Academic literature on the topic 'Mitchelstown'

ObjectiveTo examine the compositional effects of physical behaviour on mental health.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingA population-representative random sample (Mitchelstown cohort) was recruited from a large primary care centre in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland.ParticipantsIn total 3807 potential participants were selected from the practice list. Following exclusion of duplicates, deaths and ineligibles, 3043 were invited to participate and of these, 2047 (49.2% men) completed the questionnaire and physical examination components of the baseline assessment during the study period (April 2010 and May 2011). Accelerometers were introduced into the study in January 2011. Of the 745 participants seen between January and May of 2011, 475 (44.6% men) subjects (response rate 64%) agreed to participate and of these 397 (46.1% men) had valid accelerometer data.Primary and secondary outcome measuresParticipants wore the wrist GENEActiv accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Data were summarised into 60 s epochs and activity categorised as sedentary behaviour, light or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Well-being was assessed using the WHO-5 well-being scale.ResultsIn adjusted isotemporal models, a 30 min increase in light activity per day was associated with a significant decrease in levels of anxiety symptoms (B=−0.34; 95% CI −0.64 to −0.04) and a significant increase in levels of well-being (B=0.58; 95% CI 0.05 to 1.11). No statistically significant associations were observed between any physical behaviour and depressive symptoms or when sedentary behaviour was substituted with MVPA (P>0.05).ConclusionAlthough based on a cross-sectional study, the findings suggest that substituting light activity for sedentary behaviour may have positive associations with symptoms of anxiety and reported well-being among middle-aged adults.

Background and objectives Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and pre-diabetes is a strong predictor of diabetes development. To date, studies estimating the prevalence of pre-diabetes in the Irish population are sparse and conflicting. Monitoring the prevalence of pre-diabetes and a knowledge of associated factors is required to inform policies and to prevent development of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, this research examined the prevalence and correlates of pre-diabetes in a sample of middle- to older-aged Irish adults using three different methods for diagnosis. Materials and methods The Mitchelstown Cohort Rescreen (2016/17) was a follow-up, cross-sectional study of the Mitchelstown Cohort Study (2010/11). 1,378 participants were recruited from a random sample of patients attending a single primary care centre. Pre-diabetes was defined using three diagnostic criteria: American Diabetes Association (ADA) glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) cut-offs between 5.7%–6.4% (39–46 mmol/mol), World Health Organization International Expert Committee (WHO-IEC) HbA1c cut-offs between 6.0%–6.4% (42–46 mmol/mol) and ADA fasting plasma glucose (FPG) cut-offs between 5.6–6.9 mmol/l. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with pre-diabetes. Results The prevalence of pre-diabetes was found to be 43.9% (95% CI: 41.2%─46.5%), 14.5% (95% CI: 12.7%─16.5%) and 15.8% (95% CI: 13.9%─17.8%) according to HbA1c ADA, HbA1c WHO-IEC and FPG ADA definitions, respectively. Depending on diagnostic method, factors associated with pre-diabetes in univariate analyses included sex, age, marital status, health rating, education and poor diet quality. In multivariable analysis, subjects classified by the FPG ADA pre-diabetes criterion displayed the least optimal metabolic profile defined by overweight and obesity (OR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.53–5.43), hypertension (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.51–3.40) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.07–2.87). Conclusions The discordance between prevalence estimates according to method of diagnosis is concerning. A National Diabetes Prevention Programme is currently being developed in Ireland. Monitoring the prevalence of pre-diabetes over time will be important to assess the effectiveness of this programme. This study will inform national decision-makers on which definition of pre-diabetes to use for monitoring purposes.

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between protective lifestyle behaviours (PLB) and depression in middle-aged Irish adults.DesignSecondary analysis of a cross-sectional study. PLB (non-smoker, moderate alcohol, physical activity, adequate fruit and vegetable intake) were assessed using a general health and lifestyle questionnaire and a validated FFQ. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. A score of 15–21 indicates mild/moderate depression and a score of 22 or more indicates a possibility of major depression. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between PLB and depression.SettingLivinghealth Clinic, Mitchelstown, North Cork, Republic of Ireland.SubjectsMen and women aged 50–69 years were selected at random from a list of patients registered at the clinic (n 2047, 67 % response rate).ResultsOver 8 % of participants engaged in zero or one PLB, 24 % and 39 % had two and three PLB respectively, while 28 % had four PLB. Those who practised three/four PLB were significantly more likely to be female, have a higher level of education and were categorised as having no depressive symptoms. Engaging in zero or one PLB was significantly associated with an increased odds of depression compared with four PLB. Results remained significant after adjusting for several confounders, including age, gender, education and BMI (OR=2·2; 95 % CI 1·2, 4·0; P for trend=0·001).ConclusionsWhile causal inference cannot be established in a cross-sectional study, the findings suggest that healthy behaviours may play a vital role in the promotion of positive mental health or, at a minimum, are associated with lower levels of depression.

