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Biomedical subjects

D Bourne

Publications and source records attributed to D Bourne.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

A recent measles outbreak in Arkansas.

On a worldwide level, measles is a common infection, especially in developing countries. In the United States, however, the disease has become very uncommon secondary to the widespread use of immunizations. Because of this, many physicians have not had measles themselves, nor have they treated patients for the infection. This relative rarity may delay diagnosis and the institution of appropriate infection control measures, thus resulting in increased numbers of exposed persons. Until measles is eradicated, measures to ensure appropriate immunization and control outbreaks are essential. A recent small outbreak in Arkansas is reported here along with a review of the disease and the measures to control outbreaks.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Workplace compliance with a no-smoking law: a randomized community intervention trial.

BACKGROUND: Compliance with state and local laws restricting smoking in public places and workplaces has not been systematically evaluated. METHODS: We assessed workplace compliance with a comprehensive no-smoking law adopted in Brookline, Mass, and tested whether mailing information to businesses increased awareness of and compliance with the law. We conducted a random sample telephone survey of 299 businesses (87% response rate). Self-reported compliance was validated by direct observations. RESULTS: One year after its adoption, the law was popular with businesses. The prevalence of smoking restrictions, smoking policies, and no-smoking signs was 80%, 59%, and 40%, respectively. One third of businesses banned smoking. Full compliance with the law was low, however, because few businesses posted a copy of their smoking policy as required. The mailing increased employers' awareness of the law. Employers sent the mailing also reported better compliance, but this was not confirmed by direct observations. CONCLUSIONS: The law was popular and contributed to a high prevalence of workplace smoking restrictions. Different interpretations of the law by policymakers and businesses seemed to explain why formal compliance was low. The mailing increased awareness of, but not compliance with, the law.

Administrative Personnel↗
PubMed1988

Morbidity patterns from general practice in Cape Town. A pilot study.

A pilot survey of morbidity patterns reflected in general practice was undertaken by a panel of physicians in Cape Town during 1984-1985. Acute upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis and bronchiolitis were the commonest reasons for contact. A definite pattern of contacts by day of week was noted. The age distribution of the contacts closely matched that of the suburb in which the practice was situated.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Analysis of the neurotoxic plasticizer n-butylbenzenesulfonamide by gas chromatography combined with accurate mass selected ion monitoring.

The plasticizer, n-butylbenzenesulfonamide (NBBS), is reported to be neurotoxic when inoculated intracisternally or intraperitoneally into rabbits. Because NBBS is commonly used in the production of polyamide (nylon) plastics and is soluble in water, the disposal of NBBS-containing plastics in landfill sites could result in NBBS appearing in the leachate. Further, NBBS could also be leached from packaging into their contents. To allow us to examine the risks posed by NBBS in the environment, we have developed a quantitative assay for this compound. The assay employs a one-step extraction into dichloromethane followed by gas chromatography with accurate mass selected ion recording. The assay incorporates [13C6]NBBS as an internal standard to allow precise quantitation, and four separate ion chromatograms are recorded. NBBS was found in some Australian domestic solidwaste landfill leachate (from less than 0.3 to 94.6 ng/mL), but ground water in the vicinity of a landfill had only trace quantities of NBBS. NBBS was also quantitated in some bottled and cask wines, and levels varied from not detected to 2.17 ng/mL (n = 14). Additional studies are required to assess the public health risks associated with the use of NBBS as a plasticizer.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry↗