Comparative life cycle analysis between commercial porcelain stoneware and new ones designed by using volcanic scraps.

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, many companies have started implementing sustainability policies. The aim of this work, as result of collaboration between Universities and companies, is to assess the environmental impacts associated with the production of alternative formulations of porcelain stoneware. The proposed formulations contain extraction scraps and chamotte and have promising technological properties. A comparative analysis of the life cycle in three different scenarios was carried out to assess the environmental footprint of the final products. The analyzed scenarios were a glazed porcelain stoneware (which was taken as a reference and is commercially available), a porcelain stoneware containing pumice scraps, and one containing volcanic lapillus scraps. It was observed that the transportation of raw materials has the largest environmental impact, followed by the production and extraction of the raw materials themselves. From the performed analysis, it was possible to observe that by replacing the currently used materials by the ones hereby studied, environmental benefits can be obtained. In particular, depending on the considered pollutant, the environmental impact can be reduced between a minimum of about 8 % (Freshwater Aquatic Ecotoxicity category) to a maximum of 48 % (Acidification category). In a time when raw materials supply is difficult, the use of scraps, which would otherwise be disposed of, is particularly interesting and can lead to the production of an environmentally friendly product.

Analyzing the Role of Fe0 and Fe3+ in the Formation of Expanded Clay Aggregates.

The effect of the addition of Fe0 and Fe3+ on the formation of expanded clay aggregates was studied using iron-free kaolin as an aluminosilicates source. Likewise, the incorporation of cork powder as a source of organic carbon and Na2CO3 as a flux in the mixtures was investigated in order to assess its effect in combination with the iron phases. An experimental protocol, statistically supported by a mixture experiments/design of experiments approach, was applied to model and optimize the bloating index, density, absorption capacity, and mechanical strength. The process of expansion and pore generation and the associated decrease in density required the addition of iron, such that the optimum mixtures of these properties presented between 25 and 40 wt.% of Fe0 or Fe3+, as well as the incorporation of 3.5-5 wt.% of organic carbon. The addition of Fe3+ produced a greater volumetric expansion (max. 53%) than Fe0 (max. 8%), suggesting that the formation of the FeO leading to this phenomenon would require reducing and oxidizing conditions in the former and the latter, respectively. The experimental and model-estimated results are in good agreement, especially in the aggregates containing Fe0. This reinforces the application of statistical methods for future investigations.

Study of the Incorporation of Ladle Furnace Slag in the Manufacture of Cold In-Place Recycling with Bitumen Emulsion.

Cold in-place recycling with bitumen emulsion is a good environmental option for road conservation. The technique produces lower CO2 emissions because the product is manufactured and spread in the same location as the previous infrastructure, and its mixing with bitumen emulsion occurs at room temperature. Adding materials with cementitious characteristics gives the final mixture greater resistance and durability, and incorporating an industrial by-product such as ladle furnace slag (of which cementitious characteristics have been corroborated by various authors) enables the creation of sustainable, resistant pavement. This paper describes the incorporation of ladle furnace slag in reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) to execute in-place asphalt pavement recycling with bitumen emulsion. Various test groups of samples with increasing percentages of emulsion were created to study both the density of the mixtures obtained, and their dry and post-immersion compressive strength. To determine these characteristics, the physical and chemical properties of the ladle furnace slag and the reclaimed asphalt pavements were analyzed, as well as compatibility with the bitumen emulsion. The aforementioned tests define an optimal combination of RAP (90%), ladle furnace slag (10%), water (2.6%), and emulsion (3.3%), which demonstrated maximum values for compressive strength of the dry and post-immersion bituminous mixture. These tests therefore demonstrate the suitability of ladle furnace slag for cold in-place recycling with bitumen emulsion.

Evaluation of the Environmental Benefits Associated with the Addition of Olive Pomace in the Manufacture of Lightweight Aggregates.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using SimaPro software has been carried out concerning the manufacture of artificial lightweight aggregates (LWAs). The study aims to evaluate the changes in the environmental impact when an additive of residual origin, specifically olive pomace (OP), is added following the principles of the Circular Economy. This residue (commonly known as alperujo) was used as a substitute for clay in 1.25, 2.5 and 5 wt%. The environmental impact related to the use of olive pomace in the mixture was estimated using the CML 2000 methodology, yielding improvements of 3.8%, 7.7% and 15.3% for 1.25, 2.5 and 5 wt% OP added, respectively. Optimum addition results are in the range of 1.25 and 2.5 wt% OP. In this way, the reduction of emissions associated with LWA manufacture would be favored without negatively affecting the technological properties of the resulting material.

