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Biomedical subjects

Barry McGrath

Publications and source records attributed to Barry McGrath.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The Melbourne Atherosclerosis Vitamin E Trial (MAVET): a study of high dose vitamin E in smokers.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate whether vitamin E (500 IU) slowed the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in a population of chronic smokers over 4 years as measured by ultrasound determination of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and systemic arterial compliance (SAC). METHODS: The Melbourne Atherosclerosis Vitamin E Trial (MAVET) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 409 male and female smokers aged 55 years and over were randomized to receive 500 IU per day of natural vitamin E or placebo. The primary endpoint was progression of carotid atherosclerosis determined by intima-media thickness of the right common carotid artery. Secondary outcomes were change in systemic arterial compliance and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidative susceptibility over time. RESULTS: The mean increase in intima-media thickness over time in the vitamin E group was 0.0041 mm/year faster than placebo (95% confidence interval -0.0021 to 0.0102 mm/year, P = 0.20). Similarly, a non-significant difference between vitamin E and placebo was found for rate of change in systemic arterial compliance (P = 0.11). Vitamin E supplementation did, however, significantly reduce LDL oxidative susceptibility (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Vitamin E supplementation is ineffective in reducing the progression of carotid atherosclerosis as measured by intima-media thickness in chronic smokers. This finding extends our knowledge of lack of effectiveness of vitamin E supplementation in populations with high oxidant stress.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2005

A compulsory experiential and inter-professional rural health subject for undergraduate students.

CONTEXT: The Australian University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) program aims to improve the rural workforce through improving rural experiences of undergraduates, graduates and health professionals. The 10 UDRHs vary in the way they implement the UDRH Program. This article describes the development of a compulsory, experiential and inter-professional rural health subject in a medical curriculum by the UDRH at the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The key concepts, underpinning theory, processes, logistics and resources required to develop and implement the subject among a network of small towns and Indigenous communities are examined. METHODS: METHODS used included formative evaluation using a participatory research approach, including the examination of internal discussion papers, minutes of meetings and planning workshops, financial records and feedback from students, staff and preceptors. ISSUES: Students, staff and preceptors generally accept the value of the rural health module in professional training. However, they stress the need for explicit learning objectives, relevant content and engaging delivery. Students expressed some concern about the compulsory nature of the subject. Significant issues are capacity, quality, sustainability and managing expectations of government and communities. Capacity includes the availability of appropriate placements and preceptors who have the capacity and capability to teach or to be supported to teach. The availability of appropriate and affordable accommodation is important, as are the cost and safety of travel to and from placements. Sustainability of 'placements' and 'placement fatigue' must be managed with a combination of resources and preceptor training and support. Quality of placements is important and highlights a paradox in that, while academically rigorous teaching, research and clinical programs for students and preceptors are important for quality, they are mostly perceived as additional burdens by health service providers. Finally, the expectations and commitment of stakeholders, in particular governments and communities, for student placements must be realistic and backed with resources. LESSONS LEARNED: A compulsory experiential inter-professional subject for undergraduate students is possible but requires significant resources and commitment over the long term. The resources must include funding for: preceptor time, training and support; recruitment and retention of appropriately qualified academic clinicians; intersectoral strategies like improved public transport and safe roads; community and other stakeholder engagement to develop and maintain educational facilities. Last but not least, funding is essential to support the long-term evaluation and monitoring of the outcomes in terms of the quality and quantity of the rural workforce over time.

Australia↗
PubMed2002

Natural history of Ross River virus-induced epidemic polyarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the natural history, treatment and cost of Ross River virus-induced epidemic polyarthritis (RRV disease). DESIGN: Questionnaire-based longitudinal prospective study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Patients in the greater Brisbane area, Queensland, diagnosed with RRV disease by their general practitioners based on clinical symptoms and paired serological tests between November 1997 and April 1999. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scores on two validated quality-of-life questionnaires (Clinical Health Assessment Questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36) were obtained soon after diagnosis and one, two, three, six and 12 months thereafter. Scores were compared between patients diagnosed with RRV disease alone and those with RRV disease plus other conditions. RESULTS: 67 patients were enrolled. Most patients with RRV disease alone had severe acute symptoms, but followed a consistent path to recovery within three to six months. Other conditions, often chronic rheumatic diseases or depression, were identified in half the cohort; their quality-of-life scores suggested stable chronic illness between six and 12 months after diagnosis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were taken by 58% of patients (average use, 7.6 weeks; range, 2-22 weeks). Time off work averaged 1.9 days, and direct cost to the community was estimated as 1018 Australian dollars per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Symptom duration and frequency of long-term symptoms may have been overestimated by previous studies of RRV disease. Disease persisting six to 12 months after RRV diagnosis was largely attributable to other conditions, highlighting the need to seek other diagnoses in RRV patients with persistent symptoms.

Adult↗