https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52007 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 02:14:12 GMT 2026-06-22T02:14:12Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52143 Title: Extraction of proteins from platelet alpha granules, for application onto chronic wounds to ameliorate the wound healing process Abstract: Work done at these and other laboratories has shown that proteins like growth factors obtained from autologous platelets and applied to problematic wounds, was successful in hastening the wound healing process. The use of other platelet proteins, such as immunoglobulins, in this area is little known or investigated. This project presents a method of extracting immunoglobulin proteins from platelet alpha granules. The aim is to build up on the knowledge that has already been established, contributing in this way to the use of platelet proteins for wound healing. The method starts with the formulation of a platelet lysate from the platelets of healthy donors. Through this process, the platelets are broken down so that their alpha granules release the proteins contained therein. Once the lysates obtained, they are assayed for protein concentration values, after which each one undergoes a two-step process of High Performance Liquid Chromatography using a different column for each step. In the first step size-exclusion chromatography extracts albumin and immunoglobulin G. In the second step, a hydroxyapatite column, which is selective for IgG, extracts IgG. Once the proteins are obtained through HPLC, the result is confirmed through various techniques using electrophoresis, namely SDS-PAGE, Isoelectric Focusing and Flow Cytometry. Description: M.SURGERY Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52143 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52142 Title: The association of Helicobacter pylori with Colorectal Carcinoma Abstract: Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide; and there is now a growing body of evidence to prove that pathogens play a role in its development. The association between Helicobacter pylori and CRC remains controversial, with a number of different methodologies being employed to look into said association including serological studies, urea-based studies, stool antigen studies, histological studies and molecular studies. Aims: Broadly this study aims to calculate the prevalence of H pylori in colorectal tissue of the Maltese population, and to determine whether there is a statistically significant association between H pylori presence in colorectal tissue of Maltese nationals and the risk of CRC, when correcting for confounding demographic factors. The study also aims to determine whether there is a positive association for the presence of H pylori in CRC tissue dependent on the anatomic sub-sites of CRC. Methodology: A retrospective case-control analysis was performed to compare patients with a histological confirmed diagnosis of CRC to those with patients having no abnormal histological findings. After appropriate ethical clearance, colorectal tissue from the two patient groups was retrieved from the Mater Dei Hospital archive and tested for the presence of H pylori using PCR to detect the urease gene. Participants were also asked to complete a questionnaire regarding demographic factors. Results from the questionnaire and the PCR study were then compared statistically for the two groups. Results: 53 patients were included in the CRC group, and 53 in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups after statistical analysis using multivariate logistical regression, except for age (p = 0.00001). The prevalence of H pylori positivity was found to be 0% (n = 0) in the CRC group and 5.66% (n = 3) in the control group. Therefore, no association could be made between H pylori and CRC in the Maltese population and no difference in terms of H pylori positivity could be extrapolated for anatomical sub-site. Conclusion: Few studies have employed PCR to prove this association; the majority of which have yielded negative results, as in this Maltese cohort. Malta registers a higher rate than most other Mediterranean nations for CRC mortality. Whilst this study showed that H pylori is unlikely to contribute to CRC development in the Maltese population, further studies looking into local epidemiological factors, the microbiome and carcinogenesis should be considered. Description: M.SURGERY Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52142 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52135 Title: The role of serotonin 2C receptors in comorbid neuropsychiatric symptoms in absence epilepsy Abstract: Aim / Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of lorcaserin, an FDA-approved drug for obesity, in neuromodulation of 5-HT2C receptors and its effects on the neuropsychiatric comorbidities of absence epilepsy – depression & anxiety in Generalised Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) and Non-Epileptic Control (NEC) rats. It was hypothesised that through the potentiation of the 5-HT2C receptor signalling, it would be possible to positively modulate these comorbidities; thereby reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety