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Introduction: Complications following mandibular fractures occur in 9–23% of patients. Identifying those at risk is key to prevention. Previous studies highlighted smoking, age and time from injury to presentation as risk factors but rarely recorded other possible confounders. In this paper, we use a collaborative snapshot audit to document novel risk factors and confirm established risks for complications following the treatment of mandibular fractures. Methods: The audit was carried out by 122 OMFS trainees across the UK and Ireland (49 centres) over 6 months, coordinated by the Maxillofacial Surgery Trainees Research Collaborative. Variables recorded included basic demography, medical and social history, injury mechanism and type, management and 30-day outcome. Results: Nine hundred and forty-seven (947) patients with fractured mandibles were recorded. Surgical management was carried out in 76.3%. Complications at 30 days occurred 65 (9%) of those who were managed surgically. Risk factors for complications included male sex, increasing age, any medical history, increasing number of cigarettes smoked per week, increasing alcohol use per week, worse oral hygiene and increased time from injury to presentation. Discussion: We have used a large prospective snapshot audit to confirm established risk factors and identify novel risk factors. We demonstrate that time from injury to presentation is confounded by other indicators of poor health behaviour. These results are important in designing trial protocols for management of mandibular fractures and in targeting health interventions to patients at highest risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: PROs are valuable tools in clinical care to capture patients' perspectives of their health, symptoms and quality of life. However the COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on all aspects of life, in particular healthcare and research. This study explores the views of UK and Irish health professionals, third sector and pharmaceutical industry representatives and academic researchers on the impact of COVID-19 on PRO collection, use and development in clinical practice. Methods: A volunteer sample took part in a 10 question cross sectional qualitative survey, on the impact of COVID-19, administered online via Qualtrics. Demographic data was descriptively analysed, and the qualitative free text response data was subject to thematic analysis and summarised within the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) framework. Results: Forty nine participants took part located in a range of UK settings and professions. Participants highlighted staff strengths during the pandemic including colleagues' flexibility and ability to work collaboratively and the adoption of novel communication tools. Weaknesses were a lack of staff capacity to continue or start PRO projects and insufficient digital infrastructure to continue studies online. Opportunities included the added interest in PROs as useful outcomes, the value of electronic PROs for staff and patients particularly in relation to integration into systems and the electronic patient records. However, these opportunities came with an understanding that digital exclusion may be an issue for patient groups. Threats identified included that the majority of PRO research was stopped or delayed and funding streams were cut. Conclusions: Although most PRO research was on hold during the pandemic, the consensus from participants was that PROs as meaningful outcomes were valued more than ever. From the opportunities afforded by the pandemic the development of electronic PROs and their integration into electronic patient record systems and clinical practice could be a lasting legacy from the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersal is a main determinant of community assembly. Landscape configurations of rivers, lakes, or ponds are often independently considered in this framework. However, these systems share species conforming to a waterscape with different environments coupled by dispersal. While empirical results support a main role of this coupling on biodiversity organization, it is difficult to assess its importance at large geographic scales. Using a theoretical approach, we quantified the potential role of dispersal through different freshwater ecosystems of the United Kingdom and Ireland on biogeographic diversity patterns. We implemented a coalescent model considering 11,131 communities connected by distance-dependent dispersal and with species that have different performances for recruitment in three different aquatic habitats. Biogeographic diversity patterns were estimated for each habitat alone or for the whole waterscape combining ephemeral, temporal, and permanent waters. The results indicated that the coupling between different types of environments fostered local diversity, in a magnitude that increased from the ephemeral to permanent waters and from poorer to richer communities. Furthermore, a strong spatial structure in the potential effect of dispersal among different freshwater environments was observed, indicating that freshwater biogeography was likely determined by the connection among freshwater ecosystems to a larger extent than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For some adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), nonstimulants need to be considered either as a monotherapy or as an adjunct to stimulants. Objectives: The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to assess the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of nonstimulants in adults with ADHD. Methods: Data sources, searches, and study selection were based on a previously published network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) by Cortese at al. (Lancet Psychiatry 5(9):727–738, 2018), which we updated in March 2022. Specifically, we searched PubMed, BIOSIS Previews, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, OpenGrey, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (UK and Ireland), ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (abstracts and international), and the WHO International Trials Registry Platform, including ClinicalTrials.gov for double-blind RCTs with a placebo arm, lasting at least one week, including adults with a diagnosis of ADHD based on DSM-III, DSM-III-R, DSM-IV(TR), DSM-5 or ICD-9- or 10, and reporting data on efficacy, tolerability (drop-out due to side effects) and acceptability (drop-out due to any cause) of guanfacine, clonidine, or atomoxetine. Additionally, we searched for RCTs of viloxazine extended release (ER), approved for ADHD in 2021. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted, and the risk of bias for individual RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: We included 18 studies in the meta-analyses (4308 participants) plus one additional study in the narrative synthesis (374 participants). The meta-analysis showed that atomoxetine (15 RCTs) (Hedge's g = − 0.48, 95% CI [− 0.64; − 0.33]), guanfacine (two RCTs) (Hedge's g = − 0.66, 95% CI [− 0.94; − 0.38]) and viloxazine ER (one RCT) were significantly more efficacious than placebo. Atomoxetine was less well tolerated than placebo, while tolerability of guanfacine and viloxazine ER could not be meta-analysed, since only one study, for each medication, reported on it. Conclusions: All investigated nonstimulants were more efficacious in the treatment of ADHD in adults, than placebo, while the placebo had better acceptability and tolerability. Protocol: https://osf.io/5vnmt/?view_only=2bf87ed12ba94645babedceeee4c0120. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The low rates of colonic malignancy detected on interval colonoscopy for patients diagnosed with diverticulitis have led recent studies to question the utility of the practice. The aim of this study was to assess the detection rate of colorectal cancer on colonoscopy for patients with a first episode of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis across three separate centres in Ireland and the UK. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients with a first episode of acute, uncomplicated diverticulitis who underwent interval colonoscopy at three separate centres in the UK and Ireland between 2007 and 2019. The follow-up period was one year. Results: A total of 5485 patients were admitted with acute diverticulitis between the three centres. All patients had CT verified diverticulitis. A 90.8% (n = 4982) underwent subsequent colonic evaluation with colonoscopy. Of these, a histologically proven diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma was made in 1.28% (n = 64). Conclusion: Routine colonoscopy following an episode of acute, uncomplicated diverticulitis may not be necessary in every patient. It may be appropriate to reserve this more invasive investigation for those with higher risk factors for malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Due to the risk of intracranial aneurysm (IA) recurrence and the potential requirement for re-treatment following endovascular treatment (EVT), radiological follow-up of these aneurysms is necessary. There is little evidence to guide the duration and frequency of this follow-up. The aim of this study was to establish the current practice in neurosurgical units in the UK and Ireland. Methods: A survey was designed with input from interventional neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons. Neurovascular consultants in each of the 30 neurosurgical units providing a neurovascular service in the UK and Ireland were contacted and asked to respond to questions regarding the follow-up practice for IA treated