Podcasts about rcsi university

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 546, an interview with the authors of Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection, Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener.   Most conversations barely scratch the surface, because true connection isn't just about hearing words, it's about listening with purpose and presence.   In this episode, Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener introduce the concept of Radical Listening: an intentional, culturally aware approach to making others feel seen, heard, and valued. Drawing from their research and coaching experiences, they explain why our intentions behind listening matter just as much as the act itself and how distractions, politeness, and even the need to be right can undermine true connection. They share practical strategies leaders can use to build stronger teams, navigate conflict, and create space for deeper conversations, even across cultural differences.   Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh (PhD) is a leading academic and executive coach with an international reputation. He is Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Ireland) and Principal Fellow at the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne (Australia). Christian delivers consultancy, training, and executive coaching globally, regularly presenting in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. He is passionate about motorcycling, writing, and coaching.   Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is a researcher, author, and consultant with 75 peer-reviewed academic articles and over 27,000 citations. His previous books include The Upside of Your Dark Side (New York Times bestseller, 2014) and the 2007 PROSE Award winner, Happiness. He has presented keynotes to Lululemon, Deloitte, Humana, AARP, the World Bank, and others. In 2024, Thinkers50 named Robert one of the “50 most influential executive coaches in the world.” He lives in Portland, Oregon, and enjoys drawing and rock climbing.   Get Radical Listening here: https://rb.gy/z5x7wt   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo  

Public drinking water facilities should be introduced around Ireland, after a pilot project found it drastically reduces the amount of soft drinks children have. That's according to Dr Grace O'Malley from the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences who explained why to Ciara this morning.

Public drinking water facilities should be introduced around Ireland, after a pilot project found it drastically reduces the amount of soft drinks children have. That's according to Dr Grace O'Malley from the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences who explained why to Ciara this morning.

Having the ability to manage uncertainty is helpful in all professions, but perhaps especially so in medicine where uncertainty abounds and the stakes for managing it are high. Despite that, medical students receive little training in this area, something which our guest today, Dr. Jenny Moffett of RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dublin, is working to change. “There are approaches to uncertainty that can be learned. We can change our perspective and perceptions around uncertainty, stepping away from always viewing it as something aversive, but perhaps maybe looking at it with a little bit more curiosity and openness, and that's definitely a transformation that faculty can make,” says Dr. Moffett, the program director of the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education. In addition to a perspective shift, Moffett also believes providers should develop skills to talk about uncertainty with patients in an open and honest way. “Clinicians can say, I'm on this journey with you. I don't have all of the answers, but we have paths, we have options, and I'll be there with you as we work them out.” Join host Caleb Furnas as he explores Dr. Moffett's fascinating work in this area which includes development of an immersive puzzle game that encourages students to address complex, ambiguous, and unpredictable issues.Mentioned in this episode:RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at www.osmosis.org/raisethelinepodcast

In a special episode of Talking Bollox the lads have teamed up with Science week 2024 for a chat about gene editing.What exactly is it? What can it be used for? What are the future plans for it's use and are reports of a future of 'designer babies' true or false?To answer these and many other questions the boys are joined by Annie Curtis, a Professor of Circadian Immunology at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences to brilliantly break it all down.Science Week is a national celebration of science with hundreds of events for people of all ages taking place across Ireland. Science Week 2024 will be taking place from the 10th – 17th November.This year's message is about iharnessing the power of regeneration. The decisions we make today will greatly impact future generations and so it is important to take learnings from the past to inform our decisions for the future.This Science Week, there is something for every generation with events happening all over the country.Let's celebrate our innate ability to reinvent, rejuvenate and regenerate.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O'Donovan TD has today announced €27.5m in funding for 290 projects under the Government of Ireland postgraduate scholarship and postdoctoral fellowship programmes. The Government of Ireland schemes support exceptional early-career researchers to pursue cutting-edge research with world-class potential in any discipline across the sciences, engineering, arts and humanities. Minister O'Donovan TD said, "Following the establishment of Research Ireland earlier this year, I am delighted to announce this very significant investment in top research talent." "Ireland has a strong reputation for research and innovation and it is vital that we continue to invest in future research leaders who, together, can play a key role in addressing the many challenges we face and the opportunities open to us." "The ability to attract and retain excellent researchers within Ireland is key to the success of our knowledge economy for the long-term, and the Government of Ireland programme supports this aim. I wish the many researchers supported under the 2024 programme every success with their projects." The highly competitive programme enables the development of high-level skills and knowledge for current and future challenges across a variety of settings, including industry, the public sector, civil society and academia. All awardees are based in Ireland's higher education and research-performing organisations. The scheme is a unique facet of the Research Ireland portfolio, facilitating early-career researchers to lead on the development and implementation of their research ideas. The investment this year will fund 210 postgraduate scholars and 80 postdoctoral fellows. Celine FitzGerald, Interim CEO of Research Ireland said, "Research Ireland is delighted to be making this major investment in new research talent. A diverse range of early-career researchers working across a spectrum of disciplines will benefit from this funding, including awardees funded by the programme's valued partners." "The 290 awardees have demonstrated through rigorous international assessment the quality of their projects and the capacity to contribute new insights and solutions to technological, scientific, environmental, social and cultural challenges." Successful Awardees Some of the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme awardees include: Niamh Clarke, of University College Dublin, whose award will investigate the potential of a specific chemical compound to protect brain cells from damage and reduce seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy, the most common form of the condition. Ronan Farrell, of Technological University of the Shannon, whose project will look at novel manufacturing techniques that will aid the fabrication of antimicrobial surfaces on reusable food packaging. Stephanie Thompson, of Maynooth University, whose law-based project will conduct a feasibility study on the introduction of a specialised domestic violence court in Ireland. Ana Oliveira Buckley from University College Cork, whose project will look at the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the development of individualised speech and language therapy for young children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Tadgh Farrell of Trinity College Dublin, whose project, 'Environments of Conflict' will study warfare and climate change in late medieval Ireland, from 1300 to 1530. Dermot Wildes, from RCSI University of Medical and Health Sciences, who will investigate the serious condition of acute kidney injury (AKI) in neonatal intensive care. Some of the Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme awardees: Jizhong Meng, of Teagasc, will investigate innovative bipolar membrane electrodialysis for organic fertiliser production as a means to empower organic farming. Tom Spalding, of Dublin City University, will undertake a study of the social history of street furniture in Munster, its ...

