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Biomedical subjects

Steven K Libutti

Publications and source records attributed to Steven K Libutti.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Radiofrequency ablation of cancer.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used for over 18 years for treatment of nerve-related chronic pain and cardiac arrhythmias. In the last 10 years, technical developments have increased ablation volumes in a controllable, versatile, and relatively inexpensive manner. The host of clinical applications for RFA have similarly expanded. Current RFA equipment, techniques, applications, results, complications, and research avenues for local tumor ablation are summarized.

Catheter Ablation↗

Using gene expression profiling to differentiate benign versus malignant thyroid tumors.

DNA microarrays allow quick and complete evaluation of a cell's transcriptional activity. Expression genomics is very powerful in that it can generate expression data for a large number of genes simultaneously across multiple samples. In cancer research, an intriguing application of expression arrays includes assessing the molecular components of the neoplastic process and utilizing the data for cancer classification (Miller LD, et al. Cancer Cell 2002;2:353-61). Classification of human cancers into distinct groups based on their molecular profile rather than their histological appearance may prove to be more relevant to specific cancer diagnoses and cancer treatment regimes. Several attempts to formulate a consensus about classification and treatment of thyroid carcinoma based on standard histopathological analysis have resulted in published guidelines for diagnosis and initial disease management (Sherman SI. Lancet 2003;361:501-11). In the past few decades, no improvement has been made in the differential diagnosis of thyroid tumors by fine needle aspiration biopsy, specifically suspicious or indeterminate thyroid lesions, suggesting that a new approach to this should be explored. Therefore, in this study, we developed a gene expression approach to diagnose benign versus malignant thyroid lesions in 73 patients with thyroid tumors. We successfully built a 10 and 6 gene model able to differentiate benign versus malignant thyroid tumors. Our results support the premise that a molecular classification system for thyroid tumors is possible, and this in turn may provide a more accurate diagnostic tool for the clinician managing patients with suspicious thyroid lesions.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Gene array analysis of macronodular adrenal hyperplasia confirms clinical heterogeneity and identifies several candidate genes as molecular mediators.

Corticotropin (ACTH)-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH) is a heterogeneous condition in which cortisol secretion may be mediated by gastrointestinal peptide (GIP), vasopressin, catecholamines and other hormones. We studied the expression profile of AIMAH by genomic cDNA microarray analysis. Total RNA was extracted from eight tissues (three GIP-dependent) and compared to total RNA obtained from adrenal glands from 62 normal subjects. Genes had to be altered in 75% of the patients, and be up- or downregulated at a cutoff ratio of at least 2.0; 82 and 31 genes were found to be consistently up- and downregulated, respectively. Among the former were regulators of transcription, chromatin remodeling, and cell cycle and adhesion. Downregulated sequences included genes involved in immune responses and insulin signaling. Hierarchical clustering correlated with the two main AIMAH diagnostic groups: GIP-dependent and non-GIP-dependent. The genes encoding the 7B2 protein (SGNE1) and WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 2 (WISP2) were specifically overexpressed in the GIP-dependent AIMAH. For these, and six more genes, the data were validated by semiquantitative amplification in samples from a total of 32 patients (the original eight, six more cases of AIMAH, and 18 other adrenocortical hyperplasias and tumors) and the H295R adrenocortical cancer cell line. In conclusion, our data confirmed AIMAH's clinical heterogeneity by identifying molecularly distinct diagnostic subgroups. Several candidate genes that may be responsible for AIMAH formation and/or progression were also identified, suggesting pathways that affect the cell cycle, adhesion and transcription as possible mediators of adrenocortical hyperplasia.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗

Insulinomas and expression of an insulin splice variant.