Introduction The prevalence of macrocytosis in adults is estimated between 1.7% and 8% (Aslinia F et al. Megaloblastic anemia and other causes of macrocytosis. Clin Med Res. 2006; 4: 236-241, McNamee et al. Haematinic deficiency and macrocytosis in middle aged and older adults. 2013 Submitted PLOS ONE). Its diagnosis, depending on the clinical context, may warrant an extensive work-up for a vitamin deficiency or haematological malignancy. Known associations with raised mean corpuscular volume (MCV) include haematinic deficiency, heavy alcohol intake, liver disease, myelodysplasia and myeloma. While it has been suggested that smoking may be a cause of macrocytosis, this hypothesis has not been carefully evaluated. In an earlier study from our group (McNamee et al 2013 PLOS ONE Paper) we observed an independent link between smoking and macrocytosis in a representative sample of Irish adults. In this study we estimated the population attributable fraction for macrocytosis associated with smoking at 24.6%. The degree to which smoking contributes to clinically significant macrocytosis (MCV 99fl) has not been extensively reported in the literature. Aims To study the determinants of clinically significant macrocytosis with particular reference to the independent effects of cigarette smoking in a cohort of 2,047 Irish patients aged 50-69 years sampled from a primary care centre (Mitchelstown Cohort). Methods Details of the methods of the Mitchelstown Cohort study including sampling and recruitment have been described (Kearney et al. Int. J. Epidemiol. (2012) doi: 10.1093/ije/dys131). The study is based in a large primary care centre serving a defined population in Southern Ireland. 66% of eligible patients participated in this study. Vitamin B12 and folate levels, liver function and full blood counts were measured using standard automated analysers. Smoking status and alcohol intake were recorded using a validated questionnaire and the metabolic syndrome was defined using the International Diabetes Federation 2006 criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata©. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate prevalence odds ratios with 95% Confidence Intervals (OR, 95%CI) for macrocytosis and its potential determinants, including smoking. Population attributable fractions were estimated using a standard formula for variables that were significantly associated with macrocytosis in multivariate analyses. Results The prevalence of clinically significant macrocytosis (MCV≥99fl) in this sample of 2,047 patients was 1.6%. The prevalence of B12 deficiency was 2.4%, folate deficiency, 1.5%, elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), 18%, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 8%, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 4.7%, current smoking, 15% and the metabolic syndrome, 31%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and gender the following variables were significantly associated with MCV ≥99fl; vitamin B12 deficiency OR 6.1 (95% CI: 2.0-18.4), folate deficiency OR 8.2 (95% CI 2.3-29.0), elevated GGT OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.0-4.9), elevated AST OR 8.0 (95% CI 3.5-18.6), current smoking status OR 6.0 (95% CI 2.8-12.5) and the metabolic syndrome OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.6-6.9). In further analyses adjusted for age, gender and all of the other relevant, significant variables, the association between smoking and macrocytosis was essentially unchanged, OR 5.7 (95%CI 2.6-12.7). By contrast the association with elevated GGT was attenuated following adjustment for the metabolic syndrome. The population attributable fraction for smoking was 38.4% followed by elevated AST, 22.9%, the metabolic syndrome, 13.8%, vitamin B12, 11.7% and folate deficiency, 7.0%. Conclusion Our findings suggest that smoking is an important cause of macrocytosis. Potential mechanisms include the direct toxic effect on erythrocytes of acetaldehyde in tobacco smoke and the response to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Macrocytosis frequently prompts a referral to a haematologist. Given the relatively low prevalence of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency in the community setting, considerable thought should be given to the impact of lifestyle factors on mean corpuscular volume. Patients with isolated macrocytosis should potentially be advised regarding smoking cessation. Further studies are required to delineate the effects of smoking on erythropoiesis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Introduction The metabolic syndrome (MS) as a disease entity rarely captures the attention of a clinical haematologist. The prevalence of the MS in the Irish population is estimated at 20% (Villegas et al. Prevalence and lifestyle determinants of the metabolic syndrome. Ir Med J. 2004; 97(10): 300-303). While insulin resistance is implicated, the pathogenesis uniting the components of the syndrome remains unclear. In an additional study from our group (O’Reilly et al. Submitted ASH 2013), we demonstrated an independent association between the MS and clinically significant macrocytosis (mean corpuscular volume≥99fl). In this study we estimated the population attributable fraction for macrocytosis associated with the MS at 13.8%. To our knowledge this link has not been reported previously in the literature. Aims To study the determinants of clinically significant macrocytosis with particular reference to the independent effects of the MS and its individual components in a cohort of 2,047 Irish patients aged 50-69 years sampled from a primary care centre (Mitchelstown Cohort). Methods Details of the methods of the Mitchelstown Cohort study including sampling and recruitment have been described (Kearney et al. Int. J. Epidemiol. (2012) doi: 10.1093/ije/dys131). The study is based in a large primary care centre serving a defined population in Southern Ireland. 66% of eligible patients participated in this study. The metabolic syndrome was defined using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2006 criteria. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (average of 3 readings), body mass index (BMI) and waist circumferences were measured. A pre-existing diagnosis of hypertension or type II diabetes and use of anti-hypertensive or lipid-lowering agents was recorded. Smoking status and alcohol intake were recorded using a validated questionnaire. Vitamin B12 and folate levels, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c and lipid profiles, liver function and full blood counts were measured using standard automated analysers. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata©. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate prevalence odds ratios with 95% Confidence Intervals (OR, 95%CI) for macrocytosis and its potential determinants, including the MS and its constituent components. Results The prevalence of clinically significant macrocytosis (MCV≥99fl) in this sample of 2,047 patients was 1.6%. The prevalence of the MS was 31%, B12 deficiency 2.4%, folate deficiency, 1.5%, elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), 18%, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 8%, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 4.7% and current smoking status, 15%. With respect to the IDF criteria, in univariate analyses, hypertension and elevated triglycerides (TG) were significantly associated with an MCV≥99fl (p=0.04, p=0.03 respectively). Central obesity, BMI, elevated FPG and low HDL did not reach significance. Self-reported alcohol intake was also non-significant. In multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and gender the following variables were significantly associated with MCV ≥99fl; elevated TG OR 2.3 (95%CI 1.1-4.7), MS OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.6-6.9), vitamin B12 deficiency OR 6.1 (95% CI: 2.0-18.4), folate deficiency OR 8.2 (95% CI 2.3-29.0), elevated GGT OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.0-4.9), elevated AST OR 8.0 (95% CI 3.5-18.5) and current smoking status OR 6.0 (95% CI 2.8-12.5). In further analyses adjusting for age, gender and all other significant variables, the association between the MS and macrocytosis persisted, OR 3.0 (95%CI 1.3-6.9). Isolated elevated TG was no longer significant. The association between macrocytosis and elevated GGT was attenuated following adjustment for the MS. Conclusions In this study we observed an independent association between macrocytosis and the MS. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with a clinical spectrum ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis, is strongly linked to the MS. However we have demonstrated an association independent of abnormal liver indices. As the obesity epidemic escalates worldwide, haematologists should consider its potential impact on red cell mean corpuscular volume. Additional research is needed to determine the effects of this cluster of metabolic disturbances on erythropoiesis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