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O'Donovan TD has today announced a Research Ireland Strategic Partnership Award of €5 million to researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences for breast cancer research. The award will fund the 'PRISM' (Precision Oncology Research Initiative for Metastatic Breast Cancer) programme, which focuses on advanced breast cancer and aims to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients. PRISM will be led by the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, with Professor Leonie Young, Scientific Director of the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, serving as the Programme Director and Dr Damir Vareslija as Co-Director. Minister O'Donovan said, "I am delighted to announce this funding for PRISM, which brings together experts from the academic, pharmaceutical and charitable sectors over the next four years. Partnership is so often a critical factor in determining the success of research endeavours. I am confident that this breast cancer research collaboration will enhance understanding and treatment of this disease." The pioneering initiative, funded by Research Ireland, Breast Cancer Ireland and Carrick Therapeutics, represents a significant advancement in the fight against advanced breast cancer. Key collaborators include University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Galway and Cancer Trials Ireland. In Ireland, more than 3,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year, many of which progress to metastatic disease - a form that is difficult to treat. PRISM brings together a team of researchers and experts to introduce the first national longitudinal multi-omic study for advanced breast cancer patients, using comprehensive genomic profiling to better understand and target the mechanisms of breast cancer spread (metastasis) and, consequently, develop new, effective treatments. Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, said, "Research Ireland is proud to support PRISM through our Strategic Partnership Programme. By combining the expertise of academia, industry, and patient advocacy groups, the PRISM programme is opening the door to the prospect of more treatment options for patients with advanced breast cancer." Ash Bahl, CSO of Carrick Therapeutics, said, "Carrick Therapeutics is pleased to partner on the PRISM project. By pooling our expertise in research that aligns with our drug development strategy, we are very optimistic that this project will produce successful results." Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, added, "Breast Cancer Ireland is proud to co-fund the PRISM project. By supporting this innovative research, we aim to bring hope to patients and their families by working towards the discovery of newer, more effective targeted drug treatments for advanced breast cancer." Professor Fergal O'Brien, Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at RCSI, said, "Through this strategic partnership, our researchers are embarking on a journey that aligns with RCSI's aim to find innovative solutions that translate into new technologies for the benefit of patient health."

Sweden has recorded Europe's first case of a new variant of mpox virus. This comes after the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency this week after it's spread in central and east Africa. We speak to Professor Sam McConkey, Head of the department of international health and tropical medicine at RCSI University of Medicine Health Sciences.

Sweden has recorded Europe's first case of a new variant of mpox virus. This comes after the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency this week after it's spread in central and east Africa. We speak to Professor Sam McConkey, Head of the department of international health and tropical medicine at RCSI University of Medicine Health Sciences.

A remote screening platform for children in need of speech therapy, a cloud-based system to streamline the medical management of homeless people and theatre workshops for people with dementia are among the five pilot projects selected by Smart D8 to transform health and wellbeing in Dublin 8. Smart D8, an urban health initiative using innovation to improve and sustain community health and wellbeing in Dublin 8, has announced a record number of successful applicants from its fourth pilot call. The fourth call follows three years of successful projects that have enhanced community health and wellbeing in Dublin 8, with 12 projects already bringing long-lasting and positive impacts to the local area over the past three years. To date, projects have reached over 6,000 citizens in and around the Dublin 8 district and originally stemmed from community-led research that identified unmet population health and wellness needs. Continuing the success and growth of the initiative, the five pilot projects selected are: Kids Speech Labs, which was founded by Dr Shona D'Arcy, addresses the critical issue of extensive waiting lists for children's speech and language therapy in Dublin. Through a remote screening platform, speech and language therapists can identify areas of need in children's speech and offer support and resources to parents while they wait for appointments. Dublin Simon Community, will soon be opening a 100-bed medical facility at Usher's Island in Dublin 8. The organisation aims to combat issues in paper-based hospital administration at the facility by implementing a digital medication management system through Digicare. Coordinated by Eavanna Maloney and Naomi Nicholson, the cloud-based application seeks to streamline management, reduce admin, enhance patient care and minimise health complications for a vulnerable population who often face barriers to accessing healthcare. Led by Lyndsey Watson and Sonia Neary of Wellola, Portasana aims to transform Population Health by offering a patient-facing digital care pathway solution, which empowers and educates patients, supports self-management and reduces face to face hospital appointments. The initiative fills critical gaps in mainstream healthcare practice by enhancing patient care. Wellola are collaborating with St James's Hospital to provide digitised care pathways for chronic disease management to improve population health outcomes across Dublin city. Initiated by Dr Jenny Fortune, CP-Life Research Centre at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences will develop an innovative web dashboard to serve as a directory of local services and supports for citizens with disabilities. The pilot will empower disabled individuals through crowd-sourcing and knowledge sharing, reducing barriers to access to essential services and improving overall health and wellbeing in the community. The Brain Health pilot, led by Dr Nicholas Johnson and collaborators at Trinity College Dublin and the Global Brain Health Institute, will create an educational and awareness program using theatre workshops with Dublin 8 residents affected by dementia. The pilot aims to raise awareness of dementia and preventative activities, destigmatize the condition and empower citizens to take control of their cognitive health. In collaboration with OT Platform and extended partners, the pilot aims to position Dublin 8 as a pioneer in dementia prevention and serve as a model for brain health initiatives city-wide. Jack Lehane, Smart D8 Ecosystem Manager, said: "Each year we receive excellent applications for our pilot calls and this year was no exception. With a record five successful projects, we are delighted to see the growth of Smart D8 take shape and we are confident that these pilots can address key issues affecting the Dublin 8 community and beyond. Cross-sectoral collaboration that enables healthcare innovation mixed with scalable potential is at the heart of Smart D8 and this year's projects will great...

Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced that he expects an Irish Covid Inquiry. Is this a realistic goal for the government? And what should we expect?Joining Kieran to discuss is Executive Editor of the Daily Mail Group Ireland, John Lee and Professor Sam McConkey from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

In this episode, Prof Hill describes a systematic approach to evaluating lumps in the clinic and subsequent managementProfessor Hill is Professor and Chair of Surgery in RCSI, Beaumont and Head of the School of Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. He graduated from UCD and did his basic surgical training in Dublin, and his middle grade surgical training in London. He did a basic two year fellowship with Dr John Daly at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and The New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center in the United States. He returned to Ireland to do his Senior Registrar training on the National Training Program in Ireland. He also did a Clinical Fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York prior to taking up his consultant appointment. His clinical interests are in the area of breast cancer and melanoma. His laboratory research interest are in the transcriptional control of breast cancer in particular the role of the coregulatory proteins.

Professor Eva Doherty, Director of Human Factors in Patient Safety, DClinPsych, CClinPsychol (AFPsSI), CPsychol (AFBPsS), PFHEA, FEACH. Eva is a practising clinical psychologist, Associate Professor and Director of the Human Factors in Patient Safety (HFPS) training, research and assessment programme at the National Surgical Training Centre, Department of Surgical Affairs, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The HFPS training is a mandatory component of the postgraduate professional training for surgical, emergency medicine, radiology and ophthalmology trainees. The programme provides interactive workshops for trainees and more recently for consultants on topics which include medical error, risk management, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, decision-making, open disclosure, emotional intelligence, crisis management, resilience, professionalism and leadership. Eva pioneered and currently directs the academic Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Human Factors in Patient Safety which is an inter-professional one/two year part-time online programme. Eva's recent publications and research interests include communication issues in Irish hospitals; personality factors in medical education and the assessment of improvements and remediation of communication skills. In recognition of Eva's contribution to medical education and to communication training in healthcare, Eva was awarded a Principal Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy in the U.K. and an honorary fellowship by the International Association for Communication in Healthcare.