with EVT in their department. Results: Responses were obtained from 28/30 (94%) of departments. There was evidence of wide variations in the duration and frequency of follow-up, with a minimum follow-up duration for ruptured IA that varied from 18 months in 5/28 (18%) units to 5 years in 11/28 (39%) of units. Young patient age, previous subarachnoid haemorrhage and incomplete IA occlusion were cited as factors that would prompt more intensive surveillance, although larger and broad-necked IA were not followed-up more closely in the majority of departments. Conclusions: There is a wide variation in the radiological follow-up of IA treated with EVT in the UK and Ireland. Further standardisation of this aspect of patient care is likely to be beneficial, but further evidence on the behaviour of IA following EVT is required in order to inform this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a systematic review to answer the following: (a) Is there any evidence to support increased prevalence of suicidality and self-harm (i.e. self-harm or suicidality) in urban versus rural environments? (b) What aspects of the urban environment pose risk for suicidality and self-harm? Thirty-five studies met our criteria. Our findings reflect a mixed picture, but with a tendency for urban living to be associated with an increased risk of suicidality and self-harm over rural living, particularly for those living in deprived areas. Further research should focus on the clustering and additive effects of risk and protective factors for suicidality and self-harm in urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaboration and successful teamworking are important components of clinical practise, and these skills should be cultivated early in medical school. The breadth of current medical school curricula means that students often have limited exposure to clinical neurosciences. Since its inception in 2009, the Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group (NANSIG) has become a national (UK and Republic of Ireland) example of student and junior doctor synergistic collaboration to deliver educational materials, research, conferences, seminars and workshops, as well as advocating for diversity in this field. Recently, it has expanded to incorporate an international audience and cater for a larger group of young medical professionals. The organisation has overcome numerous challenges and is constantly innovating new approaches to harness the necessary knowledge, skills and network to succeed in a career in neurosciences, neurology and neurosurgery. This article summarises the initiatives undertaken by the group over its first 10 years of existence and its organisational structure, as well as its future plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessing the quality of diagnostic images is subjective and influenced by factors such education, skills, and experience of the assessor. This study aims to explore the radiographers' assessments of medical usefulness or rejection of X-ray images in specific cases. Results: Eighty-one radiographers from different countries responded to the questionnaire distributed online at the EFRS research HUB at ECR 2020 (a 15% response rate). Forty-two percent of the respondents practiced in the UK and Ireland. In addition to rejecting or keeping images in the presented 30 cases and giving a main reason for the images rejected, the participants explained their choice using comments, 1176 comments were obtained. Sixty percent of the comments were on kept images. The respondents kept on average 63% of the images. In the "Keep", "Could keep", and "Reject" categories on average 84%, 63% and 43% of images were kept respectively. The most common reasons given for rejecting an image were suboptimal positioning and centering. Potential diagnostic value and radiation protection were indicated as reasons to keep an image perceived as of low quality reported in n = 353 and n = 33 comments respectively. Conclusions: There is an agreement internationally on what makes a good quality X-ray image. However, the opinion on medical usefulness of images of low or poor quality compared to image criteria varies. Diagnostic capability and radiation protection was the rationale used for keeping images not fulfilling image criteria. There seems to be a need for diagnostic quality to be included in image assessment in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides involving peat are relatively common in Ireland, upland areas of Great Britain and subantarctic islands. Bogflows and bog slides are less common types of peat failure and almost unknown outside Ireland. Unusually, three of these occurred in 2020 including one bogflow at a windfarm that gained much adverse media attention, and a small but damaging peat slide was also reported. The aim of this paper is to determine the extent to which the new bog slide and bogflows are consistent with previous examples in terms of their contexts, characteristics and possible causes, particularly relating to commercial forestry operations. Aerial video footage of all three landslides obtained by local people using drones, and ground-based footage of one of them in progress, allowed a detailed examination of their characteristics and contexts to be made despite the global travel and activity restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The windfarm bogflow appears to have resulted from removal of toe support by an earlier peat flow that was itself probably caused by construction of an access road; the other two landslides were most likely triggered by rainfall. All three are consistent with previous examples of their respective types in their general characteristics and appear to be associated with well-known causal factors including hydrological, topographic and/or forestry influences. Forestry operations probably contributed to the occurrence of two of the landslides and restricted the expansion of two of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic food fraud is a significant challenge in the food testing sector—high price premiums, ease of access to produce to be relabelled and difficulties in developing testing strategies that can detect such frauds make organic foods particularly attractive and thus highly vulnerable to fraud. Samples of conventional and organic cattle taken across meat plants in Ireland and the United Kingdom, consisting of the neck (supraspinatus), rump (gluteus), and shin (flexor carpi radialis) regions of the carcass were analysed using a high resolution time-of-flight based rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry (REIMS) system. The resulting untargeted lipidomic data (m/z 600–1000) was used to generate PCA-LDA models for production system and for muscle type, for these models, it was found that the production system model could differentiate organic from conventional beef with an accuracy of 84%, whilst the muscle type model could identify the cut of meat with a 98% accuracy; additionally, samples can be assessed against multiple models simultaneously, reducing analysis time and sample numbers. The use of REIMS showed considerable promise in its ability to detect different forms of meat fraud; its accuracy in differentiating organic from conventional beef is superior to stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry, with the added advantages of substantially shorter analysis times and lower sample analysis costs. The ability to rapidly confirm the cut of meat also demonstrates the potential of REIMS to concurrently determine multiple aspects of beef authenticity in a close to real time analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radio-frequency ablation (RFA) for Barrett's oesophagus (BE)-related neoplasia is currently used after endoscopic resection of visible neoplasia. The HALO 360 balloon has been used to ablate long segment BE. The Barrx™ 360 Express RFA self-sizing catheter ('RFA Express') may potentially allow quicker ablation times and improved treatment outcomes. The aim of this paper is to present real world data on the use of the 360 Express Device. Methods: Centres in the UK and Ireland submitted cases where the RFA Express was used. The primary outcome was regression of BE at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were the rate of symptomatic stricture formation and resolution of intestinal metaplasia (CR-IM) and dysplasia (CR-D) at End of Treatment (EoT). Results: 11 centres submitted 123 consecutive patients. 112 had a follow up endoscopy. The median age was 67 years (IQR 62–75). 3 dosimetries were used. The mean reduction in Circumferential (C) length was 78% ± 36 and mean reduction in Maximal length (M) was 55% ± 36. 17 patients (15%) developed strictures requiring dilation. There was a higher rate of stricture formation when the 12 J energy was used (p < 0.05). 47 patients had EoT biopsies, 40 (85%) had CR-D and 34(76%) had CR-IM. Conclusions: The RFA 360 Express catheter shows reduction in length of baseline BE at 3 months after index treatment, and eradication of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia at 12 months similar to other studies with earlier devices. It appears that the symptomatic stricture rate is slightly higher than previous series with the HALO 360 catheter. This study was performed as part of the HALO registry and has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee - MREC Number 08/H0714/27 Local project reference 08/0104 Project ID 15,033 IRAS Number 54678 EudraCT 2009-015980-1. Registered on ISRCTN as below: ISRCTN93069556. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN93069556 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Burnout is becoming an increasingly recognised phenomenon within the medical profession. This study aims to investigate the presence of burnout amongst neurosurgical trainees in the UK and Ireland as well as investigating potential exacerbating and protective factors. Method: An online survey was sent to all neurosurgical trainees in the UK and Ireland via the British Neurosurgical Trainees' Association (BNTA) mailing list. Responding participants anonymously completed the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and answered questions about known risk factors for burnout including workplace environment, workplace bullying, time spent on leisure activities and sleep and reported likelihood of leaving neurosurgery. We also collated data on responders' demographics. We compared CBI scores for participants with and without risk factors to determine correlation with CBI. Results: There were 75 respondents (response rate 42%) from a range of ages and all training grades, 72% of whom were male. The median CBI score was 38.85 (IQR 17.76). Participants showed a higher degree of personal and workplace burnout (median CBIs of 47.02, IQR 25.00; and 49.14, IQR 19.64, respectively) compared with patient-related burnout (median CBI 18.67, IQR 25.00). Participants with the following self-reported risk factors were significantly more likely to have higher CBIs: workplace bullying (p = 0.01), getting on less well with colleagues (p < 0.05), working longer hours (p < 0.05) and insufficient sleep, exercise and leisure time (all p < 0.01). Those with higher CBI scores were more likely to consider leaving neurosurgical training (p = 0.01). Conclusion: We identified a high burnout incidence in a cohort representative of UK neurosurgical trainees, although our results may have been skewed somewhat by selection bias. We determined potential risk factors for burnout related to specific workplace stressors and time for non-work activities. In the future, changes to training curricula should address these issues, aiming to improve training, enhance patient care and reduce attrition rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, it is argued that the industrial revolution in eighteenth century Great Britain had its origins in the arrival of 100,000–140,000 Protestant refugees in England and Ireland in the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Specifically, it is argued that their arrival prompted both Schmooklerian pull and push factors. The pull factor was the thousands of refugee merchants and ship owners/captains to England and Ireland resulting in the creation of the Protestant International (1550-1750). This increased the demand for tradables which in turn spurred invention and innovation among refugees (push factor) and their descendants as well as in the local population. These factors were self-reinforcing, leading in time to the industrial revolution. The result is a novel account of the origins of the industrial revolution, one that is consistent with competing explanations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a drive towards increased digitalisation in healthcare. The aim was to provide a snapshot of current apps, instant messaging, and smartphone photography use in paediatric emergency care. A web-based self-report questionnaire was performed. Individual physicians working in paediatric emergency care recorded their personal practice. One hundred ninety-eight medical doctors completed the survey. Eight percent of respondents had access to institutional mobile devices to run medical apps. Eighty-six percent of respondents used medical apps on their personal mobile device, with 78% using Apple iOS devices. Forty-seven percent of respondents used formulary apps daily. Forty-nine percent of respondents had between 1–5 medical apps on their personal mobile device. Respondents who used medical apps had a total of 845 medical apps installed on their personal device, accounted for by 56 specific apps. The British National Formulary (BNF/BNFc) app was installed on the personal mobile device of 96% of respondents that use medical apps. Forty percent of respondents had patient confidentiality concerns when using medical apps. Thirty-eight percent of respondents have used consumer instant messaging services, 6% secure specialist messaging services, and 29% smartphone photography when seeking patient management advice. Conclusion: App use on the personal mobile devices, in the absence of access to institutional devices, was widespread, especially the use of a national formulary app. Instant messaging and smartphone photography were less common. A strategic decision has to be made to either provide staff with institutional devices or use software solutions to address data governance concerns when using personal devices. What is Known: • mHealth use by junior doctors and medical students is widespread. • Clinicians' use of instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp is the widespread in the UK and Ireland, in the absence of alternatives. What is New: • Personal mobile device use was widespread in the absence of alternatives, with the British National Formulary nearly universally downloaded to physicians' personal mobile devices. • A third of respondents used instant messaging and smartphone photography on their personal mobile device when seeking patient management advice from other teams in the absence of alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New mothers in Western societies report being influenced by ideologies which suggest mothering comes naturally to women and is joyful and fulfilling. However, research reveals motherhood-related negative thoughts are common even among non-depressed new mothers, and it has been suggested experiencing such thoughts may be related to guilt and shame. This study updates and extends Hall and Wittkowski's (2006) prevalence survey of motherhood-related negative thoughts by assessing new mothers' perceptions of the social acceptability of negative thoughts, and by exploring relationships with guilt, shame and psychological distress. A cross-sectional survey design was used. A self-selected sample of non-clinical new mothers (N = 395) from the United Kingdom and Ireland completed online questionnaires including measures of the frequency and social acceptability of motherhood-related negative thoughts, shame and guilt proneness, depression and motherhood experience. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to explore relationships between variables. The frequency of negative thoughts was much higher than reported by Hall and Wittkowski. After controlling for demographic variables and social support, frequency of negative thoughts significantly predicted shame and guilt, whereas social acceptability of negative thoughts significantly predicted guilt. Negative thoughts, shame, guilt and motherhood experience relative to expectations significantly predicted depression score. These results suggest that negative thoughts are more common in early motherhood than previously reported, are considered socially unacceptable, and are related to guilt, shame and depression scores. The findings increase our understanding of postnatal distress in non-clinical populations. Future research should explore information and/or interventions aimed at "normalising" negative thoughts in early motherhood. Highlights: Negative thoughts were more frequent in non-clinical new mothers than previously reported. New mothers found negative thoughts related to motherhood difficult to share with others. Frequency of negative thoughts in new mothers was related to guilt and shame. Frequency of negative thoughts, guilt and shame were related to depression score. Interventions for mothers that "normalise" negative thoughts should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perinatal autopsy rates have declined significantly in recent decades. There is a lack of consensus concerning the potential religious influences for bereaved parents in their decision making process for post-mortem. This online study of British and Irish maternity healthcare chaplains explored their understanding of general and local perinatal post-mortem procedures and their experiences in the support of parents. Participants included Christian, Muslim and non-faith chaplains. No chaplain identified any religious prohibition to perinatal post-mortem. A majority of chaplains reported that they had been asked about post-mortem by parents; only a minority felt adequately prepared. A key recommendation is that following appropriate training chaplains may be well placed to support colleagues and parents during the decision making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing focus on the frequency of jellyfish blooms in the Northeast Atlantic because of negative interactions with humans. However, uncertainty exists as to whether perceptions of increasing bloom frequencies reflect reality due to limitations within long-term population trend data. This study, therefore, developed and applied a semi-quantitative mapping approach to visualise bloom suitability based on the physiological tolerances of seven jellyfish to ocean temperature, salinity and a prey index across the Northeast Atlantic. A 10% increase and a 10% decrease in the environmental parameters was then applied to the maps to assess model sensitivity and the potential influence of environmental change on bloom suitability. The study found that optimal physiological temperatures and salinities combined with peaks in prey abundance drove higher bloom suitability and determined distribution. Several locations predicted to be at high risk of bloom occurrence off British and Irish coasts were found to coincide with areas of high anthropogenic activity that could be