INFANT Centre News

Thursday 02 February 2017 INFANT is delighted to be hosting the 10th International Conference on Brain Monitoring and Neuroprotection in the Newborn, 5-7 October 2017 in Kerry, Ireland. This conference provides a state of the art forum for discussion of current research and clinical care in newborn brain monitoring and neuroprotection. With an international faculty of leading opinion leaders, this conference provides a unique opportunity to hear brain monitoring and neuroprotection discussed comprehensively with an intersection between research and evidence-based clinical care at a time when both fields are growing rapidly. Accompanying workshops are an integral part of the conference and are designed to guide and provide a unique training experience.   Registration will be available on http://newbornbrain2017.com/   The international conference faculty have been announced: http://newbornbrain2017.com/faculty/  Co-Chaired by our director, Prof Geraldine Boylan.   Related Links Newborn Brain Conference Website

Monday 30 January 2017 Summary Little Book of Irish Science: 100 Things You Should Know showcases the groundbreaking research taking place in Ireland. Read about INFANT Centre projects and innovations on pages 1, 75 and 76. Read on ISSUU: Downloads Science Foundation Ireland Little Book of Irish Science

Monday 30 January 2017 Bite-Sized Science On January 25th, science took over Triskel Christchurch in Cork for the FameLab Munster Heat. FameLab is one of the biggest science communication competitions in the world. Presenters have three minutes to explain a scientific concept to their audience. In 2016, INFANT's own Daragh Finn claimed 3rd place in the FameLab Ireland final. Stress and Prediction INFANT's speakers at event represented the diverse nature of our research. Our Young Researcher of the Year, Katie Togher, took to the stage first to explain how stress affects mothers and babies. The next INFANT speaker, Deirdre Hayes-Ryan, gave the audience a compelling presentation titled "Pre-eclampsia: knowing is half the battle". Finding ways to fight pre-eclampsia and keep mums safe is one of INFANT's core research missions. Sunshine and High Voltage Karen O'Callaghan told a full-house at the Triskel why sunshine is so important to our wellbeing, reflecting the findings of INFANT researchers in the ODIN study. In "Danger, Danger, High Voltage?!", Alison O'Shea looked to dispel myths about the dangers of electricity, highlighting the key role it plays in groundbreaking scientific research. Congratulations to our FameLab contestants on a great achievement!

Tuesday 10 January 2017 The Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study; Irelands largest birth cohort study has just completed its study of children from before birth through to 5 years of age. We wish to mark this milestone by sharing our findings with the families who have given so generously of their time, and the broader UCC community. Please join us to celebrate what we have achieved together on 31 January 2017 at 19:00 in the Aula Maxima, UCC.   Please RSVP to the event here   Our wonderful participants were recruited through their parents, before they were born. They have been followed up at many time points since then with detailed assessments of their growth, development, health, and disease. Funded by the National Children's Research Centre, this multi-disciplinary study aims to answer important questions regarding allergy, nutrition, growth and development in Irish children. We have already made important discoveries regarding children’s health and collected information which we hope will answer many more questions in the years to come. Join us to hear what the BASELINE data has taught us! Related Links BASELINE Website

Wednesday 04 January 2017 Pre-eclampsia, a serious condition of late pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and increased protein in the urine in the second-half of pregnancy. This condition affects 5% of first time mothers and is associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. A quarter of babies born to women with pre-eclampsia do not grow properly, and a third are born prematurely. Globally, 76,000 mothers and 500,000 infants die each year as a direct result of this condition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 20% of the 15 million preterm births reported each year are related to pre-eclampsia. Currently there is no treatment for pre-eclampsia. Picture Above: Mitochondria are critical metabolic signalling organelles in pre-eclampsia The placenta is a highly metabolic organ. The central role of mitochondria is the synthesis of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation. Electrons donated from carbohydrates oxidized by TCA cycle including NADH pass through ETC and ultimately reduce O2 to form H2O. As electrons are transported a proton (H+) gradient develops across the inner mitochondrial membrane facilitating the conversion of ADP to ATP by Complex V of the ETC. Superoxide (O2−) is generated by the ETC and is converted to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which can easily diffuse through mitochondrial membranes and mediate redox signalling. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to exaggerated O2− generation (oxidative stress) with subsequent maternal endothelial dysfunction. mtDNA is [...]

