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Biomedical subjects

N J Ford

Publications and source records attributed to N J Ford.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Structuring the pre-search reference interview: a useful technique for handling clinical questions.

OBJECTIVES: To explore whether structuring a literature search request form according to an evidence-based medicine (EBM) anatomy elicits more information, improves precision of search results, and is acceptable to participating librarians. METHODS: Multicenter before-and-after study involved six different libraries. Data from 195 minimally structured forms collected over four months (Phase 1) were compared with data from 185 EBM-structured forms collected over a further four-month period following a brief training intervention (Phase 2). Survey of librarians' attitudes toward using the EBM-structured forms was conducted early during Phase 2. RESULTS: 380 request forms, EBM-structured and minimally structured, were analyzed using SPSS. A statistically significant Pearson correlation was found between use of the EBM-structured form and complexity of the search strategy (P = 0.002). The correlation between clinical requests handled by the EBM-structured form and fewer items retrieved was also statistically significant (P = 0.028). However, librarians rated minimally structured forms more highly than EBM-structured forms against all dimensions except informativeness. CONCLUSIONS: Although use of the EBM-structured forms is associated with more precise searches and more detailed search strategies, considerable work remains on making these forms acceptable to both librarians and users. Nevertheless, with increased familiarity and improved training, information retrieval benefits could be translated into more effective search practice.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗
PubMed1999

Changes in the sexual lifestyles of young people in Somerset, 1990-1996.

OBJECTIVES: The immediate objective was to up-date knowledge of the socio-sexual lifestyles and AIDS awareness of young people (16-24 years of age) in Somerset, and to compare these 1996 survey findings to the Somerset Survey findings from 1990. The ultimate objective was to provide information to assist the continuing development of HIV risk-reduction and sexual health promotion strategies for young people. DESIGN: An identical schedule-structured survey strategy to that employed in 1990 was undertaken in May to July 1996 among 498 young people throughout Somerset. A quota sampling strategy was undertaken in 50 electoral wards, randomly selected in proportion to population size. The interviews, undertaken in respondents' homes, involved a combined personal interview and self-completion booklet. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 1996 broad shifts in sexual lifestyles were identified, involving earlier ages of first intercourse, slight increases in numbers of sexual partners and more 'casual-recreational' sexual attitudes. These changes were accompanied by a substantial increase in condom use. CONCLUSIONS: The trend among youth in Somerset is towards more open sexual lifestyles, but with the positive public health implications of higher levels of 'safer sex' practice.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1996

The provision of female sterilization in São Paulo, Brazil: a study among low income women.

This paper examines some problems involved in the provision of female sterilization procedures in Brazil, mainly those concerned with the ways in which this operation is offered. Female sterilization provision is analysed by reference to the broader institutional context and from the client's perspectives. These themes are discussed in the light of some recent survey findings. A survey was carried out between March and July, 1992 in two selected poor areas of São Paulo Metropolitan Region. 3149 women were asked about contraceptive use including 407 sterilized women under 40 years old who were also interviewed about their adaptation to sterilization. Further information was also obtained through in-depth interviews with 15 sterilized women who regretted the operation. The findings highlight a complex network of interests and misunderstandings which shape the nature of choice of female sterilization by Brazilian low income women.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

An extensive literature review of the evaluation of HIV prevention programmes.

This paper draws out and distils three key themes that have emerged from a substantial bibliographical review of a range of HIV intervention programmes, implemented throughout the world between years 1987 and 1995. Specifically, the paper assesses (1) to what extent intervention programmes have been tailored to meet the requirements and needs of specific target groups; (2) to what extent intervention programmes are supported by social and psychological theory of attitudinal and behavioural change, and also to what extent the results and findings from the interventions have amended existing theory; and, finally, (3) the range of methodologies employed in evaluating intervention programmes and also to what extent behavioural measures have been used in examining a programme's effectiveness. In light of these themes, the paper presents and discusses the principal factors thought to contribute towards the effectiveness of HIV intervention programmes.

HIV Infections↗
PubMed1996

Sexual hazards for migrant workers.

In Thailand the incidence of HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases, and unwanted pregnancies highlights the vulnerability of young people who have moved from rural to urban areas as migrant workers. Possible ways of diminishing the risks are discussed below.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Destinations unknown: the gender construction and changing nature of the sexual expressions of Thai youth.

This paper discusses qualitative findings from a study of the sexual awareness, lifestyles and related health service needs of young, single factory workers in Thailand. The context of this study is Thailand's growing industrialization, the deepening intensity of the threats to sexual health (especially regarding HIV/AIDS transmission) and the vulnerability of young migrant women. Findings from 18 focus group discussions held with groups of young (15-24) male and female factory workers are outlined with principal reference to the gender construction of sexuality. Key themes explored include attitudes towards courtship, marriage, sexual feelings and arousal, expressions of involvement in pre-marital sexual activities and the consequences of such activity. In conclusion there is some discussion of the implication for young women's sexual health, of the interplay of a measure of pre-marital intercourse and the continuing emotional barriers to effective use of contraception.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1988

Production and characterization of bovine monoclonal antibodies to respiratory syncytial virus.

Six interspecific hybridomas (heterohybridomas) secreting bovine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against respiratory syncytial (RS) virus were produced. Four of the heterohybridomas were formed using the mouse myeloma cell line NS1 as the fusion partner, one using NS0, and the remaining heterohybridoma was formed using a bovine X murine hybridoma as the fusion partner. Five heterohybridomas secreted bovine IgG1 and one secreted IgG2. All six MAbs recognized human subtype A and B viruses as well as bovine RS virus. They were specific for the fusion glycoprotein and reacted with a 140K dimer and a 70K monomer in a Western blot of native antigen; three also bound to the 46K F1 component and its 22K cleavage product in a blot of reduced antigen. Two of these MAbs neutralized RS virus infectivity, inhibited virus-induced fusion, lysed RS virus-infected cells in the presence of complement and protected mice against RS virus challenge.

Animals↗