bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conserved-region MVA vaccines can shift HIV T cell immunodominance in PWH on ART - the M&M Study
Authors: Xu Yinyan , Samir Shahryat , Weideman Ann Marie K , Kallon Sallay , Conrad Shayla , Shaw Fiona , Warren Joanna , Fernandez Maria Abad , Fox Lawrence , Margolis David M , Hudgens Michael G , Hanke Tomas , Kuruc JoAnn , Gay Cindy , Goonetilleke Nilu
Published: January 2023

CD8+ T cell immunity is essential to the control of HIV viremia. We examined the safety and immunogenicity of MVA-vectored vaccines expressing highly conserved HIV regions in a first-in-man Phase I study in people living with HIV on ART. Participants received a single intramuscular dose of MVA.tHIVconsv3 (M3), MVA.tHIVconsv4 (M4), combined M3+M4 or saline in a 7:7:7:3 ratio. M3 and M4 span the same 6 HIV regions but differ by approximately 10% of amino acids; a design to increase vaccine coverage of circulating HIV variants. We employed ex vivo IFN-g ELISpot assays to measure changes in HIV-specific T cell magnitude and breadth to M3 and/or M4 immunogens following vaccination. We also examined whether M3, M4 or M3+M4 vaccination increased the ability of CD8+ T cells inhibit HIV in vitro replication.

The M&M study is fully enrolled but presently is blinded. Analysis of blinded data show that vaccination was safe and well tolerated. Vaccination induced strong increases in the T cell response to M3, M4 vaccine immunogens producing a 2- to 18-fold increase in magnitude in 16/20 participants tested to date. M3/M4-specific T cell breadth also increased across participants. Vaccine-associated T cell responses mostly remained elevated (>2-fold increase) for at least 70 days post-vaccination visit. Vaccination was also associated with clear and sustained increases in in vitro virus inhibition. The percentage of the total HIV T cell response targeting conserved HIV regions in participants increased on average from 40 to 60% post-vaccination, suggesting M3/M4/M3+4 vaccination successfully produced a sustained shift in T cell immunodominance. Unblinded data will be presented at this meeting.

Supported by U01AI131310
Immunogenicity of a germline-targeting nanoparticle in knock-in mice expressing human B cell receptors of the HIV gp41 neutralizing antibody, DH511
Authors: Cain Derek Wilson , Tian Ming , Schiffner Torben , Rantalainen Kimmo , Saunders Kevin O , Wiehe Kevin , Watts Brian , Ward Andrew , Ofek Gilad , Alt Frederick W , Haynes Barton F , Schief William R , Alam S Munir
Published: January 2023

The Membrane Proximal External Region (MPER) of HIV Envelope represents a key target for vaccine development due to high neutralization breadth and potency of MPER-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). However, neutralizing antibody responses to MPER epitopes are restricted by tolerance control and the MPER epitope is absent from many HIV immunogens under clinical investigation. Using computational design and yeast display, a candidate germline-targeting (GT5) immunogen was developed that bound strongly to the inferred human unmutated common ancestor (UCA) of the distal MPER bnAb DH511, as well as to several human DH511-like potential precursor antibodies. We studied the immunogenicity of a multimeric nanoparticle of the GT5 immunogen in a knock-in mouse line expressing human DH511.UCA B cell receptors (BCRs). Naïve DH511.UCA knock-in mice exhibited a reduction in overall B cell numbers, and DH511.UCA-bearing B cells expressed low levels of surface IgM and IgD, suggesting that DH511.UCA expression is subject to immune tolerance control. Nonetheless, following immunization with GT5 nanoparticles mixed with a saponin/monophosphoryl lipid A adjuvant, knock-in mice mounted robust anti-GT5 humoral responses, including anti-GT5 IgG in serum and GT5-specific germinal center B cells and T follicular helper cells in lymphoid tissues. Sequencing analysis of IgG+ GT5-specific B cells revealed improbable mutations in knock-in immunoglobulin genes of DH511.UCA. These studies will guide further optimization of immunogens with potential to select for development of bnAbs against MPER epitopes.

Supported by a grant from NIH (P01-AI138211)
Application of M-cell targeting ligand Co4B enhances Ag-specific mucosal and systemic immunity and protection against MERS-CoV infection after intranasal immunization
Authors: Jang Yong-Suk , Yang Ye Lin , Kim Ju , Cho Byeol-Hee
Published: January 2023

