Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Initial results from a phase II study of nivolumab (NIVO) plus ipilimumab (IPI) for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC; CheckMate 650).

142 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy has shown limited clinical benefit in patients (pts) with prostate cancer, likely due to an immunologically “cold” tumor microenvironment. We report preplanned interim efficacy/safety for NIVO + IPI in pts with mCRPC from CheckMate 650. Methods: Asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic pts who progressed after 2nd-generation hormone therapy and have not received chemotherapy for mCRPC (cohort 1) and pts who progressed after taxane-based chemotherapy (cohort 2) were included. Treatment was NIVO 1 mg/kg + IPI 3 mg/kg Q3W for 4 doses, then NIVO 480 mg every 4 weeks. Coprimary endpoints: objective response rate (ORR) and radiographic PFS per PCWG2. Safety is a secondary endpoint. Exploratory endpoints include correlation of biomarkers with efficacy. Results: 78 pts had a minimum follow-up of 6 months; among pts with baseline measurable disease, ORR was 26% and 10% in cohorts 1 and 2 (Table). In both cohorts, ORR was higher in pts with PD-L1 ≥1%, DNA damage repair (DDR), homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), or above-median tumor mutational burden (TMB). Of all PSA responding pts (Table), 4 had PSA <0.2 ng/mL. Grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 39% and 51% of pts in cohorts 1 and 2; one grade 5 event occurred in each cohort. Conclusions: In a malignancy where immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy has previously shown limited success, NIVO + IPI demonstrated activity in pretreated pts with mCRPC, particularly in a biomarker-enriched population, with a safety profile consistent with this dosing schedule. Further study is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT02985957. [Table: see text]
Emu Meat: New Source of Healthier Meat Towards Niche Market

Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is the second largest avian species in the world and is native to Australia. Emus are classified as ratites along with South African ostriches and South American rheas and are becoming popular as a source of low-fat, low-cholesterol, iron-rich red meat alternative. Emu meat has also been touted as a good source of protein, B vitamins, and creatine. In addition to its meat, emu oil has received attention for its possible therapeutic use, notably anti-inflamatory, and cosmetic benefits. However, the emu industry is very young, with already standardized hatching, feeding, rearing, and other management practices leading to the availability of a large number of grown-up birds. Hence, the emu industry is looking for science-based information in order to successfully produce and market emu meat, fat, skin, and feathers. The present review was prepared to provide information regarding emu slaughter, meat quality, composition, nutritional benefits, sensory attributes, comparison of emu meat over existing traditional meats, and emu fat and its potential therapeutic applications.
Survival and progression rates of anadromous brown trout kelts Salmo trutta during downstream migration in freshwater and at sea

: The marine migration of post-spawning anadromous fish remains poorly understood. The present study examined survival and progression rates of anadromous brown trout Salmo trutta L. after spawning (kelts) during downriver, fjord, and sea migration. Kelts (n = 49) were captured in the Danish River Gudenaa, tagged with acoustic transmitters and subsequently recorded by automatic receivers. Kelts spent on average 25 d moving down the 45 km river and through the brackish fjord. The fish entered the Kattegat Sea between 14 April and 30 May. Eighteen of the 49 kelts disappeared in the river and fjord during outward migration, likely due to mortality. Survival was not significantly related to gill Na + /K + -ATPase activity, suggesting that physiological adaptation to saltwater may be less critical for adults compared to juveniles (smolts). Of the 31 fish that entered the Kattegat Sea, 45% survived and returned to the fjord. The duration of the entire marine migration, from leaving to entering the river, was on average 163 d. The fish returned from the Kattegat Sea to the fjord between 22 July and 21 October. Upon return, the fish spent 1−90 d passing through Randers Fjord, with most individuals completing the reach within 4 d, suggesting that the kelts spent limited time foraging after returning to the fjord. The total survival during the entire marine migration, including the fjord, was a minimum of 29%. Our study provides data that are important for management of anadromous brown trout, and the high survival highlights that kelts may represent a valuable resource for both population reproduction and recreational fisheries.
Gut size changes in relation to variable food quality and body size in grasshoppers

