Developing a quality scoring system for epidemiological surveys of genetic disorders.

A prototype database of published articles containing data on the frequency of human inherited disorders has been developed for use in clinical contexts, in medical research, for epidemiological studies, and in the planning of genetic services. It can be accessed at http://www.uwcm.

Factors associated with asthma in Albania.

Background: This study was undertaken to see whether asthma in Albania (where it is particularly uncommon) is associated with certain 'western' characteristics, and with dietary and lifestyle factors that affect its occurrence elsewhere.

Methods: A screening survey was conducted among 2653 persons aged 20-44 years. A more detailed enquiry was conducted among a random subsample plus all others whose response indicated possible asthma.

Asthma and allergy in Albania.

Background: The risk of allergic disease may be influenced by the degree of "westernization". A survey was conducted to ascertain whether the prevalence of allergy was lower in Albania than elsewhere in Europe, as it has been the most isolated European country.

Methods: The subjects were residents of Tirana aged 20-44 years.

Inter-relationships between haemostatic tests and the effects of some dietary determinants in the Caerphilly cohort of older men.

Inter-relationships between fibrinogen, platelets and other haemostatic factors were examined in 1030 men aged 55-99 years. Fasting blood was taken and used for cell counts, platelet counts and platelet parameters, aggregation of platelets to ADP by a whole blood method and a filter test of platelet activation. Plasma fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, factor VII and plasma viscosity were measured by standard methods.