Polarization attraction of 10-Gb/s NRZ-BPSK signal in a highly nonlinear fiber

Polarization attraction of a 10-Gb/s non-return-to-zero binary phase-shift keyed (NRZ-BPSK) signal has been successfully demonstrated for the first time in a counter-propagating beam configuration using a continuous-wave pump, in a highly nonlinear fiber, by utilizing the Kerr nonlinear cross-polarization process inherent to that fiber. The efficacy of mitigating polarization-dependent loss across polarization-sensitive devices was emulated with a linear polarizer located before the receiver. The receiver sensitivity penalty at 10^-9 bit-error-rate relative to the baseline NRZ-BPSK signal was < 0.5 dB, when polarization attraction was employed for a polarization-scrambled signal (after achieving a degree of polarization > 90%). The results confirm that polarization attraction is independent of modulation format.

Study of anticancer and antibacterial activities of Foeniculum vulgare, Justicia adhatoda and Urtica dioica as natural curatives

High-throughput technologies, such as synthetic biology and genomics have paved new paths for discovery and utility of medicinally beneficial plants. Bioactive molecules isolated from different plants have significantly higher biological activities. The present study was done to analyze antibacterial potential of some medicinal plants against multi drug resistant (MDR) pathogens and anticancer effect against MCF-7 cell line. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts were tested for their antibacterial activity by disc diffusion method against six MDR bacterial strains and for cytotoxicity evaluation by MTT assay. Ethanolic extracts of the three tested plants exhibited growth inhibitory effect against Klebsiella pneumonia, Serratia marcescens and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more resistant to all extracts as its growth was least inhibited by the extracts of all tested plants. Ethanol extract of Foeniculum vulgare exhibited significant inhibition of cancer cells proliferation. Methanol extract of Justicia adhatoda also showed considerable inhibition of cancer cells. Future studies must converge on detailed investigation of modes of action of extracts of tested plants.

Abstract CT052: Clinical trial results for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) in cancers involving the CNS

Background: 4-Demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) is a poly-chlorinated pyridine cholesteryl carbonate with a MOA via bis-alkylation of DNA @ N7-guanine and N4-cytosine that has completed Phase I and II trials (the latter on subjects with CNS involvement) [AACR #1185, 2013; AACR #CT 129]. The primary aim was to assess clinical response and secondary aims to monitor toxicities/safety and verify the MTDs for IV administered DM-CHOC-PEN that derived in Phase I study (IND 68,876). We report here the responses and toxicities seen in all the subjects treated.

Subjects & Methods: In Phase I, DM-CHOC-PEN was administered as a 3-hr IV infusion once every 21 days to subjects with advanced cancer; cohorts received escalating doses from 39 - 111 mg/m2. The Phase II dose schedule was 2-tiered: 85.8 mg/m2 for subjects with liver involvement and 98.7 mg/m2 for subjects with normal livers.

Results: Fifty two (52) subjects have been treated to date - 25 in Phase I (cancer subjects with or without CNS involvement) and 27 in Phase II (with CNS involvement). The common tumor types treated were primary brain cancers and melanoma, breast, and lung cancers involving the CNS. The drug was well tolerated; the most common adverse effects were fatigue (17%), reversible liver dysfunction (9%) and nausea (11%). No neuro/psychological, hematological, cardiac or renal toxicities were observed. PK modeling revealed that AUCs were parallel for all dose levels (39-111 mg/m2). The Cmax for DM-CHOC-PEN and DM-PEN (4-demethylpenclomedine, a metabolite) were 3 and 24 hours, respectively. Both DM-CHOC-PEN and DM-PEN were detected 3 to 15 days after administration associated (up to 50%) with rbcs. Of interest, young adults (&lt;40 y/o) demonstrated significant increases in Cmax and AUC vs. older subjects, supporting the need for trials in adolescents and young adults. DM-CHOC-PEN was also detected in CNS tumor tissue obtained surgically from five (5) subjects - in concentrations of 75-210 ng/g, 22 days to 9 mos. post treatments at doses of 39 or 98.7 mg/m2 of drug. To date, 16 subjects with lung cancer (11 with NSCLC involving the CNS) have been treated. Seven of the 11 subjects with NSCLC involving the CNS (incl. 6 with cerebellar disease) have responded with CR/PR (RECIST 1.1) and improved OS/QOL/PFS (Kaplan-Meier) lasting 8+ - 32+ mos. Conclusion: DM-CHOC-PEN is safe at these dose levels and has produced objective responses with manageable toxicities in subjects with cancer involving the CNS. Complete data on subject responses and observed toxicities will be presented. We propose a 3-stage mechanism for drug entry into the CNS and into NSCLC cells via reversible binding with RBCs and then associated with L-glutamine transport into cells. Supported by NCI/SBIR grants - R43/44CA132257 and NIH NIGMS 1 U54 GM104940 - the latter funds the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center.

