https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2440 2026-07-11T11:58:45Z 2026-07-11T11:58:45Z Friggieri, Jesmond Ellul, Ian C. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147961 2026-07-09T10:02:17Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Synapse : the Medical Professionals' Network : volume 24 : issue 2 Authors: Friggieri, Jesmond; Ellul, Ian C. Abstract: Table of contents:; 1/ FEARNE, C. - Antimicrobial resistance : a call to action; 2/ OPADIYA, M. A., AHMED, N., UDOH, F. S., BORG, D., & ZAMMIT-VINCENTI, M. - Proportion of surgical patients prescribed VTE prophylaxis upon admission; 3/ CHOUEIRY, P. - Effects of cardiozymTM supplementation on lipid profile and cardiovascular risk in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease : a retrospective chart review; 4/ CUTAJAR, K., & MIFSUD, T. - Speech and language success : early intervention for lasting impact; 5/ SPITERI, P. - Mindfulness : how, and when to start this evidence-based practice; 6/ GAUCI, C., ZRINZO, S., & BELLIZZI, M. - Sacroiliac joint syndrome : multidisciplinary perspective on diagnosis and management; 7/ MUSCAT, J. - The ongoing breast screening debate : time to clear the air; 8/ BORG, J., BRINCAT, D., THEUMA, S., VELLA, J., VELLA, M., BORG, J., & FELICE, A. - CAREOMICS : x and y chromosome typing in the Maltese population : from population genetics to clinical practice; 9/ GRECH, A., FARRUGIA, M., & BALZAN, M. - Centenarians : what can they teach us about lifespan & healthspan?; 10/ AGIUS ANASTASI, A., & VELLA, F. - Bridging perspectives : rehabilitation expectations among healthcare professionals and the general public; 11/ EDWARDS, N. - Plantar fasciitis : radiological findings and evidence-based treatment approaches

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147957 2026-07-09T09:46:13Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Antimicrobial resistance : a call to action Abstract: One of the great medical successes of the last 100 years is the advent and widespread use of antimicrobials. Countless millions of lives have been saved, perilous surgical procedures have been made safe and, lifesaving, but immunocompromising, treatments have been made possible. However, the very ubiquitousness and, at times, inappropriate extensive use of these antimicrobials is threatening their effectiveness. With disastrous effects. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a real global medical threat. Already today, within the European Union and OECD countries, it is estimated that 1 in 5 bacterial infections are resistant to antimicrobials. [excerpt]

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Opadiya, Mariam Adeola Ahmed, Nasri Udoh, Frieda-Rex Sebastian Borg, David Zammit-Vincenti, Mark https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147890 2026-07-08T07:58:06Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Proportion of surgical patients prescribed VTE prophylaxis upon admission Authors: Opadiya, Mariam Adeola; Ahmed, Nasri; Udoh, Frieda-Rex Sebastian; Borg, David; Zammit-Vincenti, Mark Abstract: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients, particularly those undergoing surgery. Postoperative patients are at an increased risk of developing VTE due to multiple factors, including immobility, endothelial damage, and changes in coagulation. Guidelines from international bodies such as the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend the use of pharmacological and mechanical prophylaxis for VTE in surgical patients, tailored to their risk profiles. Surgical patients, especially those undergoing major surgeries, are at heightened risk for thromboembolic events, leading to recommendations for risk assessment and timely prescription of thromboprophylaxis. Inadequate VTE prophylaxis in surgical settings can result in preventable complications. It has been shown that timely administration of prophylactic measures, including low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), unfractionated heparin (UFH), and mechanical methods such as graduated compression stockings, can significantly reduce the risk of VTE development.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Choueiry, Patrick https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147889 2026-07-08T07:56:19Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Effects of cardiozymTM supplementation on lipid profile and cardiovascular risk in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease : a retrospective chart review Authors: Choueiry, Patrick Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Numerous previous studies have examined the effects of dietary supplements on cardiovascular (CV) health, but there is limited research on the effects of combined nutraceuticals on lipid profile and CV risk.; OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of a novel nutraceutical product (CardiozymTM) containing red yeast rice (RYR, monacolin K), hydroxytyrosol (HT), and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on lipid profile and CV risk.; METHODS: In this retrospective chart review, data were collected from the medical records of 38 patients at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) who were started on CardiozymTM. After 6 months of supplementation, the primary outcome was improvement in lipid profile and reduction in CVD risk as measured by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Health parameters and CV risk scores were compared between baseline and 6-month follow-up using a paired samples t-test. Linear mixed models adjusted for patient sex, age, weight, and use of antihypertensive medication were used to test the change in each parameter from baseline to follow-up.; RESULTS: CardiozymTM had a significant beneficial effect on serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and non-highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol. Improvements in blood pressure levels were also observed. Significant associations were found between alcohol consumption and changes in mean LDL and triglyceride levels. After adjustment for age, sex, weight, and use of antihypertensive medications, significant reductions in mean FRS and 10-year CV risk were observed.; CONCLUSIONS: A 6-month CardiozymTM supplementation based on RYR, HT and CoQ10 not only improved lipid profile in subjects at risk of CVD but also mitigated CV risk, highlighting its effectiveness as an intervention to promote heart health.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z