Dr Cathal Kearney, a senior TERG researcher won the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland (RAMI) Bioengineering Division Bronze Medal, awarded for the best overall presentation at the conference. His presentation was entitled "Switchable Release of Entrapped Nanoparticles from Alginate Hydrogels".


David Walsh and Prof.Fergal OBrien

TERG PhD student David Walsh was awarded second prize in the Early Researcher category for his presentation entitled "Synthesis and Formulation of Star Shaped Polypeptides as Non-Viral Vectors to Produce Gene Activated Matrices for Bone Tissue Engineering".


Darina with her poster presentation in the background

Darina Gilroy, a MSc research student working with Cathal Kearney in TERG, was awarded first prize in the Research Student category for her presentation entitled "Magnetically Responsive Biomaterials for Stem Cell Activation".


Dr Grainne Cunniffe and Pro. Fergal OBrien

Dr Gráinne Cunniffe, a previous member of the TERG who is now a postdoc in the Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, was awarded second prize in the Mature Researcher category for work that was done in collaboration with TERG. The title of Grainnes presentation was "Growth Plate Extracellular Matrix-derived Scaffolds Support Osteogenesis of MSCs In Vitro and Accelerate Host-mediated Bone Healing In Vivo".

Finally, Professor Fergal OBrien, Professor of Bioengineering & Regenerative Medicine and Head of TERG was announced as the incoming President of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland Bioengineering Division. Congratulations to all on such an impressive haul at this event.

The Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG) at RCSI utilises biomaterials expertise to develop construct and living system technologies that can restore the structural and functional properties of damaged or degenerated tissue types, whilst also trying to expand fundamental understanding in the fields of mechanobiology and osteoporosis.
The Bioengineering in Ireland Conference is established as one of Irelands longest-running and most active research conferences in engineering and science, and brings together multidisciplinary researchers working across a range of applications targeted at improving health and healthcare. The conference is an occasion for young researchers and graduate students to present their work alongside senior researchers of international standing. The conference is a forum for presentation and discussion of all aspects of bioengineering research, including (but not limited to) biomechanics, biomaterials, bioelectronics, tissue engineering, and medical devices.

Type 1 diabetes in children is increasing in Ireland

The commonest form of diabetes in children, type 1 diabetes, is increasing in prevalence in Ireland and in most countries around the world. Renowned diabetes expert, Professor Mikael Knip from the University of Helsinki in Finland, the country with the highest prevalence of type 1 diabetes in the world, will address this issue at the Third Annual 3U Partnership International Diabetes Conference entitled ‘Current Challenges in Diabetes Research which takes place at RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) in Dublin today. The conference will hear about potential factors, including certain viruses and altered intestinal gut bacteria, which may trigger the onset of type 1 diabetes.


3U Director, Dr Ruth Davis opens the conference

Researchers from the United States, Canada, Finland, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Ireland will gather to address the conference which will focus on hot topics in research into both type-1 and type-2 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the commonest chronic diseases in Ireland affecting an estimated 4-5% of the population.

Professor Knip who will present his current research into the prevention of type 1 diabetes at the conference today said: "To be able to prevent any condition we need to be able to identify those at risk of developing it and have an effective intervention to either delay or prevent its onset. We believe that type 1 diabetes develops in genetically predisposed individuals when certain non-inherited or ‘environmental factors or ‘triggers are present. We know that it is caused by a problem in the immune system which damages the insulin making cells in the pancreas. Family members of people with diabetes are at increased risk of developing the condition and the challenge is to be able to predict which relatives may go on to develop diabetes before the disease develops. There is a phase prior to disease onset when the damage is developing in the pancreas but is not severe enough for the sugar levels to become uncontrolled."

"Understanding what the trigger is that initiates the damage in the pancreas will be crucial to developing a treatment to prevent it. Over the last 5 years, with Finnish and US colleagues, we have been able to identify potential triggers including enteroviruses and an altered intestinal bacterial flora which might be crucial and which may ultimately lead to a preventative intervention" Professor Knip concluded.

Other talks at the meeting will focus on how the immune system damages the pancreas in type 1 diabetes; the importance of genetics in the development of diabetes and other metabolic diseases; and the complications in other organs that can result from the condition.

Diabetes is a priority research focus of the 3U Partnership, which brings together the academic strengths of Dublin City University, Maynooth University and RCSI to enhance education and research opportunities across the three partner institutions. The 3U Diabetes Consortium, comprising clinicians and scientists from the three institutions, is committed to developing cutting edge research into this chronic and costly disease in Ireland and aligns a number of interlinked areas of research into the condition extending from identifying and developing new molecules with therapeutic potential to providing world class diabetes care and treatments in the clinic.

The Director of 3U Diabetes, Dr Donal OGorman of the School of Health and Human Performance at DCU, commented: "We are very excited to be hosting a major conference looking at the challenges in diabetes research. With the increasing prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, it is very timely to bring together a range of experts from the world of diabetes to discuss how best to address the challenge of halting the rise in the condition and its burden on those who are living with it. The faculty attending the conference will include clinical and basic science researchers from across North America and Europe who will present and discuss their own research showing how this challenge can be met."

Dr. Ruth Davis, Director of the 3U Partnership, who will open the meeting, said: "I am delighted to contribute to this event. It has become an important annual meeting in the calendar of the three partner institutions which will allow the consortium to develop important collaborative links with leading institutions in the world of diabetes research and which will contribute significantly to the evolution and sustainability of the 3U Partnership."

Medical preparation for Kilimanjaro trek to be discussed in public talk

Preparation in medicine is the theme at this evenings (Wednesday 28th January) instalment of the RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) MiniMed Lecture Series. Whether this is a medic preparing to undertake a 20,000 foot trek up the highest free-standing mountain in the world or one being prepared pitch side should any serious injuries take place, such as concussion, preparation is vital. Managing Concussion and wilderness medicine are on the agenda at these talks, free of charge to the public, which take place from 7pm to 9pm at the RCSI,123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2.


