bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Effect of Interferon on Keratinocytes That Maintain Human Papillomavirus Type 31
Authors: Chang Yijan E. , Pena Loren , Sen Ganes C. , Park Jung K. , Laimins Laimonis A.
Published: October 2002

The long-term effects of interferon treatment on cell lines that maintain human papillomavirus type 31 (HPV-31) episomes have been examined. High doses and prolonged interferon treatment resulted in growth arrest of HPV-positive cells, with a high percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. These effects were not seen with interferon treatment of either normal human keratinocytes or cells derived from HPV-negative squamous carcinomas, which exhibited only slight decreases in their rates of growth. Within 2 weeks of the initiation of treatment, a population of HPV-31-positive cells that were resistant to interferon appeared consistently and reproducibly. The resistant cells had growth and morphological characteristics similar to those of untreated cells. Long-term interferon treatment of HPV-positive cells also resulted in a reduction in HPV episome levels but did not significantly decrease the number of integrated copies of HPV. Cells that maintained HPV genomes lacking E5 were sensitive to interferon, while cells expressing only the E6/E7 genes were resistant. In contrast, cells that expressed E2 from a tetracycline-inducible promoter were found to be significantly more sensitive to interferon treatment than parental cells. This suggests that at least a portion of the sensitivity to interferon could be mediated through the E2 protein. These studies indicate that cells maintaining HPV episomes are highly sensitive to interferon treatment but that resistant populations arise quickly.
Genetically Stable Picornavirus Expression Vectors with Recombinant Internal Ribosomal Entry Sites
Authors: Dufresne Andrew T. , Dobrikova Elena Y. , Schmidt Stacie , Gromeier Matthias
Published: October 2002

In many respects, picornaviruses are well suited for their proposed use as immunization vectors. However, their inherent genetic instability hinders application for prophylactic purposes. We demonstrate the improved expression and stability of a heterologous insert through a novel vector design strategy that partially replaces noncoding regulatory sequences with coding sequences for foreign gene products.
The Vaccinia Virus I7L Gene Product Is The Core Protein Proteinase
Authors: Byrd Chelsea M. , Bolken Tove' C. , Hruby Dennis E.
Published: October 2002

Maturation of vaccinia virus (VV) core proteins is required for the production of infectious virions. The VV G1L and I7L gene products are the leading candidates for the viral core protein proteinase (vCPP). Using transient-expression assays, data were obtained to demonstrate that the I7L gene product and its encoded cysteine proteinase activity are responsible for vCPP activity.
Modalities of Interleukin-7-Induced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Permissiveness in Quiescent T Lymphocytes
Authors: Ducrey-Rundquist Odile , Guyader Mireille , Trono Didier
Published: October 2002

The metabolic and cell cycle status of primary T lymphocytes conditions their susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HIV-derived vectors. While in fully quiescent T lymphocytes the reverse transcription and nuclear import of these retroelements are impaired, leading to an abortive infection, various stimuli can induce a state of virus permissiveness. Here, we studied the modalities by which interleukin-7 (IL-7), an important controller of T-cell homeostasis, exerts this effect. IL-7-exposed cord blood T lymphocytes proliferated and were efficiently transduced by HIV-derived vectors. In contrast, similarly treated adult peripheral blood (PB) T lymphocytes failed to divide, and only a subset of these cells became infectible. HIV-resistant and -sensitive subsets of IL-7-treated PB T lymphocytes differed in cell cycle status but not in naïve, memory, or activation phenotypes. Nuclear factor of activated T cells was not induced by IL-7, and cyclosporine did not prevent HIV-mediated gene transfer. Furthermore, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin blocked IL-7-induced cell survival and Bcl-2 synthesis but had no effect on the acquisition of HIV susceptibility, suggesting that IL-7-induced HIV type 1 permissiveness is not mediated by the PI-3 K pathway and that, perhaps, the Jak/STAT5 pathway, the other known mediator of IL-7-triggered signaling in T cells, governs this process.
Analysis of the Adenovirus E1B-55K-Anchored Proteome Reveals Its Link to Ubiquitination Machinery
Authors: Harada Josephine N. , Shevchenko Anna , Shevchenko Andrej , Pallas David C. , Berk Arnold J.
Published: October 2002

