/library/oar/handle/123456789/117447 Sat, 27 Dec 2025 18:26:15 GMT 2025-12-27T18:26:15Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/117730 Title: The 2022 COPCA conference in Valletta Authors: Mifsud, Duncan; Attard-Trevisan, Rebekah; Mason, Nigel Abstract: Collisions represent a fundamental conduit of energy leading to physical and chemical changes in various systems. Ranging from the cosmic scale (e.g., cometary or asteroidal impacts with planetary bodies in the Solar System) to the nanoscale (e.g., the lithographic preparation of nanostructures on surfaces during focused electron beam induced deposition), the physics and chemistry of collisions underpin many important processes of inherent interest to both academic and industrial research. Indeed, collisions are routinely studied in several disciplines, including: molecular physics, nuclear fusion science, astrochemistry, planetary and Solar System science, nanotechnology, battery technology, and materials engineering. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/117730 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/117729 Title: Serum prolactin monitoring in patients on risperidone admitted to the acute wards at Mount Carmel hospital Authors: Gambin, Rachel; Diacono, Sheriseane; Mizzi, Therese Ann; East, Rachel Taylor Abstract: First-generation antipsychotics have been shown to increase prolactin levels in the body. Atypical antipsychotics have a lower tendency to produce hyperprolactinaemia due to a weaker and transient dopamine antagonistic effect. Despite being an atypical antipsychotic, Risperidone, tends to cause a higher increase in prolactin due to a stronger and more prolonged blockade on dopamine receptors. The purpose of this audit is to assess current practices at Mount Carmel Hospital (MCH) with regards to serum prolactin monitoring in patients taking Risperidone when compared to Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry, 14th Edition (2021). The audit was based on patients acutely admitted between June and December 2021. Focus was placed on prolactin levels checked during admission in patients previously on Risperidone, prolactin levels checked in the preceding six months if no prolactin level was checked during admission and the appropriate action taken in cases where the serum Prolactin was noted to be high. From this audit it was concluded that there is inadequate monitoring of serum prolactin levels in patients prescribed Risperidone at MCH. Increased awareness of Risperidoneinduced hyperprolactinemia and associated guidelines are required to improve clinical practice. The recommendations suggested from this audit were to increase awareness of serum prolactin monitoring guidelines amongst all medical and nursing staff at MCH and to create a simple flow-chart outlining the appropriate serum prolactin monitoring guidelines and distribute this to MCH wards. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/117729 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/117727 Title: An earthquake swarm on the Malta graben, Central Mediterranean, September – November 2020 Authors: Galea, Pauline; Agius, Matthew R.; Farrugia, Daniela; D'Amico, Sebastiano Abstract: The seafloor of the Sicily Channel is characterised by an extensional regime, governed by a network of normal and strike-slip fault systems. These faults generate a background level of seismicity that rarely exceeds magnitude 5.0. A number of these faults pass close to the Maltese islands. In particular the Malta graben lies less than 15 km to the south of Malta at its closest point, and the islands have been shaken a number of times by earthquakes originating on this, and other fault systems. In this study we describe the occurrence of a seismic sequence, that started in September 2020 and lasted for several weeks, the largest event having a local magnitude of 4.5 and being strongly felt throughout the archipelago. The sequence was located at a distance of around 23 km south of the eastern tip of Malta. We have used single station polarization analysis at seismic station WDD to estimate epicentral location for all events, down to magnitude 1.2. For the largest events, we have also used conventional network location, utilising phase picks at stations of the Malta Seismic Network and in Southern Sicily. We describe the time evolution of the sequence, felt effects, the public response and the implications for seismic hazard. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/117727 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/117725 Title: Assessing current c-reactive protein sampling practices within the neonatal intensive care unit for neonates with suspected early onset sepsis Authors: Battista, Nadine Anne De; Boffa, Michelle Marie; Grech, Jamie Alexander; Debono, Pharrah Abstract: C-reactive protein is synthesized in the liver as part of the acute phase response activated in reaction to acute injury. It has been well established that CRP levels can be used as an acute marker of inflammation making it a useful aid in the diagnosis and management of sepsis. However, its use within the immediate postnatal period presents unique challenges. Aim: This study aimed to elucidate and standardise CRP blood sampling intervals in neonates with suspected early onset sepsis, and to describe the relationship between CRP results and final blood culture results, with the aim of implementing NICE recommendations within the local setting. Results: 316 infants were included in the study. 26.2% of neonates had at least 1 positive CRP value (>10 mg/dl) during the first 72 hours of life, with 12.7% resulting in a detectable bacterial growth on blood cultures. The largest percentage of positive CRP levels was obtained when blood was sampled within 18 to 24 hours post birth (30.3%). 40.7% of CRP samples were repeated between 24-48 hours of life. For 27.7% of neonates, a first positive CRP level of more than 10 mg/dl was noted after 24 hours of life. The results show the importance of maintaining adequate timing intervals between serial CRP levels, which should be taken as a baseline on admission and then repeated not before 12 hours of age, to achieve optimal sensitivity. Our current sampling practice might lead to falsely reassuring negative CRP values, affecting outcomes in sepsis management. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/117725 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z