Alena Slámová

Tobacco and alcohol are major risk factors for upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer and significant variation is observed in UADT cancer rates across Europe. We have estimated the proportion of UADT cancer burden explained by tobacco and alcohol and how this varies with the incidence rates across Europe, cancer sub-site, gender and age. This should help estimate the minimum residual burden of other risk factors to UADT cancer, including human papillomavirus. We analysed 1981 UADT cancer cases and 1993 controls from the ARCAGE multicentre study. We estimated the population attributable risk (PAR) of tobacco alone, alcohol alone and their joint effect. Tobacco and alcohol together explained 73% of UADT cancer burden of which nearly 29% was explained by smoking alone, less than 1% due to alcohol on its own and 44% by the joint effect of tobacco and alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol together explained a larger proportion of hypopharyngeal/laryngeal cancer (PAR=85%) than oropharyngeal (PAR=74%), esophageal (PAR=67%) and oral cancer (PAR=61%). Tobacco and alcohol together explain only about half of the total UADT cancer burden among women. Geographically, tobacco and alcohol explained a larger proportion of UADT cancer in central (PAR=84%) than southern (PAR=72%) and western Europe (PAR=67%). While the majority of the UADT cancers in Europe are due to tobacco or the joint effect of tobacco and alcohol, our results support a significant role for other risk factors in particular, for oral and oropharyngeal cancers and also for UADT cancers in southern and western Europe.

We aimed to assess the association of oral health (OH), dental care (DC) and mouthwash with upper-aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer risk, and to examine the extent that enzymes involved in the metabolism of alcohol modify the effect of mouthwash. The study included 1963 patients with incident cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx or esophagus and 1993 controls. Subjects were interviewed about their oral health and dental care behaviors (which were converted to scores of OH and DC respectively), as well as smoking, alcohol drinking, diet, occupations, medical conditions and socio-economic status. Blood samples were taken for genetic analyses. Mouthwash use was analyzed in relation to the presence of polymorphisms of alcohol-metabolizing genes known to be associated with UADT. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95%-confidence intervals [CI] were estimated with multiple logistic regression models adjusting for multiple confounders. Fully adjusted ORs of low versus high scores of DC and OH were 2.36[CI = 1.51–3.67] and 2.22[CI = 1.45–3.41], respectively, for all UADT sites combined. The OR for frequent use of mouthwash use (3 or more times/day) was 3.23[CI = 1.68–6.19]. The OR for the rare variant ADH7 (coding for fast ethanol metabolism) was lower in mouthwash-users (OR = 0.53[CI = 0.35–0.81]) as compared to never-users (OR = 0.97[CI = 0.73–1.29]) indicating effect modification (pheterogeneity = 0.065) while no relevant differences were observed between users and non-users for the variant alleles of ADH1B, ADH1C or ALDH2. Poor OH and DC seem to be independent risk factors for UADT because corresponding risk estimates remain substantially elevated after detailed adjustment for multiple confounders. Whether mouthwash use may entail some risk through the alcohol content in most formulations on the market remains to be fully clarified.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal urologic cancer. Only two common susceptibility loci for RCC have been confirmed to date. To identify additional RCC common susceptibility loci, we conducted an independent genome-wide association study (GWAS). We analyzed 533 191 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for association with RCC in 894 cases and 1516 controls of European descent recruited from MD Anderson Cancer Center in the primary scan, and validated the top 500 SNPs in silico in 3772 cases and 8505 controls of European descent involved in the only published GWAS of RCC. We identified two common variants in linkage disequilibrium, rs718314 and rs1049380 (r(2) = 0.64, D ' = 0.84), in the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor, type 2 (ITPR2) gene on 12p11.23 as novel susceptibility loci for RCC (P = 8.89 × 10(-10) and P = 6.07 × 10(-9), respectively, in meta-analysis) with an allelic odds ratio of 1.19 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13-1.26] for rs718314 and 1.18 (95% CI: 1.12-1.25) for rs1049380. It has been recently identified that rs718314 in ITPR2 is associated with waist-hip ratio (WHR) phenotype. To our knowledge, this is the first genetic locus associated with both cancer risk and WHR.

