Child pedestrian injury prevention project: student results

BACKGROUND

Few comprehensive pedestrian safety interventions for primary-school-age children have been developed and evaluated. This paper reports the impact of the 3-year (1995-1997) Child Pedestrian In jury Prevention Project (CPIPP) on a cohort of 1603 children followed from age 6 to 9 years. This multicomponent project comprised an educational intervention for students, their parents and teachers, and the local community, as well as several environmental interventions. The primary aim of CPIPP was to improve children's road-related behavior and to enhance the safety of their road environment.

METHODS

Three communities were assigned to the treatment conditions: (1) high-education, community, and environmental interventions; (2) moderate-education intervention only; and (3) comparison (usual road safety education). Children's pedestrian knowledge and road crossing and playing behaviors were assessed using a pre- and posttest self-report questionnaire. Their self-reported road crossing behaviors were validated using an observational schedule and brief interview.

RESULTS

Children in the high and moderate intervention groups were significantly more likely to cross the road with adult supervision (P = 0.013) and play away from the road (P = 0.000) than the comparison group. No differences were detected in children's pedestrian safety knowledge between the intervention and comparison groups.

CONCLUSIONS

While several methodological limitations may have influenced the study outcomes, these data nonetheless indicate that in the study sample the CPIPP educational intervention deaccelerated the natural increase in children's pedestrian-related risk behavior.

Symptoms of stress and depression as correlates of sleep in primary insomnia

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have not evaluated the clinical correlates of the electroencephalographic spectral profile in patients with insomnia. In the preliminary study described here, we evaluated the extent to which symptoms of stress and depression are associated with subjective sleep complaints and quantitative measures of sleep in individuals with chronic insomnia.

METHODS

Subjects were 14 healthy adults who met criteria for primary insomnia as specified in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Measures of stress, depression, and subjective sleep quality were collected before subjects participated in a two-night laboratory sleep series. We hypothesized that elevated symptoms of stress and depression would be associated with subjective sleep complaints and electroencephalographic evidence of hyperarousal during sleep. Hyperarousal during sleep was defined as decreases in delta power and elevations in alpha and beta power throughout non-rapid eye movement sleep, and symptoms of stress were defined as the tendency to experience stress-related intrusive thoughts and the interaction between intrusion tendency and the number of recent stressful events (subjective stress burden).

RESULTS

A stronger tendency to experience stress-related intrusive thoughts was associated with greater sleep complaints and a trend toward higher beta power, whereas increases in subjective stress burden were associated with decreases in delta power. In addition, elevations in subclinical symptoms of depression were associated with greater sleep complaints and elevations in alpha power.

CONCLUSIONS

Observed relationships among symptoms of stress, depression, subjective sleep complaints, and electroencephalographic power may be relevant to the discrepancy between subjective and objective measures of sleep in patients with insomnia and may be more broadly applicable to sleep complaints in association with stressful life events and major depression.

Sulfakinin neuropeptides in a crustacean. Isolation, identification andtissue localization in the tiger prawn Penaeus monodon

The sulfakinin (SK) family of neuropeptides are characterized by a C-terminal octapeptide sequence that begins with two acidic residues (most commonly DD), and ends with YGHMRF-NH2, usually with the tyrosyl residue sulfated. So far, sulfakinins have only been identified in insects and the present study was initiated to investigate if the family is more widely distributed within the arthropods. Purification of an extract of the central nervous system of the giant tiger prawn Penaeus monodon has revealed three novel members of the sulfakinin peptide family. One of the peptides, Pem SKI, has the sequence <QFDEY(SO3H)GHMRF-NH2, where <Q denotes a pyroglutamic acid residue, and is for all criteria typical of insect sulfakinins, several of which also have an N-terminal pyroglutamic acid. Tyrosyl O-sulfation was verified by mass spectrometry. The two other peptides have a hitherto unknown L/M variation at position three from the C-terminus. One of these, Pem SKII, has a particularly glycine-rich N-terminus, AGGSGGVGGEYDDYGHLRF-NH2. The other, Pem SKIII, is a truncated form of Pem SKII, with the sequence VGGEYDDYGHLRF-NH2. Mass spectrometry of the latter two peptides indicated that only one of the two tyrosyl residues is sulfated. By analogy, it is suggested that the sulfation is located at the residue in position six from the C-terminus. A small amount of a nonsulfated variant of Pem SKII was also present in the extract. Immunocytochemical studies with sulfakinin antisera show a sparse neuronal distribution pattern, similar to that of insects. A prominent pair of large (approximately 25 micrometer) cells and 6-8 pairs of smaller (approximately 10 micrometer) cells are present in the protocerebrum. The larger cells have prominent neurites that give rise to varicosities in the centre of the brain. Their axons exit the brain via the circumoesophageal connectives and continue along the intersegmental connectives. Each of the thoracic and abdominal ganglia has sulfakinin-immunoreactive arborizations as a result of branching from the intersegmental nerves. This distribution pattern strongly suggests a role in neurotransmission or neuromodulation, although it remains to be elucidated what the exact role(s) is. However, on account of the conservation of peptide structure during the evolutionary period spanning the insect/crustacean lineage, especially between Pem SKI and insect sulfakinins, it may be assumed that the sulfakinins have a significant physiological role.

