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Biomedical subjects

E McCrum

Publications and source records attributed to E McCrum.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Sleep complaints and risk factors for excessive daytime sleepiness in adult males in Northern Ireland.

The prevalence of sleep complaints in Northern Ireland is unknown. Sleep disruption can result in excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), with significant socioeconomic consequences. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sleep complaints and to determine risk factors for EDS in a Northern Irish community. From an urban and rural community of 499,111 people, a random sample of 3391 adult men were sent a questionnaire by mail. Questions were asked regarding sleep, EDS and medical history. There were 2364 completed questionnaires returned (response rate 70%). The mean age of respondents was 46.0 years (range 18--91 years). 26.7% of men were not satisfied with their usual night's sleep and 68% of men woke up at least once during the night. Based on pre-defined criteria, 24.6% of the population had insomnia and 19.8% had EDS. The strongest risk factor identified for EDS was a history of snoring loudly (odds ratio 2.62; 95% CI 1.82--3.77). Other risk factors included ankle swelling, feeling sad or depressed stopping sleep, experiencing vivid dreams while falling asleep, waking up feeling unrefreshed and age > 35 years. The prevalence rates of sleep complaints and EDS in this community-based study is high, although this does depend directly on the criteria used to define insomnia and EDS. Recognition of risk factors for EDS may help to identify and treat those affected.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Do polymorphisms of apoB, LPL or apoE affect the hypocholesterolemic response to weight loss?

To assess whether there is a differential hypocholesterolemic response to weight loss for subjects carrying polymorphisms of the apolipoprotein B and other genes. A before and after comparison of lipid parameters following a calorie controlled diet for an intervention period of 12 weeks. A lipid clinic based in a large teaching hospital. The difference in slope coefficients relating the percentage change in lipid parameters to the change in body weight (adjusted for age, gender and initial body mass index (BMI)), for genotype subgroups defined by polymorphisms of the 5'VNTR apoB gene, two mutations of the LPL gene and ApoE. One hundred and forty six subjects completed the intervention diet. While, on average, the intervention was successful (mean weight loss 3.9%), there was no statistically significant difference in the slope coefficients relating lipid change to weight loss for most of the genotypes tested. The slope difference for long versus short 5'VNTR alleles of the apoB gene was 0.445 (-1.307, 2.198) for apolipoprotein B and -0. 104 (-1.486, 1.278) for total cholesterol. However, subjects carrying at least one varepsilon4 allele were significantly hypo-responsive to weight loss, difference in slope coefficients -1.087 (-2.09, -0.084) and -1.320 (-2.589, 0.051) for total cholesterol and apoB, respectively. Although, this study is one of the largest of its kind, it has not replicated the findings of other smaller studies. These findings do not provide support for the use of genotype-targeted dietary advice in routine practice.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Dietary patterns in six european populations: results from EURALIM, a collaborative European data harmonization and information campaign.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and describe the extent to which European dietary data collected in disparate surveys can be meaningfully compared. DESIGN: Seven independent population-based surveys from six European countries were initially included. Differences in study designs and methodological approaches were examined. Risk factor data for 31,289 adults aged 40-59 y were harmonized and pooled in a common, centralized database. RESULTS: Direct comparisons of dietary measures across studies were not deemed appropriate due to methodological heterogeneity. Nonetheless, comparisons of intra-population contrasts by gender across sites were considered valid. Women consumed fruit and vegetables more often than men. Age-standardized gender differences in the prevalence of low fruit and vegetable consumption ranged from 7 to 18% and 5 to 15%, respectively. Data on energy intake showed good agreement across study populations. The proportion of total energy from macronutrients was similar for women and men. Gender differences for relative intakes of saturated fatty acids (percentage energy) were small and only in France were they significant. Dietary fibre density was significantly higher in women than in men. Overall, the participating Southern European populations from Italy and Spain exhibited more healthful food composition patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Contrasts in dietary patterns by gender across populations may provide the basis for health promotion campaigns. The most favourable patterns observed may serve as attainable goals for other populations. An international risk factor surveillance programme based upon locally run, good quality studies has the potential to provide the needed data. SPONSORSHIP: European Community (DG V), project 96CVVF3-446-0; Swiss Federal Office for Education and Science, OFES 96.0089.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Angiotensin II type-I receptor and ACE polymorphisms and risk of myocardial infarction in men and women.

