subjects with history of hypertension and subjects with no family history of AMI, however, in the absence of heterogeneity across strata. Conclusion: A pro-inflammatory diet as indicated by higher DII scores is associated with increased likelihood of AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrate foods with high glycaemic index (GI) and load (GL) may negatively influence cancer risk. We studied the association of dietary carbohydrates, GI, GL, intake of bread and pasta with risk of bladder cancer using data from an Italian case-control study. The study included 578 men and women with histologically confirmed bladder cancer and 608 controls admitted to the same hospitals as cases for acute, non-neoplastic conditions. OR were estimated by logistic regression models after allowance for relevant confounding factors. OR of bladder cancer for the highest v. the lowest quantile of intake were 1·52 (95% CI 0·85, 2·69) for available carbohydrates, 1·18 (95% CI 0·83, 1·67) for GI, 1·96 (95% CI 1·16, 3·31, Ptrend<0·01) for GL, 1·58 (95% CI 1·09, 2·29, Ptrend=0·03) for pasta and 1·92 (95% CI 1·28, 2·86, Ptrend<0·01) for bread. OR for regular consumption of legumes and whole-grain products were 0·78 (95% CI 0·60, 1·00) and 0·82 (95% CI 0·63, 1·08), respectively. No heterogeneity in risks emerged across strata of sex. This case-control study showed that bladder cancer risk was directly associated with high dietary GL and with consumption of high quantity of refined carbohydrate foods, particularly bread. These associations were apparently stronger in subjects with low vegetable consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To add evidence to the limited data available from southern Europe, we assessed the association between processed meat consumption and colorectal cancer risk. We analyzed data from three case-control studies conducted between 1985 and 2010 in various Italian areas, including a total of 3745 incident cases and 6804 hospital-based controls. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by unconditional multiple logistic regression models. The median consumption of processed meat was around 20 g/day both in cases and controls. The OR of colorectal cancer was 1.02 (95% CI 0.99-1.04) for an increase of 10 g/day of processed meat. The association was statistically significant for colon cancer (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.06), particularly for proximal colon cancer (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.14), while there was no relation with rectal cancer (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.95-1.03). The OR of proximal colon cancer was 1.38 (95% CI 1.08-1.75) for the highest sex-specific tertile of consumption (>25 g/day for men, >21.5 for women) compared with the lowest (<15 g/day), whereas no significant ORs were found for other anatomical subsites. Our findings indicate that there is no association with colorectal cancer overall, in the presence, however, of a positive association with proximal colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the association between colorectal cancer and exposure to disinfection by-products in drinking water is inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: We assessed long-term exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs), the most prevalent group of chlorination by-products, to evaluate the association with colorectal cancer. METHODS: A multicenter case-control study was conducted in Spain and Italy in 2008-2013. Hospital-based incident cases and population-based (Spain) and hospital-based (Italy) controls were interviewed to ascertain residential histories, type of water consumed in each residence, frequency and duration of showering/bathing, and major recognized risk factors for colorectal cancer. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (OR) for colorectal cancer in association with quartiles of estimated average lifetime THM concentrations in each participant's residential tap water (micrograms/liter; from age 18 to 2 years before the interview) and estimated average lifetime THM ingestion from drinking residential tap water (micrograms/day). RESULTS: We analyzed 2,047 cases and 3,718 controls. Median values (ranges) for average lifetime residential tap water concentrations of total THMs, chloroform, and brominated THMs were 30 (0-174), 17 (0-63), and 9 (0-145) μg/L, respectively. Total THM concentration in residential tap water was not associated with colorectal cancer (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.66, 1.28 for highest vs. lowest quartile), but chloroform concentrations were inversely associated (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.41 for highest vs. lowest quartile). Brominated THM concentrations showed a positive association among men in the highest versus the lowest quartile (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.83, 2.46). Patterns of association were similar for estimated average THM ingestion through residential water consumption. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find clear evidence of an association between detailed estimates of lifetime total THM exposure and colorectal cancer in our large case-control study population. Negative associations with chloroform concentrations and ingestion suggest differences among specific THMs, but these findings should be confirmed in other study populations. CITATION: Villanueva CM, Gracia-Lavedan E, Bosetti C, Righi E, Molina AJ, Martín V, Boldo E, Aragonés N, Perez-Gomez B, Pollan M, Gomez Acebo I, Altzibar JM, Jiménez Zabala A, Ardanaz E, Peiró R, Tardón A, Chirlaque MD, Tavani A, Polesel J, Serraino D, Pisa F, Castaño-Vinyals G, Espinosa A, Espejo-Herrera N, Palau M, Moreno V, La Vecchia C, Aggazzotti G, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Kogevinas M. 2017. Colorectal cancer and long-term exposure to trihalo-methanes in drinking water: a multicenter case -- control study in Spain and Italy. Environ Health Perspect 125:56-65; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP155 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality. Diet may be associated with pancreatic cancer, but it is unknown whether specific dietary components contribute to its risk. The potential differential role of dietary antioxidants warrants further investigation.Methods: We analysed data from a case-control study of 326 pancreatic cancer cases and 652 controls conducted between 1991 and 2008 in Northern Italy. Subjects' usual diet was assessed through a validated and reproducible food frequency questionnaire. Using this information and an Italian food composition database, we calculated three indices of dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC): Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pancreatic cancer using multiple logistic regression models conditioned on study centre, sex and age, and adjusted for major known pancreatic cancer risk factors.Results: Significant inverse associations were found for the highest tertile of TAC compared with the lowest tertile for both TEAC and FRAP. The ORs were 0.61 (95% CI 0.39-0.94, P-value for trend 0.03) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.41-0.99, P-value for trend 0.05), respectively. Total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter was inversely, but not significantly, associated with pancreatic cancer risk, with an OR of 0.78 (95% CI 0.49-1.24, P-value for trend 0.27).Conclusions: Diet high in TAC, as measured by TEAC and FRAP, is inversely associated with pancreatic cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the role of the overall antioxidant activity of diet, we estimated the relation between three dietary indices of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and endometrial cancer riskMethods: We analyzed data from an Italian case-control study including 454 women with incident, histologically confirmed endometrial cancer, and 908 frequency-matched controls admitted to the same hospitals as cases for acute non-neoplastic conditions. A reproducible and valid food frequency questionnaire was used to assess subjects' habitual diet. TAC was measured using Italian food composition tables in terms of Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP). We computed odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using conditional multiple logistic regression models, including terms for recognized endometrial cancer risk factors and total energy intake.Results: TAC was inversely related to endometrial cancer risk with ORs for the highest versus the lowest quartile of 0.69 (95 % CI 0.47-1.00) for FRAP, 0.68 (95 % CI 0.46-0.99) for TEAC, and 0.68 (95 % CI 0.47-0.98) for TRAP. The relations appeared consistent in strata of selected risk factors and decreased