During the early phase of infection, the E1B-55K protein of adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) counters the E1A-induced stabilization of p53, whereas in the late phase, E1B-55K modulates the preferential nucleocytoplasmic transport and translation of the late viral mRNAs. The mechanism(s) by which E1B-55K performs these functions has not yet been clearly elucidated. In this study, we have taken a proteomics-based approach to identify and characterize novel E1B-55K-associated proteins. A multiprotein E1B-55K-containing complex was immunopurified from Ad5-infected HeLa cells and found to contain E4-orf6, as well as several cellular factors previously implicated in the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated destruction of proteins, including Cullin-5, Rbx1/ROC1/Hrt1, and Elongins B and C. We further demonstrate that a complex containing these as well as other proteins is capable of directing the polyubiquitination of p53 in vitro. These ubiquitin ligase components were found in a high-molecular-mass complex of 800 to 900 kDa. We propose that these newly identified binding partners (Cullin-5, Elongins B and C, and Rbx1) complex with E1B-55K and E4-orf6 during Ad infection to form part of an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets specific protein substrates for degradation. We further suggest that E1B-55K functions as the principal substrate recognition component of this SCF-type ubiquitin ligase, whereas E4-orf6 may serve to nucleate the assembly of the complex. Lastly, we describe the identification and characterization of two novel E1B-55K interacting factors, importin-α1 and pp32, that may also participate in the functions previously ascribed to E1B-55K and E4-orf6.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Evades the Effects of Antibody and Complement In Vivo
Authors: Lubinski John M. , Jiang Ming , Hook Lauren , Chang Yueh , Sarver Chad , Mastellos Dimitrios , Lambris John D. , Cohen Gary H. , Eisenberg Roselyn J. , Friedman Harvey M.
Published: October 2002

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) encodes a complement-interacting glycoprotein, gC, and an immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc binding glycoprotein, gE, that mediate immune evasion by affecting multiple aspects of innate and acquired immunity, including interfering with complement components C1q, C3, C5, and properdin and blocking antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Previous studies evaluated the individual contributions of gC and gE to immune evasion. Experiments in a murine model that examines the combined effects of gC and gE immune evasion on pathogenesis are now reported. Virulence of wild-type HSV-1 is compared with mutant viruses defective in gC-mediated C3 binding, gE-mediated IgG Fc binding, or both immune evasion activities. Eliminating both activities greatly increased susceptibility of HSV-1 to antibody and complement neutralization in vitro and markedly reduced virulence in vivo as measured by disease scores, virus titers, and mortality. Studies with C3 knockout mice indicated that other activities attributed to these glycoproteins, such as gC-mediated virus attachment to heparan sulfate or gE-mediated cell-to-cell spread, do not account for the reduced virulence of mutant viruses. The results support the importance of gC and gE immune evasion in vivo and suggest potential new targets for prevention and treatment of HSV disease.
Complete Genome Sequence and Analyses of the Subgenomic RNAs of
Sweet Potato Chlorotic Stunt Virus
Reveal Several New Features for the Genus
Crinivirus
Authors: Kreuze J. F. , Savenkov E. I. , Valkonen J. P. T.
Published: October 2002

The complete nucleotide sequences of genomic RNA1 (9,407 nucleotides [nt]) and RNA2 (8,223 nt) of
Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus
(SPCSV; genus
Crinivirus
, family
Closteroviridae
) were determined, revealing that SPCSV possesses the second largest identified positive-strand single-stranded RNA genome among plant viruses after
Citrus tristeza virus
. RNA1 contains two overlapping open reading frames (ORFs) that encode the replication module, consisting of the putative papain-like cysteine proteinase, methyltransferase, helicase, and polymerase domains. RNA2 contains the
Closteroviridae
hallmark gene array represented by a heat shock protein homologue (Hsp70h), a protein of 50 to 60 kDa depending on the virus, the major coat protein, and a divergent copy of the coat protein. This grouping resembles the genome organization of
Lettuce infectious yellows virus
(LIYV), the only other crinivirus for which the whole genomic sequence is available. However, in striking contrast to LIYV, the two genomic RNAs of SPCSV contained nearly identical 208-nt-long 3′ terminal sequences, and the ORF for a putative small hydrophobic protein present in LIYV RNA2 was found at a novel position in SPCSV RNA1. Furthermore, unlike any other plant or animal virus, SPCSV carried an ORF for a putative RNase III-like protein (ORF2 on RNA1). Several subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) were detected in SPCSV-infected plants, indicating that the sgRNAs formed from RNA1 accumulated earlier in infection than those of RNA2. The 5′ ends of seven sgRNAs were cloned and sequenced by an approach that provided compelling evidence that the sgRNAs are capped in infected plants, a novel finding for members of the
Closteroviridae.
A Novel Cell Entry Pathway for a DAF-Using Human Enterovirus Is Dependent on Lipid Rafts
Authors: Stuart Amanda D. , Eustace Hannah E. , McKee Thomas A. , Brown T. D. K.
Published: October 2002

The glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored complement regulatory protein decay-accelerating factor (DAF) is used by a number of enteroviruses as a receptor during infection. DAF and other GPI-anchored proteins can be found in cholesterol-rich ordered domains within the plasma membrane that are known as “lipid rafts.” We have shown, by using drugs to specifically inhibit various endocytosis routes, that infection by a DAF-using strain of echovirus 11 (EV11) is dependent upon cholesterol and an intact cytoskeleton, whereas a non-DAF-using mutant derived from it was unaffected by these drugs. Using RNA transfection and virus-binding assays, we have shown that this requirement for cholesterol, the actin cytoskeleton, and the microtubule network occurs postbinding of the virus but prior to uncoating of the RNA, indicating a role during virus entry. Confocal microscopy of virus infection supported the role of cholesterol and the cytoskeleton during entry. In addition, [35S]methionine-labeled DAF-using EV11, but not the non-DAF-using EV11, could be copurified with lipid raft components during infection after Triton X-100 extraction. These data indicate that DAF usage by EV11 enables the virus to associate with lipid rafts and enter cells through this novel route.
5′-Long Terminal Repeat-Selective CpG Methylation of Latent Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Provirus In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Koiwa Tsukasa , Hamano-Usami Akiko , Ishida Takaomi , Okayama Akihiko , Yamaguchi Kazunari , Kamihira Shimeru , Watanabe Toshiki
Published: October 2002

