[The efficacy of chemotherapy re-challenge in third-line setting for metastatic colorectal cancer patients: a real-world study]

Objective: To explore the efficacy of chemotherapy re-challenge in the third-line setting for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the real world. Methods: The clinicopathological data, treatment information, recent treatment efficacy, adverse events and survival data of mCRC patients who had disease progression after treatment with oxaliplatin-based and/or irinotecan-based chemotherapy and received third-line chemotherapy re-challenge from January 2013 to December 2020 at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital were retrospectively collected. Survival curves were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results: A total of 95 mCRC patients were included. Among them, 32 patients (33.7%) received chemotherapy alone and 63 patients (66.3%) received chemotherapy combined with targeted drugs. Eighty-three patients were treated with dual-drug chemotherapy (87.4%), including oxaliplatin re-challenge in 35 patients and irinotecan re-challenge in 48 patients. The remaining 12 patients were treated with triplet chemotherapy regimens (12.6%). Among them, as 5 patients had sequential application of oxaliplatin and irinotecan in front-line treatments, their third-line therapy re-challenged both oxaliplatin and irinotecan; 7 patients only had oxaliplatin prescription before, and these patients re-challenged oxaliplatin in the third-line treatment. The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) reached 8.6% (8/93) and 61.3% (57/93), respectively. The median progression free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) were 4.9 months and 13.0 months, respectively. The most common adverse events were leukopenia (34.7%) and neutropenia (34.7%), followed by gastrointestinal adverse reactions such as nausea (32.6%) and vomiting (31.6%). Grade 3-4 adverse events were mostly hematological toxicity. Cox multivariate analysis showed that gender (HR=1.609, 95% CI: 1.016-2.548) and the PFS of front-line treatments (HR=0.598, 95% CI: 0.378-0.947) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: The results suggested that it is safe and effective for mCRC patients to choose third-line chemotherapy re-challenge, especially for patients with a PFS of more than one year in front-line treatments.

Research progress on chemical components and pharmacological action of Solanum lyratum Thunb

OBJECTIVES

Solanum lyratum Thunb (SLT) is a perennial plant of the Solanaceae family, and is extensively used in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Malaria, oedema, gonorrhoea, cancer, wind and fever, jaundiced hepatitis, cholecystitis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the diseases that it is used to treat. To offer a foundation for further development and usage of SLT, the pieces of literature about the chemical composition and pharmacological action of SLT were reviewed and analysed.

KEY FINDINGS

The chemical constituents of SLT mainly included steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, phenylpropanoids and others. Pharmacological action mainly contains anti-tumour, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and other pharmacological actions, among them, the anti-tumour effect is particularly outstanding.

SUMMARY

At present, studies on the pharmacological effects of SLT mainly focus on alkaloids and steroidal saponins. In the follow-up studies, studies on the pharmacological activities of other chemical components in SLT, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, should be strengthened. It has the potential to pave the way for more research and development of novel SLT medicines.

Association of oxidative stress and Kashin-Beck disease integrated Meta and Bioinformatics analysis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between oxidative stress (OS) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD).

METHODS

Terms associated with "KBD" and "OS" were searched in the six different databases up to October 2021. Stata 14.0 was used to pool the means and standard deviations using random-effect or fixed-effect model. The differentially expressed genes in the articular chondrocytes of KBD were identified, the OS related genes were identified by blasting with the GeneCards. The KEGG pathway and gene ontology enrichment analysis was conducted using STRING.

RESULTS

The pooled SMD and 95% CI showed hair selenium (-4.59; -6.99, -2.19), blood selenium (-1.65; -2.86, -0.44) and glutathione peroxidases (-4.15; -6.97, -1.33) levels were decreased in KBD, whereas the malondialdehyde (1.12; 0.60, 1.64), nitric oxide (2.29; 1.31, 3.27), nitric oxide synthase (1.07; 0.81, 1.33) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (1.69; 0.62, 2.77) were increased compared with external controls. Meanwhile, hair selenium (-2.71; -5.32, -0.10) and glutathione peroxidases (-1.00; -1.78, -0.22) in KBD were decreased, whereas the malondialdehyde (1.42; 1.04, 1.80), nitric oxide (3.08; 1.93, 4.22) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (0.81; 0.00, 1.61) were elevated compared with internal controls. Enrichment analysis revealed apoptosis was significantly correlated with KBD. The significant biological processes revealed OS induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. The cellular component of OS located in the mitochondrial outer membrane.

CONCLUSIONS

The OS levels in KBD were significantly increased because of selenium deficiency, OS mainly occurred in mitochondrial outer membrane, released of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and induced apoptotic signaling pathway.