Despite their short life span, insect herbivores such as grasshoppers can manipulate their gut in response to changes in food quality and body size, as previously documented in mammals and birds. Diet dilution greatly influenced the survival, development, weight gain and the proportional allocation to gut dry weight relative to body dry weight (G/B) of Melanoplus differentialis (Orthoptera: Acrididae). When diet quality increased from 1% N (total nitrogen) to 5% N, M. differentialis survived better, developed faster and gained more weight. However, increased gut size contributed to the ability to compensate for reduced food quality so that M. differentialis was able to survive equally well and develop equally fast on 3% N diets compared with individuals fed on 5% N diets
Inseminating dose and water volume applied to the artificial fertilization of Steindachneridion parahybae (Steindachner, 1877) (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae): Brazilian endangered fish

The Steindachneridion parahybae is an endangered catfish from Brazil and strategies applied for gametes optimization are necessary. The aim of this study was to assess inseminating doses and water volume upon the fertilization, hatching rates and percentage of normal larvae in S. parahybae . Was used a randomized design in factorial scheme (4×4) with four inseminating doses: 1.0×104, 1.0×105, 1.0×106, 1.0×107spermatozoa oocyte-1 and four volumes of water: 1, 35, 65 and 95mL of water g-1 of oocytes. The combination of doses and volumes were performed in triplicates (n=48). Each incubator (1.5L of useful volume) with 1g of oocytes was considered as an experimental unit. Significant interaction between inseminating doses and volumes of water to the values of the fertilization rates and quadratic effect of doses and volume for the values of hatching rates were observed. The doses and volumes did not influence the percentage of normal larvae (87.70±5.06%). It is recommended the use of 5.5×106 spermatozoa oocyte-1 and 1mL of water g-1 of oocytes during in vitro fertilization procedure. These results allowed us to develop new biotechnological strategies applied to the conservation of S. parahybae .
Handwriting performance in preterm children compared with term peers at age 6 to 7 years

Preterm infants are at high risk for developmental impairments at school age. However, the impact of these impairments on important life skills, such as handwriting, is unknown. Forty‐eight first‐grade children (27 males, 21 females; mean age 6y 7mo, SD 3.9mo; range 6y 1mo to 7y 3mo) born preterm (birthweight <1250g; gestational age <34wks), without major physical or cognitive disabilities, were matched to 69 healthy, term control children (32 males, 37 females; mean age 6y 10mo, SD 3.6mo; range 6y 3mo to 7y 4mo) by sex and school class. All children were assessed using the Evaluation Tool of Children's Handwriting‐Manuscript and several sensorimotor measures. Preterm children demonstrated significantly lower legibility and slower speed scores (p<0.01) compared with control children for most of the handwriting tasks. Factors associated with legibility were visual perception and eye‐hand coordination (r≤0.50;p<0.05) and sex (r≤0.12;p=0.01). In‐hand manipulation and finger identification (r≤0.43;p<0.01) were significantly correlated with slow handwriting speeds. Behaviour difficulties associated with hyperactivity and poor attention (Connors Abbreviated Symptoms Questionnaire) had a confounding influence on both legibility and speed. These findings may help guide early identification efforts and medical/therapeutic interventions for preterm children.
Balance control: sex and age differences in 9‐ to 16‐year‐olds

This study investigated sex and age differences in standing balance. Movement of the centre of pressure (COP) was calculated from ground reaction force data collected from a force platform during bipedal stance with eyes open and eyes closed. Three groups of 60 children, with 30 girls and 30 boys in each, were assessed. Mean ages of each group were as follows: 9 years 11 months (standard deviation [SD] 3mo); 12 years 11 months (SD2mo); and 15 years 11 months (SD3mo) respectively. Summary sway parameters and frequency domain variables were calculated in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. Boys exhibited greater COP movement than girls at 9 to 10 years of age. Age‐related‘improvements’in sway occurred in boys, thus some aspects of postural control are still developing after 9 to 10 years of age. As very little age‐related difference was seen in girls, boys may lag behind somewhat in terms of developing postural control. Thus there is a need to study the sexes separately when investigating balance in children.
An SIR Epidemic Disease Model with Vertical Transmission and Pulse Vaccination

In this paper,an SIR epidemic disease model with vertical transmission and pulse vaccination is investigated.Used an incidence rate of the form βI(1+vI)S,an 'infection-free' periodic solution is obtained,and the analysis of global stability of the 'infection-free' periodic solution is given.Furthermore,the sufficient condition for permanence of the system is obtained.
Genetic Diversity of Waxy Corn and Popcorn Landraces in Yunnan by SSR Markers

waxy corn landraces and 14 popcorn landraces in Yunnan were analyzed by SSR marker for genetic diversity. 61 primers and 43 primers were screened to be specific with chromosome 10 of waxy corn and popcorn respectively from 96 primers tested. Polymorphic fragments were amplified stably by each specific primer, 1-12 for waxy corn and 1-13 for popcorn. In total 226 specific DNA bands of 70-700 bp in size were detected in waxy corn with an average of 3.70 fragments for each primer. 9 primers accounting for 14.7% in the primers used could detect 1 allele, 2 primers accounting for 3.3% could detect 11 and 12 alleles respectively. Other 50 primers accounting for 82.0% could normally detect 2-7 alleles. For popcorn landraces, 232 alleles of 65-490 bp in size were detected in total, 5.40 alleles by each primer on average. 3 primers accounting for 7.0% could detect 1 allele, other 3 primers accounting for 7.0% could detect 12 and 13 alleles respectively. The rest of 37 primers accounting for 86.0% could usually detect 2-9 alleles. The results suggested that higher genetic polymorphism was maintained in local waxy corn and popcorn landraces of Yunnan. The result by cluster analysis showed that waxy corn could be divided into 3 groups and 5 sub groups, and popcorn into 3 groups and 4 sub groups. That was generally in accordance with the tendency of topography and altitude in Yunnan.
Behavioral profiles of children with infantile nephropathic cystinosis

Children with infantile nephropathic cystinosis have evidence of visuospatial and arithmetic deficits on a background of normal intellectual and verbal skills. This study aimed to define further their behavioral phenotype. The Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist was completed by parents of: 64 children and adolescents with cystinosis (33 females, 31 males; mean age 8y 8mo, range 4 to 16y, SD 2y 11mo); 101 healthy controls (47 females, 54 males; mean age 8y 4mo, range 4 to 16y, SD2y 11mo); 21 children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF), termed chronic‐disease controls (9 females, 12 males; mean age 11y 3mo, age range 4 to 17y, SD 3y 5mo). Compared with healthy controls, individuals with cystinosis had evidence of a significantly higher incidence of behavioral problems, including social problems, somatic complaints, and attention problems. Compared with the chronic‐disease control group, the cystinosis group differed only on the Social Problems scale, with 22% of participants with cystinosis scoring in the‘at risk’range whereas no participant with CF received an elevated score on this scale. We conclude that children and adolescents with cystinosis have evidence of a significant incidence of social difficulties compared with individuals with another chronic illness and healthy participants. The combination of visuospatial problems, difficulty with arithmetic, attention problems, and social difficulties seen in the cystinosis group constitutes a behavioral phenotype of this genetic disorder. This cluster of cognitive and behavioral symptoms is also seen in the nonverbal learning disabilities syndrome, and suggests a possible early difference in brain development in children with cystinosis compared with children who do not share this genetic disorder.
Using voltage‐sensitive dye recording to image the functional development of neuronal circuits in vertebrate embryos

Recent developments in the design of voltage-sensitive dyes and of recording apparatuses for detecting voltage-dependent changes in the optical properties of such dyes have established voltage-sensitive dye recording as an important technique for assessing the functional development of neuronal circuits in the brain and spinal cord. Here we discuss general technical issues regarding the recording of voltage-sensitive dye signals and describe studies that have utilized this approach to follow the development of sensory and sensorimotor circuits in the embryonic brain stem. Functional imaging through voltage-sensitive dye recording permits a noninvasive analysis of synaptic development and function at submillisecond temporal resolution in widely distributed circuits. These advantages are particularly valuable in assessing sensorimotor circuit development at early stages when neurons are small and synapses are fragile. ' 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 68: 804–816, 2008
Sound-source enumeration by hearing-impaired adults