Middle East respiratory syndrome is associated with severe pneumonia and poses a global public health threat. Authorized vaccines against the causative agent of MERS-CoV are urgently needed. In order to optimize the efficacy of recombinant vaccines, adjuvants should be required. Therefore, we previously identified a ligand Co4B as an adjuvant to enhance Ag delivery to the nasal mucosa immune compartment and promote Ag-specific mucosal and systemic immune responses via intranasal administration against A. pleuropneumoniae infection in a murine model. Based on the pathogenesis of MERS-CoV which infects host following respiratory route; thus, we generated a recombinant protein conjugated with Co4B to the MERS-CoV spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) to develop mucosal subunit vaccine candidate. Ag-specific mucosal IgA and systemic IgG antibody responses, together with virus-neutralizing capacities, were highly elicited in C57BL/6 and human dipeptidyl peptidase 4-transgenic (hDPP4-Tg) mice intranasally immunized with Co4B-conjugated S-RBD compared to those immunized with originally S-RBD. Ag-specific T cell-mediated immunity was also induced in the spleen and lungs of mice intranasally immunized with Co4B-conjugated S-RBD. Intranasal immunization of hDPP4-Tg mice with Co4B-conjugated S-RBD prominently reduced immune cell infiltration into the tissues of virus-challenged mice. Finally, Co4B-conjugated S-RBD-immunized mice demonstrated were improved protection against infection, more likely to survive, and exhibited less body weight loss. Collectively, our results suggest that Co4B-conjugated S-RBD could be used as an improved subunit vaccine candidate against MERS-CoV infection.

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT No. 2020K1A4A7A02095058 and the NRF funded by the Ministry of Education No. 2019R1I1A3A01062224. Ms. Y. L. Yang and Ms. B.-H. Cho were supported by the BK21 FOUR program of the Department of Bioactive Material Sciences.
Sex differences in the pre-treatment cytokine signatures associated with response and survival in B cell lymphoma patients treated with anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy
Authors: Gupta Neetu , Patel Manishkumar S , Jalota Akansha , Mian Agrima , Bazeley Peter , Hunter Sara A , Hill Brian T
Published: January 2023

Many autoimmune diseases, and in some instances, immune response to infections exhibit gender bias. However, it is not known if gender influences the response of lymphoma patients to anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy. To address this, we profiled 51 pre-treatment serum cytokines and chemokines to identify those that were differentially associated with response and survival in male vs. female relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL) patients treated with Axicabtagene ciloleucel. Male non-responders (stable/progressive disease) had significantly higher baseline levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1RA, MIP-1α, GM-CSF and CRP compared to responders (complete/partial response). Higher levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-27, and CRP were significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS), and IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1β, and CRP with poor progression-free survival (PFS) in male but not female patients. Baseline metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were also significantly higher in male patients with poor OS and PFS. Finally, baseline IL-8 and CRP were significantly correlated with baseline MTV and LDH levels in male but not female patients. Taken together, elevated baseline levels of IL-8, IL-6, CRP with high pretreatment tumor burden in male non-responder R/R LBCL patients point to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that can potentially hinder anti-tumor activity prior to treatment and CAR T-cell expansion upon treatment in these patients, and result in poor outcomes.
Effect of Herbal Detoxification and Reverse Diet Treatment on the Mortality Rate of CAD Patients
Authors: Sane Rohit , Mandole Rahul , Amin Gurudatta , Ghadigaonkar Pravin , Dawkhar Suhas
Published: January 2023

Background:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) has metabolic disorders at its core etiology. Ayurvedic-based Panchkarma treatment has previously been reported to have reversed CAD-related conditions and improved the quality of life post-treatment.

Objectives:

The current study was designed to determine the effectiveness of Ayurvedic-based Panchkarma treatment as assessed by the mortality and rehospitalization rate.

Methods:

This was a multicenter cohort study carried out between August 2017 and August 2020 in India. The study enrolled known CAD patients (stable at rest). The study therapy included a three-step Panchkarma treatment and a low-calorie high-protein diet kit for 12 months and was monitored for up to 36 months. The hazard ratios for different risk factors including – age, body mass index (BMI), weight, diabetic status, and blood pressure were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model and the actual number of deaths that occurred over the study period (24 months and 36 months) were recorded.

Results:

The study included 572 known CAD patients (78.67% of males and 21.33% of females) within the age group of 60.22 ± 10.89 years (mean ± standard deviation). Complete compliance to study therapy was recorded whereas ~15%–25% of patients were unable to follow the dietary modifications. The overall mortality rate was found to be 5.07%. BMI, weight, diabetes, and blood pressure were modified during the treatment which may have led low mortality rate. Statistically, age was the only risk factor that showed significance in determining overall survival. The total number of cases of rehospitalization during the study period was 52 (9.09%) patients.

Conclusion:

Our study concluded that the Panchakarma-based treatment is beneficial in reducing risk factors such as BMI, diabetes, and blood pressure in known CAD patients, thus lowering the mortality and rehospitalization rate posttreatment.
Molecular characterization and frequency of transforming growth factor beta 1 gene polymorphism and its relation to bone complications in Egyptian patients with β-thalassemia
Authors: Elgawhary Somaya M. , Mohammed Manal N. , Ahmed Heba M. , Elamir Ahmed M. , Abdelaziz Hossam M.
Published: January 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) C-509T gene polymorphism and its relation to bone complications in patients with β-thalassemia major in Egypt.

Background

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone complication in patients with β-thalassemia major despite regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. It is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) resulting in reduced bone strength and increased risk of fractures. Genetic factors play an important role in the determination of BMD. The TGFβ1 gene, which encodes TGFβ1, is a strong candidate for susceptibility to osteoporosis, and several studies have reported associations between BMD and different polymorphisms of TGFβ1, although these studies have yielded conflicting results.