BACKGROUND: Insulinomas are beta-cell tumours characterised by uncontrolled insulin secretion even in the presence of hypoglycaemia. However, the mechanisms allowing such excessive insulin secretion are not known. Insulin secretion can occur only when the beta-cell insulin stores have been replenished by insulin biosynthesis, which is mainly controlled by translation. Such specific translational regulation often involves the 5' untranslated region. We have identified an insulin splice variant in isolated human pancreatic islets of non-diabetic donors that retains 26 bp of intron 1 and thereby changes the 5' untranslated region, but leaves the coding region unchanged. This splice variant has increased translation efficiency in vitro and in vivo compared with native insulin mRNA. However, splice variant expression is less than 1% of native insulin mRNA in normal islets. METHODS: To test whether this splice variant is involved in insulin production by human insulinomas, we extracted RNA from nine laser-captured surgical insulinoma samples and from isolated islets of nine donors who did not have diabetes. We then determined the ratio of splice variant to native insulin mRNA by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. FINDINGS: The mean ratio of the splice variant to native insulin mRNA was increased more than 50-fold in insulinomas compared with normal islets, and this difference was present in all nine human insulinomas. Overexpression of the splice variant therefore seems to be a general characteristic of insulinomas and is estimated to contribute about 90% to insulin synthesis by these tumours. INTERPRETATION: Overexpression of the insulin splice variant with increased translation efficiency in insulinomas might explain how these tumours maintain high levels of insulin synthesis and secretion leading to hyperinsulinaemia-the hallmark of this disease.

Alternative Splicing↗

A novel technique for quantifying changes in vascular density, endothelial cell proliferation and protein expression in response to modulators of angiogenesis using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay.

Reliable quantitative evaluation of molecular pathways is critical for both drug discovery and treatment monitoring. We have modified the CAM assay to quantitatively measure vascular density, endothelial proliferation, and changes in protein expression in response to anti-angiogenic and pro-angiogenic agents. This improved CAM assay can correlate changes in vascular density with changes seen on a molecular level. We expect that these described modifications will result in a single in vivo assay system, which will improve the ability to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying the angiogenic response.

Journal Article↗

Treatment of patients with unresectable primary hepatic malignancies using hyperthermic isolated hepatic perfusion.

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) is a regional treatment technique that isolates the organ to allow delivery of high-dose chemotherapy, biological agents, and hyperthermia directly to unresectable cancers confined to the liver. This study presents our experience using IHP with melphalan with or without tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to treat patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of hepatobiliary origin. Nine patients with unresectable primary hepatic malignancies underwent a 60-minute IHP with 1.5 mg/kg melphalan with or without 1.0 mg TNF. Four patients failed one or more previous treatment regimens, and the mean hepatic replacement by tumor was 41% (range 10% to 75%). Patients were monitored for response, toxicity, time to recurrence, and survival. Six (67%) of nine patients experienced greater than 50% regression of tumor by objective radiographic imaging and an additional patient had a 45% reduction in tumor burden. Mean time to progression was 7.7 months for those who responded to treatment. Patients who had a response to therapy had an average overall survival of 16.3 months. IHP can be performed safely and has significant antitumor activity in patients with unresectable primary hepatic malignancies. Hepatic progression continues to be the dominant factor influencing survival in this group of patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Isolated hepatic perfusion for the treatment of patients with advanced liver metastases from pancreatic and gastrointestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: We report results of using isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) in patients with advanced progressive liver metastases (LM) from pancreatic and gastrointestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). METHODS: Thirteen patients with LM from NENs (mean percent hepatic replacement, 30; range, 10-60) were treated with a 1-hour hyperthermic IHP via a laparotomy with the use of 1.5 or 2.0 mg/kg melphalan and/or 1 mg tumor necrosis factor. An oxygenated extracorporeal circuit with inflow through the gastroduodenal artery and common hepatic artery, and outflow to a segment of the inferior vena cava was used. Portal flow and inferior vena cava flow were shunted to the axillary vein. Radiographic response, recurrence pattern, and survival were assessed. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 9 hours (8-11 hours), and a median hospital stay was 10 days (6-64 days). Fifty percent of evaluable patients had a radiographic partial response in the liver (mean duration, 15 months; range, 6-26 months; 2 ongoing). Four had a marginal response (25%-49% reduction in the neoplasm). The median, hepatic, progression-free survival was 7 months (range, 3-27 months). The median actuarial survival was 48 months including 1 treatment mortality (median follow-up, 23 months). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with advanced LM from NENs, IHP provides a reasonable response rate and duration with acceptable morbidity; continued clinical evaluation is important.