Abstract There is suggestive, but inconclusive, evidence that dietary factors may affect risk of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT). In the context of the alcohol‐related cancers and genetic susceptibility in Europe study, we have examined the association of dietary factors with UADT cancer risk. We have analyzed data from 2,304 patients with UADT cancer and 2,227 control subjects recruited in 14 centers in 10 European countries. Dietary data were collected through a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire that also assessed preferred temperature of hot beverages. Statistical analyses were conducted through multiple logistic regression controlling for potential confounding variables, including alcohol intake and smoking habits. Consumption of red meat (OR per increasing tertile = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05–1.25), but not poultry, was significantly associated with increased UADT cancer risk and the association was somewhat stronger for esophageal cancer. Consumption of fruits (OR per increasing tertile = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.62–0.75) and vegetables (OR per increasing tertile = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.66–0.81) as well as of olive oil (OR for above versus below median = 0.78, 95% CI 0.67–0.90) and tea (OR for above versus below median = 0.83, 95% CI 0.69–0.98) were significantly associated with reduced risk of UADT cancer. There was no indication that an increase in tea or coffee temperature was associated with increased risk of UADT overall or cancer of the esophagus; in fact, the association was, if anything, inverse. In conclusion, the results of this large multicentric study indicate that diet plays an important role in the etiology of UADT cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) include those of the oral cavity, pharynx (other than nasopharynx), larynx, and esophagus. Tobacco smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages are established causes of UADT cancers, whereas reduced intake of vegetables and fruits are likely causes. The role of genetic predisposition and possible interactions of genetic with exogenous factors, however, have not been adequately studied. Moreover, the role of pattern of smoking and drinking, as well as the exact nature of the implicated dietary variables, has not been clarified. To address these issues, the International Agency for Research on Cancer initiated in 2002 the alcohol-related cancers and genetic susceptibility (ARCAGE) in Europe project, with the participation of 15 centers in 11 European countries. Information and biological data from a total of 2304 cases and 2227 controls have been collected and will be used in a series of analyses. A total of 166 single nucleotide polymorphisms of 76 genes are being studied for genetic associations with UADT cancers. We report here the methodology of the ARCAGE project, main demographic and lifestyle characteristics of the cases and controls, as well as the distribution of cases by histology and subsite. About 80% of cases were males and fewer than 20% of all cases occurred before the age of 50 years. Overall, the most common subsite was larynx, followed by oral cavity, oropharynx, esophagus and hypopharynx. Close to 90% of UADT cancers were squamous cell carcinomas. A clear preponderance of smokers and alcohol drinkers among UADT cases compared with controls was observed.

Abstract We investigated the association between occupational history and upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer risk in the ARCAGE European case–control study. The study included 1,851 patients with incident cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx or esophagus and 1,949 controls. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for ever employment in 283 occupations and 172 industries, adjusting for smoking and alcohol. Men (1,457 cases) and women (394 cases) were analyzed separately and we incorporated a semi‐Bayes adjustment approach for multiple comparisons. Among men, we found increased risks for occupational categories previously reported to be associated with at least one type of UADT cancer, including painters (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.01–3.00), bricklayers (1.58, 1.05–2.37), workers employed in the erection of roofs and frames (2.62, 1.08–6.36), reinforced concreters (3.46, 1.11–10.8), dockers (2.91, 1.05–8.05) and workers employed in the construction of roads (3.03, 1.23–7.46), general construction of buildings (1.44, 1.12–1.85) and cargo handling (2.60, 1.17–5.75). With the exception of the first three categories, risks both increased when restricting to long duration of employment and remained elevated after semi‐Bayes adjustment. Increased risks were also found for loggers (3.56, 1.20–10.5) and cattle and dairy farming (3.60, 1.15–11.2). Among women, there was no clear evidence of increased risks of UADT cancer in association with occupations or industrial activities. This study provides evidence of an association between some occupational categories and UADT cancer risk among men. The most consistent findings, also supported by previous studies, were obtained for specific workers employed in the construction industry.

