Revue de l'Institut d'hygiene des mines最新文献

The most important advantage of computer-assisted ECG/VCG interpretation in our center is the enhancement of the diagnostic accuracy of ECG interpretation, as compared to that reported in the literature for the visual analysis of ECGs and VCGs. Favourable side effects are also obtained from the optimization of various functions involved n ECG data processing, like data handling, editing, reporting, storage and retrieval. Improvement of the arrhythmia program and creation of a new pediatric VCG program are currently in progress in our laboratory. Computerized electrocardiography has made us aware of the limitations of conventional, visual reading of electrocardiograms. Thanks to the current efforts towards standardization of the quantitative analysis of ECGs and VCGs and towards optimization of diagnostic criteria, computerized electrocardiography will undoubtedly lead to a generalized improved accuracy of ECG interpretation.

Social obligations about the environment have always been a point of major concern at the N.V. Kempense Steenkoolenmijnen; so the company could not ignore environmental standards and existing regulations. This paper focusses attention on the importance of clean water for human health and civilization. Natural water occurs as rainwater, groundwater, surface water and seawater. Waterpollution, its measurement and the possible sources of this pollution are briefly discussed. Attention is also paid to existing regulations which implicate the introduction of discharge conditions. The N.V. Kempense Steenkoolenmijnen can't deny being a polluter. The company produces five types of wastewater, which are discharged into several surface waters. This is a specific contamination containing salts and coal particles. Flow rates are high but variable. To fight this pollution the N.V. Kempense Steenkoolenmijnen has worked out an investment program for each of its five collieries. The treatment of wastewater at a settling basin of the Zolder-colliery is described as an example.

The present communication gives a general view of the methods of dust control in the Belgian coal mines at the beginning of 1980. The statistical data received from the mines are presented in tabular form. The length and the output of coal faces treated by the classical methods of pre-spraying of the wall, wet cutting and water infusion are given separately; in some cases two or more of these technics are used together on the same coal face. The number of stone drivages in which different methods of dust control are used, is also given.

The authors remind the fundamental items of the bronchodilating treatments by means of pressurized aerosols using beta 2-agonists and parasympatholytics; a review of the literature on the toxicity of the different propellants used in the cartridges is presented. The problems proceeding from inequalities of deposition of the aerosols in the normal subjects and in lung diseases are stressed. Results regarding the prevalence of positive responses to aerosols of atropine methonitrate and to aerosols of a beta-agonist given to a group of patients with reversible broncho-obstruction are presented and discussed. The advantages of oxitropium bromide, a recently synthetized parasympatholitic drug which appears more interesting than ipratropium bromide, are discussed by means of the ventilatory results observed with both drugs in 19 patients with reversible broncho-obstruction. The interest of associating atropinics and beta 2-agonists in the same cartridges is discussed. The efficacy of a recently commercialized preparation associating fenoterol and ipratropium bromide is commented.