Ternary diagrams as a tool for developing ceramic materials from waste: relationship between technological properties and microstructure.

The present work proposes the manufacture of ceramic construction materials using raw materials which are only industrial wastes from different production processes (electric arc furnace steel slag, coal bottom ash, carbon fly ash, and oil-filtering diatomaceous-earth). From them, the SiO2-Al2O3-CaO equilibrium phase diagram has been used to formulate two materials compositions with the objective of obtaining ceramics whose chemical composition is located in the same area as a traditional clay-based material, but with two different technological behaviors: refractoriness due to calcium phase's development and densification due to a greater melting capacity. The waste-based pieces have been sintered at three firing temperatures (1000 °C, 1050 °C, and 1100 °C) and the mineralogical composition has been quantified by Rietveld refinement-XRD in order to establish the agreement between the phases foreseen by the formulations in the diagrams and the mineralogical compositions actually developed after the sintering treatment. In addition, fired materials have been subjected to a complete microstructural characterization by means of SEM-EDX and the pore size distribution has been determined by means of mercury intrusion porosimetry and helium pycnometry. In general, all obtained materials display adequate technological properties for their use as building materials so this characterization has allowed to show the suitability of the ternary diagram SiO2-Al2O3-CaO for the design of ceramic compositions from industrial wastes. Therefore, extending the use of phase diagrams as a design tool is still little explored for waste-based ceramics, and those that have been mainly used for studying Mg-based phases can have an important contribution to a more sustainable construction sector.

Use of marble sludge waste in the manufacture of eco-friendly materials: applying the principles of the Circular Economy.

The marble industry generates enormous amounts of waste every year, whose incorrect management can lead to environmental problems. The Circular Economy model can provide an effective solution to this issue, an aspect that has been addressed in this research. The suitability of a marble sludge generated in the ornamental rock industry of Andalusia (Spain) has been assessed as raw material in ceramic bricks. Mixtures containing a clayey base and 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt% of marble powder have been shaped into 60 × 30 × 10-mm3 prismatic specimens and sintered at 950 °C in a muffle. The main technological properties of the bricks related to color, shrinkage, porosity, water absorption, suction, and compressive strength have been determined. The addition of marble sludge has fostered the development of a lighter color, together with a significant increase of the open porosity. This aspect has implied, on the one hand, higher water absorption and suction results and, on the other hand, a decrease of the density and the mechanical strength. The correlations obtained after applying Shapiro-Wilk normality tests and r Pearson coefficients endorse the clear relationship between the addition of marble powder and the abovementioned effects on the technological properties of the sintered bricks. All the measured properties fully meet the brick standardized requirements, which would indicate that the recycling of marble wastes could be a promising alternative to obtain eco-friendly lightweight ceramic materials.

Properties of Residue from Olive Oil Extraction as a Raw Material for Sustainable Construction Materials. Part I: Physical Properties.

Action on climate, the environment, and the efficient use of raw materials and resources are important challenges facing our society. Against this backdrop, the construction industry must adapt to new trends and environmentally sustainable construction systems, thus requiring lines of research aimed at keeping energy consumption in new buildings as low as possible. One of the main goals of this research is to efficiently contribute to reducing the amount of residue from olive oil extraction using a two-phase method. This can be achieved by producing alternative structural materials to be used in the construction industry by means of a circular economy. The technical feasibility of adding said residue to ceramic paste was proven by analyzing the changes produced in the physical properties of the paste, which were then compared to the properties of the reference materials manufactured with clay without residue. Results obtained show that the heating value of wet pomace can contribute to the thermal needs of the sintering process, contributing 30% of energy in pieces containing 3% of said material. Likewise, adding larger amounts of wet pomace to the clay body causes a significant decrease in bulk density values.

Effects of Wastes from the Brewing Industry in Lightweight Aggregates Manufactured with Clay for Green Roofs.