Citation Format: Roy S. Weiner, Lee Roy Morgan, T Mahmood, R. Kawauchi, C. Gordon, ML Ware, M. Matrana, TM Cosgriff, AH Rodgers, G. Bastian, M. Bhandari, J-J Zou. Clinical trial results for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) in cancers involving the CNS [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT052. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-CT052

Exogenous protease supplementation of poultry by-product meal-based diets for broilers: Effects on growth, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three levels (0%, 3% and 6%) of poultry by-product meal (PBM) with or without protease on broiler growth, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 35 days. Two hundred and forty birds (n = 240) were fed equi-caloric and equi-nitrogenous (ME 2850 kcal/kg; CP 20%) diets throughout the experiment. The enzyme supplementation increased feed intake (p < .01) and body weight gain (p < .01), but feed:gain remained unaffected (p > .05) from 1 to 21 days. Increasing level of PBM decreased feed intake (p < .05), but body weight gain was improved (p < .05) at 3% PBM level during 1 to 21 days. The feed:gain was improved (p < .05) in birds fed diets containing 3% PBM. The feed:gain was also improved in birds fed diets containing 3% PBM from 1 to 35 days. However, feed intake and body weight gain in birds fed diets containing PBM remained unaffected. An interaction (p < .01) on feed intake between enzyme and PBM was noticed during 1 to 21 days. However, no interaction was recorded for body weight gain and feed:gain. The per cent carcass yield improved (p < .01) in birds fed diets supplemented with enzyme. The per cent breast meat yield was depressed (p < .005) in birds fed diets containing PBM. Apparent metabolizable energy (p < .001), nitrogen retention (p < .01), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (p < .001), and apparent digestibility coefficient for nitrogen (p < .01) improved in birds fed diets containing enzyme; however, a reverse was noticed in those fed diets containing only PBM. In conclusion, inclusion of 3% PBM along with supplementation of exogenous protease improved performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers.

Risk factors involved in spread of HCV in patients from sub urban Rawalpindi and their association with existing genotypes

The current epidemiological study was designed to trace the involved risk factors in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) spread and to identify any association between HCV genotypes and risk factors. Blood samples were taken from 400 participants and viral genotyping was performed in order to find any possible relationship between the risk factors and genotypes. Major genotypes included 3, 1, 4 and several untypeable ones with prevalence rates 65%, 22.5%, 2.75% and 9.75% respectively. Surgery and dental procedure were strongly related to the spread of genotype 3b, while genotype 1b was strongly related to blood transfusion and dental procedures as a single combination risk factor. On the other hand genotypes 1a, 3a, 4 and the untypeable genotypes, were equally affected by all reported risk factors. The probability of occurrence of genotype 3a with reference to dental procedures was 11%. Dental procedures, unsafe injection and surgical procedures are the main risk factors while the blood transfusion in combination with dental procedures has emerged as a potent risk factor in the transmission of HCV.

Abstract CT129: Phase II clinical trial results for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) in NSCLC involving the CNS

Background: 4-Demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) is a poly-chlorinated pyridine cholesteryl carbonate with a MOA via bis-alkylation of DNA @ N7-guanine and N4-cytosine that has completed a Phase I study [AACR #1185, 2013] and is being evaluated in a Phase II trial in patients with primary brain cancers and with melanoma, breast, and lung cancers with metastases to brain. The aims are to assess clinical response when DM-CHOC-PEN is administered I.V. at MTD and to monitor duration of responses and safety (IND 68,876). We report here the responses and toxicities seen in patients with NSCLC involving the CNS.

