https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109711 Sat, 02 May 2026 13:35:23 GMT 2026-05-02T13:35:23Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109710 Title: Minima Medica 2023 Editors: Cuschieri, Andrea Abstract: Table of contents: 1/ Foreward Messages -- 1A/ by Rebekah St John -- 1B/ by Andrea Cuschieri -- 2/Case Studies -- 2A/ Thea Portelli -- 2B/ Jeannine Marie Dalli -- 3/Literature Reviews -- 3A/ Desiree Sant -- 3B/ Maria Pia Tabone -- 3C/ Lorie-Emm Spiteri -- 3D/ Gerard Zammit Young -- 3E/ David Bonello -- 3F/ Tara Borg Caruana -- 3G/ Tamara Attard-Mallia -- 3H/ Suhrid Roy -- 3I/ Leona Marie Pace -- 3J/ Gabriella Claire Vella -- 3K/ Angelica Galea Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109710 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109643 Title: The basal ganglia and its role in Parkinson’s disease Authors: Tabone, Maria Pia Abstract: The basal ganglia consist of a collection of subcortical nuclei that play an essential role in the control of motor function but also too in cognition. These nuclei can in turn be divided according to their projections into input, output and intrinsic nuclei. The classical basal ganglia model was developed to explain the circuits within this structure. It consists of a direct pathway that promotes movement, an indirect pathway that inhibits movement and a dopaminergic pathway that modulates movement. Disorders are seen to arise due to a dysfunction in a part of the circuit. Such can be arranged in a spectrum that consists of hyperkinetic disorders on one side and hypokinetic disorders on the other. By identifying which parts of the circuit is dysregulated, one would be able to design therapies to elevate these symptoms. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109643 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109642 Title: Post hair removal folliculitis : a clinicopathological evaluation Authors: Pace, Leona Marie Abstract: Folliculitis refers to the process by which a hair follicle becomes inflamed. This has a number of aetiologies, complications and clinical implications. Hair removal is a common cause of folliculitis. People who make use of depilation techniques are at an increased risk of developing folliculitis. Should they have other factors that further depress their immunity, complications are more prevalent. These include spread of infection, the formation of furuncles, permanent scarring, hyperpigmentation and the destruction of hair follicles. This takes considerable psychological toll on the involved individuals. In order to prevent these complications from arising, as well as ensuring full recovery, it is imperative that treatment given is taken for the prescribed duration and in the correct form. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment when folliculitis is due to Staphylococcus aureus infection. In severe, recalcitrant cases especially, a dermatologist should be consulted to ensure optimal care. The safest way to prevent this condition from developing is making sure cleanliness is a priority, both regarding any tools used as well as the condition of the skin prior to subjecting hair follicles to any particular treatment. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109642 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109641 Title: Interleukin-1 and inflammation in cardiovascular disease Authors: Spiteri, Lorie-Emm Abstract: Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine with important roles in innate immunity and tissue homeostasis. Inflammation is crucial as it protects the host by reacting against pathogens and repairing tissues however, improper use of the inflammatory cascade results in pathogenesis of several acute and chronic diseases. IL-1 together with the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome are key players in inflammation and modulate cardiac function as well. Literature concerning the role of IL-1 and the inflammasome is reviewed, together with a concise narrative overview pathways affected during signaling. Specific examples of the role of IL-1 in pathogenic outcomes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) are also reviewed. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109641 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z