BACKGROUND: Findings relating an association between an insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene and myocardial infarction (MI) have been mixed. While other loci, such as the angiotensin II type-I receptor (AT1R), may modulate risk, few studies have adequately documented the risk in women. We aimed to study whether the findings in respect of ACE and AT1R in UK men were borne out in women. METHODS: Cases of MI (305 women, 391 men) in Belfast and Glasgow have been compared to controls (291 women, 356 men). These new samples augment the original men (200 cases, 181 controls) included from Belfast in the ECTIM study. RESULTS: Among men, the odds ratio for MI for ACE (DD vs. ID + II) was 1.03 (0.79, 1.34) and among women, 0.69 (0.47, 1.01). This heterogeneity between the risks in men and women was significant in Glasgow (P = 0.02). Among men and women the odds ratio for MI for AT1R (CC vs. AC + AA) was 1.02 (0.71, 1.47). There was a small gradient in risk, such that the odds ratio for DD genotype was 0.86 (0.63, 1.17) among subjects homozygous for the common AT1R allele (AA): 0.94 (0.67, 1.30) among heterozygotes and 1.21 (0.53, 2.77) among CC subjects; but this interaction was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the contradictory findings concerning the ACE polymorphism and the risk of MI may be due to heterogeneity in the risk between men and women. The AT1R1196 polymorphism is not an independent risk factor for MI in either sex.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Polymorphisms of the P-selectin gene and risk of myocardial infarction in men and women in the ECTIM extension study. Etude cas-temoin de l'infarctus myocarde.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Studies in animal models and humans implicate cell adhesion molecules in atherogenesis but their role in mediating the risk of myocardial infarction is unclear. The ECTIM (étude cas-temoin de l'infarctus myocarde) extension study was established to determine whether a previously implicated polymorphism of the P-selectin gene was associated with myocardial infarction risk in men and women in Belfast and Glasgow. PATIENTS AND STUDY SETTING: 696 cases with a recent myocardial infarction and 561 age matched controls (both male and female) were recruited into a case-control study in MONICA project areas of Belfast and Glasgow. METHODS: Demographic and lifestyle information was collected by interview administered questionnaire, and each subject was examined and provided a blood sample for DNA extraction. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify regions encompassing the P-selectin Thr-->Pro (A/C) polymorphism at position 715. Genotype odds ratios for myocardial infarction were estimated by logistic regression adjusted for population, age, and sex. RESULTS: There was no significant association between conventional risk factors (such as hypercholesterolaemia, increased body mass index, or raised blood pressure) and either the rare or the common Pro(715) allele of the P-selectin gene in controls. Overall, comparing Pro(715)/Pro(715) and Pro(715)/Thr(715) with Thr(715)/Thr(715), with adjustment for centre, age, and sex, the odds ratio was 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.60 to 1.00) (p = 0.054), indicating a "protective" effect of the less common Pro(715) allele. There was no significant heterogeneity in odds ratios between men and women either in this sample or when combined with the original ECTIM subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In a large population based study in two regions of the UK, we have been able to corroborate the earlier ECTIM findings of a lower frequency of the Thr/Pro(715) polymorphism in subjects with myocardial infarction. An apparently "protective effect" of similar magnitude also seems to apply to women.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2000