Prof Molloy will speak on dangers of concussion in sport

The opening lecture of the night, ‘Management of Concussion will be delivered by Professor Michael G. Molloy, a board member of Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine of RCPI and RCSI. Concussion has become a contentious topic recently, mostly in rugby but also in all professional contact sports such as GAA (hurling and football), soccer, American football and even horse riding. In his talk Prof Molloy will discuss the many risks of concussion and what procedures should be followed if a person suffers a suspected concussion from the moment of impact. While concussion is finally getting the necessary attention it deserves in the elite levels of sport, where a medic makes the decision to remove a concussed individual from the field of play, this needs to be followed up at the grassroots of the game (i.e. schools and at amateur clubs) when a suspected concussion occurs.

Speaking ahead of his lecture, Prof Molloy said, ‘Concussion is such an important issue and I cannot stress how important it is to be aware of the risk of concussion in every contact sport. Ideally there needs to be a professional trained in dealing with this condition on hand in case an individual is concussed. This person, like we see in professional sport, will take the decision to remove the afflicted person from the field of play, regardless of their insistence that they can play on, and put them on an appropriate recovery plan. Concussion can have some short-term side effects such as headache, nausea and dizziness but if a person suffers a number of concussions over their lifetime, this can lead to longer term effects such as impaired cognitive functions and even brain damage.


Dr Sheeran will give an account of expedition medicine while on Kilimanjaro

The second RCSI MiniMed lecture of the night will be from the Dean of the RCSI & RCPI Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Dr Padraig Sheeran. He is also a Consultant in Paediatric Anaesthesia and Intensive Care in Dublin and medical director of a mountain climbing group, the Kilimanjaro Achievers, which has climbed the mountain four times in the past four years. During this talk, entitled Emergency Care in Remote Areas - Wilderness Medicine on Kilimanjaro, guests will get important information on preparation for climbing at altitude and going on long expeditions to remote areas. He will discuss the challenges of emergency medical care in the wilderness and treating people while on such an expedition.

Dr Sheeran said, ‘Preparation is everything when planning an expedition. Things such as physical preparation, equipment, logistics, medication and nutrition are vital to covering all eventualities on a climb. I will talk about the many challenges of emergency medical care in the wilderness and treating people who may become injured or ill while on such an expedition.

At this lecture the public will also hear a story of triumph over adversary from Shane Dunphy (17) who successfully reached the summit of Kilimanjaro last year with Dr Sheerans group on his second attempt, despite suffering from Cystic Fibrosis. Shane will close the talk with a short account of his experience. Shane trained for this journey under Padraigs supervision.

‘Shane is a perfect example of someone who refuses to be labelled by the disease. This truly was a phenomenal achievement and I cannot speak highly enough of his attitude. Shane wants to be defined by what he does, not what he has and we look forward to sharing his story with the audience, Dr Sheeran continued.

The RCSI MiniMed Open Lecture Series is free of charge; however registration is essential in order to guarantee a place. Previous lecture series have attracted widespread public interest with demand for places far outstripping availability. Register online at www.rcsi.ie/minimed and you can join the conversation online, on the night, on Twitter at #RCSIMiniMed. To view previous RCSI MiniMed lectures from the last series on the RCSI YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/TheRCSI123.

RCSI is a not-for-profit health sciences institute which focuses on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. RCSI is headquartered in Dublin and is a recognised College of the National University of Ireland. In 2010, RCSI was granted independent degree awarding status by the State, which enables the College to award degrees alongside its traditional powers to award licentiates.

A study carried out by researchers at RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) has found that there is no substantial evidence that over-the-counter medicines are effective in treating short-term coughs in children and adults. The research which was carried out by the Health Research Board (HRB) Centre for Primary Care Research, Department of General Practice, RCSI has been published in The Cochrane Library.

A short term (acute) cough is a common and troublesome symptom in children and adults suffering from upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) caused by a cold. Many people self-prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) cough preparations, and health practitioners often recommend their use for the initial treatment of cough.

Data from 29 trials involving 4835 adults and children with acute coughs was examined to determine the effectiveness of various types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications used at different dosages when compared with a placebo. The majority of the trials of adult medications, (which compared antitussives, the expectorant guaifenesin, antihistamines and antihistamine-decongestant combinations with placebo) showed either no benefit or variable results. The majority of the child studies (which included antitussives, antihistamines, antihistamine-decongestants and antitussive/bronchodilator combinations) found that the medications were no more effective than placebo. A limited number of trials showed benefits including a trial in both children and adults which favoured active treatment with mucolytics over placebo and a trial in children indicated that natural honey was more effective than placebo over a three-day period.

The research found no solid evidence for or against the effectiveness of OTC medications in acute cough. Furthermore, 19 studies reported infrequent adverse effects of these medications which were mainly minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and drowsiness.

Lead author on the study Professor Susan Smith, Associate Professor, HRB Centre for Primary Care Research in the RCSI Department of General Practice said: "There is a high prevalence of coughs and colds at this time of year and patients often buy over the counter medications to alleviate their symptoms. However, our study has found little evidence to support expenditure on these over the counter medications for coughs and some of these medicines can occasionally result in adverse side-effects. Simple remedies such as honey and lemon can provide effective relief for coughs at a lower cost than over-the-counter medicines. However, parents should note that honey should not be given to children under the age of one. We recommend that patients talk to their pharmacist or GP for advice on low-cost safe treatments for coughs that can be prepared at home."

Graham Love, Chief Executive at the Health Research Board added: "Research like this helps people and doctors to make sound, evidence-based decisions about healthcare choices."

