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Dirks A, Florez M, Torche F, Young S, Slizgi B, Getz K. Comprehensive Assessment of Risk-Based Quality Management Adoption in Clinical Trials. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2024; 58:520-527. [PMID: 38366107 PMCID: PMC11043178 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-024-00618-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk-based monitoring (RBM) and risk-based quality management (RBQM) offer a compelling approach to increase efficiency, speed and quality in clinical trials by prioritizing and mitigating risks related to essential safety and efficacy data. Since 2013, the FDA and EMA have encouraged the use of RBM/RBQM, however adoption has been slow with limited understanding of the barriers to adoption. METHODS The Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development conducted an online survey among pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and contract research organizations and gathered 206 responses on 32 distinct RBQM practices. RESULTS On average, companies implemented RBQM in 57% of their clinical trials. Lower levels of adoption were observed among companies conducting fewer than 25 trials annually (48%) compared to those conducting more than 100 trials annually (63%). Primary barriers to adoption include lack of organizational knowledge and awareness, mixed perceptions of the value proposition of RBQM, and poor change management planning and execution. Insights into improving the level of adoption are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dirks
- Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Maria Florez
- Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Brian Slizgi
- Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), London, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth Getz
- Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Dirks A, Florez M, Torche F, Young S, Slizgi B, Getz K. Correction: Comprehensive Assessment of Risk-Based Quality Management Adoption in Clinical Trials. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2024:10.1007/s43441-024-00648-z. [PMID: 38689158 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-024-00648-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dirks
- Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Maria Florez
- Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth Getz
- Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Kim J, Dirks A. Is Your Organization's Remote Work Strategy "Working"? Exploring the Impact of Employees' Attitudes Toward Flexible Work Arrangements on Inclusion and Turnover Intention. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2023; 57:1209-1216. [PMID: 37458899 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-023-00549-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic drastically changed the way people work. This was no exception in the drug development industry, which like other industries has been grappling with the challenge of how to manage the transition back to the office while ensuring that people feel included. To understand what strategies organizations in the drug development industry are adopting and examine their impact on the employee experience, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development launched a survey that quantified the different strategies and their effect on work outcomes, including burnout, inclusion, and turnover. We found evidence that employees' level of support for their organization's remote work strategy had a significant impact on turnover, and this relationship was mediated by burnout and feeling of inclusion. Implications of the results are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kim
- Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | - Abigail Dirks
- Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
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van Helvoort MA, van Dee V, Dirks A, Everaerd DS, Metz MJ, van Schijndel MA, Tendolkar I, Zinkstok JR, Cahn W, Schellekens A. [Not Available]. Tijdschr Psychiatr 2020; 62:739-742. [PMID: 32910443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Course of covid-19 infections and impact on mental health; setting up a national case register.
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Dirks A, Brink AATP, Speksnijder A, Dukers-Muijrers NHTM, Wolffs PFG, Hoebe CJPA. P3.259 Similar Chlamydia TrachomatisBacterial Load in Patient Samples from STI-Clinic and Population-Based Screening. Br J Vener Dis 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051184.0715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Geelen TH, Hoebe CJPA, Dirks A, Bergen JEV, Dukers-Muijrers NHTM, Wolffs PFG. P3.093 Similar, Low Prevalence of Trichomonas Vaginalisin Three Patient Cohorts from General Practitioners, a Population Based Chlamydia Screening Study and an STI-Clinic. Br J Vener Dis 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051184.0552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Drew B, Phaneuf S, Dirks A, Selman C, Gredilla R, Lezza A, Barja G, Leeuwenburgh C. Effects of aging and caloric restriction on mitochondrial energy production in gastrocnemius muscle and heart. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2003; 284:R474-80. [PMID: 12388443 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00455.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are chronically exposed to reactive oxygen intermediates. As a result, various tissues, including skeletal muscle and heart, are characterized by an age-associated increase in reactive oxidant-induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. It has been postulated that these alterations may result in a decline in the content and rate of production of ATP, which may affect tissue function, contribute to the aging process, and lead to several disease states. We show that with age, ATP content and production decreased by approximately 50% in isolated rat mitochondria from the gastrocnemius muscle; however, no decline was observed in heart mitochondria. The decline observed in skeletal muscle may be a factor in the process of sarcopenia, which increases in incidence with advancing age. Lifelong caloric restriction, which prolongs maximum life span in animals, did not attenuate the age-related decline in ATP content or rate of production in skeletal muscle and had no effect on the heart. 