UCC Journals (Univ. College Cork)
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Editorial: Event Reports
No full textCharlotte Troy (Section Manager) provides the editorial for the Event Report section.
General anesthesia for a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder and postoperative respiratory failure: a case report
No full textBackground: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other comorbidities, such as obesity and diabetes, significantly increase the risk of postoperative complications, including respiratory failure. This case concerns a 53-year-old male patient (BT) who presented to Cork University Hospital for rigid bronchoscopy for debulking of his carcinoid tumour obstructing the left main bronchus. Upon emergence from anesthesia, the patient (BT) suffered bronchospasm, which progressed into respiratory failure.
Methods: The case study methodology involved a comprehensive review of the patient\u27s medical history, family background, and clinical presentation. An evaluation of respiratory complications and contributing risk factors for general anesthesia was done through a thorough review of the literature. Consent was obtained prior to drafting the case report.
Results: Postoperatively, the patient developed bronchospasm, leading to respiratory failure. Immediate interventions included the administration of anesthetic agents, Magnesium, and Ventolin. Chest imaging revealed mediastinal widening, atelectasis, and poor inspiratory effort. The patient also experienced gagging and hemoptysis.
Discussion: COPD is associated with increased postoperative complications, including prolonged mechanical ventilation. Low preoperative PaO2 is a significant risk factor for postoperative respiratory failure. Additionally, airway hyper-reactivity and bronchospasm can be triggered by pharyngeal and tracheal stimulation during the procedure.
Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation of pulmonary risks, particularly in COPD patients, is crucial for identifying potential complications. Anesthesia management, tailored to the patient\u27s unique conditions, plays a key role in reducing perioperative risks and improving outcomes in high-risk cases
Reaching the 6-hour target: a comparative analysis of patient characteristics and outcomes in the emergency department
No full textObjectives: Prolonged Emergency Department (ED) visits lead to overcrowding, compromising safe provision of care. To improve patient outcomes, the Emergency Medicine Programme for Ireland set a national target that 95% of ED attendees should be admitted or discharged within 6 hours. This study aims to define the characteristics of patients attending the ED and compare these characteristics for patients whose episode of care was or was not concluded within the 6-hour target.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Cork University Hospital (CUH), a level one major trauma centre. A total of 2,166 adult patients (aged >= 16 years) were included from the iPatient Manager database.
Results: Overall, 50.9% (n = 1,103) of patients had an episode of care lasting less than 6 hours. Over 75s were more likely to stay over 6 hours (n = 300, 68%). The most frequent presenting complaints were ‘limb problems’ (n = 218, 69%) under 6 hours and ‘shortness of breath’ (n = 73, 66%) over 6 hours. Most episodes of care concluded under 6 hours for self referrals and over 6 hours for 999 calls and GP referrals. Triage categories 1, 4 or 5 were more likely to stay in ED under 6 hours. Admitted patients were more likely to stay in ED over 6 hours (n = 606, 74%).
Conclusion: This study suggests national targets are not being met, indicating the need for better streamlined outpatient services and further resourcing for urgent care service planning and provision in the future
An Analysis of the Performance of Irish Higher Education Institutions Against Global Sustainability Ranking Systems
No full textThe escalating global climate crisis necessitates an urgent and transformative shift towards sustainability across all sectors of society, demanding both immediate action and long-term commitment. As part of the international response, global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have called upon Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to leverage their unique position to address environmental, social and economic challenges. However, the extent to which Irish HEIs are responding remains relatively unclear. This article analyses their performance against three leading international sustainability ranking systems: the QS World University Rankings; Sustainability, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking. Analysis reveals notable variation in Irish HEIs’ sustainability performance, with some institutions gaining strong international recognition while others remain less visible or absent from global rankings.
To explore the reasons behind this variation, this article examines the methodologies underpinning these ranking systems and investigates internal barriers within HEIs that may be limiting progress. Drawing on international literature, the review examines commonly reported barriers, including the complexity of sustainability, lack of senior management support, financial constraints and institutional resistance to change. In response, the article outlines strategic pathways to advance sustainability in Irish higher education, emphasising the need for long-term, collaborative approaches that can both support underrepresented institutions and sustain momentum in those already progressing. These findings contribute to broader conversations about how sustainability can be effectively embedded and measured across diverse Irish higher education contexts
Editorial: "Response: Reflection and Action"
No full textDr Natasha Dukelow and Dr Shruti Rajgopal (Aigne Editors-in-Chief) provide the editorial for Aigne volume 11: "Response: Reflection and Action"
Exploring Syncretic Approaches to Improvisatory Practices in Irish Bluegrass
No full textImprovisation as creative practice is an important part of many forms of music making. This research explores improvisation as creative practice among ‘Irish Bluegrass’ musicians situated within international bluegrass culture. I document how ‘Irish Bluegrass’ musicians triangulate their relationship with American bluegrass and Irish traditional music in instrumental improvisation. The term ‘Irish Bluegrass’ is used by community members to signify a specialized musical trend unfolding in Ireland featuring a high concentration of musicians that play both Irish traditional music and bluegrass. These musicians see themselves as part of both traditions working within a third space that incorporates elements of both genres.
Review: Geographies of Gender: Family and Law in Imperial Japan and Colonial Taiwan, by Tadashi Ishikawa
No full textClay Darcy reviews Geographies of Gender: Family and Law in Imperial Japan and Colonial Taiwan, by Tadashi Ishikawa. Cambridge University Press, 2025. 283 pp. eBook/Hardback €105.04 (ISBN:9781009534215 | doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/978100953421
Looked Down One Day About Three Years Ago
No full textThe winner of the 2025 Aigne Photo Competition, which features as the cover image for the volume.