Study design and methods

Single nucleotide polymorphism in the TGFβ1 gene promoter (C-509T) was investigated in 100 regularly treated Egyptian children with β-thalassemia major by PCR/RFLP genotyping. BMD was measured by dual-energy radiograph absorptiometry and expressed as Z score.

Results

The frequency of TGFβ1 gene polymorphism C-509T genotypes in all studied patients was 6% for homozygous CC, 85% for heterozygous CT, and 9% for homozygous TT. C allele frequency was 48.5%, whereas T allele frequency was 51.5%. BMD Z score was significantly higher in TT genotype compared with CC genotype, with P value less than 0.05. Patients were grouped on the basis of BMD Z score: 51 (51%) patients with BMD deficit (Z score <−1) and 49 (49%) with normal BMD (Z score ≥−1). TGFβ1 gene polymorphism C-509T genotypes were distributed differently between the two groups; the TT genotype frequency was lower in patients with BMD deficit (P<0.05).

Conclusion

TGFB1 gene polymorphism C-509T is associated with BMD and genetic susceptibility to osteoporosis and may play a role in the pathogenesis and modification of bone complication in β-thalassemia major. BMD deficit is common in Egyptian children with β-thalassemia major. Analysis of this polymorphism at an early age could help in identification of thalassemic children at risk of osteoporosis and early management. However, large-scale studies are required to confirm these findings.
Case report of Aspergillus septic arthritis in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Nair Sreejith G. , Gayatri Gopan , T V Sandeep , Vishnu Hari , Bijulal Swapna
Published: January 2023

Fungal septic arthritis can occur in immunosuppressed patients, and Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common pathogen involved. Here we describe a case of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with knee joint fungal septic arthritis. This differential should be kept in mind as late detection and treatment can lead to permanent disability.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and monocyte–lymphocyte ratio as predictors of cardiovascular risk and mortality in end-stage renal disease
Authors: Rezk Salma F. , Khedr Lina E. , El-Shinnawy Howayda A.E. , Abd El-Aziz Haitham E. , Mohamed Amr M. , Hassan Mohamed Saeed
Published: January 2023

Background

The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte–lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in the peripheral blood are used as indicators of systemic inflammation and predictors of cardiovascular (CV) diseases.

Aims

To study the relation between both NLR and MLR and the prediction of cardiovascular events (CVE) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on regular hemodialysis.

Patients and methods

In all, 70 ESRD patients on regular hemodialysis were followed up for 12 months. NLR, MLR, and their individual components were determined at baseline and in the follow-up months. The changes in NLR and MLR after 12 months were compared. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and echocardiography studies were done at baseline and after 12 months. Major CVE were recorded.

Results

Total leukocyte, absolute neutrophil, and monocyte counts were significantly increased over time. The presence of valvular calcification was associated with an increase in both NLR and MLR (P=0.004 and 0.001, respectively) after 12 months. The mean monocyte counts were significantly higher in patients with CV complications. The baseline monocyte count was the best to predict CV complications with a cutoff point more than 0.54 × 103/µl (sensitivity 100%, specificity 73.85%) in the receiver-operating characteristic curve.

Conclusion

In ESRD patients, leukocyte counts are in a dynamic change. There was no significant change in NLR or MLR over time and their changes could not predict the occurrence of CVE. The monocyte count is an excellent predictor of CV diseases. The presence of valvular calcification is associated with increases in both NLR and MLR over time.
Phosphatidylserine and the thrombin–antithrombin complex as markers for hypercoagulability in Egyptian beta-thalassemia patients
Authors: Sadek Marwa M. , Ahmed Amal S. , El Fiky Samar M. , Tantawy Shady I. , Hassan Amany M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Hypercoagulability is a known complication of thalassemia, in particular, thalassemia intermedia. Several factors contribute to this hypercoagulability, including chronic platelet activation and the presence of other comorbid conditions. In addition, the oxidation of globin subunits in thalassemic red blood cells (RBCs) triggers the formation of reactive oxygen species. These factors lead to the exposure of negatively charged phospholipids like phosphatidylserine (PS), which ultimately causes increased thrombin generation, particularly in splenectomized patients.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the risk for hypercoagulability in thalassemic patients using PS expression on RBCs and the thrombin–antithrombin (TAT) complex in plasma.

Patients and methods

This study included 50 thalassemic patients (19 patients with splenectomy and 31 patients without splenectomy) and 30 apparently healthy individuals as a control group. Patients were subjected to assessment of history for deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary hypertension by echocardiography. Annexin V was used to detect PS expression on RBCs by flow cytometry, while the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the TAT complex in plasma.

Results

Erythrocyte PS expression was significantly higher (P<0.001) in thalassemic patients than in the control group. The TAT complex level revealed no significant difference between thalassemia patients and the control group (P=0.468). Patients with pulmonary hypertension showed a statistically significant higher PS expression and TAT complex level. However, there was no significant increase in PS expression or TAT level in patients with a history of deep venous thrombosis only.