This study investigates the effects of sieved wastes generated from the brewing industry on lightweight aggregates manufactured with clay. Sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, bagasse and diatomaceous earth were used to obtain the samples. These wastes are usually dumped in landfills, but the current increase in restrictions on dumping and interest in improving the environment make our proposal for gaining value from these wastes a significant contribution. Laboratory tests show that the new aggregate has low bulk density and increased water absorption and porosity. The thermographic camera results provide evidence that new aggregates have significant insulating properties and are suitable for use on green roofs.

Does mitomycin C cause toxicity in the cornea after photorefractive keratectomy? A comparative wound-healing study in a refractive surgery animal model.

PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the wound-healing process after photorefractive keratectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) in hen corneas. In addition, we evaluated the synergistic effect of ethanol and MMC. METHODS: Forty-eight adult hens were divided into 3 groups: A: ethanol-assisted debridement plus MMC; B: mechanical debridement plus MMC; and C: mechanical debridement (MMC-untreated control). Photorefractive keratectomy was performed, and the animals were followed up for up to 60 days. Epithelial healing was measured with fluorescein. Apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling assay and proliferation was measured by BrdU incorporation. Both myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition were evaluated by immunofluorescence and histology. RESULTS: Epithelial wound closure was similar in all 3 groups (P > 0.05). Significant reduction in haze was observed in groups A and B compared with C (P < 0.01), but there was no difference between groups A and B (P > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no difference in the number of apoptotic cells between groups. Proliferation was delayed in both groups A and B compared with C (P < 0.01), but groups A and B did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Myofibroblasts, cellular density, and collagen deposition were lower in both groups A and B compared with C (P < 0.01), but they were not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of MMC in hen corneas reproduces the wound healing observed in humans by reducing haze, keratocyte proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation, and new collagen deposition. Synergistic cytotoxic effects of ethanol and MMC were not observed.

Oleanolic acid controls allergic and inflammatory responses in experimental allergic conjunctivitis.

Pollen is the most common aeroallergen to cause seasonal conjunctivitis. The result of allergen exposure is a strong Th2-mediated response along with conjunctival mast cell degranulation and eosinophilic infiltration. Oleanolic acid (OA) is natural a triterpene that displays strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties being an active anti-allergic molecule on hypersensitivity reaction models. However, its effect on inflammatory ocular disorders including conjunctivitis, has not yet been addressed. Hence, using a Ragweed pollen (RWP)-specific allergic conjunctivitis (EAC) mouse model we study here whether OA could modify responses associated to allergic processes. We found that OA treatment restricted mast cell degranulation and infiltration of eosinophils in conjunctival tissue and decreased allergen-specific Igs levels in EAC mice. Th2-type cytokines, secreted phospholipase A2 type-IIA (sPLA2-IIA), and chemokines levels were also significantly diminished in the conjunctiva and serum of OA-treated EAC mice. Moreover, OA treatment also suppressed RWP-specific T-cell proliferation. In vitro studies, on relevant cells of the allergic process, revealed that OA reduced the proliferative and migratory response, as well as the synthesis of proinflammatory mediators on EoL-1 eosinophils and RBL-2H3 mast cells exposed to allergic and/or crucial inflammatory stimuli such as RWP, sPLA2-IIA or eotaxin. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the beneficial activity of OA in ocular allergic processes and may provide a new intervention strategy and potential therapy for allergic diseases.

Nerve growth factor promotes corneal epithelial migration by enhancing expression of matrix metalloprotease-9.