Tuesday 03 January 2017 Low Deficiency INFANT researchers have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is low in Irish toddlers. In comparision with figures for Irish adults, a small percentage of two year olds are deficient. However, the study shows that Vitamin D intake remains lower than international recommendations. Low Intake The average vitamin D intake was 3.5 µg per day. 96% of children were found to have a vitamin D intake of under 10 µg per day. This value of 10 µg per day is the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) proposed by the IOM in the United States and Canada. 10 µg per day is also the Safe Intake value proposed by SACN in the UK for children aged 1 to < 4 years. Children who did not consume food fortified with vitamin D or vitamin D supplements had the lowest intakes (~1 µg per day). Winter Months There was a high prevalence of low vitamin D status during the winter months (November-April), especially among children who did not consume vitamin D-fortified foods or nutritional supplements. Better Research The study notes that dietary strategies are needed to increase the intake of Vitamin D for this age group. With this in mind, INFANT researchers suggest that advice on Vitamin D intake should be based on dose-response randomised control trials. These trials would help make dietary advice for toddlers more consistent. "Uncertainty around the dietary requirements for vitamin D for infants and children persists." Related Links Read: [...]

Thursday 22 December 2016 Consultant Obstetricians have their say on Twitter: #wearedelivering the maternity service On 12 Dec, the Irish Times published an opinion article entitled "Ireland’s Maternity Services: An Ongoing Horror Story" In response, 26 female Obstetricians & Gynaecologists came together, writing letters to the Irish Times about the woman-centered care they deliver and defending the maternity services. At the same time, a campaign began on Twitter to give examples of how #wearedelivering care to mothers and babies in Ireland.   In 10 days, over 1,000,000 impressions have been made on Twitter #wearedelivering Looking at a snapshot of the tweets from a few days after it began, 200,000 twitter accounts had been reached, with over 500 tweets every day. Users are contributing across Ireland and as far as the United States and Australia. Approx 90% of contributors are women: they are leading the conversation on the maternity services, how to improve the incredible breadth of services, and tell of women's experience of the service: both good and bad. Other hashtags have grown from the discussion, notably #IrishMatExp, #ibirthed and #thankstomyHCPs - the conversation has begun. We are very supportive of this as conversation: it is what brings about change. Women need to be empowered to speak and be heard: the services should reflect what they need and also what they want. We at Infant care deeply about mothers and babies. We are working to provide evidence-based research that will bring [...]

Tuesday 20 December 2016 Fundraising for mums and babies On 11 November, Women's Fitness Plus Gym hosted a fundraising fashion show. This incredible night, hosted in the Women's Fitness Plus bespoke studio, was all in aid of the research in the INFANT Centre. Incredible Generosity Women's Fitness Cork presented the INFANT Centre with a huge €2,553 raised by the November fashion show. The donation was accepted by INFANT co-directors Prof. Geraldine Boylan and Prof. Louise Kenny.   We are constantly overwhelmed by the generosity of businesses like Women's Fitness Plus and the people of Cork. We could not do our research without them. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended the fashion show and who donated so generously. Your donations will have a great impact and will help not only mothers and babies here in the CUMH, but families around the world. Women's Fitness Cork raised a massive €2,553 for the INFANT Centre, helping us to make pregnancy safer. Related Links Follow the INFANT Centre on Twitter for more news, outreach and events.

Monday 19 December 2016 INFANT Awards 2016 The inaugural INFANT Awards 2016, held in the main auditorium Cork Maternity Hospital, showcased the incredible talent, teamwork and commitment to innovation which makes the work of the INFANT centre possible. Dr. Niamh Shaw: "Walking (Slowly) Towards Space" Engineer, scientist and performer Dr Niamh Shaw gave an opening talk titled "Walking (Slowly) Towards Space". She discussed the importance of awakening and encouraging curiosity across the fields of science, technology, art, engineering and mathematics (STEAM). Describing her personal journey and how she is following her dream of reaching space, Dr. Shaw talked about how innovation takes courage, vision and a step-by-step approach. The perception of career goals and success was also a topic for discussion, with many INFANT staff members feeling that working to make pregnancy safer was their dream job. The talk concluded with a short Q&A where Dr. Shaw spoke about the role she believes communication can play in promoting research and innovation. Person of the Year Amy Aherne and Head of Operations Jo Studham. Young Researcher of the Year Katie Togher and Head of Operations Jo Studham. EPE Person of The Year Alison O'Shea and EPE Manager Dr. Ria O'Sullivan-Lago. Researcher of the Year Dr. John O'Toole and Head of Operations Jo Studham. Person of the Year Amy Aherne and Head of Operations Jo Studham. Young Researcher of the Year Katie Togher and [...]

