bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Archaeal Homolog of Bacterial Type IV Prepilin Signal Peptidases with Broad Substrate Specificity
Authors: Albers Sonja-Verena , Szabó Zalán , Driessen Arnold J. M.
Published: June 2003

A large number of secretory proteins in the thermoacidophile
Sulfolobus solfataricus
are synthesized as a precursor with an unusual leader peptide that resembles bacterial type IV prepilin signal sequences. This set of proteins includes the flagellin subunit but also various solute binding proteins. Here we describe the identification of the
S. solfataricus
homolog of bacterial type IV prepilin peptidases, termed PibD. PibD is an integral membrane protein that is phylogenetically related to the bacterial enzymes. When heterologously expressed in
Escherichia coli
, PibD is capable of processing both the flagellin and glucose-binding protein (GlcS) precursors. Site-directed mutagenesis of the GlcS signal peptide shows that the substrate specificity of PibD is consistent with the variations found in proteins with type IV prepilin-like signal sequences of
S. solfataricus
. We conclude that PibD is responsible for the processing of these secretory proteins in
S. solfataricus
.
Whole-Genome DNA Microarray Analysis of a Hyperthermophile and an Archaeon:
Pyrococcus furiosus
Grown on Carbohydrates or Peptides
Authors: Schut Gerrit J. , Brehm Scott D. , Datta Susmita , Adams Michael W. W.
Published: June 2003

The first complete-genome DNA microarray was constructed for a hyperthermophile or a nonhalophilic archaeon by using the 2,065 open reading frames (ORFs) that have been annotated in the genome of
Pyrococcus furiosus
(optimal growth temperature, 100°C). This was used to determine relative transcript levels in cells grown at 95°C with either peptides or a carbohydrate (maltose) used as the primary carbon source. Approximately 20% (398 of 2065) of the ORFs did not appear to be significantly expressed under either growth condition. Of the remaining 1,667 ORFs, the expression of 125 of them (8%) differed by more than fivefold between the two cultures, and 82 of the 125 (65%) appear to be part of operons, indicating extensive coordinate regulation. Of the 27 operons that are regulated, 5 of them encode (conserved) hypothetical proteins. A total of 18 operons are up-regulated (greater than fivefold) in maltose-grown cells, including those responsible for maltose transport and for the biosynthesis of 12 amino acids, of ornithine, and of citric acid cycle intermediate products. A total of nine operons are up-regulated (greater than fivefold) in peptide-grown cells, including those encoding enzymes involved in the production of acyl and aryl acids and 2-ketoacids, which are used for energy conservation. Analyses of the spent growth media confirmed the production of branched-chain and aromatic acids during growth on peptides. In addition, six nonlinked enzymes in the pathways of sugar metabolism were regulated more than fivefold—three in maltose-grown cells that are unique to the unusual glycolytic pathway and three in peptide-grown cells that are unique to gluconeogenesis. The catalytic activities of 16 metabolic enzymes whose expression appeared to be highly regulated in the two cell types correlated very well with the microarray data. The degree of coordinate regulation revealed by the microarray data was unanticipated and shows that
P. furiosus
can readily adapt to a change in its primary carbon source.
Characterization and Functional Complementation of a Nonlethal Deletion in the Chromosome of a β-Glycosidase Mutant of
Sulfolobus solfataricus
Authors: Bartolucci Simonetta , Rossi Mosè , Cannio Raffaele
Published: June 2003

LacS
−
mutants of
Sulfolobus solfataricus
defective in β-glycosidase activity were isolated in order to explore genomic instability and exploit novel strategies for transformation and complementation. One of the mutants showed a stable phenotype with no reversion; analysis of its chromosome revealed the total absence of the β-glycosidase gene (
lacS
). Fine mapping performed in comparison to the genomic sequence of
S. solfataricus
P2 indicated an extended deletion of ∼13 kb. The sequence analysis also revealed that this chromosomal rearrangement was a nonconservative transposition event driven by the mobile insertion sequence element ISC
1058
. In order to complement the LacS
−
phenotype, an expression vector was constructed by inserting the
lacS
coding sequence with its 5′ and 3′ flanking regions into the pEXSs plasmid. Since no transformant could be recovered by selection on lactose as the sole nutrient, another plasmid construct containing a larger genomic fragment was tested for complementation; this region also comprised the
lacTr
(lactose transporter) gene encoding a putative membrane protein homologous to the major facilitator superfamily. Cells transformed with both genes were able to form colonies on lactose plates and to be stained with the β-glycosidase chromogenic substrate X-Gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoyl-β-
d
-galactopyranoside).
Physiological Responses of the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon “
Pyrococcus abyssi
” to DNA Damage Caused by Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Jolivet Edmond , Matsunaga Fujihiko , Ishino Yoshizumi , Forterre Patrick , Prieur Daniel , Myllykallio Hannu
Published: June 2003