Professor Smiths co-authors on the study are Dr Knut Schroeder Academic Unit of Primary Health Care, Department of Community Based Medicine at the University of Bristol, UK and colleague Professor Tom Fahey, Professor of General Practice, HRB Centre for Primary Care Research, Department of General Practice, RCSI.

RCSI is a not-for-profit health sciences organisation that focuses on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health, worldwide. RCSI is headquartered in Dublin and is a recognised College of the National University of Ireland. In 2010, RCSI was granted independent degree-awarding status by the State, which enables the College to award degrees alongside its traditional powers to award licentiates.

The Health Research Board (HRB) is Irelands lead agency supporting and funding health research. It aims to improve peoples health, patient care and health service delivery by leading and supporting research, generating new knowledge and promoting the use of evidence in policy and practice. To date, the HRB has supported a wide range of research which has played a key role in driving innovation in the Irish health system and supporting economic development.

Professor Peter Conlon welcomed as new Society President

The 50-year history of kidney transplantation and future global challenges in this field will be the theme of tonights addresses at the 82nd Biological Society Inaugural Meeting which will take place in the Albert Lecture Theatre in RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland). The Biological Society is the oldest student society in RCSI and the event is organised by students from the Biological Society Committee with assistance from the Student Services team.

Following his welcome address, outgoing Biological Society President Professor Frank Murray will hand over the chain of office to Professor Peter Conlon, Consultant Nephrologist and Renal Transplant Physician in Beaumont Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at RCSI, officially marking the commencement of his term as President of the Society. Professor Conlon is a graduate of RCSI (class of 1986) and has a long association with the Society, having attended his first BioSoc meeting as a student in 1980.

New BioSoc President Professor Peter Conlon, Consultant Nephrologist and Renal Transplant Physician in Beaumont Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at RCSI delivers his Presidential Address

In his Presidential Address, entitled ‘50 years of the miracle of kidney transplantation, Professor Conlon will speak about the history of kidney transplantation generally and in Ireland. Speaking in advance of his address he said: "There is heroic work done by kidney transplant surgeons which has huge potential for improving quality of life, life expectancy and reducing the significant cost burden of dialysis which can cost in the region of €700,000 per patient. It is vital that the role of transplant surgery is recognised and fostered within the Irish health care system to ensure that this important and complex service can be carried out to world-class standards."

The guest speaker Dr Liam Plant, Consultant Nephrologist, Cork University Hospital, will continue on the topic of kidney transplantation, focussing on the global challenges. He will discuss the likely future demand for transplants globally and the logistical and ethical issues on how to obtain and allocate organs.

A number of College medals will be presented at the meeting including the RCSI Council Medal winner Eoin Kelleher, (Senior Case Competition) and RCPI Council Medal winner Wendy Paine (Junior Case Competition); Sarah OLoughlin, winner of the Denis Gill Medal for Paediatrics; Sami Backley, recipient of the Alan Browne Medal for Obstetrics and Gynaecology; and Rachel Mattson, Psychiatry Case Competition winner. Recipients of two Dr Arthur Stephen ffrench-OCarroll Medals, Anshuman Sood (2013 - 2014) and Adam Roche (2014 - 2015) will be presented with their awards.

The Harold Browne Anatomy Medal, will be awarded to Anatomy Quiz winners Oludare Alabi, Luke Trench and Danyal Khan. The medal is named after the late Harold Browne, who passed away earlier this month. He was President of BioSoc in 2011/2012 and taught in the College for more than 60 years. Harold Brownes family will be present at the event when the award will be presented in his honour.

The final award of the evening will be the Mary Leader Medal in Pathology, which will be awarded to the Pathology Quiz winners Miryam Alkayyali, Sonia Ruparell and Angela Verrelli.

Among the invited guests to the meeting are Professor William McGowan (former registrar of RCSI) who carried out the first kidney transplant in Ireland. One of Professor Conlons transplant patients, Patricia McKenzie, will perform a short piano recital at tonights event. A talented musician, she was on dialysis for many years and was unable to play piano before the transplant surgery restored her ability to play again.

The meeting will close with a presentation of a gift of appreciation from the Society to the outgoing President Professor Frank Murray by Biological Societys student President, Gerard Cotter.

Professor Sally-Ann Cryan from the RCSI School of Pharmacy and RCSI alumnus, Jonathon Morrissey were among those who were honoured at the 10th annual Helix Health Pharmacist Awards which took place recently in the Mansion House, Dublin.

The awards recognise Irelands most accomplished pharmacists and celebrate excellence across all disciplines of the pharmacy profession.

Professor Sally-Ann Cryan, Research Convenor and Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, received the Professional Excellence Award, sponsored by KrKa, for her work in RCSI in pharmacy education and her contribution to drug delivery research.

Pictured (l-r) are Mr Rory ODonnell, President of The Pharmacy Benevolent Fund; Professor Sally-Ann Cryan, Professional Excellence Award Winner; Mr Paul Neill, KrKa; Ms Jennifer Hughes, Director of Marketing, Helix Health

Jonathon Morrissey, a graduate of RCSI School of Pharmacy (Class of 2009) won the Patient-Nominated Award, sponsored by TEVA, for his work in community practice in Marrons Pharmacy, Clane, Co. Kildare.

Pictured (l-r) are Mr Rory ODonnell, President of The Pharmacy Benevolent Fund; Ms Sarah Corry, TEVA; Mr Jonathan Morrissey, Patient Nominated Award Winner; Ms Jennifer Hughes, Director of Marketing, Helix Health

All money raised from the event went towards The Pharmacy Benevolent Fund, Trust of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland which supports those who have been associated with pharmacy and who are now in need of assistance.

