Children Domestic Accidents Profile in Jazan Region,a call for new policies to improve safety of home environment

High-frequency home accidents draw more attention to the protection of our home environment. WHO has reported that home deaths were among the first 20 causes of death in the 0–14 age group worldwide in 2012. This innovative research was designed to examine children under 15 years of age at home, in 2018 in the Jazan area of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected retrospectively from 19 hospitals in the Jazan area of southern Saudi Arabia during the period from September to December 2019. Data showed that, for the first time, the incidence rate of child home incidents in the Jazan area was 7.4 per 100 children in 2018. Falling, burning, swallowing foreign bodies, and domestic violence were among the most common types of injuries recorded. Home safety continued to be one of the main public health issues in the area with 29,812 home injuries in 1 year, 36.8% bone fractures, 31.6% body distortions, 9.2% distortion fractures and 5.3% child impairment. This study is a crucial step towards addressing the severity of home accidents in Saudi Arabia; troubling figures need further analysis, regular registry, informed policies and well-planned action to avoid these types of accidents.     

Assessment of personal protective equipment use and occupational exposures in small industries in Jeddah: Health implications for workers

Small-scale industries account for a large proportion of jobs and play a vital role in most countries’ economic growth and prosperity. Due to the very low use of personal protective equipment (PPEs), employees are exposed to numerous physical, chemical, and accidental hazards in small-scale industries. PPEs are very effective in minimizing occupational injuries, accidents, and other hazards which otherwise result in substantial manpower and financial losses. The study objective was to assess the availability and use of PPEs as well as self-reported occupational exposures among workers in surveyed small industries in Jeddah. The study involved 102 workers from 28 small-scale industries (vehicle repair, welding, and paint). A survey was conducted to gather data of socio-demographic characteristics, self-reported occupational exposures, and frequency of PPEs used by workers. The occupational exposures (never exposed, sometimes exposed and always exposed) were reported in percentages including; noise exposure (19.6, 73.5 and 6.9%); dust/smoke exposure (9.8, 69.6 and 20.6%); vapors/fumes exposure (11.8, 60.8 and 27.5%); and direct sunlight (43.1, 56.9 and 0%), respectively. The reported use of different PPEs in descending order was; knee joints mats (50%), welding shields (50%), safety glasses (33.3%), gloves (27.5%), face masks (26.5%), safety shoes (10.8%) and earplugs/ muffs (8.8%). On the basis of this study findings, hand hygiene and general OSH awareness like interventions can be developed which will help in minimizing workplace exposures among small-scale industry workers.     

Effect of cotton dust on lungs among female workers in cotton industry in northern Gujarat,India

Byssinosis is a disabling occupational lung disease caused by cotton dust. It is a well-known occupational respiratory disease in cotton industry workers caused by cotton dust pollution. Many studies have been documented the effects of cotton dust on pulmonary function among workers employed in cotton-spinning mills. However, little data exist on the prevalence of this disorder in female workers particularly in western part of India. The present study was conducted to analyze the effects of exposure to cotton dust on pulmonary functions among female workers. The study was designed to assess the effects of exposure to cotton dust on lung functions among female cotton industry workers. Study group comprises 50 Female workers of cotton industry and control group comprises 50 age matched females who were neither worked in cotton industry nor exposed to cotton dust. Information was collected using standardized questionnaires, physical examination and spirometric measurements. Student''s T test was used to find the difference between spirometric parameters. All the respiratory parameters (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF 25-75 % PEFR and MVV) were reduced in cotton industry workers as compared with control subjects (p<0.0001) and no significant difference of SpO2 between groups. Cotton dust exposure makes huge impact on respiratory parameters of the cotton industry workers. This deterioration in respiratory health deteriorates with increasing duration of exposure. The health hazards caused by cotton dust should be controlled by creating awareness among the workers & employers.     

