Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Differential Effects Of Fucus Vesiculosus Fucoidan On Fibroblast And Macrophage Cell Lines Inflammatory Activation, Aleksandra Augustyniak, Joanna Przyborska, Helena Mcmahon

Publications

It is estimated that more than one-third of people aged over 16 reported living with inflammation-related chronic illness. Fucoidan, sulfated polysaccharide, has been proven to modulate immune response and inhibit inflammation in both in vitro and in vivo research. In the present study the effect of commercially available fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus (with purity 97%) on immune response was investigated. Two cell lines, human fibroblasts (HDFa) and mouse macrophages (J774A.1) were used in the study. Cells were activated with pro-inflammatory stimulus (LPS/IFN-γ or PMA) and treated with fucoidan. Results of NO inhibition assay revealed that fucoidan has anti-inflammatory activity and …

Genomic Diversity And Carbohydrate Utilisation In Human-Associated Bifidobacterial Isolates, Ortensia Catalano Gonzaga

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

Bifidobacteria are beneficial commensals of the human gastrointestinal tract and their presence in the gut has been associated with positive health effects on the host. They account for a vast proportion of the infant gut microbiota, when the infant is fed on a milk-based diet, with their number progressively decreasing in adult and elderly. The gut microbiota and associated metabolic activities significantly impact on human health by promoting appropriate development of the infant immune system and contributing to the maintenance of the intestinal homeostasis. In recent years it has become clear that microbial colonization of the gut immediately following birth …

Bioengineered Nisin A Derivatives Display Enhanced Activity Against Clinical Neonatal Pathogens, Anna Desmond

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

Neonatal infection is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in infants. Globally, neonatal pathogens are increasingly becoming multi-drug resistant, indicating the need to discover novel alternative treatment strategies. Nisin is an antimicrobial peptide that exhibits broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including a wide variety of clinical pathogens. Nisin can be used in combination with antibiotics to improve their efficacy. This study examined the activity of nisin and bioengineered derivatives against multi-drug resistant Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus capitis isolates and investigated the potential synergy between nisin peptides and selected antibiotics. Whole genome sequence analysis of the strains revealed …

How Irish Medical Scientists Can Assist In The Improved Diagnosis Of Disease - Infectious Mononucleosis (Im) A Case In Point, Patrick Naughton

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) or human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4) is the sole etiologic agent of the acute illness in humans described either as infectious mononucleosis (IM), or glandular fever. IM is a self-limiting disease with various but transient symptoms which include fever, fatigue, malaise, sore throat, swollen lymph glands (particularly of the neck), swollen liver and spleen. Diagnosis relies on clear, timely and informative laboratory test results. Patients with primary IM infection often present on investigation with a well-documented population of atypical/plasmacytoid lymphocytes. The qualitative detection of heterophile antibodies (HAs) is also a useful aid in the diagnosis of primary …

Urobiome Screening For Antimicrobial Peptides Against Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli, Jennifer Jones

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide. As global incidences of UTIs caused by multidrug resistant bacteria continue to increase, so too does the demand for novel antimicrobial therapies.

Due to its relatively understudied nature, the urinary microbiome represents a niche with an untapped source of potentially novel antimicrobials (e.g., bacteriocins). Improvements to bacterial culturing and sequencing techniques have highlighted these potential alternative treatments and control strategies to target antibiotic resistant uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC).

METHODS: Expanded quantitative urine culture (EQUC) was used to culture bacterial isolates from mid-stream urine samples. Urinary isolates …

An Assessment Of Fetal Rhd Screening In Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (Nipt) And Implementation Of Targeted Routine Antenatal Anti-D Prophylaxis (Traadp) In Enhancing Management Of Rhd-Negative Women At Risk Of Haemolytic Disease Of The Fetus/Newborn (Hdfn) In University Hospital Limerick Group (Uhlg), Anna Pohrebyannyk

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Alloimmunisation, formerly isoimmunisation, or sensitisation can occur in pregnancy when a Rhesus D (RhD)-negative woman carries an RhD-positive fetus. Incompatibility of Rh status causes development of allo anti-D antibodies in response to antigen exposure from foreign fetal red cells in fetomaternal haemorrhages (FMHs) or potential sensitising events (PSEs) i.e., iatrogenic interventions (medical or surgical treatment), silent or spontaneous transplacental haemorrhages (STHs) in pregnancy, at birth or other traumas. Anti-D antibodies are immune-mediated and can cross the placenta and attach to fetal cells causing destruction and haemolysis. Offspring of primigravida women are unaffected usually and it is later pregnancies that may …

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (Car)-T Cell Therapy In The Treatment Of Haematological Malignancies, Karla O'Shea

