bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-range acoustic communication in deep water using a towed array
Authors: Song H. C. , Cho S. , Kang T. , Hodgkiss W. S. , Preston J. R.
Published: March 2011

In September 2010 a long-range acoustic communication (LRAC10) experiment was carried out in deep water off the Southern California Coast. The experiment involved two mobile components: (1) a source towed slowly at a speed of 2–3 knots at ∼75-m depth and (2) a horizontal line array towed at 3.5 knots at a depth of ∼200 m. Phase-coherent communication sequences were transmitted in the frequency band of 200–300 Hz at various ranges (100–700 km). Initial analysis of the LRAC10 data demonstrates that an information rate of 50 bits/s can be achieved over ∼550-km range using quadrature-phase shift-keying (QPSK) modulation and error-correction coding combined with beamforming.
CRYPTOCHROME Is a Blue-Light Sensor That Regulates Neuronal Firing Rate
Authors: Fogle Keri J. , Parson Kelly G. , Dahm Nicole A. , Holmes Todd C.
Published: March 2011

Neurons in the brain that boost the morning response of the circadian rhythm are themselves directly responsive to light.
Therapeutic Targeting of SPINK1-Positive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ateeq Bushra , Tomlins Scott A. , Laxman Bharathi , Asangani Irfan A. , Cao Qi , Cao Xuhong , Li Yong , Wang Xiaoju , Feng Felix Y. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Varambally Sooryanarayana , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: March 2011

SPINK1 is a therapeutic target in a subset of patients with

SPINK1
+
/ETS
−

prostate cancer.
Antisense Oligonucleotides Delivered to the Mouse CNS Ameliorate Symptoms of Severe Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Passini Marco A. , Bu Jie , Richards Amy M. , Kinnecom Cathrine , Sardi S. Pablo , Stanek Lisa M. , Hua Yimin , Rigo Frank , Matson John , Hung Gene , Kaye Edward M. , Shihabuddin Lamya S. , Krainer Adrian R. , Bennett C. Frank , Cheng Seng H.
Published: March 2011

Central nervous system–directed antisense therapy ameliorates symptoms in a severe neuromuscular disorder in mice.
A Sweet Spot for Kallikrein in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Evans-Molina Carmella
Published: March 2011

Hyperglycemia exacerbates hemorrhagic stroke through plasma kallikrein–induced inhibition of platelet aggregation.
These Peptides Have Got a Lot of Nerve
Authors: Skelly Christopher L.
Published: March 2011

Short, fluorescently labeled peptides could allow for better visualization of peripheral nerves during surgery.
Expert Network
Authors: LaMarco Kelly
Published: March 2011

Meet

Science Translational Medicine
's new Associate Scientific Advisors for 2011.
Effect of an Asparagine-to-Serine Mutation at Position 294 in Neuraminidase on the Pathogenicity of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza A Virus
Authors: Kiso Maki , Ozawa Makoto , Le Mai thi Quynh , Imai Hirotaka , Takahashi Kei , Kakugawa Satoshi , Noda Takeshi , Horimoto Taisuke , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: March 2011

Like the histidine-to-tyrosine substitution at position 274 in neuraminidase (NA H274Y), an asparagine-to-serine mutation at position 294 in this protein (NA N294S) confers oseltamivir resistance to highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A viruses. However, unlike viruses with the NA H274Y mutation, the properties of viruses possessing NA N294S are not well understood. Here, we assessed the effect of the NA N294S substitution on the replication and pathogenicity of human H5N1 viruses and on the efficacy of the NA inhibitors oseltamivir and zanamivir in mouse and ferret models. Although NA N294S-possessing H5N1 viruses were attenuated in mice and ferrets compared to their oseltamivir-sensitive counterparts, one of the infected ferrets died from systemic infection, demonstrating the potential lethality in ferrets of oseltamivir-resistant H5N1 viruses with the NA N294S substitution. The efficacy of oseltamivir, but not that of zanamivir, against an NA N294S-possessing virus was substantially impaired both in ferrets and
in vitro
. These results demonstrate the considerable pathogenicity of NA N294S substitution-possessing H5N1 viruses and underscore the importance of monitoring the emergence of the NA N294S mutation in circulating H5N1 viruses.
Contact Transmission of Tobacco Mosaic Virus: a Quantitative Analysis of Parameters Relevant for Virus Evolution
Authors: Sacristán Soledad , Díaz Maira , Fraile Aurora , García-Arenal Fernando
Published: March 2011

