Development and Validation of Matrix of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (MoCMC) System for Intramammary Drug Products (IMM)

PURPOSE

Products formulated for intramammary (IMM) infusion are intended for the delivery of therapeutic moieties directly into the udder through the teat canal to maximize drug exposure at the targeted clinical site, the mammary gland, with little to no systemic drug exposure. Currently, to our knowledge, there has been no in-vitro matrix system available to differentiate between IMM formulations. Our goal is to develop A custom tailored in-vitro "Matrix of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control" (MoCMC) System to be a promising future tool for identifying inequivalent IMM formulations. MoCMC can detect inter and intra batch variabilities, thereby identifying potential generics versus brand product similarities or differences with a single numeric value and a specific & distinctive fingerprint.

METHODS

The FDA-approved IMM formulation, SPECTRAMASTⓇ LC, was selected as the reference product for the MoCMC. Twelve in-house test formulations containing ceftiofur hydrochloride were formulated and characterized. The MoCMC was developed to include six input parameters and three output parameters. The MoCMC system was used to evaluate and compare SPECTRAMASTⓇ LC with its in-house formulations.

RESULTS

Based on the MoCMC generated parameters, the distinctive fingerprints of MoCMC for each IMM formulations, and the statistical analyses of MCI and PPI values, in-house formulations, F-01 and F-02 showed consistency while the rest of in-house formulations (F-03-F-12) were significantly different as compared to SPECTRAMASTⓇ LC.

CONCLUSION

This research showed that the MoCMC approach can be used as a tool for intra batch variabilities, generics versus brand products comparisons, post-approval formulations changes, manufacturing changes, and formulation variabilities.

Preparation of composite coagulant for the removal of microplastics in water

In this work, a composite flocculant (polyferric titanium sulfate-polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride [PFTS-PDMDAAC]) with a rich spatial network structure was prepared for the treatment of simulated wastewater containing polystyrene (PS) micro-nanoparticles. Characterization results showed that the surface of the PFTS-PDMDAAC was a three-dimensional network polymer of chain molecules that exhibited good thermal stability and formed an amorphous polymer containing multiply hydroxyl-bridged titanium and iron. When n(OH- ) : n(Fe) = 1:2, n(PO4 3- ) : n(Fe) = 0.35, n(Ti) : n(Fe) = 1:8, n(DMDAAC) : n(Fe) = 5:100, and the polymerization temperature is 60°C, the prepared composite flocculant has the best effect. The effects of dosage, pH, and agitation intensity on the flocculation properties of PFTS-PDMDAAC were also studied. The optimal removal rates of PS-μm and haze by PFTS-PDMDAAC were 85.60% and 90.10%, respectively, at a stirring intensity of 200 rpm, a pH of 9.0, and a PFTS-PDMDAAC dosage of 20 mg/L. The flocs produced by the PFTS-PDMDAAC flocculation were large and compact in structure, and the flocculation mechanism was mainly based on adsorption bridging. Kaolin played a promoting role in the process of PS-μm removal by PFTS-PDMDAAC floc and accelerated the formation of large and dense flocs. This study provided a reference for the coagulation method to remove micro-nanopollutants in the actual water treatment process. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A composite flocculant with rich spatial network structure (PFTS-PDMDAAC) was prepared. PFTS-PDMDAAC can effectively remove micro-nano polystyrene (PS) in wastewater. The floc produced by PFTS-PDMDAAC is large and compact in structure. The flocculation mechanism of PFTS-PDMDAAC is mainly adsorption bridging.

Time-Frequency-Energy Characteristics Analysis of Vibration Signals in Digital Electronic Detonators and Nonel Detonators Exploders Based on the HHT Method

The China Society of Explosives and Blasting required a larger than 20% annual increase in the national use of digital electronic detonators since 2018. So, this article conducted a large number of on-site tests and then used the Hilbert-Huang Transform method to analyze and compare the vibration signals of digital electronic and nonel detonators during the excavation process of minor cross-sectional rock roadways from the perspective of time, frequency, and energy. Then, through vibration energy analysis, identification of actual delay time, and formula derivation, it was proved that the delay time error of the detonator can control vibration wave random interference and reduce vibration. The analysis results showed that when using a segmented simultaneous blasting network for excavation in small-sectioned rock tunnels, nonel detonators may provide more excellent protection to structures than digital electronic detonators. In the same segment, the timing error of nonel detonators produces a vibration wave with a random superposition damping effect, resulting in an average vibration reduction of 19.4% per segment compared to digital electronic detonators. However, digital electronic detonators are superior to nonel detonators for the fragmentation effect on rock. The research conducted in this paper has the potential to facilitate a more rational and comprehensive promotion of digital electronic detonators in China.

