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Biomedical subjects

K M Thorburn

Publications and source records attributed to K M Thorburn.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Immunization strategies to control a community-wide hepatitis A epidemic.

One fifth of 527 cases of hepatitis A occurred in self-identified injection drug users during a community-wide epidemic in Spokane County (Washington) in 1997-8. We hypothesized that an immunization campaign targeted at illicit drug users could control the epidemic. Starting in May 1998, hepatitis A vaccine was provided to individuals in jails and other sites frequented by illicit drug users. Volunteers at vaccination sites were surveyed about risk. Serial convenience samples of jail inmates who denied previous vaccination were anonymously tested for hepatitis A virus (HAV) immunoglobulin G (IgG). From May to December 1998, 2765 high-risk individuals were vaccinated against hepatitis A. The proportion of HAV IgG seropositive inmates increased from 30% to more than 50%. Our findings suggest that vaccination along with naturally occurring infection increased the rate of hepatitis A immunity among illicit drug users during the final months of the epidemic. This supports the hypothesis that targeted immunization of high risk groups may shorten the natural history of a community-wide epidemic.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Health care in correctional facilities.

More than 1.3 million adults are in correctional facilities, including jails and federal and state prisons, in the United States. Health care of the inmates is an integral component of correctional management. Health services in correctional facilities underwent dramatic improvements during the 1970s. Public policy trends beginning in the early 1980s substantially affected the demographics and health status of jail and prison populations and threatened earlier gains in the health care of inmates. Correctional health services are seldom considered in discussions about health policy and health care reform.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Mandatory testing.

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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

The corrections department: the forgotten branch of the mental health system.

The Hawaii Department of Corrections (DOC), like other corrections systems throughout the nation, struggles with problems arising from incarcerating mentally ill prisoners and detainees. The incarcerated population of mentally ill persons burgeoned as mental hospital inmates were "deinstitutionalized" during the 1960s and 1970s. However, correctional facilities, particularly jails, became alternative institutions for mentally ill persons when communities were unprepared to provide required services. Correctional facilities were equally unprepared to manage seriously disabled mentally ill (SDMI) inmates, but the facilities provided a dumping ground for a community's undesirables. Out of sight, out of mind!

Deinstitutionalization↗
PubMed1982

Penile spherules.

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Foreign Bodies↗
PubMed1981

The oxyphil cell in abnormal parathyroid glands. A study of 114 cases.

The parathyroid oxyphil cell is apparently capable of parathyroid hormone secretion. To investigate the significance of oxyphil cells in abnormal human parathyroid glands, we compared histologic and clinical features in a retrospective study of 114 cases of hyperparathyroidism, Parathyroid glands were classified by the presence or absence of significant numbers of oxyphil cells. Significant numbers of oxyphil cells were found in 91% of all cases of secondary hyperparathyroidism, 69% of all cases of single adenoma, and 55% of all cases of primary multiple-gland hyperparathyroidism. Oxyphil cells are more common in women. Among cases of primary multiple-gland hyperparathyroidism, oxyphil cells were associated with greater mean serum calcium levels (P = .003). The oxyphil cell of the parathyroid gland is associated with hyperparathyroidism, and may secrete more hormone than the chief cell.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Injuries after use of the lacrimatory agent chloroacetophenone in a confined space.

When the lacrimatory agent chloroacetophenone was released into 44 prisoner cells, 8 prisoners required hospitalization and 20 more received outpatient physician care for injuries. Contact with water contributed to the injuries caused by chloroacetophenone, but prolonged exposure in a confined space was probably the principal cause of morbidity. In a confined space the lacrimatory agent chloroacetophenone is relatively toxic.

Burns, Chemical↗