OAR@UM Collection:

Medical pluralism and its impact on illness in 16th and 17th century Malta

2020-05-22T13:39:10Z

Title: Medical pluralism and its impact on illness in 16th and 17th century Malta Authors: Cassar, Carmel Abstract: In early modern Malta, as in the rest of Europe, there existed two major systems by which one could explain health and sickness, life and death or, general success and failure in everyday life. The first was religious in nature and it was based on the general belief that God's omnipresence in the world served as an active force in which the good were rewarded and the impious were punished. God showed his hand on the malevolence of the world in the devastation caused by warring activities or, the infliction of famine and plague. It was believed that the only way these scourges could be controlled was by resorting to supernatural power. Belief in supernatural healing may have been largely circular reasoning but since it was largely ecclesiastical in nature it was believed to be supernatural. It had a vast spiritual and therapeutic effect on the majority of the people.

Asthma in childhood

2020-07-03T10:41:39Z

Title: Asthma in childhood Authors: Formosa, Marie Claire Abstract: Case scenario A 4 year old girl, has been brought to the clinic by her parents due to three episodes of coughing and wheezing, with the first episode occurring approximately 6 months previously. The child has a history of eczema and her mother suffered from asthma. The father is a smoker. This is a case of asthma in childhood. What is the cause of asthma and how is such a case managed in general practice?

Nicorandil-induced oral ulceration

2020-05-25T09:53:26Z

Title: Nicorandil-induced oral ulceration Authors: Ciantar, Marilou; Gibson, John Abstract: Oral ulceration has many aetiological factors. The antianginal drug Nicorandil is becoming increasingly recognised as a causative factor for oral ulceration. The aim of this case report is to increase awareness among clinicians (medical and dental) that nicorandil can induce extensive oral ulceration and thus should be included in the differential diagnosis when presented with patients complaining of long-standing oral ulceration.

Declining Visceral Leishmaniasis in Malta

2020-05-20T14:29:45Z

Title: Declining Visceral Leishmaniasis in Malta Authors: Vella, Cecil; Grech, Victor E. Abstract: Aims: To study visceral leishmaniasis (VL) trends in Malta. Methods: Analysis of epidemiological and clinical trends, a veterinary questionnaire and questioning a canine laboratory testing facility. Results: A decline in VL in the past 25 years (1980-2005) was noted for both paediatric (p<0.001) and adult (p=0.002) populations. No seasonal variation in infection rates was found. Serological testing was reliable and a useful adjunct to bone marrow diagnosis. Treatment with sodium stibogluconate was highly effective and there were no permanent sequelae associated with disease or treatment. Vets are encountering less canine VL with no differences in localities Discussion: The decline in VL was paralleled by a decline in the stray canine reservoir population and by better management of canine infection in both sanctuaries and in domestic settings.