Publications by authors named "Duncan L Cooper"

Background: Various human and animal studies suggest that peak alcohol exposure during a binge episode, rather than total alcohol exposure, may determine fetal development. Research about the impact of binge drinking on birth outcomes is sparse and inconclusive. Data from the Born in Bradford cohort study were used to explore the impact of binge drinking on birth outcomes.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Telehealth systems have a large potential for informing public health authorities in an early stage of outbreaks of communicable disease. Influenza and norovirus are common viruses that cause significant respiratory and gastrointestinal disease worldwide. Data about these viruses are not routinely mapped for surveillance purposes in the UK, so the spatial diffusion of national outbreaks and epidemics is not known as such incidents occur.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Recent terrorist activity has highlighted the need to improve surveillance systems for the early detection of chemical or biologic attacks. A new national surveillance system in the United Kingdom (UK) examines symptoms reported to NHS Direct, a telephone health advice service.

Objectives: The aim of the surveillance system is to identify an increase in symptoms indicative of early stages of illness caused either by a deliberate release of a biologic or chemical agent or by common infections.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF