UCC Journals (Univ. College Cork)
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Immortalizing Sacred Spaces: A Virtual Conversation: Reflecting on Authenticity and the Future of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
No full textEvent: Immortalizing Sacred Spaces: A Virtual Conversation Venue: Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Ontario, Canada Date: 30th April 202
Review: Deportation Limbo: State Violence in the Nordics, by Annika Lindberg
No full textLewis Ebert reviews Deportation Limbo: State Violence and Contestations in the Nordics, by Annika Lindberg. Manchester University Press, 2022. 208 pp. £25.00 (ISBN: 9781526160874
Editorial Masthead
No full textVolume 11, 2025
Response: Reflection and Action
(Published online February 2026)
Editor-in-Chief
Dr Natasha Dukelow and Dr Shruti Rajgopal
Editorial Board
Gianmarco Balzani, Aoibhínn Callaghan, Jordan Carolan, Kathleen Coker, Wei Chen, Darragh Counihan, Ella Doran, Gabrielle Dufrene, Dr Natasha Dukelow, Guy Gerba, Shannon Freegrove, Tobias Heyduk, Raymond Jarvis, Richard Keyes McDonnell, Matteo Moraschini, Dr Shruti Rajgopal, Charlotte Troy
CACSSS Conference Paper Editors
Ella Doran, Gabrielle Dufrene, Guy Gerba (Section Manager), Richard Keyes McDonnell, Matteo Moraschini
Book Review Editors
Jordan Carolan (Section Manager), Darragh Counihan, Tobias Heyduk, Shannon Freegrove
Academic Event Report Editors
Wei Chen, Raymond Jarvis, Charlotte Troy (Section Manager)
Creative Editors
Gianmarco Balzani (Section Manager), Aoibhínn Callaghan, Kathleen Coker
Web Editors
Charlotte Troy, Aoibhínn Callaghan
Social Media Editor
Dr Natasha Dukelow
ProofreaderMegan Wilson
Other Members of the Editorial Board for Volume 11 (partial term)Laurence Counihan, Melanie Daly, Dr Vassileois Varelas, Megan Wilson
Publication Advisor
Dr Barry Monahan (Vice Head of College—Graduate Studies)
Analgesic efficacy of a single dose intrathecal morphine in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP)
No full textBackground: The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists has established guidelines for anaesthesia in laparoscopic surgery, but detailed protocols for perioperative pain management in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (RALP) are lacking (1). This study evaluated the analgesic efficacy of a single intrathecal morphine (ITM) dose in RALP.
Methods: Following Ethics Committee approval, a retrospective chart review of 79 patient charts that underwent RALP procedures between 01/01/2021 and 31/05/2023 was conducted. One patient was excluded due to regular codeine use. Patients were divided into ITM (n=18) and non-ITM (NITM, n=60). Outcomes included recovery room pain scores, opioid requirements, time to first opioid request, 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption, opioid-related side effects, and anti-emetic usage. Data was analyzed using SPSS, with P<0.05 considered significant.
Results: The median [IQR] ITM dose was 200 [50] micrograms. Pain scores in the RR and 24-hour opioid consumption were similar between groups. However, the ITM group had a longer time to first opioid request compared to the NITM group (16.64 [22.9] vs. 1.32 [7.78] hours, P=0.05). Morphine-related side effects were more frequent in the ITM group (16.7% vs. 0%, P<0.001), as was anti-emetic usage (55.6% vs. 15.3%, P=0.001).
Conclusion: In conclusion, a single dose of intrathecal morphine delayed the time to first opioid request in RALP patients but was associated with higher rates of side effects and anti-emetic use. These findings highlight the need to weigh the benefits of analgesia against the potential for increased adverse effects in patients undergoing RALP.
References:
Iqbal H, Gray M, Gowrie-Mohan S. Anaesthesia for Robot-Assisted urological surgery. Tutorial of the week, 6 Aug 2019. https://resources.wfsahq.org/wp-content/uploads/408_english.pdf (Accessed 13 Jan 2025)
Intracranial Vein of Galen Malformation and its management
No full textBackground: Vein of Galen Malformation (VOGM) is a rare congenital arteriovenous malformation affecting the paediatric population, characterized by a fistula between the diencephalon and a dilated vein of Galen.
Case Description: This report presents the case of a 6-month-old male infant referred for developmental delays and abnormal head circumference. Clinical examination revealed macrocephaly, dilated scalp veins, and neurological abnormalities. Neuroimaging, including CT, MRI and MRA, confirmed a large VOGM with associated hydrocephalus. Furthermore, an echocardiography revealed a high-flow cardiac murmur, confirming the hemodynamic impact of the VOGM. A multidisciplinary team devised a treatment plan involving a combined transvenous and trans-arterial endovascular embolization method using a “kissing microcatheter technique” and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Postoperative recovery showed improvement in neurodevelopmental milestones and reduced head circumference. VOGM management requires a comprehensive approach, including early diagnosis, precise imaging, and timely intervention.
Conclusion: This is a novel case because the interventional radiology speciality approach demonstrates the optimum diagnosticand preplanning investigations for cases of vascular origin. In addition, the kissing microcatheter endovascular embolisation technique highlights the importance of considering this innovative surgical option in complex vascular cases
A Rasmussen Encephalitis in an adolescent girl
No full textIntroduction: A 12-year-old female presented to clinic with various features of cognitive decline, including headaches, worseningacademic performance, and decline in writing abilities and social skills. On neurological examination, she was found to have intrinsic muscle weakness in the right hand, reduced grip and wrist extension of the right arm, pronator drift of the right arm, and left hemiglossal atrophy, along with lessened spontaneous speech abilities. She had no dysarthria, sensory loss, or reduction of tone. The differential diagnoses considered for this patient were chronic viral encephalitis and autoimmune encephalitis.
Case Report: Initial tests included serology (Full Blood Count and IgG Antibody) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, both of which were unremarkable. Angiography results were also normal. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) depicted left cerebral hemisphere atrophy and T2 hyperintensity in the frontal lobe. Electrophoresis and flow cytometry were not indicative of oligoclonal bands or NMDA-receptor antibodies. Most interestingly, routine EEG did not demonstrate epileptic activity (the hallmark sign of RE), but right-sided amplitude predominance indicated left hemispheric dysfunction. Surgical intervention involved a biopsy of the anterior middle frontal gyrus. The biopsy depicted CD45+ T-cell lymphocyte infiltration, microglial nodules, cortical atrophy, neuronal loss, and cytomegalic dysplastic neurons, which altogether are indicative of Rasmussen Encephalitis.
Conclusion: The patient was started on immunosuppressive therapy, including tacrolimus, methylprednisolone, and Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG). 6-month follow-up demonstrated interval progression of atrophy, and 15-month follow-up demonstrated improvement in right extremity strength. Immunosuppression was continued, and the patient continues to be seizure-free with no further worsening of cognitive abilitie
Narratives of Violence: The Last Messages of Mass Murderers
No full textBefore committing acts of mass violence, some perpetrators leave behind writings, videos, or manifestos, what researchers call legacy tokens. These final messages serve as their last attempt to justify their actions, explain their motivations, or cement their place in history, ensuring that their story is remembered (Meloy & Hoffman, 2013). This article explores what these documents tell us about why people commit mass murder, what themes they emphasize, and how they shape public narratives about violenc
Exploring the biopsychosocial impact of recalcitrant eczema - a case report
No full textIntroduction: A 13-year-old female patient presents with a complex case of severe eczema ongoing for over a year. This case report integrates the biopsychosocial model, focusing on the biological, psychological, and social determinants affecting flare onset and guiding the treatment plan.
Methods: Consent was obtained from the patient and her mother. A comprehensive review of the patient\u27s medical file, including past medical and surgical history, family, and social history was conducted. A multidisciplinary approach drawing on opinions from dermatology, primary care, and social work, was used to optimize treatment.
Results: Through a biological perspective, the patient has widespread excoriation and lichenification throughout the body, likely attributed to hormonal changes associated with menarche and family history. Psychologically, the patient described a shift from her previously calm demeanor to a more agitated and anxious state. Socially, the patient reports social withdrawal and the stigma associated with her flares.
Discussion: This case highlights the importance of incorporating the biopsychosocial model when treating severe and relapsing cases of eczema in pediatric populations. Dealing with chronic, worsening flares, as reported in the case, highlights the vital need for a multidisciplinary approach to address the emotional and physical impacts.
Conclusion: The patient\u27s case represents a common pediatric presentation in general practice and illustrates the necessity of incorporating the biopsychosocial model when addressing treatment options for chronic skin conditions such as eczema.
Aortic valve replacement via mini-sternotomy versus full sternotomy: a single centre retrospective cohort study
No full textBackground: The traditional method of aortic valve replacement (AVR) is via full sternotomy. However, this incision may not heal properly and cause significant pain. Minimally-invasive methods have been adopted, including mini-sternotomy, gaining popularity due to a smaller incision, reducing surgical trauma. The hypothesis is that AVR via mini-sternotomy is a safe alternative to full sternotomy.
Methods: This retrospective study compares 2 groups; AVR via mini- and via full sternotomy. Inclusion criteria were all patients 18 and over who underwent AVR between September 2016 and December 2022 in Cork University Hospital. Patients who underwent concomitant cardiac procedures were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA software. Continuous data was analysed using the student t-test. Categorical data was analysed using the Pearson chi-squared test. A p value of <0.05 was deemed statistically significant.
Results: 169 patients were included; 96 and 73 in the mini- and full sternotomy groups, respectively. Groups were well matched in terms of baseline characteristics including age, BMI, and co-morbidities. The mini-sternotomy group showed a statistically significantly shorter hospital length of stay (t(166)=4.24, p=0.000). There were no statistically significant differences in intra- (t(167)=1.8, p=0.067) and post-operative blood transfusion requirements (t(167)=0.53, p=0.592). The mini-sternotomy group had significantly longer cross-clamp (t(167)=-2.1, p=0.039) and cardio-pulmonary bypass times (t(167)=-2.45, p=0.015).
Conclusion: AVR via mini-sternotomy has been associated with shorter hospital stay, with the drawback of increased cross-clamp and cardio-pulmonary bypass times. This retrospective study demonstrates mini-sternotomy as a safe alternative to full sternotomy, in the cohort studied
Cultural impacts on psychiatric care for pre- and post-diagnosed patients and their respective health outcomes
No full textGiven the cultural influences and perceptions surrounding psychiatry, this has led to hesitancy and delays in seeking mental health services and treatment. Even the process of being diagnosed is affected by cultural perceptions and physician bias, as symptomatology differs between various minority groups, resulting in misdiagnoses and further delays. Compounded with pre-existing disparities and a perception that mental health conditions are inferior to other medical conditions, cultural minorities have experienced poorer health outcomes and a reduction in quality of life. Only with a better understanding of the cultural impacts on pre- and post-diagnosis and treatment can psychiatry better serve its patients and provide effective care.