The universal mandatory wearing of masks in hospitals and other healthcare areas by patients, visitors and staff has come to an end this week. It follows recent advice from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. It will now be a matter for each hospital to decide on how this should apply in practice. Sam McConkey is an infectious Disease Specialist at the RCSI University of Medicine and Jack Lambert is Professor of Infectious Diseases at the UCD school of Medicine.Joined Kieran to discuss their reaction to the news.

Nearly every Physician fights a gladiator-like battle every single week. And come Monday morning when you enter that arena you must mentally and physically prepare. The Sunday Scaries doesn't have to intimidate you, scare you or overwhelm you. It's time we talk about it in the open and make it well, not so scary ... anymore. By Michael Tetreault, Editor-in-Chief, Concierge Medicine Today/Host, The DocPreneur Leadership Podcast The Cleveland Clinic defines Sunday Scaries as "feelings of intense anxiety and dread that routinely occur every Sunday."1 CNN Health even wrote a story entitled How to ward off the ‘Sunday scaries' before the new week begins. Written by Jolanta Burke at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences she writes, For many people, the Sunday scaries also happen due to the work they left behind on Friday evening. The anticipation of the next day, the work you might have to do and all the emails you'll need to catch up on can cause anxiety. But working through the weekend isn't the answer either – and could actually leave your mental health worse off. [2] (Source/Credit: CNN Health; Published 8:02 AM EDT, Sun August 14, 2022) RELATED PODCAST | MENTAL HEALTH | FOR DOCTORS(LISTEN) EP 382 | CMT SPOTLIGHT, Concierge Psychiatry, Meet Dr. Brook Choulet in Scottsdale AZ. On today's podcast we talk about what it means, ways to reduce anxiety[3], ideas Physicians can use to wrestle with this topic and more. Maybe your Sunday is on Wednesday afternoon, depending on your hectic schedule. Whatever the day may bring, the Sunday blues, the Sunday Scaries ... it's contributing to Physician burnout and we need to talk about it so it's not quite so scary anymore. Why? Nearly every Physician fights a gladiator-like battle every single week. And come Monday morning when you enter that arena you must mentally and physically prepare. The Sunday Scaries doesn't have to intimidate you, scare you or overwhelm you. It's time we talk about it in the open and make it well, not so scary ... anymore. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/docpreneurnation/2023-tet-sunday-scaries-eco.mp3 Articles Referenced, Citations & Sources Cleveland Clinic; Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, explains why some of us struggle with our day of rest and offers a few helpful tips for making it more bearable; What are the 'Sunday Scaries'?; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sunday-scaries/ CNN Health; by Jolanta Burke at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Published 8:02 AM EDT, Sun August 14, 2022; https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/14/health/sunday-anxiety-weekend-wellness-partner/index.html Why People Get the ‘Sunday Scaries'; By Joe Pinsker; https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/02/sunday-scaries-anxiety-workweek/606289/ What Are the Sunday Scaries?; By VERY WELLMIND; Ways to Reduce Anxiety on Sunday Nights; Written By Kristen Fuller, MD; Updated on July 21, 2022; Medically reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS; SOURCE: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-sunday-scaries-5094087#citation-3   OTHER RESOURCES FOR PHYSICIANS https://members.fordoctorsforum.org/ www.ConciergeMedicineFORUM.com www.ConciergeMedicineToday.org www.ConciergeMedicineToday.net LISTEN TO AND BROWSE OTHER CONCIERGE MEDICINE TODAY PODCASTS … DISCLAIMER AND USE: In no event is this information considered medical, legal, tax, financial, accounting or other professional advice (Please see full disclaimer below). This Podcast Is Subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use (https://conciergemedicinetoday.org/tcpp/) and is recorded/hosted by Concierge Medicine Today, LLC. Concierge Medicine Today, LLC., our representatives, agents or employees accept no responsibility or liability for direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages or financial costs or claims made by the Physician(s) interviewed or our guests.

Guest: Trudy Meehan is a lecturer at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health at The RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Ireland and she joins John to explain how and why ‘Joy' should be high up on our adult ‘to do' list. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is expected to hold an inquiry into our handling of the COVID pandemic later in the year. To discuss this possibility Ciara spoke to Professor Sam McConkey Infectious Disease Specialist at the RCSI University of Medicine.

The government is expected to hold an inquiry into our handling of the COVID pandemic later in the year. To discuss this possibility Ciara spoke to Professor Sam McConkey Infectious Disease Specialist at the RCSI University of Medicine.

Christian van Nieuwerburgh (PhD) is an academic, consultant and executive coach. He is the Chief Executive of the International Centre for Coaching in Education which was established in 2010 to encourage, champion and support the use of coaching in educational settings. He is Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Global Director for Growth Coaching International, a provider of coach training and consultancy for the education sector, Principal Fellow of the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education of the University of Melbourne (Australia) and Honorary CollectivEd Fellow of the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett University . He has written extensively in the fields of coaching and positive psychology and is the author of An Introduction to Coaching Skills: A Practical Guide (now in its third edition) and other books. Christian is passionate about the integration of coaching and positive psychology to improve outcomes and enhance wellbeing in educational, health and corporate settings (@christianvn on Twitter). He enjoys spending time with family, travelling, writing and riding his Harley Davidson (@coachonamotorcycle on Instagram). Link to PDF

