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Biomedical subjects

R Stalker

Publications and source records attributed to R Stalker.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Acupuncture in human performance.

To this point in time, acupuncture has been used primarily as an analgesic, a therapeutic intervention that controls pain under pathological conditions. Although some of the mechanisms of acupuncture as it applies to pain relief have been studied, little is known of the positive and/or negative effects of this procedure on the physical performance parameters of healthy people, particularly highly trained athletes. After introducing acupuncture from historical and technique viewpoints, preliminary studies of the effects of acupuncture on strength, aerobic conditioning, flexibility, and sport performance are discussed, as well as concerns regarding the direction of research investigating the potential benefit and/ or adverse effects of this practice. Finally, an argument is put forward for the establishment of guidelines for the use of acupuncture in the sports community.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis associated with a swimming pool.

In August 1988 an increase was noted in the number of cases of cryptosporidiosis identified by the microbiology laboratory at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. By 31 October, 67 cases had been reported. Preliminary investigations implicated the use of one of two swimming pools at a local sports centre and oocysts were identified in the pool water. Inspection of the pool revealed significant plumbing defects which had allowed ingress of sewage from the main sewer into the circulating pool water. Epidemiological investigation confirmed an association between head immersion and illness. The pools were closed when oocysts were identified in the water and extensive cleaning and repair work was undertaken. The pool water was retested for cryptosporidial oocysts and found to be negative before the pool reopened.

Adolescent↗

A trial to investigate reactions and responses to BCG vaccines of different strengths prepared from the Copenhagen 1331 strain.

Seven hundred and ninety-three tuberculin-negative school-children were vaccinated with BCG vaccine prepared from either the 1077 substrain, at 0-3 mg/ml moist weight, or the 1331 substrain at 0-15 and 0-3 mg/ml moist weight. Local vaccination reactions and Mantoux tuberculin conversion were measured. There were no differences between the 1077 vaccine and the lower strength 1331 vaccine. The more potent 1331 product, however, produced marginally larger vaccination lesions and a slightly increased tuberculin allergy. The small increase in size of the vaccination lesions was considered acceptable and vaccine of this type would be satisfactory for use in the United Kingdom.

BCG Vaccine↗

Giving up smoking.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adenocarcinoma↗

A comparison of three "interventions" on pretreatment dropout rates in an outpatient substance abuse clinic.

Studies examining pretreatment dropout in outpatient substance abuse clinics have consistently demonstrated that fewer days between phone contact and scheduled intake appointment result in higher client show rates. To compare time to intake with two other interventions hypothesized to increase show rates, individuals (N = 128) seeking treatment were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Individuals in Group 1 were scheduled within 48 hours of the telephone intake. Individuals in Groups 2, 3, and 4 were scheduled 48 hours or more after the telephone intake and received either a reminder call 24 hours prior to their appointment (Group 2), an appointment card and clinic brochure in the mail (Group 3), or no intervention (Group 4). The results show that Group 1 had a higher show rate as compared to the other three groups, and receiving a reminder call or an appointment card did not improve show rates beyond that of the no-contact control group. Implications for intake procedures are discussed.

Adult↗