Professor Fergal O’Brien awarded €150,000 in funding through ERC Proof of Concept grant

Professor Fergal OBrien, Head of the Tissue Engineering Research Group, Deputy Director of Applied Research at RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) and Deputy Director of AMBER, has been announced as a recipient of the European Research Council (ERC) "Proof of Concept" grant. This funding will provide Professor O’Brien with up to €150,000 in funding over 18 months to help bridge the gap between his existing frontier research and its commercial applications. 260 applicants from across Europe had applied for the first round of funding through the grant.

Professor O’Brien’s funding will help to establish the innovation potential of his original idea for which he already received €2 million in ERC funding in 2009. His project, entitled miRNA-activated Scaffold Technologies for Cartilage Regeneration, is focused on developing an advanced therapeutic for cartilage repair. Damage to the cartilage on joints can result in osteoarthritis which affects millions of people worldwide.

Commenting on the award, Professor Fergal O’Brien said, ‘I am delighted to be awarded the “Proof of Concept” grant. This project is focused on developing an advanced therapeutic for cartilage repair. We proposed to combine a biomaterial from my lab designed specifically to support cartilage cells with a form of gene therapy, called micro-ribonucleic acids (microRNA), which can enhance the genes associated with healthy tissue, while blocking the ones associated with disease.’

‘Adult articular cartilage has a limited capacity for repair so when damaged it can lead to joint degeneration and ultimately osteoarthritis. The idea of using miRNAs as therapeutics is extremely appealing as we can potentially switch on the genes associated with cartilage repair while switching off those associated with degeneration. Depending on the further results of this project we hope to bring this to market with industry partners.’

Professor Valeria Nicolosi, another researcher based at AMBER, the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded materials science centre, hosted in Trinity College Dublin, was also a successful recipient of a “Proof of Concept” grant for her project, entitled Ink-Jet printed supercapacitors based on 2D nanomaterials.

EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Carlos Moedas said: ‘Europe has plenty of world-class research, but not enough of it reaches the marketable product stage as commercialised, pioneering goods and services. The Proof of Concept grants will enable some of our top research to compete with the best innovations out there. This will help improve our ability to bring innovations to market, boost competitiveness and create the jobs and growth needed in Europe.’

The purpose of the “Proof of Concept” grant is to assist researchers, who have already been awarded an ERC grant, with costs relating to activities such as establishing intellectual property rights, investigating commercial and business opportunities (e.g. setting up a start-up) or technical validation (e.g. carrying out clinical tests).

RCSI is among the top 50 most international universities in the world (Times Higher Education University World Rankings, 2014-15). It is a not-for-profit health sciences institute focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. RCSI is headquartered in Dublin and is a recognised College of the National University of Ireland. In 2010, RCSI was granted independent degree awarding status by the State, which enables the College to award degrees alongside its traditional powers to award licentiates.

Trauma still leading cause of death for under 45s

Trauma is still the leading cause of death and disability in older children and adults under 45 years of age in Ireland (1). For every death associated with trauma, at least a further three patients suffer severe disability (1). Road traffic accidents and falls remain the major causes of trauma and although medical advances in the last number of years have improved patient outcomes, there is still a need to improve how trauma care is delivered across Ireland, according to Mr Declan J. Magee, President of RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland).

Speaking at RCSIs annual scientific meeting ‘Charter Day, the plenary session will address ‘Structuring Definitive Care for Trauma Patients; Now is the Time, Mr Declan J. Magee, RCSI President said: ‘Optimum care for multiply injured patients is time critical and presents a particular health challenge to any health service. There is an urgent need to examine how trauma care is delivered in Ireland to improve the quality of care for trauma patients so that more patients survive with lower levels of disability. To achieve outcomes in line with best practice in countries such as the USA and the UK, there is a need to develop an integrated system of trauma care delivery in Ireland.

Trauma refers to patients that present with serious, often multiple injuries or one life changing injury. Major trauma patients have complex injuries that need expert care in order for them to have the best chance of survival and recovery. Approximately 5000 people suffer trauma annually in Ireland (2).

‘From looking at international best practice, it would appear that Ireland could be best served by a small number of trauma centres, continued Mr Magee. ‘Improvements are needed at all stages of the patient journey; from pre-hospital through to rehabilitation if we are to effectively reduce trauma morbidity and mortality.

The initiative by the HSE and the Department of Health (DoH) to develop a National Trauma Network is welcomed and RCSI - the professional body representing all Surgeons and Emergency Medicine Specialists - believes it can play a critical role, working with the HSE and the DoH to develop an inclusive trauma system for the country.

RCSI has welcomed the establishment of the Major Trauma Audit by the National Office of Clinical Audit. ‘This has been a key initial step in terms of gathering patient outcome data to ensure that trauma service redesign is evidence based. Such data will be of great benefit in shaping an integrated National Trauma Network in Ireland, Mr Magee concluded.

The RCSI Charter Day meeting will host more than 400 local and international surgical delegates. During the Trauma Services plenary session invited speakers will critique current trauma service delivery in Ireland from a variety of perspectives to stimulate a debate that will inform RCSI policy on proposed restructuring of trauma services in Ireland.

A wide range of clinical areas will also be discussed at the meeting including breast and plastic surgery, head and neck surgery, surgical training, innovations in surgery and gender reassignment surgery. The purpose of the meeting is to promote debate and discussion amongst surgeons to highlight best practice and innovation, advances in surgical practice and to discuss issues of relevance to the surgical profession.

On Saturday, the Charter Day Meetings will continue with annual meeting of the Irish Higher Surgical Training Group and the Bosco OMahony Lecture, which will be delivered by Professor Pierce Grace entitled ‘Lifelong Learning. Professor Patrick G. Johnson from Queens University Belfast and Professor Stan J. Monstrey from Ghent University Hospital in Belgium will be conferred with Honorary Fellowships of RCSI at a ceremony in the College on Saturday evening. The Charter Day Meetings marks the 231st anniversary of the foundation of RCSI by Royal Charter.

