I think this is my new favourite journal. Enjoy it fresh, and free, at PubMed
by typing in the name of the journal - Wilderness and Environmental Medicine,
at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez
It's certainly wide-ranging!
Here are some examples:
1. When otters attack
2. Poison ivy
3. Blister technology
4. How to wash up
5. Permethrin-treated tents
6. Planting trees makes you lose weight
7. Watch out for carbon monoxide in tents
1. Potter TM. Hanna JA. Freer L. Human North American river otter (Lontra canadensis)
attack. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 18(1):41-4, 2007.
As a result of the successful restoration and conservation programs
deployed by state and federal agencies, populations of the North
American river otter (Lontra canadensis) are increasing in many states.
Recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing increase the
likelihood of human interactions with this charismatic, nonendangered
mustelid. Otters tend to avoid areas of high human activity, occur at low
population densities, and in some habitats in the United States have
not recovered from population declines. Therefore, interactions with
humans are rare, and aggressive encounters by otters are even less
frequent. We report a recent, aggressive, and unprovoked attack that was
followed by immediate medical treatment, including postexposure rabies
prophylaxis, extensive suturing, and subsequent reconstructive surgery. We
discuss river otter biology, the prevalence of diseases in wild
populations of river otter, and otter attacks on humans and their treatment.
2. Gladman AC. Toxicodendron dermatitis: poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Wilderness &
Environmental Medicine. 17(2):120-8, 2006.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by the Toxicodendron (formerly
Rhus) species-poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac-affects millions of
North Americans every year. In certain outdoor occupations, for
example, agriculture and forestry, as well as among many outdoor enthusiasts,
Toxicodendron dermatitis presents a significant hazard. This review
considers the epidemiology, identification, immunochemistry,
pathophysiology, clinical features, treatment, and prevention of this common
dermatologic problem. Recent research in prevention is emphasized, and
resources to help in the identification of plants are provided in the
bibliography. The literature was searched using a MEDLINE query for
"Toxicodendron dermatitis", and the identified article bibliographies were
searched as well.
3. Polliack AA. Scheinberg S. A new technology for reducing shear and friction forces
on the skin: implications for blister care in the wilderness setting. Wilderness &
Environmental Medicine. 17(2):109-19, 2006.
OBJECTIVE: It is well known that physical trauma to skin caused by
repetitive friction is a primary component of blister formation. Although
friction blisters in a wilderness setting particularly occur on the
feet and ankles, they often form on the hands and fingers during such
activities as white-water rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. These blisters
are often incapacitating and can have disabling consequences. This
article describes laboratory and clinical experiments testing the efficacy
of a new bandage technology in reducing shear and friction forces on the
skin. METHODS: A custom-made apparatus was used in a laboratory setting
to measure and compare the surface coefficient of friction of 11
bandages. In addition, a controlled clinical study was conducted on 15
healthy, able-bodied female subjects (mean age 35 years), where the same
apparatus was used to measure the coefficient of friction of the skin over
the medial tibial cortex with and without the new technology de!
vice in place. RESULTS: This laboratory study demonstrated the new
device to have the lowest surface coefficient of friction of any bandage
tested (0.57). For example, the common product Moleskin was 21% higher
(0.67), with all other products testing at least 64% higher (>0.94). In
the clinical study, the new technology device reduced the coefficient
of friction on the skin by 31% (0.225 vs. 0.327), and this difference
was statistically significant (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A bandage
containing a new technology demonstrated the lowest surface coefficient of
friction of any bandage tested. In addition, clinical tests performed with
the same bandage demonstrated significant reduction of the coefficient
of friction on the skin.
4. Hargreaves JS. Laboratory evaluation of the 3-bowl system used for washing-up
eating utensils in the field. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 17(2):94-102, 2006.
OBJECTIVE: A 3-bowl system is used for washing-up eating utensils on
many expeditions when running water is not available. The utensils are
washed in the first bowl until they are visibly clean, rinsed in the
second bowl, and disinfected in the third bowl. The objective of this
study was to evaluate the efficacy of this system in reducing bacterial
loads on contaminated utensils and to compare it with alternative
washing-up methods. METHODS: Different washing-up systems were tested with a
simulated dish washing of 5 contaminated mess tins followed by 5
uncontaminated mess tins. Porridge was used to simulate food residue and was
mixed with Escherichia coli to produce bacterial contamination.
Reduction of bacterial load on the mess tins was measured, as were subjective
observations regarding the various systems. RESULTS: Bacterial load on
contaminated tins is reduced when the 3-bowl system is used.
