Incorporating diverse values of nature in decision-making-theory and practice

Values play a significant role in decision-making, especially regarding nature. Decisions impact people and nature in complex ways and understanding which values are prioritised, and which are left out is an important task for improving the equity and effectiveness of decision-making. Based on work done for the IPBES Values Assessment, this paper develops a framework to support analyses of how decision-making influences nature as well as whose values get prioritised. The framework is used to analyse key areas of environmental policy: a) the present model for nature protection in market economies, b) the role of valuation in bringing nature values into decisions, and c) values embedded in environmental policy instruments, exemplified by protected areas for nature conservation and payments for ecosystem services. The analyses show that environmental policies have been established as mere additions to decision-making structures that foster economic expansion, which undermines a wide range of nature's values. Moreover, environmental policies themselves are also focused on a limited set of nature's diverse values. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bringing nature into decision-making'.

Childhood-Onset Lupus Nephritis in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry: Short-Term Kidney Status and Variation in Care

OBJECTIVE

The goal was to characterize short-term kidney status and describe variation in early care utilization in a multicenter cohort of patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) and nephritis.

METHODS

We analyzed previously collected prospective data from North American patients with cSLE with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry from March 2017 through December 2019. We determined the proportion of patients with abnormal kidney status at the most recent registry visit and applied generalized linear mixed models to identify associated factors. We also calculated frequency of medication use, both during induction and ever recorded.

RESULTS

We identified 222 patients with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis, with 64% class III/IV nephritis on initial biopsy. At the most recent registry visit at median (interquartile range) of 17 (8-29) months from initial kidney biopsy, 58 of 106 patients (55%) with available data had abnormal kidney status. This finding was associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.88, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.21-12.46) and age at cSLE diagnosis (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.49). Patients with class IV nephritis were more likely than class III to receive cyclophosphamide and rituximab during induction. There was substantial variation in mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab ever use patterns across rheumatology centers.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort with predominately class III/IV nephritis, male sex and older age at cSLE diagnosis were associated with abnormal short-term kidney status. We also observed substantial variation in contemporary medication use for pediatric lupus nephritis between pediatric rheumatology centers. Additional studies are needed to better understand the impact of this variation on long-term kidney outcomes.

Predictive scaling of fiber-based protein A capture chromatography using mechanistic modeling

Protein A affinity chromatography is an important step in the purification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and mAb-derived biotherapeutics. While the biopharma industry has extensive expertise in the operation of protein A chromatography, the mechanistic understanding of the adsorption/desorption processes is still limited, and scaling up and scaling down can be challenging because of complex mass transfer effects in bead-based resins. In convective media, such as fiber-based technologies, complex mass transfer effects such as film and pore diffusions do not occur which facilitates the study of the adsorption phenomena in more detail and simplifies the process scale-up. In the present study, the experimentation with small-scale fiber-based protein A affinity adsorber units using different flow rates forms the basis for modeling of mAb adsorption and elution behavior. The modeling approach combines aspects of both stoichiometric and colloidal adsorption models, and an empirical part for the pH. With this type of model, it was possible to describe the experimental chromatograms on a small scale very well. An in silico scale-up could be carried out solely with the help of system and device characterization without feedstock. The adsorption model could be transferred without adaption. Although only a limited number of runs were used for modeling, the predictions of up to 37 times larger units were accurate.

Effect of operators' proficiency level and patients' related factors on possible complications, using a high frequency polyamide sonic intracanal irrigation device: A prospective clinical cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Sonic/ultrasonic devices are essential tools in today's endodontics. This prospective trial evaluated for the first time the impact of practitioners' proficiency levels and patient-related factors on complications associated with a high frequency polyamide sonic irrigant activation device.

METHODS

In total 334 patients (females:158, males:176; age:18-95 years) received in the course of their endodontic therapy an intracanal irrigation, using a high frequency polyamide sonic irrigant activation device, by practitioners of different proficiency levels (undergraduate students, general practitioners or endodontists). Intracanal bleeding (yes/no), postoperative pain (0-10 scale), emphysema (yes/no) and polyamide tip fractures (yes/no) were recorded and related to proficiency levels, age, gender, tooth type, smoking-status, systemic conditions affecting healing ability, baseline pain, swelling, fistula, sensitivity to percussion and diagnosis.

