https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12459 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:13:30 GMT 2026-04-07T21:13:30Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13971 Title: The Synapse : the medical professionals' network : volume 13 : issue 4 Editors: Galea, Wilfred; Ellul, Ian C. Abstract: Apart from the normal articles regarding medicine, this issue contains also the following: “A chance for Maltese medical students to make their voice heard” - Rebecca Stoner (MMSA); From the pitch to the pharmacy (Josie Cachia) - Marika Azzopardi Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13971 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13969 Title: Inflammation and insulin resistance : evolution, pathology and therapy Authors: Pace, Nikolai Paul Abstract: Chronic low-level subclinical inflammation is an established risk factor in the development of insulin resistance, endothelial damage and atherosclerosis. The obesity-associated insulin resistance in adipose, liver and muscle tissue is promoted by a switch in macrophage activation driven by transcription factors that play crucial roles in innate immunity. This review discusses the evolutionary link between body defense mechanisms and insulin resistance. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13969 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13968 Title: Ultra sound-guided thyroid fine needle aspiration Authors: Vassallo, Pierre Abstract: Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive method for sampling focal lesions that uses a small gauge hypodermic needle (20-24 Gauge) to obtain cells for microscopic analysis. This is in contrast to core biopsy which obtains a core of tissue using larger gauge cutting needles (14-18 Gauge). Both FNA and core biopsies are classified as closed or percutaneous biopsies as opposed to open biopsy that is obtained during surgery. Ultrasound (US)-guided FNA lends itself particularly well to lesions in superficial organs such as the thyroid, lymph nodes and the breast. However, since it is less traumatic than core biopsy, it is safer for use in highly vascular organs such as the thyroid gland. Smaller nodules are more amnable to FNA, while larger nodules are better sampled with core biopsy. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13968 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13958 Title: Oncogene addiction might be the Achilles heel in cancer : part 2 Authors: Grech, Alfred; Baldacchino, Alexandra Abstract: Part 2 of the article. Multiple and complex genetic and epigenetic abnormalities underlie the multistage transformation of normal cells into cancerous ones. Among these abnormalities are the activation of oncogenes and loss of function of tumour suppressor genes. Besides these abnormalities, it is becoming evident that specific cancers are dependent on one or a few genes for their malignant phenotype, and this could be their ‘Achilles heel’. This survival dependency of cancer cells on an activated oncogene or inactivation of tumour suppressor gene is called ‘oncogene addiction’ and may well be a potential way to provide more rational molecular targeted therapy Description: Part 1 of the article is found through this link : https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/13962 Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13958 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z