Conclusion

Increased PS expression and TAT complex level may be a risk factor for pulmonary hypertension in thalassemia patients with splenectomy.
Cancer awareness & its association with demographic variables & mobile phone usage among the rural population of a district in north India
Authors: Yadav Kavita , Hariprasad Roopa , Gupta Ruchika , Upadhayay Shravan , Sharma Vishwas , Kumari Malasha , Mehrotra Ravi , Kumar Sanjeev , Gupta Sanjay , Singh Shalini
Published: January 2023

Background & objectives:

Lack of awareness is one of the major reasons for the high morbidity and mortality associated with cancers. The present study was aimed to evaluate the awareness of prevalent cancers among the rural population in a district of north India and its association specifically with mobile phone usage.

Methods:

Using a stratified random sampling technique, households in three villages of Gautam Buddh Nagar district of India were selected. A house-to-house survey on cancer awareness was conducted among adults in selected households and data were analyzed to check for the association of such an awareness with sociodemographic factors and internet usage.

Results:

The study included 59 males and 145 females, with majority (115) being in the age group of 18-30 yr. Although most (96.5%) of the participants were aware of cancer, the common risk factors and warning signs of cancer were known to only a few. Specific risk factors for cervical and breast cancers were, however, not known to a majority (79.9% and 72.2%). A significant association between the awareness of general risk factors and warning signs as well as specific aspects including risk factors for breast, cervical and oral cancer, HPV vaccine and the education level of the participants (P<0.05 for all). Knowledge of risk factors, warning signs and cancer prevention modalities was higher among mobile phone users who accessed internet for health information. There was no significant association between age group and cancer risk factor awareness, though females were more aware of the risk factors for breast cancer (P=0.002).

Interpretation & conclusions:

The findings of this study highlight the existing low level of awareness of cervical and breast cancers among the rural population. The association of cancer awareness with education level and mobile phone-based internet usage suggests the potential utility of internet-based platforms such as m-health programmes for cancer prevention activities.
Estimates of major non-communicable disease risk factors for India, 2010 & 2015: A summary of evidence
Authors: Krishnan Anand , Khurana Swamili , Sharma Shweta , Menon Geetha R.
Published: January 2023

Background & objectives:

The National Monitoring Framework for the prevention and control of NCDs in India has set targets for reduction of risk factors relative to the measure recorded in 2010. Estimates for 2010 and 2015 were established using meta-analyses in the absence of a national risk factor survey till 2017.

Methods:

We searched national survey reports and also articles published in English from India between 2008 and 2017 in PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane review databases for specific risk factors among 18-69 yr Indians. Quality of studies was evaluated using Joanna-Briggs tool, but all studies were included in analyses. Estimates for each of the eight strata by age, gender and place of residence, respectively, were generated. MetaXL was used to calculate the pooled estimate for 2010 and 2015 using a random effects model. Strata-specific estimates were combined to arrive at national estimate using population weight of each stratum. The credibility of the estimates was determined using four parameters - average Briggs score; representativeness of the contributing studies and precision and stability of the estimates.

Results:

The estimates [95% confidence interval (CI)] for 2010 for different risk factors were as follows: current alcohol use, 15.7 per cent (13.2-18.2); current tobacco use, 27 per cent (21.4-32.6); household solid fuel use, 61.5 per cent (50.2-72.5); physical inactivity, 44.2 per cent (37.8-50.6); obesity, seven per cent (3.8-10.2) and raised blood pressure, 20.2 per cent (18.4-22.1). In 2015, compared to 2010, tobacco use showed a relative decline of 18 per cent, household solid fuel use of nine per cent and physical inactivity of 15 per cent. The estimates were stable for alcohol use, raised blood pressure and obesity between 2010 and 2015. All estimates varied between moderate and high degrees of credibility.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The estimates are consistent with other available estimates and with current national-level initiatives focused on tobacco control and improving access to clean fuel. These estimates can be used to monitor progress on non-communicable disease risk factor targets for India.
Dietary diversity as a sustainable approach towards micronutrient deficiencies in India
Authors: Chaudhary Vineet , Saraswathy Kallur Nava , Sarwal Rakesh
Published: January 2023

The silent epidemic of micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) continues to be a major public health challenge in the developing world, including India. The prevalence of iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A and folate deficiencies is alarmingly high worldwide. India is additionally facing a high prevalence of vitamin D and B12 deficiencies. To combat the hidden epidemic of MNDs, various governments around the world have mostly relied on supplementation or fortification-based interventions. India launched salt iodization programme in 1962 and vitamin A and iron-folate supplementation programmes in 1970. Yet, even after decades of these programmes, MNDs are still widespread in the country. Due to slow progress in alleviating the burden of most MNDs, the Government of India aims to scale up fortification-based intervention programmes. However, there are safety and effectiveness concerns with such approaches. Hence, overdependence on supplementation and fortification alone may be counterproductive. Instead, food based dietary diversification approach can be the way forward. In this article, we list the common MNDs in India, evaluate major policy interventions, discuss concerns pertaining to fortification and suggest the need for a concurrent food-based approach, in particular dietary diversification, as a long-term and sustainable strategy to address population-based MNDs.
Hospitalization & health expenditure in Odisha: Evidence from National Sample Survey (1995-2014)
Authors: Singh Jayakant , Paul Kalosona , Pradhan Jalandhar
Published: January 2023

Background & objectives:

Financing healthcare services through out-of-pocket payments is common in India. Household impoverishments due to health expenditure can be daunting, especially among the economically vulnerable households. This study investigated hospitalization and patient’s health expenditure in Odisha State in India.