when considering TAC without the contribution of coffee.Conclusions: Our findings suggest a favorable role of a diet high in TAC on endometrial cancer risk, which can be partially driven by coffee consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo add epidemiological data on the association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet with non-fatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a Southern European population.DesignHospital-based case–control study. Conformity to the traditional Mediterranean diet was assessed through a score (i.e. the Mediterranean diet score, MDS) based on nine dietary components (high consumption of vegetables, legumes, fruit and nuts, cereals, and fish and seafood; high ratio of monounsaturated to saturated lipids; low consumption of dairy and meat; and moderate alcohol consumption). The score ranged between 0 (lowest adherence) and 9 (highest adherence). The association of the MDS, or its components, with the risk of AMI was evaluated through multiple logistic regression models, controlling for potential confounding variables.SettingThe study was conducted in the greater Milan area (Italy) between 1995 and 2003.SubjectsSeven hundred and sixty patients with a first episode of non-fatal AMI and 682 controls.ResultsHigh consumption of vegetables and legumes were inversely associated with non-fatal AMI risk. As compared with MDS<4, the OR of non-fatal AMI were 0·85 (95 % CI 0·65, 1·12) for MDS of 4–5 and 0·55 (95 % CI 0·40, 0·75) for MDS≥6, with a trend in risk (P<0·01). Results were consistent in strata of selected risk factors and an apparently stronger association emerged for individuals with a lower BMI.ConclusionsThe Mediterranean diet is inversely associated with the risk of non-fatal AMI in this Southern European population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes has been associated to the risk of a few cancer sites, though quantification of this association in various populations remains open to discussion. We analyzed the relation between diabetes and the risk of various cancers in an integrated series of case-control studies conducted in Italy and Switzerland between 1991 and 2009. The studies included 1,468 oral and pharyngeal, 505 esophageal, 230 gastric, 2,390 colorectal, 185 liver, 326 pancreatic, 852 laryngeal, 3,034 breast, 607 endometrial, 1,031 ovarian, 1,294 prostate, and 767 renal cell cancer cases and 12,060 hospital controls. The multivariate odds ratios (OR) for subjects with diabetes as compared to those without&emdash;adjusted for major identified confounding factors for the cancers considered through logistic regression models&emdash;were significantly elevated for cancers of the oral cavity/pharynx (OR = 1.58), esophagus (OR = 2.52), colorectum (OR = 1.23), liver (OR = 3.52), pancreas (OR = 3.32), postmenopausal breast (OR = 1.76), and endometrium (OR = 1.70). For cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, colorectum, liver, and postmenopausal breast, the excess risk persisted over 10 yr since diagnosis of diabetes. Our data confirm and further quantify the association of diabetes with colorectal, liver, pancreatic, postmenopausal breast, and endometrial cancer and suggest forthe first time that diabetes may also increase the risk of oral/pharyngeal and esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We assessed the relation between metabolic syndrome (MetS), its components, and pancreatic cancer risk in an Italian case-control study and performed a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies published up to February 2011. The case-control study included 326 patients with incident pancreatic cancer and 652 controls admitted to the same hospitals for acute, non-neoplastic conditions. MetS was defined as having at least 3 conditions among diabetes, drug-treated hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and body mass index at least 25 kg/m2 at age 30 years. We computed multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from logistic regression models adjusted for tobacco smoking, education, and other sociodemographic variables. For the meta-analysis, we calculated summary relative risks (RRs) using random-effects models. The OR of pancreatic cancer in the case-control study was 2.36 (95% CI, 1.43-3.90) for diabetes, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.55-1.08) for hypertension, 1.38 (95% CI, 0.94-2.01) for hypercholesterolemia, and 1.27 (95% CI, 0.91-1.78) for being overweight at age 30 years. The risk was significantly increased for subjects with 3 or more MetS components (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.01-4.49) compared with subjects with no component, the estimates being consistent among strata of sex, age, and alcohol consumption. The meta-analysis included 3 cohort studies and our case-control study, and found a summary RR of 1.55 (95% CI, 1.19-2.01) for subjects with MetS. Metabolic syndrome is related to pancreatic cancer risk. Diabetes is the key component related to risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pressure solution cleavage is one of the most important deformation structures at shallow crustal levels. Its relationships with environmental, dynamical, textural, and chemical parameters have been broadly studied, particularly at the microscale. However, it is still under debate whether, at the outcrop scale, cleavage surfaces tend to form at rather constant spacing or not, and whether, in the case of stratabound elements, cleavage spacing scales with the host layers thickness. This work reports on relationships between tectonic pressure solution cleavage spacing (S) and bed thickness (H) from a folded carbonate multilayer of the Northern Apennines. Data were collected mainly in three well-layered carbonatic units, where beds are separated by thin clayish films which acted as barrier for the cleavage vertical propagation, determining its stratabound appearance. Statistical analysis of cleavage spacing and spacing to bed thickness ratio allows recognising a dependence of the cleavage spacing on the host layer thickness. Our analyses also suggest that this dependence relates to an infilling dominated evolution of pressure solution cleavage, where new dissolution surfaces preferentially develop between old cleavages characterised by high spacing to bed thickness ratios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Upper aerodigestive tract cancers are strongly related to smoking, and their incidence is substantially lower in former smokers than in continuing smokers. To estimate the effect of smoking cessation on the cumulative incidence of these cancers by age 75 years (in the absence of competing causes of death), the authors combined odds ratios for males from a network of Italian hospital-based case-control studies (1984–2000) with 1993–1997 incidence data for Italian men. The studies included 961 cases with oral/pharyngeal cancer, 618 cases with esophageal cancer, and 613 cases with laryngeal cancer, plus 3,781 controls. For all upper aerodigestive tract cancers, the cumulative risks by 75 years of age were 6.3% for men who continued to smoke any type of tobacco, 3.1% and 1.2% for men who stopped smoking at around 50 and 30 years of age, respectively, and 0.8% among lifelong nonsmokers. Corresponding figures were 3.3%, 1.4%, 0.5%, and 0.2% for oral/pharyngeal cancer; 1.0%, 0.5%, 0.4%, and 0.2% for esophageal cancer; and 2.1%, 1.1%, 0.2%, and 0.2% for laryngeal cancer. In this Italian population, men who stopped smoking before age 50 years avoided more than half of the excess risk of upper aerodigestive tract cancer as men who did not, and men who stopped smoking before age 30 years avoided more than 90% of the risk. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background : Carotenoids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease through their antioxidant properties, but the results of epidemiological studies are controversial. We analysed the relation between the intake of selected carotenoids and retinol and risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods : A case-control study was conducted in Milan, Italy, in 1995–2003. Cases were 760 patients with nonfatal AMI, and controls 682 patients admitted to hospital. Results : The risk of AMI decreased with increasing intake of α-carotene (odds ratios, OR = 0.71, 95% confidence intervals, CI 0.51–0.98, for the highest vs the lowest quartile of intake), β-carotene (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.50–1.01) and β-criptoxanthin (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.46–0.88). No associations emerged for total carotenoids, lycopene, lutein plus zeaxanthin and retinol. Conclusions : Our study suggests a weak protective effect of α-carotene, β-carotene and β-criptoxanthin on the risk of AMI. It also indicates that total carotenoids, lycopene, lutein plus zeaxanthin and retinol were not related to the risk of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: As intake of flavonoids has been associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease but data on the relation with specific classes of flavonoids are scarce, we assessed the relation between dietary intake of specific classes of flavonoids and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in an Italian population.Design: Case–control study. Dietary information was collected by interviewers on a questionnaire tested for validity and reproducibility. