Suicidal behavior, which ranks among the top 10 causes of death worldwide, is an important public-health problem and a psychiatric disorder, which has been the subject of considerable study. Studies have shown association between the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene and suicidal behavior, although a proportion of alternative studies have produced contrary results both in terms of positive and negative findings, possibly reflecting inadequate statistical power and the use of different populations. Using the cumulative data from recent years in both European and, more particularly, Asian populations, this updated meta-analysis seeks to examine whether the aggregate data provide evidence of statistical significance, and to clarify the contradictory findings suggested by previous studies. It covers all published studies using multiple research methods up to January 2006. Compared with a previous meta-analysis, which found no association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and suicidal behavior (P = 0.38), the current results (39 studies) suggest a significant association with a P-value of 0.0068 (overall odds ratio = 0.88 (0.8,0.97)), and supports the involvement of the brain 5-HTT in the pathogenesis of suicidal behavior.

The study aimed to establish characteristics of vehicles, occupants, seat belt and vehicle safety features for the Chinese cities of Nanjing and Zhoushan in order to interpret previously observed low seat belt wearing rates, particularly of passengers. Convenience interview surveys, stratified by vehicle and occupant type, of 2280 motor vehicle users were conducted in 2006 and 2007. Most participants (74.4%) were male, particularly drivers. Over half the occupants surveyed were aged 30-39 years. Drivers had relatively new vehicles and less driving experience compared with more motorised countries. Seat belts in most front seating positions and in half of the rear seats were fitted and functional. Where fitted, reasons for 'never wearing' were mostly 'feeling trapped and uncomfortable'; inconsistent wearers were influenced by 'habit development, trip length, speed, comfort and enforcement'. Public awareness of the safety benefits of seat belts, strong enforcement and retrofitting are necessary to overcome these barriers as achieved by past and present best practice.