Association of transition cow health with pregnancy per artificial insemination and pregnancy loss in Holstein cows submitted to a Double-Ovsynch protocol for first service

This observational study was conducted to evaluate the effect of transition cow health on pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) and pregnancy loss (PL) in cows submitted to a Double-Ovsynch protocol (DO) for first service. Lactating Holstein cows (n = 15,041) from one commercial dairy farm in northern Germany between January 2015 to December 2021 were enrolled into a modified Double-Ovsynch protocol (GnRH, 7 d later PGF2α, 3 d later GnRH, 7 d later GnRH, 7 d later PGF2α, 24 h later PGF2α, 32 h later GnRH, and 16 to 18 h later timed artificial insemination) for first service at 72 ± 3 d in milk. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 32 and 60 d post-AI via transrectal ultrasonography. Pregnancy loss was defined as the proportion of cows diagnosed pregnant 32 d post-artificial insemination that were diagnosed nonpregnant 60 d post-artificial insemination. Health-related events (i.e., milk fever [MF], hyperketonemia [KET], retained fetal membranes [RFM], metritis, mastitis, left displaced abomasum [LDA]) were assessed by farm personnel using standard operating procedures. Multivariable logistic regression was used for testing potential associations between transition cow health event occurrence and outcome variables, including P/AI and PL. Three separate models were built for cows in first lactation, second lactation, and ≥third lactation. Overall, 20.0% (885/4,430), 34.9% (1,391/3,989), and 53.9% (3,570/6,622) of cows had at least one transition cow health event for first, second, and ≥third lactations, respectively. The most prevalent transition cow health event for first-lactation cows was metritis (10.7%; [473/4,430]), whereas second-lactation cows suffered mostly from mastitis (16.6%; [664/3,989] and KET (16.6%; [661/3,989]), and cows with ≥third lactations were mostly affected by KET (33.2%; [2,198/6,622]). We observed a negative association between inflammatory disorders (i.e., RFM, metritis, mastitis) and P/AI in all cows irrespective of parity. Metabolic disorders (i.e., MF, KET, LDA) were negatively associated with P/AI only in multiparous cows. Irrespective of parity, only uterine diseases (i.e., RFM, metritis) were significantly associated with PL. These results show that enrolling cows into a fertility protocol, such as DO, cannot overcome the carryover effects of inflammatory and metabolic disorders on P/AI and PL and highlight the importance of optimizing transition cow health as a prerequisite for achieving high fertility in a DO protocol.

ACUVRA: Anion-Exchange Chromatography UV-Ratio Analysis-A QC-Friendly Method for Monitoring Adeno-Associated Virus Empty Capsid Content To Support Process Development and GMP Release Testing

The genome content of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is critical to the safety and potency of AAV-based gene therapy products. Empty capsids are considered a product-related impurity and a critical quality attribute (CQA) of the drug product, thus requiring characterization throughout the production process to demonstrate they are controlled to acceptable levels in the final drug product. Anion exchange chromatography has been used to achieve separation between empty and full capsids, but requires method development and gradient optimization for different serotypes and formulations. Here, we describe an alternative approach to quantitation that does not rely on achieving separation between empty and full capsids, but instead uses the well-established relationship between absorbance at UV A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ and relation to DNA/protein content, in combination with anion-exchange chromatography to allow one to calculate the relative proportion of empty and full capsids in AAV samples from a single peak. We call this approach ACUVRA: Anion-exchange Chromatography UV-Ratio Analysis, and show the applicability of the method through a case study with recombinant AAV2 (rAAV2) process intermediates and drug substance. Method qualification and GMP validation in a quality control (QC) laboratory results show that ACUVRA is a fit-for-purpose method for process development support and characterization, while also being a QC-friendly option for GMP release testing at all stages of clinical development. Graphical abstract.

Analytical Quality by Design, Life Cycle Management, and Method Control

Analytical methods are utilized throughout the biopharmaceutical and vaccines industries to conduct research and development, and to help control manufacturing inputs and outputs. These analytical methods should continuously provide quality data to support decisions while managing the remaining of risk and uncertainty. Analytical quality by design (AQbD) can provide a systematic framework to achieve a continuously validated, robust assay as well as life cycle management. AQbD is rooted in ICH guidelines Q8 and Q9 that were translated to the analytical space through several white papers as well as upcoming USP 1220 and ICH Q14. In this white paper, we expand on the previously published concepts of AQbD by providing additional context for implementation in relation to ICH Q14. Using illustrative examples, we describe the AQbD workflow, its relation to traditional approaches, and potential pathways for ongoing, real-time verification. We will also discuss challenges with respect to implementation and regulatory strategies.

