ABSTRACT
Humankind has lived with the danger of endemic, epidemic and pandemic disease for thousands of years. The effects of these outbreaks have often devastated human populations. Sixteen pandemic events causing an estimated 147 million deaths have occurred since the eighth century, The Black Death and the influenza pandemic of 1918-1920 probably having the greatest impact. Animal populations, both wild and domestic, have similarly suffered devastating outbreaks of disease which, on occasions, have translated into serious effects on human health. The deliberate or accidental introduction of animals into virgin areas has given rise to unforeseen disease events occasionally leading to extinction. Similarly, human intent or negligence and the vagaries of nature itself has resulted in ill health and loss of life. This paper describes the history of pandemics, epidemics and disasters, and the attempts to bring them under control.
Subject(s)
Plague , Humans , Plague/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Historically, the weighing out and manipulation of dangerous chemicals frequently occurred without adequate protection from inhalation or accidental ingestion. The use of gloves, eye protection using goggles, masks or visors was scant. From Canary Girls and chimney sweeps to miners, stone cutters and silo fillers, these are classic exemplars of the subtle (and in some cases not so subtle) effects that substances, environments and practices can have on individual health.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms/history , Occupational Diseases/history , Occupational Exposure/history , Asbestos/adverse effects , Female , History, 16th Century , History, 17th Century , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , Humans , Male , Neoplasms/etiology , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Radium/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Laboratory-acquired infections are as old as laboratories themselves. As soon as the culture of microorganisms was introduced, so too was their transfer to laboratory workers. It is only in relatively recent history that such infections have been fully understood, and methods of spread and their prevention or avoidance developed. This paper endeavours to provide an overview of the history of laboratory-acquired infection and the steps taken, particularly in the UK, for its prevention.
Subject(s)
Laboratory Infection/history , History, 20th Century , Humans , Laboratories/legislation & jurisprudence , Laboratory Infection/etiology , Laboratory Infection/transmission , Occupational Diseases/history , United KingdomABSTRACT
The risk of infection associated with occupations can, and does, extend to certain leisure and sports activities. Generally, such pastimes are regarded as important for human health and mental wellbeing. However, infections may, rarely, be acquired during leisure activities that include water sports and water-related relaxation, and certain sports.
Subject(s)
Infections/history , Leisure Activities , Recreation/history , Fitness Centers/history , History, 20th Century , Humans , Infections/etiology , Sports/history , Swimming Pools/historyABSTRACT
Biomedical scientists are bombarded daily by information, almost all of which refers to the health status of an individual or groups of individuals. This article is the second of a two-part review written to explain some of the issues related to presentation and analysis of data. In the first part (Br J Biomed Sci 2008; 65: 209-17) we focused on types of data, and how to analyse and present the data from an individual or from two groups of persons. Here, we will continue with an examination of data from three or more sets of persons, what methods are available to allow this analysis (i.e., statistical software packages), and will conclude with a statement on appropriate descriptors of data, their analyses and presentation, for authors considering submitting their data to this journal.
Subject(s)
Biomedical Research/statistics & numerical data , Statistics as Topic/methods , Data Interpretation, Statistical , Editorial Policies , Humans , Periodicals as Topic , SoftwareABSTRACT
The biomedical scientist is bombarded on a daily basis by information, almost all of which refers to the health status of an individual or groups of individuals. This review is the first of a two-part article written to explain some of the issues related to the presentation and analysis of data. The first part focuses on types of data and how to present and analyse data from an individual or from one or two groups of persons. The second part will examine data from three or more sets of persons, what methods are available to allow this analysis (i.e., statistical software packages), and will conclude with a statement on appropriate descriptors of data, their analyses, and presentation for authors considering submission of their data to this journal.
