Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimized Management of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Response-Based Phase II Study (OMNIVORE).

PURPOSE In this phase II response-adaptive trial, we investigated the rational application of immune checkpoint blockade in renal cell carcinoma (RCC; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03203473). METHODS We enrolled patients with metastatic RCC with no prior checkpoint inhibitor exposure. All patients received nivolumab alone with subsequent arm allocation based on response. Patients with a confirmed partial response (PR) or complete response (CR) within 6 months discontinued nivolumab and were observed (arm A). Patients with stable disease or progressive disease (PD) after no more than 6 months of nivolumab received two doses of ipilimumab (arm B). The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients with PR/CR at 1 year after nivolumab discontinuation (arm A) and proportion of nivolumab nonresponders who converted to PR/CR after ipilimumab (arm B). RESULTS Overall, 83 patients initiated treatment, of whom 96% had clear-cell histology, 51% were treatment naïve, and 67% had intermediate/poor-risk disease. Median follow-up was 19.5 months. Within 6 months, induction nivolumab resulted in a confirmed PR in 12% of patients (n = 10). Fourteen patients were not allocated to a study arm (seven because of toxicity, seven because of PD). Twelve patients (14%) were allocated to arm A and discontinued nivolumab, of whom five (42%; 90% CI, 18% to 68%) remained off nivolumab at ≥ 1 year. Of 57 patients (69%) allocated to arm B, two patients converted to a confirmed PR (4%; 90% CI, 1% to 11%), and no CRs were observed. CONCLUSION In this study, nivolumab followed by two doses of ipilimumab resulted in no CRs and a low PR/CR conversion. The number of patients evaluated for nivolumab discontinuation was too small to assess the value of this approach. Currently, our data do not support a response-adaptive strategy for checkpoint blockade in advanced RCC.
Contaminant Effects on California Bay–Delta Species and Human Health

doi: https://doi.org/10.15447/sfews.2016v14iss4art5 Many contaminants in the California Bay–Delta (Bay–Delta) exceed regulatory standards, affect aquatic species, and potentially affect human health. Recent studies provide multiple lines of evidence that contaminants affect species of concern in the Bay–Delta (e.g., the decline of several important fish species referred to as the “Pelagic Organism Decline” or POD). Contaminants occur as dynamic complex mixtures and exert effects at multiple levels of biological organization. Multiple chemicals impair processes at cellular and physiological levels (measured as growth, development, and behavior abnormalities), and when viability and reproductive output are affected, populations are affected. As an important example, the population decline of the endangered Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) is significantly associated with multiple stressors, including insecticide use. New analyses presented in this paper show significant correlations between pyrethroid use and declining abundance of POD fish species. Water sampled from the Bay–Delta causes multiple deleterious effects in fish, and Delta Smelt collected from the Bay–Delta exhibit contaminant effects. Fish prey items are also affected by contaminants; this may have an indirect effect on their populations. Co-occurrence with thermal changes or disease can exacerbate contaminant effects. Contaminants also pose threats to human health via consumption of fish and shellfish, drinking water, and contact recreation, in particular, mercury, cyanobacteria toxins, disinfection byproducts, pathogens, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals and personal care products. The role of contaminants in the decline of Bay–Delta species is difficult to accurately assess in a complex, dynamic system. However, tools and approaches are available to evaluate contaminant effects on Bay–Delta species, and separate the effects of multiple stressors. Integrated monitoring and focused mechanistic studies are instrumental for addressing management needs. Effect and risk assessments should be conducted for different species across multiple life stages, with emphasis on early life stages of high-priority Bay–Delta species.
Forelimb myology of armadillos (Xenarthra: Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae): Anatomical correlates with fossorial ability

Descriptions of myology reflect adaptations of the post‐cranium and are essential for understanding the functional morphology of animal limbs. Armadillos (Cingulata) are the most species‐rich group of the basal superorder Xenarthra, which is evident by their various lifestyles (subterranean vs. terrestrial) and levels of fossoriality (fossorial vs. semi‐fossorial). While there have been several studies on limb bone proportions in numerous armadillos, limb myology has been reported for a limited number of species. Many of these descriptions need updating, and detailed quantitative muscle data are available only for nine‐banded armadillos. The main objective of this study is to assess the forelimb myology of the pichi (Zaedyus pichiy), screaming hairy (Chaetophractus vellerosus), large hairy (Chaetophractus villosus), and pink fairy (Chlamyphorus truncatus) armadillos with comparisons to previous observations to specify muscle traits that indicate scratch‐digging specializations in cingulates. Several myological features are variable among the species studied, including the origin of m. trapezius pars cervicalis, presence of a distinct m. rhomboideus profundus and m. omotransversarius, and number of heads present for m. triceps brachii and m. flexor digitorum profundus, all of which can be associated with variability in their respective habitats and functional habits. These traits are consistently observed in the members of the Euphractinae, whereas they are slightly divergent (i.e., reduced complexity) in the pink fairy armadillo despite a similar distribution of muscle mass in the limb retractors, elbow extensors, and carpal/digital flexors across species. The ecomorphology observed here among cingulates also confirms their recent reorganization into separate families and subfamilies.
Developmental neurotoxicity and toxic mechanisms induced by olaquindox in zebrafish