RESULTS

Intracanal bleeding was associated with patients' age (p<0.05), baseline pain level (OR = 1.14, 95%CI = 0.91-1.22) and baseline swelling (OR = 2.73, 95%CI = 0.14-0.99; p<0.05) but not proficiency level, gender, tooth type, smoking, systemic conditions, baseline fistula or sensitivity to percussion (p>0.05). Postoperative pain development was related to proficiency level (p<0.05) and baseline pain level (p<0.001), with no influence of age, gender, tooth type, smoking, systemic conditions, baseline fistula, swelling or sensitivity to percussion (p>0.05). Emphysema and polyamide tip fractures were not reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the current study's limitations, younger patients with higher baseline pain and swelling, were associated with higher intracanal bleeding. Apart from higher postoperative pain observed with less experienced practitioners, proficiency level had no influence on bleeding, polyamide tip fracture or emphysema, endorsing the high frequency polyamide sonic irrigation device as a safe therapeutic device.

Mechanistic modeling, simulation, and optimization of mixed-mode chromatography for an antibody polishing step

Mixed-mode chromatography combines features of ion-exchange chromatography and hydrophobic interaction chromatography and is increasingly used in antibody purification. As a replacement for flow-through operations on traditional unmixed resins or as a pH-controlled bind-and-elute step, the use of both interaction modes promises a better removal of product-specific impurities. However, the combination of the functionalities makes industrial process development significantly more complex, in particular the identification of the often small elution window that delivers the desired selectivity. Mechanistic modeling has proven that even difficult separation problems can be solved in a computer-optimized manner once the process dynamics have been modeled. The adsorption models described in the literature are also very complex, which makes model calibration difficult. In this work, we approach this problem with a newly constructed model that describes the adsorber saturation with the help of the surface coverage function of the colloidal particle adsorption model for ion-exchange chromatography. In a case study, a model for a pH-controlled antibody polishing step was created from six experiments. The behavior of fragments, aggregates, and host cell proteins was described with the help of offline analysis. After in silico optimization, a validation experiment confirmed an improved process performance in comparison to the historical process set point. In addition to these good results, the work also shows that the high dynamics of mixed-mode chromatography can produce unexpected results if process parameters deviate too far from tried and tested conditions.

Intraarticular steroids as DMARD-sparing agents for juvenile idiopathic arthritis flares: Analysis of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry

BACKGROUND

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who achieve a drug free remission often experience a flare of their disease requiring either intraarticular steroids (IAS) or systemic treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). IAS offer an opportunity to recapture disease control and avoid exposure to side effects from systemic immunosuppression. We examined a cohort of patients treated with IAS after drug free remission and report the probability of restarting systemic treatment within 12 months.

METHODS

We analyzed a cohort of patients from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry who received IAS for a flare after a period of drug free remission. Historical factors and clinical characteristics and of the patients including data obtained at the time of treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 46 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Of those with follow up data available 49% had restarted systemic treatment 6 months after IAS injection and 70% had restarted systemic treatment at 12 months. The proportion of patients with prior use of a biologic DMARD was the only factor that differed between patients who restarted systemic treatment those who did not, both at 6 months (79% vs 35%, p < 0.01) and 12 months (81% vs 33%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

While IAS are an option for all patients who flare after drug free remission, it may not prevent the need to restart systemic treatment. Prior use of a biologic DMARD may predict lack of success for IAS. Those who previously received methotrexate only, on the other hand, are excellent candidates for IAS.

Social determinants of health influence disease activity and functional disability in Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

BACKGROUND

Social determinants of health (SDH) greatly influence outcomes during the first year of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis, a disease similar to polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). We investigated the correlation of community poverty level and other SDH with the persistence of moderate to severe disease activity and functional disability over the first year of treatment in pJIA patients enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry.

METHODS

In this cohort study, unadjusted and adjusted generalized linear mixed effects models analyzed the effect of community poverty and other SDH on disease activity, using the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score-10, and disability, using the Child Health Assessment Questionnaire, measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

One thousand six hundred eighty-four patients were identified. High community poverty (≥20% living below the federal poverty level) was associated with increased odds of functional disability (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.28-2.60) but was not statistically significant after adjustment (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 0.81-1.86) and was not associated with increased disease activity. Non-white race/ethnicity was associated with higher disease activity (aOR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.41-4.36). Lower self-reported household income was associated with higher disease activity and persistent functional disability. Public insurance (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06-2.29) and low family education (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.14-3.12) was associated with persistent functional disability.

