https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42939 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:59:35 GMT 2026-04-10T20:59:35Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50312 Title: Plasmablastic lymphoma in the paranasal sinus in a HIV positive patient : a rare entity Authors: Shetty, Deepthi; Shetty, Prashanth; Dinkar, Chethana Abstract: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) ranks second after Kaposi sarcoma in individuals who are infected with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), becoming increasingly more common in oral cavity of HIV patients. PBL has been a investigative and therapeutic challenge because of its atypical morphology, immunohistochemical profile and a clinical course which results in high rate of recurrence and demise. We have described a atypical case of PBL affecting the maxillary sinus extending to involve the ethmoid sinuses and nasal cavity in a HIV infected patient and a brief review of literature regarding PBL. Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50312 2019-12-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50311 Title: Glioblastoma with leptomeningeal dissemination Authors: Houston, Peter; Olar, Adrian; Cachia, David Abstract: Here we report a case of glioblastoma (GB) with leptomeningeal dissemination (LMD) in a 21 year old female presenting with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. After a brain MRI confirmed a non-enhancing left frontal lobe mass, histopathological examination and molecular analysis showed a glioblastoma with features of gliosarcoma that was an IDH wild type, MGMT unmethylated, TERT amplified tumor. She received standard care with combined chemoradiation with temozolomide and targeted radiation. MRI showing disease progression prompted the addition of bevacizumab after which the patient quickly deteriorated and died eight months after initial presentation. Incidence of LMD is an uncommon occurrence and associated with a significant decrease in overall survival when diagnosed at initial presentation. More research is needed to determine what role histopathologic variants and molecular profile plays in prognosis and treatment. Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50311 2019-12-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50294 Title: Psychological interventions in post-partum depression : a critical analysis Authors: Buhagiar, Rachel Abstract: Non-pharmacological interventions are often the preferred treatment modalities in perinatal mothers suffering from mental health problems. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and inter-personal therapy (IPT) are the two main evidence-based psychological treatment interventions in the management of post-partum depression. Various studies have been conducted-to-date to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of both CBT and IPT in this specialised group, yet there is no data contrasting the two. This report aims to provide a comparative critical evaluation of the evidence base for the two interventions, including their respective strengths and limitations. Research possibly indicates a stronger evidence base for IPT in the treatment of depression post-delivery, perhaps as a result of larger scale studies having been performed for this treatment modality. Nonetheless, valuable positive outcomes for CBT-treated individuals have been observed. Consequently, a number of recommendations for future research will be put forward with the main objective of advancing the literature in this area of expertise. Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50294 2019-12-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50293 Title: Regional differences in childhood BMI data : the Malta childhood national body mass index study Authors: Aquilina, Samuel; Camilleri, Erin; Spiteri, Karl; Busuttil, Maria-Louisa; Farrugia Sant’ Angelo, Victoria; Calleja, Neville; Grech, Victor E. Abstract: Introduction: Obesity is a problem of major public health concern all over the world and Malta has high obesity prevalence rates. With over a third of Maltese children being overweight or obese, the Malta Childhood National Body Mass Index study was devised to quantify the extent of the problem precisely. This paper looks at regional differences in the BMI data obtained. Methods: Training in measurement was provided to physical education teachers and identical stadiometers were used. Data was processed using World Health Organisation cut-offs for underweight, overweight and obesity. Results: A total of 41,343 students from 145 schools were measured. Age range from 4.7 to 17 years. Approximately 40% of school-aged children in Malta were overweight or obese, with higher percentages of obesity than overweight being observed. Results show significant differences in BMI between children living in Northern and Southern regions of Malta. Conclusion: Results from this study further confirm the high levels of overweight and obesity in Maltese children. The North-South differences should help better target public health resources and should be further evaluated in more focussed research. Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50293 2019-12-01T00:00:00Z