Adult↗

Oncolytic vaccinia virus expressing the human somatostatin receptor SSTR2: molecular imaging after systemic delivery using 111In-pentetreotide.

Oncolytic vaccinia viruses (VV) have demonstrated tumor specificity, high levels of transgene expression, and anti-tumor effects. The ability to visualize vector biodistribution noninvasively will be necessary as gene therapy vectors come to clinical trials, and the creation of a VV that can both treat tumors and permit noninvasive imaging after systemic delivery is therefore an exciting concept. To facilitate imaging, a VV expressing the human somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) was created. Cells infected with the SSTR2-expressing VV or controls were incubated with the somatostatin analog 111In-pentetreotide with or without an excess of nonradiolabeled pentetreotide. The SSTR2-infected cells bound 111In-pentetreotide sixfold more efficiently than control virus-infected cells and this binding was specifically blocked by nonradiolabeled pentetreotide. Nude mice bearing subcutaneous murine colon CA xenografts were injected intraperitoneally with the SSTR2-expressing VV or control VV. After 6 days, mice were injected with 111In-pentetreotide and imaged. Mice were sacrificed and organs collected and counted in a gamma counter. The uptake of radioactivity in tumors and normal tissues (percentage injected dose per gram) and tumor-to-normal tissue ratios were determined. Tumors infected with the SSTR2-expressing VV accumulated significantly higher concentrations of radioactivity compared to tumors in animals receiving the control virus. SSTR2-infected tumors were visible on imaging 6 days after VV injection and could be visualized for up to 3 weeks post-viral injection using repeat injections of 111In-pentetreotide. This reporter gene imaging strategy could be a very effective method to visualize vector distribution, expression, and persistence over time and enhances the potential of VV as a novel anti-cancer therapeutic.

Animals↗

Early genetic mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of endostatin and fumagillin on human endothelial cells.

A tumor needs to initiate angiogenesis in order to develop its own blood supply, to grow, to invade, and to spread. Angiogenesis, under normal conditions, is a tightly regulated balance between endogenous pro- and antiangiogenic factors. In this study, we investigated, by microarray analysis, the effects of two known antiangiogenic agents (endostatin and fumagillin) on the gene expression profiles of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in order to elucidate pathways common to the effects of these agents. We observed a majority of gene expression changes within 1 and 2 h of treatment. The genes demonstrating these early expression changes are involved in cell proliferation, gene transcription, and a number have unknown functions. We selected four genes (DOC1, KLF4, TC-1, ID1) from the microarray profile that showed a similar pattern of expression for both of the antiangiogenic agents we tested. We then used small interfering RNAs (siRNA) in an attempt to better understand the role of these selected genes in the inhibitory activity of these agents. Because the gene expression changes occurred within 1 and 2 h of treatment, these genes might be involved in the initial pathways of angiogenesis inhibition.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