Detection of azide in forensic samples by capillary electrophoresis

Azide salts are highly toxic compounds that have been difficult to detect in forensic samples. Here, anion analysis by capillary electrophoresis with indirect spectrophotometric detection was applied to detect azide in forensic specimens from two suicide victims. Gastric specimens from the victims were shown to have high azide concentrations; azide represented one of the major anionic components and no corresponding component occurred in normal gastric juice. Samples of blood and bile had low concentrations of azide near the limits of detection. The method described for azide analysis used simple steps for sample preparation and analysis time was less than 10 min per sample. It offers a simple and reliable method for detecting azide in biological fluids.

Bone density in a population of long term oral contraceptive pill users does not differ from that in menstruating women

Prevention of osteoporosis is a major public health issue. Amenorrhoeic women have lower bone density than normally menstruating women, which is related to the duration of amenorrhoea and the severity of oestrogen deficiency. Bone mineral density (BMD) in amenorrhoeic women can be improved by oestrogen replacement in the form of the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), so increased BMD might be an important non-contraceptive benefit of the COCP in menstruating women. Previous studies have been variably reported, but have used different methodologies for measurement of BMD. We measured BMD using the DEXA technique in long term COCP users and compared this with menstruating women who had never used the COCP. No differences in bone density were found, suggesting that the COCP does not improve bone mass in menstruating women who are adequately oestrogenised by their own ovaries.

[What degree of freedom is there for living donors?]

The shortage of cadaveric donors has induced a renewed interest in living kidney donation. This paper describes the legal, religious and ethical factors which ensure or restrict the autonomy of the potential donor. We conclude that it is possible with appropriate measures to protect his freedom of choice.

A test strip for diamines in tuna

This study describes the production of a solid-phase assay (test strip/dipstick test) for putrescine and cadaverine in tuna based on the coupling of an amine oxidase to a peroxidase/dye system. The assay was linear to 75 microM in phosphate buffer, and the minimum detectable concentration was 0.5 microM (< 0.1 ppm), corresponding to 0.01 mg% in spiked extracts. Intra- and interassay precisions were < 20%. Test strips were stable at 4 degrees C for at least 12 months. Lysine, ornithine, and histidine did not react with the assay, and histamine reacted only minimally. Sixteen fish samples were tested by test strip and the standard AOAC protocol, and results were in good agreement.

Kawasaki syndrome-like illness associated with infection caused by enterotoxin B-secreting Staphylococcus aureus

Two children had symptoms and clinical signs that were characteristic of the diagnostic criteria for Kawasaki syndrome, temporally associated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. One child initially had focal osteomyelitis that was evident clinically and radiographically, and radiographic evidence of multifocal osteomyelitis was noted at follow-up. The blood-borne S. aureus isolates from these two patients secreted staphylococcal enterotoxin B and were negative for toxic shock syndrome toxin. Staphylococcal and streptococcal superantigens may play a role in the pathogenesis of some cases of Kawasaki syndrome or Kawasaki syndrome-like illness.

Characterisation using microphysiometry of CRF receptor pharmacology

We have assessed the utility of the Cytosensor microphysiometer for studying the pharmacology of recombinant CRF receptors. Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing the human CRF1 or CRF2 receptor were perfused in the Cytosensor with bicarbonate-free Hams F12 (pH 7.4) containing 0.2% bovine serum albumin. The rank order of potencies of agonist peptides were CRF = sauvagine = urocortin = urotensin at CRF1 (pEC50 values 11.16 +/- 0.17, 11.37 +/- 0.14, 11.43 +/- 0.09 and 11.46 +/- 0.13; n = 4), and urocortin = sauvagine > urotensin > CRF at CRF2 (pEC50 values 10.88 +/- 0.12, 10.44 +/- 0.05, 9.36 +/- 0.12 and 8.53 +/- 0.07; n = 7-9). alpha-Helical CRF (9-41) was a competitive antagonist at the CRF2 receptor (pK(B) = 6.99 +/- 0.08, n = 4), but was a partial agonist at the CRF1 receptor (pEC50 = 6.85 +/- 0.08, Emax = 33%, n = 3). CP 154,526 was a competitive antagonist at the CRF1 receptor (pK(B) = 8.17 +/- 0.05, n = 6), but was inactive at the CRF2 receptor. These data are consistent with established CRF receptor pharmacology and show that the Cytosensor is a viable method for assessing the functional activity of CRF-receptor agonists and antagonists.