Uncontaminated tins become contaminated in bowl 1, but this is then reduced i!
n subsequent bowls. Disinfectant use, especially bleach, produced a
marked reduction in bacterial load on contaminated and uncontaminated
tins when used in bowl 2. Detergent is needed to remove grease, and a
final rinse removes the smell of disinfectant. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the
most effective washing-up system in the laboratory was removal of most
food residue with detergent in bowl 1, finish washing with bleach until
visibly clean in bowl 2, and a final rinse in drinkable water in bowl 3.
This system has advantages over the established 3-bowl system by
getting mess tins clean more easily, killing potentially harmful bacteria,
and removing the smell and taste of disinfectant.
5. Boulware DR. Beisang AA 3rd. Passive prophylaxis with permethrin-treated tents
reduces mosquito bites among North American summer campers. Wilderness &
Environmental Medicine. 16(1):9-15, 2005.
OBJECTIVE: Over 2 million adolescents participate in summer-camp
experiences, placing themselves at risk for mosquito-borne illness. Insect
repellent is recommended but often not used. It is unknown whether
permethrin treatment of a location, such as a campsite, provides passive
prophylaxis reducing mosquito bites among all persons in the immediate
vicinity. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind controlled trial used
0.4% permethrin (2.5% permethrin diluted by 7 parts water) sprayed once
onto the external surface of canvas tents at a Boy Scout summer camp.
During a 9-week period, subjects (n = 545) completed nightly
mosquito-bite and -landing counts for 5 minutes at dusk and recorded
insect-repellent use within 2 hours of counting. Weekly mosquito sampling with
CO2-baited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traps occurred at study
campsites. The primary outcome measure was the number of mosquito bites
per 5 minutes. RESULTS: A total of 1614 person nights averaged 5!
.1 +/- 7.2 (+/- SD) mosquito bites per 5 minutes. The
permethrin-treated campsites had decreased mosquito landings and bites (relative risk
reduction [RRR] 44%; 95% CI 34% to 55%; P < .001) compared with
controls. Insect repellent was used only 32% of nights, decreasing bites by 36%
(RRR 36%; 95% CI 25% to 47%; P < .001). Permethrin was superior to
insect repellent alone (RRR 20%; 95% CI 4% to 37%; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS:
Permethrin treatment of tents is an effective, inexpensive public health
measure to reduce mosquito bites. Permethrin is effective among all
individuals in a camping setting and was more effective than topical
insect repellent alone, which, although recommended, was inconsistently
used.
6. Hodges AN. Ellis JD. McKenzie DC. The effects of 10 weeks of reforestation work
on body composition. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 16(1):3-8, 2005.
OBJECTIVE: To document changes in body composition and body mass in
male and female tree planters. METHODS: Height, mass, skin-fold
thickness, and limb girths were measured in 17 male and 5 female tree planters
before and after 10 weeks of work. RESULTS: Significant decreases were
found in body mass (80.6 +/- 10.7 kg vs 76.8 +/- 8.5 kg) and body fat
(13.3% +/- 5.5% vs. 10.4% +/- 5.0%) in the men (P < .05). No changes in
skin-fold-corrected limb girths were found in the men or women. Initial
body mass was significantly (P < .05) correlated with mass loss in men
(r2 = .46) and women (r2 = .67). Estimated daily energy consumption was
20680.1 +/- 2204.5 kJ for men and 14516.6 +/- 2077.3 kJ for women, and
estimated daily fat consumption was 194.2 +/- 30.1 g for men and 132.3
+/- 35.6 g for women. CONCLUSIONS: Ten weeks of tree planting leads to
significant decreases in body mass and body fat in men while
maintaining skin-fold-corrected limb girths.
7. Leigh-Smith S. Carbon monoxide poisoning in tents--a review. Wilderness &
Environmental Medicine. 15(3):157-63, 2004.
This review discusses the overlooked problem of carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning within small tents. It summarizes previous case reports,
reviews the toxicity of CO, and attempts to draw conclusions from
experimental work. Finally, practical recommendations are developed on avoiding
CO poisoning within tents. The term carbon monoxide was used in a
search of the Medline database covering the years 1966 to 2003. The results
were combined with the terms atmosphere or camps or stoves or climbs or
mountains or tents or poisons. The resulting articles were reviewed,
and those relevant to this problem were obtained. Hard copies were hand
searched for further relevant articles until no more citations could be
found. Three original articles were impossible to obtain but have been
cited to assist others seeking to find them. Other data and articles
were obtained from the Ministry of Defence but are unpublished for
security reasons.
by typing in the name of the journal - Wilderness and Environmental Medicine,
at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez
It's certainly wide-ranging!
