The Society of Toxicology (SOT) Component Groups (Regional Chapters, Special Interest Groups, and Specialty Sections) host many webinars throughout the year. Webinars are an effective distance-learning method intended to impart scientific knowledge to members of their group as well as the SOT membership at large. These webinars are just one of the many benefits of SOT membership.
Upcoming webinars for July and August 2016 are listed below.
Biological Modeling Specialty Section (BMSS):
Topic: PharmML— Exchange Format for Models Used in Quantitative System Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics; Date and Time: Friday, July 22, 2016, 11:00 am–12:00 Noon Eastern Time
Event address and registration for attendees
A new format enabling the efficient exchange and integration of pharmacometric (PMX) and quantitative system pharmacology (QSP) models across software tools has been defined and implemented as a key element of the DDMoRe interoperability platform [1,2]. PharmML has been designed as the storage and exchange medium for mathematical and statistical models [3]. PharmML is a declarative language, which development has been based on requirements provided by the DDMoRe community, popPK/PD, and QSP partners, and on specific use cases from the main target tools. DDMoRe developed a number of translators allowing to run PharmML coded models in software and programming languages, such as NONMEM, Monolix, PFIM, BUGS, R, Matlab, SBML, Python etc.
PharmML provides a structure for encoding continuous and discrete data models equipped with complex variability structure, covariate, structural, and observational models. Definition of complex clinical trial designs and modeling steps is possible as well. As a comprehensive self-contained format, it allows one to encode models in a tool agnostic manner. To facilitate the encoding of statistical models, a database of probability distributions, ProbOnto, has been developed [4]. Moreover, to store the typical results produced in a QSP/PMX workflow, a complementary format, Standard Output (SO), has been created [5].
The new exchange formats facilitate:
(i) Smooth and error-free transmission of models between tools,
(ii) Use of complex workflows via standardized model and output definitions,
(iii) Reproducibility of research,
(iv) Bug tracking,
(v) Improved interaction with regulatory agencies regarding modeling and simulation,
(vi) Development of new tools and methods, and
(vii) Reuse of existing model resources, e.g., BioModels database.
In the webinar, we will talk about the exchange formats, their scope, and structure. Selected use cases of typical PK, PD, and PBPK models will be discussed.
Food Safety Specialty Section (FSSS):
Topic: Food-Relevant Chemicals in ToxCast and Potential Integration of High-Throughput Toxicity Testing in Assessing Chemical Safety; Date and Time: Thursday, July 28, 2016, 1:00 pm–2:00 pm Eastern Time
Event address and registration for attendees
The field of toxicology is undergoing a global paradigm shift in how chemical hazards can be evaluated. There are tens of thousands of chemicals in use, many of which have little to no hazard information, and there are limited resources for testing these chemicals. Advances in molecular and cellular biology, testing technologies, and computational toxicology have paved the way for animal-free (in vitro) high-throughput screening (HTS) that can characterize chemical interactions with highly specific biological processes. In the world of food safety, progress has been made in improving safety testing methods focused on microbial contaminants. However, there is a need to move the safety assessment of food-related chemicals such pesticides, direct and indirect additives into next generation approaches. The broad landscape of food-relevant chemical diversity and assay endpoints in ToxCast enables a multitude of analyses for the toxicological identification of specific chemicals of interest. This webinar will provide a forum for integration of scientific disciplines such as food safety, emerging technologies with toxicology; and it will serve as an educational resource to communicate the impact and relevance of food safety and toxicology research with scientists in government, academia, and industry.
Identification of a Comprehensive Inventory of Food-Relevant Chemicals and their Effects in the ToxCast High-Throughput Screening Program, Speaker: Agnes Karmaus, Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc.
Curation of Food Related ToxCast Chemicals Database Using Exposure Groupings to Identify Current Relevance, Speaker: Lori Fix, ILSI North America Member Scientist
Assessing Bioactivity-Exposure Profiles of Fruit and Vegetable Juices, Speaker: Barbara Wetmore, US EPA
Food Safety Specialty Section (FSSS):
Topic: Food Safety-Applicability of In silico/In vitro Test Methodologies for Food Ingredients; Date and Time: Thursday, August 18, 2016, 1:00 pm–2:00 pm Eastern Time
Event address and registration for attendees
A marked revolution is taking place in toxicology with new approaches for safety assessment, exploiting an array of new technologies such as high-throughput assays combined with computational toxicology. These new approaches that are based on a mechanistic understanding of biological action may change the way predictive toxicology, regulatory toxicology testing, and risk assessment are pursued. Integration of these approaches in the toxicity testing of food ingredients has potential for implementation of a strategy that may be cost and time effective and result in reduction in redundant animal testing. This webinar would provide an overview to examine the utility of in silico/in vitro test methodologies for food ingredient risk assessment. Information presented in the webinar will not only be relevant for members of the Food Safety Specialty Section, but also will further the understanding of an evidence-based safety/risk assessment in general.