bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 among two sexually active female populations in Middlesbrough, England
Authors: Opaneye A A , Bashford J 
Published: November 2005

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection occurs worldwide but its epidemiology varies between different countries and between groups of individuals. Seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies is a more accurate method of determining epidemiology of this infection. In this cross-sectional study, 467 blood samples were obtained from women attending the genitourinary medicine clinic (GUM) and antenatal clinic (ANC) in Middlesbrough, England. Analysis of their blood samples showed that 69.5% GUM patients had HSV-1 antibodies and the figure was 54.5% in the ANC patients, p<0.0001, with odds ratio 1.9 (95% CI 1.30 to 2.78) for higher prevalence in the GUM group. Also, for HSV-2 antibodies, the seroprevalence was 21.6% for GUM and 8.1% for ANC patients, p<0.0001, with an odds ratio of 3.13 (95% CI 1.70 to 6.02) for higher prevalence in the GUM group. The overall prevalence for HSV-1 is 63.2% and for HSV-2 is 15.8%. Many of these patients were asymptomatic and constitute a potential source for spreading the virus. Knowledge of HSV seroprevalence can help in planning sexual health promotion strategies.
Health and safety of laboratory science students in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Omokhodion F O 
Published: November 2005

Laboratory science students are engaged in laboratory practice under supervision during the course of their training programme. They are exposed to the risk of laboratory-acquired infection and need to be adequately informed and equipped with facilities to protect their health. A questionnaire was administered to laboratory science students to determine their perception of hazards in laboratory practice and the observance of safety codes in their work practices. Of 128 students, 118 completed the questionnaire, a response rate of 92%. Sixty of them (51%) were males and 53 (45%) were females; five students did not indicate their sex. The results revealed that only 34 (29%) of the students use gloves for handling biological samples and 26 (22%) use gloves for handling clinical waste. Ninety-four students (80%) reported that they washed their hands after handling specimens. Eighteen of the students (15%) had been immunised against tuberculosis, 80 (68%) against tetanus, six (5%) against hepatitis B, and 18 (15%) against yellow fever. Ninety-six students (81%) thought the greatest hazard in laboratory practice was harmful biological organisms, while 13 (11%) indicated that chemical agents were the greatest hazard. Virology was thought to be the most hazardous specialty by 41 students (35%) while morbid anatomy was ranked as least hazardous by 48 (41%) of the students. These findings indicate that whilst laboratory science students are aware of the hazards in laboratory practice, this knowledge is not translated to safe practices and students may endanger their health as a result of exposure to laboratory practice. They therefore need to be provided with adequate facilities to protect themselves and adequate supervision to ensure that they imbibe safe work practices during their training years.
Historical perspectives on health
Authors: Spirling L I , Daniels I R 
Published: November 2005

As a surgeon William S Halsted’s most notable contributions were in the development of a technique for radical mastectomy, the repair of inguinal herniae and the advancement of bowel anastomoses. However, he will perhaps be best remembered for his introduction of the use of the surgical glove and his reasons were probably the least scientific of all those given. Developed by the Goodyear Rubber Company, the gaunts were made to protect the hands of his scrub nurse, Caroline Hampton, the future Mrs William S Halsted. Another of Halsted’s contributions was the development of topical anaesthesia using cocaine. A consequence of these experiments was the development of addiction to the drug and his later dependence on morphia. The last century has seen a 360° turn in the reasons why we use gloves. Originally designed to protect the theatre staff from corrosive substances, subsequently to protect the patient from contamination by theatre staff, to today where gloves are worn to protect staff from blood-borne infection agents. This article introduces William S Halsted, and his story of romance, drugs and the introduction of gloves to medical care.
Breast cancer information on the web
Authors: Sankar N Sai 
Published: November 2005

In the UK breast cancer is one of the leading cancers in women. It is estimated that one in nine women may develop breast cancer at some time in their lives, and it is the commonest cause of death in women in the UK. It is vital that everyone should be aware of this disease. In the 21st century, the Internet has become an important source for information and it is predicted that 75% of the UK population will use the Internet within three years. In this article the author details various websites that provide quality information on breast cancer and breast diseases.
Food safety awareness of older people at home: a pilot study
Authors: Hudson P K , Hartwell H J 
Published: November 2005