Evaluation of Occupational Injuries among Young Workers in West Virginia

We compared workplace injuries between young (16 to 19 years of age) and adult workers using West Virginia Workers' Compensation database. All workers injured between January 1 and December 31, 1995 were included in the analysis. The industry-specific injury incidence rates between young and adults workers were significantly different with lower rates of injury in young workers in all sectors except service sector. In the service sector the young workers had significantly higher injury rates than adults (rate ratios for young workers were 2.28, 1.92, and 2.94 when compared with age groups 20-24, 25-34, and >34, respectively). Estimates of the proportional injury ratio (PIR) indicated significantly greater risk of finger (PIR 1.62) and hand (PIR 1.66) injuries and burns (PIR 3.27) and lacerations (PIR 1.69) in the young workers. The proportion of injuries occurring in the summer months was higher in the young than in the adults (35.2% vs. 27.0%), particularly in the service sector (79.6% vs. 25.9%). Higher injury rates in young workers compared to adults in the service sector may be explained by the seasonal employment of young workers in West Virginia.     

Pattern and risk factors of sharp object injuries among health care workers in two tertiary hospitals,Al Taif-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2016–2018

Occupational exposure of healthcare workers to blood and body fluids following skin injury constitutes a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. The risk of exposure is greater as well. The present study aimed to determine the burden and risk factors of sharp object injuries in two tertiary hospitals in the Taif City KSA. Retrospective review of needle stick injury records was included from the two hospital's staff clinics. A Total of 131 health professionals (employees) recorded as exposed to sharp object injuries from both hospitals were enrolled during period 2016–2018. The collected data was cleaned, reviewed and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences SPSS ver. 25. The result of the study revealed that, the mean age for the 131 enrolled participants was 31 ± 6.6, Male to Female Ratio was 1:3. The most affected age group was 20–30 years (55.7%). Females were more affected 98 out of 131 (74.8%) than male (33out of 131 (25.2%). And there is increasing incidence rates of exposure from 2.89 /10.000 patient/day in 2016 to 3.42/ 10.000 patients'/day in 2017, with highest exposed nationalities; Filipino 42 (32.1%), Saudi 31 (23.7%), and Indians 26 (19.8%), the remaining 24.5% were from 10 mixed nationalities. The frequent affected divisions were: ER, surgical ward, operation room, ICU, laboratory, Medical W, Medical waste facilities (19.8%, 15%, 12.2%, 9.2%, 92% respectively). The most affected HCWs categories were nurses 74(56.5%), doctor 23(17.6%) and housekeeping 18 (13.7%). And the needle prick 104(79.4%) and cut wound 15(11.5%) constitute the highest type of injuries and were during operation 23 (17.6%), waste collection 15 (11.5%), cannulation 12 (9.2%) and giving injection 12 (9.2%). The common devices caused injuries were bore hole needle 63(48.1%), suture needle **(13.7%), cannula and insulin syringe 13 (9.9%) each. This study concluded that, as from 2016−2018, there was an increasing rate of reported accidental exposure to sharp needle injuries amongst HCWs from 3.0 to 3.4/10.000 patient/day, and the younger and nurses were mostly impacted. Workplace, distress, work types and load had influences on injuries rates and types. Fortunately, no exposure among employee with HBV, HCV and HIV seroconversion were documented.     

Sublethal injuries in Middle Jurassic ammonite shells from Poland

Sublethal injuries, the effects of which are seen as regeneration patterns, are described from Late Bajocian and Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) ammonites from Poland (Polish Jura area) for the first time. The total number of ammonite shells bearing signs of sublethal injuries is small (only 11 specimens, which constitute ∼1.2% of all ammonites investigated), and this value is even smaller (∼0.3 to 0.8%) when analysing a large sample of a particular ammonite species. Specimens under consideration represent ten species, belonging to six genera and five families. All the healed injuries are represented by only one type, referred to as the ‘forma verticata’ of Hölder. This type of regeneration, very common in ammonite shells in general, is an effect of a puncture injury of the shell-secreting mantle-epithelia at the apertural margin. Although many different extrinsic (mechanical) factors may be responsible for such healed injuries, here it is most plausible they are an effect of either competitive or predatory activities. Other causes, like collision of the ammonite shells with the substrate in a high-energy environment, are excluded because the sea-bottom was soft and situated below the storm wave-base. From many potential predators inhabiting the Polish Basin during the Bajocian and Bathonian, the most likely to have caused these injuries are other ammonites, belemnites and nautiloids. Crabs, which are cited in the literature as a probable perpetrator of the ‘forma verticata’ injuries, appear unlikely here, as the ammonites under discussion were not purely benthic.     