Molecular pathology of the MEN1 gene.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), among all syndromes, causes tumors in the highest number of tissue types. Most of the tumors are hormone producing (e.g., parathyroid, enteropancreatic endocrine, anterior pituitary) but some are not (e.g., angiofibroma). MEN1 tumors are multiple for organ type, for regions of a discontinuous organ, and for subregions of a continuous organ. Cancer contributes to late mortality; there is no effective prevention or cure for MEN1 cancers. Morbidities are more frequent from benign than malignant tumor, and both are indicators for screening. Onset age is usually earlier in a tumor type of MEN1 than of nonhereditary cases. Broad trends contrast with those in nonneoplastic excess of hormones (e.g., persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy). Most germline or somatic mutations in the MEN1 gene predict truncation or absence of encoded menin. Similarly, 11q13 loss of heterozygosity in tumors predicts inactivation of the other MEN1 copy. MEN1 somatic mutation is prevalent in nonhereditary, MEN1-like tumor types. Compiled germline and somatic mutations show almost no genotype/phenotype relation. Normal menin is 67 kDa, widespread, and mainly nuclear. It may partner with junD, NF-kB, PEM, SMAD3, RPA2, FANCD2, NM23beta, nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-A, GFAP, and/or vimentin. These partners have not clarified menin's pathways in normal or tumor tissues. Animal models have opened approaches to menin pathways. Local overexpression of menin in Drosophila reveals its interaction with the jun-kinase pathway. The Men1+/- mouse has robust MEN1; its most important difference from human MEN1 is marked hyperplasia of pancreatic islets, a tumor precursor stage.

Animals↗

Simplified kinetic analysis of tumor 18F-FDG uptake: a dynamic approach.

UNLABELLED: Standardized uptake value (SUV) is often used to quantify (18)F-FDG tumor use. Although useful, SUV suffers from known quantitative inaccuracies. Simplified kinetic analysis (SKA) methods have been proposed to overcome the shortcomings of SUV. Most SKA methods rely on a single time point (SKA-S), not on tumor uptake rate. We describe a hybrid between Patlak analysis and existing SKA-S methods, using multiple time points (SKA-M) but reduced imaging time and without measurement of an input function. We compared SKA-M with a published SKA-S method and with Patlak analysis. METHODS: Twenty-seven dynamic (18)F-FDG scans were performed on 11 cancer patients. A population-based (18)F-FDG input function was generated from an independent patient population. SKA-M was calculated using this population input function and either a short, late, dynamic acquisition over the tumor (starting 25-35 min after injection and ending approximately 55 min after injection) or dynamic imaging 10 or 25 min to approximately 55 min after injection but using only every second or third time point, to permit a 2- or 3-field-of-view study. SKA-S was also calculated. Both SKA-M and SKA-S were compared with the gold standard, Patlak analysis. RESULTS: Both SKA-M (1 field of view) and SKA-S correlated well with Patlak slope (r > 0.99, P < 0.001, and r = 0.96, P < 0.001, respectively), as did multilevel SKA-M (r > 0.99 and P < 0.001 for both). Mean values of SKA-M (25-min start time) and SKA-S were statistically different from Patlak analysis (P < 0.001 and P < 0.04, respectively). One-level SKA-M differed from the Patlak influx constant by only -1.0% +/- 1.4%, whereas SKA-S differed by 15.1% +/- 3.9%. With 1-level SKA-M, only 2 of 27 studies differed from K(i) by more than 20%, whereas with SKA-S, 10 of 27 studies differed by more than 20% from K(i). CONCLUSION: Both SKA-M and SKA-S compared well with Patlak analysis. SKA-M (1 or multiple levels) had lower variability and bias than did SKA-S, compared with Patlak analysis. SKA-M may be preferred over SUV or SKA-S when a large unmetabolized (18)F-FDG fraction is expected and 1-3 fields of view are sufficient.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Analysis of factors associated with outcome in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma undergoing surgical debulking and intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) arising in the peritoneal cavity is a rare neoplasm characterized by peritoneal progression and for which there are limited therapeutic options. We evaluated the peritoneal progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS, respectively) for patients with peritoneal MM after surgical resection and regional chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients (28 males, 21 females; median age, 47 years; range, 16 to 76 years) with MM underwent laparotomy, tumor resection, continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion with cisplatin (median dose 250 mg/m2), and a single postoperative intraperitoneal dwell of fluorouracil and paclitaxel (n = 35) on protocols approved by the Institutional Review Board. Standard techniques for actuarial analyses of potential prognostic variables (Kaplan-Meier method with two-tailed log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model) were performed. RESULTS: At a median potential follow-up of 28.3 months, median actuarial PFS is 17 months and actuarial OS is 92 months. Factors associated with improved PFS and OS by the Cox proportional hazards model were a history of previous debulking surgery, absence of deep tissue invasion, minimal residual disease after surgical resection (OS only), and age younger than 60 years (OS only). CONCLUSION: Surgical resection and regional chemotherapy for MM results in durable PFS and OS. Favorable outcome is associated with age, tumor biology (selection of patients with a history of previous debulking), lack of invasive tumor growth, and minimal residual disease after tumor resection.

