Digital Commons Network^™

Overview Of The Ergonomic Model Of Soccer And The Training Process, James J. Collins, Shane Malone, Kieran D. Collins

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Soccer is a complex sport with significant physical, physiological, psychological, technical, and tactical demands on players. This review presents an ergonomics-based model of soccer performance, emphasizing that no single component operates in isolation. Building on the foundational ergonomic framework, this review integrates contemporary evidence on training load monitoring, ecological dynamics, and cognitive-perceptual performance dimensions not systematically addressed in prior frameworks. Elite outfield players cover 9–14 km·h⁻¹ per match, with high-speed running (19.8–24.8 km·h⁻¹) making up about 20% of total distance and sprinting (>25 km·h⁻¹) around 2%. These outputs vary by playing position, tactical formation, …

Exploring The Prevalence Of Eating Disorders, Low Sex Drive, And Exercise Compulsion Among Professional And Non-Professional Elite Male Rugby Union Players, Gary Sweeney, Siobhain Mcardle, Danielle Logue, Nessan Costello, Kieran Collins

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Rugby union exhibits large variations in the idealised player physical profiles across positions. The pursuit of physique ideals with limited professional support can influence eating disorder symptomology, exercise compulsion, and low sexual drive. The primary aims were to (1) explore the prevalence of elite male rugby union players who are at risk for eating disorders, low sex drive, and exercise compulsion, and (2) explore the relationship between risk and players’ professional status, weight, age, and playing position. A secondary aim was to explore the nutritional service support and dietary monitoring practices experienced by the players. Participants were recruited from four …

An Analysis Of Diet Sustainability Among Different Dietary Patterns In The Portuguese Adult And Elderly Population, Mariana Rei, Áine Burke, Sadhbh O’Shea, Annemarie E. Bennett, John M. Kearney, Sara S.P. Rodrigues

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Purpose: Dietary patterns influence human and environmental health. Shifts toward convenience and ready-to-eat ultra-processed foods have contributed to the rising prevalence of malnutrition, chronic disease, and ecological harm. This study examined the associations between dietary patterns and diet sustainability among Portuguese adults. Methods: Data from 2287 individuals aged 18–84 years were obtained from the last National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey (2015–2016). Three dietary patterns were identified based on food composition and processing: Traditional, Diet Concerns, and Unhealthy; while four dietary patterns were categorized according to food preparation location: At home by themselves, At home by relatives or friends, …

Physique Development And Management Shape Experiences Of Low Energy Availability Risk In Elite Professional Male Rugby Union Players, Gary Sweeney, Siobhain Mcardle, Nessan Costello, Kieran Collins

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

This study aimed to explore elite male rugby union players’ perceptions and lived experiences of physique development and management in relation to low energy availability risk. Semi-structured interviews (29 ± 8 min) were conducted with 18 players (senior: n = 9; academy: n = 9; mean age: 23 ± 3) across four professional rugby union clubs in Ireland. Through reflexive thematic analysis, the following themes were constructed. Players had limited awareness of low energy availability, yet described experiences consistent with symptoms, including fatigue, low mood and reduced libido. A pervasive physique culture, characterised by body composition ‘ideals’ and weight or …

Editorial: Harnessing Of Soil Microbiome For Sustainable Agriculture: Harnessing Of Soil Microbiome For Sustainable Agriculture, Debasis Mitra, Marika Pellegrini, Leonard Koolman

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

No abstract provided.

From Platelets To Particles: Optimizing Extracellular Vesicle Isolation In A National Blood Centre, Y. Chintala, A. Waters, F. Mcgrath, A. Lorusso, C. Wynne, S. Meaney

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Background and Objectives: Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) are submicron, membrane-bound particles released upon platelet activation, with a recognized role in haemostasis, inflammation and immunoregulation. PEVs remain insufficiently characterized in blood products. This study compared four isolation methods to evaluate their impact on PEV yield, purity and characteristics, aiming to identify a practical approach for transfusion service workflows. Materials and Methods: PEVs were isolated from expired single-donor aphaeresis platelet concentrates (n = 12) using methods based on different isolation principles: ultracentrifugation (UC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), mixed size/charge separation (hybrid) and an affinity-based spin column method (affinity). Size, number and biochemical …

Developing Forensic Entomology Practice In Ireland: Case Applications And Operational Considerations, Claudio Tersaruolo, Yiyang Sun, Sally Anne Collis, Jesus Maria Frias, Linda Mulligan, Orla Howe