High sensitivity immunoassays using particulate fluorescent labels

The use of polystyrene fluorescent microspheres as sensitive labels in direct-detection (not enzymatically amplified) heterogeneous equilibrium "sandwich" immunoassays in 96-well plates is described. With mouse IgG as a model antigen, a fluorescent particulate label is more sensitive than a corresponding soluble reporter. The limit of detection of mouse IgG in the multiparametrically optimized assay was 0.2 ng/ml (7.6 x 10(8) antigens/ml) for the particulate reporter and 50 ng/ml (1.9 x 10(11) antigens/ml) for the soluble reporter. The sensitivities of assays using the particulate label were dependent on the surface densities of the capture and reporter antibodies and the concentration of reporter beads. Sensitivity was improved by adding the preformed reporter antibody/fluorescent microsphere complex to trapped antigen on the well surfaces instead of sequentially adding the reporter antibody and then the fluorescent microspheres. Maximal (equilibrium) binding of the particulate reporter to captured antigen occurred after 20 h with a concentration of 1.4 x 10(9) reporter beads/ml. Thus, particulate fluorescent labels provide high sensitivity in direct-detection immunoassays.

Effects of di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) on peroxisomal markers in the marmoset-DINP is not a peroxisome proliferator

In the present study the systemic toxic potential of di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) was assessed in a 13-week study in marmosets. Particular attention was given to its potential for hepatic peroxisome proliferation. Three groups of four male and four female marmosets received DINP, by oral gavage administration, at dosages of 100, 500 or 2500 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks. A fourth group served as a concurrent Control group and received the vehicle (1% methylcellulose and 0.5% Tween) only. A fifth group received clofibrate at a dosage of 500 mg/kg/day to provide a positive Control for liver peroxisome activity. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were killed and their livers were removed. 3000 x g supernatant and microsomal subcellular fractions were prepared from homogenised liver by differential centrifugation. The peroxisomal marker enzyme activity, cyanide-insensitive palmitoyl CoA oxidase, was assayed in the former, while cytochrome P450 concentration and lauric acid 11- and 12-hydroxylase activities (selective for CYP2E1 and 4A, respectively) were assayed in the microsomes. No statistically significant changes were seen in any of these parameters measured following DINP treatment, compared with the Control. Clofibrate treatment resulted in an approximately 100% increase (p < 0.01) in both male and female marmoset cyanide-insensitive palmitoyl CoA oxidase activity and a similar increase (p < 0.05) in male (only) lauric acid 11-hydroxylase activity. No other changes were statistically significant at the 5% level. These data provide no evidence that DINP was acting as a peroxisome proliferator when administered to marmosets under the conditions of the study.

Radiographic pelvimetry for assessment of dystocia in bitches: a clinical study in two terrier breeds

Radiographic pelvimetry was used to assess the role of pelvic anatomy in obstructive dystocia in bitches. Based on the history of previous whelpings, 20 Boston terrier and 14 Scottish terrier bitches were divided into two equal groups: normally whelping bitches and bitches with obstructive dystocia. Additional whelpings during the period of study were closely observed and the pups were immediately weighed and measured. The bitches were clinically examined and the pelvis was radiographed in ventrodorsal and lateral projections. Measurements from the radiographs showed a significantly smaller pelvic size in the bitches with obstructive dystocia compared to the normally whelping bitches. Fetal-pelvic disproportion in the Scottish terrier was mainly due to a dorsoventrally flattened pelvic canal, whereas in the Boston terrier it arose from the combination of a dorsoventrally flattened pelvic canal and big fetuses with large heads. These results suggest that radiographic pelvimetry could be used to predict a disposition for dystocia in individual bitches, and as a basis for selection of breeding animals.