Patients & Methods: In Phase I, DM-CHOC-PEN was administered as a 3-hr IV infusion once every 21 days to patients with advanced cancer; cohorts received escalating doses from 39 - 111 mg/m2. The Phase II dose schedule is 2-tiered: 85.8 mg/m2 for patients with liver involvement and 98.7 mg/m2 for patients with normal livers. Results: Fifty two (52) patients have been treated to date - 26 in Phase I (cancer patients with or without CNS involvement) and 26 in Phase II (with CNS involvement). The drug was well tolerated; the most common adverse effects were fatigue (17%), reversible liver dysfunction (9%) and nausea (11%). No neuro/psychological, hematological, cardiac or renal toxicities were observed. PK modeling revealed that AUCs were parallel for all dose levels (39-111 mg/m2). The Cmax for DM-CHOC-PEN and DM-PEN (4-demethylpenclomedine, a metabolite) were 3 and 24 hours, respectively. Both DM-CHOC-PEN and DM-PEN were detected 3 to 15 days after administration associated (up to 50%) with rbcs. DM-CHOC-PEN was also detected in CNS tumor tissue obtained surgically from five (5) patients - concentrations of 75-210 ng/g, 22 days to 9 mos. post treatments at doses of 39 or 98.7 mg/m2 of drug. To date, 16 patients with lung cancer (11 with NSCLC involving the CNS) have been treated. Seven of the 11 patients with NSCLC involving the CNS (incl. 6 with cerebellar disease) have responded with CR/PR (RECIST 1.1) and improved OS/QOL/PFS (Kaplan-Meier) lasting 6+ - 21+ mos. Conclusion: DM-CHOC-PEN is safe at these dose levels and has produced objective responses with manageable toxicities in NSCLC involving the CNS. Complete data on patient responses and observed toxicities will be presented. We propose a 2-stage mechanism for drug entry into the CNS and into NSCLC cells via reversible binding with RBCs and then L-glutamine transport into cells. Supported by NCI/SBIR grants - R43/44CA132257 and NIH NIGMS 1 U54 GM104940 - the latter funds the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center.

Citation Format: Roy S. Weiner, T Mahmood, C Gordon, ML Ware, LR Morgan, TM Cosgriff, AH Rodgers, G Bastian, R Kawauchi, M Matrana, J-J Zou. Phase II clinical trial results for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) in NSCLC involving the CNS. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr CT129.

Anticancer activity of Cynodon dactylon and Oxalis corniculata on Hep2 cell line

Bioactive chemicals isolated from plants have attracted considerable attention over the years and overwhelmingly increasing laboratory findings are emphasizing on tumor suppressing properties of these natural agents in genetically and chemically induced animal carcinogenesis models. We studied in vitro anticancer activity of organic extracts of Cynodon dactylon and Oxalis corniculata on Hep2 cell line and it was compared with normal human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) by using MTT assay. Real Time PCR was conducted for p53 and PTEN genes in treated cancer cell line. DNA fragmentation assay was also carried out to note DNA damaging effects of the extracts. The minimally effective concentration of ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon and methanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata that was nontoxic to HCEC but toxic to Hep2 was recorded (IC50) at a concentration of 0.042mg/ml (49.48 % cell death) and 0.048mg/ml (47.93% cell death) respectively, which was comparable to the positive control. Our results indicated dose dependent increase in cell death. P53 and PTEN did not show significant increase in treated cell line. Moreover, DNA damaging effects were also not detected in treated cancer cell line. Anticancer activity of these plants on the cancer cell line showed the presence of anticancer components which should be characterized to be used as anticancer therapy.

Abstract CT218: Results from the early cancer clinical trials for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN)

Purpose: 4-Demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN), is a poly-chlorinated pyridine cholesteryl carbonate whose MOA is via alkylation of DNA @ N7 - guanine and N6 - cytosine and via oxidative stress. DM-CHOC-PEN underwent a phase I study in patients with advanced cancer +/- CNS involvement and is being evaluated in a phase II trial in patients with primary brain cancer and brain metastases from melanoma, breast, and lung cancers. The aims are to assess clinical responses when DM-CHOC-PEN is administered I.V, at maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and to monitor safety/toxicities, pharmacokinetics, and cardiac functions - IND 68,876.

Patients & Methods: In phase I, DM-CHOC-PEN was administered as a 3-hr IV infusion once every 21-days to patients with advanced cancer - melanoma (n = 3), colorectal CA (n = 4), breast (n = 3), lung (n = 8) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (n = 9) - the most common tumor treated. Cohorts were treated with escalating doses from 39 to 111 mg/m2. The phase II dose schedule is 2-tiered: 85.8 mg/m2 for patients with liver involvement and 98.7 mg/m2 for patients with normal livers.