An investment of almost €24 million in ‘curiosity-driven' frontier research was announced today (10.10.22) by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, T.D. The investment will fund 48 ground-breaking research projects under the Irish Research Council's Starting and Consolidator Laureate Awards Programme. Under the scheme, researchers will receive funding for cutting-edge projects equally divided across the fields of humanities; physical sciences and engineering; life sciences; and social sciences. Their research areas range from new approaches to treatment for diseases such as cancers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 6G technology development, interculturalism in rural Ireland, changing storm patterns and the communication of climate science. The Laureate programme encompasses two streams of funding, namely ‘starting' funding for early-career researchers who are to receive €400,000 each and ‘consolidator' funding for mid-career researchers who are to receive €600,000 each. A Ukrainian researcher will collaborate on one of the newly awarded projects in UCD as part of the IRC's Ukrainian Researcher Scheme. The scheme was established so that researchers from Ukraine who are arriving in Ireland due to the war could be supported by the Irish research system. Announcing the awards, Minister Harris said: “I am delighted to announce the winners of the second round of the Irish Research Council's Starting and Consolidator Laureate Awards Programme and I congratulate each of the awardees. It is a pleasure to also welcome the Ukrainian researcher who came to Ireland from the war in Ukraine, and who will collaborate on one of the newly funded projects through the IRC's innovative Ukrainian Researchers Scheme. “These talented researchers will no doubt contribute hugely towards the world-class excellence that is the bedrock of our research system in Ireland, pushing the boundaries of research knowledge and finding new discoveries that deepen our understanding of the world around us, by looking to the past, questioning the present, and unlocking our future potential.” Also commenting, Dr Louise Callinan, Director of the Irish Research Council, said: “The 48 researchers who will receive funding under the Starting and Consolidator Laureate Awards Programme have the potential to make ground-breaking advances in their respective fields and to bolster Ireland's competitiveness in European research funding. “This is the second round of Laureate funding and many of the first-round awardees will be completing their research next year. It is testament to the success of the programme that three of the first-round awardees have already gone on to receive European Research Council funding, one as part of Ireland's first ERC Synergy grant worth €10 million. The winning projects were awarded on the basis solely of excellence, and applications were assessed through a rigorous and independent international peer-review process.” Successful Projects Among the research projects receiving funding are: ‘Non-communicable diseases including cancer (and except disorders of the nervous system and immunity-related diseases)', Dr Tríona Ní Chonghaile, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences: Taking age as being the biggest risk factor for cancer, this project will investigate the dynamic effect that age has on tumour biology and treatment responses, in an effort to make this risk factor better understood. ‘Imaginative Literature and Social Trust, 1990-2025', Dr Adam Kelly, UCD: By comparing contemporary imaginative literature from the US, Russia and Ireland, this project will look at how social trust functions and how it fails, with a view to identifying better, more justified, and more sustainable forms of trust. ‘Rural Villages, Migration, and Intercultural Communication', Dr Andrea Ciribuco, University of Galway: This project will work with rural communities in Ireland to understand how different...

Minister Stephen Donnelly is to announce the Health Service Winter Plan at Cabinet today. Will it be enough to deal with an incoming twindemic? We'll discuss with Dr. Illona Duffy GP in Monaghan Town and Professor Sam McConkey Infectious disease specialist with the RCSI University of medicine and health Sciences.

“Broadly positive.” Those are the words Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has used to describe the initial findings from a post-pandemic review of Ireland's handling of Covid-19. A group chaired by former UCD president Prof Hugh Brady is expected to publish its findings in the coming weeks. For more on this Newstalk Breakfast spoke to Professor Sam McConkey Infectious Disease Specialist at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

“Broadly positive.” Those are the words Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has used to describe the initial findings from a post-pandemic review of Ireland's handling of Covid-19. A group chaired by former UCD president Prof Hugh Brady is expected to publish its findings in the coming weeks. For more on this Newstalk Breakfast spoke to Professor Sam McConkey Infectious Disease Specialist at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Dr. Jolanta Burke joins us on Wednesday, June 22 @ 2pm EST to share her thoughts on powering off smart devices. Dr. Burke is a Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society) specializing in positive psychology and an Associate Professor at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. She has authored eight books, one of which is “The ultimate guide to implementing wellbeing programmes for school” and published over 200 articles (academic, professional, popular). She is a regular contributor to Psychology Today and has spoken at conferences worldwide. Dr. Burke was acknowledged by the Irish Times as one of 30 people who make Ireland a better place.

Today on the show Mikalah is coming to us all the way from Austin, Texas, and the Circle K's are making an impression!  Also on a more serious note; could your empathy for others be making you physically ill? A Dr. joins us all the way from Ireland for Therapy Thursday. We discuss if Ivanka Trump sold out her father and do you have to like your job to be happy? Plus so much more. Special guests:  Dr. Trudy Meehan - lecturer at the Center for Positive Psychology and Health at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Richard Fowler - Political Commentator, Host of the Richard Fowler Show.

Sam McConkey, Infectious Disease Specialist at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Yvonne Williams, GP in Shannon Medical Centre, Elaine Loughlin, Deputy political editor with the Irish Examiner

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended that Covid-19 vaccinations be offered to children aged five to 11 years.  Clare was joined by Sam McConkey, Infectious Disease Specialist at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr. Yvonne Williams & parents sharing their views...

''We would do operations that would be 16 hours'' [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/10/01125110/AMA_NeurosurgeonProfBolger_0110.mp3"][/audio] In the hot seat for Ask Me Anything this week it's the turn of Professor Ciaran Bolger, Head of the Department of Clinical Neurological Science, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Prof. Bolger joined Dermot and Dave to chat all about the brain and he shared what genre of music he listens to during an operation. You can listen to the full chat by clicking the Play button. 

Dr Annie Curtis, body clock expert and senior lecturer at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, shares her tips on how to get the best out of your nap.

Professor Sam McConkey, Infectious Disease Specialist at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Martin Coyne, GP in Lifford, Co. Donegal, Danile McConnell, Political Editor, Irish Examiner

Dr. Carmel Mullaney, Director of Public Health South East, Professor Sam McConkey, Infectious Disease Specialist at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Daniel McConnell, Political Editor with the Irish Examiner

Immunologist, Body Clock Expert and Senior Lecturer at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr Annie Curtis on pilot events, Covid data, and the best time of the day to exercise.