The UK has an increasingly ageing population with the majority of older people preferring to remain independent and live in their own homes. However, during their lifetime, there have been many changes in areas such as food technology and shopping practices which have had a profound influence on the health and well-being of this vulnerable group. The aim of this pilot study, therefore, was to investigate issues surrounding food safety of older people living at home. A focus group (n=9) was initially conducted to elucidate areas of potential concern. This was followed up by semi-structured interviews and observations (n=16) within the home. Results show that most participants had not measured their refrigerator temperature and did not know what it should be. The majority had not adjusted the temperature control/dial and gauged the ‘correct’ temperature by the feel of goods inside. ‘Use by’ dates were generally well understood, but not always adhered to due to difficulty in reading the labels. Items were purchased near to the end of this date as they are sometimes cheaper, and although older people appreciated these dates related to food safety, items were often kept for up to a month before consumption. This has major implications, particularly if the refrigerator is not working at the correct temperature. There is a lack of readily available educational material on this topic and most people would like to be better informed. If the Government are to encourage more independent lifestyles of older people, then awareness of food safety should be higher on the agenda. Further research to ascertain food safety needs, and awareness of this group are also required. This should also include an assessment of the impact of situations where food consumed at home is prepared elsewhere, e.g. meals-on-wheels.
Perceptions of caregivers regarding the importance of dental care for institutionalised seniors: a pilot study
Authors: Reznick S , Matear D W 
Published: November 2005

The type of dental treatment that institutionalised elderly receive often depends on the decisions made by various stakeholders. These decisions may be based on a perceived need for treatment. This study was designed to investigate the perception of primary caregivers as to the relative importance of dental care for institutionalised seniors. Seniors who lived in a long-term care institution, with a dental facility available to them on a daily basis, volunteered information regarding their primary care-givers. A total of 25 primary caregivers participated in a structured telephone interview. All (100%) of the caregivers considered emergency dental services and treatment to relieve pain as essential/important services which should be available to institutionalised seniors. The following were most commonly ranked in the top three by the primary caregivers: emergency dental services (57%); dental services to relieve pain (48%); cleanings to prevent mouth disease (45%); check-ups including X-rays (45%); dentures to replace missing teeth (33%); and fillings (24%). The findings of this study suggest that more effort should be directed at investigating the perceived need of value of dental services for institutionalised seniors within the various stakeholders.
The willingness of general dental practitioners to treat people with handicapping conditions: the Hong Kong experience
Authors: O’Donnell D , Sheiham A , Yeung K W 
Published: November 2005

A study was carried out to assess the willingness of general dental practitioners in Hong Kong to treat patients with handicaps. A questionnaire and practitioner scale were developed and circulated to 400 general dental practitioners of which 250 responded giving a response rate of 62.5%. The majority of practitioners (59.6%) saw between one and five patients with handicaps per year; 15.6% saw none at all. The mean score was 33.68 (SD=9.19) on a scale with a range from 0 to 60. The observed mean score, which was just over the halfway mark, indicated a slightly positive feeling for treating people with handicaps. Cronbach’s alpha for the scale was 0.67 for the raw variables. Cronbach’s alpha was sufficiently high to indicate a reliable scale for the population under investigation. It was found that although general dental practitioners were relatively enthusiastic about treating people with handicaps they felt it was not economically viable to do so. There was also a strong feeling that government should play a more prominent role in provision of dental care for this group.
Quality of life: an assessment of the state of psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia in the community
Authors: Hasanah C I , Razali M S 
Published: November 2005

The subjective quality of life (QOL) of diabetic patients on oral hypoglycaemics was compared to schizophrenic patients who were well controlled with their antipsychotic medications. This comparison was made using the generic quality of life questionnaire produced by the World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL) group, namely the WHOQOL-100. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the psychological well-being and level of independence between the two groups. However, such measures revealed that the most impaired aspect of well-being in the schizophrenic group was the social relationship. Subjective QOL assessment is able to reveal deficits or handicaps that are obscure and probably difficult to appreciate on objective social and clinical evaluation. Such findings are valuable in planning the rehabilitative need of schizophrenic patients in the community.
Historical perspectives on health
Authors: Moss G A 
Published: November 2005

The Essenes were, allegedly, the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls and were settled by the Dead Sea. An ancient source locates their sister sect, the ‘Therapeutae’, as being by the shores of Lake Mareotis in Egypt. No scholar has previously sought to locate where exactly on Lake Mareotis they were settled. Using clues from Essene sites around the Dead Sea, an attempt is made to suggest a specific location for the Therapeutae. Since there are signs of medical activity at many of the Essene sites, a site with medical association is also sought for the location of the Essene’s sister sect in Egypt. A suitable site is found at Canopus.
A review of social housing regeneration in the London Borough of Brent
Authors: Stewart J , Rhoden M 
Published: November 2005