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained by multiple logistic regression models including terms for energy and alcohol intake, as well as sociodemographic factors, tobacco and other major recognised risk factors for AMI.Setting: Milan, Italy, between 1995 and 2003.Subjects: Cases were 760 patients, below age 79 years, with a first episode of non-fatal AMI, and controls were 682 patients admitted to hospital for acute conditions unrelated to diet.Results: A reduced risk of AMI was found for increasing intake of anthocyanidins (OR=0.45, 95% CI 0.26–0.78 for the highest vs. the lowest quintile, Ptrend=0.003) and flavonols (OR=0.65, 95% CI 0.41–1.02, Ptrend=0.02). A tendency towards reduced risks, although not significant, was observed for flavan-3-ols (OR=0.73, 95% CI 0.48–1.10) and total flavonoids (OR=0.74, 95% CI 0.49–1.14). No meaningful heterogeneity was found between the sexes. No association emerged for other flavonoids, including isoflavones, flavanones and flavones.Conclusions: High intake of anthocyanidins reduced the risk of AMI even after allowance for alcohol, fruit and vegetables, supporting a real inverse association between this class of flavonoids and AMI risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Observational studies, but not clinical trials, found lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) users. We analyzed the relation between HRT use and the risk of nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Italy. Methods: We used a combined dataset from three hospital-based case–control studies including a total of 479 women aged ≥45 years with a first episode of nonfatal AMI and 822 hospital controls. Results: Compared to never-HRT users, the multivariate odds ratio in ever users was 1.4 (95% confidence interval, 0.9–2.2); no consistent pattern of risk was observed according to duration or time since last use. Conclusions: HRT use was not associated with nonfatal AMI in Italian women according to the findings of clinical trials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Physical activity has long been related to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the quantitative estimates of the possible protective role of physical activity appear to vary across studies and populations.Methods: A case–control study conducted in Italy between 1995 and 1999, including 507 incident cases below 79 years (378 men, 129 women) with a first episode of AMI, and 478 controls (297 men, 181 women) admitted to hospitals for acute conditions.Results: Compared with the lowest level of occupational physical activity, the multivariate odds ratios (OR) of AMI for the highest level were 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38–0.97) at age 15 to 19 years, 0.57 (95% CI, 0.34–0.95) at age 30 to 39 years, and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.29–0.90) at age 50 to 59 years. The corresponding values for leisure time activity were 0.54 (95% CI, 0.38–0.77), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.57–1.30), and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.57–1.74), respectively. The association was consistent across strata of age, sex, education, smoking, and other selected covariates.Conclusions: The attributable risk for low occupational exercise at age 30 to 39 years was over 10%, indicating the scope for further intervention on this modifiable risk factor in this Italian population, particularly in consideration of the public health importance of CHD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE:: The reproducibility and validity of coffee, decaffeinated coffee and tea intake has not been adequately studied, particularly in Italy, where coffee drinking is peculiar in terms of type and amount of coffee consumed. DESIGN:: We compared coffee and tea consumption, measured by two interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), with average intake derived from two 7-day dietary (DD) records (the reference method) on 395 volunteers. The Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used to assess both reproducibility and validity of information on coffee intake. RESULTS:: A satisfactory level of reproducibility and validity of the pattern consumption was observed for coffee, decaffeinated coffee and tea. The reproducibility for both sex combined showed r of 0.74-0.78 for coffee, 0.57-0.65 for decaffeinated coffee and 0.61-0.67 for tea. The validity was about 0.70 for coffee, around 0.58 for decaffeinated coffee and 0.56-0.60 for tea intake. CONCLUSIONS:: The FFQ is a satisfactorily reliable and valid instrument for collecting information on coffee, decaffeinated coffee and tea intake. SPONSORSHIP:: Supported by the Italian Association for Research on Cancer, Milan, Italy, and by the Commission of the European Communities (Contract No.: QLKI-CT-2000-00069).European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004) 58, 674-680. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601864 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relation between coffee, decaffeinated coffee, tea and oral/pharyngeal, and esophageal cancer risk is inadequately quantified. Data were derived from hospital-based case-control studies conducted in Italy and Switzerland. The study on oral/pharyngeal cancer included 749 cases and 1772 controls, and that of esophageal cancer 395 cases and 1066 controls. Multivariate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. The OR for >3 cups/day of coffee compared with &les;1 were 0.6 (95% CI 0.5–0.9) for oral/pharyngeal, and 0.6 (95% CI 0.4–0.9) for esophageal cancer, consistent across strata of age, sex, education and alcohol. The inverse trends in risk were significant. No association emerged with decaffeinated coffee (OR 1.1 for oral/pharyngeal and 0.6 for esophageal cancer) or tea (OR 0.9 for both cancers), consumed in low amounts by these populations. Coffee may decrease the risk of oral/pharyngeal and esophageal cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Data from a series of case-control studies, conducted in Italy and Switzerland between 1991 and 2001, have been analyzed to evaluate the role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake in the etiology of cancer of oral cavity and pharynx (736 cases, 1,772 controls), esophagus (395 cases, 1,066 controls), large bowel (1,394 colon, 886 rectum, 4,765 controls), breast (2,900 cases, 3,122 controls) and ovary (1,031 cases, 2,411 controls). Controls were patients admitted to hospital for acute, non-neoplastic conditions, unrelated to modifications in diet. The multivariate odds ratios (OR) for the highest quintile of n-3 PUFAs compared to the lowest one were 0.5 for oral and pharyngeal cancer, 0.5 for oesophageal cancer, 0.7 for colon cancer, 0.8 for rectal and breast cancer and 0.6 for ovarian cancer; the estimates and the trends in risk were significant for all cancer sites, excluding rectal and breast cancer. The estimates for an increase in n-3 PUFAs of 1 g/week were 0.70 for oral and pharyngeal cancer, 0.71 for oesophageal, 0.88 for colon, 0.91 for rectal, 0.90 for breast and 0.85 for ovarian cancer. All the estimates were statistically significant, excluding that for rectal cancer, and consistent across strata of age and gender. These results suggest that n-3 PUFAs decrease the risk of several cancers. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relation between consumption of coffee and other methylxanthine-containing beverages and liver cirrhosis.METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study of digestive tract and liver diseases was conducted in Greater Milan, Italy, including 101 cases with liver cirrhosis and 1538 controls.RESULTS: Compared with coffee non-drinkers, the multivariate odds ratio (OR) was 0.77 for one cup of coffee per day, 0.57 for two, and 0.29 for three or more. The OR for 40 years of coffee consumption or more was 0.45. Trends in risk were significant for both number of cups and duration of coffee drinking. No significant association was observed with decaffeinated coffee, tea and cola-containing beverages. The relation between coffee consumption and liver cirrhosis was not attributable to confounding and was observed across strata of tobacco, alcohol, and other major covariates of interest. In particular, an inverse relation was observed also in subjects reporting moderate alcohol drinking.CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms, and further quantifies, the existence of an inverse association between coffee consumption and liver cirrhosis. However, the metabolism of caffeine is impaired in fasting subjects with liver cirrhosis, and the association could be due to a reduction of coffee drinking in subjects with liver cirrhosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In an Italian case-control study of oral cancer, number of missing teeth and other aspects of dental care were similar, but the general condition of the mouth, as indicated by gum bleeding, tartar deposits and mucosal irritation, was worse among oral cancer cases than controls. No differences were detected in sexual practices (including oral sex) and (previous) sexually transmitted infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Socioeconomic correlates of cancer of the large bowel differ in various countries and calendar periods and may differ for the colon and rectum. Thus, the relationship between education and social class and risk of cancers of the colon and rectum was considered.Methods: Combination of two hospital-based case-control studies conducted in six Italian centres between 1985 and 1996. Cases were 3533 patients aged < 79, with histologically confirmed cancer of the colon (n = 2180) or rectum (n = 1353), and controls were 7062 patients admitted to hospital for a wide spectrum of acute, non-neoplastic, non-digestive tract diseases.Results: Compared to individuals with < 7 years of education the multivariate odds ratios (OR) of colon cancer for those with > or = 16 years were 2.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.87-3.23) in men and 1.29 (95% CI: 0.88-1.90) in women, with significant trends in risk. No significant association emerged between education and risk of rectal cancer, with OR of 1.18 (95% CI: 0.83-1.70) and 1.01 (95% CI: 0.61-1.67) respectively for men and women in the highest educational category compared to the lowest. Social class was also related to colon cancer risk: the OR were 2.30 (95% CI: 1.82-2.90) in men and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.03-1.73) in women in the highest versus the lowest social class. No association was found between social class and rectal cancer risk, with OR of 1.18 for either men or women in the highest as compared to the lowest social class. No significant heterogeneity was found for the association between education and colon cancer risk in either sex across strata of age at diagnosis, coffee, alcohol and vegetable intake, family history of the disease, and in anatomical subsites within the colon.Conclusion: This study, based on a uniquely large dataset, indicates that there are different social class correlates for colon and rectal cancer. Consequently the two sites should not be combined in studies considering lifestyle factors in the aetiology of these neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Since a relation between trans-fatty acids and cardiovascular diseases has been described, we examined the relationship between margarine intake and nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Italian women. DESIGN: Hospital-based case-control study. SETTING: Northern Italy between 1983 and 1992. SUBJECTS: Cases were 429 women, aged 18–74 y, in hospital with diagnosis of AMI and 866 controls in hospital for acute, non-cardiovascular, non-neoplastic, non-digestive, non-hormone-related conditions. ANALYSIS: Odds ratios (OR), with their 95% confidence intervals (CI), were computed by unconditional multiple logistic regression analysis, including terms for age, education, body mass index, smoking, alcohol and coffee drinking, menopausal status, hormone replacement therapy and history of diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. RESULTS: Medium or high intake of margarine was associated with an increased risk of AMI (multivariate OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.2). Analysis in separate strata of covariates indicated that the association was independent of body mass index, history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and was greater in older women and in current smokers. CONCLUSIONS: If real, the association with margarine could explain about 6% of AMI in this population of Italian women. SPONSORSHIP: This work was conducted within the contribution of the Italian League against Cancer, Milan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault roughness constitutes a key element in the understanding of earthquake nucleation, and surficial asperities on the fault plane play a critical role in slip dynamics and frictional behavior during the seismic cycle. Since it is not generally feasible to recover fault roughness profiles or maps directly at the seismogenic sources, faults at the Earth's surface are typically used as analogues. However, these analogue fault surfaces are often subjected to weathering and erosion, which in turn, reduces their representativeness as seismogenic faults. Rupture along active faults episodically exposes "fresh" fault planes at the Earth's surface, which represent the best available targets for the evaluation of fault roughness generated at seismogenic depths. Here we present a study conducted on a splay of the Mt. Vettore fault system in the Central Apennines, Italy, along a vertical transect that includes both a weathered and freshly exposed portion of the fault. The latter was exposed after the dramatic Mw 6.5 shock that hit the area on 30 October 2016. We have produced a highly detailed model (i.e., point cloud) of a section of the fault using structure from motion-multiview stereo photogrammetry to assess its roughness parameters (i.e., the Hurst fractal parameter) and to determine the extent to which these parameters are affected by weathering assuming that they had similar fractal characteristics when reaching the surface. Our results show that weathering can modify the value of the fractal parameters. In particular, by independently analyzing different patches of the fault, we have observed that the smoother and recently exposed portions have an average Hurst exponent of 0.52 while the average Hurst exponent of zones with more prolonged exposure times is 0.64. Accordingly, we conclude that by using high-resolution point clouds, it is possible to recognize patches of faults having a similar intensity of deterioration attributable to weathering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault zones can often display a complex internal structure associated with antithetic faults, branch and tip points, bed rotations, bed-parallel slip surfaces, and subordinate synthetic faults. We explore how these structural complexities may affect the development of fault-related fractures as displacement accumulates. We analysed in detail an incipient fault zone within well-bedded, shallow-water carbonates of the southern Apennines thrust belt (Italy). The fault zone crops out with quasi-complete exposure at a reservoir scale on an inaccessible sub-vertical cliff face, and fault and fracture mapping were carried out on a 3D virtual outcrop model of the exposure built for this study using photogrammetry. Comparing the structure of the fault zone and the density of 9444 mapped fractures allowed us to unravel their spatial relationships. Our results show that the areas of denser fractures coincide with: (i) rock volumes bounded by antithetic faults developed within the fault zone, (ii) branch points between these antithetic faults and fault zone-bounding fault segments, (iii) fault zone-bounding fault segments associated with significant displacement gradients, and (iv) relay zones between subordinate synthetic faults. These findings may aid locating sub-seismic resolution volumes of dense fracturing and associated enhanced permeability within faulted reservoirs. • Fault zones display complex internal structure. • Fault zone structure affects the density of fault-related fractures. • Variability in fault-related fracture density influences fluid flow in faulted reservoir. • Fault analysis on 3D virtual outcrop model built with photogrammetric techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We combined structural data collected in the field and those obtained from a virtual outcrop model constructed from drone imagery, to perform Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) modelling and to characterize the fracture distribution within the damage zone of the