Transmission between hosts is required for the maintenance of parasites in the host population and determines their ultimate evolutionary success. The transmission ability of parasites conditions their evolution in two ways: on one side, it affects the genetic structure of founded populations in new hosts. On the other side, parasite traits that increase transmission efficiency will be selected for. Therefore, knowledge of the factors and parameters that determine transmission efficiency is critical to predict the evolution of parasites. For plant viruses, little is known about the parameters of contact transmission, a major way of transmission of important virus genera and species. Here, we analyze the factors determining the efficiency of contact transmission of
Tobacco mosaic virus
(TMV) that may affect virus evolution. As it has been reported for other modes of transmission, the rate of TMV transmission by contact depended on the contact opportunities between an infected and a noninfected host. However, TMV contact transmission differed from other modes of transmission, in that a positive correlation between the virus titer in the source leaf and the rate of transmission was not found within the range of our experimental conditions. Other factors associated with the nature of the source leaf, such as leaf age and the way in which it was infected, had an effect on the rate of transmission. Importantly, contact transmission resulted in severe bottlenecks, which did not depend on the host susceptibility to infection. Interestingly, the effective number of founders initiating the infection of a new host was highly similar to that reported for aphid-transmitted plant viruses, suggesting that this trait has evolved to an optimum value.
Chaperone Role for Proteins p618 and p892 in the Extracellular Tail Development of Acidianus Two-Tailed Virus
Authors: Scheele Urte , Erdmann Susanne , Ungewickell Ernst J. , Felisberto-Rodrigues Catarina , Ortiz-Lombardía Miguel , Garrett Roger A.
Published: March 2011

The crenarchaeal
Acidianus
two-tailed virus (ATV) undergoes a remarkable morphological development, extracellularly and independently of host cells, by growing long tails at each end of a spindle-shaped virus particle. Initial work suggested that an intermediate filament-like protein, p800, is involved in this process. We propose that an additional chaperone system is required, consisting of a MoxR-type AAA ATPase (p618) and a von Willebrand domain A (VWA)-containing cochaperone, p892. Both proteins are absent from the other known bicaudavirus, STSV1, which develops a single tail intracellularly. p618 exhibits ATPase activity and forms a hexameric ring complex that closely resembles the oligomeric complex of the MoxR-like protein RavA (YieN). ATV proteins p387, p653, p800, and p892 interact with p618, and with the exception of p800, all bind to DNA. A model is proposed to rationalize the interactions observed between the different protein and DNA components and to explain their possible structural and functional roles in extracellular tail development.
Second-Site Compensatory Mutations of HIV-1 Capsid Mutations
Authors: Noviello Colleen M. , López Claudia S. , Kukull Ben , McNett Henry , Still Amelia , Eccles Jacob , Sloan Rachel , Barklis Eric
Published: March 2011

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) capsid (CA) protein assembles into a hexameric lattice that forms the mature virus core. Contacts between the CA N-terminal domain (NTD) of one monomer and the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the adjacent monomer are important for the assembly of this core. In this study, we have examined the effects of mutations in the NTD region associated with this interaction. We have found that such mutations yielded modest reductions of virus release but major effects on viral infectivity. Cell culture and
in vitro
assays indicate that the infectivity defects relate to abnormalities in the viral cores. We have selected second-site compensatory mutations that partially restored HIV infectivity. These mutations map to the CA CTD and to spacer peptide 1 (SP1), the portion of the precursor Gag protein immediately C terminal to the CTD. The compensatory mutations do not locate to the molecularly modeled intermolecular NTD-CTD interface. Rather, the compensatory mutations appear to act indirectly, possibly by realignment of the C-terminal helix of the CA CTD, which participates in the NTD-CTD interface and has been shown to serve an important role in the assembly of infectious virus.
The C-Terminal 42 Residues of the Tula Virus Gn Protein Regulate Interferon Induction
Authors: Matthys Valery , Gorbunova Elena E. , Gavrilovskaya Irina N. , Pepini Timothy , Mackow Erich R.
Published: March 2011

Hantaviruses primarily infect the endothelial cell lining of capillaries and cause two vascular permeability-based diseases. The ability of pathogenic hantaviruses to regulate the early induction of interferon determines whether hantaviruses replicate in endothelial cells. Tula virus (TULV) and Prospect Hill virus (PHV) are hantaviruses which infect human endothelial cells but fail to cause human disease. PHV is unable to inhibit early interferon (IFN) responses and fails to replicate within human endothelial cells. However, TULV replicates successfully in human endothelial cells, suggesting that TULV is capable of regulating cellular IFN responses. We observed a >300-fold reduction in the IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) MxA and ISG56 following TULV versus PHV infection of endothelial cells 1 day postinfection. Similar to results with pathogenic hantaviruses, expressing the TULV Gn protein cytoplasmic tail (Gn-T) blocked RIG-I- and TBK1-directed transcription from IFN-stimulated response elements (ISREs) and IFN-β promoters (>90%) but not transcription directed by constitutively active IFN regulatory factor-3 (IRF3). In contrast, expressing the PHV Gn-T had no effect on TBK1-induced transcriptional responses. Analysis of Gn-T truncations demonstrated that the C-terminal 42 residues of the Gn-T (Gn-T-C42) from TULV, but not PHV, inhibited IFN induction >70%. These findings demonstrate that the TULV Gn-T inhibits IFN- and ISRE-directed responses upstream of IRF3 at the level of the TBK1 complex and further define a 42-residue domain of the TULV Gn-T that inhibits IFN induction. In contrast to pathogenic hantavirus Gn-Ts, the TULV Gn-T lacks a C-terminal degron domain and failed to bind tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3), a TBK1 complex component required for IRF3 activation. These findings indicate that the nonpathogenic TULV Gn-T regulates IFN induction but accomplishes this via unique interactions with cellular TBK1 complexes. These findings fundamentally distinguish nonpathogenic hantaviruses, PHV and TULV, and demonstrate that IFN regulation alone is insufficient for hantaviruses to cause disease. Yet regulating the early IFN response is necessary for hantaviruses to replicate within human endothelial cells and to be pathogenic. Thus, in addition to IFN regulation, hantaviruses contain discrete virulence determinants which permit them to be human pathogens.
Nuclear Envelope Disruption Involving Host Caspases Plays a Role in the Parvovirus Replication Cycle
Authors: Cohen Sarah , Marr Alexandra K. , Garcin Pierre , Panté Nelly
Published: March 2011

