University College Cork

About: University College Cork is a education organization based out in Cork, Ireland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Irish. The organization has 12056 authors who have published 28452 publications receiving 958414 citations. The organization is also known as: Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh & National University of Ireland, Cork.

Different stresses, similar morphogenic responses: integrating a plethora of pathways

Abstract: Exposure of plants to mild chronic stress can cause induction of specific, stress-induced morphogenic responses (SIMRs). These responses are characterized by a blockage of cell division in the main meristematic tissues, an inhibition of elongation and a redirected outgrowth of lateral organs. Key elements in the ontogenesis of this phenotype appear to be stress-affected gradients of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants, auxin and ethylene. These gradients are present at the the organismal level, but are integrated on the cellular level, affecting cell division, cell elongation and/or cell differentiation. Our analysis of the literature indicates that stress-induced modulation of plant growth is mediated by a plethora of molecular interactions, whereby different environmental signals can trigger similar morphogenic responses. At least some of the molecular interactions that underlie morphogenic responses appear to be interchangeable. We speculate that this complexity can be viewed in terms of a thermodynamic model, in which not the specific pathway, but the achieved metabolic state is biologically conserved.

Probiotic impact on microbial flora, inflammation and tumour development in IL-10 knockout mice.

Abstract: Background: The enteric bacterial flora has been implicated in the pathogenesis of enterocolitis and colon cancer in C57BL/6 IL-10 knockout mice. Probiotic Lactobacilli modify the enteric flora and are thought to have a beneficial effect on enterocolitis. We conducted a controlled feeding trial in IL-10 knockout mice using the probiotic Lactobacillus salivarius ssp. salivarius UCC118. Aim: To determine the effect of probiotic consumption on the gastrointestinal microflora, tumour development and colitis in IL-10 knockout mice. Methods: Twenty IL-10 knockout mice were studied (10 consumed probiotic organisms in milk and 10 consumed unmodified milk) for 16 weeks. Faecal microbial analysis was performed weekly to enumerate excretion of the probiotic UCC118, total lactobacilli, Clostridium perfringens, bacteroides, coliforms, bifidobacteria and enterococci. At sacrifice, the small and large bowel were microbiologically and histologically assessed. Results: L. salivarius UCC118 was detected in faeces from all mice in the probiotic fed group, but not the control group. Faecal coliform and enterococci levels were significantly reduced in probiotic fed animals compared to the controls (P < 0.05). At sacrifice, a significant reduction in C. perfringens numbers was observed in the test mice (P < 0.05). There were no fatalities in the test group compared to two deaths from fulminant colitis in the control group. Only one test mouse developed colonic adenocarcinoma compared to five in the control group. Test animal mucosal inflammation consistently scored lower than that of the control mice. Conclusion: In this placebo controlled trial, modification of enteric flora in IL-10 knockout mice by probiotic lactobacilli was associated with reduced prevalence of colon cancer and mucosal inflammatory activity.

Cohort Profile: The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Abstract: Ireland shares with other developed countries the prospect of rapid and sustained population ageing. The age distribution of the Irish population is undergoing a dramatic change at present and this trend is predicted to continue into the future. People are living longer, and older persons represent a larger proportion of the population. In Ireland, the proportion of the population aged 565 years has remained steady at 11% for the past 40 years. However, it is projected that this proportion will rise to 14% by 2021 and to 19% by 2031. The greatest increase will be in the oldest old, aged 480 years, which is expected to more than treble by 2036. This change in the demographic profile of the Irish population poses a major public health challenge. Unlike the situation in the USA, the UK and many other developed countries, there have been no large population-based cohort studies in Ireland to inform research on healthy ageing. Whereas a number of studies have provided population-based data on the health status of older people living in Ireland, many questions remain unanswered. The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) is a large prospective cohort study of ageing, which includes an assessment of the social, economic and health circumstances of community-resident older people living in Ireland. The study has been harmonized with leading international research so as to ensure adoption of best practice and comparability of results. The Irish government, The Atlantic Philanthropies and Irish Life plc have provided funding for the study. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Trinity College Dublin Research Ethics Committee. Who is in the sample?

High‐pressure processing – effects on microbial food safety and food quality

Abstract: High-pressure processing (HPP) is a nonthermal process capable of inactivating and eliminating pathogenic and food spoilage microorganisms. This novel technology has enormous potential in the food industry, controlling food spoilage, improving food safety and extending product shelf life while retaining the characteristics of fresh, preservative-free, minimally processed foods. As with other food processing methods, such as thermal processing, HPP has somewhat limited applications as it cannot be universally applied to all food types, such as some dairy and animal products and shelf-stable low-acid foods. Herein, we discuss the effects of high-pressure processing on microbial food safety and, to a lesser degree, food quality.