PURPOSE: Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neuropeptide essential for the development, survival, growth, and differentiation of corneal cells. Its effects are mediated by both TrkA and p75 receptors. Clinically relevant use of NGF was introduced to treat neurotrophic ulcerations in patients. Herein, we examine the mechanisms by which NGF enhances epithelial wound healing both in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: An animal model using adult hens was implemented for the in vivo experiments. Laser ablation keratectomy was performed and animals were observed for up to 7 days. Epithelial healing was measured with fluorescein. In addition, proliferation was measured using BrdU incorporation and both TrkA and matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) expression were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB). In vitro experiments were carried out with telomerase-immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCLE). The rate of proliferation was measured using a colorimetric assay and BrdU incorporation. Real-time migration was evaluated with an inverted microscope. MMP-9 expression was evaluated by immunocytochemistry (ICC), WB, zymography, and RT-PCR. Finally, beta-4 integrin (ß4) expression was assessed by ICC and WB. RESULTS: Faster epithelial healing was observed in NGF-treated corneas compared with controls (P < 0.01). These corneas showed increased proliferation, TrkA upregulation, and enhanced MMP-9 presence (P < 0.01). In vitro, faster spreading and migration were observed in response to NGF (P < 0.01). Enhanced proliferation, as well as enhanced TrkA and MMP-9 expression, and decreased ß4 levels were observed after adding NGF (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: NGF plays a major role during the epithelial healing process by promoting migration, a process that is accelerated by cell spreading. This effect is mediated by both the upregulation of MMP-9 and cleavage of ß4 integrin.

Scleral changes induced by atropine in chicks as an experimental model of myopia.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of intravitreal atropine on scleral growth in the form-deprived chick as an experimental model of myopia. METHODS: Five groups of five chicks were studied from day 0-12 post-hatching. One group remained untreated (C), and four were form-deprived by monocular light diffusers to induce myopia. Two groups (RL and A) wore diffusers for 9 days, and the other two groups (D and D + A) wore diffusers throughout the study. Group D received no further treatment (myopia positive control). Groups A and D + A received intravitreal injections of atropine for days 9-12. Measurements of refractive error and axial length were performed on days 0, 9, and 12. Sclera changes were assessed in cartilaginous and fibrous layers by histological analysis. RESULTS: All form-deprived eyes had a myopic refractive error on day 9. All atropine-treated groups were hyperopic on day 12. The effect of atropine was most evident in Group D + A in which diffusers were maintained throughout treatment and changes in refractive error were statistically significant. The observed changes in axial length were in line with the changes in refractive error. The scleral fibrous layer thickness increased, and the sceral cartilaginous layer underwent a slight thinning compared to Group D, the myopia positive control. CONCLUSIONS: If the signals that induce growth remain during atropine treatment, morphological changes in sclera are produced: the scleral fibrous layer thickened, and the sceral cartilaginous layer thinned. These changes resulted in refractive error recovery, and the ocular growth was stopped. The data suggested the atropine was acting throughout the scleral fibrous layer.

The burden of rare cancers in Europe.

The burden of rare tumors in Europe is still unknown and no generally accepted definition of them exist. The Surveillance of Rare Cancers in Europe project (funded by the European Commission) aimed at providing a definition of "rare cancer", a list of cancers and rare cancer burden indicators, based on population-based cancer registry data, across Europe. An international consensus group agreed that incidence is the most appropriate indicator for measuring rare cancers frequency and set the threshold for rarity at 6/100,000/year. The list of rare cancers was based on the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O 3rd edition) and it was hierarchically structured in 2 layers based on various combinations of ICD-O morphology and topography codes: layer (1) families of tumors (relevant for the health care organisation) and layer (2) tumors clinically meaningful (relevant for clinical decision making and research). The burden indicators were estimated and are provided in this chapter.

Patterns of care for European colorectal cancer patients diagnosed 1996-1998: a EUROCARE high resolution study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify disparities in the management of colon and rectal cancer across Europe by assessing population-based information from 12 European cancer registries (CR) participating in EUROCARE, together with additional information obtained from individual clinical records. METHODS AND PATIENTS: We considered five indicators: (a) resection with curative intent; (b) post-operative mortality; (c) proportion of stage II/III colon cancer cases given adjuvant chemotherapy; (d) proportion of rectal cancer cases receiving radiotherapy; and (e) proportion of curative intent resections with 12 or more lymph nodes examined. RESULTS: A total of 6 871 colorectal cancer patients, diagnosed between 1996-1998, were examined. Overall 71% of patients received resection with curative intent, range 44-86% by CR; 46% of stage III colon cancer cases (range 24-73% by CR) and 22% of stage II cases (not then recommended) received adjuvant chemotherapy; 12% of rectal cancer cases received adjuvant radiotherapy, range < or =2% in five CRs to >51% in two CRs. For only 29% of curative intent resections were 12 or more lymph nodes examined. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that, although most patients received surgery with curative intent, disparities in treatment for colorectal cancer across Europe in the late 1990s were unexpectedly large, with many patients not receiving treatments indicated by published clinical trials. Consensus guidelines for CRC management are now becoming available and should be adopted across Europe. It is hoped that dissemination of guidelines will improve the use of scientifically proven treatments for the disease, but this should be monitored by further population-based studies.