Here are some examples:
1. When otters attack
2. Poison ivy
3. Blister technology
4. How to wash up
5. Permethrin-treated tents
6. Planting trees makes you lose weight
7. Watch out for carbon monoxide in tents
1. Potter TM. Hanna JA. Freer L. Human North American river otter (Lontra canadensis)
attack. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 18(1):41-4, 2007.
As a result of the successful restoration and conservation programs
deployed by state and federal agencies, populations of the North
American river otter (Lontra canadensis) are increasing in many states.
Recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing increase the
likelihood of human interactions with this charismatic, nonendangered
mustelid. Otters tend to avoid areas of high human activity, occur at low
population densities, and in some habitats in the United States have
not recovered from population declines. Therefore, interactions with
humans are rare, and aggressive encounters by otters are even less
frequent. We report a recent, aggressive, and unprovoked attack that was
followed by immediate medical treatment, including postexposure rabies
prophylaxis, extensive suturing, and subsequent reconstructive surgery. We
discuss river otter biology, the prevalence of diseases in wild
populations of river otter, and otter attacks on humans and their treatment.
2. Gladman AC. Toxicodendron dermatitis: poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Wilderness &
Environmental Medicine. 17(2):120-8, 2006.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by the Toxicodendron (formerly
Rhus) species-poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac-affects millions of
North Americans every year. In certain outdoor occupations, for
example, agriculture and forestry, as well as among many outdoor enthusiasts,
Toxicodendron dermatitis presents a significant hazard. This review
considers the epidemiology, identification, immunochemistry,
pathophysiology, clinical features, treatment, and prevention of this common
dermatologic problem. Recent research in prevention is emphasized, and
resources to help in the identification of plants are provided in the
bibliography. The literature was searched using a MEDLINE query for
"Toxicodendron dermatitis", and the identified article bibliographies were
searched as well.
3. Polliack AA. Scheinberg S. A new technology for reducing shear and friction forces
on the skin: implications for blister care in the wilderness setting. Wilderness &
Environmental Medicine. 17(2):109-19, 2006.
OBJECTIVE: It is well known that physical trauma to skin caused by
repetitive friction is a primary component of blister formation. Although
friction blisters in a wilderness setting particularly occur on the
feet and ankles, they often form on the hands and fingers during such
activities as white-water rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. These blisters
are often incapacitating and can have disabling consequences. This
article describes laboratory and clinical experiments testing the efficacy
of a new bandage technology in reducing shear and friction forces on the
skin. METHODS: A custom-made apparatus was used in a laboratory setting
to measure and compare the surface coefficient of friction of 11
bandages. In addition, a controlled clinical study was conducted on 15
healthy, able-bodied female subjects (mean age 35 years), where the same
apparatus was used to measure the coefficient of friction of the skin over
the medial tibial cortex with and without the new technology de!
vice in place. RESULTS: This laboratory study demonstrated the new
device to have the lowest surface coefficient of friction of any bandage
tested (0.57). For example, the common product Moleskin was 21% higher
(0.67), with all other products testing at least 64% higher (>0.94). In
the clinical study, the new technology device reduced the coefficient
of friction on the skin by 31% (0.225 vs. 0.327), and this difference
was statistically significant (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A bandage
containing a new technology demonstrated the lowest surface coefficient of
friction of any bandage tested. In addition, clinical tests performed with
the same bandage demonstrated significant reduction of the coefficient
of friction on the skin.
4. Hargreaves JS. Laboratory evaluation of the 3-bowl system used for washing-up
eating utensils in the field. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 17(2):94-102, 2006.
OBJECTIVE: A 3-bowl system is used for washing-up eating utensils on
many expeditions when running water is not available. The utensils are
washed in the first bowl until they are visibly clean, rinsed in the
second bowl, and disinfected in the third bowl. The objective of this
study was to evaluate the efficacy of this system in reducing bacterial
loads on contaminated utensils and to compare it with alternative
washing-up methods. METHODS: Different washing-up systems were tested with a
simulated dish washing of 5 contaminated mess tins followed by 5
uncontaminated mess tins. Porridge was used to simulate food residue and was
mixed with Escherichia coli to produce bacterial contamination.
Reduction of bacterial load on the mess tins was measured, as were subjective
observations regarding the various systems. RESULTS: Bacterial load on
contaminated tins is reduced when the 3-bowl system is used.
