https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/39234 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:48:09 GMT 2026-04-15T11:48:09Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/30319 Title: Biomechanics of median sternotomy closures Authors: Casha, Aaron; Gauci, Marilyn; Yang, Lang Abstract: Sternal dehiscence is commonly due to wire cutting through bone. A mathematical model of chest wall forces was formulated to calculate the maximum chest wall forces on coughing and verified on a cadaveric model. The properties of different closure materials and configurations were tested to destruction on a material testing machine. The properties of the bone-­wire interface in a sheep sternal model were investigated by fatigue testing. Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/30319 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/464 Title: Grand Masters in the Cinquecento : their persona & death Authors: Bonello, Giovanni Abstract: The manuscript records of the Order of Malta understandably turn out to be rather stingy with information about the health and psychological profile of individuals. Unless illness, (e.g. insanity), hampered the proper discharge of their official functions, health remained a matter of eminently private domain. Similarly, the printed histories, foremost among all Giacomo Bosio's truly monumental and detailed chronicle of the Order from its foundation in Palestine to the year 1571, have very little about the medical problems and the passing away of dignitaries, including Grand Masters. Of course, this reticence or restraint were not peculiarities of `Maltese' recorders and historians. A `non-subjective' approach to chronicle responded closely to the ethos of the age. Why write history? The scope was to teach, in a manner faithful to truth and to theology, and to mould the spirit through learning, abstracting from personal interpolation and researches that pandered to purely subjective curiosity. One could say that, to this limited extent, history then respected privacy more than it does today. Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/464 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/463 Title: Splenic Trauma: should we treat differently? Authors: Andrejevic, Predrag; LaFerla, Godfrey Abstract: A 36 year old male was admitted to Accident and Emergency Department following a motor vehicle accident. Clinical examination revealed a haemodynamically stable patient. Abdominal examination showed tenderness in right upper quadrant. Ultrasonography of the abdomen was normal. Haemoglobin on admission was 13 gm/dl. A repeated haemoglobin six hours later revealed a Hb of 10 gm/dl. Computerized tomography(CT) of the abdomen showed a ruptured spleen. As the patient was haemodynamically stable, it was decided to treat the patient in the HDU setting. His condition remained stable and he was fit to be discharged home on the fifth post-operative day. Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/463 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/462 Title: Towards Measles elimination Authors: Muscat, Mark; Sciberras, Maria Abstract: In many European countries measles is still a cause of great public health concern. Outbreaks of the disease are still occurring because the degree of vaccination coverage required to interrupt transmission has not yet been achieved. Many countries have started to implement measles elimination strategies. These are primarily based on attaining a very high coverage of measles vaccination and strengthening measles surveillance systems. Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/462 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z