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HPLC-DAD-ESIMS analysis of phenolic compounds in nectarines, peaches, and plums.

The phenolic compounds of 25 peach, nectarine, and plum cultivars were studied and quantified by HPLC-DAD-ESIMS. Hydroxycinnamates, procyanidins, flavonols, and anthocyanins were detected and quantified. White and yellow flesh nectarines and peaches, and yellow and red plums, were analyzed at two different maturity stages with consideration of both peel and flesh tissues. HPLC-MS analyses allowed the identification of procyanidin dimers of the B- and A-types, as well as the presence of procyanidin trimers in plums. As a general rule, the peel tissues contained higher amounts of phenolics, and anthocyanins and flavonols were almost exclusively located in this tissue. No clear differences in the phenolic content of nectarines and peaches were detected or between white flesh and yellow flesh cultivars. There was no clear trend in phenolic content with ripening of the different cultivars. Some cultivars, however, had a very high phenolic content. For example, the white flesh nectarine cultivar Brite Pearl (350-460 mg/kg hydroxycinnamates and 430-550 mg/kg procyanidins in flesh) and the yellow flesh cv. Red Jim (180-190 mg/kg hydroxycinnamates and 210-330 mg/kg procyanidins in flesh), contained 10 times more phenolics than cultivars such as Fire Pearl (38-50 mg/kg hydroxycinnamates and 23-30 mg/kg procyanidins in flesh). Among white flesh peaches, cultivars Snow King (300-320 mg/kg hydroxycinnamates and 660-695 mg/kg procyanidins in flesh) and Snow Giant (125-130 mg/kg hydroxycinnamates and 520-540 mg/kg procyanidins in flesh) showed the highest content. The plum cultivars Black Beaut and Angeleno were especially rich in phenolics.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Genetic diversity and taxonomic implication of Cordyceps sinensis as revealed by RAPD markers.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers are used to investigate genetic variation and evolutionary relationships of 29 samples of Cordyceps sinensis from different geographical populations on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Out of 137 RAPD bands scored, 100 are polymorphic. A correlation is revealed between geographical distance and genetic distance. The molecular phylogenetic tree suggests that the 29 samples are divided into three notable clusters, corresponding to the geographical populations, i.e., the north population (NP), middle population (MP), and south population (SP). The NP consists of 7 northern samples from Menyuan, Maqu, and Luqu, the MP consists of 8 samples from Yushu and Chengduo, and the SP consists of 14 samples from Byma Snow Mountain, Renzhi Snow Mountain, Chongcaoxiwa, and Dacaodi. It is demonstrated that extensive genetic diversity is found among different geographical populations of C. sinensis. The genetic diversity pattern of C. sinensis may be caused by the founder effects. The taxonomic status of NP, MP, and SP populations should be that they are different subspecies rather than different species.

Biological Evolution↗

Predicting toxicity of tall larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi): measurement of the variation in alkaloid concentration among plants and among years.

Tall larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi) is the principal mountain larkspur responsible for the majority of cattle deaths on mountain rangelands in western Colorado and central and southern Utah in the United States. Ten plants in each of two tall larkspur populations in the mountains near Ferron and Salina, Utah, were marked, and single stalks were harvested periodically through the growing season for 4 yr. Toxic alkaloid concentration [alkaloids containing the N-(methylsuccimimido)-anthranilik ester group] was determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Individual larkspur plants varied in alkaloid concentrations, especially in early growth (14-38 mg/g). As the concentration declined over the growing season, variation among plants also declined. There were yearly differences in alkaloid concentration among individual plants (P < 0.01) and populations (P < 0.001), even after accounting for differences in phenological growth between years. Variables such as precipitation, temperature, days since snow melt, growing degree days (sum of mean temperature each day from snow melt), and plant height and weight were all considered in a Mallows Cp multiple regression selection procedure to predict alkaloid concentration. The mixed model procedure in SAS adjusted the regression equation for locations and years. Growing degree days was the best single predictor of alkaloid levels: In y = (3.581 - 0.00423 GDD), R2 = 0.85. Internal validation of this equation within individual years and locations from which the equation was developed, produced correlations between observed versus predicted values ranging from r = 0.73 to 0.93. External validations on nine other larkspur populations produced correlations ranging from r = 0.76 to 0.99. This predictive equation can provide a tool for ranchers and land managers to make management decisions of when to graze cattle in larkspur areas.

