Thermal Characterization and Cytotoxicity of Complexes Formed by Papain and Cyclodextrin

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme with restricted applications due to its limited stability. Cyclodextrins are widely used in pharmaceutical formulations once they are able to form complexes with other molecules, improving their stability and bioavailability. The purpose of the present paper was to analyze complexes formed by papain/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and papain/β-cyclodextrin by thermal analysis and cytotoxicity tests to verify their possible interactions and toxicological behavior. Complex solutions were prepared at different molar ratios and collected as a function of time to be lyophilized and analyzed. Results showed changes in endothermic events and cytotoxicity profiles. A complex formation for both complexes is observed; nevertheless, β-cyclodextrin was able to change the enzyme characteristics more efficiently

Diffuse Phosphorus Models in the United States and Europe: Their Usages, Scales, and Uncertainties

Today there are many well-established computer models that are being used at different spatial and temporal scales to describe water, sediment, and P transport from diffuse sources. In this review, we describe how diffuse P models are commonly being used in the United States and Europe, the challenge presented by different temporal and spatial scales, and the uncertainty in model predictions. In the United States for water bodies that do not meet water quality standards, a total maximum daily load (TMDL) of the Pollutant of concern must be set that will restore water quality and a plan implemented to reduce the pollutant load to meet the TMDL. Models are used to estimate the current maximum daily and annual average load, to estimate the contribution from different nonpoint sources, and to develop scenarios for achieving the TMDL target. In Europe, the EC-Water Framework Directive is the driving force to improve water quality and models are playing a similar role to that in the United States, but the models being used are not the same. European models are more likely to take into account leaching of P and the identification of critical source areas. Scaling up to the watershed scale has led to overparameterized models that cannot be used to test hypotheses regarding nonpoint sources of P or transport processes using the monitoring data that is typically available. There is a need for more parsimonious models and monitoring data that takes advantage of the technological improvements that allow nearly continuous sampling for P and sediment. Tools for measuring model uncertainty must become an integral part of models and be readily available for model users

Assessing the normative legitimacy of investment arbitration : the EU’s investment court system

The inclusion of an investment chapter in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) has encountered significant opposition, especially in relation to Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS). In this context, the EU has proposed several changes to the traditional procedures, including the creation of an investment court. The need to reform ISDS has long been recognised, but the key question remains: What is required for such a dispute settlement mechanism to have legitimate authority? Drawing from insights in legal theory and political philosophy, we examine what could be adequate criteria for the normative legitimacy of ISDS. We argue that ISDS can only be minimally legitimate if there are sufficient procedural safeguards to ensure fair access to the proceedings and equal consideration of their interest for all those affected by investment tribunals’ or courts’ decisions. Furthermore, we emphasize the need to look beyond what potential beneficial and adverse consequences of ISDS are, and explain that the appointment of the judges by the state parties and the reintroduction of some control of the state parties over dispute settlement outcomes are not sufficient to guarantee the normative legitimacy of ISDS