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Forensic entomology is valuable in legal investigations for estimating the minimum post-mortem interval (minPMI) by insect species and their lifecycles on decomposing remains. While forensic entomology is well established in central-northern Europe and the UK, it has been rarely practiced in Ireland due to a lack of demand and practical expertise. Office of the State Pathologist (OSP) provides the national forensic pathology service; however specialised forensic entomology services are outsourced and instructed on a case-by-case basis. A collaboration was established between the OSP, Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and University of Strathclyde over the past two years. This collaboration enabled …

Understanding The Epigenetic Landscape Of Barrett's Esophagus And Esophageal Cancer: A Review Of Current Findings, Caveats And Future Directions, Louise Lawless, Trevor Doherty, Carla Surlis, Niamh Gilmartin, Therese M. Murphy

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Esophageal cancer (OC) is currently the eighth most common form of cancer worldwide with a 5-year survival rate of 10%–20%, with the primary risk factor of esophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) being the development of Barrett's Esophagus (BO). Despite its clinical significance, the molecular pathogenesis underlying both BO and OC is not well understood. In recent years, epigenetic dysregulation, particularly aberrant DNA methylation, has emerged as a critical area of investigation, given its potential utility in the identification of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers. This review examines the evolving epigenetic landscape of esophageal cancer, including a focus on its origins in BO …

Exploring The Postpartum Recovery After Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Qualitative Study, Zeinab El-Dirani, Sergio A. Silverio, Eleni Niarchou, Elana Payne, Pauline Dunne, Melanie Nana, Catherine Williamson, Mary F. Higgins, Eileen O'Brien, Joan Devin, Aisling Walsh, Angela C. Flynn

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Introduction: Hyperemesis Gravidarum affects 0.3–3.6% of women during pregnancy and has a significant impact on maternal health. Investigation of both the immediate and longer-term effects remains a high research priority. However, there is limited research on postpartum recovery after hyperemesis gravidarum. Aim: To explore the postpartum recovery experiences of women who had hyperemesis gravidarum. Methods: A large descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews to explore the postpartum experiences of women who had hyperemesis gravidarum within the previous 5 years in Ireland. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Forty-one women participated, and four themes were identified: (1) …

Associations Between The Planetary Health Diet In Late Pregnancy And Pregnancy Outcomes In Women With A Raised Bmi: Insights From The Pears Study, Aoife Davis, Sophie Callanan, Gillian A. Corbett, Eileen C. O'Brien, Alexander P. Douglass, Fionnuala M. Mcauliffe

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Background: Diet quality in pregnancy is a modifiable factor with important implications for maternal and neonatal outcomes. The Planetary Health Diet (PHD), designed to promote both human health and environmental sustainability, has not been comprehensively evaluated in high-risk obstetric populations. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the PHD in a pregnant cohort with a raised body mass index (BMI) and its associations with pregnancy outcomes, hypothesizing that greater adherence is associated with more favorable pregnancy outcomes. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from the pregnancy exercise and nutrition research study with smartphone application support study. Pregnant women (n …

Prevalence Of Oral Mucosal Lesions Among Smokers Based On Gender: A Bicentric Cross-Sectional Study In Egypt, Dalia Ghalwash, Fatheya Zahran

Dentistry

Abstract

Background

Smoking is a major risk factor for developing various types of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs), including benign and potentially malignant lesions. However, scarce data is available concerning gender differences regarding the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in smokers worldwide. Accordingly, this study assesses the prevalence and types of OMLs among male smokers compared to female smokers in an Egyptian population.

Methods

This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 300 male and 300 female smokers. All participants underwent a thorough case history review and a comprehensive clinical examination.

Results

The overall prevalence of oral lesions was significantly higher in males (75%) …

Dentists’ Acceptance Of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Decision Support For Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder Detection: A Structural Equation Modeling Study, Dalia Ghalwash

Dentistry

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) may support early detection and clinical decision-making of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), but clinical implementation depends on dentists’ acceptance of AI-assisted clinical decision support. This study aimed to identify structural associations of AI acceptance among dentists using an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 dentists. Construct validity and reliability were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Hypothesized associations were evaluated using structural equation modeling with bootstrap mediation analysis. The extended TAM showed generally satisfactory measurement properties and good overall model fit. Attitude toward AI showed the strongest association with behavioral …

When Drug Repurposing Backfires: Antagonistic Effects Of Ivermectin On Cisplatin Therapy In Oral Cancer, Dalia Ghalwash, Rana Tantawy, Shereen Nader, Ayman Elgawish

Dentistry

Abstract

Background

Cisplatin (CIS) remains the gold standard chemotherapeutic agent for the management of oral cancer. However, its clinical efficacy is frequently limited by chemoresistance and dose-dependent toxicities. Ivermectin (IVM), a well-established antiparasitic agent with emerging anticancer properties, has been proposed as a potential adjuvant capable of enhancing the antitumor efficacy of CIS.

