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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Bipedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction in necrotising fasciitis following implantable contraceptive device insertion
(Elsevier BV, 2026-05-09) Msellati, Augustin; Christodoulides, Natasha; Dorairaj, Jemima
Summary: Necrotising Fasciitis (NF) is a severe infection leading to the destruction of muscle fascial compartments and overlying soft tissue. These infections arise following the direct disruption to one’s skin integrity, with large proportion of these infections due to group A streptoccous (GAS). These infections often lead to extensive tissue defects rendering reconstruction challenging.
This report looks at the first recorded case of necrotising fasciitis following insertion of an implantable contraceptive device. In this case of GAS NF, reconstruction with a bipedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flap was performed to achieve coverage of a large soft tissue defect of the left upper limb. This method of reconstruction allowed for complete coverage of the wound, despite its extensive size, all while providing good function of the limb and an aesthetically pleasing result.
Diagnostic challenges in pediatric infectious encephalitis: applicability of the international encephalitis consortium criteria and prognostic factors in a multicenter study
(Wolters Kluwer, 2026-10-19) García Bailo, Celia; Alonso-Cadenas, José Antonio; Cantarín, Verónica; Bidaurrazaga García, Klaudia Irati; Velasco, Roberto; Calvo Cillán, Alicia; Borrull Senra, Ana María; López Fernández, Cristina; Olaciregui Echenique, Izaskun; Méndez Sánchez, Alejandra; Campo Fernández, Nathalie; Collazo Vallduriola, Iris; González Abad, María; García Blanco, Celia; de la Iglesia Rivaya, Ana; Escolà Morales, Laura; Figueroa Jiménez, Sara; Valle T-Figueras, Inés; Gómez, Borja
Background:
The International Encephalitis Consortium (IEC) criteria are widely used to diagnose pediatric encephalitis, although their performance has not been evaluated.
Objective:
To evaluate IEC criteria in children with suspected encephalitis and identify prognostic factors associated with adverse outcomes.
Methods:
Secondary analysis of a retrospective multicenter study including children aged <18 years undergoing cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction testing for suspected encephalitis in 10 Spanish Pediatric Emergency Departments between 2017 and 2023. Patients were classified according to the IEC criteria. Children fulfilling the major criterion and 1 minor criterion plus pathogen confirmation were classified as subthreshold encephalitis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify prognostic factors for adverse outcomes.
Results:
Of 446 children, 118 met IEC criteria (60 confirmed, 15 probable, 43 possible encephalitis). Twenty additional cases were classified as subthreshold encephalitis. Rates of adverse outcomes were similar in both groups (31.4% vs. 30.0%). Independent predictors of adverse outcomes were abnormal neuroimaging (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6–6.4; P < 0.001), focal neurologic deficits (aOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3–5.2; P = 0.01), bacterial etiology (aOR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.05–6.8; P = 0.03), seizures (aOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0–4.5; P = 0.04) and microbiologic confirmation (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0–3.6; P = 0.048).
Conclusions:
Children with altered mental status and an encephalitis-associated pathogen but only 1 minor IEC criterion may represent missed encephalitis cases. Microbiologic confirmation, particularly bacterial etiology, and 3 minor IEC criteria were independently associated with worse outcomes, with abnormal neuroimaging being the strongest predictor.