The mechanisms by which hyperthermophilic
Archaea
, such as “
Pyrococcus abyssi
” and
Pyrococcus furiosus
, survive high doses of ionizing gamma irradiation are not thoroughly elucidated. Following gamma-ray irradiation at 2,500 Gy, the restoration of “
P. abyssi
” chromosomes took place within chromosome fragmentation. DNA synthesis in irradiated “
P. abyssi
” cells during the DNA repair phase was inhibited in comparison to nonirradiated control cultures, suggesting that DNA damage causes a replication block in this organism. We also found evidence for transient export of damaged DNA out of irradiated “
P. abyssi
” cells prior to a restart of chromosomal DNA synthesis. Our cell fractionation assays further suggest that “
P. abyssi
” contains a highly efficient DNA repair system which is continuously ready to repair the DNA damage caused by high temperature and/or ionizing radiation.
Purification and Characterization of a Monooxygenase Involved in the Biosynthetic Pathway of the Antitumor Drug Mithramycin
Authors: Rodríguez David , Quirós Luis M. , Braña Alfredo F. , Salas José A.
Published: June 2003

A monooxygenase encoded by the
mtmOIV
gene from the mithramycin gene cluster of
Streptomyces argillaceus
was purified 21-fold by a three-step purification procedure. This monooxygenase catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of the fourth ring of premithramycin B. The enzyme was dependent on NADPH and flavin adenine dinucleotide for activity with optimal pH at 9.5, and the

K
m

values for NADPH and premithramycin B were 269.22 and 23.35 μM, respectively. The reaction catalyzed by MtmOIV yields two possible isomers of the same basic shortened aliphatic chain molecule. One of the reaction products showed important biological activity, thus highlighting the importance of the cleavage of the fourth ring of the aglycon for biological activity.
Genome Analysis of a Novel Shiga Toxin 1 (Stx1)-Converting Phage Which Is Closely Related to Stx2-Converting Phages but Not to Other Stx1-Converting Phages
Authors: Sato Toshio , Shimizu Takeshi , Watarai Masahisa , Kobayashi Midori , Kano Shigeyuki , Hamabata Takashi , Takeda Yoshifumi , Yamasaki Shinji
Published: June 2003

Two Stx-converting phages, designated Stx1φ and Stx2φ-II, were isolated from an
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 strain, Morioka V526, and their entire nucleotide sequences were determined. The genomes of both phages were similar except for the
stx
gene-flanking regions. Comparing these phages to other known Stx-converting phages, we concluded that Stx1φ is a novel Stx1-converting phage closely related to Stx2-converting phages so far reported.
The
dinB
Operon and Spontaneous Mutation in
Escherichia
coli
Authors: McKenzie Gregory J. , Magner Daniel B. , Lee Peter L. , Rosenberg Susan M.
Published: June 2003

Apparently conflicting data regarding the role of SOS-inducible, error-prone DNA polymerase IV (DinB) in spontaneous mutation are resolved by the finding that mutation is reduced by a polar allele with which
dinB
and neighboring
yafN
are deleted but not by two nonpolar
dinB
alleles. We demonstrate the existence of a
dinB
operon that contains four genes,
dinB
-
yafN
-
yafO
-
yafP
. The results imply a role for
yafN
,
yafO
, and/or
yafP
in spontaneous mutation.
The ATPase FliI Can Interact with the Type III Flagellar Protein Export Apparatus in the Absence of Its Regulator, FliH
Authors: Minamino Tohru , González-Pedrajo Bertha , Kihara May , Namba Keiichi , Macnab Robert M.
Published: June 2003

Salmonella
FliI is the ATPase that drives flagellar protein export. It normally exists as a complex together with the regulatory protein FliH. A
fliH
null mutant was slightly motile, with overproduction of FliI resulting in substantial improvement of its motility. Mutations in the cytoplasmic domains of FlhA and FlhB, which are integral membrane components of the type III flagellar export apparatus, also resulted in substantially improved motility, even at normal FliI levels. Thus, FliH, though undoubtedly important, is not essential.
Disquac Characterization of the Carbonyl-Chlorine Interactions in Binary Mixtures of Linear Ketone with Chloroalkane
Authors: Dragoescu Dana , Teodorescu Mariana , Barhala Alexandru , Wichterle Ivan
Published: June 2003

Both the published and our new data on vapour-liquid equilibrium, excess Gibbs energy GE and excess enthalpy HE for the linear ketone-chloroalkane binary mixtures are interpreted in terms of the DISQUAC group contribution model. The components are characterized by three types of contact surfaces: chlorine (Cl), carbonyl (C=O) and alkyl (CH3, CH2, CH, C). The Cl/alkyl and C=O/alkyl contact parameters are known from the literature. The parameters for C=O/Cl are re-evaluated here using extensive data on linear ketone-chloroalkane mixtures. It was found that the best description of ketone mixtures with 1-chloroalkane, trichloromethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, tetrachloromethane and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane is obtained using a dispersive contribution of the C=O/Cl contact only. On the other hand the quasichemical term cannot be neglected for the ketone-α,ω-dichloroalkane systems. The newly evaluated interaction parameters for DISQUAC model enable good prediction of phase equilibrium and thermodynamic properties GE and HE as well as the temperature dependence of GE.
Spin-Echo Experiment with NMR Spectra only Partially Narrowed by an Insufficiently Fast Motion
Authors: Jakeš Jaromír
Published: June 2003