Methods:

The national sample survey data were used to assess hospitalization and patient’s health expenditure over two time periods (1995 and 2014). Disease classification was made following International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10). The hospitalization rate and health expenditure were estimated for infectious, cardiovascular, non-communicable, disability and other diseases. Andersen model was used to examine the determinants of healthcare expenditure.

Results:

Findings of the study revealed that hospitalization in Odisha increased nearly three folds and health expenditure by more than two times between 1995 to 2014. While the hospitalization for other diseases remained consistently higher, health expenditure for disability was the highest and it increased three times within the last two decades. The socio-economic and demographic divides in the hospitalization rate and health expenditure were evident.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our analysis indicated that predisposing factors such as age and marital status played an important role in hospitalization whereas, enabling factors likely determined the health expenditure. There is a need to recognize the unique vulnerabilities of older population, widowed and health financial mechanism for disability-related illness.
Novel Cord Blood and Urinary Phytoestrogens Levels in Male Neonates with Normal External Genitalia
Authors: Salim Che Ahmad Muttaqin Che , Zaman Azrina Shahrizat Khutubul , Azhari Hana , Makpol Suzana , Ishak Shareena , Latiff Zarina Abdul , Abdul Aziz Dayang Anita
Published: January 2023

Objective:

This was a new prospective study to determine the association between phytoestrogen levels in the cord blood and urine with normal and abnormal external genitalia in male newborns.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and fifty-one term male newborns were enrolled. Cord blood and urine and medical photos of their external genitalia were obtained. Prematurity and multiple congenital anomalies or syndromic characteristics were excluded. Serum and urine levels of phytoestrogens (daidzein and genistein) were calculated using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The normality of the appearance of the external genitalia of the males was determined by a consensus review by experts.

Results:

A total of 146 cord blood and 96 newborn urine samples were obtained; only two newborns had abnormal external genitalia. In the 144 babies with normal external genitalia, mean levels were determined to be as follows; serum daidzein 10.82 ng/ml, serum genistein 42.17 ng/ml, urine daidzein 69.91 ng/ml, and urine genistein 126.09 ng/ml. In the two babies with abnormal external genitalia, mean levels of each of the measured phytoestrogen were lower; however, there was no statistical significance between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

We successfully determined and developed a novel database on the levels of measurable phytoestrogens in serum and urine from male newborns with normal external genitalia. In the normal group, a higher concentration of serum and urinary phytoestrogens was correlated with the extension of the scrotal pigmentation above and proximal to the base of the penis. These data are useful to better understand the role of phytoestrogens in the development of male genitalia and for future research on newborns with abnormal external genitalia.
Serum Vitamin B12 in Chronic Telogen Effluvium Patients
Authors: Mamatha P. , Aparna K.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Diffuse hair loss is a common complaint in dermatology clinics. Chronic telogen effluvium is a common form of diffuse hair loss. Chronic telogen effluvium is characterized usually by the abrupt onset of diffuse shedding of telogen hairs for more than 6 months. Micronutrients such as Vitamin B 12 are major elements in the normal hair follicle cycle. Vitamin B12 levels in chronic telogen effluvium are not well characterized.

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to compare Vitamin B12 levels in chronic telogen effluvium patients to controls.

Methods:

A case–control study was conducted in the department of dermatology of a tertiary care hospital; a total of 70 patients were included, 35 in each group.

Results:

Twenty-five(71%) chronic telogen effluvium patients were females; 60% had Vitamin B12 deficiency (<250 pg/ml). In controls, fewer (26%) subjects had Vitamin B12 deficiency (P = 0.004).

Conclusion:

As per our study, Vitamin B12 deficiency was more common in patients with telogen effluvium than in controls.
Clinicomycological Profile of Cutaneous Dermatophytosis: A Cross-sectional Study from Western India
Authors: Singh Yuvraj , Bahuguna Amit , Mahajan Saurabh , Sood Aradhana , Yadav Arun K.
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

The prevalence of cutaneous mycoses has been on the rise worldwide with an increased incidence of recurrent and recalcitrant infections. This study was conducted to assess the clinical patterns and etiological agents of dermatophytosis, at a tertiary care hospital in western India.

Material and Method:

One hundred clinically diagnosed cases of dermatophytosis attending the OPD of a tertiary care hospital were included in this cross-sectional study. Thorough history taking and detailed clinical examination were done for each patient. For studying the mycological profile, direct microscopy for fungal elements in KOH and fungal culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) was done for each patient. The growth on SDA plates was further mounted on lactophenol cotton blue mounts for species identification.