CONCLUSION

High community poverty level was associated with persistent functional disability in unadjusted analysis but not with persistent moderate to high disease activity. Race/ethnicity and other SDH were associated with persistent disease activity and functional disability.

Analysis of complex protein elution behavior in preparative ion exchange processes using a colloidal particle adsorption model

A fundamental understanding of the protein retention mechanism in preparative ion exchange (IEX) chromatography columns is essential for a model-based process development approach. For the past three decades, the mechanistic description of protein retention has been based predominantly on the steric mass action (SMA) model. In recent years, however, retention profiles of proteins have been reported more frequently for preparative processes that are not consistent with the mechanistic understanding relying on the SMA model. In this work, complex elution behavior of proteins in preparative IEX processes is analyzed using a colloidal particle adsorption (CPA) model. The CPA model is found to be capable of reproducing elution profiles that cannot be described by the traditional SMA model. According to the CPA model, the reported complex behavior can be ascribed to a strong compression and concentration of the elution front in the lower unsaturated part of the chromatography column. As the unsaturated part of the column decreases with increasing protein load density, exceeding a critical load density can lead to the formation of a shoulder in the peak front. The general applicability of the model in describing preparative IEX processes is demonstrated using several industrial case studies including multiple monoclonal antibodies on different IEX adsorber systems. In this context, the work covers both salt controlled and pH-controlled protein elution.

Protein adsorption on ion exchange adsorbers: A comparison of a stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric modeling approach

For mechanistic modeling of ion exchange (IEX) processes, a profound understanding of the adsorption mechanism is important. While the description of protein adsorption in IEX processes has been dominated by stoichiometric models like the steric mass action (SMA) model, discrepancies between experimental data and model results suggest that the conceptually simple stoichiometric description of protein adsorption provides not always an accurate representation of nonlinear adsorption behavior. In this work an alternative colloidal particle adsorption (CPA) model is introduced. Based on the colloidal nature of proteins, the CPA model provides a non-stoichiometric description of electrostatic interactions within IEX columns. Steric hindrance at the adsorber surface is considered by hard-body interactions between proteins using the scaled-particle theory. The model's capability of describing nonlinear protein adsorption is demonstrated by simulating adsorption isotherms of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) over a wide range of ionic strength and pH. A comparison of the CPA model with the SMA model shows comparable model results in the linear adsorption range, but significant differences in the nonlinear adsorption range due to the different mechanistic interpretation of steric hindrance in both models. The results suggest that nonlinear adsorption effects can be overestimated by the stoichiometric formalism of the SMA model and are generally better reproduced by the CPA model.

Defective metabolic programming impairs early neuronal morphogenesis in neural cultures and an organoid model of Leigh syndrome

Leigh syndrome (LS) is a severe manifestation of mitochondrial disease in children and is currently incurable. The lack of effective models hampers our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the neuronal pathology of LS. Using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR/Cas9 engineering, we developed a human model of LS caused by mutations in the complex IV assembly gene SURF1. Single-cell RNA-sequencing and multi-omics analysis revealed compromised neuronal morphogenesis in mutant neural cultures and brain organoids. The defects emerged at the level of neural progenitor cells (NPCs), which retained a glycolytic proliferative state that failed to instruct neuronal morphogenesis. LS NPCs carrying mutations in the complex I gene NDUFS4 recapitulated morphogenesis defects. SURF1 gene augmentation and PGC1A induction via bezafibrate treatment supported the metabolic programming of LS NPCs, leading to restored neuronal morphogenesis. Our findings provide mechanistic insights and suggest potential interventional strategies for a rare mitochondrial disease.

Pre-Transplant Marital Status and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Outcomes

Background

Evidence about the impact of marital status before hematopoietic cell transplantation (hct) on outcomes after hct is conflicting.

Methods

We identified patients 40 years of age and older within the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research registry who underwent hct between January 2008 and December 2015. Marital status before hct was declared as one of: married or living with a partner, single (never married), separated or divorced, and widowed. We performed a multivariable analysis to determine the association of marital status with outcomes after hct.

