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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) plays a crucial role in embryo implantation and in maintenance of pregnancy. An immuno-contraceptive approach involves the use of a recombinant hCGβ-LTB vaccine formulated with adjuvant Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP), to prevent pregnancy without disturbing ovulation, hormonal profiles, and menstrual cycles in women. The present work in mice was designed to address issues encountered in clinical trials conducted with hCGβ-LTB vaccine, with focus on two primary concerns. Firstly, it aimed to determine the optimal vaccine dosage required to induce a high level of anti-hCG antibodies. Secondly, it aimed to assess the safety profile of the vaccine, specifically injection site reactions in the form of nodules, observed in some of the subjects. Studies undertaken indicate that a 2 µg dose of the protein version of the vaccine, administered in mice through the intramuscular route, can induce high anti-hCG titres. Furthermore, administering a booster dose enhances the antibody response. Our findings suggest that the concentration and frequency of administration of the adjuvant MIP can also be reduced without compromising vaccine efficacy. The issue of nodule formation at the injection site can be mitigated either by administering the vaccine along with MIP intramuscularly or injecting hCG vaccine and MIP at separate intradermal sites. Thus, protein vaccine administered at a 2µg dose via the intramuscular route addresses both efficacy and safety concerns. The Phase I/II clinical trials initiated with the recombinant hCG vaccine in women revealed inadequate antibody titres in all subjects, alongside the development of nodules at the injection sites in some participants. Studies were undertaken in mice to propose potential strategies for mitigating injection site reactions and enhancing the antibody response. It was concluded that the optimum dose of the protein version of the vaccine to get high antibody titres, is 2 µg administered intramuscularly while upholding safety standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brand love and brand loyalty are crucial factors in consumer-brand relationships. However, few studies have examined the impact of social influences on them. Using structural equation modeling, this study investigated the impact of interpersonal influence and celebrity endorser influence on brand love and brand loyalty, the mediating role of brand love between the two social influences and brand loyalty, and finally the moderating roles of gender and consumer age across these relationships. The results suggest that both the social influences have a crucial role in this context and brand love acts as a partial mediator in the association with brand loyalty. Gender did not play the expected moderating role. However, consumers' age played a significant moderating role in the relationships between social influences and brand love. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerative medicine has become an emerging field which focuses on repair, replacement or regeneration of cells, tissues and the entire organs. The regeneration may occur in patient's own body by using their system as a bioreactor, e.g., cell therapy that involves transplantation of stem cells capable of proliferating, differentiating and replacing damaged host cells. As the field of regenerative medicine advances, and sources of stem cells has been intensified. Though embryonic and adult tissues can be used for isolation of pluripotent stem cells, the amniotic fluid (AF) has been proposed as an alternative source of stem cells for tissue regeneration. AF cells could be banked and used for either allogeneic or autologous transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]