The familial risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma ranks among the highest in the Swedish Family-Cancer Database.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
A Altieri
Publications and source records attributed to A Altieri.
History of cirrhosis and risk of digestive tract neoplasms.
BACKGROUND: Cirrhosis is strongly related to liver cancer. Data on the possible association between cirrhosis and risk at other cancer sites are scanty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analysed data from a network of case-control studies conducted in Italy between 1983 and 1997, including patients with cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx (520), oesophagus (405), stomach (731), colon (943), rectum (613), liver (425), gallbladder (63) and pancreas (395). The controls were 4297 patients admitted to hospitals for acute non-neoplastic conditions. RESULTS: After strict allowance for alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking and history of hepatitis, the multivariate odds ratios for a history of cirrhosis were 4.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2-9.8] for neoplasms of the oral cavity and pharynx, 2.6 (95% CI 1.2-5.7) for the oesophagus, 1.0 (95% CI 0.4-2.5) for the stomach, 1.0 (95% CI 0.4-2.4) for the colon, 1.7 (95% CI 0.7-4.1) for the rectum, 20.5 (95% CI 12.3-34.2) for the liver, 2.1 (95% CI 0.3-16.8) for the gallbladder and 0.9 (95% CI 0.3-3.0) for the pancreas. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms and further quantifies the increased risk of liver cancer in cirrhotic patients and is compatible with an increased risk of oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal cancers.
Adult↗
Familial aggregation of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other neoplasms.
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Adult↗
Botulinum toxin: 28 patients affected by Frey's syndrome treated with intradermal injections.
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Botulinum Toxins, Type A↗
Radiometric characterisation of more representative natural building materials in the province of Rome.
Natural building materials, characterised by middle-low-activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides ((40)K, (232)Th and (238)U series) are widely used in Italy. Since natural materials reflect the geological variability of their sites of origin, a systematic study was carried out in the province of Rome and the results are reported in this paper. In the present work, in order to evaluate average, minimum and maximum contents of primordial radionuclides, more representative lithologies outcropping on the territory of the province of Rome were identified and around 150 samples were collected. Also, these lithologies were characterised from a radioprotection point of view, by means of the evaluation of the index, I, when they are used as building materials. The results confirm the high-primordial radionuclide content within some materials used in Latium (central Italy). Although the study was carried out in a limited area, the results confirm considerable variation in the primordial radionuclide content depending on the sites of origin.
Background Radiation↗
Cholecystectomy and the risk of colorectal cancer in Italy.
In two case-control studies from Italy covering 3533 cases of colorectal cancer and 7062 hospital controls, the odds ratios were 1.04 after cholecystectomy for colorectal, 1.08 for colon and 1.03 for rectal cancers. The results did not differ significantly by gender, colon subsite or time since diagnosis.
Adult↗
Infections and atopy: an exploratory study for a meta-analysis of the "hygiene hypothesis".
BACKGROUND: According to the "hygiene hypothesis" selected allergic diseases could be prevented by exposure to infectious agents during early childhood. METHODS: This study was performed to assess the feasibility of a future meta-analysis on the "hygiene hypothesis" and atopic diseases. Differences concerning the potential association with a history of infectious events, in terms of magnitude and homogeneity of global risk estimates between the three major atopic diseases (i.e. atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis) were examined. We conducted a preliminary analysis on a sample of articles published on this topic and cited in a recent and authoritative review. RESULTS: The ranges of relative risks estimates (between 0.6 and 0.8) were similar for atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Compared with asthma and allergic rhinitis, reported global risk estimates were more stable for atopic dermatitis (lowest heterogeneity). Our analysis suggests that three main categories of indirect markers of exposure to infection can be identified: 1) geographical gradient, 2) indices of potential contact with infectious agents (such as number of siblings) and 3) history of infectious events. CONCLUSIONS: In this exploratory study, we chose articles cited in a single review and obtained a preliminary quantification of the association between infections and atopic diseases. The association with indirect markers of infection corresponded to 20% protection for atopic dermatitis, 30% for allergic rhinitis and 40% for asthma. In a subsequent meta-analysis, diseases should be considered separately and differences between types of exposures should be taken into account as one of the major end-points, with attention to time since exposure and disease onset.
Asthma↗
Cigarette smoking and risk of Hodgkin's disease.
