Publications by authors named "Shivana Ramphall"

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which shares a radiographic pattern with the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), is a specific form of chronic and progressive interstitial lung disorder resulting in persistent fibrosis and impaired lung function. Most of the patients suffer from dyspnea which adversely affects health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The underlying etiology of the disease is not yet understood, but research done on the subject reveals that aberrant repair mechanisms and dysregulated immune responses may be the cause.

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Obesity is a global health concern, necessitating effective weight-loss interventions. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of semaglutide, a pharmacotherapeutic option, with bariatric surgery, a commonly utilized surgical intervention, for weight reduction. A systematic review of clinical trials, including the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People) trials, sustain trials, pioneer trials, and the STAMPEDE (Surgical Treatment and Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently) trial, was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of these interventions.

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Article Synopsis
  • Amyloid-ß plaques and Neurofibrillary tangles are key features of Alzheimer's disease, motivating research into potential treatments like Anti-Aß monoclonal antibodies and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs).
  • This analysis evaluates existing evidence from studies on various monoclonal antibodies (Aducanumab, Lecanemab, Donanemab, and Solanezumab) and ARBs, emphasizing their effects on managing Alzheimer's.
  • Results indicate that monoclonal antibodies are generally more effective than ARBs for reducing plaques, particularly Aducanumab and Lecanemab, while ARBs are considered a safer option; however, further long-term studies are necessary for comprehensive safety and efficacy insights.
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complication related to obesity and metabolic syndrome. There are increased incidences of NAFLD/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) due to rising obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality.

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Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are prevalent medical conditions affecting millions of people worldwide and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The main precursor of CVDs and the related events, such as hypertension and heart failure, is hyperlipidemia, most commonly an increase in low-density lipoproteins. Lipid-lowering drugs are cardinal in the treatment of CVDs.

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Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most prevalent and dangerous cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Recently, its direct or indirect association with gut dysbiosis has been an interest of study for many. It also includes the metabolomic and functional gene changes in hypertensives compared with healthy individuals.

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Thromboembolism is one of the most severe manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thrombotic complications have been reported even with the administration of thromboprophylaxis. This has led many experts to have variable opinions on the most effective prophylactic strategy and to anticipate the discovery of the ideal dosing of anticoagulation to reduce thromboembolic events and related mortality.

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Septic shock is one of the life-threatening emergencies in hospital settings. Patients with septic shock have been treated with various vasopressors alone as a first-line or in combination with other agents to improve blood pressure and increase the chance of survival. Our study focuses particularly on the efficacy and safety of vasopressin (VP) alone and in combination with other vasopressors.

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Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a worldwide public health problem affecting millions, with developing nations accruing a significant disease burden. () has been proposed in many studies as a causative factor for unexplained iron deficiency anemia. In this systematic review, we searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect to come up with five cross-sectional studies and five Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), which evaluated the association between and unexplained iron deficiency anemia and the response of IDA to anti- therapy.

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Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is an uncommon chronic coagulation disorder whose underlying etiology is not yet fully understood. It predominantly affects females, especially those in late adolescence. There is currently limited research on treatment options for those with this diagnosis.

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