Loss of Hoxa5 function affects Hox gene expression in different biological contexts.

Hoxa5 plays numerous roles in development, but its downstream molecular effects are mostly unknown. We applied bulk RNA-seq assays to characterize the transcriptional impact of the loss of Hoxa5 gene function in seven different biological contexts, including developing respiratory and musculoskeletal tissues that present phenotypes in Hoxa5 mouse mutants. This global analysis revealed few common transcriptional changes, suggesting that HOXA5 acts mainly via the regulation of context-specific effectors.

Evaluation of Child Anthropometries in Relation to Modern Vehicle Seat and Booster Dimensions.

This study compared modern vehicle and booster geometries with relevant child anthropometries. Vehicle geometries (seat length, seat pan height, shoulder belt outlet height, and roof height) were obtained for 275 center and outboard rear seating positions of US vehicles (MY 2009-2022). Measurements of 85 US boosters (pan height and pan length) and anthropometries of 80 US children between 4-14yo (seated height, thigh length, leg length, and seated shoulder height) were also collected.

Interactions between rearward-facing child restraint systems and the center console in frontal impact sled tests.

Objective: To quantify the head and chest injury metrics associated with a pediatric anthropomorphic test device (ATD) in rearward-facing infant child restraint system (CRS) models positioned directly behind a center console during frontal impact sled tests.

Methods: Sled tests using the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213 frontal crash pulse were performed. The test buck comprised a second row middle seat and center console from the same 2023 model mid-size SUV spaced as per the in-vehicle relative dimensions, a force plate covered with an automotive floor mat, a post-mounted shoulder belt simulating the in-vehicle roof-mounted seatbelt and an array of high-speed cameras.

Effects of head restraint (HR) interference on child restraint system (CRS) performance in frontal and far-side impacts.

Forward-facing child restraint systems (FF CRS) and high-back boosters often contact the vehicle seat head restraint (HR) when installed, creating a gap between the back surface of the CRS and the vehicle seat. The effects of HR interference on dynamic CRS performance are not well documented. The objective of this study is to quantify the effects of HR interference for FF CRS and high-back boosters in frontal and far-side impacts.