Document J39xVgwE0KE70ep85Yr9qm0pr

412 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE Contribution to Investigations on Workers' Basal Metabolism. Stefan Gelineo and Ivan Baric, Arhiv za Higijenu Rada 1:123-127, 1950. The basal metabolism of workers doing heavy physical labor was higher than that of workers doing lighter physical labor. The average .basal metabolic rates of ore loaders, carpenters, and stokers exceeded Harris-Benedict rates by about 19 per cent. Harris-Benedict tables of basal metabolic rates apply only to workers doing lighter physical work. Authors' Summary. On Vibration Syndrome, Especially in Stone Masons. K. Vainio, Nord.. hyg. tidskr. 1950, no. 9, pp. 249-265. - Vainio examined 72 stone masons operating pneumatic drills. All operated heavy machines which needed the use of both hands. Among the symptoms observed were vasomotor dis turbances and damage-to bones and joints and to muscles and nerves. General nervous irritation, boilermakers' deafness and initial fatigue of the whole body were observed. Bone vacuoles were found in 25 of the cases. Prophylactic measures are discussed. Condensed from English Summary. Occupational Diseases and Hazards Lead Poisoning: IX. The Failure of Lead Poisoning to Affect the Heart. Irving Greenfield and Irving Gray, Am. Heart J. 39:430, 1950. A variety of studies were performed on 340 patients who had Pb poisoning. These studies showed that absorption of Pb does not have an adverse effect on the cardiovascular or the peripheral vascular systems. Eighteen references are given. R. W. Elliott [Chem. Abst.]. Neutron Cataracts. Arlington C. Krause and James O. Bond, Am. J. Ophth. 34:25-35 (Jan.) 1951. This paper reviews the clinical and experimental investigations of roentgen and neutron radiation cataracts. The following main points are presented: Both these forms of radiant energy primarily damage the anterior epithelial cells of the lens cortex, which in turn produces abnormal fibers leading to opacities in the subcapsular regions of the cortices. Neutrons produce more damage per unit of absorbed energy than roentgen rays. This probably produces a shorter latent period.. The oxidation of sulfhydryl groups on the enzymes of normal lens metabolism is presented as a possible mechanism for the biologic effect on the lens structure.. Future investigations should be directed to working out (a) exact data of exposures of neutrons required to produce cataracts; (b) the specific effect of radiation on normal lens metabolism; (c) methods of prevention both. before and after exposure. Authors' Summary. Cancer Detected in Surveys. R. H. Overhodt, Am. Rev. Tuberc. 62:491-500..(Nov.) 1950. Cancer of the lung has a silent phase, and in this phase a cancer is more likely to be curable than one producing symptoms. A small cancer originating in the periphery casts a direct shadow. A small cancer originating in a segmental bronchus produces a magnified secondary shadow. In either situation these shadows are visible in survey films. Shadows of silent cancer and silent tuberculosis look alike; numerous difficulties in differentiation complicate accurate identification. In all persons suspected of having cancer differentiation must be made_promptly, for delays in diagnosis spell disaster. Of sites for internal cancer, the lung should be most favor able from the standpoint of early detection for thcise reasons : (a) Mass screening for tuberculosis automatically screens for cancer; (t>) multiple tests are available to aid in differentiating between tuberculosis and cancer; (c) surgical exploration and removal are.safe and effective when promptly applied in silent cancer. , Indust. Hyg. Digest.