Machine Learning Enhanced Optical Microscopy for the Rapid Morphology Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles

The rapid characterization of nanoparticles for morphological information such as size and shape is essential for material synthesis as they are the determining factors for the optical, mechanical, and chemical properties and related applications. In this paper, we report a computational imaging platform to characterize nanoparticle size and morphology under conventional optical microscopy. We established a machine learning model based on a series of images acquired by through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) on a conventional optical microscope. This model predicts the size of silver nanocubes with an estimation error below 5% on individual particles. At the ensemble level, the estimation error is 1.6% for the averaged size and 0.4 nm for the standard deviation. The method can also identify the tip morphology of silver nanowires from the mix of sharp-tip and blunt-tip samples at an accuracy of 82%. Furthermore, we demonstrated online monitoring for the evolution of the size distribution of nanoparticles during synthesis. This method can be potentially extended to more complicated nanomaterials such as anisotropic and dielectric nanoparticles.

Study on Multi-Layer Filling Treatment of Extra-Large Goaf and Its Underground Application

At present, the many domestic, large mined-out areas caused by single filling ability of the slurry flow state, thin layer flow and hardening after filling in multilayer structure generally need to finish filling for many times, because after a filling experience shows that filling body in the last solidification of flow, this leads to a lower one side of the roof, and far distance part of the filling body cannot pick up top. The determination of backfill strength is the key problem of the cemented backfill method, and it is affected by many factors. Therefore, through theoretical calculation, laboratory testing and numerical simulation methods, combined with the field filling process, this paper has verified the flow accumulation and stratification characteristics of stope layered filling slurry. When the slurry concentration is 60−73%, the slope increases exponentially from 2.5° to 8°. It is revealed that the delamination and meshing state are the key factors to determine the overall strength of large-scale stope filling through the testing of particle size distribution in interlayer and flow direction. The reduction effect of the number and Angle of structural weak surface formed by layering and filling on strength is revealed: cement−sand ratio 1:12, concentration 68%, standard curing R28 > 1.81 MPa. The strength reduction coefficient is 61.31% and 92.96% when the number of layers is 1−4. The higher the number of layers, the greater is the reduction coefficient, and when the stratification angle increases by 2, the strength of backfill decreases by 20−30%. The verification of stope filling coring shows that the in situ strength reaches 2.42 MPa, which is 0.61 MPa higher than the standard curing strength, with an increase of 33.7%. When the depth is from 1 m to 5 m, the strength increases from 2.26 MPa to 2.69 MPa, with an increase rate of 18.2%. Finally, through the research and application of the comprehensive technology of mining and filling coordination under the complex goaf group, the residual ore resources of Xianglushan tungsten mine are effectively recovered, the volume of goaf is significantly reduced, and the safety of goaf is improved.

UV/VIS imaging-based PAT tool for drug particle size inspection in intact tablets supported by pattern recognition neural networks

The potential of machine vision systems has not currently been exploited for pharmaceutical applications, although expected to provide revolutionary solutions for in-process and final product testing. The presented paper aimed to analyze the particle size of meloxicam, a yellow model active pharmaceutical ingredient, in intact tablets by a digital UV/VIS imaging-based machine vision system. Two image processing algorithms were developed and coupled with pattern recognition neural networks for UV and VIS images for particle size-based classification of the prepared tablets. The developed method can identify tablets containing finer or larger particles than the target with more than 97% accuracy. Two algorithms were developed for UV and VIS images for particle size analysis of the prepared tablets. According to the applied statistical tests, the obtained particle size distributions were similar to the results of the laser diffraction-based reference method. Digital UV/VIS imaging combined with multivariate data analysis can provide a new non-destructive, rapid, in-line tool for particle size analysis in tablets.