Alkaloids↗

Central non-NMDA receptors of a honey bee with hereditary kynurenine deficiency.

Pharmacological characteristics of non-NMDA receptors involved in associative learning were studied in wild honey bees (normal) and carriers of snow laranja mutation (kynurenine deficiency) by pharmacological analysis and behavioral criteria. The effects of systemic injections of non-NMDA receptor agonists (AMPA, kainic, quisqualic, and domoic acids), AMPA receptor antagonist (NS257-HCl), and AMPA receptor modulator (cyclothiaside) on retention of conditioned reflexes in short-term memory (1 min after the end of learning) were studied. The pharmacological characteristics of non-NMDA receptors were changed in snow laranja mutants with kynurenine deficiency.

Animals↗

Thinning of the ice sheet in northwest Greenland over the past forty years.

Thermal expansion of the oceans, as well as melting of glaciers, ice sheets and ice caps have been the main contributors to global sea level rise over the past century. The greatest uncertainty in predicting future sea level changes lies with our estimates of the mass balance of the ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. Satellite measurements have been used to determine changes in these ice sheets on short timescales, demonstrating that surface-elevation changes on timescales of decades or less result mainly from variations in snow accumulation. Here we present direct measurements of the changes in surface elevation between 1954 and 1995 on a traverse across the north Greenland ice sheet. Measurements over a time interval of this length should reflect changes in ice flow-the important quantity for predicting changes in sea level-relatively unperturbed by short-term fluctuations in snow accumulation. We find only small changes in the eastern part of the transect, except for some thickening of the north ice stream. On the west side, however, the thinning rates of the ice sheet are significantly higher and thinning extends to higher elevations than had been anticipated from previous studies.

Journal Article↗

Climate change in the North Pacific region over the past three centuries.

The relatively short length of most instrumental climate records restricts the study of climate variability, and it is therefore essential to extend the record into the past with the help of proxy data. Only since the late 1940s have atmospheric data been available that are sufficient in quality and spatial resolution to identify the dominant patterns of climate variability, such as the Pacific North America pattern and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Here we present a 301-year snow accumulation record from an ice core at a height of 5,340 m above sea level-from Mount Logan, in northwestern North America. This record shows features that are closely linked with the Pacific North America pattern for the period of instrumental data availability. Our record extends back in time to cover the period from the closing stages of the Little Ice Age to the warmest decade in the past millennium. We find a positive, accelerating trend in snow accumulation after the middle of the nineteenth century. This trend is paralleled by a warming over northwestern North America which has been associated with secular changes in both the Pacific North America pattern and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.

Journal Article↗

Seasonal variation and weather effects on road traffic accidents in Riyadh city.

The monthly variation of Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) in Riyadh city in the period 1989-1993 has been studied with reference to time of day, lighting conditions and prevalent weather conditions. Total RTA accidents were significantly more common, being directly correlated, with increased dry and wet bulb temperatures and significantly less common, being inversely correlated, with increased relative humidity and amount of precipitation of rain, snow, hail etc. However, RTAs recorded on rainy days only were significantly more common and directly correlated with precipitation (Note days of snow and hail are very rare in Riyadh city). Seasonal variation in RTAs was evident being maximal during the summer season particularly between 12 noon and 3 pm. This period is characterized by heavy traffic and intense sunlight. The role of hot weather prevalent in Saudi Arabia, where average temperatures of 34.4-34.7 degrees C with maximum of 40-42.7 degrees C are common in summer, have been suggested to be an important factor leading to increased stress and decreased performance of intellectual tasks which require considerable physical effort and motor skills. Increased heart rates, exacerbation of existing pathologic conditions such as heart disease and emphysema and loss of visual acuity have been reported. Consequently, prolonged exposure to heat must be considered as a hazard to the safety and health of drivers and a factor leading to an increased incidence of RTAs.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Radiological and clinical features of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse systematically the radiographic features of the calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour (CEOT). METHOD: Clinical and radiological features of 67 cases of CEOT (four new and 63 from the literature) were analysed. RESULTS: There were 27 (41%) males and 39 (59%) females with a male-to-female ratio of 1 : 1.5. Age ranged from 13 - 77 years (mean 43.5 years), with a peak in the fourth and fifth decades. The mandible was involved in 74% of the cases and 69% of all lesions were in the posterior area. The mixed radiolucent-radiopaque pattern was the most frequent (65%), with 32% radiolucent and 3% radiopaque. Coronal clustering of the radiopaque material was found in 12% and in one case, a 'driven snow' pattern of the radiopaque material was clearly recognizable. Lesions were unilocular in 58%, multilocular in 27% and not loculated in 15%. The unilocular type was more frequent in the maxilla than in the mandible. Borders were well defined and corticated in 20%, defined but not corticated in 59% and diffuse in 21%. Sixty per cent were associated with impacted teeth. Lesions larger than 3 cm tended to be more frequent in the mandible, mixed radiolucent-radiopaque and to have a higher proportion of diffuse borders than the smaller lesions. CONCLUSION: Radiographic features which have been considered characteristic of CEOT, coronal clustering and 'driven snow' patterns, are seen in only a small percentage of cases.