For further information and to view the full Charter Day programme visit www.rcsi.ie/charterday2015

ENDS

References
1. World Health Organisation, (2009) Guidelines for trauma quality improvement programmes. Available at: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2009/9789241597746_eng.pd.

2. National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) http://www.noca.ie/

RCSI and Beaumont Hospital contribute to landmark study which will transform stroke treatment worldwide

Researchers from RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) and Beaumont Hospital have taken part in a major international study which is set to revolutionise the treatment of stroke. The study has shown that a clot retrieval procedure, known as endovascular treatment (ET) results in a dramatic improvement in patient outcomes and a reduction in disability and deaths from stroke. The results of this study are published today in the online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.

The international randomised controlled trial which was led by researchers at the University of Calgarys Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) was carried out at 22 sites worldwide and included patients referred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin from ten centres across Ireland and from hospitals in Canada, the US, UK and South Korea. The study involved patients who had suffered an acute ischemic stroke, which is caused by a clot in the brain, and accounts for 80 per cent of all strokes.

Overall, positive outcomes for patients receiving the new ‘clot removal treatment increased from 30 per cent to 55 per cent. In many cases, instead of suffering major neurological disability, patients went home to resume their lives. The overall mortality rate was reduced by 50 per cent, from two in ten patients for standard treatment of care, to one in ten patients out of those who received the new treatment. Up to now, the current standard treatment involved administering medication to dissolve the clot.

Professor David Williams, Associate Professor in Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, RCSI and Consultant Stroke Physician at Beaumont Hospital and Dr John Thornton, Consultant Neuroradiologist, at Beaumont Hospital were the co-leads in Ireland for the study.

"The results of this study represent the most significant development in stroke treatment in the past 20 years and will impact stroke care in Ireland and around the world. More than 10,000 people in Ireland are admitted to hospital with stroke annually and many of those who survive are left with significant disabilities. This treatment has the potential to improve survival rates and quality of life of more than 15 million people worldwide who suffer a stroke each year. The involvement of RCSI and Beaumont Hospital in this ground-breaking trial demonstrates the world-class expertise of clinical researchers here in Ireland," Professor Williams said.

While the new treatment is improving outcomes, it is still vital that the warning signs of stroke are identified as quickly as possible.

"When removing a clot with this new treatment, as with existing treatments, every minute matters. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 999 immediately as many stroke treatments only work if administered within a set period of time. The tell-tale signs of stroke are facial drooping, inability to raise arms over their heads and slurred speech," Professor Williams concluded.

Beaumont Hospital was the largest patient recruiting site for the study outside Canada with 34 patients taking part in the randomised trial over 6 months, recruited by the research team at Beaumont Hospital and followed up by expert research nurses at the RCSI Clinical Research Centre based at Beaumont Hospital.

"There was impressive collaboration between stroke centres; doctors and nurses; and transport services as well as the radiology team in Beaumont where all the procedures were performed, commented Dr John Thornton.

According to the Irish Heart Foundation, stroke kills more than 2,000 people a year in Ireland - a higher death toll than from breast cancer, prostate cancer and bowel cancer combined. Stroke is the third most common cause of death and the most common cause of acquired physical disability in Ireland. There are more than 30,000 survivors of stroke in Ireland, many of whom have significant disabilities.

The clinical trial, known as ESCAPE (Endovascular treatment for Small Core and Anterior circulation Proximal occlusion with Emphasis on minimizing CT to recanalization times), shows there is a marked reduction in both disability and death among patients who receive ET for acute ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke is caused by a sudden blockage of an artery to the brain that deprives the brain of critical nutrients, such as glucose and oxygen. Currently, the international standard of care based on European and North American guidelines is to administer a drug called tPA when appropriate to bring on a process of thrombolysis. Known as a ‘clot buster, the drug dissolves the blood clot. In the ESCAPE trial, 316 patients who fit the criteria for ET and arrived for treatment within 12 hours of their stroke were randomised to standard medical care (which included the clot-busting drug tPA where appropriate) or standard medical care plus ET.

ET is performed by inserting a thin tube into the artery in the groin, through the body, and into the brain vessels to the clot. This is done under image-guided care using an X-ray. The clot is then removed by a retrievable stent and pulled out, restoring blood flow to the brain.

Endovascular treatments were first developed in the 1990s, but ET has only recently been technically possible. The success of the ESCAPE trial can be credited to very fast treatment and the use of brain and blood vessel imaging. In ESCAPE, researchers were on average two hours faster in opening the blocked blood vessels than in previously reported trials.

ESCAPE is the second ET trial that demonstrates the efficacy of the treatment and the first trial to demonstrate reduced mortality. The previous trial, known as MR. CLEAN (Multi center Randomized Clinical trial of Endovascular treatment for Acute ischemic stroke in the Netherlands), was published in December 2014.

The study was funded by The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions and Medtronic, along with generous donations to the HBI Stroke Team and the Calgary Stroke Program.

RCSI is the academic partner in RCSI Hospitals Group, which includes Beaumont, Cavan and Monaghan, Connolly, Louth County, Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda and Rotunda Hospitals.

RCSI is among the top 50 most international universities in the world (Times Higher Education University World Rankings, 2014-15). It is a not-for-profit health sciences institute focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. RCSI is headquartered in Dublin and is a recognised College of the National University of Ireland. In 2010, RCSI was granted independent degree awarding status by the State, which enables the College to award degrees alongside its traditional powers to award licentiates.