The Genus Broussonetia: An Updated Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Applications

The Broussonetia genus (Moraceae), recognized for its value in many Chinese traditional herbs, mainly includes Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent. (BP), Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold (BK), and Broussonetia luzonica (Blanco) Bureau (BL). Hitherto, researchers have found 338 compounds isolated from BP, BK, and BL, which included flavonoids, polyphenols, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, and others. Moreover, its active compounds and extracts have exhibited a variety of pharmacological effects such as antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, and its use against skin wrinkles. In this review, the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Broussonetia are updated systematically, after its applications are first summarized. In addition, this review also discusses the limitations of investigations and the potential direction of Broussonetia. This review can help to further understand the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and other applications of Broussonetia, which paves the way for future research.

[Correlation between nUGT1A1 gene polymorphisms and adverse events of irinotecan plus S-1 for patients with recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial (ESWN 01)]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between UGT1A1 polymorphisms and the irinotecan plus S-1 regimen-induced toxicities in Chinese advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Methods: A total of 46 recurrent or metastatic ESCC patients selected from ESWN 01 trial were randomly assigned to irinotecan plus S-1 group [intravenous infusion of irinotecan (160 mg/m(2)) on day 1 and oral S-1 (80-120 mg) on days 1-10, repeated every 14 days]. Peripheral venous blood at baseline was collected and genomic DNA was extracted. The genetic polymorphisms of UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A1*28 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Irinotecan plus S-1 regimen-induced toxicities of patients with different UGT1A1 polymorphisms were observed. The correlation between UGT1A1 polymorphisms and the adverse effects was analyzed. Results: Among the 46 patients, the numbers of UGT1A1*6 wild type genotype (GG), mutant heterozygote (GA) and mutant homozygote (AA) were 30, 15 and 1, while those with UGT1A1*28 wild type genotype (TA6/6), mutant heterozygote (TA6/7) and mutant homozygote (TA7/7) were 36, 8 and 2, respectively. Only one patient with UGT1A1*6 AA genotype occurred grade 3 diarrhea, while one of the 2 patients with UGT1A1*28 TA7/7 genotype occurred grade 4 diarrhea. No neutropenia was observed in the patient with UGT1A1*6 AA genotype, however, both of the two patients with UGT1A1*28 TA7/7 genotype occurred grade 3-4 neutropenia. Patients with UGT1A1*28 genetic polymorphism (TA 6/7 or TA7/7) had a higher response rate compared with wild-type TA6/6 carriers. (55.6% versus 26.5%). Conclusions: The homozygous genotype of UGT1A1*6 AA and UGT1A1*28 TA7/7 are rare (<5%) in Chinese ESCC population. Not all homozygous AA and TA7/7 carriers occur severe dose limited toxicities (DLT) when treated with irinotecan (160 mg/m(2)) plus S-1 regimen for 2 weeks. However, it's still necessary torigorously observe the occurrence of severe diarrhea and neutropenia in patients with UGT1A1*6 AA and UGT1A1*28 TA7/7 and adjust the dose timely.

[Threshold effects of body mass index on the bone mineral density of Chinese rural women in fluorosis area]

To explore the threshold effect of body mass index (BMI) on bone mineral density (BMD) in Chinese women living in the fluorosis area, we conducted a cross-sectional study and recruited 722 women in rural areas in Henan Province, China. After detection and analyses, we found that compared with the normal BMI group, the risk of osteoporosis in the overweight and obese groups were reduced by 32% and 69%, respectively. Threshold effect analysis showed that BMD was positively correlated with BMI when BMI was 16.8-31.2 kg/m²; while when BMI was greater than 31.2 kg/m², the correlation reached saturation. The correlation observed between low-to-moderate fluoride exposure and BMD in rural women was not significant.

Potential of piperine in modulation of voltage-gated K+ current and its influences on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

Piperine is an attractive therapeutic alkaloid from black pepper that exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties over various pathological disorders including cancer. Voltage-gated K+ channels (KV) play an important role in regulating cancer cell proliferation and are considered as potential targets for the treatment of cancer. However, there is a paucity of information with regard to the implication of piperine in KV associated anticancer activities on human prostate cancer cells LNCaP and PC-3 cells. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study was to elucidate the anticancer action of piperine that might be mediated via voltage-gated K+ current (IK) blockade.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Whole-cell patch clamp was used to record the modulatory effects of piperine on IK expressed in LNCaP and PC-3 cells. Moreover, the anticancer activity of piperine was evaluated by MTT assay, flow cytometry and live/dead assay.