Variation in 'standard care' for breast cancer across Europe: a EUROCARE-3 high resolution study.

On a population-based sample of 13,500 European breast cancer patients mostly diagnosed in 1996-1998 and archived by 26 cancer registries, we used logistic regression to estimate odds of conservative surgery plus radiotherapy (BCS+RT) versus other surgery, in T1N0M0 cases by country, adjusted for age and tumour size. We also examined: BCS+RT in relation to total national expenditure on health (TNEH); chemotherapy use in N+ patients; tamoxifen use in oestrogen-positive patients; and whether 10 nodes were examined in lymphadenectomies. Stage, diagnostic examinations and treatments were obtained from clinical records. T1N0M0 cases were 33.0% of the total. 55.0% of T1N0M0 received BCS+RT, range 9.0% (Estonia) to 78.0% (France). Compared to France, odds of BCS+RT were lower in all other countries, even after adjusting for covariates. Women of 70-99 years had 67% lower odds of BCS+RT than women of 15-39 years. BCS+RT was 20% in low TNEH, 58% in medium TNEH, and 64% in high TNEH countries. Chemotherapy was given to 63.0% of N+ and 90.7% of premenopausal N+ (15-49 years), with marked variation by country, mainly in post-menopause (50-99 years). Hormonal therapy was given to 55.5% of oestrogen-positive cases, 44.6% at 15-49 years and 58.8% at 50-99 years; with marked variation across countries especially in premenopause. The variation in breast cancer care across Europe prior to the development of European guidelines was striking; older women received BCS+RT much less than younger women; and adherence to 'standard care' varied even among countries with medium/high TNEH, suggesting sub-optimal resource allocation.

What reasons lie behind long-term survival differences for gastric cancer within Europe?

BACKGROUND: Wide geographic variations in survival for gastric cancer in Europe have been reported. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of stage at diagnosis, treatment and cancer characteristics on long-term survival for gastric cancer in populations covered by cancer registries. METHODS: We analysed survival in 4620 cases of gastric cancer from 17 European population-based cancer registries from 8 countries. Univariate and multivariate regression of relative survival were performed. RESULTS: Five-year relative survival varied between 10.6% and 24.0%, while 10-year survival ranged from 7.7% to 23.0%. After adjustment for age and sex, the regional excess hazard ratio (EHR) of death was significantly higher in Ragusa, Granada, Yorkshire, Slovakia, Slovenia and Poland than in France, Northern Italy, The Netherlands and the Basque Country. After further adjustment for surgical resection versus no resection (a proxy of stage), the EHR of death remained significantly higher only in Granada and Yorkshire than in the reference country (France). After adjustment for stage, the EHR was significantly higher only in Yorkshire (EHR: 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-1.77). The EHR in this area was limited to the first year following diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Differences across Europe in gastric cancer survival depend to a large extent on differences in stage at diagnosis. However they do not explain all variations. Quality of management and treatment can explain some differences.

Induction of controlled wound healing with PMMA segments in the deep stroma in corneas of hens.

PURPOSE: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) segments are normally used in additive surgery to treat both corneal ectasia post laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and keratoconus. The aim of this work was to develop an experimental animal model to induce wound healing in the deep stroma in corneas of hens. METHODS: PMMA segments were implanted in the right eyes of 40 adult hens without suture in the wound incision. Animals were randomized for 5 time points to histopathology study (1, 3, 15, 30, and 90 days) being clinically evaluated during the experiment. RESULTS: Thirty-four eyes (85%) had a successful clinical outcome and intraoperative mistakes occurred in 6 eyes (15%), including anterior chamber perforation resulting in abscess (1), excess of lamellar dissection with segment migration (3), and peripheral incisions evolving with neovascularization (2). At 24 hours, all the epithelial injuries were completed in integrity, but a persistent stromal incision, with a fish mouth form, was observed until day 15. Corneal edema disappeared at the fifth day. Haze, keratocyte cell death, keratocyte proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation, and new matrix production were observed in length around the segment. CONCLUSIONS: Wound healing was induced in the deep corneal stroma by means of PMMA segment implantation in a new animal model developed in hens.