Applicability of Image Analysis to Support QbD driven Development of Pellets

Objective The stages of preparing high drug loaded pellets were investigated using static and dynamic imaging techniques to provide a greater understanding and ease the scale up process. Significance: An example of a real case laboratory and production scale Quality by design (QbD) based development of pellets is demonstrated. Potential Process analytical technology (PAT) approaches by dynamic image analysis (DIA) are presented in various process phases. Methods: Pellets were prepared at laboratory and production scale (high shear granulation, extrusion/spheronization, drying, coating). The influence of process parameters on pellet properties (aspect ratio, yield, pellet size, and their distribution) was investigated using static and dynamic image analysis. During coating, we focused on the coating thickness and identification of potential agglomeration. Results and conclusions: The effects of kneading time, amount of water, extrusion screen plate (ESP) opening diameter and thickness on pellet properties were confirmed in accordance with literature. In terms of screw speed, spheronization speed and time, no considerable influence on pellet properties was observed in the range of studied process parameters, thereby confirming the design space. . In addition to the ESP thickness and opening diameter, quality of the ESP impacts the pellet properties. Lastly, coating thickness measurements with dynamic and static image analysis were comparable and an exemplary case of in-line agglomeration detection was presented. Real time evaluation with PATVIS APA is an effective PAT tool for the evaluation of spheronization (pellet size distribution, aspect ratio, yield) and coating (coating thickness, agglomeration detection).

Effect of sulfide on morphology and particle size of biologically produced elemental sulfur from industrial desulfurization reactors

We investigated the effect of polysulfide formation on properties of biologically produced elemental sulfur (S₈) crystals, which are produced during biological desulfurization (BD) of gas. The recent addition of an anoxic-sulfidic reactor (AnSuR) to the BD process resulted in agglomerated particles with better settleability for S₈ separation. In the AnSuR, polysulfides are formed by the reaction of bisulfide (HS^-) with S₈ and are subsequently oxidized to S₈ in a gas-lift reactor. Therefore, sulfur particles from the BD are shaped (i.e. morphology and particle size) both by formation and dissolution. We assessed the reaction of HS^- with S₈ particles in anoxic, abiotic experiments in a batch reactor using two S₈ samples from industrial BD reactors. Under these conditions, the sulfur particle surface became coarser and more porous, and in addition the smallest particles disappeared. Agglomerates initially fell apart but were reformed at a later stage. Moreover, we found different observed polysulfide formation rates for each S₈ sample, which was related to the initial morphology and size. Our findings show that particle properties can be controlled abiotically and that settleability of S₈ is increased by increasing both the HS^--S₈ ratio and retention time.

Quadrat-based monitoring of desert grassland vegetation at the Jornada Experimental Range, New Mexico, 1915-2016

The data set covers a 101-yr period (1915-2016) of quadrat-based plant sampling at the Jornada Experimental Range in southern New Mexico. At each sampling event, a pantograph was used to record the location and perimeter of living plants within permanent quadrats. Basal area was recorded for perennial grass species, canopy cover area was recorded for shrub species, and all other perennial species were recorded as point data. The data set includes 122 1 × 1 m permanent quadrats, although not all quadrats were sampled in each year of the study and there is a gap in monitoring from 1980 to 1995. These data provide a unique opportunity to investigate changes in the plant community over 100 yr of variation in precipitation and other environmental conditions. We provide the following data and data formats: (1) the digitized maps in shapefile format; (2) a data table containing coordinates (x, y) of perennial species within quadrats, including cover area for grasses and shrubs; (3) a data table of counts of annual plant individuals per quadrat; (4) a species list indicating growth form and habit of recorded species; (5) a table of dates when each quadrat was sampled; (6) a table of the pasture each quadrat was located within (note that pasture boundaries have changed over time); (7) a table of depth to petrocalcic layer measurements taken at quadrat locations; (8) a table of particle size analysis of soil samples taken at quadrat locations; (9) a table of topographic characteristics of quadrat locations (e.g., concave or convex topography). Pantograph sampling is currently conducted at 5-yr intervals by USDA-ARS staff, and new data will be added periodically to the EDI Data Portal Repository (see section V.E.2). This information is released under the Creative Commons license-Attribution-CC BY and the consumer of these data is required to cite it appropriately in any publication that results from its use.

Yellow Pigment Powders Based on Lead and Antimony: Particle Size and Colour Hue

This paper reports the results of particle size analysis and colour measurements concerning yellow powders, synthesised in our laboratories according to ancient recipes aiming at producing pigments for paintings, ceramics, and glasses. These pigments are based on lead and antimony as chemical elements, that, combined in different proportions and fired at different temperatures, times, and with various additives, gave materials of yellow colours, changing in hues and particle size. Artificial yellow pigments, based on lead and antimony, have been widely studied, but no specific investigation on particle size distribution and its correlation to colour hue has been performed before. In order to evaluate the particle size distribution, segmentation of sample data has been performed using the MATLAB software environment. The extracted parameters were examined by principal component analysis (PCA) in order to detect differences and analogies between samples on the base of those parameters. Principal component analysis was also applied to colour data acquired by a reflectance spectrophotometer in the visible range according to the CIELAB colour space. Within the two examined groups, i.e., yellows containing NaCl and those containing K-tartrate, differences have been found between samples and also between different areas of the same powder indicating the inhomogeneity of the synthesised pigments. On the other hand, colour data showed homogeneity within each yellow sample and clear differences between the different powders. The comparison of results demonstrates the potentiality of the particle segmentation and analysis in the study of morphology and distribution of pigment powders produced artificially, allowing the characterisation of the lead and antimony-based pigments through micro-image analysis and colour measurements combined with a multivariate approach.