Years of Potential Life Lost Due to Occupational Fatal Injury in the United States

Fatal injury surveillance data coupled with life expectancy data may be used to assess the impact of occupational fatal injuries on years of potential life lost (YPLL). We compare three definitions of YPLL and trends over time in YPLL. Two definitions determine YPLL as expected life lost to fixed life expectancies of 65 or 85 years. The third definition uses actuarial adjustments of life expectancy given survival to a given age stratified by gender and race. Fatalities from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatality (NTOF) database are used to illustrate the three definitions of YPLL. The three YPLL measures were similar in magnitude and direction of the trend in YPLL over 1980-1992. Proper interpretation of these trends can only be made in conjunction with other measures (e.g., rates). Almost all YPLL trends are declining, implying that over time fatal injuries are shifting to older workers. The exception is the increasing trend in YPLL for the retail trade industry, injury rates have also been increasing over time for this industry. Mining and construction have the highest YPLL among all industries. This analysis suggests efforts to prevent the occupational fatalities of younger workers should focus on the retail trade, mining, and construction industries.     

Contribution of deaths related to alcohol use of socioeconomic variation in mortality: register based follow up study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the contribution of excessive alcohol use to socioeconomic variation in mortality among men and women in Finland. DESIGN: Register based follow up study. SUBJECTS: The population covered by the 1985 and 1990 censuses, aged > or = 20 in the follow up period 1987-93. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total mortality and alcohol related mortality from all causes, from diseases, and from accidents and violence according to socioeconomic position. The excess mortality among other classes compared with upper non-manual employees and differences in life expectancy between the classes were used to measure mortality differentials. RESULTS: Alcohol related mortality constituted 11% of all mortality among men aged > or = 20 and 2% among women and was higher among manual workers than among other classes. It accounted for 14% of the excess all cause mortality among manual workers over upper non-manual employees among men and 4% among women and for 24% and 9% of the differences in life expectancy, respectively. Half of the excess mortality from accidents and violence among male manual workers and 38% among female manual workers was accounted for by alcohol related deaths, whereas in diseases the role of alcohol was modest. The contribution of alcohol related deaths to relative mortality differentials weakened with age. CONCLUSIONS: Class differentials in alcohol related mortality are an important factor in the socioeconomic mortality differentials in Finland, especially among men, among younger age groups, and in mortality from accidents and violence.     

Effectiveness of bicycle helmets in preventing head injury in children: case-control study.

OBJECTIVE--To examine the risk of injury to the head and the effect of wearing helmets in bicycle accidents among children. DESIGN--Case-control study by questionnaire completed by the children and their carers. SETTING--Two large children''s hospitals in Brisbane, Australia. SUBJECT--445 children presenting with bicycle related injuries during 15 April 1991 to 30 June 1992. The cases comprised 102 children who had sustained injury to the upper head including the skull, forehead and scalp or loss of consciousness. The controls were 278 cyclists presenting with injuries other than to the head or face. A further 65 children with injuries to the face were considered as an extra comparison group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Cause and type of injury, wearing of helmet. RESULTS--Most children (230) were injured after losing control and falling from their bicycle. Only 31 had contact with another moving vehicle. Children with head injury were significantly more likely to have made contact with a moving vehicle than control children (19 (19%) v 12 (4%), P < 0.001). Head injuries were more likely to occur on paved surfaces than on grass, gravel, or dirt. Wearing a helmet reduced the risk of head injury by 63% (95% confidence interval 34% to 80%) and of loss of consciousness by 86% (62% to 95%). CONCLUSIONS--The risk of head injury in bicycle accidents is reduced among children wearing a helmet. Current helmet design maximises protection in the type of accident most commonly occurring in this study. Legislation enforcing helmet use among children should be considered.     