Results:

Our study found a male preponderance, and the majority of infections (36%) were in the 21–30 years age group. The most common clinical pattern was the mixed type of infections followed by T. corporis. Direct microscopy for fungal elements was positive in 71% but the culture positivity was only 35%. The most common species isolated in our study was T. mentagrophytes (62.8%).

Conclusion:

The present study highlights the bearing of factors like socioeconomic status and occupation on the clinical profile of dermatophytosis and reveals a changing trend in the etiological agent of dermatophyte species in this part of western India.
A New Suppression-based Possibilistic Fuzzy c-means Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Arora Jyoti , Tushir Meena , Dadhwal Shivank Kumar
Published: January 2023

Possibilistic fuzzy c-means (PFCM) is one of the most widely used clustering algorithm that solves the noise sensitivity problem of Fuzzy c-means (FCM) and coincident clusters problem of possibilistic c-means (PCM). Though PFCM is a highly reliable clustering algorithm but  the efficiency of the algorithm can be further improved by introducing the concept of suppression. Suppression-based algorithms employ the winner and non-winner based suppression technique on the datasets, helping in performing better classification of real-world datasets into clusters. In this paper, we propose a suppression-based possibilistic fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm (SPFCM) for the process of clustering. The paper explores the performance of the proposed methodology based on number of misclassifications for various real datasets and synthetic datasets and it is found to perform better than other clustering techniques in the sequel, i.e., normal as well as suppression-based algorithms. The SPFCM is found to perform more efficiently and converges faster as compared to other clustering techniques.
A Dynamic Tire Concept Model for Early Phases of Ride Comfort
Development
Authors: Ketzmerick Erik , Angrick Christian , Heimann Paul , Kubenz Jan , Ulbricht Philipp , Prokop Günther
Published: January 2023

In order to correctly predict the impact of tire dimensions and properties on
ride comfort in the early phases of the vehicle development process, it is
necessary to fully understand their influence on the dynamic tire behavior. The
currently existing models for reproducing tire forces often need many
measurements for parametrization, simplify physical properties by empiric
functions, or have an insufficient simulation speed to analyze many variants in
the short periods of early process phases.

In the following analysis, a tire concept model is presented, which utilizes
relations between the static and dynamic behavior of tires in order to
efficiently predict the dynamic forces in the vertical and longitudinal
direction during obstacle crossing. The model allows for efficient
parametrization by minimizing the number of parameters as well as measurements
and ensures a high simulation speed.

To realize this, initially, a selection of tires is measured on a tire test rig.
Based on the finding that the qualitative trends of the static and dynamic tire
forces show a significant correlation, the static force curve is coupled to a
dynamic multi-mass oscillator which integrates fundamental tire characteristics
like belt stiffness and belt mass as well as tread properties. It is shown that
the model has a high accuracy in reproducing the dynamic forces when running
over a cleat, especially considering its low complexity.

In a future prospect, the model can be used to predict the impact on the dynamic
tire forces when the static behavior is changed due to varying tire properties.
Consequently, tire characteristics can then be defined under consideration of
ride comfort aspects, already in the early phases of the vehicle
development.
Historical Aspects of Early Contacts of Slovaks with English
Authors: Böhmerová Adela
Published: January 2023

This study is devoted to tracing, presenting and linguo-culturally interpreting some of the aspects of the early history of the contacts of Slovaks with the English language. Although English in Slovakia started to be of interest to several men of letters already in the 18th century, the need for it as means of communication only arose in the US in the second half of the 19th century among Slovak immigrants. The paper focuses above all on Janko Slovenský’s book as the first material assisting Slovaks in the acquisition of English, and analyses its content, educational merit and cultural value. Also surveyed is the history of the first dictionaries contrasting English and Slovak. The final part introduces the beginnings of English studies in Slovakia dating from the early 1920s, and their early development. The study offers insight into an educationally important subject that so far has only marginally received scholarly attention.
L’Illustre philosophe de la sœur de La Chapelle (1663): sainte Catherine ou Hypatie?
Authors: Marczuk-Szwed Barbara
Published: January 2023

L’Illustre philosophe by Sœur de La Chapelle (1663): Saint Catherine or Hypatia?

The paper focuses on one of the five tragedies that were dedicated in the 17th century to the character of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, martyred around 307. Some modern scholars dispute the existence of the saint and suggest that her legend was based on the life and murder of Hypatia, a Neoplatonist philosopher from Alexandria, who was massacred by Christians in 415. The author of the article proposes to demonstrate that in the tragedy L’Illustre philosophe the resemblance between these two martyrs – one pagan, the other Christian – becomes particularly flagrant. As a result, Soeur de La Chapelle’s work, while remaining an apology for the saint, also becomes a great plea for women’s access to education and participation in intellectual life.
Between the real and the supernatural, between Africa and the West: Anna Swoboda on the trail of Ken Bugul
Authors: Gadomska Katarzyna
Published: January 2023

