Ashakiran S's scientific contributions

Snakes are poikilothermic vertebrates. Snake venom is recognized as one of the most complex toxins found in the world. Comprising a multifaceted blend of peptides, polypeptides, enzymes, glycoproteins, and various other components, snake venom exhibits the potential for a wide range of toxicological impacts. Snakebite envenomation remains a significant global health issue, particularly in regions where venomous snake populations are prevalent. In recent years, the field of nanomedicine has emerged as a promising avenue for overcoming these challenges. This chapter explores the potential of nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic strategy for neutralizing snake venom in humans. The concept revolves around utilizing engineered nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for venom-neutralizing agents. These nanoparticles can be functionalized with specific targeting ligands to ensure efficient localization at the site of venom injection. Furthermore, the nanoparticles can be designed to encapsulate or conjugate venomneutralizing compounds, such as small molecules, peptides, or antibodies, enhancing their stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy. This chapter outlines the current state of research in nanoparticle-based snakebite treatment, including various nanoparticle formulations, venom-neutralizing agents, and preclinical studies. It also highlights the potential challenges and considerations associated with this approach, such as nanoparticle toxicity, immunogenicity, and regulatory approval. In conclusion, the application of nanoparticles for neutralizing snake venom in humans holds great promise for addressing the limitations of current snakebite treatments.

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glycated albumin (GA) are vital markers for assessing glucose control in diabetes. This cross-sectional study involving 901 diagnosed type 2 diabetics aimed to compare calculated HbA1c, using the formula HbA1c = 2.6 + 0.03 × FBS (mg/dL), with directly measured HbA1c. Simultaneously, the study assessed the agreement between the two methods through regression analysis and explored correlations with various measures of glycemic control. The non-parametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov test indicated a non-normal data distribution, prompting appropriate statistical tests. Spearman’s correlation coefficient revealed a strong correlation of calculated HbA1c, calculated GA, and estimated average glucose with measured parameters. Wilcoxon rank sum test indicated a significant difference between directly measured and calculated HbA1c (Z -9.487033, p < 0.0001). Passing Bablok regression analysis showed a significant deviation from linearity. Despite the potential cost benefits in resource-poor settings, caution is advised regarding interchangeable use of calculated and directly measured HbA1c in clinical decision-making. Data shows the importance of robust analytical methods in glycemic control assessment, offering insights for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dietary Fibres are recognized as essential components of a balanced healthy diet, playing a pivotal role in promoting optimal health and preventing a range of diseases. Dietary fiber denotes the indigestible components of foods from plant origin, primarily derived from carbohydrates. A wide range of foods contain dietary fiber, viz. vegetables, pulses, whole grains, nuts, fruits and seeds are high in fiber content. To ensure an adequate intake of different types of dietary fiber and the health benefits associated with it our diet must include a variety of these foods in the diet. This chapter provides a comprehensive representation of the dietary fibers, encompassing their definition, types, and the extensive health benefits they offer. One of the primary benefits of dietary fiber is its positive impact on the digestive system. It prevents constipation by promoting regular bowel movements and facilitates maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal system. Fibre adds bulk to the stool, facilitating its smooth passage through the intestines. Dietary fibers are critical for weight management by increasing the satiety and reducing overall calorie intake. Soluble dietary fibers slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, promoting stable postprandial blood glucose levels. This function of fibers is helpful in controlling glycemic variability in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Consumption of an adequate quantity of dietary fiber has been linked with lowered cardiovascular disease risk due to cholesterol-lowering properties. Dietary fiber serves as prebiotic, providing nourishment for beneficial bacteria in the gut. A diverse and healthy gut microbiome is associated with improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and better overall health. By comprehending the multifaceted benefits of dietary fibers, individuals are empowered to make informed choices that can enhance their overall well-being, mitigate the risk of disease, and cultivate a healthier lifestyle.

Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, regulates energy balance and body weight by suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure. In obesity, there is often leptin resistance, reducing the hormone's effects due to factors such as inflammation and changes in leptin receptors. This resistance leads to an increased risk of weight gain and obesity. Leptin therapy shows promise in treating obesity and related metabolic disorders, such as dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can lower body weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce blood glucose and lipid levels. However, its effectiveness may be limited by the development of leptin resistance. Leptin also exhibits anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protective effects, with potential therapeutic value for obesity-related conditions. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to comprehend leptin's mechanisms and develop safe and effective therapies for these conditions, including those targeting dyslipidemia.

Preeclampsia, a complex and potentially life-threatening condition during pregnancy, poses significant challenges to maternal and fetal health. This comprehensive narrative review explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the detection, prediction, and management of preeclampsia. Predictive models have been developed by leveraging diverse structured and unstructured data to ascertain effective techniques for preeclampsia prediction. The methodologies most prominently employed include the Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The additional algorithms include the following: Decision Tree, Naive Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbor and XG Boost. Furthermore, we explore the potential opportunities and obstacles within the realm of preeclampsia prediction, thereby promoting further advancements in artificial intelligence systems research.

Preeclampsia is a complex pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension and organ damage, primarily affecting the maternal cardiovascular and renal systems. Over the years, extensive research has been conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms of preeclampsia, with a particular focus on the role of leptin. Leptin, an adipose-derived hormone, has emerged as a potential contributor to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The aim of this chapter is to provide insights into the role of leptin in preeclampsia, including its contribution to the pathogenesis of the disorder. This chapter provides insights into the role of leptin in preeclampsia, shedding light on its involvement in the development and progression of the disorder. Leptin has been implicated in several key aspects of preeclampsia, including vascular dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and abnormal placental expression. Its effects on endothelial function and blood pressure regulation make it a crucial factor in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Furthermore, this chapter explores the potential therapeutic implications of targeting leptin in the management of preeclampsia. Various strategies, such as leptin receptor antagonists and modulators, are being investigated as potential interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of leptin in preeclampsia. Understanding the intricate role of leptin in preeclampsia opens up possibilities for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Overall, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the role of leptin in preeclampsia, highlighting its significance in the pathogenesis of the disorder. It emphasizes the need for further research to uncover the intricate mechanisms underlying the involvement of leptin and explores potential therapeutic avenues that can be explored to effectively manage preeclampsia and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.