Bio-inspired semi-submersible platform for improving the hydrodynamic stability of floating vertical-axis wind turbines
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-08-15) Liu, Kunpeng; Huang, Haoda; Liu, Qingsong; Zhang, Qiang; Li, Chun; Iglesias, Gregorio; Wang, Jin; Bashir, Musa; Horizon Europe, 101204880; UK Research and Innovation, UKRI, TS/Y005236/1-TS/X018407/1-TS/Y006364/1; National Key Research and Development Program of China, NKRDPC, 2024YFA1012500; National Natural Science Foundation of China, NSFC, 52376204; Liverpool John Moores University, LJMU; University of Liverpool, UoL
Floating vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) offer high power density, directional insensitivity and convenient operation and maintenance; however, their large power fluctuations and limited survivability under extreme sea states hinder utility-scale deployment. To address these challenges, this study proposes a water hyacinth (WH)-inspired semi-submersible platform incorporating biomimetic buoyancy chambers parameterized using Bézier curves. Three configurations (WHS, WHM, and WHL) are developed and evaluated using a Dynamic Fluid-Body Interaction (DFBI) approach coupled with a Volume of Fluid (VOF) model under combined wind-wave loading. The biomimetic geometry modifies the added-mass distribution, hydrodynamic damping, and local flow structures around the platform, leading to reductions of up to 16.3%, 15.5%, and 15.0% in the dominant surge, heave, and pitch responses, respectively. Among the three configurations, WHM exhibits the most balanced hydrodynamic performance. Further comparisons with spherical, cylindrical, and disc-shaped buoyancy structures of equivalent volume demonstrate that the improved stability originates from the biomimetic morphology rather than buoyancy enhancement alone. When integrated into a floating VAWT system, the WHM platform reduces surge, heave, and pitch responses by 0.8%, 11%, and 10%, respectively, while decreasing the power spectral density of the power coefficient by approximately 18.6%. Overall, the proposed WH-inspired platform provides an effective passive strategy for improving the hydrodynamic stability and smoothing power output of floating VAWTs.
The MetaBó-Bainne Study – characterisation of the milk metabolome from a seasonal pasture-based dairy system using 1H-NMR spectroscopy
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026-07-30) Rojas-Gómez, Paula; Pariyani, Raghunath; Dineen, Michael; Lynch, Denis; Bateman, Lorraine; Roche, Eoghan; Maguire, Anita R; McCarthy, Noel A; Murphy, Thomas Brendan; O'Mahony, James A; O'Callaghan, Tom F; Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland, DAFM, 2021R568; Science Foundation Ireland, SFI, 15/RI/3221-21/RI/9705; Research Ireland, 21/RC/10303_P2
This study aims to characterise the milk metabolome from a seasonal pasture-based dairy system using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Over 41 weeks, ten dairy farms were visited weekly for the collection of raw bulk tank milk samples (n = 410) and three commercial pasteurised skimmed milks were also purchased weekly (n = 123). In total, 38 milk metabolites were quantified, 30 of which exhibited significant seasonal variation. Multivariate analysis identified several key compounds associated with seasonal metabolic changes. Winter-Feb milk, corresponding to early-lactation period, was enriched in ketone bodies, O-phosphocholine, creatinine, and glucose-1-phosphate, reflecting increased metabolic stress and negative energy balance following parturition. In contrast, autumn milk, corresponding to late-lactation, contained higher concentrations of choline and urea, indicative of improved energy status but reduced nitrogen use efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of milk metabolomics as a valuable tool for monitoring physiological status and guiding interventions to enhance sustainability in dairy systems.
Is physical activity and sport participation equal for all adolescents in Ireland?
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026-06-10) Ng, Kwok; O'Brien, Wesley; Woods, Catherine; Sport Ireland; Sport Northern Ireland
Objectives: Physical activity and sport participation is seen as a vehicle for social integration in a changing and rapidly advancing society. Physical activity and sport participation rates among immigrants are low, but less is known about how the rates differ by nationality groups. The aims of this study were to examine the levels of physical activity and sport participation through school and community sport activities by nationality groups and how they differ to Irish adolescents. Design: Secondary data analyses on the Children's Sport Participation and Physical Activity 2022 study were carried out, with disaggregation by eight nationality groups (Irish/Northern Irish, Eastern European, Western European, South Asian, East Asian, North American, African, and Other). Methods: Extracurricular sports, community sports by type, school representation, and overall physical activity were measured. Logistic regression analyses were carried out with Irish adolescents as the reference category. Results: Of the 8881 adolescents, 14% were from non-Irish nationality groups. Lower levels of school and community sport participation were reported, particularly for Eastern European (school odds ratio = 0.6, confidence interval = 0.5–0.9; community odds ratio = 0.5, confidence interval = 0.4–0.7) and East Asian (school odds ratio = 0.5, confidence interval = 0.4–0.8; community odds ratio = 0.2, confidence interval = 0.2–0.4) nationality groups. Daily physical activity was also lower for non-Irish adolescents than their Irish peers. Conclusions: With these findings, sporting authorities have a baseline of findings that can inform how well the current and future policies on diversity and inclusion have been on physical activity and sport participation of adolescents.