https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/317 2026-07-19T16:24:44Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148095 Title: An insight into plant-based, vegetarian and omnivore dietary patterns Authors: Jones, Petra Abstract: In the quest for optimal health and well-being, diet plays a pivotal role. The choices we make regarding what we eat significantly impact not only our personal health but also the environment. As global awareness of these impacts grows, it is increasingly important to understand and navigate the diverse range of dietary patterns available, from traditional vegetarian and omnivorous diets to those that emphasise plant-based components. [extract] 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148035 Title: The effectiveness of orthotic insole materials for diabetic foot offloading : a systematic review Abstract: Review objectives: 'What is the effectiveness of different orthotic insole materials for diabetic foot offloading in reducing plantar pressure and improving biomechanical and clinical outcomes in adults living with diabetic peripheral neuropathy? 'To systematically evaluate the evidence on orthotic insole materials used for diabetic foot offloading, focusing on their biomechanical effectiveness, clinical outcomes, and relevance for the development of innovative insole materials.; The following questions will be investigated:; 1. How effective are commonly used orthotic insole materials, including EVA, Plastazote, PORON, polyurethane, gel, memory foam and viscoelastic materials, in reducing plantar pressure in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy?; 2. What effects do orthotic insole materials have on pressure–time integral, shear stress/forces, shock absorption and plantar pressure distribution in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy?; 3. What clinical outcomes are associated with the use of orthotic insoles in diabetic foot management, including ulcer prevention, ulcer recurrence, comfort, adherence and patientreported outcomes?; 4. What evidence exists regarding innovative orthotic insole materials, including non-Newtonian and adaptive polymers, and what knowledge gaps remain in their development and evaluation for diabetic foot offloading? 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147971 Title: Pacinian corpuscle distribution, density, and morphology of the adult human foot in health and diabetes : a scoping review Authors: Albanozzo, Sarah; Lee Mifsud, Justin; Zarb, Francis; Galea-Soler, Sandro; Abela, Charlie; Bowker, Robert M.; Azzopardi, James; Papanas, Nikolaos; Formosa, Cynthia Abstract: Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) remain insufficiently investigated in diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy and associated alterations in plantar soft-tissue integrity, despite their role as fast-adapting mechanoreceptors essential for proprioception and locomotor stability. The extent to which PCs contribute to sensory impairment and foot dysfunction in these conditions remains unclear. This scoping review aimed to evaluate research on the distribution, density, and morphology of plantar PCs in the adult human foot among healthy populations and individuals with diabetes. Studies published from 1 January 2015 to 28 February 2026 were identified from 6 electronic sources. Reporting followed PRISMA guidelines, and methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Four studies met the inclusion criteria. These included a case report, an experimental study, a morphometric analysis, and a combined retrospective-prospective study, each involving relatively small sample sizes. Both histological quantification and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect PCs and may support early identification of peripheral neuropathy-related sensory changes, but the evidence remains sparse. Accordingly, further research in larger, well-characterised cohorts is needed to establish reliable reference standards and to clarify changes in PC density associated with diabetic neuropathy. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147949 Title: The second victim phenomenon in medical practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists : the SeViMa study for Malta Authors: Quintano, Lucienne; Vella Bonanno, Patricia; Strametz, Reinhard; Klemm, Victoria; Buttigieg, Sandra C. Abstract: Aim: To determine the prevalence, distribution, symptom burden, and recovery patterns of the second victim phenomenon (SVP) among healthcare professionals in Malta and to assess demographic, workplace, cultural, and personality-related correlates of SVP risk and symptom severity. Subject and methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a questionnaire that incorporated the English translation of the Second Victims in German-speaking countries (SeViD) instrument, the Big Five Inventory-10, and open-ended questions. The questionnaire was sent to all registered medical practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists in Malta. Analyses examined associations between SVP status/symptom load and professional group, demographic variables, workplace characteristics, and personality traits. Results: The prevalence of SVP was 77.7% among medical practitioners, 69.8% among nurses, and 42.3% among pharmacists. Triggers included patient death, patient harm, and aggression. Emotional and cognitive symptoms predominated, particularly intrusive recollections, self-doubt, and concentration difficulties. Prolonged symptoms were reported by 18.9% of medical practitioners, 14.7% of nurses, and 11.0% of pharmacists. Risk factors differed by profession: fewer years of experience predicted a higher symptom load in medical practitioners; older age increased risk in nurses while experience was protective; and female gender, non-Maltese nationality, and community pharmacy setting were associated with higher symptom severity among pharmacists. Personality traits did not predict SVP status but were associated with symptom severity. Conclusion: SVP is significant in Malta, with profession-specific risk profiles and a substantial symptom burden. Informal support predominates, highlighting the need for structured, targeted measures to reduce SVP impacts across professional groups. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z