Olaquindox (OLA) has been widely used as an animal feed additive in China for decades; however, its toxicity and toxic mechanisms have not been well investigated. In this study, the developmental neurotoxicity and toxic mechanisms of OLA were evaluated in zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations of OLA (25–1,000 mg/L) from 6 to 120 hours post fertilization (hpf). OLA exposure resulted in many abnormal phenotypes in zebrafish, including shortened body length, notochord degeneration, spinal curvature, brain apoptosis, damage of axon and peripheral motor neuron, and hepatotoxicity. Interestingly, OLA increased zebrafish spontaneous tail coiling, while reduced locomotor capacity. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR) showed that the expression levels of nine marker genes for nervous system functions or development, namely, α1‐tubulin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (gfap), myelin basic protein (mbp), synapsinII a (syn2a), sonic hedgehog a (shha), encoding HuC (elavl3), mesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor (manf) growth associated protein 43 (gap43), and acetylcholinesterase (ache) were all down‐regulated significantly in zebrafish after treated with OLA. Besides, the anti‐apoptotic and pro‐apoptotic genes bcl‐2/bax ratio was reduced. These results show that OLA exposure could cause severe developmental neurotoxicity in the early stages of zebrafish life and OLA might induce neurotoxicity by inhibiting the expression of neuro‐developmental genes and promoting apoptosis.
LIFT: a feasible option for primary and recurrent fistulas

Abstract Background The development of a surgical solution for anal fistulas with minimal recurrence and morbidity remains a challenge. Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), however, is a sphincter sparing technique that provides complete resolution of the transsphincteric fistula as well as minimizing recurrence and fecal incontinence. Our goal is to evaluate the efficacy of fistula tract ligation for primary and recurrent fistulas. Methods A retrospective single-center case study was conducted from data between 2015 and 2019 in a large district hospital in Antwerp, Belgium. Patients who underwent LIFT were included. Demographic patient data as well as primary outcome during the follow-up period were collected. A systematic literature review and analysis was conducted with terms [ANAL FISTULA] [TREATMENT] [LIFT] [LIGATION OF INTERSPHINCTERIC FISTULA]. Primary healing and recurrence associated with surgical modifications were investigated. Results 4 out of 25 patients presented with early failure (84% primary success rate) after a median follow-up period of 7 months. The median time until recurrence was 105 days. The success rate after a redo ligation was 100%. Twenty-eight studies were included for review and divided into three groups depending on the technical variation of the used technique. The success rate was 74.2% for the LIFT group, 72.9% in the LIFT + group, and 77.5% in the mLIFT group p = . 92. Conclusion LIFT is a feasible treatment option for primary and recurrent fistulas, with excellent success rates where fistula characteristics rather than chosen technique dictate the surgical outcome.
References Values for the Current Perception Threshold in the Pharynx Based on a Study of a Healthy Population

Objectives: The application of the current perception threshold (CPT) in the diagnosis of pharyngeal sensory abnormalities has rarely been studied, and there is a lack of reference values for this application. This study established a normal reference range for CPT in the pharynx based on a study of a healthy population. Methods: The CPT values of the palatoglossal arch, posterior 1/3 of the lingual body and hard palate were measured in 60 healthy individuals at 2000, 250, and 5 Hz. The influencing factors were analyzed, and reference values for the CPT were established. Results: There was no correlation between the CPT value and gender. Age was only correlated at 250 Hz level in the hard palate. The CPT values of the palatoglossal arch were 324.95 ± 82.422 at 2000 Hz, 66.90 ± 38.622 at 250 Hz, and 13 ± 14.93 (7.83-22.75) at 5 Hz. The CPT values of the posterior 1/3 of the lingual body were 359.17 ± 76.299 at 2000 Hz, 86.92 ± 35.151 at 250 Hz, and 19 ± 15.73 (13.03-28.75) at 5 Hz. The CPT values of the hard palate were 157.5 ± 61.75 (124-185.75) at 2000 Hz, 57.63 ± 28.785 at 250 Hz, and 22 ± 25.73 (11.03-36.75) at 5 Hz. Conclusions: The CPT values of the pharynx in healthy people were not related to gender. The CPT values of the hard palate for 250 Hz stimulation were related to age, and there were no relationships between the CPT values and age for the other frequencies and loci. We established a normal reference range of CPT values in the pharynx from measurements obtained from healthy populations.
Neuropathic Pain after Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Correction Surgery

