1
Issue 1
June 2014
FOREWORD by the Dean
W
elcome to the revamped FHS
newsletter, now in the capable hands of our
new Editor, Ms Ramona Cuschieri. I would like
to congratulate and thank Ramona for her
gigantic effort – a very well done job indeed!
Ramona has now been officially designated as
the Faculty’s journalist!
The aim is to produce this newsletter on a
bimonthly basis. Two months are a decent span
of time in which much can happen on many
fronts, and we all need to keep in regular
touch. We are a large faculty, and the
newsletter will help us in close working as a
team. Think of it as a social and professional
Prof Angela Xuereb, Dean, Faculty of point of contact. It can serve many purposes. A
Health Sciences/Head, Department main one is as a conduit for the exchange of
of Applied Biomedical Science
ideas, between members of the faculty, and the
dissemination of information regarding each other’s activities, be it attendance at
conferences abroad, organization of conferences locally, publication of articles
and books, and publicizing of any achievement worthy of note. It is also a forum
for advertising social events to encourage participation.
I hope you enjoy reading this first issue of the revamped FHS
newsletter.
Angela Xuereb
Dean
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Past Events
8
Publishing, Research
and Presentations
17
Announcements
21
Social Corner
Announcements
2
THANK YOU from the Editor
Hello everyone and welcome to the revamped first FHS
newsletter of 2014! How's it going for you so far? In the
administrative department we have had some new changes,
and from now on I will be responsible of putting together
and presenting the FHS newsletter every two months! I
have only one wish…that you will all find the content of
great interest, outstanding quality, and visually appealing.
But I cannot do this on my own… I need your
contribution!
The main idea behind this newsletter is still the same; to provide a forum of
discussion, exchange of experiences and ideas between academics and
administrative staff, to ultimately get to know each other’s work thus bringing us
closer as a Faculty.
I would like to include in each edition a short foreword ideally by a different
member of staff each time, so at least let me know who is keen to be on the front
page. And keep telling us about all your: achievements, publications, research,
training opportunities, attendance of conferences, workshops, seminars
and papers and posters presented therein, launching of new courses,
upcoming events, information on external lecturers and examiners
visiting our Faculty, Departmental activities and any other material
which would be of interest to all FHS staff members.
We will also have the social corner to promote any upcoming and past social events,
and other such updates. I am also including a talents/humorous page so why not
share that funny joke, that picture you captured at the right moment, your artwork,
poetry and maybe even short stories.
That’s it, may I take this opportunity to thank you all for your commitment and I
would like to express my gratitude to Mr Nicolai Schembri and Mr Joe Mark Gatt
both with a background knowledge in design/publishing who assisted me with the
design of this newsletter.
I hope you enjoy reading it! Do let me know what you like and what you wish to
see improved. If you have any suggestions for the next or future edition, replying to
this email will come directly to me.
Sincerest wishes for a beautiful summer!
newsletter.healthsci@um.edu.mt
+35623401204
Past Events
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National Symposium of Health Sciences
On Thursday 24th April 2014 the
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of
Malta held a National Symposium of
Health Sciences, the main aim of which
was to showcase the research being
conducted at the Faculty by members
of the academic staff and postgraduate
students.
No less than 13 oral
presentations and 19 poster exhibitions
were presented.
The Honourable Minister of Education
Mr Evarist Bartolo was present for the
opening of the Symposium and gave an
opening address together with the
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences,
Professor Angela Xuereb Anastasi.
In her address, Professor Xuereb
Anastasi recalled how the Faculty of
Health Sciences took off 4 years earlier,
having previously been the Institute of
Health Care, and had become the
second largest faculty at the University
of Malta with over 1,300 students, 68
full time members of staff and 11
departments offering 15 programmes at
undergraduate level and 14 at Masters’
level. There are currently 77 students
registered for a Master’s degree and 13
registered for a Ph.D. with the Faculty
of Health Sciences.
Professor Xuereb Anastasi reminded all
that 11 departments are involved in the
education and training of health care
professions: Physiotherapists, Nurses
(which include Mental Health and
Community Nurses), Midwives,
Radiographers, Occupational Therapists,
Podiatrists, Nutritionists, Medical
Physicists, Applied Biomedical Scientists,
Communication Therapists and Health
Service Managers.
These are all
professions that service the hospitals.
Professor Xuereb Anastasi stressed the
importance of a good working
relationship with the Department of
Health, which consistently makes
legitimate demands for new emerging
specializations and indeed for new
professions, as it is the responsibility of
the Faculty of Health Sciences to
provide the training required when the
need arises. Such education came with
great challenges.