Background Epidemiologic studies are reporting associations between lead exposure and human cancers. A polymorphism in the 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) gene affects lead toxicokinetics and may modify the adverse effects of lead. Methods The objective of this study was to evaluate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tagging the ALAD region among renal cancer cases and controls to determine whether genetic variation alters the relationship between lead and renal cancer. Occupational exposure to lead and risk of cancer was examined in a case-control study of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Comprehensive analysis of variation across the ALAD gene was assessed using a tagging SNP approach among 987 cases and 1298 controls. Occupational lead exposure was estimated using questionnaire-based exposure assessment and expert review. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression. Results The adjusted risk associated with the ALAD variant rs8177796CT/TT was increased (OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.05–1.73, p-value = 0.02) when compared to the major allele, regardless of lead exposure. Joint effects of lead and ALAD rs2761016 suggest an increased RCC risk for the homozygous wild-type and heterozygous alleles (GGOR = 2.68, 95%CI = 1.17–6.12, p = 0.01; GAOR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.06–3.04 with an interaction approaching significance (pint = 0.06).. No significant modification in RCC risk was observed for the functional variant rs1800435(K68N). Haplotype analysis identified a region associated with risk supporting tagging SNP results. Conclusion A common genetic variation in ALAD may alter the risk of RCC overall, and among individuals occupationally exposed to lead. Further work in larger exposed populations is warranted to determine if ALAD modifies RCC risk associated with lead exposure.

The study aimed to investigate the role of medical history (skin warts, Candida albicans, herpetic lesions, heartburn, regurgitation) and medication use (for heartburn; for regurgitation; aspirin) in the aetiology of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer.A multicentre (10 European countries) case-control study [Alcohol-Related CAncers and GEnetic susceptibility (ARCAGE) project].There were 1779 cases of UADT cancer and 1993 controls. History of warts or C. albicans infection was associated with a reduced risk [odds ratio (OR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-0.94 and OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.60-0.89, respectively] but there was no association with herpetic lesions, heartburn, regurgitation or medication for related symptoms. Regurgitation was associated with an increased risk for cancer of the oesophagus (OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.98-2.21). Regular aspirin use was not associated with risk of UADT cancer overall but was associated with a reduced risk for cancer of oesophagus (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.96), hypopharynx (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.28-1.02) and larynx (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.54-1.01).A history of some infections appears to be a marker for decreased risk of UADT cancer. The role of medical history and medication use varied by UADT subsites with aspirin use associated with a decreased risk of oesophageal cancer and suggestive of a decreased risk of hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers.

Pancreatic carcinoma etiology and molecular pathogenesis is weakly understood. According to the assumption that genetic variation in carcinogen metabolism further modifies the risk of exposure-related cancers, an association of functional polymorphisms in oxidative stress-modifying genes superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2 [Ala16Val, rs4880]), SOD3 (Arg231Gly, rs1799895), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1 [Pro187Ser, rs1800566], and NQO2 (Phe47Leu, rs1143684) with pancreatic cancer risk was studied.Polymorphisms were studied by allelic discrimination.In a hospital-based case-control study on 500 individuals (235 cases and 265 controls) of Czech white origin, SOD2, SOD3, NQO1, and NQO2 polymorphisms showed no significant association with pancreatic cancer risk. Major lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol, coffee, or tea consumption did not modify the effect of the studied polymorphisms.The first European study of the SOD2, SOD3, NQO1, and NQO2 roles in pancreatic cancer etiology did not find significant associations. Despite this observation, other populations with different lifestyle(s) may be at risk and should be further studied.

In the first case-control study on pancreatic cancer conducted on 253 cases and 403 controls in the Czech Republic we observed that the GSTP1-codon 105 Val variant allele and the GSTT1-null genotype were associated with an elevated risk for pancreatic cancer (OR = 1.38; 95%CI = 0.96–1.97 and OR = 1.56; 95%CI = 0.93–2.61, respectively). Combination of GSTT1-null and GSTP1-codon 105 Val variants further increased the risk for pancreatic cancer (OR = 2.50; 95%CI = 1.20–5.20). In conclusion, this study suggests population-specific associations of polymorphisms in key biotransformation genes with elevated risk for pancreatic cancer.

