ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND Vaccine development is a laborious craftwork in which at least two main components must be defined: a highly immunogenic antigen and a suitable delivery method. Hence, the interplay of these elements could elicit the required immune response to cope with the targeted pathogen with a long-lasting protective capacity. OBJECTIVES Here we evaluate the properties of Escherichia coli spherical proteoliposomes - known as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) - as particles with natural adjuvant capacities and as antigen-carrier structures to assemble an innovative prophylactic vaccine for Chagas disease. METHODS To achieve this, genetic manipulation was carried out on E. coli using an engineered plasmid containing the Tc24 Trypanosoma cruzi antigen. The goal was to induce the release of OMVs displaying the parasite protein on their surface. FINDINGS As a proof of principle, we observed that native OMVs - as well as those carrying the T. cruzi antigen - were able to trigger a slight, but functional humoral response at low immunization doses. Of note, compared to the non-immunized group, native OMVs-vaccinated animals survived the lethal challenge and showed minor parasitemia values, suggesting a possible involvement of innate trained immunity mechanism. MAIN CONCLUSION These results open the range for further research on the design of new carrier strategies focused on innate immunity activation as an additional immunization target and venture to seek for alternative forms in which OMVs could be used for optimizing vaccine development.
ABSTRACT
The current study is an attempt to examine whether there exists an association between body image, selfesteem and identity. The Scales employed to examine this association are the Aspects of Identity Questionnaire (AIQ-IV), Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ) and the State Self Esteem Scale (SSES). The BIQ entails answering questions related to physical attributes, focusing on features or attributes the person is conscious of or would like to change and the extent to which this interferes with their interpersonal interactions and relationships. The State Self Esteem Scale measures self-esteem along 3 dimensions namely performance self-esteem, social self-esteem and appearance self-esteem. The AIQ-IV measures different aspects of Identity such as Personal Identity, Social, Relational and Collective Identity respectively. The Scales were administered to a sample of 50 undergraduate students of R.D. National College, Bandra from the ages 18-21 years. The data gleaned was analysed using inferential statistics such as Pearson’s R and multiple correlation. The data gleaned was analysed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation as an inferential statistic or Pearson’s r. Individualistic cultures stress on the need for competition, competence and independence. Thus, self enhancement and competition would be crucial aspects. Body image is closely linked to self enhancement and thus individualistic cultures are likely to lay a greater emphasis on physical appearance and social image. On the other hand, the Indian culture as the Asian cultures are more collectivistic in nature. Thus, the emphasis or the pressures to maintain a certain body image as in the Western culture may not be as pertinent.
ABSTRACT
Background: The present study based on Technology and Mental Health is an attempt to explore therelationship of Internet Addiction with Self-Esteem and Locus of Control. Previous research has showed alink between Internet Addiction and Self-Esteem that is if person has low Self-Esteem there are more likelyto be internet addict. In this study there is an attempt to test whether there is any relationship betweenInternet Addiction and Locus of Control and how Self-Esteem and Locus of Control are related.Methods: For this study 30 students of RD National College participated and answered scales of InternetAddiction Test (IAT) given by Dr. Kimberly Young, Rotter’s Locus of Control and Self Esteem scale byRosenberg. Thus, the following hypothesis has been formulated for the present study which is to study therelationship between Internet Addiction with Self-Esteem and Locus of Control. The appropriateinferential statistic to be used is One Way ANOVA as there are 2 IVs with 1 level each.Results: The results obtained are of the 30 students of R.D. National College who participated in thestudy. One way ANOVA for Internet Addiction and Self-Esteem was F-value of 1.745 (not significant).The obtained data had high self-esteem thus showing a negative relationship between Internet Addictionand Self-Esteem.Conclusion: The present study was validated by the previous researches which have stated that high scoreson Internet addiction are negatively related to high self-esteem.