Parvoviruses are small, nonenveloped, single-stranded DNA viruses which replicate in the nucleus of the host cell. We have previously found that early during infection the parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVM) causes small, transient disruptions of the nuclear envelope (NE). We have now investigated the mechanism used by MVM to disrupt the NE. Here we show that the viral phospholipase A2, the only known enzymatic domain on the parvovirus capsid, is not involved in causing NE disruption. Instead, the virus utilizes host cell caspases, which are proteases involved in causing NE breakdown during apoptosis, to facilitate these nuclear membrane disruptions. Studies with pharmacological inhibitors indicate that caspase-3 in particular is involved. A caspase-3 inhibitor prevents nuclear lamin cleavage and NE disruption in MVM-infected mouse fibroblast cells and reduces nuclear entry of MVM capsids and viral gene expression. Caspase-3 is, however, not activated above basal levels in MVM-infected cells, and other aspects of apoptosis are not triggered during early MVM infection. Instead, basally active caspase-3 is relocalized to the nuclei of infected cells. We propose that NE disruption involving caspases plays a role in (i) parvovirus entry into the nucleus and (ii) alteration of the compartmentalization of host proteins in a way that is favorable for the virus.
The Helical Domains of the Stem Region of Dengue Virus Envelope Protein Are Involved in both Virus Assembly and Entry
Authors: Lin Su-Ru , Zou Gang , Hsieh Szu-Chia , Qing Min , Tsai Wen-Yang , Shi Pei-Yong , Wang Wei-Kung
Published: March 2011

The envelope (E) of dengue virus (DENV) is a determinant of tropism and virulence. At the C terminus of E protein, there is a stem region containing two amphipathic α-helical domains (EH1 and EH2) and a stretch of conserved sequences in between. The crystal structure of E protein at the postfusion state suggested the involvement of the stem during the fusion; however, the critical domains or residues involved remain unknown. Site-directed mutagenesis was carried out to replace each of the stem residues at the hydrophobic face with an alanine or proline in a DENV serotype 4 (DENV4) precursor membrane (prM)/E expression construct. Most of the 15 proline mutations at either EH1 or EH2 severely affected the assembly of virus-like particles (VLPs). Radioimmunoprecipitation and membrane flotation assays revealed that EH1 mutations primarily affect prM-E heterodimerization and EH2 mutations affect the membrane binding of the stem. Introducing four proline mutations at either EH1 or EH2 into a DENV2 replicon packaging system greatly affects assembly and entry. Moreover, introducing these mutations into a DENV2 infectious clone confirmed the impairment in assembly and infectivity. Sequencing analysis of adaptive mutations in passage 5 viruses revealed a change to a leucine or wild-type residue at the original site, suggesting the importance of maintaining the helical structure. Collectively, these findings suggest that the EH1 and EH2 domains are involved in both assembly and entry steps of the DENV replication cycle; this feature, together with the high degree of sequence conservation, suggests that the stem region is a potential target of antiviral strategies.
Deletion of Major Nonessential Genomic Regions in the Vaccinia Virus Lister Strain Enhances Attenuation without Altering Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Authors: Dimier Julie , Ferrier-Rembert Audrey , Pradeau-Aubreton Karine , Hebben Matthias , Spehner Danièle , Favier Anne-Laure , Gratier Danielle , Garin Daniel , Crance Jean-Marc , Drillien Robert
Published: March 2011