Wednesday 14 December 2016 HIE and Therapeutic Hypothermia   Research at the INFANT centre is focused on developing new ways to help mothers and babies. One of the treatment options being studied by our researchers is therapeutic hypothermia. When babies are deprived of oxygen or blood flow around the time of birth, this may result in a condition known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which can result in severe brain damage and other lifelong diseases. This is where therapeutic hypothermia is useful: research has shown outcome for these children is improved significantly if they are cooled quickly after birth and kept cool for several days. How Therapeutic Hypothermia Works Therapeutic hypothermia uses a cooling cap or blanket to preserve a lowered temperature, reducing inflammation and giving the brain recovery time. The treatment usually takes place over the course of three days, after which the baby is warmed up again. Around 180 children in Ireland suffer from HIE at birth each year. Offering Therapeutic Hypothermia in Mild Cases of HIE In moderate or severe cases of HIE, this cooling treatment has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cerebral palsy and longterm disability. At INFANT, the effect of HIE on the brain has been well documented. Prof. Geraldine Boylan and Dr. Deirdre Murray have studied the brainwaves of neonates with HIE, with a follow-up investigation taking place five years later. The [...]

Wednesday 30 November 2016 Presenter Anne-Marie Tomchak, UK editor of Mashable, returned home to Ireland determined to explore a world where our digital fingerprints are being captured and applied in all areas of modern life. In INFANT, she met with our directors Prof. Louise Kenny and Prof. Geraldine Boylan to explore how INFANT uses big data to help make pregnancy safer and improve health outcomes for newborn babies, under the strictest data security. INFANT technology, Prof. Kenny notes, is advancing how we protect women during pregnancy "from being only able to predict risk using very simple clinical data to real precision medicine", where one blood sample can predict "a woman's entire pregnancy course." Asked how technology and data help us learn about childbirth, Prof. Boylan explains that the brainwave analysis tools being developed by INFANT researchers are vital as they give us "the only window we have into the newborn brain". Related Links Catch it on the RTE Player  

Wednesday 26 October 2016 Researchers from the INFANT Centre are presenting their work at the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy XX World Congress in São Paulo, Brazil. Our director, Prof Louise Kenny gave a keynote address, Dr. Ali Khashan gave two oral presentations and Amy Aherne gave an early bird lecture on Social Media for Academics.     1 2 Previous Next Related Links ISSHP 2016 Conference Website

Monday 24 October 2016 The wonderful Womens Fitness Gym are holding their second ever Fashion show on Friday 11 Nov in aid of The Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translation Research in the CUMH. There will be fantastic shops/Boutiques on board such as Verso & Quiz Clothing from Douglas Court Shopping Centre, Arcade Midleton, Butterfly Ladies Fashion Boutique by the Lough, Silk Peaches in Ballincollig, Icon in Douglas/Wilton Shopping Centre, Born Fashions in Wilton Shopping Centre & our neighbors Elverys Sports. It will be a fabulous evening showcasing our members success stories along with a performance by the stunning Claudia Rose Music from The Voice UK on the night. The fashion show will be taking place in Building 2 at 19:30. Tickets are on sale in the gym, €15 per person.   We look forward to seeing you there!