low-displacement (~50 m) carbonate-hosted Pietrasecca Fault (PF) (central Apennines, Italy). Both in the hanging wall and in the footwall damage zones, fractures are vertical and parallel to slightly oblique to the fault strike. Fracture length distributions in the footwall damage zone indicate a high degree of fracture maturity, while in the hanging wall damage zone they indicate a low degree of fracture maturity. Pervasive stylolitization in the hanging wall must have hindered the development of through-going fractures, favoring diffuse fracturing characterized by stylolite-bounded fractures. DFN models suggest that permeabilities are 1–2 orders of magnitude greater in the footwall damage zone than in the hanging wall damage zone. As permeability (10−12 to 10−15 m2) is comparable with those measured in large-displacement (up to 600 m) faults in carbonates, our results show that also damage zones accompanying carbonate faults with ~50 m of displacement could be fracture corridors for efficient fluid flow within subsurface reservoirs. Therefore, we propose that jumps in subsurface permeabilities occurring in many carbonate fractured reservoirs could be associated with to the occurrence of high permeability fracture zones developed within damage zones of low-displacement faults. As the recent advancement in seismic imaging allow the recognition of faults with displacement in the order of a few tens of meters, reservoir geologists and engineers can apply results of this study to better model the subsurface flow pathways near low displacement faults in carbonate reservoirs. Image 1 • 3D virtual model of carbonate fault with 50 m of displacement is built. • Fracture corridors sub-parallel to the main fault occur in the damage zones. • Fracture corridors permeabilities range from 10−12 to 10−14 m2. • Lithology controls higher permeability in footwall than in hanging wall. • Stylolites prevent the growth of throughgoing fractures in the hanging wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In fold and thrust belts developing at convergent margins, the migration of the advancing wedge is accompanied by bulging of the downgoing plate, followed by the development of a foredeep basin filled by a thick succession of syn-orogenic sediments. The transition from forebulge to foredeep marks a key moment in the evolution of the orogenic system. In deep water environments, the record of this transition is typically complete and progressive. Conversely, in the shallow-water/continental environment of many collisional systems, the uplift of the forebulge area can imply emersion and erosion, obliterating the stratigraphic record of key steps of the evolution of the orogenic system. The southern Apennines constitute one of these collisional fold and thrust belts where the development of the forebulge has implied emersion and erosion, with the development of a Miocene forebulge erosional unconformity, accompanied by extensional deformation associated with the bending of the lithosphere during the forebulge stage. In this paper, we use strontium isotope stratigraphy to constrain with unprecedented time-resolution the age of the forebulge unconformity in areas presently incorporated in the northern sector of the southern Apennines fold and thrust belt. Integration of our results and those of previous studies indicates, at the regional scale, a younging toward the foreland of the forebulge unconformity across the belt. Our high-resolution ages also reveal a diachronous onset of the flexural subsidence over short distances, associated with the occurrence of horst and graben structures, possibly resulting from inherited paleotopography along with forebulge extension. This work highlights how high-resolution dating is critical to unravel the evolution of foreland basin systems at different scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) released in 2007 eight recommendations for cancer prevention on body fatness, diet and physical activity. Our aim is to evaluate the relation between adherence to these recommendations and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Methods We pooled data from two Italian case–control studies including overall 2419 patients with CRC and 4723 controls. Adherence to the WCRF/AICR guidelines was summarised through a score incorporating seven of the WCRF/AICR recommendations, with higher scores indicating higher adherence to the guidelines. Odds ratios (ORs) of colorectal cancer were estimated using multiple logistic regression models. Results Higher adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations was associated with a significantly reduced CRC risk (OR 0.67, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.56–0.80 for a score ≥5 versus <3.5), with a significant trend of decreasing risk for increasing adherence (p < 0.001). Consistent results were found for colon (OR 0.67) and rectal cancer (OR 0.67). Inverse associations were observed with the diet-specific WCRF/AICR score (OR 0.71, 95% CI, 0.61–0.84 for ≥3.5 versus <2.5 points) and with specific recommendations on body fatness (OR 0.82, 95% CI, 0.70–0.97), physical activity (OR 0.86, 95% CI, 0.75–1.00), foods and drinks that promote weight gain (OR 0.70, 95% CI, 0.56–0.89), foods of plant origin (OR 0.56, 95% CI, 0.42–0.76), limiting alcohol (OR 0.87, 95% CI, 0.77–0.99) and salt intake (OR 0.63, 95% CI, 0.48–0.84). Conclusion Our study indicated that adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations is inversely related to CRC risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies on the relationship between fluid intake and risk of bladder cancer have generally focused on beverages, and results have been inconsistent. We investigated the relationship between water intake and bladder cancer risk, considering water from both beverages and foods. Between 2003 and 2014 we conducted a multicenter hospital-based case-control study in Italy on 690 cases and 665 frequency-matched controls. Water intake for beverages and foods was computed using the Italian food composition database. Odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for water intake were estimated by unconditional multiple logistic regression models, adjusting for major risk factors for bladder cancer. In the control group, the 64.7% of water intake derived from beverages and 35.4% from foods. Comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of intake, water from beverages (OR=1.14; 95%CI: 0.82-1.59) and water from foods (OR=0.88; 95%CI: 0.61-1.28) were not significantly associated with bladder cancer risk. Some specific water sources showed significant associations with bladder cancer risk (e.g. water from vegetables, OR=0.58; 95%CI: 0.40-0.86). However, these associations may be due to the effect of other components contained in beverages and foods rather than to the water content itself. Considering the intakes of water from both beverages and foods, total water intake was not associated with bladder cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To further analyze the relation between coffee, tea, and energy drinks and bladder cancer risk, considering dose, duration, and other time-related factors.Methods and Results: A multicentric case-control study on 690 bladder cancer cases and 665 hospital controls was conducted in Italy between 2003 and 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) for bladder cancer were estimated using multiple logistic regression models. Sex-, age-, and tobacco-adjusted ORs were 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-1.94) for current drinkers and 1.69 (95% CI 1.05-2.72) for lifetime drinkers of ≥4 cups/day, compared with non- or occasional coffee drinkers. The corresponding ORs for an increment of 1 cup/day were 1.03 (95% CI 0.96-1.11) and 1.07 (95% CI 0.99-1.15). No association was found between bladder cancer risk and duration or age at starting, and no significant heterogeneity was found according to age and sex, although a slight increased risk emerged in never smokers. Decaffeinated coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks were not related with bladder cancer risk.Conclusion: Our study found no significant relation between coffee and bladder cancer risk after accounting for smoking, although the OR was above unity for high lifetime habit. The lack of dose and duration relationships, however, suggests the absence of a causal relation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present the results of a rockfall trajectory study performed on the south-western slope of Mt. Catiello (Sorrento Peninsula, southern Italy). Such a study develops within a multi-methodological approach which integrates different types of remote sensing data and techniques. Specifically, ground-truth data (e.g., rock mass