Chronobiologic perspectives of black time—Accident risk is greatest at night: An opinion paper

Simon Folkard in 1997 introduced the phrase black time to draw attention to the fact that the risk of driving accidents (DA) is greater during the night than day in usually diurnally active persons. The 24 h temporal pattern in DA entails circadian rhythms of fatigue and sleep propensity, cognitive and physical performance, and behavior that are controlled, at least in part, by endogenous clocks. This opinion paper extends the concept of black time to reports of excess nighttime accidents and injuries of workers and nocturnal occurrence of certain man-caused catastrophes. We explore the chronobiology of work-related black time accidents and injuries taking into account laboratory and field investigations describing, respectively, circadian rhythms in cognitive performance and errors and mistakes by employees in the conduct of routine occupational tasks. Additionally, we present results of studies pertaining to 24 h patterns of both the number and relative risk (number of events per h/number of workers exposed per h) of work-related accidents (WRA) and injuries (WRI) as well as indices of performance and alertness of a self-selected homogenous survivor cohort of French firefighters (FFs) to explore two possible explanations of black time, namely, 24 h variation in sleep propensity/drossiness characterized by a nocturnal peak and circadian rhythms in cognitive performance characterized by a nocturnal trough. We propose the 24 h pattern of WRA and WRI, particularly of FFs and other highly skilled self-selected cohorts, is more strongly linked to circadian rhythms of fatigue and sleepiness than cognitive performance. Other possible explanations –suppressed expression of circadian rhythms and/or unmasking of ultradian periodicities in cognitive performance in specific circumstances, e.g., highly stressful work, competitive, or life-threatening settings, are also discussed.     

Sleep Deprivation Is Associated with Bicycle Accidents and Slip and Fall Injuries in Korean Adolescents

Objective

This study sought to evaluate associations between sleep time and bicycle accidents, falls under various circumstances, and dental injuries in adolescents.

Methods

A total of 61,696 participants ranging from 12 to 18 years of age who completed the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS) in 2013 were enrolled in this study. Bicycle riding accidents were analyzed for 17,232 bicycle-riding participants. Data were collected regarding the weekday sleep duration for the most recent 7 days, which was categorized as < 5.5 h, 5.5–6.5 h, 6.5–7.5 h, or ≥ 7.5 h per day, and the incidence of bicycle accidents, slips and falls under various circumstances, and dental injuries in the most recent 12 months. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated among sleep groups for bicycle accidents, slips and falls, and dental injuries using simple and multiple logistic regression analyses with complex sampling.

Results

Bicycle riding accidents and slips and falls in classrooms, corridors, the ground, toilets, stairs, and other unspecified situations showed positive correlations with sleep deprivation. Comparisons of groups with ≥ 7.5 h sleep, < 5.5 h, 5.5–6.5 h sleep, and 6.5–7.5 h sleep revealed increased associations with slips and falls under various circumstances. In particular, the aORs were higher in the groups with less sleep (aOR of the 5.5 h group > the 5.5–6.5 h group > the 6.5–7.5 h group). There was no significant relationship between sleep deprivation and dental injury.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that sleep deprivation among Korean adolescents was associated with bicycle accidents and falls at home and school. Thus, adequate sleep may be needed to prevent accidents and falls.     

Road Traffic Deaths and Injuries Are Under-Reported in Ethiopia: A Capture-Recapture Method

In low and middle income countries road traffic injuries are commonly under-reported. This problem is significantly higher among those less severely injured road users. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and the level of ascertainment of road traffic injuries and deaths by traffic police and hospital registry. In this study two-sample capture-recapture method was applied using data from traffic police and hospital injury surveillance, through June 2012 to May 2013. The study was conducted on one of the busiest highways in Ethiopia, the Addis Ababa – Hawassa highway. Primary data were collected by accident investigators and hospital emergency nurses using a structured checklist. Four matching variables; name of the victim, sex, place and time of the accidents was used to get the matched cases. During the study period the police independently reported 224 deaths and 446 injuries/billion vehicle kilometer while hospitals reported 123 deaths and 1,046 injuries/billion vehicle kilometer. Both sources in common captured 73 deaths and 248 injuries/billion vehicle kilometer. Taking the two data sources into consideration, the capture-recapture model estimated the incidence of deaths and injuries ranged 368–390 and 1,869–1,895 per billion vehicle kilometer, respectively. The police source captured 57.4%–60.9% of deaths and 23.5%–23.9% of injuries while the hospital sources captured 31.5%–33.4% of deaths and 55.2%–56% of injuries. Deaths and injuries among females, younger age victims, cyclists/motorcyclists and pedestrians were under-reported by traffic police. In conclusion neither of the two sources independently provided accurate coverage of road traffic incident related deaths and injuries. Strengthening both systems is necessary to obtain accurate information on road accidents and human causalities.     