ObjectiveTo investigate associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and later-life depressive symptoms; and to explore whether perceived social support (PSS) moderates these.MethodWe analysed baseline data from the Mitchelstown (Ireland) 2010–2011 cohort of 2047 men and women aged 50–69 years. Self-reported measures included ACEs (Centre for Disease Control ACE questionnaire), PSS (Oslo Social Support Scale) and depressive symptoms (CES-D). The primary exposure was self-report of at least one ACE. We also investigated the effects of ACE exposure by ACE scores and ACE subtypes abuse, neglect and household dysfunction. Associations between each of these exposures and depressive symptoms were estimated using logistic regression, adjusted for socio-demographic factors. We tested whether the estimated associations varied across levels of PSS (poor, moderate and strong).Results23.7% of participants reported at least one ACE (95% CI 21.9% to 25.6%). ACE exposures (overall, subtype or ACE scores) were associated with a higher odds of depressive symptoms, but only among individuals with poor PSS. Exposure to any ACE (vs none) was associated with almost three times the odds of depressive symptoms (adjusted OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.64 to 4.95) among individuals reporting poor PSS, while among those reporting moderate and strong PSS, the adjusted ORs were 2.21 (95% CI 1.52 to 3.22) and 1.39 (95% CI 0.85 to 2.29), respectively. This pattern of results was similar when exposures were based on ACE subtype and ACE scores, though the interaction was clearly strongest among those reporting abuse.ConclusionsACEs are common among older adults in Ireland and are associated with higher odds of later-life depressive symptoms, particularly among those with poor PSS. Interventions that enhance social support, or possibly perceptions of social support, may help reduce the burden of depression in older populations with ACE exposure, particularly in those reporting abuse.