Results

We identified 10,226 allogeneic and 5714 autologous hct cases with, respectively, a median follow-up of 37 months (range: 1-102 months) and 40 months (range: 1-106 months). No association between marital status and overall survival was observed in either the allogeneic (p = 0.58) or autologous (p = 0.17) setting. However, marital status was associated with grades 2-4 acute graft-versus-host disease (gvhd), p < 0.001, and chronic gvhd, p = 0.04. The risk of grades 2-4 acute gvhd was increased in separated compared with married patients [hazard ratio (hr): 1.13; 95% confidence interval (ci): 1.03 to 1.24], and single patients had a reduced risk of grades 2-4 acute gvhd (hr: 0.87; 95% ci: 0.77 to 0.98). The risk of chronic gvhd was lower in widowed compared with married patients (hr: 0.82; 95% ci: 0.67 to 0.99).

Conclusions

Overall survival after hct is not influenced by marital status, but associations were evident between marital status and grades 2-4 acute and chronic gvhd. To better appreciate the effects of marital status and social support, future research should consider using validated scales to measure social support and patient and caregiver reports of caregiver commitment, and to assess health-related quality of life together with health care utilization.

Facile Method for the Investigation of Temperature-Dependent C60 Diffusion in Conjugated Polymers

We developed a novel all-optical method for monitoring the diffusion of a small quencher molecule through a polymer layer in a bilayer architecture. Experimentally, we injected C₆₀ molecules from a C₆₀ layer into the adjacent donor layer by stepwise heating, and we measured how the photoluminescence (PL) of the donor layer becomes gradually quenched by the incoming C₆₀ molecules. By analyzing the temporal evolution of the PL, the diffusion coefficient of C₆₀ can be extracted, as well as its activation energy and an approximate concentration profile in the film. We applied this technique to three carbazole-based low-bandgap polymers with different glass temperatures with a view to study the impact of structural changes of the polymer matrix on the diffusion process. We find that C₆₀ diffusion is thermally activated and not driven by WFL-type collective motion above T_g but rather by local motions mediated by the sidechains. The results are useful as guidance for material design and device engineering, and the approach can be adapted to a wide range of donor and acceptor materials.

Infection-related complications during treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Background

Comprehensive studies on neutropenia and infection-related complications in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are lacking.

Patients and methods

We evaluated infection-related complications that were grade ≥3 on National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 3.0) and their risk factors in 409 children with newly diagnosed ALL throughout the treatment period.

Results

Of the 2420 infection episodes, febrile neutropenia and clinically or microbiologically documented infection were seen in 1107 and 1313 episodes, respectively. Among documented infection episodes, upper respiratory tract was the most common site (n = 389), followed by ear (n = 151), bloodstream (n = 147), and gastrointestinal tract (n = 145) infections. These episodes were more common during intensified therapy phases such as remission induction and reinduction, but respiratory and ear infections, presumably viral in origin, also occurred during continuation phases. The 3-year cumulative incidence of infection-related death was low (1.0±0.9%, n = 4), including 2 from Bacillus cereus bacteremia. There was no fungal infection-related mortality. Age 1-9.9 years at diagnosis was associated with febrile neutropenia (P = 0.002) during induction and febrile neutropenia and documented infection (both P < 0.001) during later continuation. White race was associated with documented infection (P = 0.034) during induction. Compared with low-risk patients, standard- and high-risk patients received more intensive therapy during early continuation and had higher incidences of febrile neutropenia (P < 0.001) and documented infections (P = 0.043). Furthermore, poor neutrophil surge after dexamethasone pulses during continuation, which can reflect the poor bone marrow reserve, was associated with infections (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The incidence of infection-related death was low. However, young age, white race, intensive chemotherapy, and lack of neutrophil surge after dexamethasone treatment were associated with infection-related complications. Close monitoring for prompt administration of antibiotics and modification of chemotherapy should be considered in these patients.