Obesity and other health determinants across Europe: the EURALIM project.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: EURALIM (EURope ALIMentation), a European collaborative study, aimed to determine and describe the extent to which European data on risk factor distributions from different populations could be pooled and harmonised in a common database for international comparisons. SETTING: Seven independent population-based surveys from six European countries (France, Italy, Northern Ireland/United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands). METHODS: Data for 18 381 women and 12 908 men aged 40-59 were pooled in a common database. Central statistical analyses on major cardiovascular risk factors were conducted with careful consideration of methodological issues, including differences in study designs, data assessment tools, and analytic techniques used. MAIN RESULTS: Because of the detected variability among methods used, direct comparisons of risk factor distributions and prevalences between studies were problematic. None the less, comparisons of within population contrasts by sex, age group, and other health determinants were considered to be meaningful and apt, as illustrated here for obesity. Results were targeted and disseminated to both the general public and public health professionals and framed in the context of a European information campaign. CONCLUSIONS: International and national comparisons between existing locally run studies are feasible and useful, but harmonisation methods need improvement. Development of an international risk factor surveillance programme based on decentralised data collection is warranted. In the meantime, risk factor contrasts across populations can be used as a basis for targeting needed public health intervention programmes.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Critical appraisal using the READER method: a workshop-based controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Critical reading is an important skill for those trying to practice evidence-based medicine. There are a number of recognized structures for critical reading, including the READER model. These methods should be subjected to high-quality studies. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the READER method in a practical teaching setting using the highest quality research methodology. METHODS: We carried out a modified randomized controlled trial. Two groups of GP trainers were invited to appraise critically the two articles using either the READER acronym or a semi-structured free appraisal. RESULTS: Of 99 participants in the workshop, 92 completed the study. One-third of participants (33.7%) read more than five articles per month and those who had been in practice the longest read fewer articles (P<0.05). Both groups attributed the lowest score to paper 2. The median total scores were higher using the READER method, although only significant for paper 2 (P<0.05). The median score attributed to the methodology was lower using the READER method than the free appraisal, although this difference was only significant for paper 1 (P<0.05). Overall, 51% (70% of the READER group) believed that taking part in the exercise would encourage them to be more critical of published articles in the future. CONCLUSION: Those using the READER method attributed a higher total score, but were more critical of the methodology than those using a free appraisal. Participants found the study useful and believed that it would be of help in future critical appraisal. The study raises interesting questions about the relative importance to GPs of methodological rigour compared with other factors when evaluating research papers.

Education, Medical, Continuing↗
PubMed1998

Randomised controlled trial of the READER method of critical appraisal in general practice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the READER model for critical reading by comparing it with a free appraisal, and to explore what factors influence different components of the model. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial in which two groups of general practitioners assessed three papers from the general practice section of the BMJ. SETTING: Northern Ireland. SUBJECTS: 243 general practitioners. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scores given using the READER model (Relevance, Education, Applicability, Discrimination, overall Evaluation) and scores given using a free appraisal for scientific quality and an overall total. RESULTS: The hierarchical order for the three papers was different for the two groups, according to the total scores. Participants using the READER method (intervention group) gave a significantly lower total score (P < or = 0.01) and a lower score for the scientific quality (P < or = 0.0001) for all three papers. Overall more than one in five (22%), and more men than women, read more than 5 articles a month (P < or = 0.05). Those who were trainers tended to read more articles (P < or = 0.05), and no trainers admitted to reading none. Overall, 58% (135/234) (68% (76/112) of the intervention group) believed that taking part in the exercise would encourage them to be more critical of published articles in the future (P < or = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Participants using the READER model gave a consistently lower overall score and applied a more appropriate appraisal to the methodology of the studies. The method was both accurate and repeatable. No intrinsic factors influenced the scores, so the model is appropriate for use by all general practitioners regardless of their seniority, location, teaching or training experience, and the number of articles they read regularly.

Education, Medical, Continuing↗
PubMed1996

Vitamin E and exercise in the Northern Ireland population.

Serum vitamin E, vitamin E/cholesterol and physical activity and fitness were examined in a representative cross section (n = 1600) of the Northern Ireland population as part of the Northern Ireland health and activity survey. Serum vitamin E levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, cholesterol by an enzymatic method, physical activity profile was recorded by computer assisted interview and physical fitness was determined by estimation of VO2 max. The levels of serum vitamin E and vitamin E/cholesterol ratio in the Northern Irish population were similar or higher than in other populations with lower incidences of coronary heart disease. The assessment of activity showed that 75% of the population fell below recommended activity levels likely to confer a cardioprotective effect. A significant relationship (P = 0.01) was found in males between serum vitamin E levels and lifetime participation in physical activity. Otherwise no relationship was found between serum vitamin E or vitamin E/cholesterol ratio and physical activity or fitness in the population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Polymorphisms of the angiotensin-converting-enzyme gene in subjects who die from coronary heart disease.