The vaccinia virus (VACV) Lister strain was one of the vaccine strains that enabled smallpox eradication. Although the strain is most often harmless, there have been numerous incidents of mild to life-threatening accidents with this strain and others. In an attempt to further attenuate the Lister strain, we investigated the role of 5 genomic regions known to be deleted in the modified VACV Ankara (MVA) genome in virulence in immunodeficient mice, immunogenicity in immunocompetent mice, and vaccine efficacy in a cowpox virus challenge model. Lister mutants were constructed so as to delete each of the 5 regions or various combinations of these regions. All of the mutants replicated efficiently in tissue culture except region I mutants, which multiplied more poorly in human cells than the parental strain. Mutants with single deletions were not attenuated or only moderately so in athymic nude mice. Mutants with multiple deletions were more highly attenuated than those with single deletions. Deleting regions II, III, and V together resulted in total attenuation for nude mice and partial attenuation for SCID mice. In immunocompetent mice, the Lister deletion mutants induced VACV specific humoral responses equivalent to those of the parental strain but in some cases lower cell-mediated immune responses. All of the highly attenuated mutants protected mice from a severe cowpox virus challenge at low vaccine doses. The data suggest that several of the Lister mutants combining multiple deletions could be used in smallpox vaccination or as live virus vectors at doses equivalent to those used for the traditional vaccine while displaying increased safety.
Oxidative Stress Resistance inDeinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Slade Dea , Radman Miroslav
Published: March 2011

Deinococcus radioduransis a robust bacterium best known for its capacity to repair massive DNA damage efficiently and accurately. It is extremely resistant to many DNA-damaging agents, including ionizing radiation and UV radiation (100 to 295 nm), desiccation, and mitomycin C, which induce oxidative damage not only to DNA but also to all cellular macromolecules via the production of reactive oxygen species. The extreme resilience ofD. radioduransto oxidative stress is imparted synergistically by an efficient protection of proteins against oxidative stress and an efficient DNA repair mechanism, enhanced by functional redundancies in both systems.D. radioduransassets for the prevention of and recovery from oxidative stress are extensively reviewed here. Radiation- and desiccation-resistant bacteria such asD. radioduranshave substantially lower protein oxidation levels than do sensitive bacteria but have similar yields of DNA double-strand breaks. These findings challenge the concept of DNA as the primary target of radiation toxicity while advancing protein damage, and the protection of proteins against oxidative damage, as a new paradigm of radiation toxicity and survival. The protection of DNA repair and other proteins against oxidative damage is imparted by enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense systems dominated by divalent manganese complexes. Given that oxidative stress caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species is associated with aging and cancer, a comprehensive outlook onD. radioduransstrategies of combating oxidative stress may open new avenues for antiaging and anticancer treatments. The study of the antioxidation protection inD. radioduransis therefore of considerable potential interest for medicine and public health.
Change Is Good: Variations in Common Biological Mechanisms in the Epsilonproteobacterial GeneraCampylobacterandHelicobacter
Authors: Gilbreath Jeremy J. , Cody William L. , Merrell D. Scott , Hendrixson David R.
Published: March 2011

Microbial evolution and subsequent species diversification enable bacterial organisms to perform common biological processes by a variety of means. The epsilonproteobacteria are a diverse class of prokaryotes that thrive in diverse habitats. Many of these environmental niches are labeled as extreme, whereas other niches include various sites within human, animal, and insect hosts. Some epsilonproteobacteria, such asCampylobacter jejuniandHelicobacter pylori, are common pathogens of humans that inhabit specific regions of the gastrointestinal tract. As such, the biological processes of pathogenicCampylobacterandHelicobacterspp. are often modeled after those of common enteric pathogens such asSalmonellaspp. andEscherichia coli. While many exquisite biological mechanisms involving biochemical processes, genetic regulatory pathways, and pathogenesis of disease have been elucidated from studies ofSalmonellaspp. andE. coli, these paradigms often do not apply to the same processes in the epsilonproteobacteria. Instead, these bacteria often display extensive variation in common biological mechanisms relative to those of other prototypical bacteria. In this review, five biological processes of commonly studied model bacterial species are compared to those of the epsilonproteobacteriaC. jejuniandH. pylori. Distinct differences in the processes of flagellar biosynthesis, DNA uptake and recombination, iron homeostasis, interaction with epithelial cells, and protein glycosylation are highlighted. Collectively, these studies support a broader view of the vast repertoire of biological mechanisms employed by bacteria and suggest that future studies of the epsilonproteobacteria will continue to provide novel and interesting information regarding prokaryotic cellular biology.
Eukaryote-Like Serine/Threonine Kinases and Phosphatases in Bacteria
Authors: Pereira Sandro F. F. , Goss Lindsie , Dworkin Jonathan
Published: March 2011

Genomic studies have revealed the presence of Ser/Thr kinases and phosphatases in many bacterial species, although their physiological roles have largely been unclear. Here we review bacterial Ser/Thr kinases (eSTKs) that show homology in their catalytic domains to eukaryotic Ser/Thr kinases and their partner phosphatases (eSTPs) that are homologous to eukaryotic phosphatases. We first discuss insights into the enzymatic mechanism of eSTK activation derived from structural studies on both the ligand-binding and catalytic domains. We then turn our attention to the identified substrates of eSTKs and eSTPs for a number of species and to the implications of these findings for understanding their physiological roles in these organisms.
Treatment and monitoring of epilepsy in dogs
Authors: Chandler Kate
Published: March 2011

