Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND: Computer-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are of concern as computer use continues to increase. While MSDs are among the most disabling conditions in the United States, the workers' compensation (WC) experiences of individuals with these occupational disorders are not well described. METHODS: We conducted a study among 149 adults with work-related MSDs of the neck, upper back, or upper extremity related to computer use. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on subjective experiences with WC and economic issues. RESULTS: Seventy-four percent filed for WC. Twenty-five percent of all participants reported major financial difficulties after developing their MSD, though the majority filed for WC. Despite filing for WC, a large proportion relied partially on government, employer, or personal financial sources. Sixty-two percent reported that overall satisfaction with the WC insurer was poor. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that a majority of participants filed for WC. Despite filing for WC financial difficulties after developing their MSD were considerable.

BACKGROUND: Global warming is caused by increased carbon dioxide (CO2)resulting in a greenhouse effect with enhanced warming of the earth. Measurements of CO2 show a steady increase over the past 30 years caused by the burning of fossil fuels and from the loss of natural CO2 sinks. A 100-year increase in global temperature by 0.3 to 0.6 degrees C is reflected in atmospheric warming, glacier shrinkage, and rising sea levels. OBJECTIVES: Planetary ecosystem dynamics are being altered, challenging public health. It is predicted that morbidity and mortality will increase as a result of heat stress, as seen in recent heat waves in the U.S. Weather disaster effects will increase in number and magnitude, and both noninfectious and infectious diseases may flourish. A significant challenge will be the changes in life cycles of microbial species due to the warmer environs. Specific increases in incidence have been noted for vector-borne diseases, in addition to pulmonary findings, cardiovascular morbidity, neurological diseases, and occupational diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Warming can be demonstrated by the observed changes that have already occurred in the environment, particularly the thinning of polar ice caps. The United States Global Research Program has been established to coordinate research activities, which responds to issues deemed important by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Research issues pertain to the scientific uncertainties in the greenhouse effect, temperature measurements at various atmospheric levels and latitudes, and impact on biota redistribution. The Kyoto Protocol has mandated specific solutions, e.g., a 7% reduction in CO2 levels within 10 years. Future recommendations involve supporting new technologies that are available to decrease emissions as well as understanding the role that occupational and environmental specialists have in global warming recognition

Large doses of heparin given as a bolus may produce hypotension; however, conflicting reports exist about the mechanisms involved. This study was undertaken to determine the role of histamine in beef lung heparin-induced hypotension and the efficacy of histamine-receptor blockade in attenuating this undesirable side effect in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Two hundred patients with good ventricular function were studied after they were randomized into four equal groups. Group I (control) received no histamine-receptor blockade, group II received 1 mg/kg of diphenhydramine 30 minutes prior to heparin administration, group III received 5 mg/kg of cimetidine 4 hours and again 30 minutes before heparin administration, and group IV received 1 mg/kg of diphenhydramine 30 minutes prior to heparin administration and 5 mg/kg of cimetidine 4 hours and 30 minutes before heparin administration. Hemodynamic variables, plasma histamine, and ionized calcium levels were measured before and after heparin administration. Significant hypotension occurred in group I patients after heparin administration. Mean arterial pressure decreased from 95 +/- 5 to 67 +/- 1.5 mm Hg (P less than 0.005) after 1 minute and to 85 +/- 2 mm Hg (P less than 0.05) at 4 minutes. Those changes were significantly greater than in group II (P less than 0.025) and Group IV (P less than 0.005) patients, in whom no significant hypotension was found. In group III, mean arterial pressure decreased from 92 +/- 3 to 75 +/- 1 mm Hg (P less than 0.05) after 1 minute and returned toward baseline values after 4 minutes. Histamine levels increased significantly in all groups of patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)