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

The use of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells in the treatment of haematological malignancies, particularly relapsed/refractory (R/R) B cell malignancies, has resulted in quite a high success rate. The most popular CAR-T cell therapy targets currently are CD19 and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), though many other innovative therapeutic targets are being investigated. According to the National Cancer Institute BCMA is defined as an antigen found on the surfaces of B cells and is overexpressed on malignant plasma cells. Additionally, CD19 controls B cells in an antigen receptor-dependent way and is produced throughout the B cell differentiation process, particularly during …

The Use Of Prognostic Markers To Predict Disease Progression And Clinical Outcome In Monoclonal Gammopathy Of Undetermined Significance, Smouldering Multiple Myeloma And Multiple Myeloma., Róisín C. Mcmonagle

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy with a complex and incompletely understood molecular pathogenesis. Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) and Smouldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM) precede MM, with variable risks and rates of disease progression. The continuing high relapse and death rate in MM cases has prompted research into more accurate prognostic markers to predict progression from MGUS and SMM to MM, as well as identify MM cases with aggressive disease, in order to begin early, targeted and effective therapeutic intervention. Many studies have focused on utilising current markers more effectively, including M-protein, serum-free light chain ratio, …

A Review Of Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases And Analysis Of Antinuclear Antibody Testing Methods And Clinical Utility Of Elia Ctd Screen, Stephen Mckenna

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) are diverse and complex inflammatory illnesses characterised by the production of autoantibodies leading to destruction of tissues and organs. The heterogeneity and ambiguity of signs and symptoms such as inflammation, fatigue, and arthralgia makes diagnosis challenging. In addition, SARDs are uncommon conditions meaning most physicians have little experience in identifying specific diseases and instead rely on an antinuclear antibody (ANA) screen for potential direction of treatment. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and Sjögren syndrome (SjS) are discussed in this review due to the current practice by some Irish hospitals of screening for ANAs …

An Investigation Into The Effect Of Screen Time On Sleep Quality Amongst Third Level Students, Emma Kelly, Sarah Williams, Cliona Sutton

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

This paper aimed to research the effect of screen time on sleep quality based on the opinions of 356 third-level students from various Irish Universities. This study considers factors such as sleep duration, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic concerning online college and its effect on sleep quality and screen time duration. This study was conducted using an anonymous Google Forms survey consisting of 10 questions and gained ethical approval before distribution.

Most participants (56.1%) slept between 7-9 hours, which is within the recommended guidelines of sleep duration by the Health Service Executive (HSE, 2022). When asked about the effect …

The Role Of Digital Pathology For Histological Diagnosis, Ellen Faherty

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Digital pathology is on its way to becoming a widespread alternative for routine diagnostics. Rapid whole slide image scanning has accelerated this advancement, but large-scale implementation is complex on technical, logistical, and financial levels. Although validation studies have published encouraging data on safety and feasibility, implementation experiences highlight the importance of training and knowledge of possible consequences. International pathology organisations' guidelines are intended to safeguard digital pathology, from image capture to long-term image archiving, but they should only be viewed as a starting point. Cost-efficiency reviews and occupational health issues must be thoroughly addressed. Image analysis is incorporated into traditional …

The Role Of Molecular Thyroseq V3 Testing For Diagnosis And Management Of Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules., Ruth Delahunty

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Worldwide, thyroid cancer is the 8^th most common malignancy (3^rd most common in women) and in recent years, there has been increased incidence of thyroid cancer worldwide. There is currently said to be a of thyroid nodules as of 2022. When it comes to the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules, clinical decision making can be challenging.

Thyroseq V3 testing may be used to determine the percentage probability of a thyroid nodule of being either malignant or benign, through a complex algorithm with next generation sequencing techniques, currently testing is done in the University of Pittsburgh and therefore is …

The Prevalence Of And Attitudes Towards Blood Donation Among Third Level Students In Cork, Ireland, Ava Coakley, Sarah Ferguson, Nicole Ardenaso

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

In Ireland, one in four people will require a blood transfusion at some point in their life, yet only 3% of the eligible population donate blood. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and attitudes towards blood donation among third level students in Cork, Ireland. The demographic of students most likely to donate blood and incentives to encourage blood donation were identified. Peer-reviewed research papers were used to aid in survey design, created using Google Forms. The survey was distributed to registered University College Cork (UCC) and Munster Technological University (MTU) students. Ethical approval and the informed consent of …

Effect Of Caffeine In Pattern Memory And Reaction Time Test Among College Students, William T. Clark, Micheal Lawson, Garrett Garnto, Evan Smith, Kelly Massey

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Caffeine is commonly used by college students to aid in staying alert throughout the day. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of caffeine on visual memory and reaction time performance on college students aged 18-25 years old. The Human Benchmark (https://humanbenchmark.com) Visual Memory (VM) and Reaction Time (RT) tests were used to assess participant’s baseline scores and scores 15min post treatment. Five male (19.0y ± 1.26) and four female (20.3y ± 0.43) college students volunteered to be participants in a three-week long cross-over, counterbalanced study. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were assessed before each …