as they are related to epilepsy. GAERS rats were selected as they are genetically modified rat models that exhibit electrographic and behavioural similarity to human absence seizures. Human absence epilepsy is typically associated with a non-convulsive epileptic seizure whereby the patient experiences a brief episode of impairment of consciousness with an electroencephalogram classically showing a 2.5-4Hz spike-and-wave discharge (SWD) (Engel & Pedley, 2008). Seizures tend to start in the first decade of life, with ictal activity peaking at 6 to 7 years of age. At times, a child can experience up to 200 seizures a day, each lasting approximately 10 seconds (International League Against Epilepsy, 1989). The psychiatric comorbidities of absence seizures include depression, anxiety and attention deficits – subsequently affecting schooling, employment and possibly inducing social withdrawal. Method: A total of 31 GAERS and 31 NEC rats were injected with either saline (n=15) or lorcaserin solution 3mg/kg (n=16) prior to undergoing behavioural testing, namely – the Hole Board Test, the Elevated Plus Maze Test and the Forced Swimming Test. The rats' behaviour was categorised using predefined behaviours which were recorded and analysed offline using the programme – Observer 2.0 by Noldus, thus allowing for a quantifiable comparative statistical analysis. This was performed using 2-way ANOVA so as to ascertain any significance between strain of rat or treatment, with Tukey’s post hoc analysis used if any interaction between these variables occurred. Results: When administered at 3mg/kg, lorcaserin, a 5-HT2C receptor agonist, appeared to have an anxiogenic and depressogenic effect on both controls and GAERS rats– as exhibited by the decreased head dip to edge sniff ratio and increased body grooming with lorcaserin in Hole Board testing. Notably, both NEC & GAERS rats spent more time in the closed arm when treated with lorcaserin in Elevated Plus Maze testing, a behaviour that is typical of anxious rats. Furthermore, lorcaserin appears to induce hypoactivity as exhibited by the decreased walking time and increased immobility in Hole Board testing. A longer immobility time in the Forced Swimming Test for rats treated with lorcaserin irrespective of rat strain is confirmatory of its hypolocomotive effect. Conclusion: Across the three methods of behavioural testing, this study repeatedly illustrated the anxiogenic, depressogenic and hypoactive nature of lorcaserin at the predetermined 3mg/kg concentration, across both NEC & GAERS rat strains. The negation of this hypothesis offers a basis for further work with the possibility of exploring the effects of lorcaserin at different concentrations, assessing the electrophysiological activity itself in relation to the psychiatric sequelae and the use of other selective 5-HT2C agonists so as to establish their role of psychiatric symptom modulation in absence epilepsy. Description: M.SURGERY Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52135 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52132 Title: Right colectomy : a multicenter retrospective comparative study of robotic, laparoscopic and open approaches Abstract: Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionised the way surgery is approached. Given the enormous amount of literature published about the benefits resulting from the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, this procedure is nowadays unanimously considered the “Gold Standard” for the treatment of gallstone disease. Several studies have been published since then, which demonstrates the role of minimally invasive surgery in the surgical treatment of right colic lesions, despite not determining such a huge historical leap as seen for the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Despite been proven to be an effective technique, laparoscopic surgery had its limits. The introduction of robotic surgery was a way to overcome those limits. This paper is based on a multicenter retrospective study to assess the efficacy and safety of robotic surgery in the treatment of lesions affecting the right colon, when compared to both open and laparoscopic surgery. The two institutions that took part in the study were: the Clinical Surgery Unit – “Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele” University Hospital (Catania) and the General Surgery Unit – Sant’Agostino Estense Hospital (Modena). A total of 152 patients were collected from a prospectively maintained institutional database. Forty one patients underwent conventional open right colectomy (OS = open surgery), sixty-eight patients underwent total laparoscopic right colectomy (LS= laparoscopic surgery) and finally 43 patients underwent robotic-assisted right colectomy (RS = robotic surgery). Data was retrospectively analysed, in order to assess any statistically significant difference among these three approaches, regarding the following aspects: operative duration, surgical complication, time to first flatus, length of stay and number of lymph nodes harvested. Description: M.LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52132 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z