/library/oar/handle/123456789/12431 2025-11-06T12:25:13Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/19094 Title: HIV and AIDS : MPSA update Authors: Zarb, Jessica Abstract: HIV HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that gradually attacks the immune system. The body finds it harder and harder to fight off common infections as the disease gradually progresses. The virus destroys white blood cells (CD4). These cells are responsible for combating infections; another name for them is T-lymphocytes. There are many different strains, someone who is infected may carry different strains in their body. The two main types are HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the most common type found worldwide whereas HIV-2 is limited to Western Africa, with very few cases in India and Europe. Symptoms make take around 10-15 years to emerge and by then the HIV would have already caused significant harm to the immune system. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/19087 Title: An overview of the epidemiology and local health services offered for colorectal cancer Authors: England, Kathleen; Farrugia, Dorianne; Agius, Dominic; Dalmas, Miriam Abstract: Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Malta. On average, between 2012-2014, 259 persons have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 110 persons died each year. It is a disease of the Western world. The need to target colorectal cancer from prevention through physical exercise and healthy eating, to earlier diagnosis and treatment, through organised screening programmes and fast track referral systems and advanced treatment protocols is crucial to reduce incidence and improve survival. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/19081 Title: Thou shalt not prescribe antibiotics... Abstract: A ccording to the report, Antimicrobial Resistance: Tackling a crisis for the health and wealth of nations, it is estimated that at least 700,000 people succumb from microbialresistant infections around the globe each year. It is indeed predicted that by 2050, antibiotic resistance will cost the world up to a staggering €88,000,000,000,000 as well as a reduction of 2% - 3.5% in global GDP. We are partly to blame for this, considering over-prescriptions, over-the-counter selling of antibiotics, as well as veterinary misuse. Interestingly, the Health at a Glance: Europe 2016,2 published in November, reports that of all EU countries, Malta has the highest proportion of secondline antibiotic use [32%]. The EU27 average is 18%. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/19065 Title: A Mediterranean infection re-visited Authors: Cilia Vincenti, Albert Abstract: Medical Anecdotes - short accounts of interesting cases, some medical disasters, involving pathology and clinical practice, from the recollection of Prof. Albert Cilia-Vincenti. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z