https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33419 2026-04-04T20:32:02Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22362 Title: Diffusion MRI : from basic principles to clinical applications Authors: Bajada, Claude J.; Parker, Geoffrey J. M.; Lambon Ralph, Matthew A.; Cloutman, Lauren L. Abstract: Diffusion MRI (dMRI) is widely used by clinicians and radiologists to diagnose neurological disorders, in particular stroke. The most commonly encountered diffusion technique in the clinic is simple diffusion weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping. However, dMRI can tap into a wealth of data that is usually overlooked by clinicians. While most of this ‘additional’ information is primarily used in a research setting, it is beginning to permeate the clinic. Despite the widespread use of dMRI, clinicians who do not have radiological training may not feel comfortable with the basic principles that underlie this modality. This paper’s aim is to make the fundamentals of the technique accessible to doctors and allied health practitioners who have an interest in dMRI and who use it clinically. It progresses to discuss how these measures can be used. 2017-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22361 Title: Lipodystrophy : focus on HIV Lipodystrophy Authors: Giordano Imbroll, Miriam; Fenech, Manuel; Gruppetta, Mark Abstract: Lipodystrophy is a rare condition which can be inherited or acquired, localised or generalised. It is characterised by abnormal adipose tissue distribution and in some cases underlying metabolic derangement, including diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatic steatosis, polycystic ovaries and acanthosis nigricans. Today, most cases of lipodystrophy are associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This article gives a review of the possible mechanisms associated with HIV lipodystrophy, namely HIV infection itself, genetic susceptibility to HIV lipodystrophy and effects of treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Treating HIV lipodystrophy is challenging. The various treatment options currently available for treating lipodystrophy are reviewed. 2017-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22360 Title: A study to assess the utilization of the influenza vaccine amongst doctors and nurses in the medical wards at Mater Dei Hospital Authors: Aquilina, Annelise; Anastasi, Stephanie; Zammit, Christopher Abstract: Introduction: Seasonal influenza may be associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Efforts at promoting effective influenza vaccination in the general population and amongst health-care workers have been of increasing importance over recent years. Aim: To assess use of influenza vaccine amongst doctors and nurses working in the medical wards at Mater Dei Hospital. Method: Data was collected using questionnaires supplied to nurses on the wards and posted online to doctors. Results: A total of 130 questionnaires were completed. Results showed underutilization of the vaccine, with only 34% of respondents taking the vaccine in 2015. 43% of doctors (n=76) and 20% of nurses (n=54) confirmed taking the vaccine. 44% of senior doctors (HST level and above; n=27), were compliant with the vaccination; 43% of the junior doctors (n=49) took the vaccine, of which foundation-year doctors formed the larger portion (FY 55%; BST 19%). In the case of nurses, 25% of the 8 senior nurses took the vaccine, and 19% of the 46 staff nurses were compliant. The commonest reasons for non-compliance to vaccination included doubt about its beneficial effects and fear of side effects. The most effective method for promoting the influenza vaccine included nurses handing out the vaccine on site Conclusion: The influenza vaccination coverage-rate in Malta amongst health-care workers during the 2015-2016 season was estimated to be 33.8%. The audit was limited by its small sample size and selection bias. Improved education about the beneficial effects of the vaccine is recommended in order to improve outcomes. 2017-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22359 Title: Case report : rectal diverticuli Authors: Zammit, Daniela; Bonello, John; Muscat, Martina; Micallef, Kristian; Ellul, Pierre Abstract: A 56 year old gentleman presented with a long-standing history of constipation and new onset rectal bleeding. The patient underwent a Computed Tomogrophy (CT) Colonography (Figure A) which showed multiple rectal diverticuli and mildly enlarged mesorectal lymph nodes. A flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed and demonstrated the presence of four rectal diverticuli (Figure B). 2017-06-01T00:00:00Z