Occupational exposures to dusts have generally been examined in relation to cancers of the respiratory system and have rarely been examined in relation to other cancers, such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Although previous epidemiological studies, though few, have shown certain dusts, such as asbestos, to increase renal cancer risk, the potential for other occupational dust exposures to cause kidney damage and/or cancer may exist. We investigated whether asbestos, as well as 20 other occupational dust exposures, were associated with RCC risk in a large European, multi-center, hospital-based renal case–control study. General occupational histories and job-specific questionnaires were reviewed by occupational hygienists for subject-specific information. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) between RCC risk and exposures were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. Among participants ever exposed to dusts, significant associations were observed for glass fibres (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1–3.9), mineral wool fibres (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2–5.1), and brick dust (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0–2.4). Significant trends were also observed with exposure duration and cumulative exposure. No association between RCC risk and asbestos exposure was observed. Results suggest that increased RCC risk may be associated with occupational exposure to specific types of dusts. Additional studies are needed to replicate and extend findings.

Folate and one-carbon metabolism are linked to cancer risk through their integral role in DNA synthesis and methylation. Variation in one-carbon metabolism genes, particularly MTHFR, has been associated with risk of a number of cancers in epidemiologic studies, but little is known regarding renal cancer.Tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected to produce high genomic coverage of 13 gene regions of one-carbon metabolism (ALDH1L1, BHMT, CBS, FOLR1, MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, SHMT1, SLC19A1, TYMS) and the closely associated glutathione synthesis pathway (CTH, GGH, GSS) were genotyped for 777 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases and 1,035 controls in the Central and Eastern European Renal Cancer case-control study. Associations of individual SNPs (n = 163) with RCC risk were calculated using unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age, sex and study center. Minimum p-value permutation (Min-P) tests were used to identify gene regions associated with risk, and haplotypes were evaluated within these genes.The strongest associations with RCC risk were observed for SLC19A1 (P(min-P) = 0.03) and MTHFR (P(min-P) = 0.13). A haplotype consisting of four SNPs in SLC19A1 (rs12483553, rs2838950, rs2838951, and rs17004785) was associated with a 37% increased risk (p = 0.02), and exploratory stratified analysis suggested the association was only significant among those in the lowest tertile of vegetable intake.To our knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively examine variation in one-carbon metabolism genes in relation to RCC risk. We identified a novel association with SLC19A1, which is important for transport of folate into cells. Replication in other populations is required to confirm these findings.

When Roman administration and legions gradually withdrew from the outer provinces after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, they created a power void filled by various groups. The dynamic Migration Period that followed is usually considered to have ended when the Germanic Lombards allegedly left Central Europe and were replaced by Slavs. Whether or how Slavic and Germanic tribes interacted, however, is currently disputed. Here we report the first direct archaeological find in support of a contact: a bone fragment dated to ~600 AD incised with Germanic runes but found in Lány, Czechia, a contemporaneous settlement associated with Slavs. We documented and authenticated this artifact using a combined approach of use-wear analysis with SEM microscopy, direct radiocarbon dating, and ancient DNA analysis of the animal bone, thereby setting a new standard for the investigation of runic bones. The find is the first older fuþark inscription found in any non-Germanic context and suggests that the presumed ancestors of modern Slavic speakers encountered writing much earlier than previously thought.

402 subjects with diabetes mellitus have been vaccinated of the total of 34,000 vaccinees immunized during the study period of 9 and half months.Altogether 229 diabetic patients (56.97%) have been vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and 74 (18.4%) against viral hepatitis (41 types A+B, 30 type A, 3 type B).The average age in four most commonly administered vaccines (FSME IMMUN 0.5 ML, Twinrix Adult, Typhim Vi, and Havrix 1440) was 65, 52, 56, and 54 years, respectively.Live attenuated vaccines have been given to 6 patients with diabetes (1.49%) -5 travellers to endemic countries received the yellow fever vaccine Stamaril (1 female, 4 male) and one male patient varicella vaccine Varilrix.Among the least common vaccines in diabetic patients were those against invasive pneumococcal and meningococcal infections.Not a single unexpected side effect has been observed following the vaccination procedure in any diabetic patient.Based on the results of this retrospective study we can conclude that vaccination in diabetic patients is free of any risk -provided that there are no other contraindications, e.g.allergy to vaccine components or severe acute febrile illness.In the case of unstable glycaemia and significantly impaired immune system due to diabetes mellitus, vaccination with live attenuated vaccines should be carefully considered and measured against the risks of exposure to each and every specific infectious agent.There is no reason to be afraid of vaccination in diabetic patients provided that general contraindications are respected.On the contrary, this risk group can benefit from vaccination more remarkably since it may have some life-saving potential.