Epilepsy is a brain disorder and is defined as the propensity to have recurrent seizures. It is the most common chronic neurological disorder seen in dogs. Most dogs that present with recurrent seizures have idiopathic epilepsy, which is thought to have a genetic basis and has no identifiable underlying cause when a full diagnostic work‐up is undertaken. Symptomatic epilepsies, which arise secondary to brain diseases such as intracranial neoplastic lesions or central nervous system inflammatory disorders, are less common. By addressing some of the most frequently asked questions relating to the treatment of seizures, this article suggests some practical and effective strategies for managing and monitoring dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.
Gastric ulceration in horses
Authors: Hepburn Richard
Published: March 2011

Equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) was first described in 1986 and is common in all types of horses. The clinical signs are variable and often vague but EGUS can be easily diagnosed following thorough history taking and physical examination, and confirmed using gastroscopy. Ulcers can be effectively treated and prevented by introducing changes in management practices and instituting drug therapy. This article discusses the aetiology and risk factors associated with gastric ulceration in horses and outlines the approach for diagnosis, treatment and prevention in adults, while highlighting how this differs in foals.
Orthopaedic examination of the dog
Authors: Arthurs Gareth
Published: March 2011

The purpose of an orthopaedic examination is to evaluate a patient for the presence or absence of orthopaedic disease and to localise any abnormalities found. This examination is arguably the most critical part of an orthopaedic work‐up as it is at this point that important decisions are made with regard to selecting further diagnostic tests and/or discussing treatment options and prognosis. This article, the first of two, considers the need for a systematic approach to the orthopaedic examination and discusses how this might be applied to the thoracic limb. Part 2, to be published in the April issue of In Practice, will discuss how to perform an orthopaedic examination on the pelvic limb. An article published in the January issue described the use of orthopaedic examination as part of an approach to forelimb lameness.
Comments on the dilemma in the February issue: ‘Violent vet’
Authors: Atkinson Martin
Published: March 2011

The dilemma in the February issue concerned a senior vet who hit a dog when it tried to bite him as he examined an infected wound (In Practice, February 2011, volume 33, pages 94–95). Junior staff looked on in horror but said nothing. Peter Fordyce commented that whether to act or ignore the incident should be considered; if one did decide to act, should any actions be taken ‘in‐house’ or involve outside parties such as the owner? Employees that ‘whistle‐blow’ might find future employment difficult, but failure to act might leave other patients of the practice vulnerable to physical abuse, and not involving the client in the decision‐making process might expose those involved with the case to an accusation of a cover‐up. A possible way forward would be to consider what action should be taken to address the moral offence caused by the assault, how other animals should be protected from such behaviour, the proportionality of the response, and the ethical issues surrounding paternalism relating to the owner's involvement in the decision‐making process. The RCVS guidance provided a practical approach to resolving the issue of the assault; it did not, however, address the issue of informing the client. It was therefore wise to discuss the issue of informing the client with the RCVS beforehand, particularly if the case was not proven against the vet.
Trades apprentice safety team challenge
Authors:   New Plymouth injury Safe Trust in partnership with the Taranaki Construction Safety Focus Group
Published: March 2011

The film provides an overview of an annual practical safety competition – the Taranaki Trades Apprentice Challenge – aimed at construction trades apprentices in Taranaki. It includes film of the competition in progress, along with interviews with those organising and running the ‘challenge’ activities on the day. The Taranaki Construction Safety Focus Group organise the annual event which consists of a practical and interactive competition designed to test the safety knowledge and skills of apprentices aged 18–25 years from local trades and construction industries. The practical challenges each last 20 min and focus on safety topics such as working at heights, road safety, fire safety, manual handling, home safety, personal safety, physical fitness and first aid. The activities are run by representatives from local safety groups and construction companies. Winners receive a Master Builders sponsored Apprentice Safety Trophy. The first competition was held in 2009 and was won by Shell Todd Oil Services and then in 2010 by Tenix. What is particularly interesting about this event is that it is not the only one of its kind in Taranaki! The authors also host a long running agricultural challenge event (ATV driving, tractor driving, cattle handling etc) held on a working farm (aimed at agricultural students), a Gateway Safety Challenge (aimed at gateway trades students aged 15–16) and, most recently, a Business House Safety Challenge aimed at local businesses with a focus on the links between home, road and workplace safety. While the competition appears to be just that, it is increasingly being recognised by local industry as a powerful and effective learning tool for young people in particular. The Trades Apprentice Challenge has now been replicated in other parts of New Zealand and there are plans to incorporate the competition into the Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition.
He drove me mad – a dramatised documentary about domestic violence and mental illness
Authors:   Homeworks Trust. A voluntary organisation who advocate for specialist women only services and housing – including refuges for women with mental health and drug and alcohol problems as a result of domestic violence
Published: March 2011