Examples of this are a new
u nd e rgradu ate p ro gramme in
Radiography which includes
7Cont. pg. 4
Past Events
Radiotherapy, a new discipline for the University, the clinical training of which is
being held at the University of Cardiff and which is being supported by the
Ministry of Health, and a Master programme in Medical Physics – an ESF project with clinical training being done in Leeds. Both these specialisations shall be
required within the new Oncology Centre soon to open its doors to cancer
patients. In fact, the students forming part of the first cohort in both fields are
anticipated to graduate this autumn in time for the opening of the Oncology
Centre.
Professor Clive Mulholland, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Student
Experience) at the University of South Wales, U.K. opened the Symposium with a
keynote lecture titled ‘Survival of the fittest: Course Design and the Impact of
Technology’ during which he explored how course design may change as a result of
technology.
The Symposium continued according to the programme with the platform and
poster presentations. The presentations highlighted various topics that spanned
across the entire health science and health care sectors amongst which a study
that related on the identification of young Maltese-speaking children with potential
language delays; the report on the findings from current research into the
developmental control of foetal haemoglobin production via genetic modification;
the benefits obtained following a 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme;
the unique contribution of spirituality to nurses’ well-being in view of burnout; the
findings reached by the Diabetes Foot Research Group in the diagnosis of
peripheral arterial disease using the Ankle Brachial Pressure Index; and the findings
into the optimization of Computed Tomography (CT) scanning parameters that
may lead to significant radiation dose savings, facilitating the acceptance and
implementation of optimized protocols in the clinical setting.
The Symposium came to an end with closing speeches from Professor John Rizzo
Naudi and the Honourable Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mr. Christopher
Fearne.
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Past Events
Dean’s Awards
During the Symposium ten current students
following different undergraduate programmes
offered by the Faculty were presented with a
Dean’s Award in acknowledgement of their
success in achieving a grade of 80% or higher
in either of their two middle years of study.
These students are Mark Briffa (Applied
Biomedical Science), Sabrina Camilleri
(Nursing), John Carabott (Applied Biomedical
Science), Christina Fiorini (Communication
Therapy), Roberta Mangion (Occupational
Therapy), Mario Rapa (Radiography), Stefan
Sciberras (Communication Therapy), Chantelle Zahra (Occupational Therapy) and
Bernice Zarb (Nursing). The Dean’s Awards were sponsored by HSBC Bank
(Malta) Ltd.
Launch of the Malta Journal of Health
Professor Xuereb Anastasi took the occasion to officially launch the Malta Journal
of Health Sciences (MJHS) – a faculty journal with on-line open access – under the
direction of its Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Daniela Gatt. The link for this is journal click
here
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Past Events
6
4th European Conference: Religion, Spirituality and
Health 2014 – Malta
The 4th European
Conference
on
Religion/Spirituality
and Health was
held
in
Malta
between the 22nd
and 24th May 2014
at
the
South
Auditorium Faculty
Prof Donia Baldacchino of Health Sciences
Department
o f University of Malta
Nursing, FHS
The aim of the
conference was to
exchange expertise and research results
of health care professionals on the
relationship between religion/spirituality
and health/illness in order to address
patients’ needs holistically.
On Thursday 22nd May the conference
participants had a cordial meeting with
the President of Malta H.E. M.L. Coleiro
Preca at the Palace in Valletta. During
the speech H.E. the President
emphasised the importance of holistic
care with a humane caring approach to
patients. The participants had the
opportunity to introduce themselves
and to tour the palace. The Conference
was inaugurated by the founder of the
Conference Professor Rene Hefti who
announced that the attendance to this
conference was double the usual
attendance from various various
European, Scandinavian countries, Malta
and other countries such as, Australia,
Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, Izrael and
others. The opening speeches were
delivered by Professor Angela Xuereb,
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences,
Professor Emanuel Agius Dean of the
Faculty of Theology, and H.G.
Archbishop Mgr. Paul Cremona. O.P.
During the conference, diverse
renowned local and international
speakers with expertise in this field
presented keynote speeches and
symposia papers on various dimensions
of spirituality and spiritual care by the
multidisciplinary team. Professor Donia
Baldacchino delivered the first keynote
speech on the ‘Education of Health Care
Professionals on Spiritual Care’; Mrs
Josephine Attard delivered a symposium
on Student Nurses’ and Midwives’
Competences in Spiritual Care’, whilst
Ms Therese Bugeja presented a
symposium on ‘The spiritual dimension
of Forgiveness’. 45 spirituality research
posters were exhibited and presented
by international participants.
