Quality by Design in continuous bioprocessing: Investigating the impact of critical process parameters of multi-column chromatography during steady-state and transient phases.

Given the complexities of continuous bioprocessing, it is critical to thoroughly investigate the process parameters unique to multi-column chromatography (MCC) and their potential impacts. However, existing studies have focused on either loading densities or residence time at steady states only, and their combined impact on critical quality attributes (CQAs) especially during transient phases were less known. In this study, we investigated the impact of critical process parameters during both steady-state and transient phases (start-up, close-down, and intermediate perturbation) through full factorial design.

Cellulose functionalized magnetic beads for high throughput glycosylation analysis in biotherapeutic modalities.

The increasing demand for biotherapeutics has necessitated the evaluation of their critical quality attributes, one of which is glycosylation, an essential post-translational modification found on many biological molecules. In particular, the purification of N-glycans after their release from the proteins and derivatization is important in ensuring the removal of the deglycosylated protein, excess labelling reagents and salts for subsequent analysis. However, current methods of N-glycans purification are either expensive, laborious, time-consuming or not catered for high throughput analysis.

Thermal and pH stress dictate distinct mechanisms of monoclonal antibody aggregation.

Protein aggregation is a significant challenge in the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which can be exacerbated by stress conditions encountered along its production pipeline. In this study, we examine how thermal and pH stress conditions influence mAb aggregation mechanisms. We observe a complex interplay between these factors that significantly affects mAb stability, particularly under combined stress conditions.

Generating and characterizing a comprehensive panel of CHO cells glycosylation mutants for advancing glycobiology and biotechnology research.

This report describes the development and characterization of a comprehensive collection of CHO cell glycosylation mutants with significant potential for advancing glycobiology and biotechnology. EPO-Fc and trastuzumab, two model molecules, were produced using these mutants to assess the effects of mutated glycogenes, and LC-MS/MS analysis was employed to quantitatively analyse their N-glycans. EPO-Fc exhibited exclusively homogeneous Man9 glycans only when nearly all α-mannosidases in the genome were inactivated, except lysosomal MAN2B1.

Effectiveness of interventions for informal caregivers of people with end-stage chronic illness: a systematic review.

Background: People living with advanced, non-malignant chronic conditions often have extensive and complex care needs. Informal or family caregivers often provide the care and support needed by those with advanced chronic conditions at home. These informal caregivers experience many challenges associated with their caring role, which can impact their own wellbeing.

Long-term impact of aerodigestive symptoms on adults with oesophageal cancer: A qualitative study.

Purpose: The impact of long-term aerodigestive symptoms following oesophageal cancer surgery is still not well understood. This study aimed to qualitatively understand the long-term impact of aerodigestive symptoms on quality of life in adults post-oesophagectomy.

Method: Participants who received curative transhiatal/transthoracic surgery for oesophageal cancer in Ireland's National Oesophageal Cancer Centre were invited to attend semi-structured interviews.

Biomass specific perfusion rate as a control lever for the continuous manufacturing of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies from CHO cell cultures.

Continuous manufacturing enables high volumetric productivities of biologics such as monoclonal antibodies. However, it is challenging to maintain both high viable cell densities and productivities at the same time for long culture durations. One of the key controls in a perfusion process is the perfusion rate which determines the nutrient availability and potentially controls the cell metabolism.

Antibody glycan quality predicted from CHO cell culture media markers and machine learning.

N-glycosylation can have a profound effect on the quality of mAb therapeutics. In biomanufacturing, one of the ways to influence N-glycosylation patterns is by altering the media used to grow mAb cell expression systems. Here, we explore the potential of machine learning (ML) to forecast the abundances of N-glycan types based on variables related to the growth media.

Examining the acceptability and feasibility of the Compassionate Mindful Resilience (CMR) programme in adults living with chronic kidney disease: the COSMIC study findings.

Background: Individuals with chronic kidney disease experience difficult physical and psychological symptoms, that impact quality of life, and are at increased risk of anxiety and depression. Access to specialist psychological support is limited. This study aimed to support a new service development project, in collaboration with Kidney Care UK, to implement the Compassionate Mindful Resilience (CMR) programme, developed by MindfulnessUK, which provides accessible mindfulness techniques and practices to enhance compassion and resilience, and explore its feasibility for people living with stage 4 or 5 kidney disease and transplant.

Healthy lifestyle as predictors of common mental disorder during coronavirus disease.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to verify the indication of common mental disorder and changes in healthy lifestyle among individuals affected by coronavirus disease, as well as to evaluate if changes in healthy lifestyle are predictors of common mental disorder.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study employed an exploratory approach and quantitative methodology, using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire to assess the indication of common mental disorder and questions regarding healthy lifestyle during the pandemic.