Compared to other Western countries there is a much higher incidence of several types of cancers in Eastern and Central Europe. A large multinational hospital-based case-control study of lung, kidney and oesophageal cancers, co-ordinated by IARC, is in progress to identify some of the risk factors that may be involved. This paper reports preliminary results from the Prague centre that focus on the risk factors for lung cancer. According to the study protocol all cases had to be admitted at a collaborating clinic. Within 3 months patients were asked to sign an informed consent form and complete the study questionnaire with the help of a nurse. They were asked to give a blood sample and, if circumstances permitted, a fresh tissue sample. Data from the questionnaire were entered into 3 databases: lifestyle, occupational and clinical. Identification of risk factors related to the indoor environment was the aim of the first part of the lifestyle questionnaire. Several risk factors for lung cancer, such as smoking, are well-known. Our study showed other associations between lung cancer incidence and lifestyle-related factors, such as education status, which is generally an indicator of socio-economic status. Solid fuel burning was confirmed as a potential risk factor. A significant association between incidence and partner smoking was observed in non-smokers also an inverse association (trend) between lung cancer incidence and the size of the subject’s community, which appeared consistent for both smokers and non-smokers.

<h3>Objectives</h3> The International Agency for Research on Cancer identified “occupational exposure as a painter” as a cause of lung cancer. Identifying the specific causative agent(s) has been difficult since painters are exposed to mixtures of known and suspected carcinogens that change over time. Using a large pooled dataset, we evaluated the risk of lung cancer among painters by duration of employment and painting activity. <h3>Methods</h3> Detailed individual data on smoking were available for 16258 lung cancer cases (605 painters, 3.7%) and 19922 age- and sex-matched controls (473 painters, 2.4%) from SYNERGY, a pooled effort of 12 case-control studies in Europe and Canada. Painting activity was classified from job titles using ISCO 1968 and ISIC Revision 2 codes. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for age, gender, centre, smoking habits and previous employment in high-risk occupations. <h3>Results</h3> An OR of 1.38 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.59) was found for ever working as a painter; the excess risk of lung cancer increased with increasing years of employment (p-trend&lt;0.0001). In never smokers, the OR was 1.75 (95% CI 1.01 to 3.02). The highest lung cancer risks with significant exposure-response trends were observed for construction (p-trend&lt;0.0001), spray (p-trend=0.01) and repair painters (p-trend=0.03). Results were similar by histological type. <h3>Conclusions</h3> These findings support the evidence of an increased risk of lung cancer among painters. Analyses by painting activity may help to identify causative agents.

Přispěvek prezentuje předběžne výsledky zpracovani rozsahleho souboru hrnciřských znacek z velkomoravske centralni lokality v Mikulcicich, metodiku jeho vyhodnoceni a na modelových přikladech take potencial tohoto souboru ve zodpovidani vědeckých otazek.

A.L.M.A. M.A.T.E.R. je online webova platforma, jež si klade tři hlavni cile. Primarně doplnit výukove materialy pro neolit, eneolit a starsi dobu bronzovou pro uzemi Ceske a Slovenske republiky, ktere v soucasne době chyběji (nahrazeni skript, zařazeni temat, ktere se nevejdou do běžne přednasky). Představit atraktivnějsi a stravitelnějsi formou informace, jejichž znalost je nezbytna pro budouci uspěsnou archeologickou praxi absolventů, jelikož několik poslednich let ukazalo, jako jeden z nejmarkantnějsich problemů u zkousek schopnost propojeni informaci v chronologickem a geografickem ramci. Třetim ustřednim bodem je ambice nabidnout přistup k uceleným informacim nejen sirsi veřejnosti a studentům i vyucujicim Masarykovy univerzity, ale rovněž v idealnim připadě vytvořit komplexni system, aplikovatelný a rozsiřitelný v ramci cele středni Evropy. Platforma kombinuje zakladni data o jednotlivých kulturach, jejich klicových sidlistich a pohřebistich, doplněne o mapky a vyobrazeni charakteristických artefaktů, plany kontextů atd. K propojeni a vyneseni vsech informaci je použito prostředi Esri Story Maps. Soucasti jsou i bibliograficke odkazy, linky na videa souvisejici s tematickými okruhy a ilustrace. Z webových stranek bude možne vyexportovat požadovana data ve formatu pdf. Diky webove platformě je možne pružně reagovat na nove pokroky ve vědeckem badani, a neustale zpřesňovat a doplňovat obsahovou naplň projektu.

