https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/35058 2026-04-04T22:47:40Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14238 Title: The Synapse : the medical professionals' network : volume 15 : issue 1 Editors: Galea, Wilfred; Ellul, Ian C. Abstract: Apart from the normal articles regarding medicine, this issue contains also the following: Alcoholism in the community (MPSA) - Tricia Micallef; German-Maltese Medical Society Update; Toxicology in the Movies : ‘Erin Brockovich’ - Michelle Muscat; Island hopping & public health (Gauden Galea) - Marika Azzopardi 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14234 Title: Ultrasound diagnosis of common musculo-skeletal disorders in young athletes : part 1 Authors: Vassallo, Pierre Abstract: Ultrasound (US) has become the most commonly used imaging method to assess musculo-skeletal (MSK) injuries. In addition to the high soft tissue image quality it provides, MSK US has the advantage of providing a rapid mode of evaluation that avoids the use of ionising radiation, allows dynamic assessment and can guide targeted treatment. Use of high quality scanning equipment to diagnose and treat MSK injuries is of the utmost importance. Without the necessary high image resolution, most injuries will be missed. Sonographer experience also has a major influence on diagnostic accuracy. Description: Part 2 of this article can be found through this link : https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/14264 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14233 Title: Colonoscopy screening in moderate-risk family groups Authors: Fsadni, Clayton John; Caruana Galizia, Sarah; Owolabi, Morolayo Abstract: Colorectal cancer is one of the commonest forms of cancer in the Maltese population. It can be treated successfully if detected early. Education and screening are the major components of early detection. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of colonoscopy screening in patients at moderate risk of developing colorectal cancer in a surgical firm at Mater Dei Hospital. 90 patients that fit into the moderate-risk category were identified from the firm’s endoscopy database. The pattern of screening was then compared to the NICE guidelines. It was found that colonoscopy screening was more aggressive than recommended by the NICE guidelines. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14225 Title: Gastrointestinal bacteria in obesity and type 2 diabetes : a review of current knowledge Authors: Pace, Nikolai Paul Abstract: The gastrointestinal tract is home to over 10 bacteria that collectively form the intestinal microbiome, and their joint genetic repertoire is larger than the human genome.These symbiotic bacteria establish and maintain the gut immune system, and contribute to the breakdown of complex nondigestible plant-derived polysaccharides. The relatively recent technological advances in genomics have revolutionized the study of the intestinal microbiome. It is now possible to sequence mixed microbial genetic material directly extracted from environmental samples without prior laboratory culture of individual species. This emerging field, known as metagenomics, enables a survey of the different microorganisms present in a specific environment. Several large-scale projects such as the Human Microbiome Initiative have characterized microbial genomes from hundreds of isolated human symbionts and have shed light on the complex interplay between the human host and its microbial populace, and how this changes in health and disease. This article aims to discuss the emerging body of knowledge that links the gut microbiome to the development of obesity and metabolic disease. The growing prevalence of overweight and obesity are easily linked to the sedentary lifestyles and caloriedense diets typical of ‘Westernized’ countries. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z