Beaumont Hospital is a large academic teaching hospital 5km north of Dublin City centre. The hospital provides emergency and acute care services across 54 medical specialties to a local community of some 290,000 people as well as servicing over 45,000 patients each year in the ED. In addition, Beaumont Hospital is a Designated Cancer Centre and the Regional Treatment Centre for Ear, Nose and Throat, and Gastroenterology. The hospital also acts as the National Referral Centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology, Renal Transplantation, and Cochlear Implantation.

Beaumont Hospital is the principal teaching hospital for the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland as well as partnerships with Dublin City University, especially in the area of nurse training, and with other academic institutions in respect of training and research.

Multimorbidity study to impact on one-in-three GP consultations

A new clinical review that provides guidance for doctors on how to best organise and prioritise care for patients who suffer from multiple chronic medical conditions (multimorbidity) has been conducted by researchers from RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland). The study was carried out by the Health Research Board (HRB) Centre for Primary Care Research at RCSIs Department of General Practice, RCSI in collaboration with researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom. The study was published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal).

This study recommends providing continuity of care with one named GP where possible, prioritising the aspects of care that matter most to patients (for example, difficulties in physical functioning), and providing regular reviews of prescriptions, which should include ceasing the prescription of medications no longer considered beneficial. With an average GP consultation time of 10-15 minutes it is a real challenge for GPs to achieve all that is required and practices may consider offering specific extended consultations for patients identified as having particularly complex needs.


Lead researcher, Dr Emma Wallace

Multimorbidity is present in a patient when the individual has two or more chronic medical conditions. These patients are more likely to experience decreased quality of life, functional decline and increased need for healthcare. Patients with multimorbidity often need to take several medications (polypharmacy), visit many different healthcare providers, are admitted to hospital more frequently and are more likely to experience mental health difficulties and difficulties with physical functioning. Over 16% of all patients have multimorbidity; with at least 65% of those aged over 65 years suffering from co-existing conditions. Patients with multimorbidity account for one-in-three GP (general practitioner) consultations.

Current clinical guidelines, which recommend best practice for GPs, tend to focus on single conditions which make decision making more challenging for those patients with several co-existing conditions.

Speaking on the publication of this study, lead author, HRB Research Fellow and GP lecturer, Dr Emma Wallace said, ‘Managing patients with multiple chronic conditions is part of everyday practice for GPs, who take on the role of co-ordinating care for such patients who are often seeing many different specialists. This review highlights the importance of continuity of care, the prioritising of patient physical functioning and mental health, the value of clinical judgement and the need to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Commenting on this publication, Graham Love, Chief Executive at the Health Research Board said ‘It is very important that care for people with multimorbidity is organised and delivered based on best research evidence in order to improve the outcomes that really matter to patients. This review offers guidance for GPs to help support this process.

The paper entitled, ‘Managing patients with multimorbidity in primary care can be viewed online on the BMJ website at http://www.bmj.com/content/350/bmj.h176

The Health Research Board (HRB) is Irelands lead agency supporting and funding health research. It aims to improve peoples health, patient care and health service delivery by leading and supporting research, generating new knowledge and promoting the use of evidence in policy and practice. To date, the HRB has supported a wide range of research which has played a key role in driving innovation in the Irish health system and supporting economic development.

RCSI is among the top 50 most international universities in the world (Times Higher Education University World Rankings, 2014-15). It is a not-for-profit health sciences institute focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. RCSI is headquartered in Dublin and is a recognised College of the National University of Ireland. In 2010, RCSI was granted independent degree awarding status by the State, which enables the College to award degrees alongside its traditional powers to award licentiates.

More than 400 guests visited the College on Saturday 7th February for the annual Charter Day dinner and Honorary Fellowships.

Professor Patrick G. Johnson from Queen’s University Belfast and Professor Stan J. Monstrey from Ghent University Hospital in Belgium were conferred with Honorary Fellowships of RCSI at a ceremony in the College. The Charter Day Meetings marks the 231^st anniversary of the foundation of RCSI by Royal Charter.

Minister for Health addresses international conference on advancing nursing and midwifery practice

Postnatal depression in fathers and community-based nursing cancer care are among the topics being explored at the RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) 34th Annual International Nursing and Midwifery Research and Education Conference, which takes place today. Minister for Health, Mr Leo Varadkar, TD, is among those who will address the conference on the theme ‘Advancing Nursing & Midwifery Practice: Linking National & International Perspectives.

More than 200 nurses and midwives will attend the event to hear speakers from the USA, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Ireland on the latest developments in areas such as ageing and palliative care; wound management and tissue viability; acute, intensive and emergency care; community and primary health care; and midwifery and mental health issues.

Speaking at the conference Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said: "Nurses and midwives are at the heart of patient safety and patient care; Irelands nurses are well educated, highly-skilled and motivated. They are a great asset for the health service. We must ensure that this pool of talent is utilised properly, and that we get the best possible outcomes for our patients. So this years conference on Advancing Nursing and Midwifery Practice couldnt be more timely. In Ireland, one of the options being looked at is the development of new interdisciplinary nursing roles. I know these are exciting times for nursing and I know that the Chief Nurse, Dr Siobhan OHalloran is spearheading further developments in the professions."

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar addresses the conference

Professor Marie Carney, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery at RCSI said: "Nurses and Midwives are at the forefront of the clinical and leadership needs of the health service. The theme of this years conference provides a great opportunity for critical debate regarding the policy, regulation, education and health service challenges in relation to advancing professional practice for nurses and midwives both in Ireland and internationally. As well as evidence of best practice in nursing and midwifery research, education and clinical activities being presented by our delegates, we are honoured that Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein of Jordan and the Minister for Health Mr Leo Varadkar will give global and Irish perspectives on this important professional and healthcare agenda."