Ismertető esszé Pablo J. Boczkowski and Eugenia Mitchelstein The News Gap. When the Information of the Media and the Public Diverge (2013, MIT Press, Cambridge MA - London England) c. könyvéről --- From the back row Overview essay on Pablo J. Boczkowski and Eugenia Mitchelstein The News Gap. When the Information of the Media and the Public Diverge (MIT Press, Cambridge MA - London England, 2013, 320 pages, ISBN: 9780262019835)

El libro The Digital Environment: How We Live, Learn, Work, and Play Now, escrito por Pablo Boczkowski y Eugenia Mitchelstein (2021), ofrece un fascinante recorrido intelectual por dimensiones importantes del entorno digital –aquel donde, a la par de los entornos natural y urbano, se gestiona la vida diaria en la actualidad–. A través de un relato coral, que combina las voces de 60 autores del campo de la comunicación y los medios, el libro genera cuatro contribuciones destacadas para estudiosos de la mediatización y los medios digitales, también para lectores que usen –o rechacen el uso– de las tecnologías de comunicación e información contemporáneas y que deseen comprender teórica y empíricamente sus propias prácticas. Primero, el libro presenta y organiza los hallazgos más relevantes respecto de cómo se vive, aprende, trabaja, y juega digitalmente. Segundo, al visibilizar y tejer lazos entre voces expertas que trabajan con temáticas y perspectivas disímiles, el libro opera interdisciplinariamente: genera así diálogos y espacios de encuentro teóricos y metodológicos en un campo intelectual que se ha caracterizado por su hiperfragmentación. Tercero, corre a los medios digitales de la posición de objetos para reubicarlos como lugares donde se vive, sin quitarle centralidad a la agencia de los usuarios. Cuarto, propone una definición de entorno digital –caracterizado por su totalidad, dualidad, conflicto e indeterminación– que sortea a la tendencia contemporánea hacia la reificación de pánicos morales sobre los supuestos efectos negativos de las tecnologías de la comunicación e información.

In 2004, excavation in advance of the construction of a bypass around Mitchelstown in County Cork uncovered a number of pits on the banks of the Gradoge River (Kiely and Sutton 2007). On the bottom of one of these pits, three pottery vessels and a ceramic spoon had been laid on two flat stones. The pots had been deposited in a row: at the centre of the row was a small vessel that clearly models a human face with eyes, a protruding nose and ears, and, at the base of the pot, two feet (cover images). Oak charcoal from the pit returned a date of 1916–1696 cal BC. This find calls into question one of the basic conceptual building blocks that underpins our own contemporary understanding of the world—the distinction between people and objects—for it hints that some artefacts may have been imbued with human qualities and agentive capacities. This book is about the relationship between Bronze Age people and their material worlds. It explores the impact of the post-Enlightenment ‘othering’ of the non-human on our understanding of Bronze Age society. As we shall see, there is in fact considerable evidence to suggest that the categorical distinctions drawn in our own cultural context, for example between subject and object, self and other, and culture and nature, were not recognized or articulated in the same way during this period. So too contemporary forms of instrumental reason—encapsulated in a particular understanding of what constitutes logical, practical action and in the distinction we make between the ritual and the secular—have had a profound effect on how we view the Bronze Age world. Our understanding of the Bronze Age has undoubtedly changed dramatically since Christian Jürgensen Thomsen first popularized the term in his famous formulation of the three-age system in 1836 (Morris 1992). The very notion of a ‘Bronze Age’ foregrounds concepts of technical efficiency and advancement that doubtless chimed with the preoccupations and cultural values of Thomsen’s audience in the industrializing world in the nineteenth century.