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal Of Health Sciences, Volume 3, Issue 1, September 2023, Sword Mtu

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences, Volume 3, Issue 1, September 2023

Exploring The Impact Educational Interventions Have On Nursing And Medical Students’ Attitudes And Empathy Levels Towards People With Disability: A Systematic Review, William Evans, Dominika Lisiecka, Dawn Farrell

Publications

This systematic review aimed to explore the impact educational interventions have on undergraduate nursing and medical students' attitudes and empathy levels towards people with disability. There are over one billion people with some form of disability currently. A growing body of research reveals that nurses and doctors display negative attitudes including decreased empathy towards people with disability. A systematic review using narrative synthesis of chosen randomized controlled trials was employed. A comprehensive search was completed in June 2021 on six databases (CINAHL, Medline, Science Direct, Health Research Premium - PROQUEST, Scopus. Cochrane Library). The search strategy yielded 21,616 studies and …

An Evaluation Of A Health, Wellbeing And Lifestyle Promotion Intervention Among A Cohort Of Year 1 Male Gaelic Games Student Athletes In An Irish University Setting, Anthony Casey

Theses

Background: The current research investigated the health, wellbeing and lifestyle behaviours of a cohort of 1st year male Gaelic Games student athletes (Study 1), and subsequently evaluated the impact of a bespoke intervention on these health, wellbeing and lifestyle behaviours in the same cohort (Study 2).

Methods: Participants were 1st year male Gaelic Games student athletes (mean age 18.6 ± 0.6 years, n=166) in a university in southern Ireland. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach during the 2018/19 and the 2019/20 academic years. Data collection consisted of an online questionnaire (Bickerdike et al., 2018), which assessed health, wellbeing …

‘A Healthy Mtu’ A Mixed Methods Baseline Programme Of Research To Empirically Inform A Campus Health Promotion Initiative Within An Irish Higher Education Setting, Andrea Bickerdike

Theses

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been called to lead global health promotion actions, yet there remains a dearth of empirically informed ‘Healthy University’ (HU) initiatives. This thesis constituted a baseline mixed methods needs assessment to inform a settings-based health promotion (HP) initiative (‘A Healthy MTU’) within a multi-campus ‘case’ HEI in Ireland (Cork campuses of MTU, formerly CIT). Specific aims were to (i) investigate student and staff health metrics, and (ii) identify the cultural and environmental determinants of health and wellbeing within the case HEI setting. Using a phased, mixed methodology (QUAN-QUAL), five sequential empirical studies were undertaken. Quantitative data …

The Impact Of Weighted Football Training On The Skill Acquisition Processes Of Place-Kicking In Sport, Sam Jermyn

Theses

Weighted implement training (WIT) involves performance of sport-specific motor skills with heavier-than-normal sporting implements. Typically, full range of motion (ROM) and similar kinematic characteristics of the respective motor skill are maintained concurrent to minimal changes in the force-velocity movement profile. While the majority of WIT research has been conducted in baseball, track and field, and cricket, there is a paucity of research conducted in the football codes, particularly Gaelic football. Existing observations of increased standard implement velocity and distance following the use of weighted implements infers potential benefits for Gaelic football performance, such as increasing kick-out ball velocity (BV) and …

Tailoring The Rehabilitative Environment For People With Sensory Overload, Jennifer Cotter

Theses

Sensory overload is a complex sensory processing disorder which can develop post Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). The condition can be extremely debilitating and people who develop it are further hampered by lack of informational resources, sensory overload is currently under researched in the Acquired Brain Injury rehabilitation sector. This qualitative study documents participants first hand experiences of sensory overload post ABI and includes insights and observations from professionals working in the Acquired Brain Injury rehabilitation sector in Ireland. In this study, sensory overload is the focal point and a new rehabilitation tool in the form of a sensory menu is …

Emicizumab-Kxwh: A Critical Review, Kiera O'Leary

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

The first descriptions of haemophilia A were reported in the second century AD, with the first modern description by John Conrad Otto in 1803. Historically, the natural history of haemophilia A was associated with very high rates morbidity and mortality, often following trivial accidents. Although treatment options for haemophilia A have been revolutionised in recent decades, haemophilia A remains a hereditary disease of concern and factor replacement products remain the mainstay of treatment.

