Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R D Dewar

Publications and source records attributed to R D Dewar.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Reconstruction of laser-scanned 3D torso topography and stereoradiographical spine and rib-cage geometry in scoliosis.

Assessments of scoliosis are routinely done by means of clinical examination and full spinal x-rays. Multiple exposure to ionization radiation, however, can be hazardous to the child and is costly. Here, we explain the use of a noninvasive imaging technique, based on laser optical scanning, for quantifying the three-dimensional (3D) trunk surface topography that can be used to estimate parameters of 3D deformity of the spine. The laser optical scanning system consisted of four BIRIS laser cameras mounted on a ring moving along a vertical axis, producing a topographical mapping of the entire torso. In conjunction with the laser scans, an accurate 3D reconstruction of the spine and rib cage were developed from the digitized x-ray images. Results from 14 scoliotic patients are reported. The digitized surfaces provided the foundation data to start studying concordance of trunk surface asymmetry and spinal shape in idiopathic scoliosis.

Calibration↗
PubMed1991

What do Scots die of when abroad?

Information was obtained on 952 persons who travelled from Scotland between 1973 and 1988 and who died while abroad. In the older age group cardio-vascular disease was the major cause of death whereas in the younger group traumatic deaths were commonest. Most died in the holiday resorts bordering the Mediterranean and the question is posed on the need for specific advice to those who are most vulnerable before embarking on overseas travel.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Morquio syndrome (MPS IVA) and hypophosphatasia in a Hutterite kindred.

A patient is described who has Morquio syndrome (MPS IVA). He is a member of the Hutterite Brethren and genealogic analysis discloses a high inbreeding coefficient for the proband. The proband's sibship is segregating two autosomal recessive disorders, ie, MPS IVA and infantile hypophosphatasia. Two other families each have one or the other of these diseases but not both. The three families are distantly related.

Cartilage↗
PubMed1985

Illness associated with a package holiday in Romania.

A study of 370 holidaymakers returning from Romania revealed that 279 (75%) reported illness. Alimentary symptoms predominated and were recorded either alone or along with other symptoms by 71 per cent of the tourists. The highest illness rate (82%) occurred in those under 39 years of age and those over 60 years had least illness (38%). Most of the tourists attributed their illnesses to the supply, handling or preparation of food and drink. Twenty-six (21%) tourists had serological evidence of typhoid immunisation out of 121 from whom blood samples were obtained. Most of the tourists studied (85%) were immune to poliomyelitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Surveillance of hepatitis B virus infection in Scotland, 1973-1982.

Since 1973 epidemiological surveillance of laboratory-confirmed hepatitis B virus infection has been undertaken in Scotland. During the ten-year period, 1973-82, 2893 persons with laboratory evidence of infection were reported and the number increased by almost threefold between the beginning and the end of this time. Males accounted for 66% of the patients and intravenous drug abuse was the most commonly encountered risk factor. The low risk to laboratory staff is confirmed, but among National Health Service hospital staff nurses accounted for 54% of those reported.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Travel and health: illness associated with winter package holidays.

A survey of 263 people who had winter package holidays abroad revealed that 21 per cent of the travellers had been ill. Forty-eight per cent of those who had been unwell reported an alimentary upset and 26 per cent reported respiratory symptoms. Illness was recorded most frequently by travellers to countries in the Mediterranean region.More readily available advice or information would be useful in reducing the amount of illness associated with package holidays.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Immune status of children of immigrants to poliomyelitis.

Four ethnic groups of children from the Glasgow area--155 Asians, 85 Africans, 85 Chinese, and 93 Scots--were examined for neutralising to poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3. Only seven of the 418 children had no detectable antibody, and of these, four were aged less than 7 months; none had received polio vaccine. The best-protected children were the Chinese (93% with antibody to all three poliovirus types), followed by the African (81%), Scottish (78%), and Asian children (77%). We conclude that children of immigrants are no more vulnerable to poliovirus infection than their Scottish counterparts.

Africa↗