8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in skeletal muscle mtDNA was unaffected by aging but decreased 30% with caloric restriction, suggesting that the mechanisms that decrease oxidative stress in these tissues with caloric restriction are independent from ATP availability. The generation of reactive oxygen species, as indicated by H2O2 production in isolated mitochondria, did not change significantly with age in skeletal muscle or in the heart. Caloric restriction tended to reduce the levels of H2O2 production in the muscle but not in the heart. These data are the first to show that an age-associated decline in ATP content and rate of ATP production is tissue specific, in that it occurs in skeletal muscle but not heart, and that mitochondrial ATP production was unaltered by caloric restriction in both tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Drew
- University of Florida, Biochemistry of Aging Laboratory, College of Health and Human Performance, Center for Exercise Science, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
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Dirks A, de Jongh R, Groenink L, van der Gugten J, Hijzen TH, Olivier B. Footshock-induced sensitization of the acoustic startle response in two strains of mice. Behav Brain Res 2001; 123:17-21. [PMID: 11377726 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-4328(01)00193-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown before that unconditioned footshocks can augment the acoustic startle response in rats. In the present study, male mice of two strains, C57Bl/6N and BALB/c, were compared with regard to footshock-induced sensitization of the acoustic startle response. Presentation of footshocks did not affect the acoustic startle response in C57Bl/6N mice, while in contrast, footshock-induced sensitization was apparent in the BALB/c strain. Shocked C57Bl/6N mice, but not BALB/c mice, displayed robust conditioning to the startle context when re-tested the next day. These findings indicate that mice may exhibit footshock-induced sensitization of the acoustic startle response, but that the effects of footshocks on the acoustic startle are strain- and time-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dirks
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, 3584 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Dirks A, Pattij T, Bouwknecht JA, Westphal TT, Hijzen TH, Groenink L, van der Gugten J, Oosting RS, Hen R, Geyer MA, Olivier B. 5-HT1B receptor knockout, but not 5-HT1A receptor knockout mice, show reduced startle reactivity and footshock-induced sensitization, as measured with the acoustic startle response. Behav Brain Res 2001; 118:169-78. [PMID: 11164514 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-4328(00)00326-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
To investigate whether the hyperreactivity to mild environmental and novel stimuli in 5-HT1B receptor knockout (1BKO) mice, as suggested by measures of exploratory, aggressive, and impulsive behaviors, can be extended to phasic stimuli, 1BKO and wildtype mice were tested in acoustic startle reactivity and plasticity paradigms, including habituation, prepulse inhibition, and footshock-induced sensitization of the startle response. Furthermore, we compared 5-HT1A receptor knockout (1AKO) and 1BKO mice to further test the suggested opposite behavioral profiles in these two genotypes. Results show that startle reactivity and footshock-induced sensitization was reduced in 1BKO mice, with no changes in habituation or PPI. In contrast, 1AKO mice did not differ from WT mice in any of the measures. These results indicate that an absence of 5-HT1B receptors, but not of 5-HT1A receptors, affects the modulation of startle reactivity and footshock-induced sensitization, without influencing startle plasticity. Moreover, this study suggests that 1AKO mice display a distinct, but not opposite behavioral profile from 1BKO mice. Furthermore, it is concluded that the hyperreactivity in 1BKO mice cannot be generalized to all stimuli, including the startling stimuli used in this study, but is probably restricted to mild environmental stimuli only.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dirks
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, 3584 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Bouwknecht JA, Hijzen TH, van der Gugten J, Dirks A, Maes RA, Hen R, Geyer MA, Olivier B. Startle responses, heart rate, and temperature in 5-HT1B receptor knockout mice. Neuroreport 2000; 11:4097-102. [PMID: 11192635 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200012180-00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Relative to wildtype mice, mice lacking 5-HT1B receptors (5-HT1B KO) exhibit exaggerated heart rate and body temperature responses to environmental stimuli. In contrast, acoustic startle reactivity is reduced in 5-HT1B KO mice. We combined heart rate and temperature measurement with startle response paradigms in order to elucidate this apparent contradiction. Habituation and footshock-induced sensitization paradigms modulate startle reactivity. Reduced startle reactivity and unaltered habituation in 5-HT1B KO mice were replicated. Heart rate and temperature were unaffected by startle stimuli, but increased markedly in response to transportation and handling procedures. Footshocks caused a mild startle-sensitization and tachycardia in both genotypes. The physiological hyper-reactivity in 5-HT1B KO mice is a subtle phenotypic difference that contrasts with the phenotypic decrease in startle reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Bouwknecht
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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Abstract