Study Design Prospective study. Purpose To investigate the prevalence and the associated risk factors of chronic neuropathic pain symptoms using painDETECT questionnaire in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery. Overview of Literature Post-lumbar surgery syndrome is a disease entity that describes neuropathic pain following spinal surgery. However, few studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors for neuropathic pain in pediatric population undergoing corrective spinal surgery. Methods Forty AIS patients were recruited. Demographic, preoperative, and postoperative data were recorded. The magnitude and characteristics of postoperative pain were assessed using the painDETECT questionnaire through telephone enquiries at intervals of 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Statistical analyses were followed by Pearson correlation test to determine the relationship between pain scores at 6, 12, and 24 weeks with the risk factors. Results Based on the painDETECT questionnaire, 90% of the patients had nociceptive pain, and 10% had a possible neuropathic pain component at 2 weeks postoperatively as per a mean painDETECT score of 7.1±4.5. Assessments at 6, 12, and 24 weeks showed that no patients had neuropathic pain with painDETECT scores of 4.4±3.2, 2.9±2.9, and 1.5±2.0, respectively. There was a significant correlation between total postoperative morphine use during 48 hours after the surgery and a tendency to develop neuropathic pain (p=0.022). Conclusions Chronic neuropathic pain was uncommon in AIS patients who had undergone PSF surgery. Higher opioid consumption will increase the possibility of developing chronic neuropathic pain.
A radiographic study of breed-specific vertebral heart score and vertebral left atrial size in Chihuahuas.

Although echocardiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of cardio-structural disease, thoracic radiography is a rapid, cost-effective, and widely accessible method for evaluating cardiac size in dogs. The vertebral heart score (VHS) and the vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) are established as objective measures of cardiomegaly on thoracic radiographs. However, several studies have shown significant variations in the VHS among different breeds. The Chihuahua is predisposed to both congenital and acquired cardiac diseases. The aim of this prospective, single-center, cross sectional study was thus to evaluate the VHS and the VLAS in healthy adult Chihuahua dogs. A total of 30 Chihuahuas were included. The VHS values in our sample population of Chihuahuas were 10.0 ± 0.6 (95% range, 8.9-11.0). This was significantly greater than the canine reference value of 9.7 ± 0.5 established by Buchanan and Bücheler (P = .002). The VLAS of Chihuahuas in our study was 1.8 ± 0.2 (95% range, 1.3-2.1). This was significantly lower than the values previously reported by Malcolm et al (2.07 ± 0.25; P = .0004). The VHS and the VLAS were not influenced by sex, body weight, short or long hair, and body condition score in normal Chihuahuas. Our results indicated that breed-specific reference values for radiographic VHS and VLAS are needed. In Chihuahuas, the values found in this study can be used as a normal reference in order to help avoid overinterpretation of cardiomegaly in these dogs.
Dung and Gatrointestinal Nematode Eggs Buried by Euoniticellus intermedius (Reiche) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)

Abstract The phenology of the dung beetle Euoniticellus intermedius (Reiche) was studied under field conditions, along with two main environmental services: the quantity of dung buried per beetle under controlled insectarium conditions; and the monthly abundance of nematode eggs in cattle dung that had not been treated with anti-helminthics. Euoniticellus intermedius was very abundant during the rainy season. Similarly, the highest number of nematode eggs was found during the rainy season. Recently emerged E. intermedius in the laboratory buried daily less than half the dung (0.91 ± 0.16 grams) buried by mature individuals (2.17 ± 0.04 grams). During the rainy season, each recently emerged beetle buried an average of 53.7 nematode eggs, and each mature beetle buried 128 eggs. During the dry season, each recently emerged beetle buried on average 4.6 eggs, whereas mature beetle buried on average 10.9 eggs. Our results show that the quality of environmental services provided by E. intermedius is dependent on the season and age of dung beetles. We recommend that cattle not be dewormed during the dry months of the year, as the risk of nematode transmission to cattle is low, while the threat of parasiticides on the dung fauna and associated ecosystem services is high.
The work environment of haemodialysis nurses and its mediating role in burnout.

