City Of Aberdeen Research Articles

Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome in Children

Summary: We studied the prevalence and the characteristic features of cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) in the defined childhood population of the City of Aberdeen, in Scotland. Initial screening was done by questionnaire in 10% of all children between 5 and 15 years of age (2,165 children) attending schools in Aberdeen, followed by clinical interviews of symptomatic children. We invited for clinical interview 69 children (3.9%) with a history of unexplained vomiting; 46 (67%) attended. Of them, 34 fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of CVS (prevalence rate, 1.9%). Children with CVS had a mean age of 9.6 years and a mean age at onset of symptoms of 5.3 years (range, 1–13). The overall sex ratio was 1:1, although in younger children boys were more commonly affected than girls. Seven children (21%) also suffered from migraine, 10 (29%) from travel sickness, and 10 (29%) from atopic diseases. The attacks of vomiting occurred on average eight times per year, with a mean duration of 20 h. Travel was a frequent precipitating factor. Attacks were commonly associated with pallor, anorexia, and malaise and were often relieved by rest and sleep. The clinical features of CVS overlapped to a large extent with those of migraine, suggesting a common pathogenesis. Features common to both conditions included trigger factors, associated GI, sensory, and vasomotor symptoms, and factors that relieved attacks. There was also an association between CVS and headache, abdominal pain, atopic diseases, and travel sickness.

Cyclical vomiting syndrome in children: a population-based study.

We studied the prevalence and the characteristic features of cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) in the defined childhood population of the City of Aberdeen, in Scotland. Initial screening was done by questionnaire in 10% of all children between 5 and 15 years of age (2,165 children) attending schools in Aberdeen, followed by clinical interviews of symptomatic children. We invited for clinical interview 69 children (3.9%) with a history of unexplained vomiting; 46 (67%) attended. Of them, 34 fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of CVS (prevalence rate, 1.9%). Children with CVS had a mean age of 9.6 years and a mean age at onset of symptoms of 5.3 years (range, 1-13). The overall sex ratio was 1:1, although in younger children boys were more commonly affected than girls. Seven children (21%) also suffered from migraine, 10 (29%) from travel sickness, and 10 (29%) from atopic diseases. The attacks of vomiting occurred on average eight times per year, with a mean duration of 20 h. Travel was a frequent precipitating factor. Attacks were commonly associated with pallor, anorexia, and malaise and were often relieved by rest and sleep. The clinical features of CVS overlapped to a large extent with those of migraine, suggesting a common pathogenesis. Features common to both conditions included trigger factors, associated GI, sensory, and vasomotor symptoms, and factors that relieved attacks. There was also an association between CVS and headache, abdominal pain, atopic diseases, and travel sickness.

Paroxysmal Vertigo as a Migraine Equivalent in Children: A Population-Based Study

We studied the prevalence, causes and clinical features of paroxysmal vertigo (PV) in the well-defined childhood population of the City of Aberdeen. We applied a screening questionnaire to 2165 children (10% random sample of all children 5-15 years of age) attending schools in Aberdeen. Children with a history of at least three episodes of vertigo over the past year due to unknown causes were invited for clinical interview and examination. Children with PV were compared with a group of children with migraine, and with a group of asymptomatic children matched for age and sex. Forty-five children fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for PV (prevalence rate 2.6%, 95% CI 1.9-3.4). They were noted to have clinical features in common with children with migraine, including trigger and relieving factors, associated gastrointestinal and sensory symptoms, vasomotor changes, and a similar pattern of associated recurrent disorders (such as headache, abdominal pain and cyclical vomiting), atopic diseases and travel sickness. Also, they had a twofold increase in the prevalence of migraine (24%) compared with the general childhood population (10.6%). The overlap in the clinical features of PV and migraine suggests that the two conditions are related and that it is reasonable to continue to regard PV as a migraine equivalent.

Prevalence of Migraine in Schoolchildren

The prevalence of migraine in a random sample of the childhood population of the city of Aberdeen, Scotland, was evaluated in the Department of Medical Paediatrics, Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, employing the International Headache Society Diagnostic Criteria and validating questionnaire responses with clinical interviews.

Prevalence of headache and migraine in schoolchildren.

