Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M D Baker

Publications and source records attributed to M D Baker.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1979

The statutory noise level in South Africa.

Noise legislation in South Africa was introduced in 1974. However, in industry, compliance with the recommended maximum equivalent noise level of 85 dB(A) is poor. The subject of noise exposure is reviewed briefly and a tentative proposal for a temporary raising of the statutory limit is put forward.

Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced↗
PubMed1979

Isolation and characterization of the nuclear matrix from the male Xenopus laevis following estrogen administration: kinetics of [3H] uridine incorporation.

At various times following estrogen administration, the nuclear matrix was isolated from the liver of male Xenopus laevis by sucrose gradient centrifugation of nuclei treated with a high-salt buffer and DNase I in the presence of a proteolytic inhibitor (PMSC--phenylmethyl sulfonyl chloride). Electron micrographs of the nuclear matrix demonstrate a sponge-like network attached to a well-defined inner envelope with a ribosome-free outer envelope. Chemical analyses show that the HSB-DNase-treated nuclei consist of 16% DNA, 2% RNA, and 82% protein, a composition that is consistent with that of nuclear matrices isolated from other species. The specific activity of the matrix-associated RNA following estrogen treatment appears to be maximally enhanced after 5 h and decreases until approximately 12 h, when the activity begins to increase again.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Lung function in sisal ropemakers.

Lung function was measured by spirometry in 66 workers in a sisal ropemaking factory, and in their matched controls. The major atmospheric contaminant was the lubricant (or a component part thereof) used to soften the fibre. The concentration of airborne matter was generally less than 1 mug m--3. There was no difference in lung function between the two groups before the start of the working shift, that is, the mixture of softening lubricant and sisal caused no long-term effects. Although there was no change in lung function over the working shift in the group making sisal rope, the control group did show a significant increase in lung function over the same period. This suggests that an effect attributable to the lubricant and sisal dust did exist. In previous studies little mention has been made of the softeners used in the processing of sisal fibre. These additives may exert a significant effect on ventilatory capacity and may act in conjunction with sisal dust.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Smoking habits of blacks in industry.

A number of Black workers from a factory near Johannesburg were questioned about their smoking habits. Compared with an earlier study, a significantly greater number of younger workers now smoke-and mainly cigarettes. The roles played by the strong tobacco lobby and that of the Department of Health are considered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Sick leave--honour or expediency?

Experience has shown that doctors tend to be overgenerous when awarding sick leave. Quite rightly their first consideration is their patient, but frequently too little thought is given to the overall effect that excessive absence because of illness may have have on the patient, on the company in which he works, and on the country as a whole. Economically, these effects may be profound. A tempered industrial viewpoint is put forward and South African law regarding sick leave is outlined. A plea is made to doctors to safeguard their sick leave notes, prescription pads or letterhead paper, to award sick leave on merit, giving legible sick leave notes containing the necessary information, and to the profession not to overlook the wider aspects of the matter.

Absenteeism↗