To help measure the veracity with which the auditory world is heard by hearing-impaired listeners, we studied the ability to count the number of discrete sources that are present. In two experiments, stimuli were newly selected 5-s samples of concatenated sentences from 1 to 7 locations in simulated rooms of varying reverberation, presented from a circular loudspeaker array. In the first experiment, listeners responded with the number of locations heard after each presentation. In the second experiment, listeners heard two presentations, an interval with n sources (one talker per location) and an interval with n + 1 sources; listeners responded which interval had more sources. Results corroborate recent work showing the maximum number of identifiable sources is roughly four. Asymmetry in hearing impairment reduced the ability to enumerate locations. Various conditions of presentation were tested: headphone and aided results were not markedly different from unaided results, and reverberation had only a mod.
Variation in Life-History Pattern in Relation to Worker Mortality in the Bumble-Bee, Bombus lucorum

We experimentally varied worker mortality in laboratory colonies of Bombus lucorum to test for the effect of mortality occurring either early or late during the colony cycle on further development and eventual reproductive performance. Ten per cent of the workers were removed each day during 2 weeks immediately after eclosion of the second brood in 'early-stressed' colonies. The same percentage was removed for 2 weeks but 15 days after eclosion of the second brood in 'late-stressed' colonies. Such variation with respect to colony cycle could result from parasitization of worker bees by endoparasitic larvae of conopid flies (Diptera: Conopidae) at different times of the season. Neither earlynor late-stressed colonies compensated by producing more and/or smaller workers as compared to the controls in which no workers were removed. But stressed colonies invested on average less into male production in terms of biomass and numbers; no differences existed for gynes. Total biomass put into sexuals differed with group and sex ratios were highly skewed towards males. Body sizes of gynes, on the other hand, were somewhat smaller in stressed colonies than those produced by the control colonies. Start of reproduction, i.e. emergence of first sexuals in days after colony initiation and number of workers present at maturity, did not vary among treatments. We conclude that at least for the present experiment, environmental perturbation increasing worker mortality rate affects male numbers while in gynes body sizes decrease. Early stress had more effect on males, late stress more on production of gynes.
Genetic transformation of Hevea brasiliensis with the gene coding for superoxide dismutase with FMV 34S promoter

An efficient and reproducible protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation and plant regeneration of Hevea brasiliensis with the gene coding for superoxide dis- mutase under the control of Figwort Mosaic Virus(FMV)34S promoter has been developed.H. bra- siliensis(clone RRⅡ105)callus derived from immature anther was transformed with A.tumefaciens strain EHA 101,harbouring the binary vector containing the sequence coding for neomycin phospho- transferase(nptⅡ)as the selectable marker gene,β-glucuronidase(GUS)as the reporter gene and the sequence coding for Mn-superoxide dismutase(Mn-SOD)under the control of FMV 34S promoter. The kanamycin-resistant GUS positive calli were selected and proliferated in Murashige and Skoog medium fortified with 2,4-D(4.5 mM),BAP(2.2 mM)and NAA(1.1 mM). High-frequency embryo induction was obtained in modified MS medium supplemented with BAP(1.5 mM),Kn(1.4 mM),NAA(1.1 mM)and GA_3(2.0 mM). Embryo maturation was obtained in modified MS medium containing GA_3(1.2 mM)and TDZ(1.5 mM). Twenty per cent of the mature transgenic embryos developed into plantlets.These plantlets were planted in polybags after hardening and maintained in a greenhouse.The transformation event was confirmed by PCR amplification with SOD and nptⅡ- specific primers and Southern hybridization with nptⅡspecific probe using DNA isolated from trans- genic plants as the template.
Bodily pain and health‐related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy

