Characteristics of Arabic Websites with information on autism.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics of Arabic websites with information on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: The word autism in Arabic was entered into 2 popular search engines in September 2013 to locate the top 80 websites featuring the term. Websites were sorted using 10 characteristics, previously used to evaluate the characteristics of English websites with information on ASD. RESULTS: Most websites were registered using a .com top-level domain (69%), were an individual`s site, forum, or blog (44%), and were updated after September 2012 (60%); they contained images or texts that seemed to persuade viewers to purchase products (43%); they provided information with the name of author(s) (64%); they described the basic characteristics of ASD; and they promoted various types of treatments, most of which lack empirical support (63%). However, few websites contained information with references to peer review resources (3%) or a warning statement that such information should not replace the opinion of a qualified professional (8%). CONCLUSION: Internet users may not find Arabic websites to be reliable sources to obtain information on ASD. Given the increased use of the internet, creation of websites that contain trusted information on ASD could potentially aid parents in accessing available services, help them learn about empirically validated interventions, and enable them to advocate for their children`s rights.

Personality characteristics in a population of mountain climbers.

OBJECTIVE: Mountaineering and mountain-related sports are growing in popularity and are associated with significant risk of injury. There is a perception that mountaineers possess unique personality characteristics that attract them to the sport. We aim to determine whether there are any identifiable differences between the personality characteristics of experienced mountaineers and a normal control population and to determine whether there is an association between specific personality traits and risk of injury. METHODS: Questionnaires were utilized to obtain data on demographics, accidents, and personality characteristics from a population of experienced mountaineers. The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) was used, and the results were compared with normative data from age-matched controls. RESULTS: Forty-seven mountaineers from 8 different countries enrolled in the study. The mean age was 33 years, and 44 (90%) had been mountaineering for more than 5 years. Twenty-three climbers (49%) had been involved in a total of 33 accidents. Mountaineers scored higher on novelty seeking (P < .05) and self-directedness (P < .05) and lower on harm avoidance (P < .001) and self-transcendence (P < .001). There was a significant association between the character measure of cooperativeness and the total number (-.33, P < .05) and severity (-.475, P < .05) of accidents. CONCLUSIONS: Mountaineering is associated with significant risk of injury. Wide variation in the scores of personality traits suggests that there is not a tightly defined personality profile among mountaineers. Scores on cooperativeness may assist in determining risk of injury in mountaineers.

Medical students performing lumbar punctures: are we doing enough?

It is safe to suggest that every medical student in their clinical years (and certainly every doctor) should be able to act alone in emergency situations and with limited resources. This includes supporting life functions, performing diagnostic procedures, establishing a clinical diagnosis, and/or initiating treatment. However, medical school curricula do not always cater for such demands. Lumbar puncture is a basic procedure performed routinely in emergency departments, neurology wards and elsewhere in hospitals. Medical students, however, do not usually get the chance to perform lumbar punctures during their basic training. In fact, Australian and New Zealand medical students seem to get the least exposure when compared to other students in other developed countries. This article examines the current status of medical students performing lumbar punctures around the world, and the ethical considerations around this issue.

Herpes rugbiorum: a review on scrum pox and rugby player guidelines.

Sports, especially contact ones, have long been associated with an increased risk of contracting a communicable disease. Viral infections, in particular, have had an increased attention, due to their adverse effects on athletes' performance. As world sport events have now become more organised and diverse, athletes are now exposed to a wider range of pathogens. With the upcoming Rugby World Cup in 2011 taking place in New Zealand, team-doctors should keep a 'careful' eye on potential infectious outbreaks and make sure to adhere to guidelines accessed through fact sheets.