/library/oar/handle/123456789/48434 2025-11-05T12:11:51Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/48513 Title: A touch of the 'devil's breath' Abstract: Plants from the Solanaceae family such as Datura and Brugmansia are sources of anticholinergic alkaloid drug scopolamine. Scopolamine, or ‘burundanga’ can be obtained from extracts of the so called ‘Borrachero’ tree found mainly in Colombia for example. Scopolamine poisoning is known to cause amnesia and is thought of by some as the scariest drug in the world. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/48512 Title: Ultrasound assessment of right upper quadrant abdominal pain : part 2 Authors: Vassallo, Pierre Abstract: Part 1 of this article discussed the importance of having an efficient diagnostic algorithm for right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain, since it is one of the most common presenting complaints to any clinic or emergency department. While acute cholecystitis is the most frequent cause of RUQ pain, more than a third of cases are due to other conditions. The same article also showed that abdominal ultrasound (US) is the imaging modality of choice because it is easily accessible, rapid, cost-effective, and safe since it involves no ionising radiation or potentially nephrotoxic intravenous contrast agent.1 Abdominal US visualises multiple upper abdominal organ systems that could be the source of the patient’s pain. Part 1 of this article also described the US findings related to the biliary and hepatic causes of RUQ pain. The present Part 2 will discuss US findings seen with pancreatic and gastrointestinal causes, while a final forthcoming Part 3 will deal with adrenal, renal, thoracic and vascular causes of RUQ pain. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/48510 Title: Il-politiku Abstract: Dr Ian Ellul catches up with Dr Deo Debattista, a family doctor and Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Rights, Public Cleansing and Support for the Capital City within the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/48475 Title: Is anti-ageing therapy medical fiction? Authors: Cilia-Vincenti, Albert Abstract: The quest for an immortality elixir has been around for centuries. Is anti-ageing, regenerative medical intervention, still in the realm of science fiction? We’re not talking of cosmetic surgery here, obviously. Some scientists believe that human immortality is possible in the future. If all our tissues have stem cells for replacement of worn out ones, why do we age and die? Even if immortality is not ultimately possible, are there any recent advances in understanding ageing and deteriorating function at cellular level? Extending useful, healthy life without added strains on health systems, would be a significant medical advance. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z