Spirituality
in
teamwork
was
also
Cont. pg. 7Cont. pg. 7Cont. pg. 7Cont. pg. 7
Past Events
demonstrated by the voluntary
contribution of the Maltese healthcare
professional musical talents coordinated
by Ms Therese Bugeja on Thursday 22nd
May at 6.30pm. before the Malta Public
Talk by Professor Harold Koenig (USA)
on ‘Integrating religion/spirituality into
clinical practice’ at Sir Temi Zammit Hall,
University of Malta. Health caregivers
working in various clinical fields joined
the conference participants for this
event which ended by a sponsored
reception. The first day ended at
11.00pm by the meeting of the Scientific
Committee at the Faculty of Health
Sciences.
The social evening on Friday 23rd May
started in the old city of Mdina.
Following a walking guided tour at
6.15pm., an inter-religious service
‘Prayers for Peace’ was organised at
Mdina Cathedral, which was attended
by the President of Malta, HG
Archbishop of Malta and Professor
Angela Xuereb. A group of volunteers
dressed in traditional costumes including
Ms Josephine Attard in a traditional
‘Ghonella’ greeted the participants. The
Prayers for Peace was led by the
Ecumenical and Inter-Religious
Commissions in Malta and animated by
(nurse) tenor Mr Joseph Aquilina,
Soprano Ms Caroline Borda, and
organist Dr Hugo Agius Muscat. Mr Joey
Aquilina and his band sang various
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religious hymns based on the Maltese
culture. Folk dancing was also held at
the Fontanella gardens by the Paul
Curmi dancers. Walking out of Mdina,
participants enjoyed the traditional
fjakkoli which lit up Mdina and at the
restaurant in Rabat where the
conference dinner was held.
This conference was preceded by a fourday spirituality research workshop
between 18th-21st May at the Board
Room led by Professor Harold Koenig
and the Swiss Research Institute on
Spirituality and Health (RISH) team.
Seventeen researchers attended this
conference from various countries.
Additionally, fifty five inter-professional
students attended from the UK and
USA. A full programme was organised
which included an additional study day
for students, professional visits at Mater
Dei Hospital and sightseeing of Valletta
city and Gozo. The Conference
Organisation Committee, chaired by
Professor Donia Baldacchino would like
to thank the Ministry of Tourism, the
Administration of Mater Dei Hospital,
Professor Angela Xuereb who honoured
us by her presence in this conference
and the various student/staff volunteers
and sponsors who supported this
conference. This conference helped to
raise awareness on the significance and
impact of spirituality in illness and health
care which emphasised the importance
of holistic care.
Publishing, Research and Presentations
Referring in Critical Care: Nurses as Dual Agents
Dr Josef Trapani assistant lecturer in the Department
of Nursing, FHS was awarded a Ph.D from the
University of Brighton after having succesfully
defended his thesis entitled Referring in Critical Care:
Nurses as Dual Agents
ABSTRACT
Previous research has suggested that critical care
nurses’ close and prolonged contact with patients
places them in a unique position of improving patient
outcomes and reducing the demand on critical care
Dr Josef Trapani, PhD, beds by detecting subtle signs of deterioration in a
Department of Nursing, FHS
timely manner and identifying patient progression and
readiness for less intensive care. Nonetheless, nurses
rarely take decisions about patients’ treatment modalities on their own, and
constantly need to seek advice or authorisation. Indeed, several studies suggested
that one of the most frequent decisions taken by nurses during clinical practice is
that of referring to medical, nursing or other health care practitioners. However,
there is very limited research around the factors related to, and the actual
process of, such referring. In view of this gap in the literature, the purpose of this
study was to explore and explain the process of referring in the context of an
intensive care unit by means of a substantive theory derived from the data. The
principal research question was: What are the factors associated with critical care
nurses’ decisions to seek help from medical practitioners?
The study took place in a general intensive care unit in a state hospital in a
Mediterranean island nation.
Data generation and analysis took place
concurrently and iteratively, and were guided by the dimensional analysis approach
to grounded theory. Data collection involved: (1) twenty hours of preliminary non
participant observation; (2) fifty hours of participant observation and informal
interviewing; (3) fifteen hours of formal semi-structured interviews with ten
critical care nurses working in this unit selected by means of purposive and
theoretical sampling; (4) two 2-hour focus group sessions aimed at enhancing
theoretical sufficiency and verification of the emerging substantive theory. The
analytical process was characterised by a series of inductive-deductive cycles,
during which increasingly conceptual labels were attached to data segments.
