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Protein aggregation is a common challenge in the manufacturing of biological products. It is possible to minimize the extent of aggregation through timely measurement and in-depth characterization of aggregation. In this study, we demonstrated the use of dynamic light scattering ( DLS) to monitor inclusion body ( IB) solubilization, protein refolding, and aggregation near the production line of a recombinant protein-based vaccine candidate. Our results were in good agreement with those measured by size-exclusion chromatography. DLS was also used to characterize the mechanism of aggregation. As DLS is a quick, nonperturbing technology, it can potentially be used as an at-line process analytical technology to ensure complete IB solubilization and aggregate-free refolding. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 102:4284-4290, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnostic value of modified Chicago sky blue (CSB) stain and potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount for superficial mycoses was compared using fungal culture as gold standard. The sensitivity and screening time of the CSB stain were superior to the KOH mount. The CBS stain is simple, quick and reliable for diagnosing superficial mycoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper as developmental toxicants have been reported extensively in freshwater fish, however, the sublethal and chronic toxic effects of Cu to the early life stages of marine fish are not clear. Embryo (3–5 hpf) and newly hatched larvae of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) were exposed to 0.01–1.28 mg L−1 waterborne Cu to investigate the developmental toxic effects. The results showed that Cu accumulation in the whole embryos presented a dose- and time-response increase while it decreased dramatically once hatching. Most of Cu accumulated in the chorion suggests that chorion is an effective barrier to Cu absorption. However, Cu that penetrated chorion and entered embryo still caused significant lethal and sublethal effects. Cu concentrations at ≥0.16 mg L−1 led to low hatchability, delayed hatching, high mortality, morphological abnormalities and increased egg size in the embryos. Heart beats and the total body length of the newly hatched larvae were significantly increased when exposed to ≥0.02 mg L−1. Cu exposure accelerated early development and promoted or delayed hatching of embryo. High Cu concentration (≥0.16 mg L−1) exposure induced morphological abnormalities of embryo and larvae, particularly skeletal and vascular system abnormalities and reduction of pigmentation. The 30 d-LC 50 for embryo development was 0.138 mg L−1 and 7d LC 50 for larvae survival was 10.15 mg L−1, demonstrating that embryos were more sensitive to Cu than larvae. In summary, O. melastigma embryos development is highly sensitive to Cu exposure, and the sublethal effects occurred at low Cu concentration might be as potential biomarkers in marine fish. • Sub-lethal effects of waterborne copper in early developmental stages of marine model fish were investigated. • Most of Cu (>95%) accumulated in the chorion. • O. melastigma embryos were more sensitive to Cu than larvae. • Heart beats and the total body length of the newly hatched larvae might be as potential biomarkers in marine fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]