impacted by blooms. In the absence of long-term datasets on jellyfish population dynamics, the results and methods developed in this study allow an understanding of historic bloom events and predictions of future populations that will be useful in informing monitoring and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a framework for studying international differences in the distribution of household income. Integrating micro-econometric and micro-simulation approaches in a decomposition analysis, it quantifies the role of tax-benefit systems, employment and occupational structures, labour and financial market returns, and demographic composition in accounting for differences in income inequality across countries. Building upon EUROMOD (the European tax-benefit calculator) and its harmonised datasets, the model is portable and can be implemented for cross-country comparisons between any participating country. An application to the UK and Ireland—two countries that have much in common while displaying different levels of inequality—shows that differences in tax-benefit rules between the two countries account for over one third of the observed difference in disposable household income inequality. Demographic differences play negligible roles. The Irish tax-benefit system is more redistributive than UK's due to a higher tax progressivity and higher average transfer rates. These are largely attributable to policy parameter differences, but also to differences in pre-tax, pre-transfer income distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying and understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy within distinct populations may aid future public health messaging. Using nationally representative data from the general adult populations of Ireland (N = 1041) and the United Kingdom (UK; N = 2025), we found that vaccine hesitancy/resistance was evident for 35% and 31% of these populations respectively. Vaccine hesitant/resistant respondents in Ireland and the UK differed on a number of sociodemographic and health-related variables but were similar across a broad array of psychological constructs. In both populations, those resistant to a COVID-19 vaccine were less likely to obtain information about the pandemic from traditional and authoritative sources and had similar levels of mistrust in these sources compared to vaccine accepting respondents. Given the geographical proximity and socio-economic similarity of the populations studied, it is not possible to generalize findings to other populations, however, the methodology employed here may be useful to those wishing to understand COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy elsewhere. Hesitancy and resistance towards vaccination is a challenge for public health. Here the authors determine psychological characteristics associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy or resistance attitudes in the UK and Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a Leverhulme residency undertaken by the author Julie Brixey-Williams in 2003–4 at the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland. Notions of medical visibility were explored through practice-led investigations under the umbrella title, Traces of the Invisible, that concentrated on making concrete, visible responses to the hidden or intangible elements of the anesthetist's working life in areas such as sleep, breath, pain and genetic markers. Rosebud is a unique nine-foot concertina bookwork created after reading the entire story of The Sleeping Beauty into an anesthetic machine. This essay expands upon the concepts and material responses that led to the making of the book with particular reference to how the book's structure forms a relationship to language and the body-as-site, whilst operating as a sculptural object that raises the visibility of the anesthetic profession. Fairy tales and their telling, including stories of enchanted sleep, transformational qualities, magical languages and shaman healers, will be examined alongside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We identified demographic, health and lifestyle factors associated with falls in adults aged 50–64 years from Australia, The Netherlands, Great Britain and Ireland. Nearly all factors were associated with falls, but there were differences between countries and between men and women. Existing falls prevention programs may also benefit middle-aged adults. Introduction: Between ages 40–44 and 60–64 years, the annual prevalence of falls triples suggesting that middle age may be a critical life stage for preventive interventions. We aimed to identify demographic, health and lifestyle factors associated with falls in adults aged 50–64 years. Methods: Harmonised data were used from four population-based cohort studies based in Australia (Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, n = 10,641, 51–58 years in 2004), Ireland (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, n = 4663, 40–64 years in 2010), the Netherlands (Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam, n = 862, 55–64 years in 2012–13) and Great Britain (MRC National Survey of Health and Development, n = 2987, 53 years in 1999). Cross-sectional and prospective associations of 42 potential risk factors with self-reported falls in the past year were examined separately by cohort and gender using logistic regression. In the absence of differences between cohorts, estimates were pooled using meta-analysis. Results: In cross-sectional models, nearly all risk factors were associated with fall risk in at least one cohort. Poor mobility (pooled OR = 1.71, CI = 1.34–2.07) and urinary incontinence (OR range = 1.53–2.09) were consistently associated with falls in all cohorts. Findings from prospective models were consistent. Statistically significant interactions with cohort and sex were found for some of the risk factors. Conclusion: Risk factors known to be associated with falls in older adults were also associated with falls in middle age. Compared with findings from previous studies of older adults, there is a suggestion that specific risk factors, for example musculoskeletal conditions, may be more important in middle age. These findings suggest that available preventive interventions for falls in older adults may also benefit middle-aged adults, but tailoring by age, sex and country is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-country comparisons of average loan interest rates, often carried out using statistics provided by national and international authorities, should be accompanied by strong caveats. If underlying compositional differences in loans, borrowers or lenders are unaccounted for, claims of over/under-pricing may be unfounded. In this paper, we propose a simple methodology that compares interest rates between countries after controlling for such differences. We apply our method to loan-level data from three Irish banks lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in both Ireland and the UK. We find that controlling for such factors reduces the the cross-country interest rate premium significantly. We attribute any remaining interest rate "gap" to overall lending market conditions – for example, to differences in the recoverability of collateral, the level of competition among banks, the aggregate perception of risk, or banks' expectations on the relative movements in policy rates and exchange rates between the UK and the euro area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several regions in the UK and Ireland have delivered home-based laparoscopic simulation programmes in an attempt to progress surgical trainees' skills through deliberate practice. However, engagement with these programmes has been poor. This study aims to uncover the barriers to engagement with home-based simulation, with a view to developing an improved programme.Methods: This was a qualitative study using focus groups with key stakeholders including junior surgical trainees, consultants/attendings and simulation faculty. Data were collected across four regions in three countries. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed and a thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software.Results: Sixty-three individuals were interviewed in 12 focus groups (43 trainees, 20 trainers). Trainees cited competing commitments as a barrier to engaging with home-based simulation. They tended to focus on scoring 'points' towards career progression rather than viewing tasks as interesting, or associated with personal development. Their view was that this approach is perpetuated by the training system, which rewards trainees for publications and exams, but not for operative skill. Trainees were unsatisfied with metric feedback and wanted individual feedback from consultants (attendings). Trainees perceived consultants as lacking interest in the programmes and training in general. However, some consultants were unaware of the programmes being delivered and others felt lacking in confidence to deliver the necessary training.Conclusions: Scheduled simulation sessions which provide trainees with the opportunity for consultant feedback may improve engagement. Tackling the 'point-scoring' culture is more challenging. This could be addressed by modified assessment structures, greater recognition and accountability for trainers, and recognition and funding of simulation strategies including in-house skills sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Implementation of return to work (RTW) programs for cancer survivors has proved to be challenging. The purpose of our study was to gather experiences about barriers to and facilitators of implementing RTW programs for cancer survivors in four