Working hypotheses and theoretical memos were used to interrogate the data
and look for positive and negative evidence for the inductively derived labels.
The findings suggest that nurses’ decisions to seek help from doctors are
complex and frequently mediated by individual or organisational factors which are
unrelated to the actual clinical situation, such as experience, assertiveness and
Cont. pg. 9
8
Publishing, Research and Presentations
willingness to take risk. They involve nurses weighing up several occasionally
conflicting motivators, including a desire to act with some degree of independence;
attempting to prevent personal and professional risk; and being constantly mindful
of their asymmetrical decision making power relative to doctors. A central
consideration is that of balancing their moral obligation to safeguard critically ill
patients’ interests with their duty to respect medical practitioners’ preferences.
Subsequently, nurses find themselves in a
position of dual agency as they need to
concurrently act as an agent to two
different principals, namely the medical
practitioner and the patient, a situation
which is potentially morally distressing.
The emergent substantive theory
underscores the significance of the nurse’s
role in acting on behalf of the patient in a
scenario of significant patient vulnerability;
the factors that enhance, mediate and
potentially suppress this advocacy role; and
the interrelatedness of nurses’ relationship
with doctors and their effectiveness in safeguarding critically ill patients’ interests.
Subsequently, the study should provide valuable insight into the type of leadership
and education that is required to assist nurses in placing patients’ interest at the
forefront of their actions and interactions, while fostering collaboration within
multidisciplinary teams.
Department of Communication Therapy - Life Long
Learning Grundtvic project
The Department of Communication
Therapy hosted the 2nd meeting of the Life
Long Learning Grundtvic project entitled
Multilingual Children with SLI, between 14
and 17 March 2014. The meeting was
attended by 21 speech language pathologists,
specialized teachers, psychologists and
researchers with an interest in the
assessment, diagnosis and management of
multilingual children with language
impairment.
9
Publishing, Research and Presentations
10
‘Analysis of gentic polymorphisms in relation to bone mineral density
and fracture risk in Maltese postmenopausal women’, presented at the
ECTS conference held in Prague in May, and published in the Bone
Abstracts - European Calcified Tissue Society (2014) Vol 3, pp194.
ABSTRACT
Osteoporosis is a hereditary multifactorial disease
characterised by low bone mass leading to an increased
susceptibility to fracture. Bone mineral density (BMD) is the
most widely used predictor of fracture risk. Gene variants
have been found associated with a low BMD and increased
fracture risk; nonetheless studies have identified the
relationship between susceptibility genes and fractures Prof Angela Xuereb,
independent of BMD.
Dean,FHS/Head,
Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within four Department of Applied
candidate genes were investigated for their effect on BMD Biomedical Science
at different anatomical sites and with different low-trauma
fractures.
1045 Maltese postmenopausal women were recruited and
BMD measurements were performed by dual-energy X-ray
absorptiometry. Women who suffered low-trauma fractures
were classified as cases whereas subjects without a fracture
history were included as as controls. Informed consent was
obtained from all participants.
Genotyping was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR) followed by Restriction Fragment Length
Polymorphism, and Real-Time PCR High Resolution Melt.
Ms Melissa Formosa,
Assistant Lecturer,
Department of Applied
Biomedical Science, FHS
Using logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, three
SNPs in three genes [LRP5 (rs3736228), RANK (rs3018362) and OPG
(rs2073618)] were found associated with a low BMD and increased risk of all-type
of low trauma fractures (p<0.05). SNPs rs3736228 and rs3018362 were associated
with reduced BMD at the spine and femoral neck, whereas rs2073618 was only
linked to low spine BMD. Three SNPs in the OPG gene (rs3134069, rs3102735 and
rs2062377) were associated with an increased fracture risk that conversely did not
affect BMD. The haplotype carrying the risk alleles for rs3736228, rs3018362,
rs3134069, rs3102735 and rs2062377 was associated with increased fracture risk
(permutated p-value=0.01) as opposed to the haplotype reference which was
strongly linked to a high BMD and low fracture risk (permutated p-value=0.0001).
Conclusion: Results from this independent replication study indicate that a number
of gene variants are associated with reduced BMD and/or increased fracture
susceptibility in Maltese postmenopausal women.
