CORA
Cork Open Research Archive (CORA) is UCC’s Open Access institutional repository which enables UCC researchers to make their research outputs freely available and accessible.
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Association between air pollution exposure and risk of hemorrhagic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(Elsevier BV, 2026-05-25) Irfan, Syed Asad; Strobl, Kleiton; Wariach, Khubaib; Zahiri, Mehdi; Kurmi, Om
Background: Air pollution has been associated with multisystem health adversities. However, the association between short-term air pollution and hemorrhagic stroke has not been sufficiently evaluated in recent years. Considering that hemorrhagic stroke has a high incidence rate (28.8% of incident strokes) and accounts for almost 7.2 million deaths per year globally, it is important to identify risk factors and use it to guide preventative measures.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted on 4 databases (Embase, OVID Medline, Web of Science, PubMed). Studies selected for review included time series, case-crossover, and cohort studies, published in English, from all time periods, and investigated the risk of hemorrhagic stroke after exposure to air pollution (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm in diameter [PM2.5], particulate matter ≤ 10 μm in diameter [PM10], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], sulfur dioxide [SO2], ozone [O3], or carbon monoxide [CO]). Data for different risk outcomes (risk ratio, odds ratio) were meta-analyzed using an inverse variance statistical analysis and random effects model.
Results:Among the 2435 studies identified, 31 were included and deemed eligible for review and meta-analysis. The results illustrated a statistically significant increase in the risk of hemorrhagic stroke per 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 exposure (risk ratio, 1.0142; 95% confidence interval, 1.0000-1.0286; P = 0.05), and CO exposure (odds ratio, 1.0008; 95% confidence interval, 1.0000-1.0016; P = 0.05).
Conclusions: Among the 6 air pollutants studied, NO2 and CO exposure was associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. This can help guide effective preventative protocols and public health measures in an effort to reduce the burden of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.
Virtual reality and simulation for the teaching of sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing in pharmacy education: A cross-sectional evaluation of student opinions
(Elsevier Inc., 2026-05-21) Bennett-Lenane, Harriet; Dam, Minh Trang; Coady, Aimee; O'Keeffe, Lynn; Allen, Evin A.; Higher Education Authority, 18351800
Introduction: Use of virtual reality (VR) is increasing in education. A VR and simulation field trip was developed, allowing students to experience a walkthrough of a sterile pharmaceutical manufacture site using three modalities: a VR headset with 3D static tour, 2D static desktop tour and a 360° dynamic video tour. This study aims to understand student opinions, assess usability of the modalities used and investigate potential for a simulation to replace physical site visits. Methods: Data from undergraduate pharmacy and postgraduate pharmaceutical science students was gathered through an online survey. A system usability scale (SUS) score was calculated for each modality. Responses were coded and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and open-text responses were analysed using conventional content analysis. Results: Data was collected from 82.3% (n = 79) of students who participated in the virtual field trip. Most students (97.4%, n = 76) across both courses were either extremely satisfied or satisfied with the session. Almost two thirds of students (64.9%, n = 50) ranked VR walkthrough highest, followed by 360° video walkthrough (19.5%, n = 15) and desktop walkthrough (15.6%, n = 12). Two out of three students (66.7%, n = 12) with previous on-site experience agreed the virtual field trip could replace a physical site visit. Open-text responses revealed advantages and drawbacks versus physical visits. All modalities displayed acceptable usability. Most students (91.0%, n = 71) would welcome wider use of VR and simulation in their course. Conclusion: Positive results obtained highlight potential for greater implementation of VR and simulation to support teaching of sterile manufacturing and increase student accessibility to manufacturing sites.
The “Domino Effect”: Functional decline and increased social care requirements following a fall
(Elsevier BV, 2026-08) Briggs, Robert; Ward, Mark; van der Velde, Nathalie; Scarlett, Siobhan; Hernandez, Belinda; Romero-Ortuno, Roman; Tysinger, Bryan; May, Peter; Ahern, Emer; Kenny, Rose Anne; Atlantic Philanthropies; Health Research Board
Objectives: Falls represent an important inflection point in later life, increasing the risk of future adverse outcomes. This study aims to examine the association between an index fall, that is, a fall in a participant with no recent history of falls, and subsequent change in functional status, requirements for social care, and falls-related health care utilization.
Design: Longitudinal analysis of population-representative data.
Setting and Participants: Participants (n = 2454) aged ≥65 years from waves 1 to 3 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging.
Methods: Index falls were those reported at wave 2 in participants with no falls reported at wave 1. Falls/fractures, functional status (activities of daily living), and social care (home care, home help, and meals on wheels) were assessed by self-report. Regression models assessed the independent relationship between index falls and outcomes of interest.