Results: A total of 280 individuals affected by coronavirus disease, aged 18 years and above, participated in the study.

Experiences of People with Kidney Disease Following the Implementation of the Compassionate Mindful Resilience Programme: Qualitative Findings from the COSMIC Study.

Background: Kidney disease is a progressive, debilitating condition. Patients experience challenging physical and psychological symptoms and are at increased risk of anxiety, depression, and poor mental wellbeing. Access to specialist psychological or social support is limited, with inadequate provision of psychosocial support available across UK renal units.

Optimizing effector functions of monoclonal antibodies via tailored N-glycan engineering using a dual landing pad CHO targeted integration platform.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) eliminate cancer cells via various effector mechanisms including antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), which are influenced by the N-glycan structures on the Fc region of mAbs. Manipulating these glycan structures on mAbs allows for optimization of therapeutic benefits associated with effector functions. Traditional approaches such as gene deletion or overexpression often lead to only all-or-nothing changes in gene expression and fail to modulate the expression of multiple genes at defined ratios and levels.

Cross-Sectional Study on the Association Between Respiratory Muscle Strength and Dynapenic Abdominal Obesity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Purpose: Impaired respiratory muscle strength has been associated with some geriatric syndromes. However, no studies have previously evaluated the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and dynapenic abdominal obesity. This study aimed to analyze whether there is an association between respiratory muscle strength and abdominal obesity, dynapenia and dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) in community-dwelling older adults.

Understanding and controlling the molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation in mAb therapeutics.

In antibody development and manufacturing, protein aggregation is a common challenge that can lead to serious efficacy and safety issues. To mitigate this problem, it is important to investigate its molecular origins. This review discusses (1) our current molecular understanding and theoretical models of antibody aggregation, (2) how various stress conditions related to antibody upstream and downstream bioprocesses can trigger aggregation, and (3) current mitigation strategies employed towards inhibiting aggregation.

Ergonomic interventions for work in a sitting position: an integrative review.

The sitting position is one of the most common positions in the workplace and one that can contribute to overloading the musculoskeletal system. Ergonomics can play a significant role in ensuring an appropriate relationship between people and their work and in achieving better conditions for workers' health. The objective of this study was to consult the available evidence on the results of different ergonomic interventions for the musculoskeletal systems of workers who perform their jobs in a sitting position.

Insight into muscle stem cell regeneration and mechanobiology.

Stem cells possess the unique ability to differentiate into specialized cell types. These specialized cell types can be used for regenerative medicine purposes such as cell therapy. Myosatellite cells, also known as skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs), play important roles in the growth, repair, and regeneration of skeletal muscle tissues.

Enhancing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of recombinant therapeutic proteins by manipulation of sialic acid content.

The circulatory half-life of recombinant therapeutic proteins is an important pharmacokinetic attribute because it determines the dosing frequency of these drugs, translating directly to treatment cost. Thus, recombinant therapeutic glycoproteins such as monoclonal antibodies have been chemically modified by various means to enhance their circulatory half-life. One approach is to manipulate the N-glycan composition of these agents.

Computerization of the Work of General Practitioners: Mixed Methods Survey of Final-Year Medical Students in Ireland.

Background: The potential for digital health technologies, including machine learning (ML)-enabled tools, to disrupt the medical profession is the subject of ongoing debate within biomedical informatics.

Objective: We aimed to describe the opinions of final-year medical students in Ireland regarding the potential of future technology to replace or work alongside general practitioners (GPs) in performing key tasks.

Methods: Between March 2019 and April 2020, using a convenience sample, we conducted a mixed methods paper-based survey of final-year medical students.

WHAT IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ABOUT SCOLIOSIS?

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge about scoliosis in teachers of municipal public schools.

Methods: In total, 126 professionals were interviewed using a standard questionnaire containing issues related to scoliosis.

Results: 31% of interviewees did not know what scoliosis is.

Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Brazilian University Drummers and Percussionists: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In recent years, the number of university drummers and percussionists in Brazil has been increasing. Extensive instrumental practice and repetitive rehearsals are related to the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms among many of these percussion instrumentalists (e.g.

Examining the Acceptability and Feasibility of the Compassionate Mindful Resilience (CMR) Programme in Adult Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: The COSMIC Study Protocol.

Kidney disease is often progressive, and patients experience diminished health-related quality of life. In addition, the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and its associated restrictions, has brought many additional burdens. It is therefore essential that effective and affordable systems are explored to improve the psychological health of this group that can be delivered safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Integrative Glycomic Approach for Quantitative Meat Species Profiling.

It is estimated that food fraud, where meat from different species is deceitfully labelled or contaminated, has cost the global food industry around USD 6.2 to USD 40 billion annually. To overcome this problem, novel and robust quantitative methods are needed to accurately characterise and profile meat samples.