The spin-echo experiment on a spin system with only partial motional narrowing and an exponential field autocorrelation function is considered. The pattern of the intensity decrease in the echo spectra depends on the ratio τ/τc of the time delay τ in the echo experiment to the correlation time τc of the narrowing motion. With the large ratios (fast motion), the decrease is the same as in the case of extreme narrowing; to obtain undistorted T2 values, the ratio should be at least several units in the single-echo experiment and at least few decades in the multiple-echo experiment. With the small ratios (slow motion), the logarithmic decrease depends non-linearly on τ, and the T2 value found by the linear least-squares adjustment is much longer than that obtained from the extreme narrowing approximation. At very small ratios, the multiple echo yields about 3τc/(ωpτ)2 for T2 as compared with 1/(ωp2rc) obtained from the extreme narrowing approximation; ωp2 is the second moment of the Gaussian line being narrowed. The expression for T2 in the multiple spin echo is similar to that previously found for T2e in the solid multiple spin echo. The echo experiment changes the line shape, which at large τ/τc approaches the Lorentzian one. The case of a multiexponential field autocorrelation function is also briefly considered.
Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Spaced Ferrocene Oxazolines
Authors: Štěpnička Petr , Baše Tomáš , Císařová Ivana , Kubišta Jiří , Vyskočil Štěpán , Štícha Martin
Published: June 2003

Chiral 2-[{N-aryl-N-(ferrocenylmethyl)amino}methyl]-4-(1-methylethyl)-4,5-dihydroxazoles with various substituents at the aryl ring were prepared by alkylation of N-(ferrocenylmethyl)anilines, FcCH2NHC6H4R (Fc = ferrocenyl), with (S)-2-(chloromethyl)-4-(1-methylethyl)-4,5-dihydrooxazole. The oxazoles, substituted anilines, and the precursors of the latter, the respective Schiff bases FcCH=NC6H4R, were characterized by standard methods and further studied by mass spectrometry. The oxazoles were further tested as chiral auxiliaries in the addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde but showed only negligible asymmetric induction (ee ca 10%), most likely due to steric hindrance of the nitrogen donor centres. This steric restriction seems to be lowered upon replacement of the substituted phenyl group with a benzyl substituent; compounds FcCH2NHCH2Ph and (R)-FcCH2NHCH(Me)Ph are easily alkylated yielding [FcCH2NMe2(CH2Ph)]I (9) and 2-[{N-(1-phenylethyl)-N-(ferrocenylmethyl)amino}methyl]-4-(1-methylethyl)-4,5-dihydroxazole (10), respectively. Solid-state structures of FcCH2NHC6H4R (R = 2-Me and 4-Cl), 9, and 10 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Syntheses and Structure Study on 3,3aλ4,4-Trithia-1-azapentalenes and Their 3-Oxa Analogues
Authors: Čmelík Richard , Čajan Michal , Marek Jaromír , Pazdera Pavel
Published: June 2003

Reactions of nitrile, amide or ester of 5-amino-3-thioxo-3H-1,2-dithiole-4-carboxylic acid 1 with alkylation and acylation agents were studied. "Ionic" 1,2-dithiole amides 6 were formed in several ways. Treatment with phosphorus pentasulfide afforded the corresponding 3,3aλ4,4-trithia-1-azapentalenes 7. Structures of the synthesized heterocycles were studied using a combination of X-ray analysis, IR spectroscopy, and HF and DFT quantum-chemical calculations.
Improved Synthesis of 1,2-trans-Acetates and 1,2-trans Ethyl 1-Thioglycosides Derived from 3,4,6-Tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-D-hexopyranosides
Authors: Veselý Jan , Ledvina Miroslav , Jindřich Jindřich , Šaman David , Trnka Tomáš
Published: June 2003

Effective one-pot synthesis of 1,2-trans-acetates 4b, 5b and 6a derived from N-phthaloyl-protected D-glucosamine, D-galactosamine and D-mannosamine, respectively, is presented. Anomerisation of the corresponding 1,2-cis-acetates 4a, 5a and 6b and direct conversion of all of them to 1,2-trans ethyl 1-thioglycosides 7, 8 and 9 are also described and discussed.
On the Relationship between the Structure and Antimycobacterial Activity of Substituted N-Benzylsalicylamides
Authors: Waisser Karel , Peřina Milan , Klimešová Věra , Kaustová Jarmila
Published: June 2003

Sixty-six N-benzylsalicylamides substituted in the acyl moiety in positions 3, 4 or 5 and in position 4 on the benzylic aromatic ring were synthesized. The compounds were tested for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium kansasii and Mycobacterium avium. To evaluate structure-antimycobacterial activity relationships (QSARs), approaches based on the Free-Wilson as well as a combination of the Free-Wilson and Hansch methods were employed (substituent constants were used to describe the influence of the benzyl substituents, indicator parameters were used for the substituents on the acyl moiety). The use of the Hammett constants for benzyl substituents was not important for QSAR equations. The quadratic representation of lipophilicity parameters (π2) was significant only in QSAR equations of antimycobacterial activity against M. avium.
Synthesis of Tricycles Based on 1,6-Anhydro-β-D-hexopyranoses Fused with Morpholine. 3,10,12-Trioxa-6-azatricyclo[7.2.1.02,7]dodecanes
Authors: Trtek Tomáš , Černý Miloslav , Trnka Tomáš , Buděšínský Miloš , Císařová Ivana
Published: June 2003