Adult↗

Changes in biologically active ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface.

Since publication of the 1998 UNEP Assessment, there has been continued rapid expansion of the literature on UV-B radiation. Many measurements have demonstrated the inverse relationship between column ozone amount and UV radiation, and in a few cases long-term increases due to ozone decreases have been identified. The quantity, quality and availability of ground-based UV measurements relevant to assessing the environmental impacts of ozone changes continue to improve. Recent studies have contributed to delineating regional and temporal differences due to aerosols, clouds, and ozone. Improvements in radiative transfer modelling capability now enable more accurate characterization of clouds, snow-cover, and topographical effects. A standardized scale for reporting UV to the public has gained wide acceptance. There has been increased use of satellite data to estimate geographic variability and trends in UV. Progress has been made in assessing the utility of satellite retrievals of UV radiation by comparison with measurements at the Earth's surface. Global climatologies of UV radiation are now available on the Internet. Anthropogenic aerosols play a more important role in attenuating UV irradiances than has been assumed previously, and this will have implications for the accuracy of UV retrievals from satellite data. Progress has been made inferring historical levels of UV radiation using measurements of ozone (from satellites or from ground-based networks) in conjunction with measurements of total solar radiation obtained from extensive meteorological networks. We cannot yet be sure whether global ozone has reached a minimum. Atmospheric chlorine concentrations are beginning to decrease. However, bromine concentrations are still increasing. While these halogen concentrations remain high, the ozone layer remains vulnerable to further depletion from events such as volcanic eruptions that inject material into the stratosphere. Interactions between global warming and ozone depletion could delay ozone recovery by several years, and this topic remains an area of intense research interest. Future changes in greenhouse gases will affect the future evolution of ozone through chemical, radiative, and dynamic processes In this highly coupled system, an evaluation of the relative importance of these processes is difficult: studies are ongoing. A reliable assessment of these effects on total column ozone is limited by uncertainties in lower stratospheric response to these changes. At several sites, changes in UV differ from those expected from ozone changes alone, possibly as a result of long-term changes in aerosols, snow cover, or clouds. This indicates a possible interaction between climate change and UV radiation. Cloud reflectance measured by satellite has shown a long-term increase at some locations, especially in the Antarctic region, but also in Central Europe, which would tend to reduce the UV radiation. Even with the expected decreases in atmospheric chlorine, it will be several years before the beginning of an ozone recovery can be unambiguously identified at individual locations. Because UV-B is more variable than ozone, any identification of its recovery would be further delayed.

Earth, Planet↗

Anaesthetic depth at induction. An evaluation using clinical eye signs and EEG polysomnography.

We describe the stages of non-REM sleep induced by anaesthesia with sevoflurane 8% in oxygen and relate these stages to clinical eye positions. We explored John Snow's observation (1847) that 'when voluntary movement ceases, with the eyes fixed in an upward gaze during the gas induction of anaesthesia, the patient is protected against the risk of mental suffering' (awareness). Unpremedicated ASA 1 patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy were studied using EEG polysomnographic principles and clinical eye movement tracking. The results expressed as median and range were: latency to stage 1 sleep 4.5 min [2.5-7.5], stage 2 sleep 5 min [3.5-8.5], stage 3 sleep 5.5 min [4-12] and stage 4 sleep 6 min [4.5-15.5]. Eye position 5, the point of no further eye movement, was reached after 9 min [5.5-18.5]. This was significantly longer than the time taken to reach the stage 4 sleep EEG, p < 0.01, supporting Snow's observation and encouraging investigation into eye movement tracking technology as a potential monitor of anaesthetic depth.