The role of cigarette smoking on the risk of Hodgkin's disease remains controversial. To provide further information on the issue, we analysed data of a case-control study from northern Italy. The cases were 158 patients with incident, histologically confirmed Hodgkin's disease, and the controls were 316 patients, frequency-matched to the cases by age, sex and study centre, and admitted to the same network of hospitals for acute, non-neoplastic, non-alcohol- or non-tobacco-related conditions. Compared with those who had never smoked, the multivariate odds ratio was 0.54 for former and 0.85 for current smokers. No trend in risk was found for either the number of cigarettes smoked or the duration of consumption. None of the estimates, or the corresponding trends in risk, was statistically significant. Our results are consistent with those of several studies indicating no direct association between cigarette smoking and risk of Hodgkin's disease.
Adolescent↗
Hormone replacement therapy and risk of lymphomas and myelomas.
The relation between post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lymphoid neoplasms was analysed using data from a case-control study conducted in northern Italy between 1983 and 1992. Cases included 26 incident, histologically confirmed, post-menopausal female patients of Hodgkin's Disease (HD), 145 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) and 65 multiple myelomas (MM), between 45 and 79 years of age. The control group comprised 361 women (age range 45-79 years) admitted to the same network of hospitals for acute, non-neoplastic conditions. The multivariate odds ratio (OR) for ever HRT users was 0.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-2.8] for HD, 0.7 (95% CI 0.3-1.4) for NHL, and 0.2 (95% CI 0.1-1.0) for MM. No clear pattern of association was found for duration or recently of use. Despite the relatively small number of cases, due to the rarity of the disease, and the low frequency of HRT use in this population, these findings provide additional information for any global risk-benefit assessment of HRT use.
Age Distribution↗
Fluid intake and risk of bladder and other cancers.
There are appreciable differences in total fluid intake at the individual and population level, and substantial difficulties in obtaining valid measures of fluid intake. Epidemiological studies have examined the association between fluid intake and different types of cancer. For bladder cancer, fluid consumption has been associated with a moderate increase of risk in some studies, including a multicentric case-control study from the United States, based on about 3000 cases, with a decrease in others, including the Health Professional Follow-up study, or with no material association. The evidence, therefore, is far from consistent. Sources and components of fluids were also different across different types studies. From a biological point of view, a decreased fluid intake could result in a greater concentration of carcinogens in the urine or in a prolonged time of contact with the bladder mucosa because of less frequent micturition. Carcinogenic or anticarcinogenic components of various beverages excreted in the urine may also play a role in the process. It has been suggested that fluid consumption has a favorable effect on colorectal cancer risk. Fluid intake may reduce colon cancer risk by decreasing bowel transit time and reducing mucosal contact with carcinogens. Low fluid intake may also compromise cellular concentration, affect enzyme activity in metabolic regulation, and inhibit carcinogen removal. However, epidemiological data are inadequate for evaluation. Data are sparse and inconsistent for other neoplasms, including breast cancer. The fluid constituent of foods, confounding, interactions and possible influences of specific types of beverages should be investigated further. In conclusion therefore the association between total fluid intake and cancer risk remains still open to debate.
Breast Neoplasms↗
Cigarette tar yield and risk of upper digestive tract cancers: case-control studies from Italy and Switzerland.
BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking is one of the main risk factors for oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal cancers in developed countries. Information on the role of the tar yield of cigarettes in upper digestive tract carcinogenesis is sparse and needs to be updated because the tar yield of cigarettes has steadily decreased over the last few decades. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analysed two case-control studies, from Italy and Switzerland, conducted between 1992 and 1999, involving 749 cases of oral and pharyngeal cancer and 1770 controls, and 395 cases of squamous-cell oesophageal carcinoma and 1066 matched controls. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by unconditional multiple logistic regression models, including terms for age, sex, study centre, education and alcohol consumption. RESULTS: Based on the brand of cigarettes smoked for the longest time, the multivariate ORs for current smokers compared with never smokers were 6.1 for <20 mg and 9.8 for >or=20 mg tar for oral and pharyngeal neoplasms, and 4.8 and 5.4 for oesophageal cancer, respectively. For the cigarette brand smoked in the previous six months, the ORs for >or=10 mg compared with <10 mg were 1.9 for cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx and 1.8 for oesophageal cancer, after allowance for number of cigarettes and duration of smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms the direct relationship between the tar yield of cigarettes and upper digestive tract neoplasms, and provides innovative information on lower tar cigarettes, which imply reduced risks compared with higher tar ones. However, significant excess risks were observed even in the lower tar category, thus giving unequivocal indications for stopping smoking as a priority for prevention of upper digestive tract neoplasms.