Monday 24 October 2016 We are very proud of our team of INFANT Researchers who are presenting the work carried out at the INFANT Centre at the European Academy of Paediatrics Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. Every single person attending from INFANT has either an invited talk, a platform presentation or a poster, some have more than one presentation: approx 20 accepted abstracts all together. We are really proud of our researchers and delighted to be part of such an important conference. Related Links EAPS 2016 Conference Website

Tuesday 18 October 2016 The Wellcome-HRB ICAT Fellowship Programme is open for applications.   Integrated with postgraduate medical training, ICAT will support 4 years of academic training at the beginning of higher specialist training (HST) or equivalent, with clinical and academic mentoring until completion of PhD and CCST/CCT. ICAT now seeks to appoint the first cohort of 8 well qualified and ambitious medical graduates who aspire to become the next generation of clinical academic leaders. www.ICATprogramme.org has further details, including the application form and eligability checklist. The closing date for completed applications - 21st November 2016 @ 16.00   Our Supervisors on the Database: Prof. Geraldine Boylan Dr. Keelin O'Donoghue Dr. Ali Khashan Prof. David Henshall Related Links ICAT Website

Friday 07 October 2016 INFANT is delighted to annouce that we will host the 10th Brain Monitoring and Neuroprotection in the Newborn Conference in Killarney, Co.Kerry, 5-7 October, 2017   See www.bmn2017.com for more details! Related Links Brain Monitoring & Neuroprotection in the Newborn Conference Website

Monday 03 October 2016 Research from the BASELINE Cohort study has found that some commensal bacteria may act as an anti-inflammatory or protective mechanism against the development of eczema in babies. The research, funded by the National Children’s Research Centre, and based on academic collaboration between Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Dundee and the National Institutes of Health, has been published in this month’s Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The research was gathered from a cohort of patients in the BASELINE Cohort study. By studying a new-born’s skin very carefully over a 1-year period, a complex relationship between the microbiome and skin inflammation was discovered.  The research indicates that babies with atopic dermatitis (AD, though commonly referred to as eczema) had not been colonized with the Staphylococcus bacteria before developing AD. The research also shows that several species of the staphylococcus bacteria appeared to protect against the development of eczema. Eczema has a close relationship with the colonization of Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria, and these bacteria are known to drive flares or exacerbations of AD. Deirdre Murray, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, UCC and Principal investigator of the Cork BASELINE birth cohort study: “Prof Irvine’s work is advancing our knowledge in why some babies develop eczema, and what we might be able to do to prevent this disorder [...]

Monday 03 October 2016 Congratulations to Prof Kenny who was honoured with a Leadership Award, nominated by staff in University College Cork.   Full details of the University Staff Recognition Awards Programme 2016, including membership of the Awards Selection Committee, are available at http://www.ucc.ie/en/sdc/  

Friday 30 September 2016 If you would like to apply for the TY Programme, download the form below and send it in. Downloads TY Application Form

Thursday 29 September 2016 The 2017 International Stillbirth Alliance Conference will take place at University College Cork from Friday 22nd September – Sunday 24th September 2017.   Save the Date!   www.isacork2017.com

Monday 26 September 2016 Each year in Ireland, roughly 180 children develop clinical signs of brain dysfunction, or HIE A new HRB-funded study, shows that a mild blood or oxygen deficit at birth, which leads to a condition called Hypoxic Ischaematic Encephalopathy (HIE) can result in children having lower IQ than their peers at the age of five and increased rates of overall disability.  The study carried out by clinicians at the INFANT Centre, University College Cork, followed a group of babies born with mild, moderate or severe HIE until they were five years of age. Each year three in every 1000, or roughly 180, children born in Ireland will develop clinical signs of brain dysfunction, or hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) which require the baby to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. HIE varies in severity and is graded as mild, moderate or severe. Currently all babies with a moderate or severe grade of HIE are offered cooling therapy. The baby is cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, placed on a cooling blanket and their body temperature is maintained at 33.5-34.5 degrees centigrade for 72 hours. Cooling at this crucial time reduces the energy expenditure of the brain, reduces inflammation and gives the brain time to recover improving the chances of a good long-term outcome. Cooling has repeatedly been shown to [...]