The dramatised documentary He Drove Me Mad is designed to help voluntary, statutory and non-governmental organisation service providers understand and assist women trapped by domestic violence and mental illness/substance abuse. It provides strategies to assist agencies to support women in ways that enable them to take action and begin the process of recovery. The documentary presents the viewers with: dramatised experiences of women who have been abused and who are mentally unwell or drunk attempting to get help. The dramatisations are generalised scenarios, taken from real life situations, demonstrating a number of the barriers that women in this situation encounter when trying to access help information about domestic violence and mental illness, the size and scope of the problem in New Zealand and how agencies can constructively help these women when they encounter them. The script was developed with the guidance of women who have been driven mad by domestic violence and who understand how difficult it is to get information, to find others who understand their predicament, and to access services that respond in a constructive, non-abusive way. Raising awareness of these women's predicament and providing constructive agency responses can potentially free women from lives of violence and abuse, break the process of inter-generational abuse, contribute to the elimination of violence against women and promote peaceful homes and communities. While there may be a level of awareness of the problem of mental illness and substance abuse caused by domestic violence, there is no evidence, in New Zealand, of a constructive response to this from the services that women access. The documentary is part of a teaching resource that consists of handouts and a power point presentation (contained on a CD) and a booklet that explains how to use the teaching resource.
Learning on accidents and non-fatal injuries from health-seeking behaviour: a visual account in Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Authors: Azoh J
Published: March 2011

This presentation aims to document the type of accidents and non-fatal injuries for which patients seek help in the informal health network using a visual approach It is based on first-hand data collected at the workplace of a self-defined chirobotanist, within an extensive fieldwork on health-seeking practices involving the use of plants, and other alternative sources of therapy made available in the urban area of Nuevo Leon. Verbal and non-verbal data were collected, and permission was sought in situ and obtained from the therapist and patients prior to proceeding. A dozen of photos depict the therapy applied to the patients. Their most affected parts are the superior and inferior limbs (arm, leg, foot), and hips in relation to falls that resulted in sprains, bruises, pain and discomfort while moving their bodies. Other cases (to a lesser extent) were derived from blows received from a horse or during a football game. Patients common need is getting an effective massage and bones straighten out to restore their previous state of health. Patients from all age groups and genders are represented, however those more frequently seen are senior citizens. Like most elderly, their socioeconomic background ranges from low to medium high. They are more susceptible to falls and put at disadvantage by a range of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Besides the lower monetary cost and shorter waiting time compared to a hospital or health centre, their main motivation lies in their trust in the therapist. It appears in this context of medical pluralism, that not all cases requiring medical treatment are brought to the attention of formal health specialists such as registered medical doctors, chiropractitioners and physiotherapists. Fall episodes, whether occurring in the public space or in the home environment and trauma could be more common than thought.
Mass casualty incident
Authors: Marques H
Published: March 2011

All citizens can play an important role in the optimisation of resources and care, as health active agents, agents of civil protection first responders and potential victims of a mass casualty incident. Mass casualty incident is a MCI scenario film that can be utilised as a pedagogical tool for individual and social awareness for violence and injury prevention and control.
Journey to recovery: a teenagers inspirational story to “never give up”
Authors: Fordham A J , Fordham A ,   Fordham Family
Published: March 2011

An enviable life. That was how one would describe the life of an active, popular 16-year-old teenager from Rodney, Ontario, Canada. AJ Fordham participated in sports, raced cars at a speedway, played drums in a band, went boating at the family cottage and was surrounded by family and friends. Life drastically changed on a snowy day in January 2007 when his vehicle went off the road and crashed. The phone call his mother Andrea Fordham received that day changed the life of her son and family forever. Suffering a traumatic brain injury, orbital trauma and multiple fractures, this video created by AJ and his family chronicles AJs life before and the journey to recovery he has been on in the 3 years since that eventful day from his resuscitation, critical care stay, rehab and adjusting to life back at home. This moving video provides a unique insight into this process, as told from the patient and family perspective. The photos presented depict his progress, the gains he has made from his coma to his high school graduation. His amazing family support has been instrumental to his success. AJ takes a positive spin on his traumatic experience to teach youth about making informed choices, to never give up and that they are not invincible. AJ has presented his video and motivational talks to high school students, teachers and health care professionals to inspire and raise awareness about the importance of injury prevention. Never Give Up is the motto AJ always lived by and he persevered and stuck with that motto while relearning to walk, talk, eat, etc. Being able to share his story on the international injury prevention stage at Safety 2010 would be a dream come true for AJ and truly inspirational for conference attendees.
Unsafe construction work
Authors: Lu Y C
Published: March 2011

The construction industry in the Philippines has been remising on its safety compliance. Many falls and deaths have been reported by media due to lack of safety belt, unsafe practices of using installed elevators that suddenly drop, stepping on unstable platforms, and sleepiness and nightshift overtime work.
Pedestrian death in Morelos State, Mexico, 1998–2007
Authors: Rodriguez-Hernndez J M , Hijar-Medina M , Campuzano-Rincn J C
Published: March 2011

Aim

Describe main characteristics associated with mortality in pedestrian injuries in Morelos, Mexico between 1998 and 2007.