geo-structural information, rock block inventory) were generated by geologically-supervised interpretations of high-resolution virtual outcrop models (VOMs). These data were then used for reconstructing the in-situ fractured rock mass attributes of the Mt. Catiello peak, as provided by a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model, and to prepare the subsequent numerical simulations of rockfall trajectories. The resulting rockfall scenarios are consistent with the ground-truth data, both in terms of size and spatial distribution. Thus, we believe that the proposed approach can be effectively applied to other areas, characterized by similar geological features but higher levels of exposure and vulnerability. • A multi-methodological approach for rockfall simulations: from slope face to valley • Integration of UAV-SfM and satellite-based data for rock mass and debris analysis • Obtaining ground-truth information from different types of virtual outcrop models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: AGILE is an ASI (Italian Space Agency) Small Scientific Mission dedicated to high-energy astrophysics which was successfully launched on April 23, 2007. The AGILE instrument is composed of three main detectors: a Tungsten-Silicon Tracker designed to detect and image photons in the 30MeV–50GeV energy band, an X-ray imager called Super-AGILE operating in the 18–60keV energy band, and a Mini-Calorimeter that detects gamma-rays and charged particles energy deposits between 300keV and 100MeV. The instrument is surrounded by an anti-coincidence (AC) system. In this paper, we present the noise characterization and the front-end configuration of the Silicon Tracker. Two crucial (and unique, among gamma-ray astrophysics missions) characteristic of the AGILE Silicon Tracker are the analog signal acquisition (aimed at obtaining an optimal angular resolution for gamma-ray imaging) and the very small dimension of the instrument (the total height including the active elements is and therefore the Silicon Tracker is the lightest and most compact ray imager sent in orbit). The results presented in this paper were obtained during the AIV (Assembly, Integration and Verification) pre-launch testing phase and during the post-launch commissioning phase. The AGILE Silicon Tracker has been optimally configured with a very good response of the frontend system and of the data acquisition units. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Diet diversity (defined as the number of different foods consumed) has been considered an indicator of a healthy diet, and favorably related to the risk of several digestive tract cancers. We analyzed the relation between diet diversity and the risk of laryngeal cancer using data from a case–control study carried out between 1992 and 2000 in Italy and Switzerland. The subjects of the study were 527 patients with histologically confirmed incident cancers of the larynx and 1297 patients admitted for acute, non-neoplastic diseases, unrelated to tobacco or alcohol consumption. Total diversity was computed as the number of different foods (overall and within four food groups, i.e., vegetables, fruit, meat, and cereals) consumed at least once per week. A significant inverse association was observed for vegetable diversity (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.28–0.59, for the highest versus the lowest quartile) and fruit diversity (OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.27–0.59). Conversely, a direct association was found for meat diversity (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.11–2.50), while no meaningful association was found for total diet and cereal diversity. The results were consistent across strata of age, alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking. This study suggests that a diet not only rich but also varied in fruit and vegetables is related to a decreased risk of laryngeal cancer risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Coffee contains many bioactive substances that can play a role on colorectal cancer. Epidemiological evidence of coffee intake and colorectal cancer is, however, inconsistent., Aim: To provide further information on the risk of colorectal cancer in relation to coffee consumption., Methods: Data derive from two companion case-control studies conducted in Italy and Spain within the European Union Project on Health Impacts of long-term exposure to disinfection by-products in Drinking Water and the Spanish Multi-Case Control study on Cancer. These included a total of 2289 incident cases with colorectal cancer and 3995 controls with information on coffee intake. Odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from unconditional logistic regression models, adjusted for study centre, sex, age, education, smoking, and other covariates., Results: Compared with never coffee drinkers, the OR was 0.99 (95% CI 0.95-1.02) for total coffee consumption. There was no significant trend in risk with dose or duration, the ORs being 0.95 (95% CI 0.72-1.25) for an amount of five or more cups per day of coffee and 0.95 (95% CI 0.75-1.19) for a duration of consumption of 50 years or longer. The OR was 1.04 (95% CI 0.87-1.25) for two or more cups per day of decaffeinated coffee. There were no heterogeneity across strata of various covariates, as well as no apparent differences between various anatomical subsites., Conclusion: This large pooled analysis of two studies shows no association of coffee and decaffeinated coffee with colorectal cancer risk., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a heterogeneous group of rare neoplasms whose aetiology is largely unknown. Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are potential risk factors for STS., Objectives: To investigate the relation of 17 PCBs congeners, assessed in human plasma, with STS risk., Methods: We conducted a case-control study in Italy, including 52 STS cases and 99 hospital-based controls. Selected PCB were extracted by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and measured with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Odds ratios (OR), and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), were estimated through multivariate logistic regression models., Results: The most frequently detected PCB congeners were 138, 170, 180 and 149 (detected in 40-77% of controls). The OR for the sum of all 17 PCB congeners was 1.20 (95% CI 0.50-2.92). In categorical analysis no consistent association was found for individual congeners and for groups based on Wolff's classification or the degree of chlorination. For continuous estimates, borderline positive associations emerged for Wolff's groups 2A (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.97-1.55), 2B (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.00-1.77, and 3 (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.96-1.49), for moderately (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.96-1.51) and highly (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.99-1.41) chlorinated PCBs, and for congeners 170 (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.98-1.63), 180 (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.97-1.64) and 138 (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.04)., Discussion: Most associations between PCBs and STS risk were not significant, but, given the limited sample size, we cannot exclude moderate associations.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between bladder cancer risk and the use of selected drugs for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, such as aspirin, statins, and calcium channel blockers (CCBs). We analyzed data from a multicentric case-control study carried out in Italy between 2003 and 2014, including 690 bladder cancer cases and 665 hospital controls. Odds ratios (ORs) of bladder cancer and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using unconditional multiple logistic regression models. The ORs for bladder cancer were 1.21 (95% CI: 0.87-1.68) for regular use of aspirin, 0.72 (95% CI: 0.54-0.97) for use of any CCBs, and 1.32 (95% CI: 0.87-1.99) for use of any statins. A slight inverse association was found with duration of use of CCBs, whereas no consistent association was found with duration of use, age at first use, and frequency for aspirin and statin use, or with indication of use for aspirin (as an analgesic or, for CVD prevention). No significant association was found for various combinations of drugs or for all drugs combined (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 0.31-4.85). Our data indicate the lack of a relevant association between the use of selected drugs for CVD prevention and bladder cancer risk, although suggest a potential favorable role for CCBs.