The article discusses the main premises of Anna Swoboda’s monograph La Prose de Ken Bugul : entre le réel et le surnaturel. Swoboda assumes that the key to deciphering the characteristics of Ken Bugul’s prose is the interpenetration of the two dimensions present in the work of this contemporary Senegalese writer: the real and the supernatural. The book analyzes the fantastic, marvelous and uncanny elements that constitute the supernatural aspect of Bugul’s hybrid prose, as well as examines the fragmentation and multifaceted identity of the autofictional female protagonist (in the part devoted to the real elements). The eclectic methodology combines Western and African research on non-mimetic fiction with postcolonial and feminist theories.
La Mort le Roi Artu et la nostalgie de l’idéal
Authors: Valette Jean-René
Published: January 2023

La Mort le Roi Artu and the Nostalgia of the Ideal Along with the Hellenistic novel and the pastoral novel, the chivalric narrative constitutes one of the three forms of premodern idealism. In close connection with the ineffable anthropomorphism of the novel, the narratives of chivalry distinguish themselves by placing the transcendent source at the heart of the society of men (T. Pavel, La Pensée du roman). The article investigates the part that nostalgia takes in the manufacture of the chivalric and courtly ideal starting from human resources (love, war), according to two principal poetics: the enchantment, the unpredictable, the desire (Yvain, le Chevalier au lion of Chrétien de Troyes) vs. the disenchantment, the irreversible, the regret inherent in the nostalgic charm (La Mort le Roi Artu).
A Struggle for Influence. The Conflict Between the Government of Cristina Fernández Kirchner’s and Grupo Clarín in Argentina
Authors: Łozińska Magdalena
Published: January 2023

Walka o wpływy. Konflikt między rządem Cristiny Fernández de Kirchner a Grupo Clarín w Argentynie Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia konflikt pomiędzy Grupo Clarín, największym konglome­ratem medialnym w Argentynie, a rządzącą w Argentynie w latach 2007–2015 prezydentką Cristiną Fernández de Kirchner. W trakcie trwającego przez całą kadencję Kirchner sporu obie strony powoływały się na argumenty dotyczące wolności słowa i demokracji. W rzeczy­wistości jednak konflikt między rządem Fernández de Kirchner a Grupo Clarín postrzegać należy w szerszym kontekście. Artykuł formułuje hipotezę głoszącą, że faktyczny spór na linii Kirchner–Clarín sprowadzał się do walki o utrzymanie wpływów politycznych i bizneso­wo-politycznych w kraju. W tekście zastosowano metody jakościowe, wykorzystując szereg źródeł pierwotnych i wtórnych. This paper discusses the conflict between Grupo Clarín, the largest media conglomerate in Argentina, and the government of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (2007–2015). In the course of the dispute, both sides have invoked arguments of free speech and democracy. In fact, the conflict between the Kirchner’s government and Grupo Clarín should be seen in a broader context. The paper formulates a hypothesis that the actual Kirchner – Clarín dispute boiled down to the struggle for maintaining political and business-political influence within the country. The article uses qualitative methods, with multiple primary and secondary sources.
Komercyjne tymczasowe użytkowanie przestrzeni jako narzędzie kreowania współczesnego środowiska mieszkaniowego – szanse i zagrożenia
Authors: Kasperczyk Zuzanna , Pazder Dominika
Published: January 2023

Tymczasowe użytkowanie to strategia aktywizacji pustostanów i nieużytków stanowiąca interesujące jako prefaza docelowej inwestycji, by wzbudzić zainteresowanie mieszkańców i wykreować atrakcyjny dla potencjalnych klientów wizerunek. Pionierskie w kontekście poznańskim i wciąż mało opisane w kontekście polskim komercyjne tymczasowe użytkowanie przestrzeni może skutkować zarówno pozytywnymi, jak i negatywnymi rezultatami. Celem artykułu jest krytyczna analiza przykładu badawczego Koszar Kultury w Poznaniu w odniesieniu do CREAU – jego wiedeńskiego odpowiednika. Metoda analizy porównawczej, wsparta kwerendą bibliograficzną i wizytą studialną pozwoliły na wskazanie szans i zagrożeń związanych z przeprowadzonym procesem oraz wypracowanie rekomendacji służących kreacji przyjaznego, inkluzywnego środowiska mieszkaniowego w ramach działań rewitalizacyjnych. Commercial temporary use of space as a tool of creating modern housing environment – threats and opportunities Temporary use of space is a strategy of activating the space of abandoned buildings or urban wasteland areas via a variety of bottom-up and top-down initiatives proposed by local communities, municipal authorities and developers. Implemented as a preliminary stage of a target investment project, temporary use of space is intended to spark the interest of the inhabitants and create an attractive image for potential clients. In the area of Poznan, it is a pioneering strategy, that has yet not been thoroughly studied in the Polish context. The strategy entails both positive and negative phenomena. It is the intention of this article to critically analyse a case study of Koszary Kultury [Arts & Culture Baraques] in comparison to a similar initiative in Vienna, i.e. CREAU project. Comparative analysis, combined with a bibliographic query of literature and a site visit, has enabled us to identify opportunities and threats of temporary use of space and to work up recommendations how to create friendly and inclusive residential housing via revitalisation activities.
Home Office: Working and Studying Spaces in Residential Interiors during and after Forced Social Isolation
Authors: Bonenberg Agata , Lucchini Marco
Published: January 2023