Determination of isocyanate biomarkers in construction site workers

4,4′-Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is the most important isocyanate in the manufacture of polyurethanes, dyes, pigments and adhesives. High concentrations of isocyanates are a potent respiratory irritant. Therefore, it is important to develop methods to monitor exposure to such compounds. We monitored biological samples from 40 non-exposed and 45 exposed construction site workers. 4,4′-Methylenedianiline (MDA) and N-acetyl-4,4′-MDA (AcMDA) were determined from untreated urine (U-MDA, U-AcMDA) and MDA was analysed from acid-treated urine (U-MDA-tot). Haemoglobin (Hb) adducts of MDA (Hb-MDA) were determined in all workers. The levels of biomarkers decreased in the following order: U-MDA-tot>U-AcMDA>U-MDA>Hb-MDA. The same order was found for the percentage of samples, which were found positive in exposed workers: 100%, 91%, 91%, 27%. The urine levels U-MDA-tot correlate with U-MDA, U-AcMDA and Hb-MDA with r=0.79, 0.86 and 0.39, respectively (Spearman rank order, p<0.01). U-AcMDA correlates with U-MDA and Hb-MDA with r=0.77 and 0.47, respectively (p<0.01). U-MDA correlates with Hb-MDA (r=0.38, p<0.05). The levels in the controls were significantly lower than in the exposed workers for all compounds (Mann–Whitney test, p<0.01). The median isocyanate-specific IgE-level was higher in the exposed workers, but the difference was statistically not significant. The change of the biomarker levels was compared in a group of workers (n=20), which were analysed prior to isocyanate exposure and after the exposure for ～4–7 months. All urine MDA metabolites and the Hb-adduct levels increased significantly (Wilcoxon sign test, p<0.01). Total IgE increased significantly after the exposure with isocyanate activity (p<0.01). With the present work it could be shown that outdoor workers are exposed to a similar extent as workers from a MDI factory.     

Possible relationship of cranial traumatic injuries with violence in the south‐east Iberian Peninsula from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age

The main aim of this study was to analyze the presence and distribution of cranial trauma, as possible evidence of violence, in remains from the Neolithic to Bronze Age from the SE Iberian Peninsula. The sample contains skulls, crania, and cranial vaults belonging to 410 prehistoric individuals. We also studied 267 crania from medieval and modern times for comparative purposes. All lesions in the prehistoric crania are healed and none of them can be attributed to a specific weapon. In all studied populations, injuries were more frequent in adults than in subadults and also in males than in females, denoting a sexual division in the risk of suffering accidents or intentional violence. According to the archeological record, the development of societies in the SE Iberian Peninsula during these periods must have entailed an increase in conflict. However, a high frequency of cranial traumatic injuries was observed in the Neolithic series, theoretically a less conflictive time, and the lowest frequency was in crania from the 3rd millennium B.C. (Copper Age), which is characterized by the archeologists as a period of increasing violence. The relatively large size and the high rate of injuries in Neolithic crania and the practice of cannibalism are strongly suggestive of episodes of interpersonal or intergroup conflict. The number and distribution of injuries in Bronze Age is consistent with the increase in violence at that time described by most archeologists. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Bicycle accidents in childhood.