Uncontaminated tins become contaminated in bowl 1, but this is then reduced i!
n subsequent bowls. Disinfectant use, especially bleach, produced a
marked reduction in bacterial load on contaminated and uncontaminated
tins when used in bowl 2. Detergent is needed to remove grease, and a
final rinse removes the smell of disinfectant. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the
most effective washing-up system in the laboratory was removal of most
food residue with detergent in bowl 1, finish washing with bleach until
visibly clean in bowl 2, and a final rinse in drinkable water in bowl 3.
This system has advantages over the established 3-bowl system by
getting mess tins clean more easily, killing potentially harmful bacteria,
and removing the smell and taste of disinfectant.
5. Boulware DR. Beisang AA 3rd. Passive prophylaxis with permethrin-treated tents
reduces mosquito bites among North American summer campers. Wilderness &
Environmental Medicine. 16(1):9-15, 2005.
OBJECTIVE: Over 2 million adolescents participate in summer-camp
experiences, placing themselves at risk for mosquito-borne illness. Insect
repellent is recommended but often not used. It is unknown whether
permethrin treatment of a location, such as a campsite, provides passive
prophylaxis reducing mosquito bites among all persons in the immediate
vicinity. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind controlled trial used
0.4% permethrin (2.5% permethrin diluted by 7 parts water) sprayed once
onto the external surface of canvas tents at a Boy Scout summer camp.
During a 9-week period, subjects (n = 545) completed nightly
mosquito-bite and -landing counts for 5 minutes at dusk and recorded
insect-repellent use within 2 hours of counting. Weekly mosquito sampling with
CO2-baited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traps occurred at study
campsites. The primary outcome measure was the number of mosquito bites
per 5 minutes. RESULTS: A total of 1614 person nights averaged 5!
.1 +/- 7.2 (+/- SD) mosquito bites per 5 minutes. The
permethrin-treated campsites had decreased mosquito landings and bites (relative risk
reduction [RRR] 44%; 95% CI 34% to 55%; P < .001) compared with
controls. Insect repellent was used only 32% of nights, decreasing bites by 36%
(RRR 36%; 95% CI 25% to 47%; P < .001). Permethrin was superior to
insect repellent alone (RRR 20%; 95% CI 4% to 37%; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS:
Permethrin treatment of tents is an effective, inexpensive public health
measure to reduce mosquito bites. Permethrin is effective among all
individuals in a camping setting and was more effective than topical
insect repellent alone, which, although recommended, was inconsistently
used.
6. Hodges AN. Ellis JD. McKenzie DC. The effects of 10 weeks of reforestation work
on body composition. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 16(1):3-8, 2005.
OBJECTIVE: To document changes in body composition and body mass in
male and female tree planters. METHODS: Height, mass, skin-fold
thickness, and limb girths were measured in 17 male and 5 female tree planters
before and after 10 weeks of work. RESULTS: Significant decreases were
found in body mass (80.6 +/- 10.7 kg vs 76.8 +/- 8.5 kg) and body fat
(13.3% +/- 5.5% vs. 10.4% +/- 5.0%) in the men (P < .05). No changes in
skin-fold-corrected limb girths were found in the men or women. Initial
body mass was significantly (P < .05) correlated with mass loss in men
(r2 = .46) and women (r2 = .67). Estimated daily energy consumption was
20680.1 +/- 2204.5 kJ for men and 14516.6 +/- 2077.3 kJ for women, and
estimated daily fat consumption was 194.2 +/- 30.1 g for men and 132.3
+/- 35.6 g for women. CONCLUSIONS: Ten weeks of tree planting leads to
significant decreases in body mass and body fat in men while
maintaining skin-fold-corrected limb girths.
7. Leigh-Smith S. Carbon monoxide poisoning in tents--a review. Wilderness &
Environmental Medicine. 15(3):157-63, 2004.
This review discusses the overlooked problem of carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning within small tents. It summarizes previous case reports,
reviews the toxicity of CO, and attempts to draw conclusions from
experimental work. Finally, practical recommendations are developed on avoiding
CO poisoning within tents. The term carbon monoxide was used in a
search of the Medline database covering the years 1966 to 2003. The results
were combined with the terms atmosphere or camps or stoves or climbs or
mountains or tents or poisons. The resulting articles were reviewed,
and those relevant to this problem were obtained. Hard copies were hand
searched for further relevant articles until no more citations could be
found. Three original articles were impossible to obtain but have been
cited to assist others seeking to find them. Other data and articles
were obtained from the Ministry of Defence but are unpublished for
security reasons.