Plant-based and/or fish diets may help lessen severity of COVID-19 infection   Johns Hopkins University, June 8, 2021 Plant-based and/or fish (pescatarian) diets may help lower the odds of developing moderate to severe COVID-19 infection, suggest the findings of a six-country study, published in the online journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health. They were associated with 73% and 59% lower odds, respectively, of severe disease, the findings indicate. Several studies have suggested that dietmight have an important role in symptom severity and illness duration of COVID-19 infection. But, as yet, there's little evidence to confirm or refute this theory. To explore this further, the researchers drew on the survey responses of 2884 frontline doctors and nurses with extensive exposure to SARS-CO-v2, the virus responsible for COVID-19 infection, working in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US. The participants were all part of a global network of healthcare professionals registered with the Survey Healthcare Globus network for healthcare market research. The researchers used this network to identify clinicians at high risk of COVID-19 infection as a result of their jobs. The online survey, which ran between July and September 2020, was designed to elicit detailed information about respondents' dietary patterns, based on a 47-item food frequency questionnaire, over the previous year, and the severity of any COVID-19 infections they had had, using objective criteria. The survey also gathered information on personal background, medical history, medication use, and lifestyle. The various diets were combined into plant-based (higher in vegetables, legumes, and nuts, and lower in poultry and red and processed meats); pescatarian/plant-based (as above, but with added fish/seafood); and low carb-high protein diets. Some 568 respondents (cases) said they had had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection or no symptoms but a positive swab test for the infection; 2316 said they hadn't had any symptoms/tested positive (comparison group). Among the 568 cases, 138 clinicians said they had had moderate to severe COVID-19 infection; the remaining 430 said they had had very mild to mild COVID-19 infection. After factoring in several potentially influential variables, including age, ethnicity, medical specialty, and lifestyle (smoking, physical activity), respondents who said they ate plant-based diets' or plant-based/pescatarian diets had, respectively, 73% and 59% lower odds of moderate to severe COVID-19 infection, compared with those who didn't have these dietary patterns. And compared with those who said they ate a plant-based diet, those who said they ate a low carb-high protein diet had nearly 4 times the odds of moderate to severe COVID-19 infection. These associations held true when weight (BMI) and co-existing medical conditions were also factored in. But no association was observed between any type of diet and the risk of contracting COVID-19 infection or length of the subsequent illness. This is an observational study, and so can't establish cause, only correlation. It also relied on individual recall rather than on objective assessments, and the definition of certain dietary patterns may vary by country, point out the researchers. Men outnumbered women in the study, so the findings may not be applicable to women, they add. But plant-based diets are rich in nutrients, especially phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids), vitamins and minerals, all of which are important for a healthy immune system, say the researchers. And fish is an important source of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties, they add. "Our results suggest that a healthy diet rich in nutrient dense foods may be considered for protection against severe COVID-19," they conclude. "The trends in this study are limited by study size (small numbers with a confirmed positive test) and design (self-reporting on diet and symptoms) so caution is needed in the interpretation of the findings," comments Deputy Chair of the NNEdPro Nutrition and COVID-19 Taskforce, Shane McAuliffe. "However, a high quality diet is important for mounting an adequate immune response, which in turn can influence susceptibility to infection and its severity." He adds:"This study highlights the need for better designed prospective studies on the association between diet, nutritional status and COVID-19 outcomes."   Greater magnesium intake associated with reduced hostility among young adults Columbia University, June 4, 2021   According to news originating from New York City, New York, research stated, “Hostility is a complex personality trait associated with many cardiovascular risk factor phenotypes. Although magnesium intake has been related to mood and cardio-metabolic disease, its relation with hostility remains unclear.” Our news journalists obtained a quote from the research from Columbia University, “We hypothesize that high total magnesium intake is associated with lower levels of hostility because of its putative antidepressant mechanisms. To test the hypothesis, we prospectively analyzed data in 4,716 young adults aged 18-30 years at baseline (1985-1986) from four U.S.cities over five years of follow-up using data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Magnesium intake was estimated from a dietary history questionnaire plus supplements at baseline. Levels of hostility were assessed using the Cook-Medley scale at baseline and year 5 (1990-1991). Generalized estimating equations were applied to estimate the association of magnesium intake with hostility as repeated measures at the two time-points (baseline and year 5). General linear model was used to determine the association between magnesium intake and change in hostility over 5 years. After adjustment for socio-demographic and major lifestyle factors, a significant inverse association was observed between magnesium intake and hostility level over 5 years of follow-up. Beta coefficients (95% CI) across higher quintiles of magnesium intake were 0 (reference),-1.28 (-1.92,-0.65),-1.45 (-2.09,-0.81),-1.41 (-2.08,-0.75) and-2.16 (-2.85,-1.47), respectively (Plinear-trend < .01).” According to the news editors, the research concluded: “The inverse association was inde-pendent of socio-demographic and major lifestyle factors, supplement use, and depression status at year 5. This prospective study provides evidence that in young adults, high magne-sium intake was inversely associated with hostility level independent of socio-demographic and major lifestyle factors.”       Study compares heart benefits of low-fat and plant-centered diets New findings suggest that a plant-centered diet could help lower heart disease risk University of Minnesota, June 7, 2021 There has been a long-standing debate as to whether a low-fat or a plant-centered diet is better at lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. A new study that followed more than 4,700 people over 30 years, found that a plant-centered diet was associated with a lower long-term risk for cardiovascular disease. However, both diets were linked with lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, levels.  "Since 1980, dietary guidelines in the United States and in Europe have recommended eating low amounts of saturated fat because of the high rates of heart disease in these regions," said research team leader David Jacobs, PhD, from the University of Minnesota. "This is not necessarily wrong, but our study shows that plant-centered diets can also lower bad cholesterol and may be even better at addressing heart disease risk." The plant-centered diet emphasizes fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy, and fish. It also limits high-fat red and processed meats, salty snacks, sweets, and sugar-sweetened soft drinks. The low-fat diet is based on the Keys Score, a good formulation of the "low saturated fat" message, driven by saturated fat, but also including polyunsaturated fat and dietary cholesterol. Yuni Choi, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in Jacobs' lab will present the research as part of NUTRITION 2021 LIVE ONLINE, a virtual conference hosted by the American Society for Nutrition (ASN).  "Our findings show that it is important to view diet quality from a holistic perspective," said Choi. "Targeting just single nutrients such as total or saturated fat doesn't take into account the fats that are also found in healthy plant-based foods such as avocado, extra virgin olive oil, walnuts and dark chocolate -- foods that also have cardioprotective properties and complex nutrient profiles." The new research is based on participants in the four U.S. clinics of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study (CARDIA), which enrolled 5115 Black and white men and women in 1985-1986. During more than 30 years of follow up, there were 280 cases of cardiovascular disease, 135 cases of coronary heart disease, and 92 cases of stroke among the study participants.  To assess eating patterns, the researchers conducted three detailed diet history interviews over the follow-up period. These diet history questionnaires determined what participants ate and then asked them to list everything consumed in that category. For example, participants who reported eating meat in the past 30 days would be asked what meat items and how much they consumed. This was repeated for around 100 areas of the diet. Based on this information, the researchers calculated scores for all participants based on both the Keys Score of the A Priori Diet Quality Score (APDQS), which captures the plant-centered diet.  After accounting for various factors including socioeconomic status, educational level, energy intake, history of cardiovascular disease, smoking and body mass index, the researchers found that having a more plant-centered diet (higher APDQS Scores) and consuming less saturated fat (lower Keys Scores) were both associated with lower LDL levels. However, lower LDL levels did not necessarily correlate with lower future risk of stroke. Higher APDQS scores, but not lower Keys Scores, were strongly associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease and stroke. "Based on our study, we suggest that people incorporate more nutritionally-rich plant foods into their diets," said Choi. "One way to do this is to fill 70 percent of your grocery bag with foods that include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, coffee and tea." The researchers are carrying out a variety of studies looking at how the APDQS diet score relates to various health outcomes. They are also interested in studying how different diets affect gut bacteria, which is known to influence many aspects of health and disease.       High caffeine consumption may be associated with increased risk of blinding eye disease Mount Sinai School of Medicine, June 7, 2021 Consuming large amounts of daily caffeine may increase the risk of glaucoma more than three-fold for those with a genetic predisposition to higher eye pressure according to an international, multi-center study. The research led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is the first to demonstrate a dietary - genetic interaction in glaucoma. The study results published in the June print issue of Ophthalmology may suggest patients with a strong family history of glaucoma should cut down on caffeine intake.  