The industrial back problem: role of the industrial hygienist and ergonomics

This article discusses a major and costly problem in industry today--the industrial back problem. What does industrial hygiene have to do with back accident problems? This article relates the problem to the basic philosphy of industrial hygiene and ergonomics. Information is provided to give the reader a better understanding of the back problem. The role of industrial hygiene and ergonomics is explained as a help to industry in curbing the high costs and workdays lost due to perplexing back problems in industry.

Management of diabetic patients with low blood pH

In metabolic acidosis, where blood pH is less than 7.20, loss of respiratory centre response to lowered carbon dioxide content and increased hydrogen ion concentration may result. The use of sodium bicarbonate for management of diabetic ketosis and lactic acidosis has been controversial (Kaye 1975) in the past, but it is now the treatment of choice.

Hypertension among shopkeepers and clerks

Blood pressure levels among 322 shopkeepers and clerks, aged 14-90, were assessed by measurement during the interviews. An individual was classified as being hypertensive if his systolic pressure was at or above 160 and/or the diastolic pressure was at or above 95 mm.Hg. Seventy-six persons or 23.6% of the sample population was hypertensive. Among the 76 hypertensives, the number of clerks and shopkeepers was 48 and 28, respectively. Hypertension was mildly correlated with the weight, but not significantly correlated with other variables such as smoking, height, diet, sex and age.

A study of 123 new born infants

This paper is based on a study of 123 new born infants selected from general wards, private nursing homes. It was found that the average weight of babies born to mothers of upper social class was more than that of middle and lower social class. The chest and head circumference of upper social class was greater than the middle and lower social class, but there was no difference in their length. It was interesting to note that the incidence of prematurity was much higher in the middle and lower social class and was the incidence of congenital anomalies.

Articular muscle of the knee--articularis genus

Articularis genus has been considered by many as a part of the quadriceps muscle. Our observations have confirmed our opinion that this is a separate and distinct muscle. It is always present and has a discrete origin and insertion. This muscle has a very important function to perform. It elevates the capsule and the synovial membrane of the knee joint and prevents them from being pinched during extension of the leg. Thus it plays a very important role in the erect posture of humans.

Restoration of elbow flexion by a new operative technique

In order to treat some of the awkward and unusual problems and to avoid some of the complications associated with paralytic elbows, the distal part of the flexor carpi ulnaris is detached and the muscle is freed up to its neurovascular bundle. The tendon is turned upon itself, its distal end is passed through a subcutaneous tunnel to the upper arm, and fixed to the humerus by staples. A posterior splint is applied for a period of 6 weeks followed by supervised graduated active elbow flexion exercises.