European countries. Methods Separate multidisciplinary focus groups were held in Belgium (n = 8), the Netherlands (n = 8), Ireland (n = 6), and UK (n = 4) in 2017 and included among others a physician, and a representative of an employer, a cancer society, and the government. Primary focus of thematic analysis was what could be done to improve the implementation of RTW programs for cancer survivors. Analysis used the 'Arena in work disability prevention model' as the conceptual framework. Results Many barriers to and facilitators of implementing RTW programs for cancer survivors were described including the personal, workplace, healthcare and legislative system as well as the overall societal and political context. That is, for example cooperation between stakeholders, time, money and ability issues at the workplace, and insufficient/inadequate legislation. Insufficient knowledge of cancer and its implications for work was identified as an overarching theme in all countries leading to stigma, misconceptions and lack of communication. This was mentioned in relation to the workplace, personal and healthcare system, and in the overall societal context. Conclusions Results indicate that a prerequisite for implementing RTW programs is raising sufficient knowledge regarding cancer and its implications for work. Greater knowledge could be a first step to better implement RTW programs which may result in better supporting cancer survivors with their RTW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate trajectories of behavior, attention, social and emotional problems to early adulthood in extremely preterm survivors compared to a term-born comparison group. Longitudinal analysis of a prospective, population-based cohort of 315 surviving infants born < 26 completed weeks of gestation recruited at birth in 1995, from the UK/Republic of Ireland, and a term-born comparison group recruited at age 6. The parent-report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was completed at age 6, 11, 16 and 19 years. The Total Behavioral Difficulties Score was 4.81 points higher in extremely preterm individuals compared to their term-born peers over the period (95% CI 3.76–5.87, p < 0.001) and trajectories were stable in both groups. The impact of difficulties on home life, friendships, school or work and/or leisure activities was greater in the EPT group (RR 4.28, 95% CI 2.89–6.35, p < 0.001), and hyperactivity/inattention and peer problems accounted for the largest differences. A clinically significant behavioral screen at age 2.5 was associated with a higher Total Behavioral Difficulties Score from 6 years onwards in extremely preterm participants (Mean difference 6.90, 95% CI 5.01–8.70, p < 0.0.01), as was moderate/severe cognitive impairment at last assessment (Mean difference: 4.27, 95% CI 2.76–5.77, p < 0.001). Attention, social and emotional problems in extremely preterm individuals persist into early adulthood with significant impact on daily life. A positive behavioral screen in infancy and moderate/severe cognitive impairment are associated with early adult outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient selection for seizure prophylaxis after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and duration of anti-epileptic drug treatment for patients with early post-traumatic seizures (PTS), remain plagued with uncertainty. In early 2017, a collaborative group of neurosurgeons, neurologists, neurointensive care and rehabilitation medicine physicians was formed in the UK with the aim of assessing variability in current practice and gauging the degree of uncertainty to inform the design of future studies. Here we present the results of a survey of clinicians managing patients with TBI in the UK and Ireland.Materials and methods: An online survey was developed and piloted. Following approval by the Academic Committee of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons, it was distributed via appropriate electronic mailing lists.Results: One hundred and seventeen respondents answered the questionnaire, predominantly neurosurgeons (76%) from 30 (of 32) trauma-receiving hospitals in the UK and Ireland. Fifty-three percent of respondents do not routinely use seizure prophylaxis, but 38% prescribe prophylaxis for one week. Sixty percent feel there is uncertainty regarding the use of seizure prophylaxis, and 71% would participate in further research to address this question. Sixty-two percent of respondents use levetiracetam for treatment of seizures during the acute phase, and 42% continued for a total of 3 months. Overall, 90% were uncertain about the duration of treatment for seizures, and 78% would participate in further research to address this question.Conclusion: The survey results demonstrate the variation in practice and uncertainty in both described aspects of management of patients who have suffered a TBI. The majority of respondents would want to participate in future research to help try and address this critical issue, and this shows the importance and relevance of these two clinical questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of T cell lymphoma associated with breast implants. Five hundred and twenty-one cases have been reported worldwide to date. The clinical presentation has two distinct subtypes: late seroma and, rarely, a distinct mass lesion. We wanted to determine the implications of this emerging disease on the current practice of breast surgeons in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland and whether they have changed their practice following growing reports of associations with BIA-ALCL in the literature.Methods: An 11-question survey was sent to four associations in the UK and Ireland: Association of Breast Surgery (ABS); British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS); British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS); and the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons (IAPS). It was advertised in newsletters and also emailed to a list of consultant members of BAPRAS.Results: Seventy-two responses were from consultant surgeons throughout both the UK and Ireland. Ninety-seven percent of consultants discussed the risks and associations of breast implants and BIA-ALCL with their patients. Seventeen percent had a patient who was diagnosed with ALCL in their practice. Seventeen percent of consultants have already changed their practice, including a transition to using smooth implants or using micro- or nano-textured implants. A further 11% will consider changing their practice in the future depending on more information and recommendations from higher departments.Conclusions: BIA-ALCL is likely to be caused by a complex interplay of factors, allowing for the variation in clinical presentation and disease progression. Our survey has already shown a growing knowledge amongst breast surgeons in the UK and Ireland as well as a switch in practice in less than a third of consultants already.Level of Evidence: not ratable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-medical use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs is common; however, there is limited information available on the extent of harm related to this in Europe, as well as the relationship between misuse and availability.Aim: To describe presentations to the emergency department in Europe related to the recreational use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs and compare regional differences in these presentations with legal drug sales of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs within each country.Methods: Emergency department presentations with recreational misuse of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs were obtained from the Euro-DEN dataset for the period from October 2013 to September 2015; data extracted included demographics, clinical features, reported coused drugs, and outcome data. Sales figures obtained by QuintilesIMS™ (Atlanta, Georgia) were used to compare regional differences in the proportion of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in the emergency department presentations and legal drug sales across Europe.Results: Over the 2 years, there were 2119 presentations to the Euro-DEN project associated with recreational use of benzodiazepines and/or Z-drugs (19.3% of all Euro-DEN presentations). Presentations with 25 different benzodiazepines and Z-drugs were registered in all countries, most (1809/2340 registered benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, 77.3%) of which were prescription drugs. In 24.9%, the benzodiazepine was not specified. Where the benzodiazepine/Z-drug was known, the most frequently used benzodiazepines and Z-drugs were respectively clonazepam (29.5% of presentations), diazepam (19.9%), alprazolam (11.7%), and zopiclone (9.4%). The proportions of types of benzodiazepines/Z-drugs related to ED-presentations varied between countries. There was a moderate (Spain, UK, Switzerland) to high (France, Ireland, Norway) positive correlation between ED presentations and sales data (Spearman Row's correlation 0.66-0.80, p < 0.005), with higher correlation in countries with higher ED presentation rates.Conclusion: Presentations to the emergency department associated with the non-medical use of benzodiazepines and/or Z-drugs are common, with variation in the benzodiazepines and/or Z-drugs between countries. There was a moderate to high correlation with sales data, with higher correlation in countries with higher ED presentation rates. However, this is not the only explanation for the variation in non-medical use and in the harm associated with the non-medical use of benzodiazepines/Z-drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Prenatal