Purity and DNA content of AAV capsids assessed by analytical ultracentrifugation and orthogonal biophysical techniques.

Development and manufacturing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors for gene therapy requires suitable analytical methods to assess the quality of the formulations during development, as well as the quality of different batches and the consistency of the processes. Here, we compare biophysical methods to characterize purity and DNA content of viral capsids from five different serotypes (AAV2, AAV5, AAV6, AAV8, and AAV9). For this purpose, we apply multiwavelength sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC) to obtain the species' contents and to derive the wavelength-specific correction factors for the respective insert-size.

Global intercompany assessment of ICIEF platform comparability for the characterization of therapeutic proteins.

An international team spanning 19 sites across 18 biopharmaceutical and in vitro diagnostics companies in the United States, Europe, and China, along with one regulatory agency, was formed to compare the precision and robustness of imaged CIEF (ICIEF) for the charge heterogeneity analysis of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) mAb and a rhPD-L1-Fc fusion protein on the iCE3 and the Maurice instruments. This information has been requested to help companies better understand how these instruments compare and how to transition ICIEF methods from iCE3 to the Maurice instrument. The different laboratories performed ICIEF on the NIST mAb and rhPD-L1-Fc with both the iCE3 and Maurice using analytical methods specifically developed for each of the molecules.

Viscoelasticity of cross-linked actin networks: experimental tests, mechanical modeling and finite-element analysis.

Filamentous actin is one of the main constituents of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. The actin cortex, a densely cross-linked network, resides underneath the lipid bilayer. In the present work we propose a continuum mechanical formulation for describing the viscoelastic properties of in vitro actin networks, which serve as model systems for the cortex, by including the microstructure, i.

Engaging community-based veterans' organizations in health promotion programs.

Community organizations, such as churches, clubs, and senior centers, can be important locations for health programs. However, little is known about the organizational factors that influence participation and engagement in health programs. To learn more, we evaluated a community-based program designed to help US military veterans better manage their high blood pressure.

Fragmentation is crucial for the steady-state dynamics of actin filaments.

Despite the recognition that actin filaments are important for numerous cellular processes, and decades of investigation, the dynamics of in vitro actin filaments are still not completely understood. Here, we follow the time evolution of the length distribution of labeled actin reporter filaments in an unlabeled F-actin solution via fluorescence microscopy. Whereas treadmilling and diffusive length fluctuations cannot account for the observed dynamics, our results suggest that at low salt conditions, spontaneous fragmentation is crucial.

Preliminary description of the feasibility of using peer leaders to encourage hypertension self-management.

Background: Despite consensus that effective treatment of hypertension reduces morbidity and mortality, control rates remain relatively low. This report describes key features of a peer support program designed to motivate individuals to improve self-management of hypertension.

Methods: We recruited Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in southeastern Wisconsin and trained members of these posts to be peer health leaders over a period of 18 months.