Aged↗
Cessation of smoking and drinking and the risk of laryngeal cancer.
A case-control study was conducted in Italy and Switzerland between 1992 and 2000 on 527 cases of laryngeal cancer and 1,297 hospital controls. The risk of laryngeal cancer steadily decreased from 3 years after stopping smoking. Some decline in risk was observed only 20 years or more after stopping drinking.
Adult↗
Microbiological indoor air quality in healthy buildings.
There is a growing interest in indoor air quality for a better quality environment both at home and at work because many people spend at least 80% of their time indoors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the indoor concentration of airborne bacteria and fungi in a University auditorium, in an office of public buildings and in an apartment in the presence and in absence of building's occupants, building materials and furnishings. The concentrations of airborne bacteria and fungi were determined using a Surface Air System (SAS). In presence of people and furnishings the average air concentrations of bacteria (University auditorium: 925-1225 CFU m(-3); office: 493 CFU m(-3); apartment: 92-182 CFU m(-3)) were higher than in absence (respectively: 190-315 CFU m(-3); 126 CFU m(-3); 66-80 CFU m(-3)). The average air concentrations fungal were higher in presence of people and furnishings (University auditorium: 1256-1769 CFU m(-3); office: 858 CFU m(-3); apartment: 147-297 CFU m(-3)) than in absence (respectively: 301-431 CFU m(-3); 224 CFU m(-3); 102-132 CFU m(-3)). The obtained data can be considered as a step to identify acceptable levels for bioaerosols in common indoor environments.
Air Pollution, Indoor↗
Vegetables, fruit, antioxidants and cancer: a review of Italian studies.
BACKGROUND: Case-control studies have suggested that a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables protects from the risk of most common epithelial cancers, including those of the digestive tract, and also several nondigestive neoplasms; however, selections in cohort studies have been generally weaker. AIM OF THE STUDY: To review the relation between frequency of consumption of vegetables and fruit, estimated intake of selected antioxidants and the risk of cancer at different sites. METHODS: Systematic overview of data, with specific focus on a network of case-control studies conducted in Italy from 1983 to 1999. RESULTS: The relative risks (RR) of digestive tract neoplasms were reduced in subjects reporting highest vegetable intake. A protective effect of vegetables was also observed for hormone-related neoplasms. Fruit was related to a reduced RR of cancers of the upper digestive tract, stomach and urinary tract. With reference to the role of selected antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E showed a significant inverse relation with oral and pharyngeal, esophageal and breast cancer risk. Against colorectal cancer, the most consistent protective effects were provided by carotene, riboflavin and vitamin C, but inverse relations were observed also for calcium and vitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: Fruit and vegetable consumption in Mediterranean populations appears to provide protection against several types of neoplasms.
Antioxidants↗
Oral contraceptives and cancer: an update.
Most up-to-date information on oral contraceptives (OCs) and breast cancer risk comes from a collaborative re-analysis of individual data on 53297 cases and 100239 controls. It is now established that there is a moderately increased breast cancer risk among current OC users, which tends to level off in the few years after stopping use. With regard to cervical cancer, OC use has been found to be associated with increased risk in human papilloma virus-positive women. With reference to the well known protective effects of OCs against endometrial carcinogenesis, additional information has suggested a consistent protection across types of OCs used. Further data on ovarian cancer confirm that the protection of OCs is long lasting, and may well be observed 15 to 20 years after stopping use. Several studies have suggested an inverse relationship between use of OCs and risk of colorectal cancer, and in a meta-analysis of published data the pooled relative risk of colorectal cancer for DC ever-use was 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.74 to 0.97). There was no association with duration of use. The increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of hepatitis B viruses is the only established evidence of a direct association between OC use and cancer risk, which led an International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group to classify OCs as carcinogenic to humans in 1998.