Level of education and the risk of lymphoma in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphomas belong to the few cancer sites with increasing incidence over past decades, and only a few risk factors have been established. We explored the association between education and the incidence of lymphoma in the prospective EPIC study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Within 3,567,410 person-years of follow-up, 1,319 lymphoma cases [1,253 non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) and 66 Hodgkin lymphomas (HL)] were identified. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine the association between highest educational level (primary school or less, technical/professional school, secondary school, university) and lymphoma risk. RESULTS: Overall, no consistent associations between educational level and lymphoma risk were observed; however, associations were found for sub-groups of the cohort. We observed a higher risk of B-NHL (HR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02­1.68; n = 583) in women with the highest education level (university) but not in men. Concerning sub-classes of B-NHL, a positive association between education and risk of B cell chronic lymphatic leukaemia (BCLL) was observed only in women. In both genders, the risk of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was significantly lower for subjects with university degree (HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.27­0.79) versus lowest educational level. No association was found for HL. CONCLUSION: We could not confirm an overall consistent association of education and risk of HL or NHL in this large prospective study; although, education was positively related to the incidence of BCLL and B-NHL (in women) but inversely to incidence of DLBCL. Due to limited number of cases in sub-classes and the large number of comparisons, the possibility of chance findings can not be excluded.

Dietary fat and breast cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies have produced conflicting results with respect to an association of dietary fat with breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the association between fat consumption and breast cancer. DESIGN: We prospectively investigated fat consumption in a large (n = 319,826), geographically and culturally heterogeneous cohort of European women enrolled in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition who completed a dietary questionnaire. After a mean of 8.8 y of follow-up, 7119 women developed breast cancer. Cox proportional hazard models, stratified by age and center and adjusted for energy intake and confounders, were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for breast cancer. RESULTS: An association between high saturated fat intake and greater breast cancer risk was found [HR = 1.13 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.27; P for trend = 0.038) for the highest quintile of saturated fat intake compared with the lowest quintile: 1.02 (1.00, 1.04) for a 20% increase in saturated fat consumption (continuous variable)]. No significant association of breast cancer with total, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fat was found, although trends were for a direct association of risk with monounsaturated fat and an inverse association with polyunsaturated fat. In menopausal women, the positive association with saturated fat was confined to nonusers of hormone therapy at baseline [1.21 (0.99, 1.48) for the highest quintile compared with the lowest quintile; P for trend = 0.044; and 1.03 (1.00, 1.07) for a 20% increase in saturated fat as a continuous variable]. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence indicates a weak positive association between saturated fat intake and breast cancer risk. This association was more pronounced for postmenopausal women who never used hormone therapy.

Alcohol consumption and the risk for prostate cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

Alcohol is a risk factor for several types of cancer. However, the results for prostate cancer have been inconsistent, with most studies showing no association. Within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, detailed information were collected from 142,607 male participants on the intake of alcoholic beverages at recruitment (for 100% of the cohort) and over lifetime (for 76% of the cohort) between 1992 and 2000. During a median follow-up of 8.7 years, 2,655 prostate cancer cases were observed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association of alcohol consumption at recruitment and average lifetime alcohol consumption with prostate cancer adjusted for age, center, smoking, height, weight, physical activity, and nonalcohol energy intake. Overall, neither alcohol consumption at baseline nor average lifetime alcohol consumption was associated with the risk for prostate cancer in this cohort of men. Men who consumed >or=60 g alcohol per day had a relative risk of 0.88 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.72-1.08] compared with men with an intake of 0.1-4.9 g/d; the respective relative risk for average lifetime intake was 1.09 (95% CI, 0.86-1.39). For advanced prostate cancer (n = 537), the relative risks for >or=60 and 0.1-4.9 g alcohol per day at baseline were 0.98 (95% CI, 0.66-1.44) and 1.28 (95% CI, 0.79-2-07), respectively, for average lifetime intake. No statistically significant association was observed for alcohol intake from specific alcoholic beverages. Our results indicate no association between the consumption of alcohol and prostate cancer in this cohort of European men.