To determine the prevalence rates of the various causes of severe headache in schoolchildren, with special emphasis on migraine and its impact on school attendance. Population based study in two stages, comprising an initial screening questionnaire followed by clinical interviews and examination of children with symptoms and a control group of asymptomatic children matched for age and sex. 67 primary and secondary schools in the city of Aberdeen. 2165 children, representing a random sample of 10% of schoolchildren in Aberdeen aged 5-15 years. (a) the prevalence of migraine (International Headache Society criteria) and of other types of headache; (b) the impact of migraine on school attendance. The estimated prevalence rates of migraine and tension headache were 10.6% (95% confidence interval 9.1 to 12.3) and 0.9% (0.5 to 1.5) respectively. The estimated prevalence rates for migraine without aura and migraine with aura were 7.8% (95% confidence interval 6.5 to 9.3) and 2.8% (2.0 to 3.8) respectively. In addition, 10 children (0.7%) had headaches which, though lasting less than two hours, also fulfilled the International Headache Society criteria for migraine, 14 (0.9%) had tension headaches, and 20 (1.3%) had non-specific recurrent headache. The prevalence of migraine increased with age, with male preponderance in children under 12 and female preponderance thereafter. Children with migraine lost a mean of 7.8 school days a year due to all illnesses (2.8 days (range 0-80) due to headache) as compared with a mean of 3.7 days lost by controls. Migraine is a common cause of headache in children and causes significantly reduced school attendance.

Special educational needs and social disadvantage in Aberdeen City school catchment zones

Summary Previous research has indicated that strong links exist between social disadvantage and the prevalence of various types of learning and behavioural difficulties in school. This study reports findings from an analysis of social disadvantage levels and the prevalence of special educational needs in 13 secondary school catchment zones in Aberdeen. Two measures of special educational needs were used: first, the number of pupils for whom records of needs had been opened as a result of major difficulties or disabilities in the intellectual/cognitive, physical or sensory domains; and secondly, the number of pupils placed in specialist provision for pupils with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties. Strong correlations were found between both of these measures and social disadvantage, whereas only weak correlations were found with the overall numbers of pupils in the zones. It is argued that social disadvantage data should be used more widely as a reliable basis for the allocation of special needs...

Bio-ethics yearbook, vol 1: theological developments in bio-ethics 1988-1990

<h3>Background</h3> Since the introduction of the Child Poverty Act (2017) in Scotland, all health visitors, midwives and family nurses in Scotland are expected to screen and offer a financial advice referral to at-risk pregnant women and parents/carers of families with children under five in Scotland. The so-called <i>‘Financial Inclusion Pathway’</i> (FIP) emerged in 2019 as one of a number of strategies intended to tackle child poverty. At this early implementation stage, little is known about parents’ perspectives about the acceptability or impact of this initiative in relation to its aim. <h3>Methods</h3> In 2020, low income parents with young children living in Aberdeen City were invited to take part in a qualitative study that aimed to determine any challenges they might face engaging with the FIP policy in practice, and their perspectives about financial discussions with professionals that could help to increase household incomes through this approach.One-to-one semi-structured telephone interviews lasting between 30–40 minutes took place during July and August 2020. Interviews were fully transcribed and thematically analysed. <h3>Results</h3> Ten women, ranging from ages 20–41 years. Each participant had between one and five child(ren), ranging in age from 2 to 18 years and all had one child under school-age. All lived in multiply deprived postcode areas within Aberdeen City. Three main themes emerged: i<i>. difficulties associated with discussing financial concerns</i>; ii. <i>how to talk about the issue</i>; iii. <i>intervention utility</i>. Within each of these three main themes, nine-sub themes were apparent, ranging from those indicating potential unintended negative consequences, as well as intervention benefits. <h3>Discussion</h3> Most participants considered health visitors to be a potentially good source of help about financial challenges; they were less clear about midwives’ role here. However, parents’ perceptions of the problems they may face associated with disclosing financial difficulties to health professionals, is a distinct barrier to conversations that could lead to a financial advice referral. Given the levels of unclaimed benefit in the UK, this is important to note. Establishing trust and rapport, careful and sensitive enquiry, and positive framing of financial maximisation were recommended to aid discussion of financial challenges. These findings are important given the current and predicted economic impact of the COVID-19. The study is limited by its sample size and recruitment site, but provides valuable insights to inform a larger scale investigation. The study also indicates the importance of understanding health professionals’ associated views and experiences.

Clinical birthweight standards for a total population in the 1980s

To derive clinical standards for singleton birthweight in a population based on area of residence. Analysis of variables recorded in Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank, calculating for each birth a standardised birthweight score, taking account of determining factors. All singleton live births of 32 to 42 weeks gestation to Aberdeen City District residents from 1979 to 1983. Basic standards of birthweight are presented correcting for gestational age, sex of the baby and parity of the mother. Birthweight is not normally distributed and empirical data are presented rather than smoothed curves. Adjustment for maternal height is straightforward but adjustment for maternal weight must take account of the gestation at which the woman was weighed. A method of calculating the appropriate correction for height and weight is described in detail. Birthweight is not normally distributed at each week of gestation. Standardisation for parity, gestation and sex of the baby is essential, but adjustment for maternal size is complex.

Skin lesion removal: practice by general practitioners in Grampian Region before and after April 1990.

