[Study on the relationship between occupational factors and work ability of middle aged workers]

Based on the assessment of work ability index (WAI) of middle aged workers, associations between occupational factors and work ability decline of middle aged workers were examined in a case-control study. 1037 workers (age ranged from 40 to 60) were included in the study. The study group comprised 180 workers of mean age 47.71 years representing those who's work ability decreased. The control group comprised 857 workers of mean age 47.22 years representing those who's work ability was on a normal level. Results showed that some common occupation hazards such as dusts, noise, vibration, humidity, and high temperature were more frequently occurred in work environment of the study group than that of the control group. High risks were found in workers with these hazards. Another significant risk factor of work ability decline was heavy physical load. Significantly elevated risks were observed for physical load perception(OR = 2.52), repetitive work (OR = 1.36), poor work postures(OR = 1.48), and carrying heavy loads(OR = 1.59). As compared to physical loads, mental loads were not in relation to work ability decline. The information about occupational factors affecting work ability will be helpful for redesiging the work for the middle aged workers.

Ultrasound-guided aspiration cytology of renal expansions

Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates from 52 malignant renal tumours and 128 benign expansions taken in 1982-1988 were analyzed retrospectively. There were three suspicious aspirates (class III) suggesting a possibility of malignancy among the cases of benign renal expansions and seven false negative aspirates (C I-II) among the malignancies. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the method for differentiating malignant cases from benign ones were 94.1%, 85.1% and 97.5% respectively. Cytology was correct in 86% of the radiologically equivocal cases and in 63.6% of the small renal neoplasms. Aspiration cytology identifies haemorrhagic cysts and infectious conditions, but is not reliable for the detection of malignancy in a multilocular cyst.