Publications by authors named "Magda Wojtara"

Introduction: Structural and functional cardiac defects leading to inadequate tissue oxygenation is known as Heart failure (HF) which is characterized by extensive morbidity and mortality. Pathophysiology of HF involves systolic and diastolic dysfunction, neurohormonal dysregulation, and imbalance in inflammatory mediators which complicates treatment further. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an approach used for restoring ventricular synchrony and enhancing mechanical efficiency.

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Background And Aims: In Africa, telemedicine holds great potential to revolutionize surgical care delivery, especially in areas where access to quality treatment is scarce. Data about the use of these services in African countries is, however, limited. To outline the present issues in surgical care delivery, as well as the significant role of telemedicine in advancing surgical care delivery in Africa.

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Introduction: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a spectrum of peripheral neuropathies characterized by rapid symmetrical limb weakness and sensory symptoms. GBS can be life-threatening and requires intensive care, particularly for patients with imminent respiratory failure. In Africa, limited research and high therapy costs pose challenges.

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Introduction: Skin diseases in remote African regions are often exacerbated due to a lack of resources and expertise with little current research addressing the challenges that patients and healthcare systems experience. Although skin diseases in remote African regions are prevalent and pose a substantial health burden, they remain neglected and understudied. This review aims to explore current challenges in the diagnosis and management of skin diseases in African regions and focus on the need for enhanced understanding and improved healthcare strategies.

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Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality. MicroRNAs are crucial in the development and progression of these diseases by regulating gene expression in various cells and tissues. Their roles in conditions like atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias have been widely researched.

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Background And Aims: Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for a high mortality rate globally. Precision medicine has emerged as an essential tool for improving cardiovascular disease outcomes. In this context, using advanced imaging exams is fundamental in cardiovascular precision medicine, enabling more accurate diagnoses and customized treatments.

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Background And Aim: Among the cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), heart failure, hypertension, and myocardial infarction are associated with the greatest number of disability-adjusted life years due to lifestyle changes and the failure of therapeutic approaches, especially the one-size-fits-all interventions. As a result, there has been advances in defining genetic variants responsible for different responses to cardiovascular drugs such as antiplatelets, anticoagulants, statins, and beta-blockers, which has led to their usage in guiding treatment plans. This study comprehensively reviews the current state-of-the-art potential of pharmacogenomics in dramatically altering CVD treatment.

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Article Synopsis
  • Skin cancer in African countries is a growing public health concern mainly due to high ultraviolet radiation exposure, and Mohs surgery is an effective treatment method for nonmelanoma skin cancers, but its implementation is limited in Africa.
  • Key challenges include a lack of trained healthcare professionals, high surgery costs, and cultural misconceptions about the procedure, though telemedicine is being utilized for post-operative consultations.
  • To improve the situation, there is a need for increased investment in healthcare training, better infrastructure, and more localized research in dermatological health in Africa.
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Background: Hypertrophic scars (HTSs) result from aberrant wound healing processes, leading to raised, thickened tissue with functional discomfort and cosmetic concerns. Current treatments, including corticosteroid injections and laser therapy, have limitations. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) therapy and CO2 laser treatment offer promising avenues, with SVF therapy showing regenerative potential and CO2 laser therapy promoting precise tissue removal and wound healing.

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Introduction: Alzheimer's disease represents a substantial and escalating public health threat across Africa. Alzheimer's disease leads to substantial cognitive impairment and memory loss, placing a heavy burden on the affected individuals and their families, friends, and caregivers. It affects 2.

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Article Synopsis
  • Sleep disorders are common and linked to various health issues, increasing the risk of inflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases through different mechanisms.
  • The authors reviewed research up to June 2023, examining the connections between sleep disorders and cardiovascular diseases, including their diagnosis and treatment options.
  • Key findings indicate that sleep disorders impact heart rate variability, hypertension, and obesity, ultimately affecting cardiovascular health, and highlight the need for more studies to understand these relationships and improve treatment approaches.
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Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that impacts the central nervous system. It is distinguished by processes like demyelination, gliosis, neuro-axonal harm, and inflammation. The prevailing theory suggests that MS originates from an immune response directed against the body's own antigens within the central nervous system.

