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Abstract: Based on three national surveys (European School Survey on Alcohol and Other Drugs [ESPAD] 1999, ESPAD 2003, ESPAD 2007) on a representative sample of 16-year-old young people (N >2500 for each survey), the author has observed an increase in the consumption of anabolic steroids, more important among girls (from 0.6% in 1999 to 1.6% in 2007, P <0.001), than among boys (from 1.0% in 1999 to 1.6% in 2007, NS). Most of these youngsters participate actively in sports, athletics or exercising daily. Anabolic steroid consumers also have a high consumption rate of alcohol, tobacco or cannabis, and are known for violent behaviour. The authors conclude that a more global approach to youngsters is necessary to prevent consumption of anabolic steroids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Objective: Injury proneness is common in adolescents, but the role of individual factors has received little attention. This study assessed the relationships of a number of individual characteristics with frequency of school injuries. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 2396 students from middle schools and high schools in an urban area in France over one school year. questionnaire was completed by each student at the beginning of the school year, and an injury questionnaire was completed for all injuries that occurred at school during the year. Data were analysed using the χ2 independence test and logistic models. Results: Over the study year, 10.6% of the students had a single injury. Frequent injuries (two or more) were common (2.3%) and were strongly related to younger age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.52, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.28-1.79], frequent use of psychotropic drugs (aOR 2.03, 95%CI 1.06-3.86) and a poorer average school mark (< 10/20, aOR 2.58, 95%CI 1.30-5.12). The occurrence of a single injury was less strongly related to younger age (aOR 1.20, 95%CI 1.11-1.30) and frequent use of psychotropic drugs (aOR 1.43, 95%CI 1.04-1.96), and was also associated with parental absence (aOR 1.33, 95%CI 1.00-1.77), not being calm (aOR 1.41, 95% 1.03-1.89) and not being easily irritated (aOR 1.56, 95%CI 1.14-2.13). Conclusions: This study identified a number of factors associated with injury frequency. This information could be useful for injury prevention. Physicians could help students, parents, teachers and school staff to be more aware of the risks and to find remedial measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The seamless tube-making process often causes wall-thickness variations generally in a helical pattern along the tube length. A laser-ultrasonic system installed immediately after the final operation in tube making provides process monitoring. Tube wall thickness and temperature measurements guide the mill adjustments to achieve the desired tolerances. Using the same ultrasonic signals, additional functionality provides the ability to measure the size of austenite grains. A signal processing approach based on a single echo analysis is used for determining wall thickness and austenitic grain size in relatively thick materials. Discussions review challenges specific to on-line conditions such as limited signal-to-noise ratio. A statistical comparison with metallographic results shows that the laser-ultrasonic grain sizes determined on-line have at least the same accuracy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]