In a previous study it was demonstrated that flesinoxan, a selective serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor agonist, had anxiolytic properties in the fear-potentiated startle paradigm. The present study investigated the putative site of action of flesinoxan in this paradigm. Flesinoxan infused either into the dorsal raphe nucleus or the median raphe nucleus did not affect startle potentiation. Bilateral infusion of flesinoxan into the central nucleus of the amygdala on the other hand, dose-dependently blocked the fear-potentiated startle response. These data indicate that flesinoxan exerts it anxiolytic effects in the fear-potentiated startle paradigm via the central nucleus of the amygdala, whereas the dorsal and median raphe nuclei are not directly involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Groenink
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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Fish EW, Sekinda M, Ferrari PF, Dirks A, Miczek KA. Distress vocalizations in maternally separated mouse pups: modulation via 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(1B) and GABA(A) receptors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2000; 149:277-85. [PMID: 10823409 DOI: 10.1007/s002130000370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Young rodents emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) when separated from their dams and littermates. Pharmacological agents that act on GABA(A) and/or 5-HT receptors and that alleviate anxiety in humans reduce the emission of these calls. OBJECTIVES 1) to investigate specific 5-HT1 receptor subtypes that modulate maternal separation-induced USVs in mice; 2) to assess the behavioral specificity of these effects; and 3) to compare 5-HT1 agonists with a positive neurosteroid modulator of the GABA(A) receptor complex. METHODS Seven-day old CFW mouse pups were isolated from their littermates and placed onto a 20 degrees C surface for 4 min. USVs between 30 and 80 kHz, grid crossing, and rectal temperature were measured in separate groups of mouse pups following subcutaneous administration of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor agonists and antagonists, the neurosteroid allopregnanolone, or the benzodiazepine midazolam. RESULTS The 5-HT1A agonists (+)8-OH-DPAT (0.01-0.1 mg/kg) and flesinoxan (0.3-1.0 mg/kg), the selective 5-HT1B agonist CP-94,253 (0.03-30.0 mg/kg), and the mixed 5-HT1B/2C receptor agonist TFMPP (0.1-10.0 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced USVs. These effects were reversed by the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY 100,635 (0.1 mg/kg) or the 5-HT1B/D receptor antagonist GR 127935 (0.1 mg/kg). The effects of TFMPP were biphasic; low doses (i.e. 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg) increased the rate of vocalization. Midazolam and allopregnanolone also reduced USVs. The highest doses of flesinoxan, (+)8-OH-DPAT, and allopregnanolone suppressed locomotion, whereas CP-94,253, TFMPP, and midazolam stimulated motor activity. CONCLUSIONS These experiments confirm that agonists at the 5-HT1 receptors and a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA(A) receptor complex decrease maternal separation-induced USVs in mice, with 5-HT1B manipulations dissociating the effects on vocalizations from sedative effects.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Female
- GABA Modulators/pharmacology
- Male
- Maternal Deprivation
- Mice
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B
- Receptors, GABA-A/drug effects
- Receptors, GABA-A/physiology
- Receptors, Serotonin/drug effects
- Receptors, Serotonin/physiology
- Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT1
- Serotonin Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Ultrasonics
- Vocalization, Animal/drug effects
- Vocalization, Animal/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- E W Fish
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
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Beckh K, Dirks A, Koop I, Koop H, Adler G. Impairment of hepatic transport processes in perfused rat liver by the specific CCK receptor antagonist loxiglumide. Res Exp Med (Berl) 1997; 197:125-135. [PMID: 9406280 DOI: 10.1007/s004330050062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The specific cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor antagonist loxiglumide has been used in several human and animal studies to investigate the role of CCK in gastrointestinal physiology. In the present study, the interference of this CCK receptor antagonist with hepatic transport processes was characterized in the perfused rat liver. Indocyanine green, an organic dye which is secreted into bile without being metabolized, was taken up in control experiments at a rate of 68.1 +/- 7.7%. The CCK receptor antagonist lowered the extraction to 0.5 +/- 2.6% (P < 0.001). The compound diminished the hepatic extraction of CCK-8 from 90.95 +/- 2.60% to 4.90 +/- 1.95% (P < 0.001) and of gastrin from 22.2 +/- 1.1% to 8.2 +/- 1.9% (P < 0.001). The hepatic extraction of lidocaine, which is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system, was only slightly altered. For leukotrienes and taurocholate, the rate-limiting step for transport into bile is secretion across the canalicular membrane; the hepatic extraction of leukotriene D4 was markedly diminished by loxiglumide whereas the transport of taurocholate was only slightly inhibited. The present study demonstrates that the specific CCK receptor antagonist loxiglumide diminished the hepatic extraction of various substances, including peptides and organic anions. It did not interfere with the cytochrome P450 system. The pronounced reduction of hepatic uptake of indocyanine green and leukotriene may be due to an interference with the transport system of these substances in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Beckh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulm, Germany
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