https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/39713 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:09:15 GMT 2026-04-16T21:09:15Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1664 Title: A biomarker guided approach in heart failure Authors: Abela, Mark Abstract: Heart failure is one of the commonest diagnoses presenting to physicians in the community or hospital care. Symptoms are often subjective, with clinicians having to rely on clinical assessment and radiological imaging to manage these patients. Treatment is often symptomatic with no clear therapeutic goals as yet identified. To date, there are no objective measures to diagnose, predict, prognosticate or guide therapy in compensated and decompensated heart failure, which is why a novel biomarker guided management approach is gaining so much momentum in the clinical community. This review encompasses recent data on this new approach and details on the potential clinical benefits of the most widely studied cardiac biomarkers currently available. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1664 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1663 Title: Tinea capitis due to Trichophyton tonsurans in a Maltese patient Authors: Decelis, Stephen; Vella Briffa, Dino; Boffa, Michael J. Abstract: We report a case of tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton tonsurans in a 16-year-old male. This appears to be the first documented case of tinea capitis caused by this dermatophyte in a native Maltese patient. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1663 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1662 Title: Neurogenic disturbances of cardiac rhythm Authors: Loh, Daniel; Pullicino, Patrick Abstract: Arrhythmias are disturbances of electrical activation of the heart and are commonly encountered clinical conditions. Although typically associated with cardiac pathology, they have also been described in stroke and epilepsy. Two closely related structures, the insula and the temporal lobe, particularly the mesial region, have been implicated. Derangement of central autonomic control appears to be a key driver in neurogenic arrhythmogenesis and both these structures appear to play some role in influencing autonomic activity. Our understanding of this phenomenon is only in its infancy, and more research will be necessary to further it. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1662 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1661 Title: Sir Charles Ballance : A pioneer surgeon in Malta Authors: Manche, Alexander Abstract: Charles Ballance was arguably the most eminent surgeon stationed in Malta during the Great War. On the 16th February 1918 he removed a bullet from the heart of trooper Robert Martin who was shot in the chest in Salonika three months previously. Sadly the patient died of sepsis one month later, a fact that obscured the importance of this landmark operation, the third of its kind worldwide. This paper sets the background to this achievement and celebrates the impact that this surgical pioneer left on our shores. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1661 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z