health programs provide health education, reproductive care and related services to women. Programs may be administered individually or collaboratively by agencies including public health units, hospitals, health clinics, community and non-governmental organizations. Prenatal health disparities among populations at-risk may be reduced through the provision of accessible health education, services and resources to help women mitigate modifiable risks to pregnancy. Although standardized guidelines inform clinical screening, testing and maternity care, gaps exist regarding the design, implementation and evaluation for comprehensive prenatal health programs. Methods Using a multijurisdictional approach, prenatal health guidance documents released by clinical associations and regional governments across Canada, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland were systematically evaluated to identify standards and practices regarding the design, implementation and evaluation of prenatal health programs. Results Evidence-based, surveillance/monitoring, and expert/stakeholder collaborations were principles affirmed by guidance documents across all jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction described tailored strategies to optimize prenatal health in their respective communities. Divergence between jurisdictions was noted for patient care models and promotion of providers and companions of choice. Discussion A best practices model is proposed describing recommendations as follows: prenatal health programs should be grounded in a theoretical approach, fundamentally woman-centered and designed to address interacting prenatal health determinants across the lifespan. Accessible and inclusive prenatal health care can be achieved through provider training and community stakeholder collaborations. Identification of best practices for prenatal health program design, implementation and evaluation ensures that service standards are harmonized across communities, thereby optimizing maternal and child health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acceptance of ritual as a valid interpretation of Mesolithic behaviour has slowly emerged over the past decade; the ‘silly season’ heralded by Mellars (Antiquity 83:502-517, 2009) has not materialised, though in Ireland and Britain difficulties persist in defining what might constitute ‘ritual’ away from the graveside. New discoveries from both the development-led and academic sectors enable Mesolithic archaeologists to better establish which elements of the archaeological record can be interpreted as ritual. This paper seeks to identify further strands of ritual behaviour, incorporating evidence from sites without organic remains. We consider the evidence for ritual at the site and feature scales, and in the special treatment of objects—an often overlooked body of data in understanding ritual. Thus the material signature of ritual will be questioned, and ways in which Mesolithic ritual can be rehabilitated and expanded will be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the vitamin D status in adults from seven European countries and to identify behavioural correlates.Methods: In total, 1075 eligible adult men and women from Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Greece, UK, Poland and Germany, were included in the study.Results: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, defined as 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25-OHD3) concentration of <30 and 30-49.9 nmol/L, respectively, were observed in 3.3 and 30.6% of the participants. The highest prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found in the UK and the lowest in the Netherlands (8.2 vs. 1.1%, P < 0.05). In addition, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was higher in females compared with males (36.6 vs. 22.6%, P < 0.001), in winter compared with summer months (39.3 vs. 25.0%, P < 0.05) and in younger compared with older participants (36.0 vs. 24.4%, P < 0.05). Positive dose-response associations were also observed between 25-OHD3 concentrations and dietary vitamin D intake from foods and supplements, as well as with physical activity (PA) levels. Vitamin D intakes of ≥5 μg/day from foods and ≥5 μg/day from supplements, as well as engagement in ≥30 min/day of moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA were associated with higher odds (P < 0.05) for maintaining sufficient (≥50 nmol/L) 25-OHD3 concentrations.Conclusions: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varied considerably among European adults. Dietary intakes of ≥10 μg/day of vitamin D from foods and/or supplements and at least 30 min/day of moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA were the minimum thresholds associated with vitamin D sufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an introduction to the articles and report excerpt submitted to the special issue of Trends in Organized Crime on ‘Organised crime and illegal markets in the UK and Ireland’. The aim of the special issue is to draw together empirical research findings and theoretical accounts on various manifestations of organised crime in the particular geographic context(s), the evolution of organised crime, the links between organised crime, the legal sphere and paramilitary groups, as well as an account of the demographic profile and attitudes of citizens in areas in which organised crime groups thrive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunologists are increasingly being asked to assess patients with non-classical and secondary antibody deficiency to determine their potential need for immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IGRT). Immunoglobulin is a limited, expensive resource and no clear guidance exists for this broad patient group. The purpose of this survey is to establish what factors influence the decision to commence IGRT in adult patients, when diagnostic criteria for primary antibody deficiency are not fulfilled.Methods: Under the auspices of the United Kingdom Primary Immunodeficiency Network (UKPIN), a study group was established which circulated an online questionnaire to the consultant body across the UK and Ireland. Results provided a snapshot of the current clinical practice of 71% of consultant immunologists, from 30 centers.Results: In order of importance, factors which influence the decision to commence IGRT include number of hospital admissions with infection, serum IgG level, bronchiectasis, radiologically proven pneumonia, number of positive sputum cultures, number of antibiotic courses, and results of immunization studies. The commonest test vaccine used was Pneumovax 23 with measurement of serotype-specific responses at 4 weeks, with a threshold of 0.35 μg/ml in 2/3 of serotypes measured. Eighty-six percent of patients are treated with a trial of prophylactic antibiotics prior to consideration of IGRT. Efficacy of IGRT trial is assessed at between 6 and 12 months.Conclusions: There was consistency in clinical practice using a combination of clinical history, evidence of infections, and vaccination testing for diagnosis. However, there was some variation in the implementation of this practice, particularly in vaccine choice and assessment of response to vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) management requires complex treatment regimens but adherence to treatment is poor and has negative health implications. There are various methods of measuring adherence, but little is known regarding the extent of adherence measurement in CF centres throughout the UK and Ireland.Objective: To determine the adherence monitoring practices in CF centres throughout the UK and Ireland, and to establish CF pharmacists' views on these practices.Setting: UK and Ireland Cystic Fibrosis Pharmacists' Group's annual meeting (2014).Methods: A questionnaire was designed, piloted and distributed to pharmacists attending the UK and Ireland Cystic Fibrosis Pharmacists' Group's annual meeting (2014). The main outcome measures were the methods of inhaled/nebulised antibiotic supply and the methods used to measure treatment adherence in CF centres. The questionnaire also ascertained the demographic information of participating pharmacists. Closed question responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Open questions were analysed using content analysis.Results: Twenty-one respondents (84 % response) were included in the analysis and were mostly from English centres (66.7 %). Detailed records of patients receiving their inhaled/nebulised antibiotics were lacking. Adherence was most commonly described to be measured at 'every clinic visit' (28.6 %) and 'occasionally' (28.6 %). Patient self-reported adherence was the most commonly used method of measuring adherence in practice (90.5 %). The availability of electronic adherence monitoring in CF centres did not guarantee its use. Pharmacists attributed an equal professional responsibility for adherence monitoring in CF to Consultants, Nurses and Pharmacists. Seventy-six percent of pharmacists felt that the current adherence monitoring practices within their own unit were inadequate and associated with the absence of sufficient specialist CF pharmacist involvement. Many suggested that greater specialist pharmacist involvement could facilitate improved adherence monitoring.Conclusion: Current adherence knowledge is largely based on self-report. Further work is required to establish the most appropriate method of adherence monitoring in CF centres, to improve the recording of adherence and to understand the impact of increased specialist pharmacist involvement on that adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this review is to report on