NIST Interlaboratory Study on Glycosylation Analysis of Monoclonal Antibodies: Comparison of Results from Diverse Analytical Methods

Glycosylation is a topic of intense current interest in the development of biopharmaceuticals because it is related to drug safety and efficacy. This work describes results of an interlaboratory study on the glycosylation of the Primary Sample (PS) of NISTmAb, a monoclonal antibody reference material. Seventy-six laboratories from industry, university, research, government, and hospital sectors in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia submitted a total of 103 reports on glycan distributions. The principal objective of this study was to report and compare results for the full range of analytical methods presently used in the glycosylation analysis of mAbs. Therefore, participation was unrestricted, with laboratories choosing their own measurement techniques. Protein glycosylation was determined in various ways, including at the level of intact mAb, protein fragments, glycopeptides, or released glycans, using a wide variety of methods for derivatization, separation, identification, and quantification. Consequently, the diversity of results was enormous, with the number of glycan compositions identified by each laboratory ranging from 4 to 48. In total, one hundred sixteen glycan compositions were reported, of which 57 compositions could be assigned consensus abundance values. These consensus medians provide community-derived values for NISTmAb PS. Agreement with the consensus medians did not depend on the specific method or laboratory type. The study provides a view of the current state-of-the-art for biologic glycosylation measurement and suggests a clear need for harmonization of glycosylation analysis methods.

Rapid quantification of tyrosine sulfation in therapeutic proteins

Protein tyrosine sulfation (Tyr-O-SO3) is a common post-translational modification (PTM), which is important for protein function. Absolute quantitation of Tyr-O-SO3 in recombinant therapeutic proteins has been challenging. We report here an MRM method used for absolute quantitation of Tyr-O-SO3 in the hydrolysate of a recombinant Fc-fusion protein. Quantitation is achieved by monitoring the sum of two transitions: the loss of carboxylic acid from tyrosine sulfate (major transition) and sulfate group from tyrosine sulfate sodium salt. The method exhibits a good sensitivity with a limit of quantitation of 1.4 ng/mL, linearity over three orders of magnitude, good repeatability, precision and accuracy.

Characterization of a PEGylated protein therapeutic by ion exchange chromatography with on-line detection by native ESI MS and MS/MS

Detailed profiling of both enzymatic (e.g., glycosylation) and non-enzymatic (e.g., oxidation and deamidation) post-translational modifications (PTMs) is frequently required for the quality assessment of protein-based drugs.

A protective role for IL-13 receptor α 1 in bleomycin-induced pulmonary injury and repair

Molecular mechanisms that regulate lung repair vs. progressive scarring in pulmonary fibrosis remain elusive. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are pro-fibrotic cytokines that share common receptor chains including IL-13 receptor (R) α1 and are key pharmacological targets in fibrotic diseases. However, the roles of IL-13Rα1 in mediating lung injury/repair are unclear. We report dysregulated levels of IL-13 receptors in the lungs of bleomycin-treated mice and to some extent in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. Transcriptional profiling demonstrated an epithelial cell-associated gene signature that was homeostatically dependent on IL-13Rα1 expression. IL-13Rα1 regulated a striking array of genes in the lung following bleomycin administration and Il13ra1 deficiency resulted in exacerbated bleomycin-induced disease. Increased pathology in bleomycin-treated Il13ra1(-/-) mice was due to IL-13Rα1 expression in structural and hematopoietic cells but not due to increased responsiveness to IL-17, IL-4, IL-13, increased IL-13Rα2 or type 1 IL-4R signaling. These data highlight underappreciated protective roles for IL-13Rα1 in lung injury and homeostasis.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in the isolated perfused guinea pig lung

We have developed a pressure-dependent isolated lung perfusion system that can be used for the determination of pulmonary enzyme activity and kinetics under physiologic conditions. This development was done using two different artificial radiolabeled substrates, glycine-1-hippuryl-L-histidyl-L-leucine and phenyl-4(n)-hippuryl-glycyl-glycine, for the pulmonary enzyme, angiotensin-converting enzyme. With this system, we assessed the effects of different perfusate types upon the stability of the perfusion as well as the independent effects of pressure, flow, and substrate concentration on the activity of this enzyme. We concluded that this system enables the operator to determine the kinetics and activities of pulmonary enzymes independently of the effects of pressure and flow in a perfusion system that is stable for at least 3 h under physiologic conditions.