CpG methylation of the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) long terminal repeat (LTR) has been implicated in proviral latency, but there is presently little information available regarding the pattern of LTR methylation and its effect on viral gene expression. To gain insight into the mechanisms of HTLV-1 latency, we have studied methylation of individual CpG sites in the U3-R region of the integrated proviral LTR by using bisulfite genomic sequencing methods. Surprisingly, our results reveal selective hypermethylation of the 5′ LTR and accompanying hypomethylation of the 3′ LTR in both latently infected cell lines and adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) cells having a complete provirus. Moreover, we observed a lack of CpG methylation in the LTRs of 5′-defective proviruses recovered from ATL samples, which is consistent with the selective hypomethylation of the 3′ LTR. Thus, the integrated HTLV-1 provirus in these carriers appears to be hypermethylated in the 5′ LTR and hypomethylated in the 3′ LTR. These results, together with the observation that proviral gene expression is reactivated by 5-azacytidine in latently infected cell lines, indicate that selective hypermethylation of the HTLV-1 5′ LTR is common both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, hypermethylation of the 5′ LTR appears to be an important mechanism by which HTLV-1 gene expression is repressed during viral latency.
The Cauliflower Mosaic Virus Virion-Associated Protein Is Dispensable for Viral Replication in Single Cells
Authors: Kobayashi Kappei , Tsuge Seiji , Stavolone Livia , Hohn Thomas
Published: October 2002

Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) open reading frame III (ORF III) codes for a virion-associated protein (Vap), which is one of two viral proteins essential for aphid transmission. However, unlike the aphid transmission factor encoded by CaMV ORF II, Vap is also essential for systemic infection, suggesting that it is a multifunctional protein. To elucidate the additional function or functions of Vap, we tested the replication of noninfectious ORF III-defective mutants in transfected turnip protoplasts. PCR and Western blot analyses revealed that CaMV replication had occurred with an efficiency similar to that of wild-type virus and without leading to reversions. Electron microscopic examination revealed that an ORF III frameshift mutant formed normally structured virions. These results demonstrate that Vap is dispensable for replication in single cells and is not essential for virion morphogenesis. Analysis of inoculated turnip leaves showed that the ORF III frameshift mutant does not cause any detectable local infection. These results are strongly indicative of a role for Vap in virus movement.
Induction and Bypass of p53 during Productive Infection by Polyomavirus
Authors: Dey Dilip , Dahl Jean , Cho Sayeon , Benjamin Thomas L.
Published: October 2002

Lytic infection by polyomavirus leads to elevated levels of p53 and induction of p53 target genes p21Cip1/WAF1 (p21) and BAX. This is seen both in polyomavirus-infected primary mouse cell cultures and in kidney tissue of infected mice. Stabilization of p53 and induction of a p53 response are accompanied by phosphorylation of p53 on serine 18, mimicking a DNA damage response. Stabilization of p53 does not depend on p19Arf interaction with mdm2. Cells infected by a mutant virus defective in binding pRb and in inducing G
1
-to-S progression show a greatly diminished p53 response. However, cells infected by wild-type virus and blocked from entering S phase by addition of mimosine still show a p53 response. These results suggest a role of E2F target genes in inducing a p53 response. Polyomavirus large T antigen coprecipitates with p53 phosphorylated on serine 18 and also with p21Cip1/WAF1. Implications of these and other findings on possible mechanisms of induction and override of p53 functions during productive infection by polyomavirus are discussed.
Polyhedral Monocarbaborane Chemistry. A Review of Recent Developments Among C-Aryl Monocarbaborane Systems
Authors: Franken Andreas , Kilner Colin A. , Thornton-Pett Mark , Kennedy John D.
Published: October 2002