Pain frequency and its association with participation, function, and health‐related quality of life were evaluated in a sample of 198 children (58% male; mean age 10 years 7 months, SD 3 years 11 months; range 5 to 18 years) with moderate to severe cerebral palsy (CP). Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) levels were III to V (23% level III, 23% level IV, 31% level V without a gastrostomy tube, and 23% were level V with a gastrostomy tube). Assessment was carried out using the parent‐report Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) and questions assessing health, medical utilization, and medication use. Pain frequency ranged from‘none’to‘every day’. Eleven percent of parents reported pain almost every day (z score=‐0.38, p < 0.001). Pain was related to severity of motor impairment and the presence of a gastrostomy; parents of the most severely affected children reported the highest pain frequency (p=0.05). Pain was correlated with school days missed (p=0.03) and days in bed (p=0.01). Children taking gastrointestinal medications were reported to have greater pain frequency (p < 0.001). The Parental Impact ‐Emotional subscale of the CHQ was correlated with reported pain (r=0.38, p < 0.001). Pain was frequent in children with moderate or severe CP. Pain was more prevalent with more severe impairment and was associated with educational and social consequences.
Developmental outcome, including setback, in young children with severe visual impairment

This study retrospectively investigated the developmental perspective of 69 children (40 males, 29 females) with‘potentially simple’congenital disorders of the peripheral visual system: development was examined in the context of degree of visual impairment. Developmental and visual assessments were carried out at 10 to 16 months (Time 1) and 27 to 54 months of age (Time 2). Participants were grouped according to (1) visual status: profound visual impairment (PVI), severe visual impairment (SVI); (2) developmental status on the Reynell‐Zinkin scales. A majority of the sample showed normal development on all subscales (62% Time 1, 57% Time 2). Those with PVI were more developmentally vulnerable than SVI with a greater incidence of (1) uneven developmental profile at Time 1 (48% PVI, 16% SVI); (2) global learning difficulties at Time 2 (37% PVI, 0% SVI); (3) delay on individual subscales at Time 2 (p<0.02 PVI versus SVI); (4) deceleration (verbal comprehension 74% PVI, 24% SVI, sensorimotor understanding 70% PVI, 27% SVI); and (5) severe developmental setback (33% PVI, 7% SVI). Risk factors of visual level, age, and sex for poor developmental outcome in infants with visual impairment were established.
Yield and nutritive value of herbaceous and browse forage legumes in the Borgou region of Benin

Four herbaceous (Aeschynomene histrix, Stylosanthes fruticosa, Centrosema pubescens and Mucuna pruriens var. utilis) and 2 browse forage legumes (Cajanus cajan and Leucaena leucocephala) were tested in a complete randomised block design (4 replicates) on infertile soils in the Borgou region of Benin over 3 consecutive rainy seasons (2000–2002). Leaf and stem production were measured as well as crude protein, crude fi bre, ash and mineral concentrations in leaves. The number of original plants surviving declined in all species except leucaena as the study progressed. Browse legumes produced more leaf material (including stems < 5 mm in diameter; mean of 4450 kg/ha DM) (P < 0.05) than herbaceous legumes (mean of 2370 kg/ha). While leaf production of leucaena increased with time, that of the remaining species declined as the study progressed. The lowest production (P < 0.05) was recorded for M. pruriens (1480 kg/ha DM). Leaf:stem ratio for the browse legumes (0.35–0.49:1) was lower (P < 0.05) than for the herbaceous legumes (0.87–1.10:1). Leaf material for all species was an acceptable source of crude protein (16–28% DM) to complement available forage on natural pastures and savannahs, especially during the dry season. However, concentrations of sodium and zinc in the material were below recommended levels for ruminant feeding.
Food marketing margins during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from vegetables in Ethiopia

It is widely feared that the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to a significant worsening of the food security situation in low and middle-income countries. One reason for this is the disruption of food marketing systems and subsequent changes in farm and consumer prices. Based on primary data in Ethiopia collected just before the start and a few months into the pandemic, we assess changes in farm and consumer prices of four major vegetables and the contribution of different segments of the rural-urban value chain in urban retail price formation. We find large, but heterogeneous, price changes for different vegetables with relatively larger changes seen at the farm level, compared to the consumer level, leading to winners and losers among local vegetable farmers due to pandemicrelated trade disruptions. We further note that despite substantial hurdles in domestic trade reported by most value chain agents, increases in marketing – and especially transportation – costs have not been the major contributor to overall changes in retail prices. Marketing margins even declined for half of the vegetables studied. The relatively small changes in marketing margins overall indicate the resilience of these domestic value chains during the pandemic in Ethiopia.