Council high-rise estates sprang up rapidly during the 1960s and 1970s, with cross-governmental support to resolve the nation’s housing crisis. It soon became apparent that many such new estates, designed by remote architects, and sometimes constructed rapidly and unsatisfactorily, did not provide the ideal living initially perceived. Many estates had early problems with architecture, construction and design. They proved an inhumane environment for many residents and there were frequent problems with communal features. Such estates were soon stigmatised and difficult to let as increasingly residual households were placed there, creating majority welfare-dependent estates. This created a downward spiral that traditional, and remote, housing management found difficult to address, and was too wide-scale to rectify financially within existing regimes. Prior to the 1980s, there were no specific government policies to tackle housing regeneration on high-rise estates. Problems became wider than traditional housing management and poor housing environments, encompassing social and economic exclusion. This paper, based on historical and contemporary literature as well as estate visits, reviews regeneration policy in three council housing estates within the London Borough of Brent. It traces successive government approaches since the 1980s from one that challenged the very status of council housing - notably at Stonebridge Park and Chalkhill, to one of partnership with the local authority - at South Kilburn. Housing policy is now concerned with more than just housing - it is about moving toward social inclusion, which requires initiative, flair, resource and commitment. It is about new accountabilities - not just numbers of bricks and mortar constructions, but about the lives, opportunities and health of those who live in an area. This fundamentally involves a partnership approach with residents at the centre of regeneration. This paper finds that sustainable estate regeneration policies are about continued improvements in both housing policy and social development.
Reducing domestic exposure to environmental tobacco smoke: a review of attitudes and behaviours
Authors: Green E , Courage C , Rushton L 
Published: November 2005

This paper reviews research on attitudes and behaviours towards environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), with a special focus on child health and the indoor environment. Research needs and ways forward to encourage reductions in domestic ETS levels are discussed. Published material was identified through online literature searches (Medline, Toxline, Cancerlit, Biosis, Embase, Enviroline, Sociological Abstracts, Social Science Citation Index, Academic Index and Psychinfo). The literature search strategy employed search terms such as “passive smoking” or “environmental tobacco smoke” with “attitude” or “awareness” and other synonyms. Additional publications were identified by citation chasing and expert advice. Focusing on the UK, studies that provided survey-derived data about attitudes and behaviours in relation to ETS exposure in the indoor environment were selected for review. Published studies from other countries were also included when they provided information pertinent to this review. Most people are aware of the health risks associated with ETS exposure, and there is a high level of support for smoking restrictions in public places to protect non-smokers from ETS. However, although there is concern among both non-smoking and smoking parents about children and second-hand smoke, many people allow children to be exposed to ETS in the home. The review suggests that traditional health promotion campaigns have had only limited success in encouraging ETS risk reduction measures in the home. Because ETS is a public health priority, particularly in relation to child health, the barriers to the uptake of such measures need to be explored in detail to inform the future promotion of reductions in domestic levels of ETS.
The role of culture and religion in the management of diabetes: a study of Kashmiri men in Leeds
Authors: Naeem A G 
Published: November 2005

This research attempted to explore the current experience and attitude towards control of diabetes among Kashmiri men with diabetes in Leeds. The data was collected by the author by conducting interviews among a total of 106 men. The results of this survey indicate that a large number of men with diabetes were failing to control and manage their condition. The overall attitude was to enjoy life and “leave the rest to Allah.” Data indicated the large influence of cultural values dominating the behaviour of the sample population. The data showed that although a large majority of the men had been told by health professionals that they were overweight, a majority of them did not believe themselves to be so. This belief seems to have been influenced by cultural norms in which the overweight figures tend to project prosperity and well-being in the community. Similarly, first cousin marriages are common in this community. Such cultural practices may lay foundations for future hereditary complications. The study concluded that there is a need to change attitudes towards food and exercise, and controlling sugar level and blood pressure to avoid diabetic complications. For this, both the men as well as the women must be targeted separately in the form of open days, meetings and discussions to promote healthy food consumption, physical activity and healthy living.
The pattern and factors associated with child spacing in eastern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Almaie S M 
Published: November 2005