The Brellochs Reactions, of nido-B10H14 with aromatic aldehydes to give [6-Ar-nido-6-CB9H11]- anions in high yield, now permits excellent entries into C-aryl monocarbaborane chemistry, which is reviewed. From [6-Ar-nido-6-CB9H11]-, one-step cluster-closure, cluster-Aufbau, or cluster-dismantling reactions yield [1-Ph-closo-1-CB11H11]-, [7-Ph-nido-7-CB10H12]-, [1-Ph-closo-1-CB9H9]-, [2-Ph-closo-2-CB9H9]-, [4-closo-4-PhCB8H8]- and [6-Ph-arachno-6-CB8H13]. Second-step reactions involving these products yield [2-Ph-closo-2-CB10H10]-, [6-Ph-nido-6-CB8H11], [1-Ph-closo-1-CB7H7]- and [4-Ph-closo-4-CB8H8]-, as well as alternative routes to [1-Ph-closo-1-CB11H11]- and [1-Ph-closo-1-CB9H9]-. This readier access to this extensive suite of C-aryl monocarbaboranes permits a readier examination of their derivative chemistry. Monohalogenated and poly-halogenated species [1-Ph-closo-1-CB9H9-nXn]- and [1-Ph-closo-1-CB11H11-nXn]- have been formed as well as (SMe2)-substituted {CB11} and {CB10} systems. Coupling reactions with para-substituted [XC6H4CB11H10X]- systems give rod-like anions, and with poly-iodinated [PhCB11H5I6]- and [PhCB9H4I5]- give the globular [PhCB11H5Ar5I]- and [PhCB9H4Ar4I]- anions. Additional interesting species include [PhCB11H10CH=CHCH3]-, [PhCB11H10SMe(CH2)4OH]- and [PhCB9H8-6-OH]-. A review with 49 references.
Child seating position and restraint use in three states
Authors: Ferguson Susan A , Wells JoAnn K , Williams Allan F
Published: October 2002

Objective—Because of risks from deploying airbags to children in front seats, extensive publicity has been aimed at getting them restrained and in rear seats. The objective of this study was to assess restraint use and seating positions among children in vehicles with and without airbags.

Method—Surveys were conducted in cities in Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas 1998. Restraint use and seating position were noted for all children, as well as their estimated age, driver belt use, airbag presence, and vehicle license plate number.

Results—Fewer children were observed in the front seats of vehicles with passenger airbags (24%) than in vehicles without them (36%). Most of the children seated in front were ages 7–12 (44%–61%), followed by 3–6 year olds (29%–35%). Very few children ages 0–2 were seated in front (5%–12%). The overwhelming majority of children ages 0–2 were restrained. However, children ages 3–6 seated in the front were least likely to be restrained and most likely to be improperly restrained. Restraint use was higher when the driver was belted, but about 30% of 3–6 year olds were unrestrained even with a belted driver.

Conclusions—Efforts should continue to educate parents about the importance of correct restraint use and rear seating for children, particularly once children move from child safety seats into adult belts. Efforts also should be made to enforce the seat belt laws that exist in every state.
Effects of recent 0.08% legal blood alcohol limits on fatal crash involvement
Authors: Hingson Ralph , Heeren Timothy , Winter Michael
Published: October 2002

Objectives—This study assessed whether states that lowered legal blood alcohol limits from 0.10% to 0.08% in 1993 and 1994 experienced post-law reductions in alcohol related fatal crashes.

Methods—Six states that adopted 0.08% as the legal blood alcohol limit in 1993 and 1994 were paired with six nearby states that retained a 0.10% legal standard. Within each pair, comparisons were made for the maximum equal available number of pre-law and post-law years.

Results—States adopting 0.08% laws experienced a 6% greater post-law decline in the proportion of drivers in fatal crashes with blood alcohol levels at 0.10% or higher and a 5% greater decline in the proportion of fatal crashes that were alcohol related at 0.10% or higher.

Conclusions—If all states adopted the 0.08% legal blood alcohol level, 400–500 fewer traffic fatalities would occur annually.
Teenage suicides in northern Sweden: an interview study of investigating police officers
Authors: Lindqvist Per , Johansson Lars
Published: October 2002

Objective—To disclose recurrent, dynamic, and static factors in teenage suicide involving the suicidee, his/her family, and the community; and to investigate the feasibility of using police as informants for suicide studies.

Subjects—All deaths categorised as suicide 1993 through 1995 among teenagers in Northern Sweden (n=15).

Method—Semiqualitative interviews with police officers, and, when applicable, general practitioners. Police reports, necropsy protocols, medical records, and conscription data were also analysed.

Results—Most suicides occurred in rural and depopulated areas. In contrast to males, females often had a history of overt psychiatric problems with suicide attempts. At least two thirds of the suicides were planned.

Conclusion—Cultural and sociopolitical aspects are important in teenage suicide as well as gender differences. Police officers can provide essential information. Identifying teenagers at risk remains difficult, however, due to low baseline rates.
Injuries in Ontario farm children: a population based study
Authors: Bancej C , Arbuckle T
Published: October 2002

Objectives—To evaluate injury rates, patterns, and risk factors in 4916 Ontario farm children aged 0–18 years.

Setting—1765 full time family operated Ontario farms with a husband-wife couple where the wife was of reproductive age.

Methods—Injury details were obtained from mothers, while parents and farm operators provided risk factor information retrospectively in a population based mail survey. Rates were calculated based on injury occurrence and person years at risk in different age groups. Descriptive analyses used cross tabulations of injury details by age, sex, and season. Injury risk factors were assessed using multiple logistic regression.

Results—Age specific injury rates ranged from 6.3–22.6 per thousand person years, peaking in 1–4 year olds. Although consistently higher for boys, both sexes showed similar trends in age specific rates. Rates likely represent underestimates due to diminished recall of past events. Open wounds to the head/face region were the most prevalent type of injury (17.1%) followed by fractures/dislocations to the upper extremities (14.9%). Mechanism differed by age group, though falls and machinery consistently ranked in the top three. Occurrence peaked in summer.

