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Background The contemporary environment is a complex of interactions between physical, biological, socio-economic systems with major impacts on public health. However, gaps in our understanding of the causes, extent and distribution of these effects remain. The public health community in Sandwell West Midlands has collaborated to successfully develop, pilot and establish the first Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) programme in Europe to address this 'environmental health gap' through systematically linking data on environmental hazards, exposures and diseases. Methods Existing networks of environmental, health and regulatory agencies developed a suite of innovative methods to routinely share, integrate and analyse data on hazards, exposures and health outcomes to inform interventions. Results Effective data sharing and horizon scanning systems have been established, novel statistical methods piloted, plausible associations framed and tested, and targeted interventions informed by local concerns applied. These have influenced changes in public health practice. Conclusion EPHT is a powerful tool for identifying and addressing the key environmental public health impacts at a local level. Sandwell's experience demonstrates that it can be established and operated at virtually no cost. The transfer of National Health Service epidemiological skills to local authorities in 2013 provides an opportunity to expand the programme to fully exploit its potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyse the important kinematic variables in elite men's and women's 20 km race walking. Thirty men and 30 women were analysed from video data recorded during the World Race Walking Cup. Video data were also recorded at four points during the European Cup Race Walking and 12 men and 12 women analysed from these data. Two camcorders operating at 50 Hz recorded at each race for 3D analysis. The two main performance determinants of speed were step length and cadence. Men were faster than women because of their greater step lengths but there was no difference in cadence. A reduction in step length was the initial cause of slowing down with later decreases in speed caused by reductions in cadence. Shorter contact times were important in optimising both step length and cadence, and faster athletes tended to have longer flight times than slower athletes. It was less clear which other kinematic variables were critical for successful walking, particularly with regard to joint angles. Different associations were found for some key variables in men and women, suggesting that their techniques may differ due to differences in height and mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of punch type (Jab, Cross, Lead Hook and Reverse Hook) and punch modality (Single maximal, 'In-synch' and 'Out of synch' combination) on punch speed and delivery time. Ten competition-standard volunteers performed punches with markers placed on their anatomical landmarks for 3D motion capture with an eight-camera optoelectronic system. Speed and duration between key moments were computed. There were significant differences in contact speed between punch types (F2,18,84.87 = 105.76, p = 0.001) with Lead and Reverse Hooks developing greater speed than Jab and Cross. There were significant differences in contact speed between punch modalities (F2,64,102.87 = 23.52, p = 0.001) with the Single maximal (M ± SD: 9.26 ± 2.09 m/s) higher than 'Out of synch' (7.49 ± 2.32 m/s), 'In-synch' left (8.01 ± 2.35 m/s) or right lead (7.97 ± 2.53 m/s). Delivery times were significantly lower for Jab and Cross than Hook. Times were significantly lower 'In-synch' than a Single maximal or 'Out of synch' combination mode. It is concluded that a defender may have more evasion-time than previously reported. This research could be of use to performers and coaches when considering training preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are the drugs most frequently prescribed for children, and most of them lack patent protection. The aim of this study was to evaluate off-label antibiotic use in three European countries. Data relating to all patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and paediatric wards of the participating centres were collected by the same investigator over a 2-week survey period between February and May 2009. The data included age, date of birth, weight, relevant medical history and diagnosis, together with details of all of the antibiotics prescribed (compound, route of administration, dose, and indication for use). The study involved 616 children (110 admitted to NICUs: 62 in the UK, 38 in Italy and 10 in Greece; 506 admitted to general paediatric wards: 265 in the UK, 94 in Italy and 147 in Greece). A total of 1244 antibiotic prescriptions were issued (290 in NICUs and 954 in paediatric wards). The results showed that off-label antibiotic use is very common among European paediatric patients, with generally only slight, but sometimes significant differences between countries. However, this use relates almost exclusively to doses and indications, and rarely to age. The only antibiotics found to be used off-label in an age-related manner in paediatric clinical practice are meropenem for neonates and quinolones or linezolid for older children, which represent priorities for future studies. European-wide educational programmes are urgently needed to meet the objectives of improving paediatricians’ working knowledge of the recommendations surrounding licensed antibiotics-use in children, and of reducing uncontrolled patterns of prescribing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]