The study is important because glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It looks at the impact of caffeine intake on glaucoma, and intraocular pressure (IOP) which is pressure inside the eye. Elevated IOP is an integral risk factor for glaucoma, although other factors do contribute to this condition. With glaucoma, patients typically experience few or no symptoms until the disease progresses and they have vision loss. "We previously published work suggesting that high caffeine intake increased the risk of the high-tension open angle glaucoma among people with a family history of disease. In this study we show that an adverse relation between high caffeine intake and glaucoma was evident only among those with the highest genetic risk score for elevated eye pressure," says lead/corresponding author Louis R. Pasquale, MD, FARVO, Deputy Chair for Ophthalmology Research for the Mount Sinai Health System. A team of researchers used the UK Biobank, a large-scale population-based biomedical database supported by various health and governmental agencies. They analyzed records of more than 120,000 participants between 2006 and 2010. Participants were between 39 and 73 years old and provided their health records along with DNA samples, collected to generate data. They answered repeated dietary questionnaires focusing on how many caffeinated beverages they drink daily, how much caffeine-containing food they eat, the specific types, and portion size. They also answered questions about their vision, including specifics on if they have glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma. Three years into the study later they had their IOP checked and eye measurements. Researchers first looked at the relationship looked between caffeine intake, IOP and self-reported glaucoma by running multivariable analyses. Then they assessed if accounting for genetic data modified these relationships. They assigned each subject an IOP genetic risk score and performed interaction analyses.  The investigators found high caffeine intake was not associated with increased risk for higher IOP or glaucoma overall; however, among participants with the strongest genetic predisposition to elevated IOP - in the top 25 percentile - greater caffeine consumption was associated with higher IOP and higher glaucoma prevalence. More specifically, those who consumed the highest amount of daily caffeine- more than 480 milligrams which is roughly four cups of coffee - had a 0.35 mmHg higher IOP. Additionally, those in the highest genetic risk score category who consumed more than 321 milligrams of daily caffeine - roughly three cups of coffee - had a 3.9-fold higher glaucoma prevalence when compared to those who drink no or minimal caffeine and in lowest genetic risk score group.  "Glaucoma patients often ask if they can help to protect their sight through lifestyle changes, however this has been a relatively understudied area until now. This study suggested that those with the highest genetic risk for glaucoma may benefit from moderating their caffeine intake. It should be noted that the link between caffeine and glaucoma risk was only seen with a large amount of caffeine and in those with the highest genetic risk," says co-author Anthony Khawaja, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology University College London (UCL) Institute of Ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital. "The UK Biobank study is helping us to learn more than ever before about how our genes affect our glaucoma risk and the role that our behaviors and environment could play. We look forward to continuing to expand our knowledge in this area."   Red onions pack a cancer-fighting punch, study reveals University of Guelph (Ontario), June 7, 2021 The next time you walk down the produce aisle of your grocery store, you may want to reach for red onions if you are looking to fight off cancer. In the first study to examine how effective Ontario-grown onions are at killing cancer cells, U of G researchers have found that not all onions are created equal. Engineering professor Suresh Neethirajan and PhD student Abdulmonem Murayyan tested five onion types grown in Ontario and discovered the Ruby Ring onion variety came out on top. Onions as a superfood are still not well known. But they contain one of the highest concentrations of quercetin, a type of flavonoid, and Ontario onions boasts particularly high levels of the compound compared to some parts of the world. The Guelph study revealed that the red onion not only has high levels of quercetin, but also high amounts of anthocyanin, which enriches the scavenging properties of quercetin molecules, said Murayyan, study's lead author. "Anthocyanin is instrumental in providing colour to fruits and vegetables so it makes sense that the red onions, which are darkest in colour, would have the most cancer-fighting power." Published recently in Food Research International, the study involved placing colon cancer cells in direct contact with quercetin extracted from the five different onion varieties. "We found onions are excellent at killing cancer cells," said Murayyan. "Onions activate pathways that encourage cancer cells to undergo cell death. They promote an unfavourable environment for cancer cells and they disrupt communication between cancer cells, which inhibits growth." The researchers have also recently determined onions are effective at killing breast cancer cells. "The next step will be to test the vegetable's cancer-fighting powers in human trials," said Murayyan. These findings follow a recent study by the researchers on new extraction technique that eliminates the use of chemicals, making the quercetin found in onions more suitable for consumption. Other extraction methods use solvents that can leave a toxic residue which is then ingested in food, said Neethirajan. "This new method that we tested to be effective only uses super-heated water in a pressurized container," he said. "Developing a chemical-free extraction method is important because it means we can use onion's cancer-fighting properties in nutraceuticals and in pill form." While we can currently include this superfood in salads and on burgers as a preventative measure, the researchers expect onion extract will eventually be added to food products such as juice or baked goods and be sold in pill form as a type of natural cancer treatment.     Exercise likely to be best treatment for depression in coronary heart disease   RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Ireland), June 8, 2021 A study by RCSI indicates that exercise is probably the most effective short-term treatment for depression in people with coronary heart disease, when compared to antidepressants and psychotherapy or more complex care.  The study, led by researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is published in the June edition of Psychosomatic Medicine.  This is the first systematic review to compare treatments for depression in those with coronary disease and the findings provides valuable clinical information to help doctors determine the best treatment plan for patients. The researchers reviewed treatment trials which investigated antidepressants, psychotherapy, exercise, combined psychotherapy and antidepressants, and collaborative care (i.e. treatments devised by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians with input from the patient). To measure effectiveness, the researchers looked at factors including patient adherence to the treatment (dropout rate) and change in depressive symptoms eight weeks after commencing treatment. The strongest treatment effects were found to be exercise and combination treatments (antidepressants and psychotherapy). However, as the combination study results have a high risk of bias, the findings of the review suggest that exercise is probably the most effective treatment. Antidepressants had the most research support, while psychotherapy and collaborative care did not perform very well. "Depression is common in patients with coronary artery disease. Having both conditions can have a significant impact on the quality of life for patients so it is vital that they access to the most effective treatments," commented Dr Frank Doyle, Senior Lecturer Division of Population Health Sciences, RCSI and the study's first author. "Our study indicates that exercise is likely to be the best treatment for depression following coronary artery disease. Our findings further highlight the clinical importance of exercise as a treatment as we see that it improves not only depression, but also other important aspects of heart disease, such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, in these patients."  "We continue to see emerging evidence of the importance of lifestyle to treat disease - in comparison to other treatments - but further high-quality research is needed. People with coronary heart disease who have symptoms of depression should talk to their doctor about treatments that are most suitable for their personal needs, and clinicians can be confident of recommending exercise to their patients." Dr Frank Doyle and the study's senior authors, Prof. Jan Sorensen (Health Outcomes Research Centre, RCSI) and Prof. Martin Dempster (School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast), conducted the study in collaboration with researchers in the USA, The Netherlands, the UK and Denmark. This study was also the first of its kind to establish a new method to conduct systematic reviews known as a hybrid review, which is a combination of umbrella reviews and systematic reviews.   Study examines link between obesity, food container chemical substitutes University of Iowa, June 9, 2021 A new study from the University of Iowa shows that a pair of common chemicals that manufacturers use to make plastic food containers, water bottles, and other consumer products do not contribute to obesity to the extent of the chemical it's replacing. The chemicals -- bisphenol F and bisphenol S (known as BPF and BPS) -- are being used increasingly by food packaging manufacturers as substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA), which studies have found disrupts endocrine systems and causes numerous health problems. BPA is used in many kinds of packaging for snacks and drinks, canned foods, and water bottles. The chemical is absorbed into the body mainly through the food or water it contacts in the container. But concern was raised several years ago when numerous studies found BPA increases the risk of various health issues, in particular obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. A consumer backlash erupted after the studies received media attention so manufacturers started reducing the use of BPA in some consumer products or even eliminating it in so-called "BPA-free" products by replacing it with such alternatives as BPF and BPS. However, little is known on the potential impact of BPF and BPS exposure in humans. The new University of Iowa College of Public Health study is the first to determine the health impacts of BPF and BPS exposure on obesity in humans. Using data from a nationwide population-based study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the researchers confirm that BPA is associated with increased obesity in humans. But the study found no links between obesity and either BPF or BPS at the current exposure levels. However, the researchers warn that fewer products currently use BPF and BPS--BPA still has more than half the global market share for the chemicals, and the average concentration of BPF and BPS is about one-fourth that of BPA in the US population. Whether BPF and BPS pose an increased risk of obesity at the same population exposure levels as BPA remains unknown. Future studies will be needed to confirm the results, as BPF and BPS are likely to replace BPA in more consumer products.

