https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123635 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:53:40 GMT 2026-04-09T21:53:40Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123730 Title: Editorial : top research in Malta Authors: Di Giovanni, Giuseppe Abstract: Dear Xjenza Online Readers,; Following the success of the inaugural Special Issue on Top Research in Malta, we have decided to launch a new collection featuring researchers who were among the top 2% of the most cited authors globally in 2021. We were pleasantly surprised to see the inclusion of young colleagues alongside the distinguished scholars from the previous edition. The 2021 top 2% list was published by Stanford University and Elsevier and is available at https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/ datasets/btchxktzyw/4. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123730 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123729 Title: Living in the era of multiple epidemics - a Malta perspective Authors: Cuschieri, Sarah Abstract: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have long been a global epidemic way before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2016, it was estimated that 6.55% of the adult population in Malta suffered from at least one NCD, with type 2 diabetes, obesity and low back pain dominating the NCD scene. The onset of COVID-19 challenged the healthcare systems, as well as the wellbeing of the population. Restrictions instituted to control COVID-19 led to negative repercussions on those suffering from NCDs apart from bringing to the fore specific NCDs such as mental illness, obesity, and back pain. Furthermore COVID-19 increased the population burden through enhanced morbidity and mortality. However, the COVID-19 vaccination was observed to have helped dampen this burden. Yet, it is important that a syndemic approach is adopted to ensure that all epidemics are simultaneously given the appropriate attention and timely action is provided to safeguard the population health and wellbeing. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123729 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123728 Title: Clinical vaccine research on Meningococcal C disease in children in Malta Authors: Pace, David Abstract: Clinical vaccine trials in children are extremely important for the investigation of new vaccines as well as for studying different ways of scheduling vaccines that are currently in use. Data from such trials, in addition to epidemiological data on the infectious disease the vaccines are trying to prevent, can be used to introduce vaccines as well as to improve the current immunisation schedules. The purpose of this review is to showcase the clinical vaccine research on meningococcal C vaccines in children that was carried out in Malta in collaboration with the UK from 2010 to 2013, data from which have already been presented and published in peer reviewed journals. This review gives a synopsis of the immunogenicity of reduced dose meningococcal C vaccine schedules in infants as well as the immune kinetics of the antibodies induced following a booster dose at 12 months of age. The practicality of the study findings are discussed, including their relevance to the meningococcal vaccines that were recently introduced on the national immunisation schedule in Malta. Hopefully this research will encourage doctors to show interest in leading future research in children in Malta with appropriate support from our clinical and academic institutions. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123728 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123726 Title: Cannabinoids for fibromyalgia : an updated systematic review Authors: Scicluna, Jean Claude; Di Giovanni, Giuseppe Abstract: Fibromyalgia is an increasingly prevalent condition resulting in high morbidity and economic burden for sufferers. Minimal to modest benefit has been achieved by pharmacotherapies, creating a strong rationale for novel therapies. Substantial evidence has implicated the endocannabinoid system in the modulation of fibromyalgia symptoms. However, the therapeutic potential and potential adverse effects of cannabis-based therapy in fibromyalgia are still under-reported, leading to clinicians’ hesitation to opt for such therapy. This systematic review examined the literature and provided a critical review of the safety and efficacy of cannabis-based therapy in fibromyalgia. It resulted that medical cannabis is a safe and effective treatment option for fibromyalgia, whilst further research in this area is needed. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123726 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z