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The effect of potential risk factors for multiple myeloma was evaluated in a case-referent study encompassing 131 cases and 431 randomized referents, all alive. Information on exposure was obtained with questionnaires mailed to the subjects. An analysis of the material by means of the Miettinen confounder score technique resulted in a few rate ratios significantly exceeding unity--namely, occupational exposure to engine exhausts, creosote, and fresh wood. In view of other studies that suggest ionizing radiation as a risk factor, it was somewhat surprising that low-level gamma radiation from background exposure was less common among the cases than the referents.

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The effect of potential risk factors for acute myeloid leukemia was evaluated in a case-referent study encompassing 59 cases and 354 referents, all of whom were alive. Information on exposure was obtained through a questionnaire mailed to the subjects. The possible effect of background radiation was evaluated by means of a gamma radiation index, which accounted for the differences between cases and referents in this respect, i.e., in time spent in concrete buildings both at home and at work places. In the 20-54 yr old age group, there was an association between leukemia morbidity and index of background radiation. X-ray treatment and electrical work were also associated with increased rate ratios. With regard to solvents, only styrene appeared as a risk factor, but the number of exposed subjects was small. Other exposures were less clearly associated with increased risks.

The prevalence of bacteriuria as well as bacterial virulence and host factors were studied in 514 diabetic outpatients and 405 nondiabetic controls. The prevalence of bacteriuria was not significantly higher in diabetic women (15/239, 6.3%) than in age-matched nondiabetic women (8/236, 3.4%). In diabetic and nondiabetic men, the prevalence was also similar but lower than in women. E. coli was found in 55% of urine cultures with significant growth from diabetic patients, while in 91% of positive cultures from nondiabetic controls. Most E. coli strains lacked ability of P-fimbriae-mediated adhesion and aerobactin-mediated iron uptake, indicating low bacterial virulence. Long-term metabolic control (HbA1c), prevalence of retinopathy, neuropathy and previous foot ulcers were similar in bacteriuric and nonbacteriuric diabetic patients, matched according to gender, age, and duration of diabetes. Renal function was also similar, though the frequency of proteinuria and elevated blood pressure tended to be higher in the bacteriuric than in the noninfected group. Eight-three percent of the bacteriuric patients reported previous urinary tract infections but only 61% of nonbacteriuric patients (p = 0.07). As compared to non-diabetic women, diabetic women reported significantly more previous urinary tract infections (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the prevalence of bacteriuria in diabetic outpatients was not significantly higher than in non-diabetic outpatients or healthy volunteers. No studied host factor was clearly associated with bacteriuria in diabetic patients, although proteinuria and hypertension tended to be more common. The infecting E. coli strains were of low virulence.