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the patterns of child spacing/birth intervals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and the socio-economic factors related to them. The study sample comprised nine to 10-year-old Saudi school children randomly selected from 14 schools in Khobar, Thoghba and Dhahran in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A two-stage sampling technique was applied and yielded a sample of 536 children. The SPSS programme was used for data analysis. The mean preceding and succeeding birth intervals of children in the study were 26.2 ± 13.7 and 28.2 ± 12 months respectively. The most important variables that were found to be significantly correlated with the birth intervals were maternal age, level of education, family size and breastfeeding. This is the first time birth intervals were studied for an urban area in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. The figures obtained are essential for any planning of mother and child health interventions. Health team members need to know this information and the variables related to them in order to advise mothers. The figures are also essential in planning measures to reduce infant and child morbidity and mortality.
Coronary heart disease prevention in Kolkata, India
Authors: Battacharyya Madhuchanda 
Published: November 2005

Studies have shown that Asian Indians, both in India and the UK, have a high prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD). A diet rich in saturated fats and a sedentary lifestyle are contributory factors. There is published data recommending dietary change as one measure for primary prevention of CHD in India. The aims of the study were to: • Investigate patients’ understanding and awareness of dietary measures in the prevention of CHD • Advise patients on how to modify their diet, taking into consideration religious and financial constraints • Provide some answers to the questions which patients often have about CHD and its prevention. The project was carried out at the R G Kar Hospital, a government hospital in north Kolkata (formally Calcutta), West Bengal, in eastern India and at a general practice six kilometres south of the hospital. Patients admitted with angina, myocardial infarction, elevated serum cholesterol or a past medical history of diabetes mellitus or ischaemic heart disease, were identified. A questionnaire was devised containing a list of foods commonly used by those on Bengali food. Patients were asked to mark on the list, or report verbally, those they felt were suitable for them to eat. They were also asked about their daily food intake and advised as to how their diet could be modified. At the hospital, 28 subjects were interviewed. Of the responses relating to identification of suitable foods 48% were found to be correct; of the responses identifying unsuitable foods 39% were correct. In general practice, 62 subjects were interviewed; 50% of the responses identifying suitable foods were correct whereas 60% of the responses identifying unsuitable foods were correct. The study showed that there is a need for further patient education regarding the effects of diet on the heart. The study was of greater use in the general practice setting, which caters for a middle class population; this group is at greater risk of CHD due to their food habits and lifestyle. Lower classes are, however, also at risk but are less likely to consume many of the unhealthy foods simply on account of their higher price.
The boss, the owner, the proprietor…the food hygiene manager?
Authors: MacAuslan E 
Published: November 2005

The ease of opening up a small food business in the UK, combined with training regulations for food handlers, together with the requirement to demonstrate food safety management systems may be an indication that managers need management training in addition to food hygiene training. Enforcement agencies, examination bodies and trainers could play a key part in helping managers to develop effective food safety cultures. They could encourage management, and food hygiene training and development, for small food business bosses, owners and proprietors. Some of the skills that are missing are identified and suggestions put forward that will benefit those who run small food businesses in the UK.
Childhood obesity and the role of physical activity
Authors: Fox Kenneth R 
Published: November 2005

Similar to adult obesity, childhood obesity has recently become a serious threat to public health. Children face the same environmental and lifestyle challenges that have made high energy dense food and drink increasingly available and opportunities for energy expenditure through transport and active play less likely. Governments are becoming concerned but research has been under funded, is relatively scarce in the UK and has provided little sound evidence on which to base interventions. Physical activity seems to be declining and there is some evidence that time spent in sedentary pursuits such as TV watching is increasing and that this may be related to obesity. However, not all children are inactive and it may be more fruitful to independently examine different elements of activity such as play, walking and cycling as transport, organised sports, and active jobs so that children’s profiles of activity can be mapped on an individual and group level. Recent research using accelerometry is providing insight into those elements which produce significant energy expenditure in a child’s daily routine. The school and the structure to the school day appear particularly important. It is also likely that attention will need to be paid to parenting - the anxieties that parents demonstrate when making decisions about the freedom of their child to be active. Furthermore, without neighbourhoods that are safe and attractive for activity it is unlikely that levels will be increased. For physical activity to contribute to reversing the trend in childhood obesity, a multi-factorial and multi-agency solution will be required that involves schools, the home, the neighbourhood and considered local planning and provision.