Methods

We made a descriptive cross-sectional study of pedestrian fatalities occurred in 33 municipalities of Morelos State, Mexico, data were collected from official death certificates available in the National Institute of Geography and Statistics (INEGI) between 1998 and 2007; variables such as sex, age, marital status, education, occupation, time and place of occurrence of the event were included in analysis. Trend analysis was obtained, specific rates by age and sex.

Results

703 pedestrian fatalities occurred on the period selected in Morelos, with a rate of 4.1/100 000 inhabitants. Was three times higher in men than in women; although the average age was 25 years, the rate increased with age; more than 60% of affected were single, widowed or separated, 70% had no healthcare; most of the deaths occurred in people with low education, they were unemployed, workers or peasants; the frequency of events were (34.7%) from 2:00 to 7:00 and (46%) from 7:00 to 13:00. 60% of deaths occurred in cities over 100 000 inhabitants, 58% in Cuernavaca and Cuautla, metropolitan areas.

Conclusions

Pedestrian fatalities rate remained constant for a 10-year period; they were concentrated in urban centres, the mortality risk increased with age and most affected were people without social security. At the time of the study were not designed public policies that had promoted road safety, to control or prevent this public health problem.
Safety on rural roads?
Authors: Aggarwal A D , Garg M , Gorea R K , Singh A
Published: March 2011

Indian cities are definitely growing at a blinding pace. The population and traffic in cities are spiralling and the infrastructure is not able to cope up with the demand. All said and done, ‘True India’ still resides in the lap of Indian villages. The flavours, the colours, the vibrancy, the rich variety, the innocence that the Indian villages offer is truly breathtaking. This is true even for the issues in rural transport and road safety, where photos will depict the contraptions for transport that Villages in India have got to offer. The issue of rural transport safety has been simmering for quite some time. Until now safety issues in the transport sector have overwhelmingly concentrated on roads, highways and motorised traffic. We are advocating for more attention to rural transport safety issues, beyond roads; particularly in relation to public transport and gender. The geographical and economic isolation of rural communities is often exacerbated by a lack of political commitment to local mobility issues. As for many developing countries, rural road development has proven insufficient, often because little attention is paid to rural transport services. Enforcing the laws through stricter regulations, would mean that poor people would be marginalised and isolated even more as they would no longer be able to use the public transport or would have to pay fines, or even bribes. The photo study looks to highlight these issues to improve safety for poor people while still ensuring their access to critical lifelines and market opportunities. We will touch on issues of road safety, personal/commuter safety, pedestrian safety, road conditions, transport services, modes of transport, road rage, injuries in accidents, deaths, etc. We are interested to explore these themes and this opportunity will help to make these important issues more visible for policy and decision-makers.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of women pillion riders in two of the major cities of Pakistan, Karachi and Lahore
Authors: Waseem H , Shahbaz S , Khan U
Published: March 2011

Background

Each year nearly 1.2 million people die and millions more are injured or disabled as a result of road traffic injuries. Wearing helmets is the single most effective way of reducing head injuries in motored two wheeled vehicles.

Objective

The objective of the study is to identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women pillion riders in the two major cities of Pakistan, Karachi and Lahore.

Method

This is a case-control study, in a selected female population. The inclusion criteria were working women and students between the ages of 18 and 45 with 10 years of education. A questionnaire was distributed focusing on awareness of helmet use and reasons why they are not used.

Results

The results are derived from the sample size of 400. Among the many reasons for not wearing a helmet in the female Pakistani population, it emerged that while most of them were aware of the importance of helmets and their protective role, they had not thought that it was important for them as a pillion driver. Some respondents also thought they were not very fashionable and others blamed the hot and humid climate. Most of them thought that if there was a risk of being penalised they will probably wear them.

Conclusion

Our study is still in the process of data analysis, but it is very clear that the use of helmets especially in females is near to none.
Parents child safety behaviour on the prevention of unintentional injuries
Authors: Van Beelen M E J , Beirens T M J , Hertog P Den , Struijk M K , Van Beeck E F , Raat H
Published: March 2011

Background

In the Netherlands each year 30 children aged 0–4 years die, as result of unintentional injuries in or around the home. Additionally 57 000 children are medically treated, of which 46 000 children at the emergency room of a hospital. In order to reduce these numbers, parents' child safety behaviour is promoted. The aim of this study is to assess demographic correlates of parents' child safety behaviour.

Methods

Parents with a 7.5-month-old child, who were part of a sample of 30 Dutch child health clinics, urban and rural, were invited by their preventive healthcare provider to participate in the study. Parents fill in a questionnaire on either paper or through the Internet. Parents were informed that the study was about home safety and the prevention of injuries.

The questionnaire contains items on pregnancy, birth, gender, ethnicity of the child and the parents, educational level of the parents, household and family composition, safety measures taken, determinants of safety behaviour on safety topics, like falling, poisoning, drowning and burning. Sum-scores for safety behaviour will be calculated.

Results

Preliminary results (n=132 parents) show that 91.7% of participants are mothers, 50.0% have at least one stair gate and 78.0% of children are exposed to unsafe storage of poisonings.

