Behaviour of bicyclists in Al-Ain city, Unted Arab Emirats: an observational study

We aimed to study the behaviour of bicyclists in Al-Ain city so as to define the level of safety of cycling. 415 bicyclists were observed on the main roads of Al-Ain city over a period of 6 weeks.57% [236] of these observations were at day light hours and 43% [179] were during night. 99.5% [413] of bicycle riders were males. 97% [403] were adults, and 98% [407] were non-local, mainly from the Indian continent. In 91% [377] there was only one rideer while in 9% [38] there were two riders. 70% [289] were on the main road in contact with high speed vehicles while 30% [126] were on a side path or pavement. 54% [223] rode with the direction of traffic and 46% [192] against it. Only 0.5% [2] used helmets and 1% [2/179] used lights at night. Safety standards for bicycle riders in Al-Ain city are alarmingly low. These standards should be raised both by public education and law

Strategy to improve road safety in developing countries

To review the road safety situation in developed and developing countries compared with the Arabian Gulf countries and suggest a strategy to improve it. The role of road engineers in reducing accidents is highlighted. This is a retrospective study of road traffic accidents [RTAS] for a period from 1988 to 1998 in Arabian Gulf Countries. The data was taken from the Directorate of Traffic and Ministry of Health records in Gulf Countries. Additional data was obtained from other sources including the World Health Organizations Statistics Annuals, International Road Federation, Transport Road Research Laboratory and accident facts publications. Overall fatality and injury rates of RTAs were calculated. The lack of reliable data is a serious problem in most of the developing countries. It is quite reasonable to assume that the incidence of accidents is much larger than actually reported. A comparison of vehicle ownership levels and safety parameters in both developed and developing countries is presented to highlight the relative seriousness of the road safety situation in different countries. The fatality rates [per population and per vehicles] are selected for comparison purposes from developed and developing countries. Road traffic accidents continue to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the Arabian Gulf Countries leading to substantial wastage of life and national resources. Further investigation is essential and will require close inter-sectoral collaboration between, traffic police, health, law, and transport authorities. Developing a research strategy for prevention will reduce casualties and death on the road

Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis complicating appendicular masses

Mesenteric vein thrombosis [MVT] is rare. Its diagnosis is usually difficult and delayed. Herein, we report 2 patients who developed MVT as a complication of an appendicular mass. One of them had appendectomy and developed fever 10 days postoperatively. The other was treated conservatively. An abdominal computerized tomography [CT] scan with intravenous contrast was helpful in diagnosing the superior MVT in both patients, which were not suspected. Intravenous contrast should be used when performing CT of an appendicular mass. Special interest should be directed at studying the superior mesenteric vein. Early diagnosis of our patients helped to start early medical treatment with anticoagulation