Publications by authors named "R W Alexander"
Harmful algal biotoxins in the marine environment are a threat to human food safety due to their bioaccumulation in bivalve shellfish. Whilst official control monitoring provides ongoing risk management for regulated toxins in live bivalve molluscs, no routine monitoring system is currently in operation in the UK for other non-regulated toxins. To assess the potential presence of such compounds, a systematic screen of bivalve shellfish was conducted throughout Great Britain.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To compare preparation for transition in adolescents in the United States prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study Design: We used data from the 2019 and 2021 National Survey of Children's Health to compare transition preparation before and after the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents who had a medical care visit within the preceding year, controlled for relevant potential confounders. The association of demographic factors and survey year with a composite measure of adequate transition preparation was evaluated using univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression.
Background: Xylazine is not approved for human use, yet it has emerged as a common adulterant of illicit fentanyl. It is currently unclear whether there is a withdrawal syndrome associated with xylazine and the potential impact of fentanyl coexposure.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients with opioid use disorder admitted to an inpatient medically monitored withdrawal facility was performed.
Article Synopsis
- The Department of Health and Social Care released a report in November 2023, highlighting the negative impacts of solitary confinement on people with learning disabilities and autism, but the recommendations are largely not supported by evidence-based practices.
- The report raises issues regarding the terminology used, such as "solitary confinement," assumptions about long-term segregation, and unfairly placing responsibility on clinicians for situations outside their control.
- A critical appraisal of the report aims to summarize its potential benefits while pointing out specific concerns and advocating for best practices in mental health care.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected patient demographics, injury mechanisms, interhospital transfers and mortality of patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) treated in US emergency departments (EDs).
Design: This cross-sectional study analysed 2016-2020 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) data.
Setting: US EDs contained in the NEDS.