Kinetic Parameters for the Selective Hydrogenation of Acetylene on GaPd2 and GaPd

Intermetallic GaPd₂ is a highly selective and stable catalyst for the semi-hydrogenation of acetylene. Knowledge of the underlying reaction kinetics is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the selective hydrogenation on this catalytic material. To date, there has been no experimental kinetic data published for this reaction on a well-defined intermetallic catalyst possessing isolated active sites. Kinetic measurements are performed at 140-200 °C, revealing an apparent activation energy of 29(2) kJ mol^-1 . GaPd₂ is shown to be the first binary catalyst material, which shows a positive reaction order (0.89) with respect to acetylene at 200 °C. The influences on the extent of acetylene conversion, specific activity and selectivity to ethylene, ethane, and higher hydrocarbons are determined by a 2⁴ factorial experiment following a design of experiments approach. Temperature and pressure have the strongest impact on these values. The results allow optimal operation for achieving high ethylene yields. A comparison of the reaction kinetics on GaPd₂ with experimental results obtained for GaPd reveals different orders of reaction of H₂ and C₂ H₂ on the two compounds.

Predictive analytics in mental health: applications, guidelines, challenges and perspectives

The emerging field of 'predictive analytics in mental health' has recently generated tremendous interest with the bold promise to revolutionize clinical practice in psychiatry paralleling similar developments in personalized and precision medicine. Here, we provide an overview of the key questions and challenges in the field, aiming to (1) propose general guidelines for predictive analytics projects in psychiatry, (2) provide a conceptual introduction to core aspects of predictive modeling technology, and (3) foster a broad and informed discussion involving all stakeholders including researchers, clinicians, patients, funding bodies and policymakers.

Involvement of Interleukin-6 in the Autocrine Stimulation of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia B Cells by Tumor Necrosis Factor

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) acts as an autocrine growth factor in chronic B cell malignancies. TNF also induces production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) which stimulates B cell growth and differentiation. We have previously demonstrated increased TNFα production by (Rai) stage 0 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells and the absence of TNF production by cells from stage IV patients. In an attempt to elucidate a possible role for TNF in the malignant progression of B-CLL we investigated the possibility of IL-6 involvment in the stimulatory action of TNF on B-CLL cells. We observed that: (1) the in vitro proliferative response of B-CLL cells to recombinant human (rh)THFα was consistently inhibited by a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) against IL-6, (2) the release of IL-6 by B-CLL cells could be augmented by rhTNFα, (3) no differences were detected in the foregoing parameters between stage 0 and stage IV-derived cells and (4) despite the inhibitory action of an anti-IL-6 MoAb on the TNF-induced proliferative response of B-CLL cells, IL-6 receptor expression was undetectable in these cells. Although these findings are suggestive of an autocrine or paracrine mechanism involving TNF and IL-6, the importance of the release and action of these cytokines in the regulation of B-CLL cell growth and malignant progression still remains to be elucidated.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Production in B Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been suggested to act as an autocrine growth factor in chronic B cell malignancies. We have attempted to assess the role of TNFα in relation to the stage of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by examining TNFα cytotoxic activity of media conditioned by stimulated and unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and by separated unstimulated malignant B cells from Rai stage 0 and IV patients. The response of PBMC from stage IV to stimulation with phytohemagglutinin, or bacterial lipopolysaccharide was weak or absent. However, stimulation of stage 0 PBMC induced significantly increased production of TNF. Furthermore, unstimulated stage 0 PBMC and B cells from these cases of stage 0 B CLL spontaneously released TNF in significant excess compared to normal PBMC controls while no TNF activity could be detected in supernatants from unstimulated stage IV PBMC or B cells. These data suggest a possible role for TNF in the progression of CLL.

Tunable charge transfer properties in metal-phthalocyanine heterojunctions

Organic materials such as phthalocyanine-based systems present a great potential for organic device applications due to the possibility of integrating films of different organic materials to create organic heterostructures which combine the electrical capabilities of each material. This opens the possibility to precisely engineer and tune new electrical properties. In particular, similar transition metal phthalocyanines demonstrate hybridization and charge transfer properties which could lead to interesting physical phenomena. Although, when considering device dimensions, a better understanding and control of the tuning of the transport properties still remain in the focus of research. Here, by employing conductive atomic force microscopy techniques, we provide an insight about the nanoscale electrical properties and transport mechanisms of MnPc and fluorinated phthalocyanines such as F16CuPc and F16CoPc. We report a transition from typical diode-like transport mechanisms for pure MnPc thin films to space-charge-limited current transport regime (SCLC) for Pc-based heterostructures. The controlled addition of fluorinated phthalocyanine also provides highly uniform and symmetric-polarized transport characteristics with conductance enhancements up to two orders of magnitude depending on the polarization. We present a method to spatially map the mobility of the MnPc/F16CuPc structures with a nanoscale resolution and provide theoretical calculations to support our experimental findings. This well-controlled nanoscale tuning of the electrical properties for metal transition phthalocyanine junctions stands as key step for future phthalocyanine-based electronic devices, where the low dimension charge transfer, mediated by transition metal atoms could be intrinsically linked to a transfer of magnetic moment or spin.