The results of a 10 year study of bicycle fatalities and an eight year study of serious non-fatalities are reported for urban Brisbane (population 1,000,000). There were 845 serious non-fatal bicycle accidents and 46 fatalities during the study. Boys were involved in 86% of accidents. Boys have an accident rate of 134.21 per 100,000 population at risk and a fatality rate of 5.06 per 100,000 at risk. Serious bicycle accidents have increased by 50% in this decade; but considering fatal cases alone, no secular trend was evident over the 10 year period of the study. This suggests that an increase in the overall rate of bicycle accidents has been in part compensated by less serious injuries. In 70% of fatalities children had head injuries, and 87% of fatalities followed a collision between a cyclist and a motor vehicle or a train. Bicycle accidents on the roads most commonly occur to boys aged between 12 and 14 years on a straight road at "mid-block" between 3 and 5 pm in clear weather conditions and in daylight. It is concluded that injuries and fatalities after bicycle accidents can be reduced by protecting children''s heads, separating child cyclists from other road traffic, or educating and training both cyclists and other road users in safe behaviour. The compulsory use of helmets and the restriction of access to the roads by child cyclists to reduce injuries are, however, still controversial in many areas.     

Workplace Health Promotion: Assessing the Cardiopulmonary Risks of the Construction Workforce in Hong Kong

Objective

Health needs of different employee subgroups within an industry can differ. We report the results of a workplace cardiopulmonary risk assessment targeting workers and support staff in the construction industry.

Methods

A free worksite-based cardiopulmonary risk assessment for 1,903 workers on infrastructural contracts across Hong Kong was initiated in May 2014. Cardiopulmonary risk screening was performed in 60-minute blocks for approximately 30 workers/block with individualized feedback and lifestyle counseling. Risk profiles stratified by occupational roles are differentiated using the χ²-test for categorical and Student’s t-test for continuous variables.

Results

Most construction workers and clerks/professionals were male (83.2% and 71.2%, respectively) and Chinese (78.7% and 90.9%, respectively). Construction workers were older (mean: 44.9 years, SD 11.5) and less well-educated (6.1% received tertiary education) than clerks/professionals (35.0 years, 10.7; 72.6% received tertiary education), but more likely to be hypertensive (22.6% vs. 15.4%, p<0.001), overweight/obese (71.7% vs. 56.6%, p<0.001), centrally obese (53.1% vs. 35.5%, p<0.001), and have undesirable levels of high-density lipoprotein (41.6% vs. 35.8%, p<0.05) and diabetic levels of non-fasting blood glucose (4.3% vs. 1.6%, p<0.05). Up to 12.6% of construction workers and 9.7% of office clerks/professions had three or more metabolic syndrome risk factors. While construction workers were more likely than clerks/professionals to be daily smokers, they reported better work-related physical activity and diet.

Conclusions

Simple worksite health risk screening can identify potentially high-cardiopulmonary-risk construction industry employee subgroups for onward confirmatory referral. Separate cardiopulmonary health promotion strategies that account for the varying lifestyle profiles of the two employee subgroups in the industry appear justified.     

Occupational Injury Risk Assessment Using Injury Severity Odds Ratios: Male Falls from Heights in the Danish Construction Industry, 1993-1999

To allow for an improved targeted approach to occupational injury research and prevention, detailed risk analyses of fatal, serious, and minor occupational injuries were completed with a focus on male falls from heights in construction. Reported lost-time injuries in Denmark (1993 to 1999) were analyzed for proportions, relative rates, and an injury severity odds ratio to assess relative hazards and reporting. Different types of injury risks, such as elevation falls through surfaces, were identified by contrasting fatal, serious and minor injuries. Trade-specific analyses provided evidence that the carpentry-trade group merits increased attention, as this group has excessively high proportions, rates and hazards for falls from heights, compared to the entire construction industry. Age-specific analyses of workers aged 20 to 59 revealed that the rates of serious-injury falls from heights increase with increasing age. This relationship was inverted for elevation fall injuries from roof surfaces. A focus on construction and falls from heights is necessary not only in terms of fatal injuries, but also for serious injuries. The use of an injury severity odds ratio to assess relative hazards and reporting is a useful supplement to proportions and injury rates in contributing to more precise targeting of subgroups for primary injury prevention.     