Methods

In vitro experiments were conducted on HN9 oral squamous cell carcinoma cells, while OEC normal epithelial cells served as control. The experimental evaluation comprised the MTT assay for cell viability, Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining for apoptosis detection, cell cycle distribution analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) …

Cytocompatibility, Osteogenic Potential, Antibacterial And Antibiofilm Efficacy Of A Calcium-Silicate-Based Intracanal Medication, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

This study assessed the biological and antimicrobial properties of a calcium silicate-based material and calcium hydroxide (CH) when used as intracanal medications. MTT assay, osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal stem cells (hPDLSCs), cell mineralization-assay, and determination of ALP activity were assessed to investigate the biological properties. While the agar well diffusion, crystal violet (CRV) assay and LIVE/DEAD staining of dentin slices infected with a mature E. faecalis biofilm were used to assess the antimicrobial properties. Normally distributed data were analyzed using one and two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test, while for non-normally distributed data Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's tests …

Enhancing Severely Compromised Premolar Strength: Role Of Cusp Reduction Design In Cad/Cam Composite Restorations, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different designs and depths of cusp reduction on fracture resistance of maxillary permanent premolars restored with CAD/CAM composite restorations. A total of 42 sound maxillary premolars were used. Standardized MOD cavities were prepared in all specimens. Teeth were randomly divided according to form of cusp reduction into three main groups (n = 14); G1:MOD cavities restored with inlays with no cusp reduction, G2:MOD cavities restored with overlays with buccal and palatal anatomical cusps reduction, G3; MOD cavities restored with overlays with buccal and palatal flat cusps reduction. Groups 2 …

Automatic Teeth Segmentation In Panoramic Radiographs Using Attention U-Net, Shehabeldin Mohamed Saber Prof.Dr.

Dentistry

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the Attention U-Net architecture for teeth segmentation in panoramic dental images. By exploring the potential of Attention U-Net, the study aims to contribute to the development of more precise and automated dental imaging analysis, which could enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, and computer-aided dental systems. Subjects and methods: The TUFTS University dataset consisting of 1000 de-identified panoramic radiographs was used for training and testing an Attention U-Net architecture with 10-fold cross-validation. These scores surpass those of all other networks implemented on the same dataset. using a newly available benchmark …

Dual Regulation Of Osteogenesis And Inflammation By Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Extract In Periodontal Ligament-Derived Stem Cells: Implications For Regenerative Medicine, Mai Hafez

Dentistry

Objectives

This article aims to compare the osteogenic along with anti-inflammatory activity of different concentrations of pomegranate extract (PG) on human periodontal ligament-derived stem cells (hPDLSCs) in vitro.

Materials and Methods

hPDLSCs were acquired from the root surface of removed molars, cultured, and then distinguished by flow cytometry analysis and several lineage differentiation potentials. To identify the effect of PG on hPDLSCs' viability, an MTT assay was performed. hPDLSCs were maintained in osteogenic induction medium with varying concentrations of PG. At the end of the induction period, osteogenesis was assessed using Alizarin Red staining, ALP assay, and qRT-PCR to determine …

Effect Of Different Finishing And Polishing Systems On Surface Roughness And Color Stability Of Composite Cad/Cam Blocks (In-Vitro Study), Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Noura Alzayyat, Reem Mohamed Gadao

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Caries Removal Techniques On Micro-Tensile Bond Strength Of Cad/Cam Composite Blocks To Dentine (In-Vitro Study), Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Hoda Fouda, Basma Khalifa, Youssef M. Haridy

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

Laser Versus Fluoride Varnish In Management Of Dentine Hypersensitivity In Non-Carious Lesions: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Hend Sayed Ahmed, Mohamed Fouad Haridy, Hoda Fouda, Amr Adham Shalaby, Youssef M. Haridy

Dentistry

No abstract provided.