Regression analyses indicated child's sex and parental education were associated with injury risk across age categories. Other risk factors, such as numbers of livestock, parental owner/operator status, and mother's off-site employment, differed between ages.

Conclusions—Patterns and risk factors for injuries to farm children are heterogenous across age categories. Observed age differences are useful for targeting prevention initiatives.
Assessing child restraint misuse by parental survey
Authors: Arbogast Kristy B , Durbin Dennis R , Morris Shannon D , Winston Flaura Koplin
Published: October 2002

Objective—To determine the extent to which child restraint system (CRS) misuse can be evaluated by parental survey.

Methods—A cross sectional survey was conducted at eight CRS clinics from May to October, 1998. Before CRS inspection, parents were administered a structured interview to identify distinct characteristics of restraint use and misuse. After the interview, a certified child passenger safety technician team independently evaluated the restraint system and identified specific modes of misuse. Parent descriptions of CRS use were compared with observations of the technician and the degree of agreement between the two was assessed for several specific attributes of use.

Results—A total of 100 children restrained in convertible CRSs were included in the study. Parents were able to accurately report several aspects of child restraint use—in particular, the attachment and fit of the CRS, the use of the harness clip, and the CRS incline. Parents were less accurate in their characterization of the fit of the child in the CRS. For nearly every item assessed, parents were more accurate in their description of correct compared with incorrect use.

Conclusions—Interview tools can be developed that enable parents to describe aspects of CRS use and that screen for correct CRS use. These tools could be administered by telephone to obtain a more representative estimate of the prevalence of CRS misuse or to screen for CRS misuse. This screening would assist in targeting time consuming and costly CRS clinics to those parents who need them the most.
A hospital led promotion campaign aimed to increase bicycle helmet wearing among children aged 11–15 living in West Berkshire 1992–98
Authors: Lee Angela J , Mann Nicholas P , Takriti Rachel
Published: October 2002

Objectives—To evaluate the effect of a bicycle helmet promotion campaign on helmet wearing among cyclists less than 16 years of age from 1992–98.

Setting—Reading, West Berkshire, UK.

Methods—A hospital led bicycle helmet promotion campaign targeted at 5–15 year olds. The campaign focused on education with active involvement of the children, parents, schools, and safety organisations. Local media and children's celebrities raised the profile of the campaign and a low cost helmet purchase scheme was also set up. A self administered questionnaire survey of 3000, 11–15 year olds was carried out over the period of the campaign. A control group of 3000 teenagers was obtained from a neighbouring area without a helmet campaign. Accident and emergency (A&E) figures were obtained from the local hospital within the campaign area on all children aged under 16 years, attending with bicycle injuries. Unfortunately, no figures were available from the A&E department in the control area.

Results—Self reported helmet use among 11–15 years olds living in the campaign area increased from 11% at the start of the campaign to 31% after five years (p<0.001), with no change in the control group. Hospital casualty figures in the campaign area for cycle related head injuries in the under 16 years age group, fell from 112.5/100 000 to 60.8/100 000 (from 21.6% of all cycle injuries to 11.7%; p<0.005).

Conclusions—This hospital led community bicycle helmet promotion campaign directed at young people showed an increase in the number of children reporting that they “always” wore their helmet while cycling. There was a significantly higher rate of helmet wearing than in the control area, and a significant reduction in head injuries.
The power of survivor advocacy: making car trunks escapable: Figure 1
Authors: McLoughlin Elizabeth , Fennell Janette
Published: October 2002

Survivor advocates are powerful workers for injury prevention. Some of the major prevention successes have been due in large part to their efforts. This case history examines the four year campaign to prevent entrapment in car trunks (or boot) through the routine installation of interior trunk releases. It traces how a life altering event began a cluster of activities leading to product redesign and regulation to prevent injury. The following elements were key: data and the lack thereof, identification of possible solutions, newsworthy tragedies and media advocacy, politics and sympathetic lawmakers, an agency with regulatory authority, manufacturers, and trade associations. Survivors can assist the injury field because the personal and the professional complement each other in advocacy. Public health professionals can assist survivor advocates by sharing research, data and organizational skills, and by helping to secure grants.
Children dying in car trunks: how adequate are child death databases?
Authors: Waller Patricia F , Eribes Carmen M
Published: October 2002

Objective—To determine the frequency of and circumstances surrounding child deaths resulting from inadvertent entrapment in motor vehicle trunks in the US by querying child fatality review databases.

Method—A telephone survey was conducted with the persons or offices identified as having primary responsibility for child fatality review programs in each state. The survey requested information on the number of child deaths resulting from trunk entrapments, the ages of the victims, the time period covered by the surveillance system, and variables concerning the circumstances surrounding each incident.

Results—All states reported that these deaths are exceedingly rare, with most reporting no such events in recent history. However, state databases could not be readily accessed to identify such deaths. There was enormous interstate variation in guidelines governing the population covered by the child fatality review process. The age range varied greatly from one jurisdiction to another, and often only children in the state's welfare system were included. Interstate differences in practices preclude meaningful compilation of data across jurisdictions.