The key step of the synthetic route was opening of the oxirane ring in 1,6:3,4-dianhydro-2-O-tosyl-β-D-galactopyranose (1) with 2-chloroethanol to give 1,6-anhydro-4-O-(2-chloroethyl)-2-O-tosyl-β-D-glucopyranose (2), which was converted in four steps into 4-O-(2-aminoethyl)-1,6:2,3-dianhydro-β-D-mannopyranose (6). The latter compound underwent intramolecular cyclisation to afford the fused morpholine derivative 3-amino-1,6-anhydro-3-deoxy-3-N,4-O-ethylene-β-D-altropyranose (7) which gave the corresponding quaternary ammonium salt 11 by N-methylation. Acid cleavage of the 1,6-anhydro bond in 7 gave 3-acetamido-3-deoxy-3-N,4-O-ethylene-D-altropyranose (9).
Circular Dichroism and Conformation of Oostatic Peptides: The Carrier-Like Role of C-Terminal Oligoproline Sequence
Authors: Maloň Petr , Dlouhá Helena , Bennettová Blanka , Tykva Richard , Hlaváček Jan
Published: June 2003

Circular dichroism spectra of the peptides H-Tyr-Asp-Pro-OH, H-Tyr-Asp-Pro-Ala-OH, H-Tyr-Asp-Pro-Ala-(Pro)n-OH (n = 1-6) and of their two methyleneoxy isosters were measured and analyzed in terms of possible interactions between the N-terminal (mostly tetrapeptide) part that is responsible for the oostatic activity and the C-terminal oligoproline sequence. The results indicate that the two parts are largely independent and that the C-terminal (Pro)n sequence serves another purpose, possibly as a carrier.
Synthesis of Homochiral Acyclic Mono- and Bis(α-amino acid)s with Oligo(oxyethylene) Chains
Authors: Bělohradský Martin , Ridvan Luděk , Závada Jiří
Published: June 2003

Synthesis of homochiral α-amino acids 3a-3e and bis(α-amino acid)s 4a-4e via BF3·Et2O-catalyzed ring-opening of methyl (S)-1-[(benzyloxy)carbonyl]aziridine-2-carboxylate (7) with oligo(ethylene glycol)s and subsequent acid hydrolysis is reported.
Electrogeneration of Conducting Poly(α-tetrathiophene). Effect of Solution Stirring and Detection of Linear Oligomers
Authors: Estrany Francesc , Oliver Ramon , García Esther , Gualba Esther , Cabot Pere-Lluís , Brillas Enric
Published: June 2003

The anodic oxidation of α-tetrathiophene on Pt was studied in a 1.0 mM monomer solution in 0.1 M LiClO4 in 45:35:20 acetonitrile/ethanol/DMF. Three consecutive oxidation peaks were detected by cyclic voltammetry, along with a cathodic peak related to the reduction of electroactive polarons formed during the first anodic process. Uniform, adherent, insoluble and black polymer films were obtained by chronoamperometry at 1.000 V vs Ag|AgCl corresponding to the first oxidation-polymerization process. Stirring of monomer solution promotes the production of polymer, favoring the oxidation of polymer chains with the incorporation of more doping ClO4- ions and ion pairs of Li+ClO4- in their monomeric units. The conductivity of the polymer obtained under stirring was three orders of magnitude higher than that synthesized from a quiescent solution. The scanning electron microscopy images also showed much more uniform films under stirring. This behavior points to the existence of less crosslinking in the polymer and the production of longer linear chains when the solution is stirred. IR analysis of these materials confirmed the formation of crosslinked chains with predominance of β-β linkages. Short linear oligomers such as the dimer, trimer and tetramer were detected in all polymers by MALDI-TOF-MS, thus showing a radical polycondensation as initial electropolymerization mechanism. A larger proportion of linear oligomers is formed under solution stirring.
Review of evaluations of educational approaches to promote safe storage of firearms: Table 1
Authors: McGee K S , Coyne-Beasley T , Johnson R M
Published: June 2003

Objective:To systematically review evaluation studies of educational interventions promoting safe firearm storage.

Methods:Medline, ERIC, PsycINFO, Criminal Justice Periodicals Index, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Sociofile were searched. The references from each potentially eligible study were checked, and experts in the field were contacted for additional reports. In addition, an internet search was performed to identify programs not published in the conventional literature. Sources relevant to safe firearm storage promotion were selected and evaluated.

Results:Seven studies met inclusion criteria: adult subjects, program description was included, and firearm storage outcomes were measured. One was a randomized controlled trial and the other six were one group pre-test and/or post-test. The studies were classified into the following categories based on the intervention strategies used: (1) counseling and firearm safety materials (n=3); (2) counseling/educational message (n=3); and (3) firearm safety materials distribution (n=1).The outcomes were safe firearms storage (firearms locked up and unloaded or removal from home) after intervention. Four studies, three using counseling and materials distribution, reported improved storage after the interventions.

Conclusions:It is not yet clear what types of interventions, or which specific intervention components, prompt gun owners to securely store their weapons. Increased understanding of gun storage behaviors and stronger evaluation designs will aid further understanding of this important issue.
Evaluation of Safe Kids Week 2001: prevention of scald and burn injuries in young children
Authors: Macarthur C
Published: June 2003

Objective:To evaluate Safe Kids Week 2001—a national public awareness campaign on scald and burn prevention—run by Safe Kids Canada.

Design:Random digit dial telephone survey.

Setting:Canada.

Subjects:Parents or guardians of children under 9 years. Two groups of parents were compared, those “exposed” to the campaign (defined as having “seen, heard, or read anything about scald and burn prevention during the period 28 May to 3 June 2001”) and those “unexposed” to the campaign.