Objective: To quantify the relation between body mass index (BMI) and endometrial cancer risk, and to describe the shape of such a relation., Design: Pooled analysis of three hospital-based case-control studies., Setting: Italy and Switzerland., Population: A total of 1449 women with endometrial cancer and 3811 controls., Methods: Multivariate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were obtained from logistic regression models. The shape of the relation was determined using a class of flexible regression models., Main Outcome Measure: The relation of BMI with endometrial cancer., Results: Compared with women with BMI 18.5 to <25 kg/m(2) , the odds ratio was 5.73 (95% CI 4.28-7.68) for women with a BMI ≥35 kg/m(2) . The odds ratios were 1.10 (95% CI 1.09-1.12) and 1.63 (95% CI 1.52-1.75) respectively for an increment of BMI of 1 and 5 units. The relation was stronger in never-users of oral contraceptives (OR 3.35, 95% CI 2.78-4.03, for BMI ≥30 versus <25 kg/m(2) ) than in users (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.56-2.67), and in women with diabetes (OR 8.10, 95% CI 4.10-16.01, for BMI ≥30 versus <25 kg/m(2) ) than in those without diabetes (OR 2.95, 95% CI 2.44-3.56). The relation was best fitted by a cubic model, although after the exclusion of the 5% upper and lower tails, it was best fitted by a linear model., Conclusions: The results of this study confirm a role of elevated BMI in the aetiology of endometrial cancer and suggest that the risk in obese women increases in a cubic nonlinear fashion. The relation was stronger in never-users of oral contraceptives and in women with diabetes., (© 2015 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.)

Background: Diabetes mellitus has been associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, although the evidence is still open to discussion., Methods: We examined this association using data from a multicentre Italian case–control study, conducted between 2003 and 2014 on 690 bladder cancer cases and 665 frequency-matched hospital controls. Odds ratios (ORs) for diabetes were estimated by unconditional multiple logistic regression models, after allowance for major known risk factors for bladder cancer., Results: One hundred and twelve (16.2%) cases and 57 (8.6%) controls reported a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, corresponding to a multivariate OR of 2.09 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46–3.01). Bladder cancer risk increased with duration of diabetes (OR 1.92 for 1– <5 years, 1.63 for 5– <10 years, 2.39 for 10– <15 years, and 2.58 for ≥15 years). The increased risk of bladder cancer was consistent in strata of age and education, whereas it was somewhat lower (although not significantly) in women (OR 1.18), in never (OR 1.31) and current (OR 1.42) smokers, and in subjects with a body mass index <25 kg m(-2) (OR 1.48)., Conclusion: The present study provides further support of a role of diabetes in bladder cancer aetiology, although some residual confounding by tobacco, body mass index, or other unmeasured covariates may partly explain the association observed.

Background: Some components of the Mediterranean diet have favourable effects on endometrial cancer, and the Mediterranean diet as a whole has been shown to have a beneficial role on various neoplasms., Methods: We analysed this issue pooling data from three case-control studies carried out between 1983 and 2006 in various Italian areas and in the Swiss Canton of Vaud. Cases were 1411 women with incident, histologically confirmed endometrial cancer, and controls were 3668 patients in hospital for acute diseases. We measured the adherence to the Mediterranean diet using a Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), based on the nine dietary components characteristics of this diet, that is, high intake of vegetables, fruits/nuts, cereals, legumes, fish; low intake of dairy products and meat; high monounsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio; and moderate alcohol intake. We estimated the odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for increasing levels of the MDS (varying from 0, no adherence, to 9, maximum adherence) using multiple logistic regression models, adjusted for major confounding factors., Results: The adjusted OR for a 6-9 components of the MDS (high adherence) compared with 0-3 (low adherence) was 0.43 (95% CI 0.34-0.56). The OR for an increment of one component of MDS diet was 0.84 (95% CI 0.80-0.88). The association was consistent in strata of various covariates, although somewhat stronger in older women, in never oral contraceptive users and in hormone-replacement therapy users., Conclusions: Our study provides evidence for a beneficial role of the Mediterranean diet on endometrial cancer risk, suggesting a favourable effect of a combination of foods rich in antioxidants, fibres, phytochemicals, and unsaturated fatty acids.

Background and Aims: Oxidative processes have been related to atherosclerosis, but there is scanty information on the role of dietary antioxidants in the prevention of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)., Methods and Results: The relationship between non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC) and the risk of nonfatal AMI was investigated in a case-control study conducted in Milan, Italy, between 1995 and 2003. Cases were 760 patients below 75 years with a first episode of AMI and controls were 682 patients admitted to hospitals for acute conditions, who completed an interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire, tested for validity and reproducibility. NEAC (excluding coffee) was measured using Italian food composition tables in terms of ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP). The odds ratios (OR) of AMI, and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), were obtained by multiple logistic regression models including terms for main risk factors of AMI and total energy intake. NEAC was inversely related with the risk of AMI. The ORs for the highest quintile compared with the lowest one were 0.41 (95% CI, 0.27-0.63) for FRAP, 0.42 (95% CI, 0.27-0.65) for TEAC and 0.41 (95% CI, 0.27-0.62) for TRAP, with significant trends in risk. The inverse relationship was apparently stronger in women and in subjects aged ≥ 60 years., Conclusions: Our results support a favorable role of dietary NEAC in the prevention of AMI, and encourage a high consumption of fruit and vegetables and a moderate consumption of wine and whole cereals., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: We analyzed the relationship between cholelithiasis and cancer risk in a network of case-control studies conducted in Italy and Switzerland in 1982-2009., Methods: The analyses included 1997 oropharyngeal, 917 esophageal, 999 gastric, 23 small intestinal, 3726 colorectal, 684 liver, 688 pancreatic, 1240 laryngeal, 6447 breast, 1458 endometrial, 2002 ovarian, 1582 prostate, 1125 renal cell, 741 bladder cancers, and 21 284 controls. The odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by multiple logistic regression models., Results: The ORs for subjects with history of cholelithiasis compared with those without were significantly elevated for small intestinal (OR=3.96), prostate (OR=1.36), and kidney cancers (OR=1.57). These positive associations were observed ≥10 years after diagnosis of cholelithiasis and were consistent across strata of age, sex, and body mass index. No relation was found with the other selected cancers. A meta-analysis including this and three other studies on the relation of cholelithiasis with small intestinal cancer gave a pooled relative risk of 2.35 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.82-3.03]., Conclusion: In subjects with cholelithiasis, we showed an appreciably increased risk of small intestinal cancer and suggested a moderate increased risk of prostate and kidney cancers. We found no material association with the other cancers considered.