Results: Twenty percent of participants (n = 493) reported an index fall. In participants who were functionally independent at baseline, an index fall was associated with functional impairment at 2-year follow-up (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% CI, 1.19-2.47; P = .004). Almost 12% with index falls developed functional impairment. In those not requiring home care at baseline, an index fall was independently associated with an almost 3-fold higher likelihood of requiring home care (OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.38-5.97; P = .005) and a higher number of monthly home care hours (β = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.18-1.34; P = .010) at 2-year follow-up. Almost 12% with index falls required “new” social supports. An index fall was independently associated with future falls–related emergency department presentations (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.14-2.49; P = .008), future fractures (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.08-2.15; P = .018), but not more general practitioner visits during follow-up.
Conclusions and Implications: This study demonstrates that even a single fall can signal a significant shift in the health and functional trajectories of community-dwelling older people, reinforcing the need for proactive and coordinated prevention strategies.
Awareness, perceptions, and educational preferences for AI among radiography students: A cross sectional survey
(Elsevier BV, 2026-06-06) Oglat, Ammar A.; Abukhalil, Tala; Isawi, Israa H.; Alzyoud, Kholoud; Oqlat, Ahmed A.; Salman, Mohammed Dawood; Alnawafleh, Tasnim M.; Bani-Ahmad, Mo’men
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining increasing significance in radiography. However, undergraduate radiography students often have limited exposure to AI principles and an incomplete understanding of its capabilities and limitations. This study evaluated radiography students’ self-reported familiarity with AI, perceptions of its role in medical imaging, and educational preferences.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted at a single institution in Jordan between March and August 2024. A self-administered, in-person paper questionnaire, adapted from a previously published survey, was distributed to students attending scheduled teaching sessions. Responses were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages.
Results: Of the 217 students approached, 180 participated (response rate 82.9%). Only 46.1% of respondents reported good familiarity with AI. Most students perceived AI as having useful applications in medical imaging and supported its integration into university training. However, when AI output conflicted with human judgement, 60.0% of students indicated that they would seek expert opinion, reflecting a cautious approach to AI-supported decision-making.
Conclusion: Radiography students reported positive attitudes toward AI and strong support for curricular integration, alongside caution about routine reliance on AI for decision making. Structured educational activities that provide practical exposure, clarify appropriate use cases, and emphasise human oversight may help students use AI safely and effectively in future practice.
Plain Language Summary: Artificial intelligence is being used more often in medical imaging, but students may not fully understand it. This study surveyed radiography students in Jordan to understand their knowledge of artificial intelligence, how they view its role, and how they want to learn about it. This study found that students welcomed its use but had limited understanding and preferred to seek expert advice when unsure. This matters because better teaching can help students use these tools safely and confidently in practice.
Functional genomic insights into Floricoccus penangensis ML061-4 isolated from leaf surface of Assam tea
(Nature Research, 2025-01-23) Rungsirivanich, Patthanasak; Parlindungan, Elvina; Mahony, Jennifer; Supandee, Witsanu; Thongwai, Narumol; van Sinderen, Douwe; National Research Council of Thailand, PHD60I0089; Chiang Mai University; Research Ireland, SFI, SFI/12/RC/2273a; SFI/12/RC/2273b
Floricoccus penangensis ML061-4 was originally isolated from the leaf surface of an Assam tea plant (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) from Northern Thailand. To assess the functions encoded by the F. penangensis ML061-4 genome, gene identification and annotation were undertaken by in silico analysis. The complete genome of F. penangensis ML061-4 consists of single chromosome of 2,159,127 base pairs, containing a GC content of 33.2% and encompassing 2049 predicted protein-encoding genes. A total of 1195 genes (58.0%) in the F. penangensis ML061-4 genome have assignable functions based on BlastKOALA analysis. Furthermore, 1235 genes (59.9%) were classified into six KEGG functional categories with 187 associated pathways, while 1419 genes (68.8%) were assigned a putative function by the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs) database. The ML061-4 genome was evaluated for genes associated with complex carbohydrate metabolism, bacterial adhesion, virulence factors, pathogenicity, bacteriophages, antiviral defence systems as well as toxin- and antibiotic-resistance associated genes, and genes involved in toxin production, secondary metabolite biosynthesis and xenobiotics biodegradation. The obtained results support the notion of F. penangensis ML061-4 being safe for biotechnological and food industry purposes. This is the first report outlining functional genomic insights regarding a member of the genus Floricoccus.