Intervention:Burn safety information was disseminated via the media, 5000 retail stores, and 348 community partners across Canada. The campaign emphasized four key messages: (1) Lower your water temperature, hot tap water could burn your child! (2) Make sure your child is safe in the kitchen. (3) Keep hot drinks away from your child. (4) Check your smoke alarms regularly.

Outcome measures:Change in parental knowledge and behavior.

Results:A total of 29 871 telephone numbers were called, with a household refusal rate of 27%. Nationally, 14% of parents were exposed to the campaign and 504 parents were interviewed, 251 in the “exposed” group and 253 in the “unexposed” group. Parents exposed to Safe Kids Week 2001 were 1.5–5 times more likely to be aware of key campaign messages, and 2–3 times more likely to test and lower the water heater temperature, compared with unexposed parents.

Conclusion:Safe Kids Week 2001 reached a significant proportion of parents of young children. In addition, the campaign appeared to increase burn safety knowledge and lead to behavior changes among exposed parents, compared with unexposed parents.
Sports and recreation related injury episodes in the US population, 1997–99
Authors: Conn J M , Annest J L , Gilchrist J
Published: June 2003

Objective:To characterize sports and recreation related (SR) injury episodes in the US population. SR activities are growing in popularity suggesting the need for increased awareness of SR injuries as a public health concern for physically active persons of all ages in the US population.

Setting:The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is a face-to-face household survey conducted yearly by the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Demographic and health data are collected from a nationally representative sample of the civilian, non-institutionalized population residing in the US.

Methods:Medically attended injury events reported in the 1997–99 Injury Section of the NHIS were categorized according to the associated sport or recreational activity using a classification scheme based on the International Classification of External Causes of Injury system. Episodes where the injured person received any type of medical attention (that is, medical advice or treatment) from any health care provider were used to report the incidence, severity, and nature of SR injuries sustained by US citizens.

Results:Annually, an estimated seven million Americans received medical attention for SR injuries (25.9 injury episodes per 1000 population). For 5–24 year olds, this national estimate was about 42% higher than estimates based on SR injuries seen only in emergency departments over a similar time frame. The highest average annual SR injury episode rates were for children ages 5–14 years (59.3 per 1000 persons) and persons aged 15–24 years (56.4 per 1000 persons). The SR injury episode rate for males was more than twice the rate for females. The age adjusted injury rate for whites was 1.5 times higher than for blacks (28.8v19.0 per 1000 population). Basketball was the most frequently mentioned SR activity when the injury episode occurred, with a rate of about four injury events per 1000 population. Strains and sprains accounted for 31% of injury episodes. An estimated 1.1 million SR episode related injuries involve the head or neck region, of which 17% were internal head injuries. The most common mechanisms of injury were struck by/against (34%), fall (28%), and overexertion (13%).

Conclusion:As physical activity continues to be promoted as part of a healthy lifestyle, SR injuries are becoming an important public health concern for both children and adults. Prevention efforts aimed at reducing SR injuries through targeting high risk activities, places of occurrence, activity, risk behaviors, and use of protective devices need to go beyond focusing on children and also consider physically active adults.
Productivity losses from injury in China
Authors: Zhou Y , Baker T D , Rao K , Li G
Published: June 2003

Objective:To examine the productivity losses and costs of injury and disease in China using an improved approach.

Methods:Potentially productive years of life lost (PPYLL) were calculated for injury and four major disease groups (respiratory, cardiovascular, infectious, neoplastic).

Data sources:The mortality data are from the 1999 National Health Statistics Report and the morbidity data from the 1998 Second National Health Service Survey Report.

Results:Injuries caused an annual PPYLL of 12.6 million years, more than for any disease group. The estimated annual economic cost of injury is equivalent to US$12.5 billion, almost four times the total public health services budget of China. Motor vehicle fatalities accounted for 25% of the total PPYLL from all injury deaths.

Conclusion:Injury control and prevention programs merit priority to reflect the social and economic burden of injury in China.
Risk compensation theory and voluntary helmet use by cyclists in Spain
Authors: Lardelli-Claret P , de Dios Luna-del-Castillo J , Jiménez-Moleón J J , García-Martín M , Bueno-Cavanillas A , Gálvez-Vargas R
Published: June 2003

Objective:To obtain empirical data that might support or refute the existence of a risk compensation mechanism in connection with voluntary helmet use by Spanish cyclists.

Design:A retrospective case series.

Setting:Spain, from 1990 to 1999.

Subjects:All 22 814 cyclists involved in traffic crashes with victims, recorded in the Spanish Register of Traffic Crashes with Victims, for whom information regarding helmet use was available.

Main outcome measures:Crude and adjusted odds ratios for the relation between committing a traffic violation and using a helmet.

Results:Fifty four percent of the cyclists committed a traffic violation other than a speeding infraction. Committing a traffic violation was associated with a lower frequency of helmet use (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 0.69). Cycling at excessive or dangerous speed, a violation observed in 4.5% of the sample, was not significantly associated with helmet use either alone (aOR 0.95, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.61) or in combination with any other violation (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.20).

Conclusions:The results suggest that the subgroup of cyclists with a higher risk of suffering a traffic crash are also those in which the health consequences of the crash will probably be higher. Although the findings do not support the existence of a strong risk compensation mechanism among helmeted cyclists, this possibility cannot be ruled out.
Observational study of the extent of driving while suspended for alcohol impaired driving
Authors: McCartt A T , Geary L L , Berning A
Published: June 2003

Objective:To determine the proportion of first time driving while alcohol impaired (DWI) offenders who drive while their driver’s license is suspended.

