Comparison of physical constitution and strength were made, in 183 workers, between sportsmen and non-sportsmen engaged in desk or operative work. 1. In the case of desk workers, sportsmen were better than non-sportsmen in physical constitution and strength. By exercise on bicycle ergometer, no differences were observed between sportsmen and non-sportsmen in R.M.R., oxygen intake and increasing rate of respiration, while sportsmen showed less increase and faster recovery of pulse rate and somewhat greater oxygen pulse in working state. These indicated that the sportsmen accommodated more easily to the exercise showing better efficiency. 2. In the case of operatives, distinct difference were not found between sportsmen and non-sportsmen as regards physical constitution and strength, and R.M.R., oxygen intake, oxygen pulse, respiration and pulse rate during exercise. These showed that workmen being trained daily in their work can accommodate to sports as well.

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In the mass examination of occupational diseases, erythrocyte counting is a method most often adopted to find out anemia. The conventional method for erythrocyte count with hemocytometer, however, has many weak point. It requires high skill and rather expensive equipments such as a microscope, hemocytometers, and so on. Besides, it requires a lot of time, which may otherwise be much reduced. In our present study, a comparative analysis of microhematocrit method, erythrocyte count, Wintrobe hematocrit method and Sahli's method for assessing hemoglobin was done as to their reliability, cost and efficiency, to find a one which is most suitable for mass examination. The reliability of these laboratory methods was checked by correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, Spearman-Brown's formula, Rulon's formula, and by the Discrimination Index we introduced recently. The microhematocrit method was proved to be much more excellent than erythrocyte counting in its reliability by any of these means of checking. Among the four, the Wintrobe's method was found to be most reliable, which was followed by microhematorit method, Sahli's method, erythrocyte counting in the order of reliability. By the way, there was no significant difference of the reliability between microhematocrit method and Sahli's method checked by our Discrimination Index. Our present study showed that microhematocrit method is much more excellent than erythrocyte count not only as to reliability but also cost and efficiency. This encourages more frequent application of microhematocrit method in the mass examination.

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Recently, DNX (dinitroxylene), a derivative of aromatic nitro compound, has been used as a substitute for TNT in Japanese explosive industries. But there exsist little reports on DNX-poisoning except the Perkins' (1918). An experimental study on the poisoning by DNX in comparison with TNT was performed. Animals used in this study were rabbits divided into 7 groups, each group consisting of 3 rabbits. Every day, each group was treated as follows. A group; injected subcutaneously with DNX 50mg/kg. B group; injected subcutaneously with TNT 50mg/kg. C group; injected subcutaneously with DNX 0.1mg/kg. D group; injected subcutaneously with TNT 0.1mg/kg. E group; applied DNX 50mg with olive oli, (0.5 or 1c.c.) on the neck. F group; applied TNT 50mg with olive oil, (0.5 or 1c.c.) on the neck. G group; injeced subcutaneously with olive oil 50mg/kg. as the control group. The following items were observed once a week throughout the experiment term of 88 days: body weight, specific gravity of total blood, hemoglobin content, methemoglobin concentration, appearance of Heinz' body, leucocyte counts and hemogramm. After 88 days, animals were killed, and nucleated cells of the bone marrow were counted and pathological changes of organs were observed macro- and microscopically. Results (1) As symptomes of DNX poisoning, anaemia; appearance of methemoglobin and Heinz' bodies; injuries of liver, spleen and kidney were noted. These findings were similar to those of TNT poisoning. (2) DNX showed less effects in peripheral blood picture than TNT, but heavier effects against the bone marrow, liver spleen and kidney. (3) In A and B groups the findings were remarkable in all items examined, but in E and F groups hardly in any items. In C and D groups slight changes of liver were noted microscopic examination.

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(1) Forty eight workers in a certain metal mine were examined to investigate the relationship between white finger attack and abnormality in EMG. (2) The abnormal findings in EMG found, were Complex NMU Voltage, Reinnervation Voltages and Grouping Voltage during voluntary effort, and the frequencies of appearance of abnormality were somewhat different among the workers using light drifter of leg-type, workers with long heavy bohring drifter, foremen and other pit workers without pneumatic tools. However, there could not be statistically found any significant difference among the frequencies. (3) White finger attack did not necessarily accompanied by abnormality in EMG and even if the abnormal findings in EMG remained, the white finger attack disappeared in some cases, who had the experience of operating light drifter and were come off the job exposed to vibration. (4) Vibration measurement was carried out on the rock drills in the mine and the nature of vibration differed between the light drifter and heavy bohring drifter. (5) From the results obtained, the followings were suggested: i. white finger attack and abnormality in EMG might be independent to each other, ii. use of such vibrating tool as long heavy bohring drifter with column, might rather affect the muscles and peripheral nerves, iii. work with light drifter of leg-type had the possibility of resulting in the onset of white finger attack as well as abnormal findings in EMG.

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