New study into green tea's potential to help tackle COVID-19 Swansea University, June 4, 2021 As India continues to be ravaged by the pandemic, a Swansea University academic is investigating how green tea could give rise to a drug capable of tackling Covid-19. Dr Suresh Mohankumar carried out the research with colleagues in India during his time at JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Ooty prior to taking up his current role at Swansea University Medical School. He said: "Nature's oldest pharmacy has always been a treasure of potential novel drugs and we questioned if any of these compounds could assist us in battling the Covid-19 pandemic?  "We screened and sorted a library of natural compounds already know to be active against other coronaviruses using an artificial intelligence-aided computer programme.  "Our findings suggested that one of the compounds in green tea could combat the coronavirus behind Covid-19." The researchers' work has now been highlighted by online journal RSC Advances and has been included in its prestigious hot articles collection chosen by editors and reviewers. Associate Professor Dr Mohankumar emphasised that the research was still in its early days and a long way from any kind of clinical application. "The compound that our model predicts to be most active is gallocatechin, which is present in green tea and could be readily available, accessible, and affordable. There now needs to be further investigation to show if it can be proven clinically effective and safe for preventing or treating Covid-19.  "This is still a preliminary step, but it could be a potential lead to tackling the devastating Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Mohankumar has worked in pharmacy education, research and administration around the world for more than 18 years and recently moved to Swansea to join its new MPharm programme. Head of Pharmacy Professor Andrew Morris said: "This is fascinating research and demonstrates that natural products remain an important source of lead compounds in the fight against infectious diseases. I'm also really pleased to see this international research collaboration continuing now that Dr Mohankumar has joined the Pharmacy team." Dr Mohankumar added he is now looking forward to seeing how the work can be developed: "There now needs to be appropriate pre-clinical and clinical studies and we would welcome potential collaborators and partners to help carry this work forward."     Turkish study finds high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in breast cancer patients Ankara Numune Research Hospital (Turkey), June 1, 2021   According to news reporting from Ankara, Turkey, research stated, “We aimed to reveal vitamin D levels in women with breast cancer. 561 women with primary breast cancer were included in the study.” The news correspondents obtained a quote from the research from Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, “The median age was 55.86 years (between 20 - 78 years). All of the patients were treated with curative intend. None of the patients had metastatic disease. The median 25(OH)D level was 11.92ng/ml and the mean 25(OH)D level was 13.91ng/ml. Deficiency was detected in 456 patients (81.28%) and insufficiency was detected in 61 patients (10.87 %).” According to the news reporters, the research concluded: “This study points out that vitamin D levels in breast cancer patients should be measured and be corrected whenever diagnosed.” This research has been peer-reviewed.         Low levels of omega-3 associated with higher risk of psychosis, says study RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Ireland), June 1, 2021 New research has found that adolescents with higher levels of an omega-3 fatty acid in their blood were less likely to develop psychotic disorder in early adulthood, suggesting that it may have a potential preventative effect of reducing the risk of psychosis. The study, led by researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is published in Translational Psychiatry. Over 3,800 individuals in Bristol's Children of the 90s health study were assessed for psychotic disorder, depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder at age 17 and at age 24. During these assessments, blood samples were collected, and the researchers measured the levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which generally increase inflammation in the body, and omega-3 fatty acids, which generally reduce inflammation. While there was little evidence that fatty acids were associated with mental disorders at age 17, the researchers found that 24-year-olds with psychotic disorder, depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder had higher levels of omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids compared to those without these disorders. The researchers also found that 24-year-olds with psychotic disorder had lower levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid typically found in oily fish or dietary supplements, than 24-year-olds without psychotic disorder. In a group of over 2,700 individuals who were tracked over time, adolescents with higher levels of DHA at age 17 were 56% less likely to develop psychotic disorder seven years later at age 24. This suggests that DHA in adolescence may have a potential preventative effect of reducing the risk of psychosis in early adulthood. These results remained consistent when accounting for other factors such as sex, body mass index, tobacco smoking and socio-economic status. "The study needs to be replicated, but if the findings are consistent, these results would suggest that enhanced dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids among adolescents, such as through oily fish like mackerel, could prevent some people from developing psychosis in their early twenties," said Professor David Cotter, senior author of the study and professor molecular psychiatry at RCSI. "The results could also raise questions about the relationship between the development of mental health disorders and omega-6 fatty acids, which are typically found in vegetable oils." David Mongan, RCSI Ph.D. student and Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) Fellow, analyzed the data with the supervision of Professor David Cotter and Professor Mary Cannon from the RCSI Department of Psychiatry. The ICAT program is supported by the Wellcome Trust and the Health Research Board, the Health Service Executive National Doctors Training and Planning and the Health and Social Care, Research and Development Division, Northern Ireland. "We need to do more research to learn about the mechanisms behind this effect, but it could possibly be related to reducing inflammation or decreasing inappropriate pruning of brain connections during adolescence," said Dr. David Mongan, the study's first author, who is a psychiatry trainee and Ph.D. student at RCSI.     Foods that can help protect against sun damage Blount Memorial Weight Management Center, May 31, 2021   As the summer season approaches and we all hopefully get a chance to spend more time outside, we mustn't forget how critical it is that we take steps to protect our skin. Whether you're going on a beach trip or just doing outdoor chores, it's important to remember to wear sunscreen and reapply it often. Just because you didn't get sunburned last year or last week, that doesn't mean you are immune to the sun's harmful rays. In fact, most experts recommend sunscreen use year-round, not just in the summer. The American Academy of Dermatologyrecommends using a waterproof sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30, and that protects against UVA and UVB rays. But, did you know there also are certain foods that can help protect your skin from the sun's rays, as well? “A diet rich in certain foods actually can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays,” said Heather Pierce from the Blount Memorial Weight Management Center. “They, in no way, should serve as a replacement for traditional sunscreen, but they can act as additional ways to protect your skin this spring and summer. A few foods, in particular, are