Design:Systematic, unobtrusive observations were conducted by surveillance professionals from Pinkerton Investigative Services, Inc, of first time offenders in the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Bergen County, New Jersey. Observations included two four hour periods during suspension (one weekday morning, one Friday/Saturday evening) and two four hour periods after license reinstatement (matched by day of week and time of day). Focus groups of first time offenders were conducted in each site.

Setting:New Jersey laws pertaining to license suspension for DWI and driving while suspended are stronger than Wisconsin laws.

Subjects:93 recently convicted first time DWI offenders (57 in Milwaukee and 36 in Bergen County).

Main outcome measures:Proportion of subjects observed driving during suspension and after license reinstatement, with reference to all subjects and subjects observed traveling by any means.

Results:Of subjects observed traveling while suspended, 88% of Milwaukee subjects compared with 36% of Bergen County subjects drove. Five percent of Milwaukee subjects and 78% of Bergen County subjects reinstated their driver’s license. Bergen County subjects were significantly more likely to drive after reinstatement (54%) than during suspension (25%).

Conclusion:Prevalence of driving while suspended among first time offenders is high and can vary substantially between jurisdictions. However, the license suspension can have a positive impact on the driving patterns of offenders during suspension, relative to after license reinstatement. Lower prevalence of driving while suspended in New Jersey may partly be attributable to that state’s tougher laws.
A randomised trial of hip protector use by frail older women living in their own homes
Authors: Cameron I D , Cumming R G , Kurrle S E , Quine S , Lockwood K , Salkeld G , Finnegan T
Published: June 2003

Objectives:To investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of hip protectors in frail community living older women.

Design:Randomised controlled trial.

Setting:Aged care health services in New South Wales, Australia.

Patients:600 women 74 years of age or more (mean age 83 years), who had two or more falls or one fall requiring hospital admission in the previous year, and who lived in their own homes.

Intervention:Use of hip protectors.

Main outcome measures:Adherence with use of hip protectors, falls, incidence of hip fracture, and adverse effects of use of hip protectors.

Results:Adherence was approximately 53% over the duration of the study and hip protectors were worn at the time of 51% of falls in the intervention group. The risk of hip fracture when falling while wearing hip protectors, compared with a fall with no hip protectors in place, was significantly reduced (relative risk (RR) 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 0.67). On an intention to treat analysis, 21 and 22 hip fractures occurred in the intervention and control groups respectively (adjusted RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.68). Three users of hip protectors sustained a hip fracture while wearing properly applied protectors, while 16 hip protector users (5%) developed minor local complications.

Conclusions:Hip protectors prevent hip fractures in community dwelling older women if worn at the time of a fall. The overall effectiveness of hip protectors was not established in this study, because of incomplete adherence with use of the protectors, and limited statistical power.
Persistence of effects of a brief intervention on parental restrictions of teen driving privileges
Authors: Simons-Morton B G , Hartos J L , Beck K H
Published: June 2003

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which effects of exposure to a brief intervention designed to increase parental restrictions on teen driving privileges persisted over time.

Design:A total of 658 parents and their 16 year old adolescents were recruited from a local motor vehicle administration (MVA) site as adolescents successfully tested for provisional licenses. At the MVA, parents completed written surveys about expected teen driving during the first month of provisional licensure. Afterwards, on weeks assigned as intervention, parents watched a video and were given the video and a driving agreement to take home. Both parents and teens completed follow up telephone interviews about communication, amounts, and limits on teen driving at one month (579 dyads), four months (529 dyads), and nine months (528 dyads).

Results:The results indicated that both intervention parents and teens were much more likely to report using a driving agreement at each follow up during the nine month period. Significant treatment group differences persisted for communication about driving, but effects related to limits on teen driving that were evident at one month declined over time. Reports for passenger, road, and overall limits remained significant at four months; fewer were present at nine months. There were no differences in amounts of teen driving at four or nine months.

Conclusions:It is possible to reach parents through brief interventions at the MVA and successfully promote increases in initial parental restrictions on teen driving with modest persistence for at least four months.
Buying a handgun for someone else: firearm dealer willingness to sell
Authors: Sorenson S B , Vittes K A
Published: June 2003

Objective:To examine firearm dealer willingness to sell when a handgun is being purchased for another person. US law requires a background check of the purchaser but not the end user of a firearm.

Subjects and methods:A total of 120 handgun dealers (six from each of the 20 largest US cities with 10 or more dealers) participated in telephone interviews. Dealers within each city were randomly assigned to a male or female interviewer and then randomly assigned to one of three purchase conditions—when the consumer said that the handgun was for him/herself, a gift for a girl/boyfriend, or for a girl/boyfriend “because s/he needs it”.

Results:Most dealers were willing to sell a handgun regardless of the end user (self: 87.5%; gift: 70.8%; “need”: 52.5%). Multivariate analyses indicate that dealers in the Midwest, South, and West were more willing to sell than those in the Northeast (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 21.30, 18.74, and 8.93, respectively) and that willingness to sell is lower when the sale would be illegal, that is, under the “need” condition (AOR = 0.20).

