Publications by authors named "F Fitzpatrick"

The role of neutrophils in host defense involves several cell processes including phagocytosis, degranulation of antimicrobial proteins, and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In turn, dysregulated cell activity is associated with the pathogenesis of airway and rheumatic diseases, in which neutrophil-derived enzymes including peptidyl-arginine deiminases (PADs) play a role. Known physiological functions of PADs in neutrophils are limited to the activity of PAD isotype 4 in histone citrullination in NET formation.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The text discusses the urgent need for new topical antimicrobials to manage wound infections as infection risks rise, emphasizing the lack of solid research on the cytotoxicity and effectiveness of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in current literature.
  • - The study focuses on a specific AMP polymer called 16-PLL, investigating its bactericidal activity against ESKAPE pathogens and its cytotoxic effects on human cells, finding it effective but also toxic at certain concentrations.
  • - Modifications to 16-PLL were made to reduce toxicity, but these did not significantly improve its safety profiles, indicating that while further development may be necessary, prioritizing the safety and selectivity of such antimicrobials is crucial for future research.
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Medical students must have robust educational experiences, graduate and commence timely employment. Here, we describe how the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) delivered clinical placements in medical programmes over the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, including a student-centred, holistic approach to students' educational, social and health needs with strong student involvement, re-organising the university's primary care team, developing COVID-19 PCR testing on site and re-focusing communications and student services. This resulted in re-arranging the students into learning communities, and students and staff electronically recorded their COVID-19 symptom status daily.

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