Conclusions—It was not possible to ascertain the incidence of inadvertent entrapment of children in vehicle trunks because there is no consistency in the available databases. A national database of child fatalities, based on standardized guidelines and definitions, is needed to identify causes and magnitude of specific child deaths, in order to design, implement, and evaluate interventions.
Impact of a helmet law on two wheel motor vehicle crash mortality in a southern European urban area
Authors: Ferrando Josep , Plaséncia Antoni , Orós Miquel , Borrell Carme , Kraus Jess F
Published: October 2002

Background—In Spain, a federal road safety law went into effect in the fall of 1992 extending to urban areas the unrestricted use of safety helmets by all two wheel motor vehicle occupants.

Objectives—To assess the effect of the law in reducing fatal motorcycle crash injuries; to estimate the number of lives saved; and to determine changes in the distribution of severity and anatomical location of injuries.

Methods—Pre-test/post-test design of all deaths of two wheel motor vehicle occupants from 1990–92 (pre-law period) and from 1993–95 (post-law period) detected by the Barcelona Forensic Institute and the city police department. Injuries were coded using the 1990 version of the abbreviated injury scale. Poisson regression methods were used to model trends in mortality ratios and to provide estimates of the number of lives saved.

Results—Between 1993 and 1995, 35 lives of two wheel motor vehicle occupants were spared, representing a decrease of 25% in the observed motorcycle crash mortality in the post-law period when compared with what would be expected if no such law had gone into effect. The proportion of deaths with severe head injuries was also reduced from 76% to 67% in the post-law period.

Conclusions—This study offers the first evaluation of a helmet law using combined forensic and police data in a large south European urban area where there is widespread use of motorcycles. Our results confirm the effectiveness of the helmet law, as measured by the reduction in the number of deaths and mortality ratios after the law implementation. The findings reinforce the public health benefits of mandatory non-restricted motorcycle and moped helmet use, even in urban areas with lower traffic speeds.
Public opinion about guns in the home
Authors: Kellermann Arthur L , Fuqua-Whitley Dawna S , Sampson Tomoko R , Lindenmann Walter
Published: October 2002

Objectives—(1) Determine the frequency of gun ownership, acquisition, and transfer; (2) assess gun storage practices; and (3) compare the views of firearm owning and non-owning adults regarding the protective value of keeping a gun in the home.

Setting and methods—Over three different time periods (1995, 1996, and 1999) stratified, random digit telephone surveys were conducted in a five county area of metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. Five hundred adults (aged 21+ years) responded to each survey.

Results—The proportion of Atlanta area households reporting firearm ownership was generally stable over this interval (38%, 40%, and 35% respectively). The percentage of gun owning households containing a handgun (approximately 75%) was stable as well. In 1995, more than half of gun owning households kept one or more guns unlocked; since that time, the trend has been gradually downward. In 1995, 44% of gun owning respondents kept one or more guns loaded, compared with 38% in 1996 and 40% in 1999. A majority of respondents to all three surveys (55%) agreed with the statement “A home with a gun is less secure than a home without a gun, because a gun can be involved in an accidental shooting, suicide or family homicide”. Among five home security measures, respondents rated a burglar alarm most effective, and keeping a gun in the home least effective.

Conclusions—In Atlanta, many households keep a firearm for protection, but they are ambivalent about the associated risks. These findings suggest that education about gun safety should include a discussion of the risks of unsafe storage, and non-lethal alternatives for home security.
Maternal socioeconomic characteristics and infant mortality from injuries in the Czech Republic 1989–92
Authors: Bobak Martin , Pikhart Hynek , Koupilová Ilona
Published: October 2002

Objectives—Infant and childhood mortality from injuries in Central and Eastern Europe is high but little is known about its determinants. This study examined whether maternal socioeconomic characteristics predict infant mortality from injuries in the Czech Republic.

Methods—Data on all live births registered in the Czech Republic 1989–91 (n=387 496) were linked with the national death register, 1989–92, using the unique national identification number. Effects of maternal socioeconomic characteristics, birth weight and gestational age, recorded in the birth register, on the risk of death from external causes (ICD-9 800–999) were estimated using logistic regression.

Results—Of the 195 linked infant deaths from external causes (rate 50/100 000 live births), 73% were from suffocation. After controlling for other factors, the risk of death was higher in boys, declined with increasing maternal education (odds ratio for primaryvuniversity education 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 8.6), maternal age, birth weight and gestational age, and was increased in infants of unmarried mothers and of mothers with higher parity. The effect of education appeared stronger in married mothers and in mothers of low parity.

Conclusion—The risk of infant death from external causes in this population was strongly associated with maternal and family characteristics.
Safety behavior of in-line skaters
Authors: Osberg J Scott , Stiles Sarah C
Published: October 2002

Objectives and setting—Injuries from in-line skating have risen sharply in many cities around the world. To understand risk taking behavior and safety practices associated with urban in-line skating, 2210 outdoor skaters were observed in Boston, Massachusetts.