Conclusions and implications:Dealers are in a position to exercise judgment when a customer is explicit about buying a firearm for someone else. Some appeared willing to ignore or sidestep relevant information even when told that the end user was prohibited from purchasing a firearm him/herself. In the absence of federal handgun registration, which would track ownership changes, resources with which to conduct compliance checks (for example, as are conducted to identify retailers who sell tobacco or alcohol to under-age persons) seem warranted.
Impact of handgun types on gun assault outcomes: a comparison of gun assaults involving semiautomatic pistols and revolvers
Authors: Reedy D C , Koper C S
Published: June 2003

Objective:To examine whether gun assaults committed with semiautomatic pistols are more injurious and lethal than those committed with revolvers.

Setting:Jersey City, New Jersey from 1992 through 1996.

Methods:Using police records on fatal and non-fatal handgun assaults,ttests and χ2tests were employed to determine if attacks with pistols result in more shots fired than those with revolvers, leading to more gunshot victims and more severely wounded victims.

Results:More shots were fired in attacks with pistols (average = 3.2 to 3.7) than in attacks with revolvers (average = 2.3 to 2.6). Although pistol use was unrelated to the probability that an incident resulted in any injury or death, it was associated with a 15% increase in the number of wounded victims in those cases in which people were shot (1.15 per pistol case, 1.0 per revolver case), implying that the total number of gunshot victims may have been 9.4% lower had pistols not been used in any attacks. Pistol use was not related to the number of wounds per gunshot victim.

Conclusions:The findings provide limited evidence that recent growth in the production and use of pistols has contributed to higher levels of gunshot victimizations. However, available data did not permit an assessment of whether the associations between gun types and assault outcomes are mediated by characteristics of incidents and actors.
A new approach to the analysis of multiple injuries using data from a national trauma registry
Authors: Aharonson-Daniel L , Boyko V , Ziv A , Avitzour M , Peleg K
Published: June 2003

Objective:To present a new systematic approach for summarizing multiple injury diagnosis data into patient injury profiles.

Design:International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, clinical modification injury diagnosis codes were classified using a modification of the Barell body region by nature of injury diagnosis matrix, then grouped by body region, injury nature, or a combination of both. Profiles were built which describe patients’ injury combinations based on matrix units, enabling the analysis of patients, and not only the study of injuries.

Setting:The Israeli national trauma registry was used to retrieve patient demographic data, injury details, and information on treatment and outcome.

Patients or subjects:All hospitalized patients injured in road traffic accidents and included in the trauma registry from January 1997 to December 2000 were included.

Main outcome measures:Patient profiles consisting of body regions, injury natures, their combination, and their clinical outcomes.

Results:The study population comprised 17 459 patients. Head and neck injuries were the most frequent in all subpopulations except for motorcyclists who sustained most injuries in the extremities. Fractures were the most common injury nature (60%). Pedestrians and drivers had the highest proportion of multiple injuries in both profiles.

Forty eight percent of the patients had a single cell profile. The most frequent conditions as a sole condition were extremity fractures (14%), internal injuries to the head (11%), and injuries of other nature to the torso (6%). Mortality, length of stay, and intensive care unit treatment varied dramatically between profiles and increased for multiple injury profiles. Inpatient death was an outcome for 3.3% overall; however, in patients with an internal injury to the head and torso, inpatient death rate was nine times higher, at 31%.

Conclusions:Profiles maintain information on body region and nature of injury. The use of injury profiles in describing the injured improves the understanding of casemix and can be useful for efficient staffing in multidisciplinary trauma teams and for various comparisons.
Characteristics of drowning by different age groups
Authors: Quan L , Cummings P
Published: June 2003

Context: While it is known that the risk of unintentional drowning varies with age, the manner in which drowning episode characteristics vary by age has not been well described. Such information might be useful for prevention.

Objective: To describe characteristics of drowning by age group.

Design:Retrospective review of the characteristics of drowning victims and their drowning incidents obtained from death certificates, medical examiner, pre-hospital, emergency department, and hospital records.

Setting:Three counties in Western Washington state.

Subjects:Residents who died (n=709) of unintentional drowning within the study region during 1980 through 1995.

Outcomes:Age specific counts, proportions, and rates per million person years were estimated for and compared among six age groups.

Results: Rates varied by age group: 0–4 (30.5), 5–14 (11.6), 15–19 (29.9), 20–34 (21.5), 35–64 (12.5), and 65 years or older (21.2). Among those 0–4 years, the proportions that drowned in pools, bathtubs, and open water were nearly equal. But from age 5–64 years, over 69% of deaths were in open water. Among those 65 years and older, the deaths were almost evenly divided between bathtub and open water; bathtub drowning rates were highest in this age group, 10.9. Pre-drowning activities were divided into boating, swimming, car passenger, bathing, and fell in while doing something else. Most (64/89, 76%) victims aged 0–4 years drowned while bathing or after falling in. Among those 15–19 years, most occurred while swimming (24/79, 34%) or boating (22/79, 31%). The drowning event was least often witnessed among those 0–4 years (10/36, 28%), and most often witnessed (44/58, 76%) among those 15–19 years. Medical care (pre-hospital, emergency department, or hospital) was most often involved in drownings of those 0–4 years (70/89, 79%) and least among those over 65 years (11/86, 13%).