To evaluate the association between coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea consumption and pancreatic cancer risk in a pooled analysis of two Italian case-control studies, between 1983 and 2008, we conducted two case-control studies in Northern Italy, including a total of 688 pancreatic cancer cases and 2204 hospital controls with acute, non-neoplastic diseases. We computed multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for coffee drinking (mostly espresso and mocha), adjusting for age, sex, center, year of interview, education, body mass index, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and diabetes. Compared with coffee nondrinkers, the multivariate OR for coffee drinkers was 1.34 (95% CI: 1.01-1.77). However, there was no trend in risk with respect to dose and duration. The OR for an increment of one cup per day was 1.05 (95% CI: 0.98-1.11). There was no heterogeneity in strata of age, sex, and other covariates, including tobacco smoking. No association emerged for decaffeinated coffee (for drinkers the OR was 0.87, 95% CI: 0.60-1.26, compared with decaffeinated coffee nondrinkers) or tea (for tea drinkers the OR was 0.92, 95% CI: 0.75-1.14). The lack of relationship with dose and duration weighs against a causal association between coffee and pancreatic cancer, which is in agreement with most evidence on the issue.

Background: Endometrial cancer is strongly associated with body mass index (BMI), but the influence of BMI history and of different types of obesity is uncertain., Methods: A case-control study was carried out in Italy including 454 cases and 908 controls admitted to hospital for acute non-hormone-related conditions. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using multivariate logistic and spline regression models., Results: The OR for BMI >30 at diagnosis compared with 20 to <25 kg m(-2) was 4.08 (95% CI: 2.90-5.74). The association for BMI was monotonic with a possible steeper increase for BMI above 28. Conversely, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) showed a bell shaped curve with increased OR (2.10; 95% CI: 1.43-3.09) in the intermediate tertile only. After stratification by BMI at diagnosis, history of weight loss and BMI at age 30 did not influence endometrial cancer risk. History of obesity in middle age had a weak and not significant adverse effect among obese women (OR=1.60; 95% CI: 0.52-4.96)., Conclusion: The predominant importance of recent weight compared to lifetime history, justifies encouraging weight reduction in women at any age.

Soft drinks usually contain sugar and caffeine that might influence pancreatic carcinogenesis. We considered the association between carbonated drink consumption and pancreatic cancer risk in an Italian case-control study conducted in 1991-2008 on 326 pancreatic cancer cases and 652 matched controls. We also combined the results from all the studies on soft drinks or sweetened beverages and pancreatic cancer published before June 2010, using a meta-analytic approach. In the case-control study, compared with non-drinkers, the multivariate odds ratio was 1.02 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.72-1.44) for carbonated drink consumers and 0.89 (95% CI 0.53-1.50) for regular consumers (at least one drink/day). Besides our study, from the literature search, we identified 4 other case-control (1,919 cases) and 6 cohort studies (2,367 cases). The pooled relative risks (RR) for soft drink consumers vs. non-consumers were 0.97 (95% CI 0.81-1.16) for case-control, 1.05 (95% CI 0.94-1.17) for cohort, and 1.02 (95% CI 0.93-1.12) for all studies. The pooled RRs for heavy drinkers were 1.08 (95% CI 0.73-1.60) for case-control, 1.21 (95% CI 0.90-1.63) for cohort, and 1.16 (95% CI 0.93-1.45) for all studies. In conclusion, soft drink consumption is not materially related to pancreatic cancer risk.

Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been related to decreased risk of several cancers, but studies on the relation with the risk of renal cell cancer (RCC) are inconsistent. A case-control study of RCC was conducted in Italy between 1992 and 2004. Cases were 755 patients with incident, histologically confirmed RCC, and controls were 1297 patients in hospital for acute non-neoplastic conditions. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for RCC were conditioned on center, sex, age, and year of interview, and adjusted for education, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and hypertension. Regular use of aspirin for at least 6 months was reported by 67 cases and 99 controls, corresponding to an OR of 0.98 (95% CI 0.69-1.38). The ORs were 0.91 (95% CI 0.55-1.50) in regular users for less than 3 years, and 1.04 (95% CI 0.67-1.63) in users for 3 years or longer; 0.47 (95% CI 0.20-1.12) when aspirin was used as analgesic and 1.10 (95% CI 0.75-1.62) when it was used for cardiovascular disease prevention. No significant heterogeneity was found for regular use of aspirin across strata of age and sex. This study, based on a large dataset, suggests that regular use of aspirin did not increase RCC risk.

Background: Several case-control studies have examined the association between intake of selected macronutrients and stomach cancer, with inconsistent results regarding total energy, proteins, carbohydrates and fats., Materials and Methods: We considered the relation between total energy, various macronutrients and fatty acids and gastric cancer using data from a case-control study conducted in northern Italy. Cases were 230 patients with incident, histologically confirmed stomach cancer. Controls were 547 frequency-matched patients, admitted to the same hospitals as cases for a wide spectrum of acute, non-neoplastic conditions. Logistic regression models conditioned on age and sex and adjusted for selected covariates were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of stomach cancer., Results: The multivariate ORs were 0.65 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43-0.98] for the highest versus lowest tertile of vegetable fats and 0.66 (95% CI 0.44-0.97) for polyunsaturated fatty acids. No significant association was found for proteins, sugars, starch, total and animal fats, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol., Conclusion: In conclusion, our study indicates that selected vegetable fats have a favorable effect on stomach cancer risk.

Most epidemiological studies on the relationship between physical activity and endometrial cancer found risk reductions of about 25-30% among most active women, but results were not consistent among studies. A multicentric case-control study was conducted in Italy between 1992 and 2006. Cases were 454 women with incident, histologically confirmed endometrial cancer and controls were 908 women admitted to hospital for acute non-neoplastic, nonhormonal conditions. Multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were obtained after allowance for major potential confounding factors. The ORs of endometrial cancer for women in the highest level of occupational physical activity (compared with the lowest) were 1.69, 1.33, 1.17 and 0.82, respectively, at ages 12, 15-19, 30-39 and 50-59 years, with no trend in risk at any age. The corresponding ORs for leisure-time physical activity were 0.82, 0.78, 1.12 and 0.97. The risk of endometrial cancer for each level of occupational physical activity at age 30-39 years was not significantly heterogeneous across strata of age at diagnosis, body mass index, menopausal status and education. These findings do not support a strong relationship between physical activity and endometrial cancer risk.