Methods—Estimated age, gender, use of helmets, wrist guards, elbow and kneepads were recorded. Skaters were coded as beginner, average, or advanced, and skating locations were classified as street, sidewalk, or bicycle path.

Results—About 60% of skaters wore wrist guards, but only 5.7% wore helmets. Males wore less protective equipment than females, and were more likely to skate on streets. Beginners and advanced skaters wore more protective gear than average skaters. Surprisingly, street skaters wore less protective gear than skaters on sidewalks or paths.

Conclusions—Renewed focus on the importance of wearing helmets is needed. Given the higher injury risks for males, clinicians and public health experts need to target male skaters in prevention efforts. In addition, average and advanced skaters need to be convinced that even though they have improved, it is still important to wear protective gear.
Acceptability of baseball face guards and reduction of oculofacial injury in receptive youth league players: Figure 1
Authors: Danis Ronald P , Hu Kuolung , Bell Mason
Published: October 2002

Goals—To assess the relative injury reduction effect and acceptability of face guards on batter's helmets.

Methods—A non-randomized prospective cohort study among 238 youth league baseball teams in Central and Southern Indiana during the 1997 season. Coaches, parents, and players were asked to respond to pre-season and post-season questionnaires. Approximately one half of the teams were supplied with face guard helmets (intervention); all others used this protection at their discretion (comparison).

Results—Parents, players, and coaches on the intervention teams reported a reduction in the incidence of oculofacial injuries compared with comparison team respondents (p=0.04). There was no reported adverse effect of face guard use on player performance.

Conclusions—Helmet face guards should be required for batters to prevent facial injuries in baseball.
Population preventable fraction of bicycle related head injuries
Authors: Kopjar Branko
Published: October 2002

Objective—This study analyzes the population attributable fraction (PAF) of bicycle head injuries due to non-helmet use.

Methods—The concept of the PAF and Levin's formula for its calculation were used to develop mathematical models for estimation of: (i) attributable fraction of bicycle related head injuries in the population due to non-helmet use, (ii) expected proportion of helmeted cases among all head injuries, and (iii) estimate of the helmet use rate in the population based on patient case information. The PAF was calculated for a sample of injuries from Stavanger, Norway.

Results—Levin's formula was used to calculate the PAF. Two additional mathematical models were developed for calculating the expected proportion of helmeted cases and the estimation of the helmet use rate in the population. The calculation examples for all models were shown. It was estimated that 133 out of 210 injuries could have been avoided in Stavanger between 1990 and 1996 if all children aged 0–14 had used helmets.

Conclusions—If applied correctly, the PAF is a valid and useful indicator for the population effects of bicycle helmets. The models developed in this study may help to better interpret and predict the population effects of helmet promotion interventions.
Gun use in the United States: results from two national surveys
Authors: Hemenway D , Azrael D , Miller M
Published: October 2002

Objectives—To determine the relative incidence of gun victimization versus self defense gun use by civilians in the United States, and the circumstances and probable legality of the self defense uses.

Methods—National random digit dial telephone surveys of the adult population were conducted in 1996 and 1999. The Harvard surveys appear unique among private surveys in two respects: asking (1) open ended questions about defensive gun use incidents and (2) detailed questions about both gun victimization and self defense gun use. Five criminal court judges were asked to assess whether the self reported defensive gun uses were likely to have been legal.

Results—Even after excluding many reported firearm victimizations, far more survey respondents report having been threatened or intimidated with a gun than having used a gun to protect themselves. A majority of the reported self defense gun uses were rated as probably illegal by a majority of judges. This was so even under the assumption that the respondent had a permit to own and carry the gun, and that the respondent had described the event honestly.

Conclusions—Guns are used to threaten and intimidate far more often than they are used in self defense. Most self reported self defense gun uses may well be illegal and against the interests of society.
National estimates of non-fatal firearm related injuries other than gunshot wounds
Authors: Hootman J M , Annest J L , Mercy J A , Ryan G W , Hargarten S W
Published: October 2002

Objective—To characterize non-fatal firearm related injuries other than gunshot wounds (non-GSWs) treated in hospital emergency departments in the United States that occur during routine gun handling and recreational use as well as violence related use of a firearm.

Methods—Cases were identified through the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). During the study period, 1 January 1993 through 31 December 1996, NEISS consisted of a nationally representative sample of 91 hospitals in the United States having at least six beds and providing 24 hour emergency services.

Results—An estimated 65 374, or an average of 16 300 per year, non-fatal, non-GSWs were treated in American hospital emergency departments during the four year study period. Fifty seven per cent of all the non-fatal, non-GSWs were violence related, most of which involved being struck by a firearm. The majority of unintentional non-fatal, non-GSWs were self inflicted and occurred during routine gun handling or recreational use of a firearm; 43% of these injuries resulted from gun recoils.

Conclusions—Non-fatal, non-GSWs make a notable contribution to the public health burden of firearm related injuries. Firearm related injury prevention programs should focus on not only the reduction of gunshot wounds but also the reduction of unintentional and violence related non-GSWs.
Cycling safety: injury prevention in Oxford cyclists: Table 1
Authors: McGuire L , Smith N
Published: October 2002

Objective—To assess injury prevention measures used by cyclists in Oxford and to detect any differences between wearers and non-wearers of cycling helmets.