Among the research presented at the conference is a study by Mr Lloyd Philpott from University College Cork on ‘Paternal Postnatal Depression (PPND): Prevalence and Associated Factors. Mr. Philpott will discuss the results of a study co-authored by Dr. Paul Corcoran which involved 100 fathers from the south of Ireland,18 years or older with a child less than 12 months old. 12 percent were found to have symptoms of paternal postnatal depression. The factors found to increase the risk of paternal postnatal depression included; a lower level of education, having an infant with sleep problems, having a pre-term or overdue infant, a history of depression, lack of support from a partner, living in rented accommodation, poor economic circumstances, not having paternity leave and not being married. The study illustrates that paternal postnatal depression is a real and significant public health issue that is presently underscreened, underdiagnosed and undertreated.

The conference opened with an address from Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein of Jordan, WHO Patron of Nursing and Midwifery in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, who was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, the highest honour the Faculty can bestow. The Honorary Fellowship was awarded in recognition of her lifetime commitment and contributions to nursing which began with her founding of the Princess Muna College of Nursing in 1962 and since then she has worked tirelessly for the profession.

Pictured (l-r) are Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein of Jordan and Professor Marie Carney, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery

Reading HRH Princess Munas citation, Professor Edna Woolhead, Board Member & Former Dean, RCSI Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery commended HRH for a range of important contributions to nursing: ‘Princess Munas vision to regulate nursing and provide quality care for the public led to the creation of the Jordanian Nursing Council in 2002. The JNC has reformed nursing in the country and established strong ties with prominent world nursing and health institutions."

"HRHs commitments to the development of nursing are directed to the most disadvantaged groups, namely the elderly and mental health service users. Under her leadership, a multidisciplinary unit at the National Mental Health Centre was established with the aim of early intervention and effective treatment of mental disorders in primary health care. In addition HRH supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of the elderly while identifying gaps in local needs", Professor Woodhead said.

Honorary Fellowships were also awarded to Mr Paul Gallagher, Director of Nursing at St James Hospital and President of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and Ms Rachel MacLeod Spring, Consultant Midwife and Coordinator of the Rose Project at Bwaila Maternity Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi, for their outstanding contributions to nursing and midwifery.

Other topics being presented at the conference include:

Evaluation of the community oncology nursing programme, Dr Marie Laffoy & Ms Terry Hanan, National Cancer Control Programme, HSE. The aim of the Community Oncology Nursing Programme is to enable community nurses to provide shared nursing care to oncology patients at home. The skills-based programme resulted in reduced hospital bed utilisation and unnecessary hospital attendances. It greatly increased the skills of community nurses and improved patient satisfaction.

Testing the Effectiveness of Early Intervention in an Irish Experimental Trial, Dr Orla Doyle, University College Dublin, Ireland. This study investigates the impact of an Irish early intervention programme, Preparing for Life (PFL), from birth until 24 months. This five year home visiting programme aims to improve the life course of disadvantaged Irish children by intervening during pregnancy and working with the families until the children start school. Early results suggest the programme is improving childrens health and development, as well as parenting skills.

Research Excellence Across Clinical Healthcare, Dr Linda Nugent, RCSI and HSE Dublin North, Ireland. Research Excellence across Clinical Healthcare (REACH) is a strategic research capacity building programme for nurses and midwives in Dublin, established in 2013 by the Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit (NMPDU), HSE, Dublin North. The NMPDU, in partnership with RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, is implementing the programme and aims to develop the research role, profile, skills, research experience and research output of clinical nursing staff in Dublin North services.

RCSI is among the top 50 most international universities in the world (Times Higher Education University World Rankings, 2014-15). It is a not-for-profit health sciences institute focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. RCSI is headquartered in Dublin and is a recognised College of the National University of Ireland. In 2010, RCSI was granted independent degree awarding status by the State, which enables the College to award degrees alongside its traditional powers to award licentiates.

RCSIs Mens GAA team travelled to Cork on Friday 20th February to take part in Corn na Mac Léinn. The team qualified for the Sigerson Cup weekend by beating Blackhall Law School in the quarter-finals earlier in February.



The team, managed by Mark Sheehan and captained by Noel Lynch, got off to a great start by beating GMIT in the semi-finals with a great performance.
RCSI were unlucky then to lose a close final to UU Magee the next day by a scoreline of 0-9 to 0-8.



RCSI have many positives to take from the weekend and the entire season, which featured many great individual and team performances, and promises bright things for the future of Mens GAA in RCSI.

RCSI Mens GAA Squad:
1. Marty Ryan
2. Fionn Maguire
3. Noel Lynch
4. Eoghan Farrell
5. Iarla ODonnell
6. Philip Bogue
7. Brendan Brennan
8. Shane Kelly
9. Eoin ONeill
10. Gareth Murray
11. Bill Duggan
12. Killian Cox
13. Patrick Lynch
14. Ian Kelly
15. David Dunne
16. Michael Anthony Kelleher
17. Paul Fox
18. Paddy Farrell
19. Kevin Hanifin
20. Paul Dillon

RCSI MiniMed event to feature debate on anti-anxiety medication by health professionals

The rational use of benzodiazepines and other types of anti-anxiety medication will be up for discussion this evening at the RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) MiniMed Lecture Series. The evening will consist of a lecture followed by a panel debate, which will discuss the role anti-anxiety medication plays in Irish society. The event is open free of charge to the public, and will be held from 7pm to 9pm at RCSI, 123 St. Stephens Green.

The Rolling Stones released the song ‘Mother’s Little Helpers’ in 1965, describing a housewife’s despair over the tedium of her life which could only be relieved by taking the tranquiliser diazepam, marketed under the trade name Valium, which is a member of the family of anti-anxiety medications called the benzodiazepines. The night’s opening lecture, entitled ‘Mammy’s little helper- the Irish relationship with anxiety medication’ will dispel any myths and give guests a better understanding of anti-anxiety medication. This will be delivered by Dolores Keating; Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the RCSI School of Pharmacy and Head of Pharmacy Services at Saint John of God Hospital.


