22 EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATION radiation, are listed in Table 2.4. The high incidence of gastroenteritis in both groups was probably due to the keeping of perishable foods unrefrigerated for long periods by the Marshallese, and was not seen after this practice was stopped. It would appear that a higher percentage of the individuals in Groups I and II developed upperrespiratory infections compared to Group IV. However, all of the individuals in Groups I and IT were questioned ‘concerning even mild symptoms of URI, whereas only those of Group IV with severe symptoms of URI cameto the clinic. 2.6 Changes in Weight as an Indication of Disturbance in the General Metabolism Tie Bopy Weicxr of individuals in Groups I and II was followed routinely. Since they had an unrestricted diet and all ate well, their change in weight might be considered anindication of any disturbance in their over-all metabolism. The weight changes are summarized in Table 2.5. It would be expected that within a period of six weeks, most individuals below 16 years and particularly those below8 years would gain some weight. The fact that most of them lost weight may indicate that they received a dose of radiation sufficient to interfere with normai metabolism. In spite of their relatively inactive life and hearty appetites many of the adults also lost weight which mayindicate some interference with their normal metabolism. There waslittle difference in observed weight changes between Group I and GroupII. It appeared that the difference in doses received by the two groups did not differentially affect their body weight. Whether the observed losses in weight were related to radiation or to changes in environment is not clear. Unfortunately, no satisfactory contro] existed to aid in interpreting the loss of weight in GroupsI andII. 2.7 The Effects on Pregnancy Four Women 1n Group I were pregnant when brought to Kwajalein. Two were in the first trimester, one in the second trimester, and one in Table 2.4—Diseases Observed in Group IV DISEASE Osteoarthritis______._._..-_---_-____---Epithelioma of ankle, with necrotic degeneration_____ ow ee eee ee eee eee nee ee Chronic bronchitis.._...__._.._-______-. Furuncele___-__._...--__-_-__-_--i--__-Chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis. __.. Abscess of sole of foot...._._._._-_______.Carbuncle___._____._ 222 -----ee-Tooth extraction. _~._--____..._.-_-____-Fungus infeetion of gums and palate___-_-_Contusion, traumatic. _________________Gastroenteritis__....-.__._____-________Upper respiratory infections___.________Arteriosclerotic heart. disease, decompensated___.--.._..-_---_ ee eee. Pyelonephritis.______..___.__.-______-Insect bite, with marked palpebral edema. - NUMBER 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 30 15 1 1 1 DISEASE Chorioretinitis, unknown etiology-__-__---Thrombophlebitis, antecubital vein-_-_-.--Impetigo________.____.---..-----------Dysmenorrhea________.---...----------Exfoliative dermatophytosis__.-.--_-.---Ectropion, right eye._..---__--.--------Asthma _____________.---2_-----------Benign hypertension with headache-_-_--.--_Fungus infection, auditory canal__-----_._ -Trichomonas cystitis._..._.......--------Tinea__.____________--____ 22 ee leeSimple headache_________-_...--.------Acute bronchitis. ___...-----_-_---------Possible ruptured intervertebral disc_ -_-__-Fever of unknown origin.______._.----.-Mongolian idiocy.._..._.----___---------- NUMBER 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 1 1