Quality of benzathine penicillin G: A multinational cross-sectional study

Benzathine penicillin G (BPG) is used as first-line treatment for most forms of syphilis and as secondary prophylaxis against rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Perceptions that poor quality of BPG is linked to reported adverse effects and therapeutic failure may impact syphilis and RHD control programs. Clinical networks and web-based advertising were used to obtain vials of BPG from a wide range of countries. The quality of BPG was assessed using a high performance liquid chromatography assay capable of detecting relevant impurities and degradation products. Tests for water content, presence of heavy metals and physical characteristics of BPG, including particle size analysis and optical microscopy, also were conducted. Thirty-five batches of BPG were sourced from 16 countries across 4 WHO regions. All batches passed the US Pharmacopeia requirements for BPG injection (content), with no evidence of breakdown products or other detected contaminants. Water content and heavy metal analysis (n = 11) indicated adherence to regulatory standards and Good Manufacturing Practice. Particle size analysis (n = 20) found two batches with aggregated particles (>400 µm) that were dispersed following sonication. Current batches of BPG were of satisfactory pharmaceutical quality but aggregated particles were found in a modest proportion of samples. Future studies should focus on the physical characteristics of BPG which may contribute to variations in plasma penicillin concentrations an observed needle blockages in clinical practice. Pharmacopeial monographs could be revised to include standards on particle size and crystal morphology of BPG.

Validation of a Homogeneous Incremental Centrifugal Liquid Sedimentation Method for Size Analysis of Silica (Nano)particles

Silica nanoparticles display many unique physicochemical properties that make them desirable for use in a wide variety of consumer products and composite materials. Accurately measuring the size of these nanoparticles is important for achieving the desired nanoscale functionality of the final product and for regulatory compliances. This study covers the validation of a centrifugal liquid sedimentation method for accurate measurement of the Stokes diameter of silica particles with a near-spherical shape and dimensions in the nanometer and sub-nanometer scale range. The validated method provided unbiased results in the range of 50 nm to 200 nm, with a lower limit of detection of ≤20 nm. The relative standard uncertainties for precision, quantified in terms of repeatability and day-to-day variation, ranged from 0.2% to 1.0% and from <0.1% to 0.5%, respectively. The standard uncertainty for trueness was assessed at 4.6%. Within its working range, the method was found robust with respect to the type of cuvette, light factor, operator, and for defining the meniscus of the sample suspension. Finally, a relative expanded measurement uncertainty of 10% confirmed the satisfactory performance of the method.

Evaluation of Mechanical Activation and Chemical Synthesis for Particle Size Modification of White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate

Objective

Initial setting time is one of the most important properties of calcium silicate cements (CSCs) such as white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two methods used to reduce the particle size of WMTA, mechanical activation and chemical synthesis.

Methods

WMTA without bismuth oxide (WMTA-B) was provided and divided into four groups (n=5) including: WMTA-B, WMTA-B+10 min milling, WMTA-B+30 min milling, and sol-gel. In groups 2 and 3, the milling was performed by using tungsten carbide balls in a ratio 1:15 (w/w) and a vibration frequency of 30 Hz together with absolute ethanol. For the fourth group, polyethylene glycol (PEG), calcium acetate (Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂), SiO₂, and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) were used for the sol-gel process. After preparation, sample powders were mixed with distilled water and placed in cylindrical molds, covered with water-moistened gauze, and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The Vicat needle test analyzed the initial setting time. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests at a significance level of P<0.05. The correlation between particle size and setting time was determined.

Results

Initial setting time of the sol-gel and WMTA-B+30 min milling was significantly lower than in the other two groups (P<0.05). A significant correlation was noticed between particle size and initial setting time (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Sol-gel process introduces a promising alternative strategy for the reduction of initial setting time of CSC materials. While both methods increased surface area, mechanical activation was not as successful in reducing surface area and initial setting time as effectively as the sol-gel process.