Fig. S1. Břeclav-Lány (CZ). Six runs of the older fuþark on the bone from settlement pit No. 25. Photo by Vojtěch Nosek. <br> Fig. S2. Břeclav-Lány (CZ). The rune-inscribed bone. Rune line above, root etching trace bellow. Dorsal surface. Reflected light microscope, magnification 200x. Photo by Ludmila Kaňáková. Fig. S3. Břeclav-Lány (CZ). The rune-inscribed bone. Rune line (vertical) and stave line (horizontal), both red-coloured. Dorsal face surface. Reflected light microscope, magnification 50x. Photo by Ludmila Kaňáková. Fig. S4. Břeclav-Lány (CZ). The rune-inscribed bone. Stratigraphy of traces – rune lines damaged by cross line (on the left) and by root etching (on the right). Dorsal surface. SEM by Jindřich Štelcl. Fig. S5. Multiple plot. Grouping (Bayesian modelling - overlapping phases, OxCal - v 4.3) of radiocarbon data from Lombard and Slavic sites excavated in the Czech Republic, Austria and Pannonia (Slovakia and Hungary) and radiocarbon dating of the rune-inscribed cattle bone from Břeclav-Lány.

Fig. S1. Břeclav-Lány (CZ). Six runs of the older fuþark on the bone from settlement pit No. 25. Photo by Vojtěch Nosek. <br> Fig. S2. Břeclav-Lány (CZ). The rune-inscribed bone. Rune line above, root etching trace bellow. Dorsal surface. Reflected light microscope, magnification 200x. Photo by Ludmila Kaňáková. Fig. S3. Břeclav-Lány (CZ). The rune-inscribed bone. Rune line (vertical) and stave line (horizontal), both red-coloured. Dorsal face surface. Reflected light microscope, magnification 50x. Photo by Ludmila Kaňáková. Fig. S4. Břeclav-Lány (CZ). The rune-inscribed bone. Stratigraphy of traces – rune lines damaged by cross line (on the left) and by root etching (on the right). Dorsal surface. SEM by Jindřich Štelcl. Fig. S5. Multiple plot. Grouping (Bayesian modelling - overlapping phases, OxCal - v 4.3) of radiocarbon data from Lombard and Slavic sites excavated in the Czech Republic, Austria and Pannonia (Slovakia and Hungary) and radiocarbon dating of the rune-inscribed cattle bone from Břeclav-Lány.

P-174 Introduction: The highest incidence of kidney cancer occurred in the Czech Republic for several past years. Hospital – based case - control international study sponsored by NCI was established to identify some risk factors. This paper reports preliminary results on behalf of our center. Methods: Since November 1999, data were collected from 153 cases of kidney cancer from our catchment area. We have selected 199 hospital – based controls, matched by age, gender and living area (countryside – town). Subjects provided detailed information on their lifestyle and occupational history during structured interviews. Lifestyle questionnaire is focused on smoking and drinking habits and nutrition and changes of lifestyle during the last ten years. Results: The modelling results have shown positive association between X-ray exposure history and kidney cancer incidence. The binary yes/no response recorded for this variable actually discriminated between individuals who were regularly exposed to X-ray check-ups for health- or work-related reasons and those who did not experience such a past exposure. Other variables found to be associated with kidney cancer incidence are shown in table 1. Among those the number of years spent at one's third address was found to be associated with the outcome. OR's provided for continuous covariates compare exposure levels of third and first sample quartile.TABLE 1: Kidney Cancer Association With Lifestyle: Odds Rations with 95% Confidence LimitsDiscussion and Conclusions: One can imagine that the variable “years spent at one's third address” would characterize individuals who had attempted to improve their living conditions while avoiding the busy lifestyle characterized by frequent moves. This variable could also be related to socio-economic status that would allow the individuals to try and improve their living conditions. A possible explanation of the observed adverse effect of canned vegetables and yoghurt consumptions will also be discussed. Concerning the nutrition habits and its changes during last ten years, only frequency questionnaire was used in this study, we have no information about the amount or quality.