Method—A prospective observational survey of a series of cyclists passing a single point on a busy city road in reduced lighting. Two observers jointly recorded four measures of injury prevention: use of front or rear light, high visibility (reflective or fluorescent) clothing, and cycling helmet. The use of the first three interventions was analysed in relation to helmet use/non-use.

Results—A total of 392 cyclists were observed over one hour. Fourteen (3.6%) were observed to use all four studied measures, while 137 (34.9%) used none of them. The frequency of measures observed was: lit front light 190 (48.5%), lit rear light 197 (50.2%), both lights on 163 (41.6%), helmet on 104 (26.5%), and high visibility clothing 39 (9.9%).

Despite the helmet using group's smaller size, it contained a significantly higher proportion of cyclists with lit front light (60.6%v44.1%), lit rear light (61.5%v46.2%), and high visibility clothing (27.9%v3.5%), than the non-helmet group (p≤0.01). Whereas only 22% of the helmet users had no other observed measures, 47.2% of non-users did so.

Conclusion—Cycling helmet users were significantly more likely to use collision prevention measures in conditions of reduced visibility. Explanations may include higher levels of risk awareness and greater knowledge of safe cycling practices in the smaller, helmet using group. However, current measures by cyclists in a major cycling centre may be insufficient to prevent collisions and consequent serious injury or death.
Capture-recapture: a useful methodological tool for counting traffic related injuries?
Authors: Morrison A , Stone D H
Published: October 2002

Introduction—Although the capture-recapture technique is increasingly employed in studies of human populations to correct for under-ascertainment in traditional epidemiological surveillance, it has rarely been used in injury research.

Objectives—To estimate the completeness of official data sources on traffic related injuries (TRIs) by using the capture-recapture technique and to calculate an ascertainment corrected number of fatal and serious TRIs among Scottish young people aged 15–24 years. The appropriateness of the approach in this context is also assessed.

Method—A two sample capture-recapture technique was applied to two official sources of TRI data. Data on TRIs were obtained from the Scottish Health Service and the STATS19 dataset at the University of Essex Data Archive for 1995. Four standards (A-D) of matching were applied to fatalities and serious TRIs to allow plausible relaxation of matching standards within the context of the data collection setting. The completeness of each data source was assessed, and an ascertainment corrected number of fatalities and serious TRIs calculated.

Results—The ascertainment corrected number of TRI fatalities among 15–24 year olds using standard D was 104. This represents only a small increase in the number of fatalities using capture-recapture than when using each individual dataset. The completeness of the Scottish Health Service database for TRI fatalities was 93%. The STATS19 database was 95% complete. The ascertainment corrected number of TRI hospital admissions was 1969. The STATS19 and the Scottish Health Service databases were approximately two thirds and three quarters complete respectively for non-fatal TRIs requiring hospitalisation.

Conclusions—Injury researchers have advocated the linkage of major datasets to supplement and improve the quality of injury data. Using capture-recapture we found that routine databases enumerate TRI fatalities accurately, in contrast to injury morbidity databases that do not. Capture-recapture is a potentially useful method of evaluating the completeness of data sources and identifying biases within datasets. However, ascertainment corrected rates should be viewed with caution. A number of requirements of the capture-recapture technique are unachieved in this study of injury in the human population.
A preschool program for safety and injury prevention delivered by home visitors
Authors: Johnston B D , Britt J , D'Ambrosio L , Mueller B A , Rivara F P
Published: October 2002

Objective—To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an injury prevention program delivered by school based home visitors to the families of low income children attending preschool enrichment programs in Washington State.

Study sample—The families of children attending preschool Head Start programs in two regions were eligible. A total of 213 families (77.8% of those eligible) from intervention sites, and 149 families (71.9% of those eligible) from concurrent comparison sites, agreed to participate and completed the trial.

Intervention—Trained school personnel conducted home safety inspections as part of a planned home visit. Intervention families were offered educational materials as well as smoke detectors, batteries, ipecac, and age appropriate car safety restraints based on results of the home inspection.

Evaluation methods—At a repeat home visit three months later, the proportion of families with a positive change in injury prevention knowledge or behavior among those in the intervention group was compared with the proportion in the comparison group. Smoke detector presence and function were observed.

Results—Among families without a working smoke detector at baseline, the intervention was associated with an increased probability of having a working detector at follow up (relative risk (RR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3 to 8.6). Intervention families were also more likely to report the presence of ipecac in the home (RR 4.7, 95% CI 3.0 to 7.3) at follow up and to have obtained an age appropriate booster seat (RR 4.1, 95% CI 1.9 to 8.8). The program was acceptable to client families and to the home visitors who conducted the intervention.

Conclusions—Among the families of low income children enrolled in preschool enrichment programs, home safety inspections and the distribution of safety supplies by school based home visitors appears to improve knowledge and behavior related to poisoning, smoke detector installation, and car safety seat use over three months of follow up.