Results: Forty (40) patients have been treated to date - 27 in phase I and 13 in phase II. The drug was well tolerated; the most common adverse effects were fatigue (n = 2), liver dysfunction - elevated bilirubin (Gr-3, n = 3; Gr-2, n = 1), ALT/AST (Gr-2, n = 3), alk phos (Gr-2, n = 3), nausea (Gr-1/2, n = 5) and an allergic reaction (Gr-2, n = 1). Three (3) patients with liver metastasis had hyperbilirubinemia (Gr-3 SLT) - two (2) at 98.7 mg/m2 and one (1) at 111 mg/m2 levels. No neuro/psychological, hematological, cardiac or renal toxicities were observed. PK studies revealed the following profile for DM-CHOC-PEN 98.7 mg/m2: AUC o-t = 1850 mg.h/L, CL - 3.0 L/h, T1/2 α - 3.3 h & Tβ - 79.1 h. DM-CHOC PEN and DM-PEN (metabolite) showed a rebound phenomenon at ∼50 hours post-infusion with a T release of 26.7 h for plasma and rbcs. DM-CHOC-PEN and DM-PEN were detected 3 and 15 days bound to RBCs (70 - 111 mg/m2); DM-CHOC-PEN was also detected in the urine (Cmax = 17.5 μg/mL) until day 21. The AUC was linear for all doses. DM-CHOC-PEN was detected in spinal sarcoma and in lung cancer tissues (75 & 190 ng/g, resp.) surgically obtained from patients 21-days post single injection of 39 & 98.7 mg/m2, resp. Patients receiving dexamethasone demonstrated lower blood levels of DM-CHOC-PEN along with induction of steroid esterase activities. After multiple doses, DM-CHOC-PEN also induced steroid esterase levels, which reversed within 4 weeks. Steroid esterase assays may be a valuable companion assay.

Conclusion: DM-CHOC-PEN is safe at the presented dose levels and shows a favorable PK profile. To date, 15 patients have had responses with significant PFS/OS, including 10 with CNS involvement. DM-CHOC-PEN is well tolerated with manageable toxicities. Complete patient responses/toxicities will be presented. Supported by NCI/SBIR grant - R43/44CA132257

Citation Format: Roy S. Weiner, P Friedlander, T Mahmood, Adilia Hormigo, C Gordon, Y Saenger, ML Ware, VK Thirukonda, VM Patel, TJ Cosgriff, AH Rodgers, LR Morgan, G Bastian. Results from the early cancer clinical trials for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr CT218. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-CT218

Successful treatment of generalized granuloma annulare with adalimumab

We report the case of a 64 year-old woman who demonstrated resolution of recalcitrant, generalized granuloma annulare (GA) following treatment with adalimumab. After showing little response to other treatment techniques, such as steroids and a triple antibiotic regimen, the patient was started on adalimumab. Within 3 months, she showed almost complete resolution of lesions. Within 6 months, she was completely lesion-free, and remained clear following 12 months of adalimumab therapy. This case provides further evidence that tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors may be a treatment option for patients with recalcitrant, generalized GA.

The Laugier-Hunziker syndrome

We describe a 46-year-old Hispanic woman who was incidentally found to have hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa and nails during a routine full body skin examination. The patient reported having these changes for years with no symptoms. A diagnosis of the Laugier-Hunziker syndrome (LHS) was made. LHS is an acquired, benign condition characterized by pigmentary skin changes involving the oral mucosa and is often associated with longitudinal melanonychia.

Polarization-insensitive all-optical dual pump-phase transmultiplexing from 2 × 10-GBd OOKs to 10-GBd RZ-QPSK using cross-phase modulation in a birefringent nonlinear PCF

Polarization-insensitive (PI) all-optical dual pump-phase transmultiplexing from 2 × 10-GBd OOKs to 10-GBd RZ-QPSK was successfully demonstrated in a birefringent nonlinear photonic crystal fiber (PCF), by utilizing cross-phase modulation (XPM) and the inherent birefringence of the device, for the first time. PI operation was achieved by launching the probe and one pump off-axis while the state of polarization (SOP) of the other pump was randomized. Optimum pump-probe detuning, all within the C-Band, was also utilized to reduce the polarization-induced power fluctuation. Receiver sensitivity penalty at 10^-9 bit-error-rate was < 5.5 dB in PI operation, relative to the FPGA-precoded RZ-DQPSK baseline.