https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45474 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:28:58 GMT 2026-04-19T04:28:58Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45464 Title: Meeting population dietary goals in Scotland and Malta : shared challenges and opportunities for learning Authors: Masson, Lindsey F.; Copperstone, Claire Abstract: Scotland and Malta share a high prevalence of overweight and obesity: around two-thirds of adults are overweight (including obese), and one-third are obese. Reducing this burden of overweight and obesity is a priority for both Scottish and Maltese Governments, which involves setting dietary goals and monitoring the progress of the population to meeting those goals, and developing policies to improve health. This commentary summarises the progress of Scotland and Malta to meeting dietary goals, challenges to meeting the goals, and actions being taken. Whilst dietary guidelines are in place in both countries, Malta has yet to estimate average population dietary intakes and is awaiting results from its first national survey. In Scotland, however, there are various well-established dietary surveys which can be used to inform the development of policy, yet little progress towards the Scottish Dietary Goals has been seen between 2001 and 2015, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity has not changed since 2008. In order for dietary goals to be met, dietary guidelines need to be promoted, understood, and translated into changes in dietary behaviour. However, barriers to behaviour change need to be addressed, with research required to design long-term interventions that are successful and cost-effective in all population groups. Scotland can learn from Malta’s dietary guidelines which treat fruit and vegetables as two separate groups, provide serving size and consumption guidelines, and incorporate the positive message to use herbs and spices for flavour. Also, Malta can learn from the methodologies of established Scottish and UK surveys to create its own programme of dietary surveys. The sharing of experiences of researchers, policy makers and health promoters in these countries is therefore beneficial for tackling the current obesity epidemic and promoting a healthier future. Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45464 2019-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45461 Title: Humour and autism spectrum disorders Authors: Agius, Joseph; Levey, Sandra Abstract: Humour is universal and one of the most important topics in the study of communication. Humour is also a crucial and essential component in many different contexts of everyday life. One population that encounters difficulties with humour individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This article describes the factors that play a role in understanding humour for individuals with ASD. A review of articles is presented that focuses on the comprehension of humour. Humour-training intervention for individuals with ASD is also discussed. Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45461 2019-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45450 Title: Local allele frequencies of the 5-HTTLPR serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism Authors: Grech, Christopher; Bezzina Wettinger, Stephanie; Farrugia, Rosienne Abstract: The Serotonin Transporter protein (5-Hydroxytryptamine transporter; 5-HTT) is an important reuptake receptor of serotonin from the synaptic cleft. The protein is encoded by the SLC6A4 gene. A size polymorphism, the 5-HTT Linked Polymorphic Region (5-HTTLPR; SLC6A4, 44-BP INS/DEL), exists within the promoter of this gene. The presence of this polymorphism has been associated with an increased susceptibility for a variety of neurological conditions including Parkinson disease, chronic pain, anxiety and depression related phenotypes. This 5' regulatory promoter polymorphism consists of a 44–base pair insertion resulting in a long or short allele. The short allele is linked to a pronounced reduction in transcriptional efficiency producing lower numbers of transporter protein and a reduced rate of serotonin reuptake. Allele frequencies for this polymorphism show substantial variation in different populations. The frequency of the 5-HTTLPR in the population of Malta was determined in 608 cord blood DNA samples. Allele size difference of the 5-HTTLPR was detected using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis. In total, 288 samples were found to be heterozygous (L/S) carrying 1 copy of the short allele and 1 copy of the long allele, while 129 samples were homozygous for the short allele (S/S) and 189 samples were homozygous for the long allele (L/L). Unexpectedly, 2 samples were found to carry a copy of the extra-long allele (XL) which is reportedly only found in African and Asian populations. Allele frequencies for L, S and XL alleles were 54.86%, 44.98% and 0.16% respectively. These local frequencies are similar to those of other European populations with the exception of the occurrence of the XL allele. These findings highlight the changing dynamics of population gene pools, the importance of selecting suitably matched controls for case-control studies and the importance of ethnicity information in the design, execution and interpretation of genetic diagnostic tests. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45450 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45445 Title: Digital health and education for health professionals Abstract: The use of digital technologies for health has evolved into an inescapable form of intervention at all levels of health care practice. Digital Health, in all its complex interdisciplinary forms, has become both routine and innovative as it develops rapidly to meet the needs of the public, using technology from a growing number of fields, while inherently becoming a driving force for cutting edge technology. It offers promising interventions in health promotion, disease prevention and care in any given population. I would go further to suggest that the literal explosion of digital media and the welcomed global invasion of social media, has created an urgent demand for health professionals who are able to use and leverage new and emerging technologies to enhance personalised health care. Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45445 2019-06-01T00:00:00Z