Publishing, Research and Presentations
11
‘The Progressive Impact of Burnout on Maltese Nurses’, published in
the SOP Transactions on Psychology, (2014) Vol 1, pp1-8.
ABSTRACT
Nursing profession is a highly stressful vocation. Participants
(N=241), who work in three different hospitals in Malta,
were assessed on the impact of burnout on their holistic
wellbeing. Nurses completed the Maslach Burnout
Inventory-Human Services, the Satisfaction with Life Scale,
the Faith Maturity Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect
Scale, the Big Five Personality Inventory, and demographic
variables.
Dr Michael Galea,
Lecturer - Mental Health Results from this cross-sectional correlational study
Department of Nursing, indicated that: a) professional nurses in Malta suffer from
high levels of burnout, particularly from high exhaustion and
FHS
depersonalization and low professional accomplishment; b)
as expected, burnout negatively correlated with subjective well-being; and c) a path
analysis indicated the progressive impact of burnout, first on ones personality and
affective mood, and eventually on ones wellbeing and spirituality. The implications
and recommendations from these results were discussed.
‘Assessing the Incremental Validity of Spirituality in Predicting
Nurses’ Burnout’, published in the Archive for the Psychology of
Religion, (2014) Vol 36, pp118-136.
ABSTRACT
This population study examined the incremental validity of spirituality in predicting
burnout among Maltese professional nurses. Cross-sectional and mixed-method
design was conducted. Measures in this self-report questionnaire included the
Maslach Burnout Inventory, Faith Maturity Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Big Five
Inventory and a demographic section, together with a brief qualitative section.
Response rate was 78%. All hypotheses were supported. Maltese nurses (N = 121)
suffer from high levels of burnout, in particular from low professional
accomplishment, high levels of depersonalization, and
moderate to high emotional exhaustion. Qualitative data
supported these findings and suggested that the physical and
moral environment of nurses was conducive to an increase of
burnout. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis indicated
that spirituality predicted burnout after controlling for
personality and well-being. This study suggests that spirituality
may be an important potential source of resilience for nurses
who risk burnout in their employment.
Publishing, Research and Presentations
‘Measuring and Improving the Societal Impact of Health Care
Research’, published in the Eurohealth Incorporating Euro Observer
Journal, (2013) Vol 19, pp32-35
ABSTRACT
Health care research is increasingly being evaluated in
terms of its contribution to new market products and
services, among other factors, in the European Union’s
new Framework Programme for Research and Innovation,
Horizon 2020. However, discoveries in health care
research often are not marketable products but
innovations intended for the public domain. Therefore,
funders and the research community need to review the
applicability of impact frameworks for evaluating these
Dr Natasha Azzopardi types of research. Of key importance is the development
Muscat, Lecturer - Health of societal impact indicators for ex-ante evaluations of
Services Management, research programmes and projects. Such assessments
FHS
should also take the specificities of European versus
national level research into account.
‘Clinicians’, Policy Makers’ and Patients’ view of Paediatric crossborder care between Malta and the UK’ published in the Health
Services Research and Policy, (2014) DOI: 10.1177/1355819614521408
ABSTRACT
The Malta–UK cross-border health care collaboration gives Maltese patients access
to highly specialized care that is not available locally. Our aim was to identify the
issues that arise in cross-border specialized care for rare childhood diseases.
We conducted 31 semi-structured face-to-face interviews with policy makers,
consultant pediatricians from Mater Dei Hospital in Malta, the Royal Marsden
Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital in England and the parents of a random
sample of children referred for treatment abroad in 2011. We conducted qualitative
thematic analysis of the data.
Respondents viewed the collaboration as successful in providing timely access to
high quality specialist care. Four factors facilitated implementation: long established
personal relationships; communication and data sharing; shared care approach; and
well established support systems. The key challenges are logistical, financial,
communication and cultural and psychological. Conclusion: Cross-border care
pathways can successfully support access to high quality specialized care that is
accept- able to health professionals and patients.
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Publishing, Research and Presentations
13
‘Health Systems in Transition’ published in Malta: Health System Review
(2014) Vol. 16 No.1.