Trabeculectomy with resection of ciliary processes in glaucoma following scleral buckling

We report a case of glaucoma following scleral buckling that required filtering trabeculectomy. Despite anterior entry to the anterior chamber, swollen ciliary processes were incarcerated in the sclerostomy site, blocking aqueous flow. Resection of the occluding ciliary processes resulted in restoration of aqueous flow through the sclerostomy. This case demonstrates that anterior rotation of the ciliary body and processes plays an important role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma following scleral buckling operation.

Significance of a sixth lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme (LDH6)

An unusual band on the cathodic side of the membrane was found on lactate dehydrogenase electrophoresis of blood specimens from 18 patients. Fifteen patients died shortly after the finding. No specific cause was found for the unique band, but most of the patients had arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease with acute passive hyperemia of the liver, and prerenal azotemia.

The role of the kidney in the biosynthesis of carnitine in the rat

Intravenous administration of L-[methyl-3H]-labeled trimethyllysine to rats results in a very rapid accumulation of radioactivity by the kidneys, while the incorporation of the label into the liver occurs at approximately 1% of this rate when calculated per g of wet tissue. The kidneys convert a substantial portion of the trimethyllysine taken up to butyrobetaine and to beta-hydroxytrimethyllysine, a precursor of butyrobetaine, but fail to synthesize carnitine. Significant amounts of radioactivity are recovered in both carnitine and butyrobetaine of hepatic tissue after longer time periods, while the level of labeled trimethyllysine in this organ remains very low. Bilateral nephrectomy results in a marked decrease in the incorporation of label into the liver. These results indicate that in rats, the initial conversion of trimethyllysine to butyrobetaine occurs predominantly in kidney and that the liver capacity for this transformation is considerably smaller than its capacity to synthesize carnitine from butyrobetaine.

The relationship of choline and carnitine in the choline deficient rat

Levels of carnitine in choline deficient and choline supplemented rats were measured in heart, skeletal muscle, plasma, and liver after various treatments. A decreased hepatic concentration of carnitine was shown to be closely correlated to the deficiency in dietary choline. No change in the concentration of plasma ketone bodies after a 48 hour fast was observed in the choline deficient rats when compared to choline supplemented controls, even though the level of hepatic carnitine subsequent to the fast was lower in the deficient rats. The concentration of hepatic carnitine was increased to normal values 1.5 hours after a single injection of 100 mumoles of choline, but was not affected by other "methyl" donors. From experiments presented in this communication it is concluded that the increase in hepatic carnitine is probably due to increased transport and uptake of this compound into the liver rather than by "de novo" synthesis.

Turnover of rat liver malic enzyme during induction by protein deprivation

The half-lives of hepatic malic enzyme and total liver soluble proteins were determined in protein-sufficient and protein-deficient rats after injection of tracer doses of radioactively labeled leucine. The results obtained in these experiments have demonstrated that the increased levels of malic enzyme obtained under conditions of severe protein restriction are due to elevated rates of synthesis of the enzyme protein, with no apparent change in the rate of its degradation.

Double-blind trial of oral carbuterol in bronchial asthma

A double-blind comparison of 2 and 3 mg oral doses of carbuterol, a beta sympathomimetic drug with preferential selectivity for bronchial smooth muscle, was made with 25 and 35 mg doses of ephedrine sulfate over a six-month period in 26 patients with bronchial asthma. Spirometry was done before and three hours after administration of 3 mg of carbuterol or 35 mg of ephedrine sulfate at intervals of two weeks and one, four and six months. The data suggest a cumulative improvement in pulmonary function status with continued oral carbuterol use over the six-month period. However, the clinical effectiveness of the drug on pulmonary function was not clearly distinguishable from that of ephedrine in the present study.

Lymphocyte subpopulations, serum IgE and total eosinophil counts in patients with bronchial asthma

Absolute T and B lymphocytes, total eosinophil counts (TEC), and serum IgE levels were studied in twenty-three asthmatic subjects. Compared to a mean peripheral T-lymphocyte count of 1620+/-486/mm3 in twenty control subjects, the mean value in the asthmatic patients was depressed significantly at 1192+/-4 12 (P less than 0-005). T lymphopenia was observed in ten of twenty-three patients (43%). The serum IgE was elevated above the upper limits of 507 mug/ml in six of seventeen patients. TEC above 250/mm3 was observed in twelve of seventeen subjects. T lymphopenia and hyper-immunoglobulinaemia E were each associated with hypereosinophilia. No correlation was observed between T lymphopenia and hyperimmunoglobulinaemia E.