The introduction of new GP contracts in April 1990 incorporated a financial incentive to undertake minor surgical procedures. Previous reports have noted large increases in the number of GP-derived skin specimens after April 1990. Our present study intended to address whether similar changes have occurred in Grampian Region as well as, more specifically, noting whether there have been changes in the quality of practice following the 1st April 1990. A retrospective study of skin biopsies removed by general practitioners in Grampian Region was undertaken. Cases were selected from four periods of six months (1st April to end of September) in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990. All skin specimens sent by general practitioners to the Department of Pathology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, were included. Following April 1990 there was a two-fold increase in skin specimen numbers--an increase significantly greater than increases observed over previous years (p < 0.01). Of particular note was the contribution made to this increase by Aberdeen City GPs whose contribution rose five-fold (p < 0.0001). Non-benign lesions (ie malignant plus carcinoma-in-situ-) represented 6% of lesions excised. A non-benign clinical diagnosis or an indication of suspicion was written on only one third of request forms for histopathologically diagnosed non-benign lesions. The proportion of histologically incompletely excised lesions rose over the four years (p < 0.01); moreover the increase in total numbers of lesions resulted in a striking increase in the actual numbers of incompletely excised lesions after April 1990.

The bassanelli reconstructed: A radical solution to an enigma

The bassanelli reconstructed: A radical solution to an enigma Get access Charles Foster Charles Foster Charles Foster has wide interests in early music, as performer, maker of wind instruments and editor. He has recently been appointed to the historic post of Maister of the Sang Schule of Sanct Nicholace Paroche by Aberdeen City Council. His reconstructions of instrumental fantasies by the 16th-century Scottish composer John Black are shortly to be issued by London Pro Musica Edition. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Early Music, Volume XX, Issue 3, August 1992, Pages 417–426, https://doi.org/10.1093/earlyj/XX.3.417 Published: 01 August 1992

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome in the defined population of Northeast of Scotland

Twenty seven cases of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS) were admitted to the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital between 1978 and 1989. All cases were from the defined childhood population of the Grampian region of Northeast of Scotland. Thirteen cases were admitted during the 2-year period 1987-1988 (Group 1). Of the 13 cases, 9 (Group 1 a) were admitted within the 11-month period between August 1987 and June 1988, and were from a small area (7 miles radius) within and around the City of Aberdeen. Their mean age was 7.1 years. Twelve cases of HUS were admitted between 1978 and 1986 and 2 cases were admitted in 1989 (total 14 cases; Group 2). Mean age was 3.0 years with no geographical clustering. The average annual incidence for group 2 was 1.25 per 100,000 children 0-16 years old.

The epidemiology of infertility in Aberdeen.

To study the prevalence of infertility, both primary and secondary, outcome of pregnancy, occupation, and uptake of medical services in a total population of women from a geographically defined area. A postal questionnaire survey of an age cohort of women who had completed their fertility, and who were randomly selected from the Grampian Health Board's primary care register. Aberdeen city district. 1024 Women in the age group 46-50, of whom 130 had to be excluded. Of the remaining 894 women, 766 (86%) responded to the questionnaire. Response to questionnaire on pregnancy history, the length of time taken to become pregnant each time, and whether medical advice had been sought. Among the 766 women contacted, 602 (79%) reported no difficulties in having children, 56 (7%) had chosen not to have children, and the remaining 108 (14%) had experienced infertility, defined as having difficulty in becoming pregnant for more than two years. In total 68 (9%) women had primary infertility, of whom 41 (5%) eventually conceived. Of the 40 (5%) with secondary infertility, 23 (3%) conceived. Overall, 52 (7%) of the population were left with an unresolved problem of infertility. Only 67 (62%) infertile women had made use of hospital services, and a further 8 (7%) had consulted their general practitioners. Among those who conceived there was no difference in the proportion who sought advice compared with those who did not. The overall prevalence of infertility was 14%, although half of these women eventually conceived. Primary infertility was more common than secondary infertility. Only 62% of infertile women attended a hospital clinic for treatment of their infertility.

Does idiopathic parkinsonism in Aberdeen follow intrauterine influenza?

A study is presented which fails to replicate a recent report that peak years of birth of patients later developing Parkinson's disease are related to the influenza pandemics of the period 1890-1930. The years of birth of a whole population cohort of 243 patients suffering from Parkinson's disease examined in Aberdeen in 1983 and reexamined in 1986/7 were compared with deaths due to influenza in the City of Aberdeen in the years 1900-1930. Although a significant peak of Parkinson births (compared with the age profile of the Aberdeen population in 1983) occurred in 1902, there appeared to be no systematic relationship between Parkinson births and influenza deaths. In addition, no season of birth effect could be detected in a comparison with 232 matched controls. The presence of peaks of birth years, for whatever aetiological reason, is of significance to epidemiological studies in that prevalence estimates may be influenced by the year of study relative to these mini-cohorts.