ABSTRACT
This analysis of the Maltese health system reviews the developments in its
organization and governance, health financing, health-care provision, health reforms
and health system performance. The health system in Malta consists of a public
sector, which is free at the point of service and provides a comprehensive basket of
health services for all its citizens, and a private sector, which accounts for a third of
total health expenditure and provides the majority of primary care. Maltese
citizens enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in Europe. Nevertheless, noncommunicable diseases pose a major concern with obesity being increasingly
prevalent among both adults and children.The health system faces important
challenges including a steadily ageing population, which impacts the sustainability of
public finances. Other supply constraints stem from financial and infrastructural
limitations. Nonetheless, there exists a strong political commitment to ensure the
provision of a healthcare system that is accessible, of high quality, safe and also
sustainable. Thiscalls for strategic investments to underpin a revision of existing
processes whilst shifting the focus of care away from hospital into the community.
‘Viewpoint: Ten years on: time for a public health celebration or sober
reflection?’, published in European Journal of Public Health (2014)
cku032.
Available at:
http://eurpub.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/03/18/eurpub.cku032.short
Publishing, Research and Presentations
14
‘Updates of the HbVar database of Human Hemoglobin variants and
thalassemia mutations’, published in the Journal of Nucleic Acids
Research, (2013) Vol 19, pp1-7.
ABSTRACT
HbVar (http://globin.bx.psu.edu/hbvar) is one of the oldest
and most appreciated locus-specific databases launched in
2001 by a multi-center academic effort to provide timely
information on the genomic alterations leading to
hemoglobin variants and all types of thalassemia and
hemoglobinopathies. Database records include extensive
phenotypic descriptions, biochemical and hematological
effects, associated pathology and ethnic occurrence,
Dr Joseph Borg, Lecturer accompanied by mutation frequencies and references. Here,
– Department of Applied we report updates to >600 HbVar entries, inclusion of
Biomedical Science, FHS
population-specific data for 28 populations and 27 ethnic
groups for α-, and β-thalassemias and additional querying
options in the HbVar query page. HbVarcontent was also inter-connected with two
other established genetic databases, namely FINDbase (http://www.findbase.org)
and Leiden Open-Access Variation database (http://www.lovd.nl), which allows
comparative data querying and analysis. HbVar data content has contributed to the
realization of two collaborative projects to identify genomic variants that lie on
different globin paralogs. Most importantly, HbVar data content has contributed to
demonstrate the microattribution concept in practice. These updates significantly
enriched the database content and querying potential, enhanced the database
profile and data quality and broadened the inter-relation of HbVar with other
databases, which should increase the already high impact of this resource to the
globin and genetic database community.
‘Key challenges for next-generation pharmacogenomics’ published in
the Science & Society series on Science and Drugs, (2014), pp1-5.
ABSTRACT
Human genetic composition is an important cause of variations in the response and
tolerance to drug/medical treatment. Pharmacogenomics is a modern discipline
aiming to delineate individual genomic profiles and drug response. To date, there are
several medical disciplines where pharmacogenomics is readily applicable, while in
others its usefulness is yet to be shown. Modern methods and technology in the
field of genetics and molecular biology is speeding up the whole process for
biomarker and genetic discoveries that can in turn assist in developing better drugs
and medicine. The methods have developed so much, that the entire genetic code
of a human being can now be read in a matter of days to few weeks. Dr Borg
sharing last-corresponding author position with Professor Patrinos from the
University of Patras, Greece explain more in their invited article in EMBO reports.
Publishing, Research and Presentations
15
Dr Cynthia Formosa gave a presentation of the following paper at the Diabetes
UK Professional Conference (2014) held in Liverpool:
‘Hidden dangers revealed by misdiagnosed peripheral arterial disease
using ABPI measurement’, published in the Journal of Diabetes
Research and Clinical Practice, (2013) Vol 102(2), pp112–116.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to compare ankle brachial
indices [APBI] with pedal waveforms utilising the
continuous wave Doppler in a population with Type 2
diabetes. A prospective study design was employed to
investigate the ABPI in a cohort of 49 patients with Type
Dr Cynthia Formosa, Head 2 diabetes. ABPI assessment was completed using a
and Dr Alfred Gatt, Lecturer, portable handheld Doppler and ankle pressures of <0.9
Department of Podiatry, FHS
were taken as suggestive of peripheral arterial disease
[PAD]. Arterial spectral waveforms in each foot were also recorded and
compared to the ABPI readings. Inconsistencies were identified between ABPIs
and waveform interpretations in the study population. Approximately 35% of
recruited subjects had inconsistencies between their ABPI result and waveform
interpretation in their right or left foot. This study demonstrates that the ABPI in
patients with diabetes is frequently normal even in the presence of arterial disease
and that these cases can be identified through abnormal Doppler waveforms.