Alpha-tocopherol inhibits oxidative stress induced by cholestanetriol and 25-hydroxycholesterol in porcine ovarian granulosa cells

The cytotoxicity of oxysterols including 7-ketocholesterol, alpha-epoxide, cholestanetriol and 25-hydroxycholesterol and the possible protecting effect of alpha-tocopherol on cholestanetriol and 25-hydroxycholesterol-induced cytotoxicity were investigated in primary cultures of porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Cell viability as determined by % trypan blue staining and mitochondrial function as determined using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction were decreased significantly after 24 h exposure to 2.5 microM alpha-epoxide, cholestanetriol and 25-hydroxycholesterol. 7-Ketocholesterol (2.5 microM) did not affect cell viability or mitochondrial function under the same culture conditions. The specific activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, two antioxidant defense enzymes were increased significantly (p < 0.01) following 24 h exposure to 2.5 microM concentrations of cholestanetriol while only superoxide dismutase was increased in 25-hydroxycholesterol-treated cells (p < 0.001). Specific activity of glutathione peroxidase was unchanged relative to control cells. Levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances remained unchanged after exposure to 7-ketocholesterol, alpha-epoxide, cholestanetriol, 25-hydroxycholesterol and cholesterol. Administration of 1 microM alpha-tocopherol to the culture medium significantly improved cell viability and restored both superoxide dismutase and catalase activities to control levels in cholestanetriol -treated cells and only superoxide dismutase in 25-hydroxycholesterol-treated cells. These studies suggest that the cytotoxic nature of physiologically relevant concentrations of cholestanetriol and 25-hydroxycholesterol in granulosa cells is in part due to oxidative stress, but it may be reduced in the presence of alpha-tocopherol.

The crayfish plasma clotting protein: a vitellogenin-related protein responsible for clot formation in crustacean blood

Coagulation in crayfish blood is based on the transglutaminase-mediated crosslinking of a specific plasma clotting protein. Here we report the cloning of the subunit of this clotting protein from a crayfish hepatopancreas cDNA library. The ORF encodes a protein of 1,721 amino acids, including a signal peptide of 15 amino acids. Sequence analysis reveals that the clotting protein is homologous to vitellogenins, which are proteins found in vitellogenic females of egg-laying animals. The clotting protein and vitellogenins are all lipoproteins and share a limited sequence similarity to certain other lipoproteins (e.g., mammalian apolipoprotein B and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein) and contain a stretch with similarity to the D domain of mammalian von Willebrand factor. The crayfish clotting protein is present in both sexes, unlike the female-specific vitellogenins. Electron microscopy was used to visualize individual clotting protein molecules and to study the transglutaminase-mediated clotting reaction. In the presence of an endogenous transglutaminase, the purified clotting protein molecules rapidly assemble into long, flexible chains that occasionally branch.

Management of coexisting coronary artery and asymptomatic carotid artery disease: report of a series of patients treated with coronary bypass alone

BACKGROUND

A retrospective chart review of 94 patients with asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis undergoing coronary bypass (and valve replacement in some cases) was performed to determine whether significant carotid lesions can be safely ignored in patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures. These operations were performed during a 2-year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

There were 55 men and 39 women, with an age range of 37-89 years. Seventy-one patients had unilateral high-grade carotid stenosis, 17 patients had bilateral high-grade lesions, and six patients had unilateral high-grade stenosis and contralateral occlusion. Associated medical problems were recorded and short-term follow-up was obtained.

RESULTS

There was one perioperative stroke and no deaths in this group of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although these data indicate that high-grade carotid stenoses may be safely ignored during cardiac surgical procedures, a multicentre prospective randomized trial is needed to determine the appropriate treatment of the patient with coexisting carotid and coronary artery disease.

Measuring community/environmental interventions: the Child Pedestrian Injury Prevention Project

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of community/environmental interventions undertaken as part of the Child Pedestrian Injury Prevention Project (CPIPP).

SETTING

Three communities (local government areas) in the Perth metropolitan area, Western Australia.

METHODS

A quasiexperimental community intervention trial was undertaken over three years (1995-97). Three communities were assigned to either: a community/environmental road safety intervention and a school based road/pedestrian safety education program (intervention group 1); a school based road/pedestrian safety education program only (intervention group 2); or to no road safety intervention (comparison group). Quantification of the various road safety community/environmental activities undertaken in each community during the trial was measured, and a cumulative community activity index developed. Estimates of the volume and speed of vehicular traffic were monitored over a two year period.

RESULTS

Greater road safety activity was observed in intervention group 1 compared with the other groups. A significant reduction in the volume of traffic on local access roads was also observed over the period of the trial in intervention group 1, but not in the remaining groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that the various community/environmental interventions initiated in collaboration with CPIPP in intervention group 1 contributed, in part, to the observed reduction in the volume of traffic. A combination of community/environmental interventions and education are likely to reduce the rate of childhood pedestrian injury.