Wednesday 07 September 2016 We will host our annual research day on 9 September 2016 at the Western Gateway Building. Registration is FREE through Eventbrite: please register HERE Programme The INFANT Centre will host its annual research day on 9 September 2016 at the Western Gateway Building. 6 CPD Points are Available  Registration is FREE through Eventbrite: please register HERE   BETTER OUTCOMES FOR MATERNAL, FETAL & INFANT HEALTH Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork.    PROGRAMME 08.30: Registration 9.00:  Opening Address Prof Louise Kenny, Director of INFANT 09:15-10:45 – Intrauterine Growth Restriction & Pregnancy Loss Chair: Dr Keelin O’Donoghue, PI Infant KEYNOTE: PROF PETER VON DADELSZEN, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.     1. Intrapartum Deaths and Intrapartum Event Related Neonatal Deaths int he Republic of Ireland, 2011-2014 Karen McNamara, Richard Greene and Keelin O’Donoghue  2. Rates of Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Secondary to IUGR over a 10 Year Period Ciara Nolan and Etaoin Kent  3.The General Populations’ Understanding of Miscarriage: A Cross-Sectional Study Sarah Meaney, Jacqueline Sheehan, Rachel Rice and Keelin O’Donoghue   Coffee Break & Poster Session       11.15-12.45 – Clinical Trials in Perinatal Populations Chair: Prof Geraldine Boylan, Director of INFANT KEYNOTE: DR MARK TURNER, UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL.   1. Risk based monitoring (RBM) tools for clinical trial monitoring – a narrative review Caroline Hurley, Frances Shiely, Jessica Power, Mike Clarke, Joseph Eustace, Evelyn Flanagan and Patricia Kearney. 2. Habitual Calcium and Vitamin D Intakes in Pregnant Irish [...]

Wednesday 10 August 2016 The Minister for Health, Mr Simon Harris, today launched the HSE National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death. These new standards clearly define the care parents and families can expect to receive following a pregnancy loss or perinatal death. The standards will be implemented and applied across the health service in all appropriate hospitals and settings. Dr Keelin O’Donoghue who is Principal Investigator in the INFANT Research Centre and Consultant Obstetrician at Cork University Maternity Hospital explained; “The publication of these standards marks another significant step forward for the health services and is a direct expression of our commitment to compassionate care for patients. All Maternity Hospitals/Units will now establish or develop further Bereavement Specialist Teams to assist and support parents, families and professionals dealing with pregnancy loss.” Dr. O’Donoghue and her team within the INFANT Centre are leading investigations into the causes of perinatal death and pregnancy loss. Dr O’Donoghue will be the clinician to lead the implementation of the standards across the country. The standards will ensure that bereavement care will be central to the mission of the hospital. The hospital will ensure a system is in place to provide bereavement care and end-of-life care for babies, organised around the babies’ and families’ needs and in accordance with the families’ wishes and values. These new [...]

Tuesday 26 July 2016 The Directors and Executive Management Team of the INFANT Centre are delighted to announce that Christian Stafford and Josephine Studham will join the INFANT Centre in two new roles: as Head of Business Development and Head of Operations, respectively. Christian and Jo’s addition to the team is an exciting time of growth for INFANT. Prof Louise Kenny noted, “both Christian and Jo bring a wealth of experience and knowledge. Their work will expand the horizons of our centre and enable INFANT to have greater reach and impact”. As Head of Business Development, Christian will lead and oversee the Centre commercial strategy. He will particularly focus on the development, growth and maintenance of partnerships with industry and the commercialisation of INFANT innovations to the market. He has more than 15 years’ experience in strategic and operational innovation management, research commercialisation, IP management, business development and industrial-academic research collaboration in food and life sciences in UK and Ireland. As Head of Business Development at INFANT, Christian will drive the overall commercial strategy and help promote and develop the role of Infant in delivering societal and economic impact. Christian added that he is “delighted to join INFANT and support the Centre mission of developing and delivering innovations addressing significant unmet need in maternal and infant health. The work of INFANT, the Directors and the [...]

Tuesday 12 July 2016 Our BabyLink project is working to improve outcomes for newborn babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Seizures or fits in newborn babies are classed as a medical emergency and require urgent treatment. However, they are impossible to detect without continuous brain monitoring using EEG. Specialist expertise is required for EEG interpretation and, all too often, no such expert is on-hand in neonatal intensive care units, which can result in important brain events being missed. The INFANT Centre at UCC and Cork University Maternity Hospital has pooled its extensive database of newborn electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings and machine learning expertise with IBM’s Big Data Analytics stream processing capability to create a unique clinical decision support platform.