Adolescent↗

Hyperthermic isolated hepatic perfusion using melphalan for patients with ocular melanoma metastatic to liver.

PURPOSE: Liver metastases are the sole or life-limiting component of disease in the majority of patients with ocular melanoma who recur. Because median survival after diagnosis of liver metastases is short and no satisfactory treatment options exist, we have conducted clinical trials evaluating isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) for patients afflicted with this condition. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Twenty-nine patients (male: 14, female: 15; mean age, 49 years) with unresectable liver metastases from ocular melanoma were treated with a 60-min hyperthermic IHP using 1.5 mg/kg of melphalan (mean total dose 105 mg). Via laparotomy, perfusion inflow was established with a cannula in the gastroduodenal artery and outflow via a cannula positioned in an isolated segment of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava. Portal and infra-renal inferior vena cava blood flow was shunted externally to the axillary vein using a veno-veno bypass circuit. Patients were assessed for toxicity, radiographic response, and survival. RESULTS: There was no treatment related mortality and transient grade 3/4 hepatic toxicity was observed in 19 patients (65%). Mean length of operation and hospital stay was 8.3 h and 10 days, respectively. There were 3 (10%) complete responses (duration: 12, 14+, 15 months) and 15 partial responses (52%; mean duration: 10 months). The initial site of disease progression included liver in 17 of 25 patients (68%) who recurred. At a median follow-up of 30.7 months the median actuarial progression-free and overall survivals were 8 and 12.1 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IHP with melphalan alone results in significant regression of established liver metastases for patients with ocular melanoma. However, after IHP, disease progression is most commonly observed in the liver, and survival after disease progression is short. On the basis of a pattern of tumor progression predominantly in liver, continued clinical evaluation of hepatic directed therapy in this patient population is justified.

Adult↗

Parathyroid gland-specific deletion of the mouse Men1 gene results in parathyroid neoplasia and hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism.

The inactivation of the MEN1 tumor suppressor gene in patients leads to a constellation of changes in endocrine tissues, including parathyroid neoplasia, pituitary adenomas, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and carcinoids. To study the pathophysiological consequences of the deletion of the MEN1 gene, we set out to create a mouse model of hyperparathyroidism resulting from the deletion of the Men1 gene in parathyroid tissue. We introduced a Men1 gene flanked by loxP sites into the mouse germ line and then used a parathyroid cell-specific promoter to drive the expression of Cre recombinase, resulting in the deletion of the Men1 gene. Here, we show that loss of Men1 gene function in the parathyroid glands of mice results in histological changes consistent with parathyroid neoplasia as well as systemic hypercalcemia. This model provides a means for dissecting the molecular basis of this familial cancer syndrome and may allow for the development of new strategies to treat related forms of hypercalcemia.

Animals↗

Angiogenesis inhibitors target the endothelial cell cytoskeleton through altered regulation of heat shock protein 27 and cofilin.

Inhibition of angiogenesis has emerged as a key focus for the treatment of cancer, necessitating a better understanding of the downstream molecular targets of angiogenesis inhibitors. Endostatin, thrombospondin-1, fumagillin, and its synthetic derivative, TNP-470, are potent inhibitors of endothelial cell proliferation and migration in culture and of angiogenesis in vivo. To identify targets that mediate the effects of these inhibitors, we compared two-dimensional gel electrophoresis patterns from lysates of treated and untreated human endothelial cells. Among the proteins identified were cofilin and hsp27, two proteins involved in actin dynamics. Western blotting and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that the phosphorylation states and subcellular localization of these two proteins were affected by all of the inhibitors tested and that treated cells had a more extensive network of actin stress fibers and more numerous focal adhesion plaques compared with untreated cells. Endothelial monocyte activating polypeptide II, another angiogenesis inhibitor, elicited the same response in the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesions of endothelial cells. This more adherent phenotype may explain the shared ability of these inhibitors to block endothelial migratory signals. Starting with a proteomics approach, we have identified common effector molecules used by a panel of angiogenesis inhibitors that perturb the cytoskeleton to prevent endothelial migration.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

von Hippel-Lindau disease.