Combining Doppler waveforms and measurement of ABPIs yields more reliable
results without significantly increasing time required for testing. We recommend that
both modalities should be used and when these do not concur, further evaluation
should be performed. This would significantly reduce the proportion of patients with
diabetes who would be falsely identified as having no peripheral arterial disease and
subsequently denied the benefit of beneficial and effective secondary risk factor
control.
‘A Pilot Comparison of forefoot plantar pressures in newly diagnosed
rheumatoid arthritis patients and non-rheumatic subjects’, published
by in The Foot Journal, (2013) Vol 23(4), pp120–122.
ABSTRACT
In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) forefoot pathology is often related
to increased peak plantar pressures under the metatarsal heads.
This study sought to assess peak plantar pressures in newly
diagnosed RA patients compared to non-rheumatic subjects.
Dr Alfred Gatt,
L e c t u r e r ,
Department of
Pod i a tr y, F HS
Plantar pressure in a group of 10 pain free RA patients diagnosed
within two years before the starting date of the study and 10
healthy volunteers matched for gender, age and weight were
assessed.
Each group consisted of seven females and
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxCont. pg. 16
Publishing, Research and Presentations
three males aged between 30 and 55 years. The results showed no significant
difference (ρ = 0.420) at the hallux, however there was a statistical difference in all
the other regions (ρ = 0.000 and p = 0.011 for 1st MPJ and 2nd–4th MPJ
respectively and p = 0.007 for 5th MPJ). The RA group had higher pressure
underneath the 1st and 2nd–4th MPJ regions and lower pressures underneath the
5th MPJ.
Although it is for a small group of patients, the results from this pilot study show
that even at an early stage of RA, forefoot pressures are shifted toward the medial
‘CT Radiation Dose and Image Quality Optimization Using a Porcine
Model’, published in the Journal of Radiologic Technology, (2013)
Vol 85(2), pp127-36.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential radiation
dose savings and resultant image quality effects with regard to
optimization of commonly performed computed tomography
(CT) studies derived from imaging a porcine (pig) model.
Imaging protocols for 4 clinical CT suites were developed
based on the lowest milliamperage and kilovoltage, the highest
pitch that could be set from current imaging protocol
Dr Frank Zarb,
parameters, or both. This occurred before significant changes
Lecturer, Department
in noise, contrast, and spatial resolution were measured
of Radiography , FHS objectively on images produced from a quality assurance CT
phantom. The current and derived phantom protocols were then applied to scan a
porcine model for head, abdomen, and chest CT studies. Further optimized
protocols were developed based on the same methodology as in the phantom
study. The optimization achieved with respect to radiation dose and image quality
was evaluated following data collection of radiation dose recordings and image
quality review. Relative visual grading analysis of image quality criteria adapted from
the European guidelines on radiology quality criteria for CT were used for studies
completed with both the phantom-based or porcine-derived imaging protocols.
In 5 out of 16 experimental combinations, the current clinical protocol was
maintained. In 2 instances, the phantom protocol reduced radiation dose from 19%
to 38%. In the remaining 9 instances, the optimization based on the porcine model
further reduced radiation dose by 17% to 38%.
The porcine model closely reflects anatomical structures in humans, allowing the
grading of anatomical criteria as part of image quality review without
radiation risks to human subjects.
This study demonstrates that using a porcine model to evaluate CT
optimization resulted in more radiation dose reduction than when
imaging protocols were tested solely on quality assurance phantoms.
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Announcements
Professor Carmel J. Caruana – promoted to Associate Professor
Professor Carmel J. Caruana, Head of Department, Medical Physics, FHS, has been
promoted to Associate Professor by Council at its meeting on the 8th of
November 2013.
We congratulate Professor Caruana on his achievement!
Dr Claire Sillato Copperstone, Ms Natahlie Buhagiar and Mr Pierre
Demicoli – Promoted
At the Council meeting of 7th February 2014:
Dr Claire Sillato Copperstone – Department of Food Studies and Environmental
Health, FHS was promoted to Lecturer.
Ms Natahlie Buhagiar - Department of Occupational Therapy, FHS was promoted
to Visiting Senior Lecturer.
Mr Pierre Demicoli - Department of Radiography, FHS was promoted Visiting
Lecturer.
Congratulations to all promoted!
Dr Sandra Buttigieg – appointed Honorary Senior Research Fellow
Dr Sandra Buttigieg, Head of Department, Health Services Management, FHS was
appointed Honorary Senior Research Fellow in the School of Social Policy within
the College of Social Sciences, University of Birmingham.