Conclusion

The results of this study will provide information about parents' child safety behaviour which will be used to improve health education to parents of young children.
What constitute elder abuse: a study of knowledge and preventive mechanism known to young people
Authors: Okoye U O , Echezona R I
Published: March 2011

The population of the older people all over the world today is increasing steadily so also their needs. The near total dependence of the older people on their children and relations for care giving in places like Nigeria, most cases leave a broad window for elder abuse to occur even without the care giver being aware of it. It is generally believed that lack of knowledge about elder abuse and not knowing the mechanisms through which it can be prevented constitute a major problem in family care-giving. This study attempts to find out through the use of questionnaires and focus group interviews what young people know about elder abuse and some preventive mechanisms. Data were collected from 480 undergraduates. Result show that 80% of respondents have knowledge of what constitute elder abuse while 63% are aware of some preventive mechanism. Other findings show that apart from sex of the respondents other variables such as living with an older person, age and place of residence have no relationship with knowledge of elderly abuse or preventive mechanism. Some of the recommendations include that the study of social gerontology should be made a part of the school curriculum both at the lower and higher institution of learning in Nigeria so as to inculcate the values in the youths so as to curtail elder abuse in future.
Can the theory of planned behaviour predict coach intentions to implement a safe landing program during netball training sessions?
Authors: White P , Ullah S , Romiti M , Finch C
Published: March 2011

Introduction

It is currently unknown whether the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) can predict intentions to engage in sports safety behaviours and what particular TPB constructs are important in this prediction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether TPB can predict coach intentions to teach correct landing technique to junior players and what particular constructs are most important in this prediction.

Methods

Fifty-one coaches completed a 12-item survey to measure their attitudes, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control around the behaviour of teaching correct landing technique during junior netball training. Coaches were also asked about their intention to teach correct landing technique at netball training sessions. Factor analysis was used to identify the factors in relation to the TPB. Structural equation modelling was used to determine whether TPB could be used to predict the intention to teach correct landing technique.

Results

The factor analysis identified that the three factors were sufficient to describe the 12 statements. These three factors were consistent with the attitudes, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control dimensions of the TPB, explaining 21%, 19% and 14% of the total variability respectively. Structural equation modelling revealed that none of the TPB factors were significant predictors to explain the intention of teaching correct landing technique.

Conclusions

Although the three factors attitudes, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control were sufficient for describing the data, TPB may not be an appropriate theory to apply to the prediction of sports safety behaviour.
On-line survey with story sharing on risky behaviour for home safety
Authors: Cui M Y , Wang L
Published: March 2011

Problem

In China, injury is the leading killer of children aged under 14; around 43% child injury occurs at home (1 survey of childhood unintentional injury patterns and parental awareness in three cities in China (Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai 2004, Safe Kids Worldwide-China and National Center Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC)).

Objectives

(1) To understand home injury among children through moms stories. (2) To educate moms about home safety by sharing real stories related to injuries photos among moms.

Method

(1) On-line collection of household child injuries by moms telling stories and how she could change her behaviour to avoid such injuries. (2) Analyse the risky behaviours in each story. (3) Share moms stories through Internet to educate more parents.

Results

(1) 5000 stories were collected with how the child was injuries and what mom could do to avoid such injuries later. (2) 2280 stories from 14 cities were quality enough for behaviour analysis. (3) The top four household injuries are falls (25%); burns including electric shocks (16.7%); cuts (9.1%) and poison (2.6%). (4) No-household injuries: injuries related to traffic is 71%; drowning is 5%.

Conclusion

(1) The survey got the quality data on household injuries as moms are giving the real stories. (2) On-line story sharing made the survey as a kind of education intervention, too as moms also tell how they should do in further to avoid such injuries. (3) The survey made a great use of limited resources through on-line platform and combining survey and education intervention together.
Child pedestrian safety: behaviour changing evaluation through school education project
Authors: Cui M Y , Wang L
Published: March 2011

Problem

In China, over 35 000 children ages 14 and under is injured and over 7000 die from road traffic accidents in China.

Objectives

(1) To evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on behaviour change by independent observation. (2) To determine whether the observation method adopted could improve the pedestrian behaviour.

Method

(1) Intervention through curriculum education for safe road cross (7 behaviours). (2) Mapping the off-school road for observation site selection. (3) Observation through a third party observation before the education and after 7 days of education by trained observers.

Results

(1) No significant behaviour changes for stop at the corner before crossing and walking on the sidewalk after crossing. (2) Significant changes on look left-right-left while crossing. (3) Big improvement on Walk on the zebra line while crossing. (4) Slight improvement on slow down before cross and no rushing while crossing.

Conclusion

(1) The project illustrates that an educational intervention can improve children's pedestrian behaviour on safety crossing in some way. (2) The third party observation gives a more factual evaluation to the intervention. However the study also raised a number of methodological challenges such as big resources required for getting more student involvement and making sure that students are in blind of this observation.