Creatine supplementation during college football training does not increase the incidence of cramping or injury

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of creatine supplementation on the incidence of injury observed during 3-years of NCAA Division IA college football training and competition. In an open label manner, athletes participating in the 1998–2000 football seasons elected to take creatine or non-creatine containing supplements following workouts/practices. Subjects who decided to take creatine were administered 15.75 g of creatine for 5 days followed by ingesting an average of 5 g/day thereafter administered in 5–10 g doses. Creatine intake was monitored and recorded by research assistants throughout the study and ranged between 34–56% of players during the course of the study. Subjects practiced or played in environmental conditions ranging from 8–40°C (mean 24.7 ± 9°C) and 19–98% relative humidity (49.3 ± 17%). Injuries treated by the athletic training staff were recorded and categorized as cramping, heat/dehydration, muscle tightness, muscle strains/pulls, non-contact joint injuries, contact injuries, and illness. The number of missed practices due to injury/illness was also recorded. Data are presented as the total number of treated injuries for creatine users/total injuries observed and percentage occurrence rate of injuries for creatine users for all seasons. The incidence of cramping (37/96, 39%), heat/dehydration (8/28, 36%), muscle tightness (18/42, 43%), muscle pulls/strains (25/51, 49%), non-contact joint injuries (44/132, 33%), contact injuries (39/104, 44%), illness (12/27, 44%), number of missed practices due to injury (19/41, 46%), players lost for the season (3/8, 38%), and total injuries/missed practices (205/529, 39%) were generally lower or proportional to the creatine use rate among players. Creatine supplementation does not appear to increase the incidence of injury or cramping in Division IA college football players.     

Patterns of Mortality and Factors Influencing Survival of a Recently Restored Elk Population in Ontario,Canada

This study examined patterns of mortality and determinants of survival among elk recently restored to four sites in Ontario, Canada (1998–2005). We predicted that: (1) elk located in release sites closer to the core of their historic range would have higher survival; (2) survival would increase as an animal's time and experience on the landscape increased; and (3) survival rates would decline as animals moved farther away from the release site. During the study, 443 elk were radiocollared and released; 218 mortalities were documented. Predation by wolves was the most important proximate cause of mortality, followed by death due to injuries from translocation and/or capture myopathy, accidents, emaciation, poaching, and Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infection. Overall, annual survival of elk across Ontario ranged from 0.45 (0.37–0.53) to 0.81 (0.66–0.90), with rates being lowest in the years immediately following release and highest in the final years of the study; this pattern was due to high initial mortality from translocation injuries and/or capture myopathy and possibly lack of familiarity with novel habitat. Model‐averaged hazards further support this finding, as the most important factor influencing elk survival was the length of holding period, with elk released after limited holding being less likely to survive than those held for longer periods. Our results suggest that mortalities caused by capture myopathy and transportation‐related injuries are important sources of risk for translocated elk. The method of introduction to the novel landscape and behavior in the first year should be accommodated via soft‐release and appropriate release areas.     

Injury patterns in cyclists attending an accident and emergency department: a comparison of helmet wearers and non-wearers.

OBJECTIVES--To study circumstances of bicycle accidents and nature of injuries sustained and to determine effect of safety helmets on pattern of injuries. DESIGN--Prospective study of patients with cycle related injuries. SETTING--Accident and emergency department of teaching hospital. SUBJECTS--1040 patients with complete data presenting to the department in one year with cycle related injuries, of whom 114 had worn cycle helmets when accident occurred. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Type of accident and nature and distribution of injuries among patients with and without safety helmets. RESULTS--There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to type of accident or nature and distribution of injuries other than those to the head. Head injury was sustained by 4/114 (4%) of helmet wearers compared with 100/928 (11%) of non-wearers (P = 0.023). Significantly more children wore helmets (50/309 (16%)) than did adults (64/731 (9%)) (P < 0.001). The incidence of head injuries sustained in accidents involving motor vehicles (52/288 (18%)) was significantly higher than in those not involving motor vehicles (52/754 (7%)) (chi 2 = 28.9, P < 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression analysis of probability of sustaining a head injury showed that only two variables were significant: helmet use and involvement of a motor vehicle. Mutually adjusted odds ratios showed a risk factor of 2.95 (95% confidence interval 1.95 to 4.47, P < 0.0001) for accidents involving a motor vehicle and a protective factor of 3.25 (1.17 to 9.06, P = 0.024) for wearing a helmet. CONCLUSION--The findings suggest an increased risk of sustaining head injury in a bicycle accident when a motor vehicle is involved and confirm protective effect of helmet wearing for any bicycle accident.