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Biomedical subjects

M A Wright

Publications and source records attributed to M A Wright.

61 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Unintentional firearm deaths in California.

We conducted a two-part study of unintentional firearm deaths in California. First, we analyzed death certificate data for the 688 unintentional firearm deaths of California residents occurring during 1977-1983. Mortality rates were 7.5 for males, 0.9 for females, 4.8 for whites, and 5.3 for blacks, all per million persons per year. Males ages 15-24 had the highest rate (17 per million persons per year). We then investigated the 131 childhood deaths in greater detail, using coroners' or medical examiners' reports. Most of these shootings occurred at a residence. Handguns were involved more frequently than predicted by their reported availability in homes in the region. Almost two thirds of child deaths resulted from head wounds, reinforcing the importance of primary prevention. At least 40% of child deaths in this study appeared in part to be attributable to defects in firearm performance or current firearm design practices, suggesting that improvements should be sought and mandated.

Accidents, Home↗
PubMed1987

When children shoot children. 88 unintended deaths in California.

Between 1977 and 1983, eighty-eight California children 0 to 14 years of age were unintentionally shot and killed either by other children or by themselves. The majority of cases occurred while children were playing with guns they had found. Easy accessibility to guns, the resemblance of guns to toys, and gun malfunctions were all contributing factors. Handguns, particularly those of .22 caliber, were frequently involved.

Accidents, Home↗
PubMed1968

Comparison of the adrenocorticotrophic activities of two synthetic polypeptides: synacthen and DW 75.

The adrenocorticotrophic activities of two synthetic polypeptides, Synacthen (Ciba) and DW 75 (Sandoz), were compared in two groups of patients having a variety of arthritic disorders. Compared with Synacthen, injected either intramuscularly or intravenously, intravenous DW 75 was found to have a longer duration of adrenocorticotrophic activity (measured by plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroid levels) in both groups of patients, while intramuscularly administered DW 75 did not appear to be absorbed well.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prior misdemeanor convictions as a risk factor for later violent and firearm-related criminal activity among authorized purchasers of handguns.

CONTEXT: Under current federal law, many persons with prior convictions for misdemeanor offenses pass criminal records background checks and legally purchase handguns. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether authorized handgun purchasers with prior misdemeanor convictions are more likely than those with no criminal history to be charged with new crimes, particularly offenses involving firearms and violence. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5923 authorized purchasers of handguns in California in 1977 who were younger than 50 years, identified by random sample. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence and relative risk (RR) of first charges for new criminal offenses after handgun purchase. RESULTS: Of the 5923 authorized purchasers, 3128 had at least 1 conviction for a misdemeanor offense prior to handgun purchase, and 2795 had no prior criminal history. Follow-up to the end of the 15-year observation period or to death was available for 77.8% of study subjects and for a median 8.9 years for another 9.6%. Handgun purchasers with at least 1 prior misdemeanor conviction were more than 7 times as likely as those with no prior criminal history to be charged with a new offense after handgun purchase (RR, 7.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.6-8.7). Among men, those with 2 or more prior convictions for misdemeanor violence were at greatest risk for nonviolent firearm-related offenses such as weapon carrying (RR, 11.7; 95% CI, 6.8-20.0), violent offenses generally (RR, 10.4; 95% CI, 6.9-15.8), and Violent Crime Index offenses (murder or non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, or aggravated assault) (RR, 15.1; 95% CI, 9.4-24.3). However, even handgun purchasers with only 1 prior misdemeanor conviction and no convictions for offenses involving firearms or violence were nearly 5 times as likely as those with no prior criminal history to be charged with new offenses involving firearms or violence. CONCLUSIONS: Handgun purchasers with prior misdemeanor convictions are at increased risk for future criminal activity, including violent and firearm-related crimes.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The epidemiology of drowning in adulthood: implications for prevention.

Previous epidemiological studies of drowning in the United States have dealt primarily with children. The epidemiology and prevention of drowning in adulthood may be very different. To test this general hypothesis, we analyzed the 293 drownings occurring among Sacramento County residents 20 years of age and above during 1974 to 1985. Drowning rates were highest for men 20-29 years of age (11.5 per 100,000 population) and blacks (7.5 per 100,000 population). Swimmers, boaters, and motor vehicle occupants were most frequently represented. Alcohol use was involved in 48% of cases overall and 77% of those involving motor vehicle occupants. A history of seizure disorder was another contributing factor. Important differences do exist in drowning epidemiology between children and adults. Our results suggest that preventing drowning will be more problematic among adults than among children. The study was also used to test the sensitivity of two commonly used methods of case ascertainment for cases in Sacramento County. A manual review of coroner's records had a sensitivity of 96%. A computerized review of death certificate data from the state's vital statistics data base had a sensitivity of 79%. The sources and implications of these differences are discussed.

Accidents, Traffic↗