It has been shown that myocardial infarction survivors are more likely to carry an insertion/deletion polymorphism (I/D) of the angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) gene than age-matched population controls. To test whether the association with coronary risk had been under-estimated, the frequency of the ACE I/D was studied in 213 fatal cases of definite and possible myocardial infarction which came to autopsy in the Belfast MONICA Project area. In comparison to controls from the same population, the autopsy cases had an increased frequency of the ACE D allele (p < 0.02). The overall odds ratios were 2.2 for DD vs. II, and 1.8 for ID vs II (test for trend p = 0.01). The findings bear out the hypothesis that the ACE I/D polymorphism is a risk factor for fatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Reliability of reported family history of myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability of reported family histories of myocardial infarction. DESIGN: A case-control study in which reported histories of first degree relatives were validated from death certificates, general practitioners' records, and hospital notes. SETTING: Participants enrolled in the Belfast centre of the World Health Organisation's study monitoring trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease (MONICA). SUBJECTS: 200 men who survived myocardial infarction and 200 age matched controls drawn randomly from the population. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and proportion of overall agreement with validated records of reported family histories of myocardial infarction in first degree relatives; odds ratios for myocardial infarction, given at least one reported relative or at least one verified relative being affected. RESULTS: 349 of the 400 probands provided detailed family histories, reporting on 2812 first degree relatives. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of reported histories were 67.3%, 96.5%, and 70.5% for cases and 68.5%, 97.7%, and 73.8% for controls. The kappa coefficients were modest: 0.65 for cases and 0.68 for controls. The odds ratios for myocardial infarction, given at least one affected relative, were not substantially inflated by recall bias. Some recall bias was evident for the probands' reports of their siblings' histories of myocardial infarction, the odds ratio for a reported history being 1.67 (95% confidence interval 1.09 to 2.57) and for the validated history 1.54 (1.01 to 2.37). CONCLUSIONS: Although the relative risk of disease is correctly estimated, the predictive accuracy of a casual family history of myocardial infarction may limit the effectiveness of targeted screening programmes. They may, however, complement other strategies based on genetic testing.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1992

Serum copper and zinc in random samples of the population of Northern Ireland.

Serum copper and zinc concentrations (mumol/L) were measured in nonfasting subjects aged 25-64 y participating in two independent population surveys in Northern Ireland. In 1983-84, copper in 1144 males was 17.2 +/- 3.1 (mean +/- SD) and zinc was 12.1 +/- 1.7 (SD). Copper in 1055 females, neither pregnant nor taking estrogens or progestogens, was 19.0 +/- 3.9 and zinc was 11.6 +/- 1.4. In 1986-87 copper in 1142 males was 17.9 +/- 3.3 and zinc was 13.2 +/- 2.1. Copper in 1034 females was 20.1 +/- 3.9 and zinc was 12.7 +/- 2.0. Zinc but not copper concentrations decreased from early morning to late afternoon; both were unaffected by reported postprandial time. There was a positive relationship between copper and age for both sexes but zinc showed only a slight upward trend with age. A positive relationship between copper and the aggregation of classical risk factors for coronary heart disease was demonstrated.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Factors influencing total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in a population at high coronary risk.

Serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations were measured in 1122 men and 1147 women aged between 25 and 64 years during the first Belfast MONICA survey, and the results subjected to multiple regression analysis. In both men and women, total cholesterol increased with age. Although HDL-cholesterol showed little variation with age, the values were considerably higher in women than men. Total cholesterol increased with body mass index while HDL-cholesterol decreased, and these findings persisted after adjustment for age. Regular exercise was associated with higher HDL-cholesterol values, even after adjustment for age and body mass index. Among men and women who abstained from alcohol, lower values of HDL-cholesterol were observed. In both sexes, cigarette smoking was associated with significant increases in total cholesterol values and decreases in HDL-cholesterol values, though some of these findings became apparent only after adjustment for other relevant factors. Perhaps surprisingly, a measure of health knowledge showed no association with blood lipid concentrations.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Physical activity, physical fitness and respiratory function--exercise and respiratory function.

The aim of the study was to establish patterns of respiratory function in Northern Ireland and to examine the relationship between physical activity, physical fitness and respiratory function. We identified 1600 adults over 16 yr using 2 stage probability sampling. Physical activity was measured using a questionnaire, physical fitness from oxygen uptake while walking on a treadmill, and respiratory function using spirometry. The main outcome measures were a physical activity profile based on computer assisted interview, physical fitness by predicted VO2max, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1). We found that the main findings were of relationships between activity and FVC and FEV 1 which remained after adjustment for possible confounders in men, and between fitness and FVC and FEV 1 in both men and women although these were not sustained after adjustment for possible confounders.

Adolescent↗