high in certain minerals and nutrients that support healthy skin and can give us a little extra protection from the sun,” she said. First up, Pierce says, are tomatoes, which you may already be consuming on your burgers or salads at those backyard cookouts. “Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is a phytochemical that has been shown in research to help protect the skin against sunburns, particularly with concentrated sources such as tomato paste and carrot juice. And the good news is that they just happen to be in season. Watermelons also are good sources of lycopene, and, fortunately, they're pretty popular this time of year, too.” Pierce says you also should look to avocados and pomegranates for a little extra sun protection. “When the sun is damaging our skin, it's typically the result of oxidative stress and inflammation, so a lot of the foods we would eat for anti-inflammatory diet for a condition, such as heart disease, actually are protecting our skin, too. “Avocados contain healthy oils that work to keep your skin protected, so throw a little avocado on your sandwiches this summer, and you can easily get that added bit of protection. Pomegranates, too, contain ellagic acid, which supports glutathione production that can fight skin damage caused by free radicals. Citrus fruits, of course, contain vitamin C, but the skins of citrus fruits also contain an essential oil called limonene that offers skin protection, too. You can easily add this to your diet by putting a little lemon or orange zest in your drinks or foods.” Two more sun-protecting foods, Pierce says, are green tea and those all-important Omega 3 fats. “Green tea is, of course, high in antioxidants, which can help guard against UV radiation,” Pierce said. “It also promotes DNA repair and has anti-inflammatory compounds that are helpful for repair, as well. Omega 3 fats always are important, particularly if you're eating a heart healthy diet, but Omega 3 also has been shown to reduce the risk of a particular type of skin cancer by nearly 20%. With that in mind, look for ways to add Omega 3 sources such as salmon, chia seeds or flaxseed to your meals. If you can, try getting fish in your diet at least once per week,” she explained. “It'll taste great and your skin will get a little sun protection boost, as well.”     Seaweed could potentially help fight food allergies Mount Sinai Hospital, June 2, 2021 Seaweed has long been a staple food in many Asian countries and has recently caught on as a snack food in America as a healthful alternative to chips. The edible algae that fall in the category of seaweed are low-calorie and packed with nutrients. In addition, now scientists have found that a type of commercial red algae could help counteract food allergies. They report their findings in mice in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Food allergies are a major global health issue that can be life threatening in some cases. One study by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital estimates that the condition affects about 8 percent of children and 5 percent of adults worldwide. In people who are allergic, certain compounds in food trigger a cascade of immune system reactions that lead to symptoms such as hives, wheezing and dizziness -- and in the worst cases, anaphylactic shock. Previous research has suggested that certain seaweed varieties contain polysaccharides with anti-asthmatic and anti-allergy effects. But no one had investigated whether similar molecules in Gracilaria lemaneiformis, a commercial variety of red algae, might have similar properties. Guang-Ming Liu and colleagues wanted to find out. The researchers isolated polysaccharides from G. lemaneiformis and fed them to a group of mice sensitive to tropomyosin, a protein that is a major shellfish allergen. Another group of mice, also sensitive to tropomyosin, did not get the polysaccharides. After both groups were given the allergen, allergy symptoms in the treated mice were reduced compared to the untreated animals. Further studying polysaccharides from G. lemaneiformis could help lead to a better understanding of food allergies and their prevention, the researchers say.        Barley lowers not one but two types of 'bad cholesterol', review suggests   St Michael's Hospital (Toronto), June 8, 2021  Eating barley or foods containing barley significantly reduced levels of two types of "bad cholesterol" associated with cardiovascular risk, a St. Michael's Hospital research paper has found. Barley reduced both low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, and non-high-density lipoprotein, or non-HDL, by seven per cent.   The review also indicated that barley had similar cholesterol-lowering effects as oats, which is often the go-to grain for health benefits.   The research review, published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, included 14 studies on clinical trials conducted in seven countries, including Canada.   It is the first study to look at the effects of barley and barley products on both LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in addition to apolipoprotein B, or apoB, a lipoprotein that carries bad cholesterol through the blood. Measuring non-HDL and apoB provides a more accurate assessment for cardiovascular risk, as they account for the total 'bad cholesterol' found in the blood.   "The findings are most important for populations at high risk for cardiovascular disease, such as Type 2 diabetics, who have normal levels of LDL cholesterol, but elevated levels of non-HDL or apo B," said Dr. Vladimir Vuksan, research scientist and associate director of the Risk Factor Modification Centre of St. Michael's. "Barley has a lowering effect on the total bad cholesterol in these high-risk individuals, but can also benefit people without high cholesterol."   High cholesterol and diabetes are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, historically treated with medications. However, Dr. Vuksan's research and work focuses on how dietary and lifestyle changes can reduce these risk factors.   "Barley's positive effect on lowering cholesterol is well-documented and has been included in the Canadian strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk," said Dr. Vuksan. "Health Canada, the FDA and several health authorities worldwide have already approved health claims that barley lowers LDL cholesterol, but this is the first review showing the effects on other harmful lipids."   Despite its benefits Dr. Vuksan said barley is not as well-established as some other health-recommended foods—such as oats. Barley consumption by humans has fallen by 35 per cent in the last 10 years. Canada is one of the top five world producers of barley—almost 10 megatonnes per year—but human consumption accounts for only two per cent of the crop yield, with livestock making up the other 98 per cent.   "After looking at the evidence, we can also say that barley is comparably effective as oats in reducing overall risk of cardiovascular disease" said Dr. Vuksan.   Barley is higher in fibre, has twice the protein and almost half the calories of oats, which are important considerations for those with weight or dietary concerns. Dr. Vuksan said barley can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. He recommends trying to incorporate barley into existing recipes, using it as a substitute for rice or even on its own—just like oatmeal.

Professor Martin Seligman spoke about positive psychology with Brendan. The Centre for Positive Psychology and Health at the RCSI University have a free online public course on 'The Science of Health and Happiness'.

Greg Brady guest hosts 640 Toronto's Morning Show   GUEST: Dr. Annie Curtis, Senior Lecturer at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dublin, Ireland See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Sam McConkey, Infectious Disease Specialist at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

Body clock expert & Senior Lecturer at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr Annie Curtis talks about Covid vaccine and alcohol, plus ways to get your body ready for the vaccine.