recent developments in youth mental health incorporating all levels of severity of mental disorders encouraged by progress in the field of early intervention in psychotic disorders, research in deficiencies in the current system and social advocacy.Methods: The authors have briefly reviewed the relevant current state of knowledge, challenges and the service and research response across four countries (Australia, Ireland, the UK and Canada) currently active in the youth mental health field.Results: Here we present information on response to principal challenges associated with improving youth mental services in each country. Australia has developed a model comprised of a distinct front-line youth mental health service (Headspace) to be implemented across the country and initially stimulated by success in early intervention in psychosis; in Ireland, Headstrong has been driven primarily through advocacy and philanthropy resulting in front-line services (Jigsaw) which are being implemented across different jurisdictions; in the UK, a limited regional response has addressed mostly problems with transition from child-adolescent to adult mental health services; and in Canada, a national multi-site research initiative involving transformation of youth mental health services has been launched with public and philanthropic funding, with the expectation that results of this study will inform implementation of a transformed model of service across the country including indigenous peoples.Conclusions: There is evidence that several countries are now engaged in transformation of youth mental health services and in evaluation of these initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Best practice guidelines recommend that a multidisciplinary Antimicrobial Management Team (AMT) conduct antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) activities in hospitals. In order to continuously improve AMS activities in Irish hospitals it is important to benchmark performance by comparison with other countries.Objective: To compare the membership of AMTs and AMS activities conducted in Irish and United Kingdom (UK) hospitals.Methods: A postal questionnaire to determine the membership and activities of AMTs was issued to the specialist antimicrobial pharmacist or pharmacist in charge at all Irish Hospitals and all UK National Health Service Hospitals. The membership of AMTs and the extent of AMS activities conducted were compared between the countries.Results: The response rates to the surveys were 73% (n = 51) in Ireland and 33% in the UK (n = 273). 57% of Irish respondents reported having an AMT compared to 82% in the UK (p < 0.001). Significantly more AMTs in the UK had a specialist antimicrobial pharmacist on the team (95% UK, 69% Ireland, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of Irish respondents reported measuring the overall volume of antimicrobial prescribing (Ireland 85%, UK 72%, p = 0.057). A higher proportion of UK respondents reported measuring the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing (76% UK, 58% Ireland, p = 0.019) and the appropriateness of restricted antimicrobial prescribing (64% UK, 52% Ireland, p = 0.140).Conclusion: Irish and UK AMTs need to be supported to recruit and retain specialist antimicrobial pharmacists and to achieve higher rates of audit, prescription appropriateness review and feedback activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed map of the available UV across the UK from 2003 to 2012 is provided. A suite of data derived from climatologies and satellite observations are used to calculate spectral UV irradiance and related weighted doses (erythema, DNA damage, vitamin D). The result is a well-validated tool that has two advantages: (i) the output is simulated spectral UV irradiance that can be weighted with any action spectrum for use in any research studies that require ambient UV data, (ii) reliance on instruments with planned operational lives of at least several years that ensures data and method homogeneity for extension to future studies. The model-derived doses are satisfactory validated against spectral ground-based measurements at two sites. According to the calculated climatology, the southern part of the UK receives 1.5–2 times more UV than the north during spring, summer and autumn. During wintertime, the UV doses in the far north are an order of magnitude lower than southern values. Even for the same latitude, regional variations of cloudiness result in doses at coastal sites being up to 25% higher than inland areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To (1) examine the opinions of medical staff working in spinal cord injury (SCI) centres (SCICs); (2) evaluate their knowledge, attitudes and practices towards obesity prevention and management; (3) report the number of beds and dietitians available at each SCIC.Methods:A 37-item questionnaire was sent to 23 SCICs in the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium and the Republic of Ireland between September 2012 and January 2013.Results:Eighteen SCICs returned the questionnaires for analysis. All respondents stated that they had an interest in obesity treatment but only 2.3% of the respondents received training in obesity management. Sixty-one percent of staff did not consider body mass index (BMI) to be appropriate for use in SCI patients and subsequently less than half of the respondents use BMI routinely. The majority of respondents reported that they are confident in dealing with overweight (74.5%) and obese (66.1%) SCI adults, less than half (44.1%) are confident in treating overweight and obese SCI children. Respondents also indicated the need for nationally adopted guidelines and a lack of physical activity provision. There were 17.5 whole-time equivalent (WTE) dietitians recorded in 22 SCICs, equivalent to 47.8 beds per WTE dietitians (range 10-420). Non-UK SCIC dietitians are significantly better resourced than in UK SCICs (beds per WTE dietitian: 36 vs 124, P=0.035).Conclusion:Medical staff expressed the need to participate in obesity prevention and management. Appropriate training should be considered for all medical staff and the development of specific weight management guidelines and dietetic provision should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims:The majority of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) will develop neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). These patients require a long-term urological follow-up. The follow-up protocol has varied across SCI units in the United Kingdom and Eire. We reviewed the long-term management in the SCI units to identify changes in practice over a decade and compared them to current guidelines.Methods:We present results of a review of all SCI centres in the United Kingdom and Eire on their long-term urological management before and after the current guidelines and compared the results with European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines on NLUTD and the proposed British guidelines for the urological management of patients with SCI. Data were collected through questionnaires posted to SCI units.Results:SCI patients are followed up in outpatients annually in the SCI centres and the frequency of follow-up remains largely unchanged. More SCI units perform renal tract imaging annually as a part of SCI follow-up. Most units follow the proposed British guideline indications for urodynamics and do not perform 'routine urodynamics'.Conclusions:We conclude that the long-term management of SCI patients in SCI units in the United Kingdom and Eire has changed overtime to follow the proposed British guidelines. EAU guidelines offer a more extensive follow-up regime. Last, there is a continued lack of high-quality evidence to support an optimal long-term follow-up protocol. Importantly, there is a lack of evidence on clinical outcomes when these guidelines have been followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks at the initiatives by the Associated Booksellers of Great Britain and Ireland between 1920 and 1930 to formalise training for booksellers, reflecting on the current moves to reinstate some kind of bookselling qualification through the partnership of Waterstones with the University of Derby. It uses as primary sources the trade papers of The Publishers' Circular and Booksellers' Record and The Bookseller, both key narrative repositories for histories of this nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcanic ash layers show that the products of Icelandic volcanism reached Britain and Ireland many times during the Holocene. Historical records suggest that at least one eruption, that of Laki in a. d. 1783, was associated with impacts on vegetation. These results raise the question: did Icelandic volcanism affect the Holocene vegetation history of Britain and Ireland? Several studies have used pollen data to address this issue but no clear consensus has been reached. We re-analyse the palynological data using constrained ordination with various representations of potential volcanic impacts. We find that the palynological evidence for volcanic impacts on vegetation is weak but suggest that this is a case of absence of evidence and is not necessarily evidence of absence of impact. To increase the chances of identifying volcanic impacts, future studies need to maximise temporal resolution, replicate results, and investigate a greater number of tephras in a broader range of locations, including more studies from lake sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenland White-fronted Geese wintering in Ireland and Britain stage for 3 weeks in Iceland in spring before migrating onwards to breeding areas in west Greenland. The