Ectopic pregnancy in Aberdeen 1950-1985.

The reported incidence of ectopic pregnancy in Aberdeen City and suburbs (1950-1985), using as denominators maternities, pregnancies and women aged 15-44 years, has increased threefold since 1970 to 6.4/1000 pregnancies. This increased incidence persisted after the exclusion of previously sterilized women. A total of 11,128 women were sterilized in Aberdeen City and suburbs between 1960 and 1982; 36 ectopic pregnancies occurred in this sterilized population. The prevalence of ectopic pregnancy was 3.55/1000 sterilizations. This did not alter significantly over the period of study despite changes in the method of sterilization. However, due to the increased popularity of sterilization, the proportion of ectopic pregnancies in women who had been sterilized increased from 0% in the 1950s to 21% in the quinquennium 1975-1979.

Planning for library automation: Aberdeen City Libraries (James E. Herring and John A. Mackenzie)

Planning for library automation: Aberdeen City Libraries (James E. Herring and John A. Mackenzie)

Hypertension, Maternal Weight Gain and Birthheight

Data was collected from the obstetric records of 1371 primigravidae, a total series between 1976 and 1977 for Aberdeen City District. Only cases with complete information were analysed (947). The influence of maternal stature upon standardised birthweight has been confirmed, but this is different for those with proteinuric pre-eclampsia. Change in maternal weight over the pregnancy has an effect on birthweight as expected. Of the blood pressure variables studied, diastolic blood pressure at week 20 has a significantly negative effect on birthweight where all cases are taken together, but the major effect appears with cases of proteinuric pre-eclampsia where the change in diastolic blood pressure over pregnancy has a substantial effect on birthweight. The problem of analysis using both the change in weight and blood pressure over different intervals of pregnancy in predicting either pre-eclampsia or birthweight are discussed.

Council House Sales and Residualization

ABSTRACTIt has been argued that council house sales will contribute towards a more general process of residualization of public sector housing. Empirical evidence is presented in this context derived from surveys of purchasers and non-purchasers of council dwellings in the city of Aberdeen. This evidence confirms that purchasers and non-purchasers exhibit different socio-economic characteristics and after only four years of the Right to Buy legislation significant numbers of households in social classes I, II and III have left the public sector via the mechanism of sales. The small number of sales relative to the stock as a whole, however, has meant that the overall contribution of sales towards residualization has been small. This evidence from Aberdeen is compared to evidence from elsewhere and related to the varying pattern of sales across the country as a whole.

The aetiology of preterm labour

Factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth were analysed in 254 primigravidae who gave birth to singleton infants between 28 and 36 completed weeks gestation in Aberdeen City District between 1978 and 1982. In 144 women labour followed premature rupture of the membranes and in 110 the membranes were intact and labour began with contractions. Among those with intact membranes, unmarried women and teenagers were over represented to a significant extent compared with all primigravidae. Among those with premature rupture of the membranes, the distribution of age and marital state was similar to that in all primigravidae, but the birthweight centile distribution showed a significant shift towards light-for-dates babies. It is argued that there may be two distinct categories of pregnancies that end in spontaneous preterm labour.

The aetiology of preterm labour

Summary. Factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth were analysed in 254 primigravidae who gave birth to singleton infants between 28 and 36 completed weeks gestation in Aberdeen City District between 1978 and 1982. In 144 women labour followed premature rupture of the membranes and in 110 the membranes were intact and labour began with contractions. Among those with intact membranes, unmarried women and teenagers were over represented to a significant extent compared with all primigravidae. Among those with premature rupture of the membranes, the distribution of age and marital state was similar to that in all primigravidae, but the birthweight centile distribution showed a significant shift towards light‐for‐dates babies. It is argued that there may be two distinct categories of pregnancies that end in spontaneous preterm labour.

Experience with facsimile transmission in Birmingham libraries

In April 1984 the British Library Research and Development Department (BLR&amp;DD) funded a twelve‐month project to investigate the use of facsimile transmission in libraries. Of the thirteen libraries selected, four comprised the BCOP (Birmingham Libraries in Co‐operation) libraries of Aston University, Birmingham Public Libraries, City of Birmingham Public Libraries, City of Birmingham Polytechnic, and the University of Birmingham. These were chosen to gain experience of fax operation in a local co‐operative. The first months of the project were spent establishing and publicising fax and in staff training, and while take‐up was encouraging it was felt that a year was insufficient to test the service fully. Thus, with agreement from the British Library, the project was extended for a second twelve months. This report covers the experience of BCOP libraries during the second stage of the project, i.e. from May 1985‐end of March 1986. A full report of the complete project is presently in preparation for publication by the British Library, and details of the first year's operation at Aberdeen City Libraries have already been published.