Adolescent↗

Determination of methyl- and ethylmercury in natural waters at sub-nanogram per liter using SCF-adsorbent preconcentration procedure.

An analytical procedure for determining methyl- and ethylmercury (MeHg/EtHg) in natural waters is described. MeHg/EtHg was preconcentrated from water on a sulfhydryl cotton fiber (SCF) adsorbent and eluted with a small volume of a mixture of 1 M hydrochloric acid and 2 M sodium chloride. The eluate was extracted with benzene. The measurements of MeHg/EtHg in benzene extract were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detector. The detection limit for MeHg/EtHg was about 0.04 ng L-1 using a 20 L water sample. The precision was about 20%. The application of the proposed method to one snow and four freshwater samples varying in humus content is described. The MeHg concentrations found in different freshwater samples were ranged from 0.09 to 0.22 ng L-1 and the recoveries of spiked MeHg were ranged from 42 to 68% which were strongly correlated to the content of humic substances. The MeHg concentration found in snow was 0.28 ng L-1 and the recovery was 79%. The analytical results of MeHg concentration in freshwater samples are discussed in relation to the pH used in the preconcentration, the humus content, the fraction of methylmercury in organic bound mercury and mercury in fish.

Adsorption↗

Factors associated with detection of bromoxynil in a sample of rural residents.

In regions of intensive crop production residents may be exposed to herbicides through direct contact or environmental sources. The environmental herbicide exposures of rural populations and resultant potential health effects are not well understood. Epidemiologic studies or herbicides have focused on occupational exposures using, primarily, self-reported data (e.g., information on occupational and non-occupational herbicide use, agricultural practices and exposures, farm residence). Herbicide exposure characterization in epidemiologic research would be strengthened by the use of self-reported data and biological monitoring (e.g. measuring the herbicide parent compound or its metabolites in blood or urine specimens) to classify individual exposures, identify factors associated with exposure, and obtain integrated estimates of exposure. As both exposure metrics are susceptible to measurement error and some self-reported and biological monitoring data might not be correlated, a worthwhile first step is to identify self-reported data that are statistically associated with biological measures or exposure. This study use gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis to measure blood plasma concentrations of target herbicides in a sample of rural residents (men, women, and youths) of Saskatchewan, Canada, and identified factors, based on self-reported data, associated with detection. The questionnaire data and blood specimens were collected in February/March 1996 during winter (frozen soil and water and snow cover) conditions. Sixty-four of the 332 study participants (19.3%) had detectable levels of the herbicide bromoxynil although herbicide application in the region had not occurred for approximately 5 mo and bromoxynil has a relatively short environmental half-life. The prevalence of detection of other target herbicides (2,4-D, triallate, trifluralin, dicamba, fenoxaprop, MCPA, and ethalfluralin) varied from 0.3% to 2.7%. Self reported factors identified in the multiple-variable analysis as statistically significant predictors of bromoxynil detection included recent exposure to grain production as the main farming operation (statistically significant for producers and for non-farming family members of producers), a history of bromoxynil use, a history of having felt ill with a pesticide exposure and a history of pesticide spill on skin or clothing, with apparent gender differences in the relative importance of these factors. Detection of bromoxynil in this rural sample, 3-4 mo after freeze-up and winter snow cover, suggests either that bromoxynil is very slowly metabolized/excreted from the body or study participants were environmentally or occupationally exposed tothe herbicide during this period. Further research is needed to elucidate the pathways of exposure, biological half-life, and potentialhuman health effects of bromoxynil.

Adolescent↗

Occupational exposure to chain saw exhausts in logging operations.

