Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Malta”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Evaluation of environmental levels and biological impact of TBT in Malta (central Mediterranean).

Chemical monitoring for butyltins in bulk seawater, surface microlayer and superficial sediments determined that the two main local sources of marine contamination by tributyltin (TBT) compounds in Malta are ship-repairing dockyards and marinas. In bulk seawater, TBT values ranged from below the detection limit of 5 ng Sn l(-1) to 300 ng Sn l(-1); in sediments derived from the most polluted areas, TBT concentrations as high as 1500 ng Sn g(-1) were measured. At TBT levels found in local harbours, several sublethal biological responses are possible and were observed, including a significant reduction in MFO enzyme system activities of fish; digestive cell atrophy in the oyster Ostrea edulis; and induction of imposex in the snail Hexaplex trunculus. The latter two responses are evident at TBT concentrations below the environmental quality standard (20 ng TBT l(-1)). The ecological implications of these results are discussed and it is concluded that exposure of marine organisms to TBT in local harbours may be expected to lead to a reduction in the long-term survival of a number of such organisms. For these reasons, both the use of TBT-based antifouling paints for pleasure boats as well as drydock practices need to be controlled by appropriate regulations and their enforcement.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

The beta + IVS, I-NT no. 6 (T --> C) thalassaemia in heterozygotes with an associated Hb Valletta or Hb S heterozygosity in homozygotes from Malta.

In vitro DNA amplification and dot blot analysis with synthetic allele specific oligonucleotides (ASO) identified the beta + IVS, I-6 (T --> C) thalassaemia in 78% of 32 chromosomes from 16 beta-thalassaemia homozygotes in Malta. The preponderance of a single thalassaemia mutation in one population is unusual. The beta + IVS, I-6C thalassaemia mutation was also found in three carriers who had an associated beta globin heterozygosity, i.e. Hb Valletta (or alpha 2 beta 2 87PRO) or Hb S (or alpha 2 beta 2 6VAL). The proportion of Hb A in these cases (av. = 29.7%) provided objective documentation of the relatively mild effect of this mutation on in vivo globin gene expression. However, the expression of homozygous disease was more severe in developing children compared to adults. The beta + IVS, I-6C mutation complicates population testing because heterozygotes can have Hb A2 levels below those classically associated with beta thalassaemia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

[Nine cases of imported Malta fever in Basle].

Report on 9 cases of Malta fever seen in Basle, Switzerland, in the first three months of 1980. In contrast to previous reports in the literature, positive blood cultures were found in 8 of the 9 patients. All were infected by direct contact with sheep and the clinical picture was classified in all cases. Therapy with Doxycyclin led to rapid improvement. No severe complications were observed. In the light of these cases the epidemiology, clinical picture, possible complications and therapy of this disease are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

The centenary of the sinking of the Mediterranean Fleet flagship, HMS Victoria. What was the role of Malta fever?

This article commemorates the centenary of the tragic loss of the battleship HMS Victoria and 358 of her crew, together with the Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet, Vice-Admiral Sir George Tryon, as a result of an enigmatic order by Tryon himself. It also investigates the medical aspects and explores the contention that Tryon was suffering from Malta or Mediterranean fever (Brucellosis).

Brucellosis↗
PubMed1999

Male SLE patients in Malta.

The SLE patient database at the Rheumatology Clinic, St. Luke's Hospital includes 62 patients, 58 of which have complete data. The patients were grouped according to sex (7 males vs 51 females). The presentation, clinical manifestations, ACR criteria and laboratory findings of the 2 groups were analyzed and compared. Serositis as the initial manifestation at presentation was significantly commoner in males (29% vs 2%; p < 0.05). Cardiorespiratory problems such as pleurisy, pericarditis, pericardial effusions and myocarditis were more frequent in the male subgroup. Female patients had more arthritis, myositis, neuropsychiatric manifestations (depression, psychosis and headache) anemia, leucopenia and ENA positivity than their male counterparts. All 6 mortalities recorded were in the female subgroup.

Female↗
PubMed1983

Exposure to lead and cadmium of the general population of Malta.

The blood levels of lead (PbB), cadmium (CdB), and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) were determined in 538 Maltese adult subjects. A relatively high level exposure to both metals was discovered. For lead, the median value is 274 micrograms/l with percentile 90 and 98 respectively 564 and 863 micrograms/l. These values are to be compared with the reference values proposed by a directive of the European Community, respectively 200, 300 and 350 micrograms/l. For cadmium, the median value is 2.2 micrograms/l with percentile 90 and 98 respectively 3.8 and 5.7 micrograms/l. These values are compared with those of a Belgian population which are respectively 1.7, 2.6 and 4.3 micrograms/l. The causes of this relatively high exposure are not known. A few tentative hypotheses, which are to be investigated, are made.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Abnormal glucose tolerance in the Maltese. A population-based longitudinal study of the natural history of NIDDM and IGT in Malta.

A population-based longitudinal study of abnormal glucose tolerance in the adult Maltese, carried out within the WHO-assisted National Diabetes Programme, has recently been completed. During the 6-year interval abnormal as compared to normal glucose tolerance was found to be related to a significantly higher mortality: the age-adjusted relative risks of death were 3.3 times in diabetic females and greater than 2 times in IGT and diabetic males. In the repeat epidemiological survey 1422 subjects (66.8% of the initial sample) were reinvestigated with the oral GTT being interpreted according to WHO's 1985 recommendations. The age-standardised prevalence rates, in the 35-69-year-old males and females, were respectively 12.89% and 13.24% for IGT and 9.07% and 10.77% for diabetes. These gradually increased after age 40, IGT peaking in the 60+ year groups and diabetes 10 years later. Heredity (especially diabetes in close relatives) seemed a major influence, whilst excess body weight appeared the more important associated environmental factor. The incidence levels (% per annum) of diabetes during the interval were 0.71 for normoglycaemics and 5.1 for IGTs; this seven times higher risk in the latter was slightly lower in females than males, but significantly higher in the less than 60-year-olds compared to older subjects. Of the initial IGTs 36% remained IGT and 33% reverted to normal glucose tolerance, whilst 11% of the initial normoglycaemics deteriorated to IGT. The determinants more strongly influencing worsening of glucose tolerance were age (greater than 50 years), baseline glycaemia (fasting greater than 5.5 mmol/l and a 2-h post-load glycaemia greater than 9.5 mmol/l) and initial body mass index (greater than 27 kg/m2). In conclusion the data permit a better insight into the natural history of, and risk factors for, disturbed glucose tolerance in this community.

Adult↗