Financial impact of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation on patients and families over 2 years: results from a multicenter pilot study

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a procedure that can significantly influence the socioeconomic wellbeing of patients, caregivers and their families. Among 30 allogeneic HCT recipients and their caregivers enrolled on a pilot study evaluating the feasibility of studying financial impact of HCT, 16 agreed to participate in the long-term phase, completed a baseline questionnaire and received phone interviews at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-HCT. Analyses showed that by 2-years post-HCT, 54% of patients who previously contributed to household earnings had not returned to work and 80% of patients/caregivers reported transplant as having moderate to great impact on household income. However, patients’ level of confidence in their ability to meet household financial obligations increased from baseline to 2-years. A relatively large proportion of patients reported inability to pay for medical care through this time period. Case studies demonstrated patient individual perception of financial impact of HCT varies considerably, regardless of actual income. We demonstrate the feasibility of conducting a study to evaluate financial impact of allogeneic HCT through 2-years post-transplantation. Some patients/caregivers continue to experience significant long-term financial burden after this procedure. Our study lays the foundation for a larger evaluation of patient/caregiver financial burden associated with HCT.

GMP-grade α-TEA lysine salt: a 28-Day oral toxicity and toxicokinetic study with a 28-Day recovery period in Beagle dogs

Background

Alpha-tocopheryloxyacetic acid (α-TEA) is a semi-synthetic derivative of naturally occurring vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) that can be delivered via an oral route. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that α-TEA is a potent anti-tumor agent with a safe toxicity profile in mice. We report a comprehensive study to evaluate the toxokinetics of good manufacturing practice (GMP)-grade α-TEA in dogs after daily oral administration for 28 days, followed by a 28-day recovery period.

Methods

Male and female beagle dogs received capsules of α-TEA Lysine Salt at doses of 100, 300, 1500 mg/kg/day. α-TEA plasma levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with mass spectrometric detection. During the treatment, animals were observe for clinical signs, food consumption, body weight, and subjected to ophthalmoscopic, and electrocardiographic assessments. At the end of the dosing period, blood was taken and toxicokinetic analyses and histopathology assessments were performed when animals were necropsied.

Results

Our findings showed that there was no α-TEA-related mortality or moribundity. At the highest dose, increases in white blood cells and fibrinogen levels were observed. These levels returned to normal at the end of the recovery period. Histopathological evaluation of major organs revealed no significant lesions related to α-TEA-treatment.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that for designing clinical trials in patients, the highest non-severely toxic dose (HNSTD) of α-TEA is 1500 mg/kg/day in Beagle dogs and this data informed the design of dose-escalation studies of α-TEA in patients with advanced cancer.

A versatile noninvasive method for adsorber quantification in batch and column chromatography based on the ionic capacity

Within the Quality by Design (QbD) framework proposed by the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH), high-throughput process development (HTPD) and mechanistic modeling are of outstanding importance for future biopharmaceutical chromatography process development. In order to compare the data derived from different column scales or batch chromatographies, the amount of adsorber has to be quantified with the same noninvasive method. Similarly, an important requirement for the implementation of mechanistic modeling is the reliable determination of column characteristics such as the ionic capacity Λ for ion-exchange chromatography with the same method at all scales and formats. We developed a method to determine the ionic capacity in column and batch chromatography, based on the adsorption/desorption of the natural, uv-detectable amino acid histidine. In column chromatography, this method produces results comparable to those of classical acid-base titration. In contrast to acid-base titration, this method can be adapted to robotic batch chromatographic experiments. We are able to convert the adsorber volumes in batch chromatography to the equivalent volume of a compressed column. In a case study, we demonstrate that this method increases the quality of SMA parameters fitted to batch adsorption isotherms, and the capability to predict column breakthrough experiments. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:666-677, 2016.