Case-Control Studies↗
Nutrition and health: epidemiology of diet, cancer and cardiovascular disease in Italy.
Most epidemiological data suggest a protective role for fruits and vegetables in the prevention of several common epithelial cancers, including digestive and major non-digestive neoplasms. The relation between frequency of consumption of vegetables and fruit and cancer and myocardial infarction risk was analysed using data from a series of case-control studies conducted in Italy. For digestive tract cancer, population attributable risks for low intake of vegetables and fruit ranged between 15 and 40%. A selected number of antioxidants showed a significant inverse relation with breast and colorectal cancer risk, although the main components responsible for the favourable effect of a diet rich in vegetables and fruit remain undefined. Fish tends to be another favourable indicator of reduced cancer risk. In contrast, subjects reporting frequent red meat intake showed a relative risk consistently above unity for several common neoplasms. Whole grain food intake was consistently related to reduced risk of several types of cancer, particularly of the upper digestive tract neoplasms. Epidemiological evidence of the relation between fiber and colorectal cancer indicated a possible protections. In contrast, refined grain intake was associated to increased risk of different types of cancer, pointing to a potential role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). A low risk diet for cardiovascular disease includes high consumption of fish, vegetables and fruit, and hence rich in ascorbic acid and other antioxidants, thus sharing several aspects with a favourable diet for cancer.
Animals↗
Occupational exposure to lead--granulometric distribution of airborne lead in relation to risk assessment.
The amount of airborne lead absorbed by the body during occupational exposure depends not only on lead concentration in workplace air, but also on the granulometric distribution of the aerosol. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set the lead Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) at 50 micrograms/m3 on the basis of Bernard's model and a number of assumptions, including assumption "C", which predicts that the first 12.5 micrograms/m3 are made up of fine particles (aerodynamic diameter < 1 micron) whereas the remaining 12.5 micrograms/m3 consist of particles > 1 micron. Occupational exposure to airborne lead at a concentration of 50 micrograms/m3 and a granulometric distribution calculated according to the above mentioned assumption, leads, in the model, to a mean blood level of 40 micrograms/dl. In the present study, we tested the validity of assumption "C" in the environmental air of a factory that manufactured crystal glassware containing 24% lead oxide. An 8-stage impactor was used to measure the particle size of airborne dust collected from personal and area samplings. Results indicate that, on the whole, assumption "C" cannot be considered valid in the work environment investigated in this study. As a result, lead absorption levels in exposed workers may be noticeably different from those predicted by the OSHA model. We therefore suggest that in order to make a correct evaluation of the risk of occupational exposure to lead, it is essential to integrate total airborne lead concentration with a measurement of the granulometric distribution of the aerosol.
Aerosols↗
Emergency room technetium-99m sestamibi imaging to rule out acute myocardial ischemic events in patients with nondiagnostic electrocardiograms.
OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to determine the role of nuclear imaging in patients with chest pain. BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of myocardial ischemic events in patients with chest pain and a nondiagnostic electrocardiogram (ECG) is problematic. METHODS: Rest tomographic technetium-99m sestamibi imaging (740 MBq intravenously) was performed in 64 patients presenting to the emergency room with chest pain of suspected cardiac origin and a nondiagnostic ECG. Patients were admitted to the coronary care unit on the basis of clinical criteria only and were strictly monitored. RESULTS: Thirty patients showed a perfusion defect on admission. Of these, 13 developed myocardial infarction within 12 h. Coronary artery disease was diagnosed in 14 patients and the remaining 3 patients were classified as having false positive findings. Normal perfusion scans were seen in 34 patients, none of whom were ultimately diagnosed as having coronary artery disease. A 100% sensitivity was demonstrated versus the final diagnosis of acute cardiac ischemia (kappa 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.8 to 1.0). A follow-up period of up to 18 months (mean 11 +/- 3) was also carried out for major cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction, coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting). Six events (two coronary bypass procedures, three angioplasty procedures and one death) were observed at follow-up in the group of patients with a technetium-99m sestamibi perfusion defect. Patients with normal perfusion scans on admission had no major cardiac events at follow-up study. CONCLUSIONS: Technetium-99m sestamibi perfusion imaging is a promising technique for ruling out acute myocardial ischemia in the emergency room. More efficient utilization of intensive therapy beds may be expected with this approach.
Chest Pain↗