https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12454 2026-05-07T12:53:58Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13298 Title: The Synapse : the medical professionals' network Editors: Galea, Wilfred; Ellul, Ian C. Abstract: Apart from the normal articles regarding medicine, this issue contains also the following: Editor's word : Budget 2014 : Bed of Roses? - Ian C. Ellul; Livelife Rehabilitation Centre; Malta Pharmaceutical Students Association - Althea Marie Xuereb; What we didn’t expect (MMSA) - Robert Cachia; Your best Sunday lunches - Massimo Azzopardi; The mystery of measles (Mark Muscat) - Marika Azzopardi 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13280 Title: MR imaging of early Rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathy : part 2 Authors: Vassallo, Pierre Abstract: Part 2 of the article. Bone marrow oedema may be seen alone or surrounding bone erosions and is considered to be a potentially reversible phenomenon. Histologic studies of joint replacement specimens have shown that bone marrow oedema corresponds to inflammatory cellular infiltrates in the bone marrow, representing osteitis. Bone marrow oedema is considered to be a very early marker of inflammation, given that its presence correlates with increased levels of acute phase reactants (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein) and the clinical stage of disease activity. Bone marrow oedema is also closely related to the degree of synovitis and has been associated with subsequent erosive damage; as a result, it is currently considered to be a ‘forerunner’ of erosions. Description: Part 1 of the article can be found through this link: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/13254 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13267 Title: Epigenetic-based treatment as a potential strategy to treat Friedreich’s ataxia Authors: Grech, Alfred; Baldacchino, Alexandra Abstract: Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder. It is the most common inherited ataxia in Europe. The neurodegeneration is progressive and normally, within 15-20 years, the patient becomes wheel-chair bound, and ultimately, is totally incapacitated. Affected individuals normally succumb from heart complications. Frataxin (FXN) is a mitochondrial protein that is deficient in FRDA. The deficiency is caused by a mutation within the first intron of the FXN gene which codes for frataxin. Epigenetic mechanisms are responsible in FRDA and epigenetic-based treatment is a potential new strategy to treat FRDA. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13263 Title: pH-Impedance testing in gastro-oesophageal reflux Authors: Stellini, Mario Abstract: Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Diseases (GORD) are one of the most common reasons for physician consultation. Out of 2,056 individuals randomly surveyed in the United States and Canada, up to 35% had more than one upper gastrointestinal symptom occurring at least once per week with at least moderate intensity. Investigation of GORD has evolved over the years. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z