Application of spectral deconvolution and inverse mechanistic modelling as a tool for root cause investigation in protein chromatography

In chromatographic protein purification, process variations, aging of columns, or processing errors can lead to deviations of the expected elution behavior of product and contaminants and can result in a decreased pool purity or yield. A different elution behavior of all or several involved species leads to a deviating chromatogram. The causes for deviations are however hard to identify by visual inspection and complicate the correction of a problem in the next cycle or batch. To overcome this issue, a tool for root cause investigation in protein chromatography was developed. The tool combines a spectral deconvolution with inverse mechanistic modelling. Mid-UV spectral data and Partial Least Squares Regression were first applied to deconvolute peaks to obtain the individual elution profiles of co-eluting proteins. The individual elution profiles were subsequently used to identify errors in process parameters by curve fitting to a mechanistic chromatography model. The functionality of the tool for root cause investigation was successfully demonstrated in a model protein study with lysozyme, cytochrome c, and ribonuclease A. Deviating chromatograms were generated by deliberately caused errors in the process parameters flow rate and sodium-ion concentration in loading and elution buffer according to a design of experiments. The actual values of the three process parameters and, thus, the causes of the deviations were estimated with errors of less than 4.4%. Consequently, the established tool for root cause investigation is a valuable approach to rapidly identify process variations, aging of columns, or processing errors. This might help to minimize batch rejections or contribute to an increased productivity.

Modeling and simulation of anion-exchange membrane chromatography for purification of Sf9 insect cell-derived virus-like particles

Recombinant protein-based virus-like particles (VLPs) are steadily gaining in importance as innovative vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases. Multiple VLPs are currently evaluated in clinical phases requiring a straightforward and rational process design. To date, there is no generic platform process available for the purification of VLPs. In order to accelerate and simplify VLP downstream processing, there is a demand for novel development approaches, technologies, and purification tools. Membrane adsorbers have been identified as promising stationary phases for the processing of bionanoparticles due to their large pore sizes. In this work, we present the potential of two strategies for designing VLP processes following the basic tenet of 'quality by design': High-throughput experimentation and process modeling of an anion-exchange membrane capture step. Automated membrane screenings allowed the identification of optimal VLP binding conditions yielding a dynamic binding capacity of 5.7 mg/mL for human B19 parvovirus-like particles derived from Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 insect cells. A mechanistic approach was implemented for radial ion-exchange membrane chromatography using the lumped-rate model and stoichiometric displacement model for the in silico optimization of a VLP capture step. For the first time, process modeling enabled the in silico design of a selective, robust and scalable process with minimal experimental effort for a complex VLP feedstock. The optimized anion-exchange membrane chromatography process resulted in a protein purity of 81.5%, a DNA clearance of 99.2%, and a VLP recovery of 59%.

Ambidexterity for Corporate Social Performance

The literature on corporate social performance advocates that firms address social issues based on instrumental as well as moral rationales. While both rationales trigger initiatives to increase corporate social performance, these rest on fundamentally different and contradicting foundations. Building on the literature on organizational ambidexterity and paradox in management, we propose in this conceptual article that ambidexterity represents an important determinant of corporate social performance. We explain how firms achieve higher levels of corporate social performance through the ambidextrous ability to simultaneously pursue instrumentally and morally driven social initiatives. We distinguish between a balance dimension and a combined dimension of ambidexterity, which both enhance corporate social performance through distinct mechanisms. With the balance dimension, instrumental and moral initiatives compensate for each other – which increases the scope of corporate social performance. With the combined dimension, instrumental and moral initiatives supplement each other – which increases the scale of corporate social performance. The article identifies the most important determinants and moderators of the balance and the combined dimension to explain the conditions under which we expect firms to increase corporate social performance through ambidexterity. By focusing on the interplay and tensions between different types of social initiatives, an ambidextrous perspective contributes to a better understanding of corporate social performance. Regarding managerial practice, we highlight the role of structural and behavioral factors for achieving higher corporate social performance through the simultaneous pursuit of instrumental and moral initiatives.

