/library/oar/handle/123456789/34460 2026-05-24T16:50:33Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/12819 Title: The Synapse : the medical professionals' network Editors: Galea, Wilfred; Ellul, Ian C. Abstract: Apart from the normal articles regarding medicine, this issue contains also the following: Editor's word: The Prince[ess] and the pea - Ian C. Ellul; Update from the Health Promotion and Disease prevention Directorate; From pharmacy to film (Gabriel Micallef) - Marika Azzopardi 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/12818 Title: Imaging groin hernias Authors: Vassallo, Pierre Abstract: Clinical differentiation of direct inguinal hernias, indirect inguinal hernias, femoral and Spigelian hernias can be difficult particularly with small hernias and in obese patients. Diagnostic imaging can detect and characterize hernias more reliably, allow better surgical planning and possibly even prevent unnecessary surgery. Detection of complications occurring in groin hernias is also of importance. Hernial incarceration is particularly evident on ultrasound (US) performed during rest and abdomimal straining (Valsalva maneuver) in both the supine and erect postures. Hernial strangulation is visible both with US and with computed tomography (CT) with fluid appearing around the hernial sac contents. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/12817 Title: Bilateral Acanthamoeba keratitis Authors: Cachia Markham, Mark; Mercieca, Franco Abstract: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare eye infection commonly misdiagnosed as herpes simplex or fungal keratitis. Failure to include it in the differential diagnosis in any contact lens wearer with the typical features of an eye infection, results in a delay in the appropriate treatment with eventual complications and even blindness. This report describes the first case of bilateral Acanthamoeba keratitis ever reported in Malta, which occurred in a young female contact lens wearer. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/12816 Title: Herbal medicine : drug interactions Authors: Attard, Everaldo Abstract: In today’s Western world, herbal medicine is used alongside conventional medicine. Herbal medicines may interefere with conventional medicines by several mechanisms. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z