Publications by authors named "Ashok K Balaraman"
Aging is associated with a marked increase in cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction (MI). Cellular senescence is also a crucial factor in the development of age-related MI. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) interaction with cellular senescence is a critical determinant of MI development and outcomes, most notably in the aged heart.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Asthma poses a significant health burden in South Asia, with increasing incidence and mortality despite a global decline in age-standardized prevalence rates. This study aims to analyze asthma trends from 1990 to 2021, focusing on prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across South Asia. The study also assesses the impact of risk factors like high body mass index (BMI), smoking, and occupational exposures on asthma outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSeveral molecular strategies based on targeted gene delivery systems have been developed in recent years; however, the CRISPR-Cas9 technology introduced a new era of targeted gene editing, precisely modifying oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and other regulatory genes involved in carcinogenesis. However, efficiently and safely delivering CRISPR-Cas9 to cancer cells across the cell membrane and the nucleus is still challenging. Using viral vectors and nanoparticles presents issues of immunogenicity, off-target effects, and low targeting affinity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has re-emerged as a significant global health concern, particularly during the widespread outbreak of 2022. As an orthopoxvirus related to the eradicated smallpox virus, mpox has been primarily managed with smallpox vaccines and treatments, including the antiviral agent Tecovirimat. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Tecovirimat in treating mpox, focusing on its use during the 2022 outbreak, especially among high-risk populations, including men who have sex with men and people living with HIV.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPancreatic cancer is a highly fatal malignancy due to poor early detection rate and resistance to conventional therapies. This review examines the potential for liquid biopsy as a transformative technology to identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer. Specifically, we explore emerging biomarkers such as exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFirst detection of mpox clade Ib in Germany.
New Microbes New Infect
December 2024
Article Synopsis
- People living with HIV (PLWH) face increased mortality risks from air pollution due to chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction, a link that has not been widely studied.
- A systematic review analyzed nine studies, primarily from China, revealing that long-term exposure to pollutants like particulate matter significantly correlates with higher AIDS-related and overall mortality rates in PLWH, with certain populations being more susceptible.
- The findings indicate that targeted interventions to lessen air pollution exposure could benefit vulnerable groups, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.
Article Synopsis
- * The review investigates how specific vitamins may prevent or mitigate five key NDDs: Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Multiple Sclerosis, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
- * It emphasizes the need for more research, including exploring drug dosages, different animal models, and clinical trials to better understand the vitamins’ potential benefits in treating these diseases.
Article Synopsis
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious effects on maternal and neonatal health, prompting a systematic review to assess how it influences respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in newborns from infected mothers.
- The review analyzed 22 studies and found that 11.5% of newborns from COVID-19-positive mothers experienced RDS, with a risk ratio of 2.69 indicating a significantly higher risk compared to newborns from non-infected mothers.
- The findings stress the importance of closely monitoring and managing pregnant women with COVID-19 to reduce potential health issues in their newborns.
The primary purpose of this review is to explore the green synthesis of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) using natural biomolecules derived from marine sources. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of environmentally friendly approaches for synthesizing AgNPs and to examine their potential applications across various fields such as medicine, biotechnology, and environmental remediation. The key research question focuses on understanding how marine biomolecules, including polysaccharides, proteins, enzymes, amino acids, alkaloids, and vitamins, contribute to the formation of AgNPs and how these green-synthesized nanoparticles retain their functional properties.
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- E-cigarettes are becoming popular as a way for people to quit smoking, but there are concerns about their use alongside traditional cigarettes, particularly among pregnant women, who may face increased health risks.
- A systematic review analyzed data from 18 studies involving nearly 6 million pregnant women, finding that 4.6% of them reported using both e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco.
- The findings suggest that dual use is a significant health issue, highlighting the need for further research and public health measures to inform and protect pregnant women from the risks of tobacco.
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly impacts global health due to persistent airflow limitation and inflammation. Despite standard therapies, symptoms persist. Ensifentrine, targeting both bronchoconstriction and inflammation as a dual phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 inhibitor, offers a promising therapeutic advancement for COPD management.
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