The influence of global lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the lives of many people. Once performed elsewhere, many activities had to be moved to private spaces of individual homes, influencing how people use their residential space, modifying their living and working conditions. The purpose of this study was to research the changes in the use of residential space through questionnaires addressed to respondents in five age groups (up to 25, 26–35, 36–50, 51–65, and over 65), and living or studying in the Milan area (Lombardy)—an area affected severely by COVID-19 in the period March–May 2020. The obtained questionnaire results allowed the authors to create a set of guidelines for apartment design, intended to improve their spatial performance. The observations made when creating the case study projects led to two main conclusions: First, at the level of the house plan, the arrangement of the plan should be free and adaptable, al-lowing for fast alteration by the user. Second, the project should be tailor-made, highly specialized, and purposefully designed at the level of home office design, including appropriate furnishings, technical appliances, and lighting systems.
Harmonics Elimination in 7-Level Multilevel Inverter Using Animal Migration Optimization Algorithm with Different Objective Functions
Authors:   Faculty of Electrical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Perlis, Malaysia, Sabirin Nor Hidalina Mohd , Isa Zainuddin Mat , Arshad Mohd Hafiz , Ismail Baharuddin , Talib Md Hairul Nizam , Mid Ernie Che
Published: January 2023

Harmonics can degrade the power quality of a multilevel inverter by causing the voltage to be distorted and vary from sinusoidal waveforms. Harmonics can be reduced by increasing the number of voltage levels or by employing suitable modulation techniques. In this paper, The Selective Harmonic Elimination Pulse Width Modulation (SHEPWM) modulation method is employed to obtain the optimal switching angles that able to reduce the specific individual harmonic and the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) in singlephase 7-level Cascaded H-Bridge multilevel inverter. The Animal Migration Optimization (AMO) is proposed to acquire these angles using two difference objective functions. The performance is examined and evaluated. Both objective functions able to determine the optimal switching angles starting from modulation index of 0.34. However, the comparative study demonstratethat objective function number 2 has better performance in term of lowering selective individual harmonics as well as THD.
Tomato Leaf Disease Segmentation Using Clustering Method Based on FATPSO with Multi Features
Authors:   Mathematics Department, Brawijaya University, Veteran Street, Malang, East Java, Indonesia, Anam Syaiful , Yanti Indah , Fitriah Zuraidah , Assidiq M. Hakim Akbar Maulana
Published: January 2023

Early blight is one of diseases that infects tomato leaves. This disease causes a decrease in the production of tomato plants. The early detection of this diseases is very important to maintain the tomato production. Monitoring tomato leaves health manually in large area is very time-consuming and inefficient. The drones and computer vision technology give an alternative in solving this problem. One of the important steps in detecting the tomato leaf disease based on computer vision is the segmentation area of the tomato leaf into the healthy and diseased tomato leaf. The K-means clustering offers an image segmentation method that is simple, fast and works unsupervised. However, the solutions of the K-means clustering often be trapped into the local optimum. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) offers a solution of this problem. However, the performance of PSO depends on the particle velocity of the PSO, if the particle velocity is not determined precisely then the PSO will converge prematurely. Fuzzy Adaptive Turbulence Particle Swarm Optimization (FATPSO) is able to control minimum velocity the PSO particles adaptively for overcoming the premature convergence problem in PSO. The good features from image will increase the accuracy of machine learning algorithm. For this reason, these papers the tomato leaf segmentation based on the FATPSO clustering algorithm with multi features. The fitness function of FATPSO uses an objective function of K-means. The experiments use the image taken manually from garden tomatoes. The images have good quality but they have many varieties in size and color. The next research should be considered to use the image taken by drone to guarantee a robust method of image quality produced by drones. The experimental results show that the FATPSO clustering algorithm with multi features has a better performance than the PSO algorithm with multi feature in the tomato leaf disease segmentation
Effect of Ocimum sanctum (Basil) leaf in high-fat-diet induced hyperlipidemic rat
Authors: Shamim Mufzala , Nazish Iqbal Khan  , Zohra Khan
Published: January 2023

Dyslipidemia mediated atherosclerosis is the key pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases. Present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Ocimum sanctum leaf consumption against high-fat-diet induced hyperlipidemia in rat model.
A total of 18 Wistar albino rats (200-215 g) were randomly divided as control, HFD (hyperlipidemic) and OS-treated groups. HFD-group received high fat diet (HFD) for 15 days, OS-treated group administered with Ocimum sanctum leaf powder (200 mg / kg of bodyweight / day) together with HFD diet for 15 days. Blood samples were analyzed for changes in plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein. Plasma atherogenic index was also calculated.
HFD administration significantly increase plasma lipid levels and atherogenic index in HFD-group. Ocimum sanctum supplementation significantly reduce decrease plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoproteins and atherogenic index in OS-treated rats. 
15 days Ocimum sanctum leaf (powder) supplementation at dose of 200 mg / kg of bodyweight / day effectively attenuates dyslipidemia in hyperlipidemic rats.