Dolores Keating

During the talk, Dolores will look at the history of anti-anxiety medication from the 1950’s up to the current day. She will assess the social impact and awareness of these medications in popular culture and look at some of the advertising approaches that have been taken over the years. In addition she will speak about anxiety, as a condition, and the role which these medicines have in assisting with the treatment of this condition, including the risks and benefits.

Speaking ahead of the lecture Ms Keating said “The story of the benzodiazepines is indeed a fascinating one. Once embraced as a triumph of pharmaceutical science, their misuse has led to significant health issues in Ireland today. Benzodiazepines are useful medications in certain circumstances but, as with all medications, their benefits must be balanced against the risks associated with their use for every individual patient. The aim of this RCSI MiniMed lecture is to explain how and why”.


Prof Paul Gallagher will chair the panel discussion

The Head of the RCSI School of Pharmacy, Professor Paul Gallagher said “While benzodiazepines are generally considered safe and effective for short term use in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia, the risk of overuse, abuse and dependence remains a key concern. Approximately 15% of adults in Ireland have taken a sedative tranquiliser in their lifetime. Use of sedatives and tranquilisers is higher among older adults (35-64 years) and women are more frequently prescribed sedatives than men” (i). These issues and more will be up for discussion during the second part of the evening which will take the form of a multi-disciplinary panel discussion, entitled ‘Anti-anxiety medications: problem, cause or cure?’ chaired by Prof Gallagher. “The panel discussion will take a logical, holistic and compassionate approach as it considers key aspects of the Irish relationship with anti-anxiety medication” concluded Professor Gallagher.

The Benzodiazepine commission (2000) identified the most desirable outcome would be the preservation of benzodiazepines as versatile and valuable drugs in clinical medicine through the fostering of rational prescribing practices of these drugs for all groups of patients (ii).

The RCSI MiniMed Open Lecture Series is free of charge; however registration is essential in order to guarantee a place. Previous lecture series have attracted widespread public interest with demand for places far outstripping availability. Register online at www.rcsi.ie/minimed and you can join the conversation online, on the night, on Twitter at #RCSIMiniMed. To view previous RCSI MiniMed lectures from the last series on the RCSI YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/TheRCSI123.

RCSI is among the top 50 most international universities in the world (Times Higher Education University World Rankings, 2014-15). It is a not-for-profit health sciences institute which focuses on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. RCSI is headquartered in Dublin and is a recognised College of the National University of Ireland. In 2010, RCSI was granted independent degree awarding status by the State, which enables the College to award degrees alongside its traditional powers to award licentiates.

References:

[i] Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland 2010/2011 Drug Prevalence Survey, National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol
[ii] Report of the Benzodiazepine Commission 2002, Department of Health and Children (DOHC)

More than 120 Transition Year students from the South-East of Ireland took part in the Waterford RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) Transition Year MiniMed training programme from Tuesday 17th - Friday 20th February 2015, held in University Hospital Waterford (UHW) and Waterford Institute of Technology. This interactive programme gave Transition Year students the opportunity to step out of their usual classroom setting and experience what it is like to train and work as a doctor in the setting of a real hospital.

During the programme, students attended interactive lectures; received hands-on training in clinical skills; as well as getting practical experience in medicine and scientific tutorials. The highlight of the TY MiniMed initiative was where students got to witness a live operation video-linked in from Beaumont Hospital on Wednesday 18th February. During this unique MiniMed learning event, students were able to ask questions directly to the surgical team, who were able to talk them through the surgical procedure. Other topics that were covered over the action-packed four days included human anatomy, forensic medicine, psychiatry, radiology, neurology, paediatrics, otolaryngology and surgery to name but a few.

The 2014 Waterford MiniMed Programme was coordinated by Professor Riona Mulcahy, Undergraduate Dean, Senior Lecturer in Medicine, RCSI and UHW; and Professor Fred Jackson, Department of Medicine, RCSI and UHW; and Mr Joe OBeirne, RCSI Council Member and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Orthopaedics at RCSI and UHW.

Speaking on the transition year initiative in Waterford, Professor Arnold Hill, Head of the RCSI School of Medicine said ‘The TY MiniMed programme is an excellent opportunity for students in the south-east of the country to experience what it is like to train as a medical professional. Students will have an opportunity to use innovative technology and learn from some of Irelands top healthcare professionals from RCSI and University Hospital Waterford, giving them an excellent insight into careers in medicine, science and research.’

RCSI is among the top 50 most international universities in the world (Times Higher Education University World Rankings, 2014-15). It is a not-for-profit health sciences institute focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. RCSI is headquartered in Dublin and is a recognised College of the National University of Ireland. In 2010, RCSI was granted independent degree awarding status by the State, which enables the College to award degrees alongside its traditional powers to award licentiates.

Take a look at some photos from the programme:

His Excellency Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, visited RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland), St Stephens Green on Thursday 26 February 2015 to deliver the 2015 Edward Phelan Lecture entitled ‘The Future of Work.

The event was organised by the National University of Ireland (NUI) in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation.

President Higgins was welcomed to the College by Professor John Hyland, Vice-President, RCSI.

Pictured (l-r) are Mr Guy Ryder, Director-General, International Labour Organisation; Mrs Sabina Higgins; His Excellency Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland; Dr Maurice Manning, Chancellor NUI; and Professor John Hyland, Vice-President, RCSI.

In a wide-ranging address, the President set out "to explore the contemporary meaning of work and the definition of the ethical workplace".

For further information on the event visit the NUI website