OAR@UM Collection:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/44832024-03-28T09:45:46Z2024-03-28T09:45:46ZConsanguinity in the Maltese IslandsWyatt, H. V.https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46302023-01-23T11:27:28Z2015-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Consanguinity in the Maltese Islands
Authors: Wyatt, H. V.
Abstract: Consanguineous marriages may increase the risk of some medical conditions and may be useful to examine social and other aspects. There were few such marriages in the Maltese islands until late in the 19th C when they increased until they began to decline in the new century. These marriages were twice as common in Gozo as in Malta, but the proportion varied in parishes. In some parishes, such marriages were mainly among a few related families; some families had many consanguinities over several generations. These marriages probably reflected the social standing of the families and the lack of mixing of young people with others of lower status. Families of polio cases showed many consanguineous marriages.2015-01-01T00:00:00ZCircular areas of erythema on the mid foreheadElghblawi, EbtisamBugeja, Justinehttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46282017-07-26T08:46:13Z2015-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Circular areas of erythema on the mid forehead
Authors: Elghblawi, Ebtisam; Bugeja, Justine
Abstract: Cupping is well known as a complementary treatment and remains in use for many ailments, including dermatological conditions. We report a case who presented with a skin lesion on her forehead.2015-01-01T00:00:00ZReproductive issues in the TorahSavona-Ventura, Charleshttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46272018-03-26T09:48:15Z2015-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Reproductive issues in the Torah
Authors: Savona-Ventura, Charles
Abstract: Fertility was the basis of primitive man’s economy. It is therefore not surprising to find that various facets of fertility and reproduction are mentioned and commented upon in connection to religious based texts from the period. The stories related to fertility and reproduction in these religious text compliment comments from other contemporary texts and archaeology to give an indication of the prevalent thoughts and beliefs of that age. The Torah serves as a compilation of Jewish historical religious oriented folk-tales predating the Iron Age. Its stories reflect the developing relationship and increasing dependence for survival between the Jewish people and Yahweh – a dependence inherently linked to fertility of the settled land to provide sustenance and of the people to provide for an increase in the population and communal strength.2015-01-01T00:00:00ZGuideline for screening and diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitusCuschieri, SarahCraus, JohannSavona-Ventura, Charleshttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46262018-02-21T09:30:24Z2015-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Guideline for screening and diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cuschieri, Sarah; Craus, Johann; Savona-Ventura, Charles
Abstract: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is on the rise, especially with the increase in obesity in childbearing women as well as the rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus type 2. The Maltese gestational women are of no exception especially with an established link to intra-uterine nutritional environment adverse effects as well as to genetic factors.
There is no set international screening strategy for GDM and so diagnosis differs between countries. The most common diagnostic test for GDM is by performing a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT). Most countries and organizations including the World Health Organization have adopted the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria for diagnosing GDM.
Performing a 75g OGTT on all women at risk of GDM is expensive as well as unpleasant for the women. A combination of risk criteria including pre-pregnancy body mass index with random plasma glucose and/or fasting plasma glucose based on Maltese and Mediterranean population studies have shown to be a useful screening tool. This tool would help identify women likely to have an abnormal or normal oGTT without the need to perform an oGTT.
A screening GDM protocol is essential to pick up and manage at an early stage those that are at risk to develop GDM without the need to have an oGTT performed in every pregnant woman. This would result in better perinatal and maternal outcomes.2015-01-01T00:00:00Z