Chromium exposure study in chemical based industry.

176 chromium-exposed and 30 control subjects were selected for this study. Blood samples (3 ml) were collected for the estimation of chromium. The data on chromium concentration indicated a significant higher level of chromium in the blood of the exposed workers as compared to the control. There was no significant correlation between the mean blood and environmental chromium level. This study suggests that exposure to chromium may have some effect on the health of workers, even though the dose response relationship could not be established between blood chromium and environmental chromium levels. This study suggests that exposure to chromium may have some effect on the health of workers, even though the dose response relationship could not be established between blood chromium and environmental chromium levels. Study also indicates that the environmental levels to Cr are well below the permissible levels at all the sites of the industry at the time of survey even though the blood Cr levels were observed high in 14.8% of workers and some of them were having Cr related morbidity. Therefore, preventive and engineering control measures are suggested to minimize the chromium exposure in the chromium based industry located in Gorwa industrial estate at Baroda, Gujarat. About three months period was taken to complete this study.

Laryngectomy: a quality of life assessment.

Cosmetic disfigurement and loss of voice following a total laryngectomy can cause major psychosocial problems. Fifty patients who had undergone a total laryngectomy and completed more than six months following surgery, were randomly selected during a routine follow-up, and asked to answer a questionnaire, to asses their degree of disability and extent of rehabilitation. The questionnaire have five main components viz. general information, functional evaluation, vocal rehabilitation, social assessment and economic sequelae. Results revealed that these patients suffered from a significant decrease in social acceptance (70%), social activity (82%), sexual activity (62%), ability to communicate vocally (58%), and severe financial repercussions (78%). A large number of patients (40%) were dissatisfied with the present level of rehabilitation offered. Inspite of these problems the majority (80%) were willing to accept a total laryngectomy as treatment of their cancer. This emphasizes the need for greater interaction between the treating surgeon, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and psychotherapist to rehabilitate these patients adequately.

Dustiness, silicosis & tuberculosis in small scale pottery workers.

Studies were carried out in eight small scale potteries to find out the airborne dust concentrations and the prevalence of dust related diseases like silicosis and tuberculosis in 292 workers. Chest radiography revealed that 44 (15.1%) pottery workers were suffering from silicosis and an equal number showed radiological evidence of tuberculosis. The environmental study showed that the concentrations of airborne dust, containing free silica, in the work environment of all departments (except packing department) of potteries were higher than threshold limit values (TLVs). The prevalence of silicosis and tuberculosis correlated with the levels of airborne dust. The prevalence of tuberculosis increased with radiological severity of silicosis. Dust control measures combined with pre-employment and periodical medical examinations are recommended for the control of silicosis and tuberculosis in the pottery industry.

Malignant mixed tumor of the salivary gland with bone metastasis: a case report and literature review.

Malignant mixed salivary tumors are rare, accounting for 2%-10% of all mixed salivary tumors. Rarer still are metastasis from a malignant mixed salivary tumor. A case of malignant mixed salivary tumor occurring in the parotid gland and presenting as a parapharyngeal mass; with asymptomatic multiple bony metastasis is presented with a brief review of literature.

Clinical and mycological spectrum of cutaneous candidiasis in Bombay.

A total of 150 patients with cutaneous candidiasis were studied. A detailed clinical history was taken. Scrapings were examined in 10% KOH, and the material cultured on Sabouraud's agar. Species were identified by the serum germ tube test, sugar fermentation and sugar assimilation tests. Of 150 patients 79 were females. The commonest presentation was intertrigo (75), vulvovaginitis (19) and paronychia (17). A history of chronic exposure to water was obtained in 94 cases, all had erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica and/or paronychia. Diabetes melltius as a predisposing factor was observed in 22 patients. The 10 cases of balanoposthitis had associated diabetes mellitus. Smear and culture were positive in all the patients. C. albicans was isolated in 136 cases, C. tropicalis in 12, and C. guillermondi in 2. The cultures of C. albicans had positive serum germ tube test. The 6 patients in the paediatric age group having perianal/genital involvement had a stools culture positive for C. albicans.

Thalidomide in leprosy--study of 94 cases.

Thalidomide has a beneficial effect on type II Lepra reaction especially chronic and recurrent reaction. It helps to minimise steroid dependency. Thalidomide was given to 94 cases of type II lepra reaction, who had not responded to steroids or had repeated reactions. This clinical data was analysed regarding clinical improvement, relapse of reaction, side effects of the drug, etc. The analysis showed that all the patients improved remarkably and steroids could be withdrawn. If the competence of staff using this drug is enhanced, morbidity due to leprosy can considerably be reduced.

Exercise induced serum enzyme changes in untrained subjects.

The serum enzyme values (GOT, GPT, LDH and Aldolase) of 13 fit healthy volunteers were determined before and after physical effort of a moderate grade of 3.9 Kcal/min. The pulse rate pattern of the subjects during the exercise of climbing up and down a staircase for 30 minutes and during a 10 minute recovery phase was also recorded. The pulse pattern was in no case in excess of 150 bpm and full recovery was achieved within 10 minutes indicating that the exercise was moderate. The serum enzyme values after the exercise were raised. The difference between the exercise and rest values of the four enzyme activities were significant at the 1% level. It was observed that the raised enzyme activity level dropped to normal levels within 24 hours after the exercise. Large individual variations in the rise of these enzyme levels after exercise were observed and hence it is difficult to quantitate the phenomenon. Consequently the value of serum enzyme levels after the exercise as a practical-index of physiological strain is limited.