BACKGROUND The work environment can contribute to the occurrence of nurses' burnout. OBJECTIVES This study assessed the work environment of haemodialysis nurses and the extent of burnout they have suffered, and it explored the connection between work environment and burnout. DESIGN A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in 53 public, hospital-based haemodialysis units in Greece. PARTICIPANTS A total of 537 haemodialysis nurses participated. The majority consisted of females (90.8%) who possessed a university degree or a degree from a technological institute (72.6%). They had an average of 15 years of experience in dialysis. MEASUREMENTS The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) were used. The demographic characteristics of the participants were also collected. RESULTS Although the nurses rated their work environment as healthy, they were experiencing a moderate degree of burnout. The multivariate linear regression analysis with the CBI scales as dependent variables was applied. The increased nurses' participation in hospital affairs was associated with decreased personal (coefficient β = -9.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -17.4 to -1.3, p = 0.023), work-related (coefficient β = -12.9, 95% CI = -22.5 to -3.5, p = 0.008) and patient-related burnout (coefficient β = -15.9, 95% CI = -24.5 to -7.4, p = < 0.001). The better collegial nurse-physician relationships were associated with decreased personal (coefficient β = -10.7, 95% CI = -18.3 to -3.0, p = .007) and work-related burnout (coefficient β = -15.1, 95% CI = -23.3 to -7.0, p = < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The work environment of haemodialysis nurses was associated with burnout. Its improvement is an important tool in administrations' effort to ensure the nursing staff's well-being.
Ciclo gametogênico de Iphigenia brasiliana (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Donacidae) no estuário do rio Subaé – Baía de Todos os Santos – Bahia, Brasil

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o ciclo gametogenico da populacao de Iphigenia brasiliana (Lamarck,1818) no estuario do rio Subae – Baia de Todos os Santos – Bahia, Brasil. Os organismos foram amostrados de novembro/2001 a novembro/2002, tateando-se o substrato do banco de areia ainda semi-submerso. O estudo histologico das gonadas foi realizado atraves de cortes seriados do tecido gonadal, de 5mm de espessura, e corados pela hematoxilina-eosina. Foram caracterizados quatro estadios de evolucao do desenvolvimento gonadal feminino e masculino: maturacao, eliminacao, eliminacao avancada e recuperacao. A analise dos diferentes estadios permitiu a observacao dos fenomenos de atresia e inversao sexual em femeas. Nesses animais, o esvaziamento da gonada se faz de forma parcial e, quando a fase de eliminacao avancada se instala, segue-se uma fase de recuperacao, na qual a gonada entra novamente em maturacao e o ciclo recomeca, nao havendo periodo de repouso.
Composition Chimique Et Activité Antimicrobienne Des Huiles Essentielles De Deux Espèces De Lavande : Lavandula Dentata Spp. Dentata Et Lavandula Peduncultata Spp. Pedunculata

The aim of the present work is to compare the chemical composition, antibacterial and antifungal activity of two spontaneous species of lavender "Lavandula stoechas L. " and "Lavandula dentata L. " in Morocco. A phytochemical screening was performed on the aerial part of invested plants. The qualitative variation was revealed in the secondary metabolites of the species studied. Subsequently, the dosage of the crude organic extracts showed that the polyphenol content was higher in the methanol fraction, with an important yield in L. dentata. Also, the essential oils of the aerial part, obtained by hydrodistillation gave higher yields in L. dentata than L. pedunculata. Finally, tests of the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the essential oils of the two species were performed on four strains of bacterial pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus "Gram+," and Escherichia coli; Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis which are Gram-), and three phytopathogenic fungi : Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus brasiliensis and Penicillium expansum, The results obtained showed that the essential oil of L. dentata showed a strong antibacterial activity against the studied strains, particularly against S. aureus. While the antifungal activity revealed that L. pedunculata has a remarkable antifungal power against the fungi tested in comparison with L. dentata.
DEEP TERRAIN ESTIMATION FOR PLANETARY ROVERS

This research is developed within the ADE (Autonomous DEcision making in Very Long Traverses) project funded by the European Union to develop novel technologies for future space robotics missions. ADE’s objective is to increase the range of traveled distance of a planetary exploration rover up to 1 km/sol, while ensuring at the same time optimal scientific data return. In this context, the ability to sense and classify the type of traversed surface plays a critical role. The paper presents a terrain classifier that is based on the measurements of motion states and wheel forces and torques to predict characteristics relevant for locomotion using machine and deep learning algorithms. The proposed approach is tested and demonstrated in the field using the SherpaTT rover, that uses an active suspension system to adapt to terrain unevenness.
Distributed Force/Position Optimization Dynamics for Cooperative Unknown Payload Manipulation*

We consider the problem of manipulating an unknown payload using multiple agents. The objective is to find both optimal grasping positions and input forces for agents to apply so that the resulting linear and angular velocities make the rigid object track a reference. The associated optimization problem is split into force and position subproblems. The primal–dual gradient dynamics for the force subproblem can be completely decoupled into local dynamics that each agent can implement using only local measurements. The proximal gradient dynamics for the position subproblem require only local object shape information and relative positions between adjacent agents. We prove that combining the optimization dynamics for these subproblems yields an algorithm that converges to a locally optimal point for the joint force-position problem, and provide numerical simulations that demonstrate its performance on practical problems.