The composition of exhaust emissions from two-stroke chain saw engines was studied. The emissions of exhaust were sampled and analyzed under controlled laboratory experiments. The compounds sampled were those considered primarily responsible for acute health effects--hydrocarbons, aldehydes, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Exposure to tetramethyllead, dibromoethane and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons also was monitored. The results revealed no significant differences in the exhaust emissions from seven different chain saws. Heavily worn-out chain saws do not emit increased amounts of exhaust. A lean fuel-air mixture increases the emission of aldehydes and nitrogen oxides, whereas a rich mixture increases emission of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Based on these new data on the composition of two-stroke chain saw exhaust emissions, operator exposure to chain saw exhaust was evaluated under various logging situations. Exposure measurements revealed no difference in average levels of exposure between logging in the presence or in the absence of snow. The felling operation, however, results in high exposure levels of short duration--especially when the operation is performed while there is deep snow on the ground. (This operation excludes limbing and bucking into lengths.) This is judged to be the main cause of the discomfort experienced by loggers. Average exposure levels for loggers engaged only in felling are twice those for cutters who also perform limbing, bucking and manual skidding of the timber, since these latter operations involve considerably lower exposure. Typical average levels of exposure are as follows: hydrocarbons, 20 mg/m3; benzene, 0.6 mg/m3; formaldehyde, 0.1 mg/m3; and carbon monoxide, 20 mg/m3.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Skiing and snowboarding injuries and their impact on the emergency care system in South Tyrol: a restrospective analysis for the winter season 2001--2002.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence and the pattern of skiing and snowboarding injuries in South Tyrol and their impact on the emergency medical system in the winter season 2001--2002 in an attempt to rationalize and improve the emergency care and assist in prevention strategies. METHODS: All medical records of patients referred to our emergency department (ED) that sustained a skiing or snow-boarding injury during the study period were retrospectively reviewed. Age, sex, local or non-local residency, type of injury, data and time of accident, type of transport to the hospital, hospital admission or ED discharge, Injury Severity Score, outcome (including mortality) were evaluated. On site mortality data were obtained from the emergency call-center registry. Ski resorts utilization was estimated from the data published by the Regional Office of Cable Transport. RESULTS: For the period analyzed approximately 2,500,000 skier and snowboarder days were recorded in the whole region of which about 500,000 were attributed to the four nearby ski resorts that refer to our hospital. Of the 1087 patients, 794 were skiers and 294 were snowboarders. Snow-boarders were younger than skiers (mean age 20 and 36 respectively, p = 0.001). Females were equally represented in the two groups. Male patients, children, senior skiers and non-local residents suffered from more severe injuries than their corresponding classes (p < 0.01, p = 0.002, p = 0.02, p = 0.000 respectively). Critical injuries (ISS > or = 25) were homogeneously spread in the groups, with the exception of the non-local resident patients that showed a higher incidence (p < 0.02). No difference in severity was found between skiers and snowboarders. The incidence was 2.05 per 1,000 skier-days. Mortality rate was 1.6 per 1,000,000 skier-days. The pattern of injury was different: snowboarders showed more forearm and wrist trauma and skiers more lower extremity injuries. 208 patients were hospitalized and the mean length of stay was 4.5 days. Head trauma and fractures were the most common diagnosis of admission. The lack of field triage led to 12% of unjustified helicopter transfer and 9.6% of avoidable ambulance transport. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence, pattern of injuries and mortality from skiing and snowboarding accidents in South Tyrol resemble those reported in other part of the world. Nevertheless, strategies for prevention are needed. The routine use of helmets should be enforced by law. Dangerous behaviors should be prosecuted. Skiers and snowboarders should be made aware that skiing beyond their technical ability can be life-threatening.

Adolescent↗

Drunk, drowsy, doped: skiers' and snowboarders' injury risk perceptions regarding alcohol, fatigue and recreational drug use.

The objective was to investigate perceptions of snowfield resort visitors about injury risk regarding alcohol, fatigue and recreational drug use. Visitors to a resort village in a large Australian snowfield region completed a brief survey about fatigue, alcohol and recreational drug use and injury risk perception. Participants stated their ability to ski or snowboard and drive safely following a lack of sleep, alcohol and recreational drug use. Intoxicated snowfield resort visitors were compared with non-intoxicated visitors. Safety beliefs across snow sport and transport were compared. Participants reported that they generally slept less than usual and 30% reported both drinking alcohol and using drugs more than usual while visiting the snowfields. Participants perceived driving as a greater injury risk than skiing/snowboarding (p < 0.001). Fatigue was perceived as a relatively weak injury risk factor, particularly whilst skiing and snowboarding. Awareness needs to be raised among snowfield resort visitors about the contribution of alcohol, fatigue and recreational drug use to snow sport and transport-related injury risk.