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The brain-machine interface (BMI), a crucial conduit between the human brain and computers, holds transformative potential for various applications in neuroscience. This manuscript explores the role of micro-engineered neuronal networks (MNNs) in advancing BMI technologies and their therapeutic applications. As the interdisciplinary collaboration intensifies, the need for innovative and user-friendly BMI technologies becomes paramount.

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Background TikTok is among the most popular social media sites, and its utilization for health information is growing each day. The present study assesses the popularity and quality of the top 100 most-liked videos on TikTok tagged with "#ichthyosis." This study aims to do so by assessing contributions from physician, and nonphysician sources (such as from patients) to guide healthcare professionals interested in leveraging this platform for public health.

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Pancreatic cancer is notorious for its persistently poor prognosis and health outcomes, so some of the questions that may be begged are "Why is it mostly diagnosed at end stage?", "What could we possibly do with the advancing technology in today's world to detect early pancreatic cancer and intervene?", and "Are there any implementation of the existing novel imaging technologies?". Well, to start with, this is in part because the majority of patients presented would already have reached a locally advanced or metastatic stage at the time of diagnosis due to its highly aggressive characteristics and lack of symptoms. Due to this striking disparity in survival, advancements in early detection and intervention are likely to significantly increase patients' survival.

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Introduction: Gut microbiota has emerged as a pivotal player in cardiovascular health and disease, extending its influence beyond the gut through intricate metabolic processes and interactions with the immune system. Accumulating evidence supports a significant association between gut microbiota and cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure. Dietary patterns have been identified as key factors shaping the composition of the gut microbiota and exerting notable impacts on cardiovascular health.

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Introduction: Epilepsy is characterized by having two or more unprovoked seizures. Understanding the pathogenesis of epilepsy, requires deep investigation into the molecular mechanisms. This helps develop diagnostic techniques, treatments, and pharmacotherapy.

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Epilepsy is the most widespread neurological disorder in Africa, affecting an estimated 25 million people. The disorder is characterized by recurrent seizures, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including past trauma, central nervous system infections, and genetic disorders. Diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy are challenging in African patients due to several factors, including the low socioeconomic status of the residents and limited access to appropriate medication.

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Hydrocephalus occurs when the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the cerebral ventricles. This is due to either obstruction in the CSF flow, decreasing its absorption by the arachnoid villus to the Dural venous sinuses, or increasing production of the CSF. The most disproportionately and severely affected by the disease consequences are African children.

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Article Synopsis
  • Sleep is closely linked to overall health and well-being, with strong evidence showing that sleep disorders significantly affect cardiovascular health.
  • The study reviews recent research from 2015 onwards to explore how sleep disorders impact the cardiovascular system, focusing on diagnostic techniques and treatment options.
  • Findings underscore the importance of recognizing sleep issues as a key health concern, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and tailored therapies to enhance patient care and outcomes.
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Article Synopsis
  • Acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) is a major cause of sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunctions, particularly in Africa, where it's primarily caused by road traffic accidents, affecting 130 cases per million people.
  • * The study highlights the challenges faced in African countries, including limited resources, lack of funding, and poverty, which hinder effective diagnosis and treatment for ASCI.
  • * It emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure and international collaborations to enhance rehabilitation efforts and research on ASCI in Africa, aiming to address existing gaps in knowledge and intervention strategies.
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that can present with motor and extra-motor manifestations. Its global prevalence is 4.42 per 1 000 000, and it has a high mortality rate.

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Background: Congenital telangiectatic erythema (CTE), also known as Bloom syndrome, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by below-average height, a narrow face, a red skin rash occurring on sun-exposed areas of the body, and an increased risk of cancer. CTE is one of many genodermatoses and photodermatoses associated with defects in DNA repair. CTE is caused by a mutation occurring in the BLM gene, which causes abnormal breaks in chromosomes.

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Rates of obesity have risen over the past few decades. Subsequently, the popularity of the pharmaceutical weight-loss drug market has grown over the past few years to meet growing demand. Among the most commonly prescribed drugs for weight management, many are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) which are also utilized for the management of type 2 diabetes.

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