Human Therapies as a Successful Liaison between Chemistry and Biology

The development of novel therapies is arguably one of the most important roles of modern chemistry and biology. Here, we shed light on a particular class of human therapies in which synthetic chemical entities are attached to expressed biologicals (proteins) with the goal to enhance clinical activity. We focus our discussion on three key categories of these derivatized biologicals: proteins conjugated with biologically inert molecules, proteins conjugated with biologically active small molecules and peptides (e.g., antibody drug conjugates [ADCs]), and proteins conjugated with radio isotopes. Overall, it is apparent by the impact on clinical activity as well as the commercial success that chemical modification of recombinant proteins is becoming of increasing importance. Therefore, we argue that deeper understanding of the chemical reactions between large proteinaceous molecules and small molecule reagents will allow for more precise and elegant solutions to existing limitations in this field

Effects of Internal Parasite Infection at Feedlot Arrival on Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Beef Steers

The performance and carcass characteristics of 43 beef steers were evaluated relative to internal parasite burden at feedlot arrival. Despite being effectively dewormed at feedlot entry, cattle with more significant worm burdens on arrival had lesser body weights throughout the feeding period and tended to have more days on feed. Even with a tendency for more days on feed, more heavily infected cattle also tended to have lesser marbling scores, dressing percentages, KPH, and back fat. However, there were no differences in ADG throughout the finishing period, REA, yield grade, or HCW relative to initial worm burden. These data indicate that larger worm burdens at feedlot arrival can have long-term effects on body weight and carcass characteristics even when deworming procedures are successful. This information highlights the importance of internal parasite control during the grazing and growing period

Comparison of Ivermectin and Extended-release Eprinomectin Deworming Treatment on Stocker and Subsequent Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Fall-born Angus Heifers

Severe parasite infections in beef cattle are sometimes associated with decreased growth and performance and clinical disease. Stocker cattle are exposed to many parasites and appropriate deworming strategies can help to minimize parasite burdens when cattle are on grass. Feedlot cattle are often dewormed at arrival and have minimal exposure to additional parasites once placed in the feedlot. The purpose of this study was to evaluate stocker and feedlot performance and carcass characteristics relative to treatment with deworming agents of varying durations of activity

DETERMINANTS OF WHOLESALE BEEF-CUT PRICES

Key determinants of monthly wholesale prices for 12 beef cuts include the quantity of the specific cut, stickiness in prices, marketing costs, quantities of pork and chicken, and seasonality. Seasonal patterns across the respective cuts are very different. Relative to the price in December, prices at the wholesale level in other months can be as much as 6 percent lower to as much as 21 percent higher.Wholesale prices, Beef cuts, Seasonality, Demand and Price Analysis, Livestock Production/Industries,

The response to frustration of physically fit and unfit individuals

Fifty-two male and 40 female undergraduates were tested for their levels of physical fitness as determined by predicted maximal oxygen uptake. By selecting the top and bottom ten subjects for each sex a fit and unfit group for both males and females was formed. All subjects were exposed to an emotionally stressful situation involving both frustration and insult

TEACHING MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT TO AN EXTENSION AUDIENCE IN AN INTER-DISCIPLINARY SETTING

This paper discusses how economists utilize an inter-disciplinary workshop to teach marketing and management concepts to beef cattle producers and beef industry advisors. Range and animal scientists along with economists teach concepts in the classroom and then demonstrate these concepts with hands-on field activities in an 8-day Ranch Practicum, spread over an 8-month period.Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,

Use of the Reve Eveille Dirige (Guided Daydream) for Selection of Vocation and College Major

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the guided daydream technique as a method for selection of a vocation and major area of study by college students seeking vocational counseling. Choices made by each student were rated by three judges relative to their degree of correspondence with the results of a specific battery of vocational tests which that student had taken. The ratings of these students' choices were compared with similar ratings made by the same judges on a control group of students who had also made choices of vocation and college major but had not participated in the guided daydream session

Evaluation of no evidence of progression or active disease (NEPAD) in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in the ORATORIO trial.

ObjectiveNo evidence of progression or active disease (NEPAD) is a novel combined endpoint defined by the absence of both progression and inflammatory disease activity in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). In the placebo-controlled phase III ORATORIO study (NCT01194570), we investigated the effect of ocrelizumab on this comprehensive outcome and its components in a post-hoc analysis.MethodsThe proportion of patients with NEPAD (no evidence of progression [NEP; no 12-week confirmed progression of ≥1/≥0.5 points on the Expanded Disability Status Scale if the baseline score was ≤5.5/>5.5 points, respectively; no 12-week confirmed progression of ≥20% on the Timed 25-Foot Walk test and 9-Hole Peg Test], no brain magnetic resonance imaging activity [no new/enlarging T2 lesions and no T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesions], and no protocol-defined relapse) from baseline to week 120 was determined in ocrelizumab- (600 mg; n = 465) and placebo-treated (n = 234) patients.ResultsThe majority of ORATORIO study patients with PPMS experienced clinical progression or evidence of disease activity. From baseline to week 120, 29.9% and 42.7% ocrelizumab-treated compared to 9.4% and 29.1% placebo-treated patients maintained NEPAD (relative risk [95% confidence interval {CI}], 3.15 [2.07-4.79]; p < 0.001) and NEP (relative risk [95% CI], 1.47 [1.17-1.84]; p < 0.001), respectively. Effects on the individual components of both measures were consistent with the compound outcomes.InterpretationCompared to placebo, ocrelizumab enhanced 3-fold the proportion of PPMS patients with no evidence of either progression or inflammatory disease activity. NEPAD may represent a sensitive and meaningful comprehensive measure of disease control in patients with PPMS. Ann Neurol 2018;84:527-536