Renormalization scheme dependence of the two-loop QCD corrections to the neutral Higgs-boson masses in the MSSM

Reaching a theoretical accuracy in the prediction of the lightest MSSM Higgs-boson mass, [Formula: see text], at the level of the current experimental precision requires the inclusion of momentum-dependent contributions at the two-loop level. Recently two groups presented the two-loop QCD momentum-dependent corrections to [Formula: see text] (Borowka et al., Eur Phys J C 74(8):2994, 2014; Degrassi et al., Eur Phys J C 75(2):61, 2015), using a hybrid on-shell-[Formula: see text] scheme, with apparently different results. We show that the differences can be traced back to a different renormalization of the top-quark mass, and that the claim in Ref. Degrassi et al. (Eur Phys J C 75(2):61, 2015) of an inconsistency in Ref. Borowka et al. (Eur Phys J C 74(8):2994, 2014) is incorrect. We furthermore compare consistently the results for [Formula: see text] obtained with the top-quark mass renormalized on-shell and [Formula: see text]. The latter calculation has been added to the FeynHiggs package and can be used to estimate missing higher-order corrections beyond the two-loop level.

High-throughput micro-scale cultivations and chromatography modeling: Powerful tools for integrated process development

Upstream processes are rather complex to design and the productivity of cells under suitable cultivation conditions is hard to predict. The method of choice for examining the design space is to execute high-throughput cultivation screenings in micro-scale format. Various predictive in silico models have been developed for many downstream processes, leading to a reduction of time and material costs. This paper presents a combined optimization approach based on high-throughput micro-scale cultivation experiments and chromatography modeling. The overall optimized system must not necessarily be the one with highest product titers, but the one resulting in an overall superior process performance in up- and downstream. The methodology is presented in a case study for the Cherry-tagged enzyme Glutathione-S-Transferase from Escherichia coli SE1. The Cherry-Tag™ (Delphi Genetics, Belgium) which can be fused to any target protein allows for direct product analytics by simple VIS absorption measurements. High-throughput cultivations were carried out in a 48-well format in a BioLector micro-scale cultivation system (m2p-Labs, Germany). The downstream process optimization for a set of randomly picked upstream conditions producing high yields was performed in silico using a chromatography modeling software developed in-house (ChromX). The suggested in silico-optimized operational modes for product capturing were validated subsequently. The overall best system was chosen based on a combination of excellent up- and downstream performance.

High-precision predictions for the light CP-even Higgs boson mass of the minimal supersymmetric standard model

For the interpretation of the signal discovered in the Higgs searches at the LHC it will be crucial in particular to discriminate between the minimal Higgs sector realized in the standard model (SM) and its most commonly studied extension, the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM). The measured mass value, having already reached the level of a precision observable with an experimental accuracy of about 500 MeV, plays an important role in this context. In the MSSM the mass of the light CP-even Higgs boson, Mh, can directly be predicted from the other parameters of the model. The accuracy of this prediction should at least match the one of the experimental result. The relatively high mass value of about 126 GeV has led to many investigations where the scalar top quarks are in the multi-TeV range. We improve the prediction for Mh in the MSSM by combining the existing fixed-order result, comprising the full one-loop and leading and subleading two-loop corrections, with a resummation of the leading and subleading logarithmic contributions from the scalar top sector to all orders. In this way for the first time a high-precision prediction for the mass of the light CP-even Higgs boson in the MSSM is possible all the way up to the multi-TeV region of the relevant supersymmetric particles. The results are included in the code FEYNHIGGS.

Implications of improved Higgs mass calculations for supersymmetric models

We discuss the allowed parameter spaces of supersymmetric scenarios in light of improved Higgs mass predictions provided by FeynHiggs 2.10.0. The Higgs mass predictions combine Feynman-diagrammatic results with a resummation of leading and subleading logarithmic corrections from the stop/top sector, which yield a significant improvement in the region of large stop masses. Scans in the pMSSM parameter space show that, for given values of the soft supersymmetry-breaking parameters, the new logarithmic contributions beyond the two-loop order implemented in FeynHiggs tend to give larger values of the light CP-even Higgs mass, [Formula: see text], in the region of large stop masses than previous predictions that were based on a fixed-order Feynman-diagrammatic result, though the differences are generally consistent with the previous estimates of theoretical uncertainties. We re-analyse the parameter spaces of the CMSSM, NUHM1 and NUHM2, taking into account also the constraints from CMS and LHCb measurements of [Formula: see text]and ATLAS searches for [Formula: see text] events using 20/fb of LHC data at 8 TeV. Within the CMSSM, the Higgs mass constraint disfavours [Formula: see text], though not in the NUHM1 or NUHM2.