Useful surrogates of soil texture for plant ecologists from airborne gamma-ray detection

Plant ecologists require spatial information on functional soil properties but are often faced with soil classifications that are not directly interpretable or useful for statistical models. Sand and clay content are important soil properties because they indicate soil water-holding capacity and nutrient content, yet these data are not available for much of the landscape. Remotely sensed soil radiometric data offer promise for developing statistical models of functional soil properties applicable over large areas. Here, we build models linking radiometric data for an area of 40,000 km2 with soil physicochemical data collected over a period of 30 years and demonstrate a strong relationship between gamma radiometric potassium (40K), thorium (²³²Th), and soil sand and clay content. Our models showed predictive performance of 43% with internal cross-validation (to held-out data) and ~30% for external validation to an independent test dataset. This work contributes to broader availability and uptake of remote sensing products for explaining patterns in plant distribution and performance across landscapes.

Characterization of Inherent Particles and Mechanism of Thermal Stress Induced Particle Formation in HSV-2 Viral Vaccine Candidate

BACKGROUND

Vaccine formulations may contain visible and/or subvisible particles, which can vary in both size and morphology. Extrinsic particles, which are particles not part of the product such as foreign contaminants, are generally considered undesirable and should be eliminated or controlled in injectable products. However, biological products, in particular vaccines, may also contain particles that are inherent to the product. Here we focus on the characterization of visible and subvisible particles in a live, replication-deficient viral vaccine candidate against HSV genital herpes in an early developmental stage.

METHOD

HSV-2 viral vaccine was characterized using a panel of analytical methods, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Western blot, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), micro-flow imaging (MFI), dynamic light scattering (DLS), right angle light scattering (RALS), and intrinsic fluorescence.

RESULTS

Particles in HSV-2 vaccine typically ranged from hundreds of nanometers to hundreds of micrometers in size and were determined to be inherent to the product. The infectious titer did not correlate with any trend in subvisible particle concentration and size distribution as shown by DLS, MFI, and TEM under stressed conditions. This suggested that particle changes in the submicron range were related to HSV-2 virion structure and had direct impact on biological activity. It was also observed that subvisible and visible particles could induce aggregation in the viral product. The temperature induced aggregation was observed by RALS, intrinsic fluorescence, and DLS. The increase of subvisible particle size with temperature could be fitted to a two-step thermokinetic model.

CONCLUSION

Visible and subvisible particles were found to be inherent to the HSV-2 viral vaccine product. The mechanism of protein aggregation was discussed and a two-step thermokinetic aggregation profile was proposed. The approaches reported in this study may be applied to a variety of vaccines and other biological products, as a way to assess the consistency of the manufacturing process and identify key product quality attributes.

Mechanism of Nonpolar Model Substances to Inhibit Primary Gushing Induced by Hydrophobin HFBI

In this work, the interactions of a well-studied hydrophobin with different types of nonpolar model substances and their impact on primary gushing is evaluated. The nature, length, and degree of saturation of nonpolar molecules are key parameters defining the gushing ability or inhibition. When mixed with hydrophobins, the nonpolar molecule-hydrophobin assembly acts as a less gushing or no gushing system. This effect can be explained in the framework of a competition effect between non-polar systems and CO2 to interact with the hydrophobic patch of the hydrophobin. Interactions of these molecules with hydrophobins are promoted as a result of the similar size of the nonpolar molecules with the hydrophobic patch of the protein, at the expense of the formation of nanobubbles with CO2. In order to prove the presence of interactions and to unravel the mechanisms behind them, a complete set of experimental techniques was used. Surface sensitive techniques clearly show the presence of the interactions, whose nature is not covalent nor hydrogen bonding according to infrared spectroscopy results. Interactions were also reflected by particle size analysis in which mixtures of particles displayed larger size than their pure component counterparts. Upon mixing with nonpolar molecules, the gushing ability of the protein is significantly disrupted.

Formulation development and evaluation of alginate microspheres of Ibuprofen

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of different variables on the release profile of ibuprofen microspheres formulated using modified emulsification method. Eight batches of microspheres (F1-F8) were prepared by applying 2³ factorial design. The amount of sodium alginate, amount of calcium chloride, and amount of magnesium stearate were selected as formulation variables. All the batches were evaluated in terms of percentage yield, percentage encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release characteristics. The batch F7 was found to be optimum batch and was further characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analysis. Multiple linear regression was applied to confirm significant effect of each variable on release characteristics. The model developed in the present study can be effectively utilized to achieve the formulation with desired release characteristics.