As such, patients with haemophilia can carry huge burdens, particularly when a complication such as a FVIII inhibitor is present. A recently approved novel therapeutic, Emicizumab-kxwh, has …

Haematological Tests: Important Tools For Covid-19 Prognosis?, Kevin D'Arcy

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

SARS Co-V2 virus outbreak has resulted in a worldwide pandemic causing the death of approximately 5 million across the globe. The virus particle is transmitted via air droplets or by direct contact with surfaces. Infected individuals may present with moderate flu-like symptoms or may remain asymptomatic. While most cases of SARS Co-V2 resolve, some patients may progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The onset of ARDS is associated with a broad range of complications leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Sepsis induced coagulopathy is a clinically significant complication associated with the development of ARDS. Approximately 3% of Covid-19 patients will …

A Review Of The Pathogenesis, Clinical Features And Diagnostic Indicators Of The Novel Condition Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia, Ada Fleming

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

The introduction of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection was a welcome and significant event in the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccine administration was for the most part successful, it did come with the emergence of a novel condition, Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT). This condition presents after the administration of adenoviral vector-based vaccines against COVID-19, causing thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in affected individuals. There have been 10 suspected cases of VITT in Ireland. While its mechanism is not fully understood, the condition is characterised by the presence of Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) antibodies. There are several laboratory indicators which may suggest that a patient …

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal Of Health Sciences, Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2022, Sword Mtu

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences, Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2022

Bio-Vascular 3d, Wisdom Shadrach

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity across the world and according to the world health organization account for 32% of mortality rate globally. There still remain a need to develop better in vitro vascular models that would aid further in-depth understanding of cardiovascular pathogenesis and proposed therapeutic intervention.

This study intends to characterize four novel medically relevant synthetic polymer scaffolds, and one hydrogel, for their biocompatibility and potential application in a tissue engineered blood vessel (TEBV). A primary human endothelial cell line derived from the vein of the umbilical cord (HUVEC), and a human primary smooth …

Biowill - Characterising Willow Bark Bio-Actives For Skin Therapies, Arnold Marisa

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

Willow bark is considered as a disposable by-product when processing willow for biomass. Willow (Salix) is known to contain high value bioactive compounds which include salicin and its derivatives, and other phytochemicals of interest such as polyphenols and flavonoids. The plant is historically known as the primary source of salicylates to which the well-known drug aspirin is derived from. The work forms part of the Interreg project BioWILL, which is focused on integrated “Zero Waste” biorefinery utilising all fractions of willow feedstock for the production of biochemicals and renewable energy. This project aims to investigate the crude and …

How Irish Medical Scientists Can Assist In The Improved Diagnosis Of The Disease Infectious Mononucleosis, Patrick Naughton

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

Background:

The eponymously named Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) or human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4) is the sole causative agent of the acute illness in humans described either as infectious mononucleosis (IM), or glandular fever. IM, when not clinically silent, can present in patients with at least two of the classic triad of symptoms of fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. Challenges for the clinician arise when atypical cases present. Early, accurate and informed laboratory test results are vital for diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and patient management. A key challenge for the practitioner, particularly in cases where the illness can present atypically, is distinguishing bacterial tonsillitis …

Effect Of Sub-Inhibitory Concentrations Of Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin And Trimethoprim On In-Vitro Biofilm Formation In Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli, Shane Whelan

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of sublethal concentrations of nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim on biofilm formation in 57 uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains (UPEC).

The MIC of nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim was determined for 57 UPEC isolates. Biofilm formation for each isolate with and without sub-lethal concentrations of each antibiotic was then quantified, and the statistical significance of changes in biofilm formation was ascertained by way of a Dunnett's test.

The effects of sub-MIC antibiotics on biofilm formation of UPEC were variable. A total of 22.8% of strains were induced to form biofilm by nitrofurantoin, …

Elucidation Of Novel And Established Campylobacter Species With Clinical And Agricultural Significance Through Phenotypic, Genotypic, And Taxonomic Investigation, Caoimhe Lynch

Theses

Campylobacter spp. are well-established human, veterinary and economic pathogens, with a broad host range spanning from terrestrial and marine mammalian, avian and reptilian hosts. The scope of the study includes novel and notorious species within the genus, with reference to zoonotic agents Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli - the leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis in the EU and Ireland, Campylobacter fetus that represents the most common campylobacter causing bacteraemia and two novel species isolated from pigs not described in the literature previously. C. jejuni and C. coli isolates (n = 350) recovered from broiler caecal and neck skin samples, …

Project Spraoi: The Implementation And Outcomes Of A Process Evaluation Of A School-Based Health Promotion Intervention, Yvonne Larrissa O’Byrne

Theses

Large multi-site school-based interventions are challenging to implement and difficult to evaluate due to the complex adaptive nature of schools as a research setting. This study focused on implementing a comprehensive process evaluation of a multicomponent primary school-based health promotion called Project Spraoi (PS), alongside intervention delivery, to aid the translation of outcomes and understand the moderating role of contextual factors on intervention delivery. PS is led by a physical activity (PA) specialist known as an Energizer and aims to improve children’s PA levels and reduce sedentary time by delivering 20 minutes extra daily moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) during …