Conclusion:The characteristics of drowning episodes vary greatly by age. Different prevention strategies may be needed for different age groups.
Car seatbelt use during pregnancy in Japan: determinants and policy implications
Authors: Ichikawa M , Nakahara S , Okubo T , Wakai S
Published: June 2003

Context:Pregnant women are exempted from the current seatbelt legislation in Japan despite the fact that seatbelt use is essential to reduce the risk of fatalities for these women and their fetuses in car crashes.

Objective:To examine factors that might influence seatbelt use during pregnancy.

Methods:A cross sectional study, with data collected via an anonymous, self administered questionnaire at obstetric clinics in suburban areas of Japan. Altogether 880 pregnant women receiving prenatal care in July 2001 were recruited. The relative effects of factors that might influence seatbelt use during pregnancy were estimated using logistic regression analysis.

Results:Almost 70%–80% of pregnant women were consistent seatbelt wearers before pregnancy but seatbelt compliance was reduced by about half at 20 weeks or more gestation. Only 20% had received information on maternal seatbelt use, with one third reporting that seatbelt use is beneficial during pregnancy. Those who perceived that maternal seatbelt use is beneficial tended to maintain use, but daily car users and those who knew that they were exempted from seatbelt legislation were more likely to reduce use.

Conclusions:Knowledge of the legislative exemption for pregnant women, misunderstanding of the benefits, and daily car use contributed to the reduction in seatbelt use after pregnancy.
Differential ranking of causes of fatal versus non-fatal injuries among US children
Authors: Ballesteros M F , Schieber R A , Gilchrist J , Holmgreen P , Annest J L
Published: June 2003

Objective:Leading causes of fatal and non-fatal injury among US children aged <15 years were compared.

Method:A descriptive study was conducted using nationally representative data on injury related deaths (National Vital Statistics System) and on non-fatal injury related emergency department visits (IEDV; National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program). Data were accessed using a publicly available web based system.

Results:Annually, an estimated 7 100 000 pediatric IEDV and 7400 injury deaths occurred. The overall non-fatal to fatal ratio (NF:F) was 966 IEDV:1 death. Among deaths, the leading causes were motor vehicle traffic occupants (n = 1700; NF:F = 150:1), suffocations (n = 1037; NF:F = 14:1), and drownings (n = 971, NF:F = 6:1). Among non-fatal injuries, falls (estimated 2 400 000) and struck by/against (estimated 1 800 000) were the most common causes, but substantially less lethal (NF:F = 19 000:1 and 15 000:1, respectively).

Conclusions:The leading causes of pediatric fatal and non-fatal injuries differed substantially. This study indicates the need for consideration of common causes of non-fatal injury, especially falls.
Children's bicycle helmet use and injuries in Hillsborough County, Florida before and after helmet legislation
Authors: Liller K D , Nearns J , Cabrera M , Joly B , Noland V , McDermott R
Published: June 2003

The purpose of this research was to explore the changes in children's bicycle helmet use and motor vehicle bicycle related injuries in Hillsborough County, Florida before and after passage of the Florida's bicycle helmet law for children under the age of 16. The results show a significant increase in bicycle helmet use among children, ages 5–13, in the post-law years compared with the pre-law years. Also, there has been a significant decline in the rates of bicycle related motor vehicle injuries among children in the post-law years compared with the pre-law years. Although there have been complementary educational and outreach activities in the county to support helmet use, it appears that the greatest increase in use occurred after the passage of the helmet law. It is recommended that educational efforts continue to sustain helmet use rates and decreases in injuries.
Validation of a home safety questionnaire used in a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Watson M , Kendrick D , Coupland C
Published: June 2003

Objective:To measure the validity of self reported safety practices from a questionnaire, completed by families participating in a home safety randomised controlled trial.

Methods:The postal questionnaire was used to measure secondary outcomes in a randomised controlled trial. The answers to 26 questions that could be assessed by observation were checked by a home visit. Families were invited to take part in a “home safety check”; they were not told that the visit was part of a validation study. At the time of the visit the researcher was blind to the self reports in the questionnaires.

Results:Sixty four questionnaires were validated by visits to 64 households. Percentage agreement ranged from 58% to 100%. Sensitivity was high (68% or above) for most safety practices. The positive predictive value was also high for most safety practices (78% or above for 15 of the 16 practices).

Conclusions:This study found a fairly high degree of consistency between self reported data and actual observations. The findings from this relatively small study need confirmation from larger studies.
Routine narrative analysis as a screening tool to improve data quality
Authors: Jones S J , Lyons R A
Published: June 2003

Aim:To determine whether narrative information in emergency department surveillance systems can be systematically interrogated to improve our understanding of the causes of injury.

Methods:Screening algorithms for location, intent, and activity were developed from structured analysis of narrative data from 98 999 records. The algorithms were then tested on a 50 000 record database containing entries in both of the two narrative fields. A proxy gold standard was defined as the total extract using both code and narrative. Sensitivity and specificity of the emergency department coding and narrative algorithms was calculated.

Results:The proportion of records carrying an informative emergency department code was higher in records containing narrative—the percentage of causes coded “not know” dropped by 28.3%. The sensitivity of coded data varied from 42% to 98 % and from 33% to 99% for narrative data. Narrative analysis increased the percentage of home injuries identified by 19%, assaults by 26%, and rugby injuries by 137%.

Conclusions:Using a small amount of narrative is a practical and effective means of developing more informative injury causation data in an emergency department based surveillance system. It allows for internal validation of the codes and for the identification of emerging hazards without adding more “tick boxes” or further burdening data entry clerks.