von Hippel-Lindau disease is a heritable multisystem cancer syndrome that is associated with a germline mutation of the VHL tumour suppressor gene on the short arm of chromosome 3. This disorder is not rare (about one in 36000 livebirths) and is inherited as a highly penetrant autosomal dominant trait (ie, with a high individual risk of disease). Affected individuals are at risk of developing various benign and malignant tumours of the central nervous system, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, and reproductive adnexal organs. Because of the complexities associated with management of the various types of tumours in this disease, treatment is multidisciplinary. We present an overview of the clinical aspects, management, and treatment options for von Hippel-Lindau disease.

von Hippel-Lindau Disease↗

Persistent primary hyperparathyroidism caused by adenomas identified in pharyngeal or adjacent structures.

Abnormalities in the normal migration of the parathyroid glands during embryological development of the head and neck may result in considerable variability in the location of parathyroid tissue. Ectopic parathyroid adenomas present diagnostic and technical challenges and are frequently the cause of persistent primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) after unsuccessful initial parathyroid surgery. We report a series of eight patients with persistent primary HPT who had adenomas in rare and unusual locations associated with various pharyngeal structures. Four were located within the epineurium of the vagus nerve at or above the level of the carotid bifurcation, and four were located within the paranasopharyngeal space or oropharynx. Noninvasive and invasive preoperative imaging studies were crucial in localizing the neoplasms in these patients and permitted the use of a direct surgical approach, resulting in cure in all patients and a low complication rate. The location of parathyroid glands in high pharyngeal and cervical structures is a consequence of anomalous or arrested descent through developing pharyngeal structures and illustrates the remarkable spectrum of ectopic parathyroid adenomas that occur secondary to this phenomenon.

Adenoma↗

Regulation of the pro-angiogenic microenvironment by carboxyamido-triazole.

Anti-angiogenic agents regulate tumor growth by inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation and invasion. Carboxyamido-triazole (CAI), an inhibitor of non-voltage-operated calcium entry and calcium influx-mediated pathways, has angiogenesis and invasion inhibitory activity. We hypothesized that CAI may express its anti-angiogenic effects through negative regulation of pro-angiogenic cytokine production and/or function. In vivo, orally administered CAI prevented A2058 human melanoma xenograft growth and concomitantly resulted in a marked reduction in circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). In vitro, A2058 cell secretion of VEGF was inhibited by CAI treatment under limiting micronutrient conditions that approximate the tumor microenvironment, media restriction, and acidification to pH 6.8 (P=0.0003 and P=0.0006, respectively). VEGF and HIF-1alpha message and protein were also reduced by CAI treatment. Oral CAI treatment reduced vascular ingrowth in vivo into VEGF-containing Matrigel plugs. Commensurate with those findings, human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration towards VEGF was reduced below background by exposure to CAI in the migration chamber (P<0.0001). An 88% reduction in circulating IL-8 concentration was measured in CAI-treated animals. However, IL-8 protein secretion and gene expression were increased by CAI treatment in culture (P< or =0.01), where CAI caused a dose-dependent acidification of the culture milieu (P< or =0.005). This paradox suggests that IL-8 production in vitro may be more sensitive to ambient pH than cytosolic calcium. These observations suggest that CAI inhibition of tumor cell VEGF production and endothelial cell response to VEGF results in disruption of signaling between the tumor and its microenvironment, causing a net anti-angiogenic effect.

Animals↗