geese now depart their wintering quarters 12-15 days earlier than in 1973 because they attain necessary fat stores earlier than in previous years. Icelandic temperatures at critical midway staging areas have shown no significant change since 1973, creating a potential mismatch in food availability along the migratory route. Greenland White-fronted Geese have shifted from consuming below-ground plant storage organs in Iceland in spring to grazing managed hayfields created since the 1950s where fresh grass shoot growth occurs despite sub-zero temperatures, when traditional natural foods are physically inaccessible to staging geese due to frozen substrates. Rates of fat accumulation (measured by field scores of abdominal profiles) and mass change (measured in captured geese) were the same in the springs of 1997, 1998 and 1999 as in that of 2007 when the migration episode was 10 days earlier. Hence, earlier arrival in Iceland in 2007 did not occur at cost to refuelling rates there. The shift to acquiring energy from artificial grasslands has enabled Greenland White-fronted Geese to arrive in Iceland earlier, but has apparently not impaired their ability to accumulate fat reserves required for onwards migration, which occurs at the same rate, only earlier in the spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of daptomycin, tigecycline, and linezolid for the treatment of MRSA infection compared with vancomycin in Belgium, the United Kingdom/Ireland, and Spain. Methods: The methodology included the following steps: acquisition of microbiological and pharmacokinetic data, Monte Carlo simulation, estimation of the probability of target attainment (PTA), and calculation of the cumulative fraction of response (CFR). Results: We showed that differences in the susceptibility of MRSA strains among countries may justify differences in the antibiotic dose selection. Two, 3, and 4 g daily of vancomycin seem be adequate in Belgium, Spain, and United Kingdom/Ireland respectively. The CFR obtained with 50 mg tigecycline every 12 h was higher in Spain than in Belgium and the United Kingdom/Ireland, but with the highest dose (100 mg q12h) the CFR was always 100%. At least 8 mg/kg daptomycin is necessary in United Kingdom/Ireland, but 4 mg/kg may be sufficient in Spain, and probably in Belgium. Six hundred mg q12h linezolid may be adequate in the four countries. Conclusion: Our study reinforces the idea that the local MIC distribution must be considered in order to increase the probability of success of empirical treatment and must be periodically updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews recent non-statutory attempts at charity fundraising regulation in the UK and Ireland. It explores the definition of success for each regime and examines whether broader policy lessons for fundraising regulation may be learnt from these implementation experiences to date. To this end, the article compares the UK framework for fundraising regulation (via the Fundraising Standards Board) with recent Irish proposals for non-statutory regulation. It also identifies the key challenges facing each regime. The article draws upon current Canadian, Dutch and American regulatory experiences and benchmarks these alternative non-statutory efforts against the Anglo-Irish models by way of comparative analysis. The article tackles the broader question of how we measure success in regulatory terms and argues for better identification of the constituency to be regulated, thereby enabling prioritisation of the salient performance indicators that should be included in any non-statutory framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our recent reassessment we explored the risk of MS by age at immigration in 258 migrants from United Kingdom and Ireland (UKI) to four states of Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia) in the period 1947-1981 (Group II). In the present report we have compared their characteristics with 44 cases who migrated before 1947 (Group I), divided into two subsets: Group Ia (15 cases) was rather similar to Group II in age at immigration (means of 20 and 23 years), age at onset (39 and 33 years), and duration from immigration to onset (19 and 10 years). Group Ib (29 cases) was significantly different from Group II, with mean ages of 4 years at immigration and 40 years at onset, for a mean interval of some 35 years between immigration and onset. All onsets in Group Ib occurred after 1947. We concluded that the Group Ib cases had most probably acquired their MS in Australia. Immigrants from high MS risk countries, including UKI, were modest in number before 1947, but some 770,000 entered from 1947-1981. They may have been the source of MS for the Group Ib migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the magnitude of homing behaviour within migratory fish species is essential for their conservation and management. We tested for population genetic structuring in the anadromous alosines, Alosa alosa and A. fallax fallax, to establish fidelity of stocks to spawning grounds in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Considerable genetic differences were present among populations of both species, suggesting strong fidelity to breeding grounds and compatible with homing to natal origins. Moreover, the genetic structure of A. fallax fallax showed a clear pattern of isolation-by-distance, consistent with breeding populations exchanging migrants primarily with neighbouring populations. Spatial genetic differences were on average much greater than temporal differences, indicating relatively stable genetic structure. Comparing anadromous A. fallax fallax populations to the landlocked Killarney shad subspecies, A. fallax killarnensis (Ireland), demonstrated a long history of separation. These results demonstrating regional stock structure within the British Isles will inform practical management of stocks and their spawning habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Longitudinal, multi-wave panel design.Objectives:To explore the changes in and the relationships between appraisals and coping with mood, functioning and quality-of-life (QOL) pre- and post-rehabilitation for acute spinal cord injury (SCI).Setting:The data collected was part of an ongoing study from specialist units in selected British, Swiss, German and Irish SCI centres.Methods:Questionnaires (Functional Independence, QOL, Mood, Appraisals, Coping and Support) were administered to 232 patients at 12 weeks post injury and sent to participants at 1 and 2 years post injury by post.Results:Significant changes were observed in various outcome measures between 12 weeks and 1 year post injury, with little significant change occurring during the following year. Appraisals and coping at 12 weeks post injury were significantly related to outcome scores and also contributed significantly to the variance in QOL, mood and stress-related growth at 2 years post injury.Conclusion:The study provides further evidence for the link between appraisals, coping and subsequent adjustment to injury. Suggestion is made for the potential benefit of early assessment and intervention for patients at risk of poor adjustment to SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:A multi-centre, cross-sectional survey.Objectives:To establish and compare the resources allocated against existing national standards, and to document current nutritional screening practices.Setting:Spinal cord injury centres (SCICs) in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.Methods:After obtaining research ethics committee approval, 12 SCICs in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland were surveyed by a postal questionnaire. Data collected included the number of whole time equivalent (WTE) staff available, whether a nutrition team was present and the use of nutritional screening tools in the SCIC.Results:Eleven (92%) SCICs responded. In total there were 482 allocated beds, and the average numbers of patients per WTE staff (s.d.), including consultants, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists, were recorded. Eight centres used a nutritional screening tool, and only two centres had a clinical nutrition team.Conclusion:The resources allocated to nutritional care in SCICs appear to be very limited. This suggests that malnutrition will continue to be under-recognised and under-treated. There is a clear need for additional resources to address the nutritional needs of this special population group. Each SCIC should ensure regular access to nutritional advice, and the establishment of local nutrition support teams should be a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At-sea distributions of large scyphozoan jellyfish across the Irish Sea were studied using visual surface counts from ships of opportunity. Thirty-seven surveys were conducted along two >100 km long transects between Ireland and the UK from April to September in 2009 and 2010. Five species were recorded but only Aurelia aurita and Cyanea capillata were frequently observed. The first formal description of the seasonal changes in the abundances and distributions of these two species in the study area is provided. The highest densities of these species were more likely to be found ~30 km offshore, but large aggregations were present both in coastal and offshore waters. Evidence for aggregations of medusae along physical discontinuities was provided by coupling jellyfish observations with simultaneous records of environmental parameters. The value of surveys from ships of opportunity as cost-effective semi-quantitative tools, to develop local knowledge on jellyfish abundance, distribution, and phenology is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]