Adult↗

Body temperatures and activity patterns of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) and eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus) through a subalpine winter.

During a field study of carnivorous dasyurid marsupials in subalpine Tasmania, the trapping success for Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii), but not for spotted-tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) or eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus), was significantly lower when winter weather conditions turned to sleet or snow or when deep snow lay on the ground. This field study was instigated to determine if devils and eastern quolls spend more time in burrows in severe weather conditions and if they enter torpor. Torpor is known to occur in eutherian mammals as large as devils and in a similar-sized congeneric marsupial, the western quoll (Dasyurus geoffroyi). Using radiotelemetry, body temperatures of Tasmanian devils and eastern quolls ranging freely in their natural habitat were monitored throughout winter. Neither species was observed in torpor, even under prolonged severe weather conditions, and the number of hours spent active not did differ between summer and winter or between moderate and severe winter weather conditions. Body temperatures averaged 36.5 degrees C (SD = 0.079, range of 33.5 degrees-38.6 degrees C) for the three male eastern quolls and 35.7 degrees C (SD = 0.575, range of 31.3 degrees-37.5 degrees C) for the four (male and female) devils. A diel cycle in body temperature occurred in both species; temperatures rose each evening when animals became active, remained high throughout the night despite ambient temperatures falling to the diel minima, and were lower during the day when the individuals were inactive in dens. The amplitude of this cycle was greater in eastern quolls (1.1 degrees C, SD = 0.142) than in devils (0.6 degree C, SD = 0.252).

Analysis of Variance↗

Vector competence of selected mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) for California strains of Northway virus (Bunyaviridae: Bunyavirus).

Selected mosquito species from Central Valley, coastal, and alpine habitats of California were evaluated for their vector competence for Northway (NOR) virus. Culiseta incidens Thomson, Culiseta inornata (Williston), and Anopheles freeborni Aitken were the only competent vectors when fed virus. Aedes sierrensis (Ludlow), as well as alpine snow pool Aedes (i.e., Ae. cataphylla Dyar, Ae. hexodontus Dyar, Ae. increpitus Dyar and Ae. tahoensis Dyar), Ae. melanimon Dyar, Ae. washinoi Lanzaro & Eldridge, Culex erythrothorax Dyar, and Cx. tarsalis Coquillett were highly refractory to peroral infection. Alpine snow pool species were poor vectors even following parenteral infection, but 21-35% of intrathoracically inoculated Ae. sierrensis from several lower elevation localities and 39-46% of parenterally infected Cx. tarsalis were able to transmit NOR virus per os. Perorally infected Cs. inornata transmitted NOR virus vertically to their F1 adult progeny at a low rate (minimal filial infection rate, 1:248).

Animals↗

Health care workers' ability and willingness to report to duty during catastrophic disasters.

Catastrophic disasters create surge capacity needs for health care systems. This is especially true in the urban setting because the high population density and reliance on complex urban infrastructures (e.g., mass transit systems and high rise buildings) could adversely affect the ability to meet surge capacity needs. To better understand responsiveness in this setting, we conducted a survey of health care workers (HCWs) (N =6,428) from 47 health care facilities in New York City and the surrounding metropolitan region to determine their ability and willingness to report to work during various catastrophic events. A range of facility types and sizes were represented in the sample. Results indicate that HCWs were most able to report to work for a mass casualty incident (MCI) (83%), environmental disaster (81%), and chemical event (71%) and least able to report during a smallpox epidemic (69%), radiological event (64%), sudden acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) outbreak (64%), or severe snow storm (49%). In terms of willingness, HCWs were most willing to report during a snow storm (80%), MCI (86%), and environmental disaster (84%) and least willing during a SARS outbreak (48%), radiological event (57%), smallpox epidemic (61%), and chemical event (68%). Barriers to ability included transportation problems, child care, eldercare, and pet care obligations. Barriers to willingness included fear and concern for family and self and personal health problems. The findings were consistent for all types of facilities. Importantly, many of the barriers identified are amenable to interventions.

Adolescent↗