Congratulations Dr Buttigieg!
Dr Rita Borg Xuereb – nominated Academic Expert
Dr Rita Borg Xuereb was nominated Academic Expert by the European Midwives
Association to act as academic expert/consultant, concerning the field of
Continuing Professional Development and Lifelong Learning. The network also
includes Doctors, Nurses, Dentists and Pharmacists. This network will be liaising
with the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) and will be presenting a
comprehensive mapping and review of CPD Health Professionals in European
Union/European Economic Area and Croatia which illustrates the multifaceted
picture of CPD across Europe.
Dr Rita Borg Xuereb appointed on Editorial Advisory Board
Dr Rita Borg Xuereb has been appointed member of the Editorial Board of the
Midwives Information and Resource Service (MIDIRS).
Congratulations Dr Borg Xuereb!
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Announcements
Farewell :(
A Fond Farewell to Ms Moira Spiteri
On 7th March 2014, with a heavy heart we bid a fond
farewell and good luck to Moira Spiteri after 17 years
dedicated towards the Faculty of Health Sciences. Moira
embarked on a new venture at the Academic
Programmes Quality and Resources Unit of the
University (APQRU). She takes with her years of great
memories and for that, she sends a heartfelt and genuine thank you. Moira you
have been a blessing to each and every one of us! We wish Ms. Spiteri all the best
and may her next experience bring her even more joyful memories to cherish!
Happy Retirement to Mr Charles Massa!
We extending our warm wishes to Mr Charles Massa who retired at the end of
November, last year after 5 years of service at our Faculty. Mr Massa was behind
several initiatives foremost amongst them, this newsletter.
He had excellent
relations with all members of the Faculty and expressed appreciation for the
support and encouragement he received from all of the staff. We thank him and
wish him a healthy and happy future.
Academic and administrative colleagues gathered on Tuesday 19th November to
bid Mr Massa a warmhearted farewell and wish him a Retraite Heureuse!
Farewell Mr Joshua Cortis
We also wish to bid farewell to Mr Joshua Cortis who was the Laboratory Officer
for the Department of Applied Biomedical Science for the past 3 years. Best of luck
for the future!
Goodbye Ms Shelan Mahmood
We would like to take this opportunity to bid a farewell to Ms Shelan Mahmood.
Following her brief experience as lecturer with the Department of Medical Physics .
We wish her luck and happiness for the years ahead.
New Babies :)
Dr Michael Galea, Lecturer, Nursing Department,
Faculty of Health Sciences is now the proud father of
twins, Congratulations!
Baby Adam was born on 30th April 2014 to Ms Petra
Cilia, Lecturer, Department of Food Studies and
Environmental Health, FHS. Congratulations!
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Announcements
New Recruits
Welcome to newly appointed Administrative staff members who have joined the
Faculty of Health Sciences
Ms Carmen Farrugia, Executive Officer
Ms Carmen Farrugia, Executive Officer joined the FHS, last March following a
number of years working at the Admissions & Records Office. She will be acting as
secretary to the Department of Midwifery and is responsible for examinations. She
can be contacted on E-mail: carmen.farrugia@um.edu.mt; Tel:23401182; Office No.
76.
Mr Andrea Portelli, Graduate Trainee
Mr Andrea Portelli has been appointed Graduate Trainee at FHS. With responsibility
for scheduling timetables and secretary to the Department of Physiotherapy. He
can be contacted on E-mail: andrea.portelli@um.edu.mt; Tel:23401837; Office No
76.
Mr Roberto Saliba, Clerk
Mr Roberto Saliba has been appointed as Clerk at FHS with the Department of
Food Studies and Environmental Health. Mr Salibas can be contacted on E-mail:
roberto.saliba@um.edu.mt; Tel:23401837; Office No 76.
Ms Georgia Wilson, Lab Officer
Ms Georgia Wilson has been appointed as a Lab Officer with the Department of
Applied Biomedical Science. She can be contacted on E-mail:
georgia.wilson@um.edu.mt
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Talents/humourous page!
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I am no Health Professional...but I can assure you that letting little
things go and having some fun can definitely benefit the body and
soul...
Snap the moment!!!
Prof Rizzo Naudi
singing along to ‘Viva Malta’ accompanied by The Quacks
And some Fun Quotes!!
A gossip is someone with a great sense of rumour.
Always remember that you
unique...just like everybody else!
Always give 100% at work...
are
Social Corner
Upcoming Events
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