RESULTS

Piperine significantly inhibited IK in a dose-dependent manner with an effective IC50 dose 39.91 µM in LNCaP and 49.45 µM in PC-3 cells. Also, piperine induced a positive shift in the relative activation curve in both cells. Blockade of IK by piperine exerted G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest that led to inhibition of cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that the anticancer effects of piperine are directly correlated with the blockade of IK in LNCaP and PC-3 cells. The study also confirmed that IK inhibition by piperine might be responsible for its anticancer activities in prostate cancer cells.

Safety, efficacy and tumor mutational burden as a biomarker of overall survival benefit in chemo-refractory gastric cancer treated with toripalimab, a PD-1 antibody in phase Ib/II clinical trial NCT02915432

BACKGROUND

High tumor mutational burden (TMB-H) is correlated with enhanced objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) for certain cancers receiving immunotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of toripalimab, a humanized programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody, in advanced gastric cancer (AGC), and the predictive survival benefit of TMB and PD-L1.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reported on the AGC cohort of phase Ib/II trial evaluating the safety and activity of toripalimab in patients with AGC, oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In cohort 1, 58 chemo-refractory AGC patients received toripalimab (3 mg/kg d1, Q2W) as a monotherapy. In cohort 2, 18 chemotherapy-naive AGC patients received toripalimab (360 mg d1, Q3W) with oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 qd, d1, capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 b.i.d., d1-d14, Q3W as first-line treatment. Primary end point was ORR. Biomarkers such as PD-L1 and TMB were evaluated for correlation with clinical efficacy.

RESULTS

In cohort 1, the ORR was 12.1% and the disease control rate (DCR) was 39.7%. Median PFS was 1.9 months and median OS was 4.8 months. The TMB-H group showed significant superior OS than the TMB-L group [14.6 versus 4.0 months, HR = 0.48 (96% CI 0.24-0.96), P = 0.038], while PD-L1 overexpression did not correlate with significant survival benefit. A 77.6% of patients experienced at least one treatment-related adverse event (TRAE), and 22.4% of patients experienced a grade 3 or higher TRAE. In cohort 2, the ORR was 66.7% and the DCR was 88.9%. A 94.4% of patients experienced at least one TRAE and 38.9% of patients experienced grade 3 or higher TRAEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Toripalimab has demonstrated a manageable safety profile and promising antitumor activity in AGC patients, especially in combination with XELOX. High TMB may be a predictive marker for OS of AGC patients receiving toripalimab as a single agent.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02915432.

[The efficacy and safety of testa triticum tricum purif in treatment of functional constipation in the late middle-aged and elderly patients: a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of testa triticum tricum purif for the treatment of functional constipation(FC) in the late middle-aged and elderly patients. Methods: This study was designed as a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Patients who met Rome Ⅲ diagnostic criteria of FC were enrolled, with age between 55-85 years old. Those with organic diseases were excluded. The patients were randomly allocated to receive testa triticum tricum purif (3.5 g bid) or polyethylene glycol 4000 powder (PEG4000, 10g bid) for 8 weeks, followed by single dose of maintenance therapy for 4 weeks. Follow-up visits were at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment discontinuation. The independent investigators in each center evaluated the constipation symptoms scores. The primary endpoints included rates of significant improvement, improvement and overall improvement at the end of 2, 4 and 8 weeks of therapy, which were calculated by the reduction of symptom scores ≥75%, 50%-74%, ≥25% respectively. Results: A total of 127 FC subjects were enrolled from 3 centers, and 122 cases valid for final analysis. The mean age was (69.4±6.9) years old, including 62 cases in testa triticum tricum purif group and 60 cases in PEG4000 group. The demographic data, constipated symptoms scores and proportion of FC subtypes at baseline were comparable. The rates of significant improvement, improvement and overall improvement in testa triticum tricum purif and PEG4000 groups at the end of 2, 4 and 8 weeks were 37.70% (23/61) vs 59.32% (35/59) (P=0.018), 57.38% (35/61) vs 74.14% (43/58) (P=0.054), and 64.41% (38/59) vs 79.31% (46/58) (P=0.073) respectively. Testa triticum tricum purif therapy significantly improved the proportion of spontaneous bowel movement(SBM) ≥3 times/week from 43.55% (27/62) to 80.33% (49/61), 83.61% (51/61) and 93.22% (55/59) at 2, 4, and 8 weeks respectively (all P<0.01), which were comparable with PEG4000 group (all P>0.05). The proportion of normalized stool forms in study group was significant higher than that of control group at the end of 8 weeks [86.44% (51/59) vs 67.24% (39/58), P=0.014]. Only one patient complained mild abdominal distension during testa triticum tricum purif therapy. Conclusions: The efficacy of testa triticum tricum purif for the treatment of FC in late middle-aged and older patients is comparable with osmotic laxatives PEG4000, which has significant effect on normalization of fecal forms and reliable safety.

Prognostic significance of the T2 substage in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The invasion of the muscularis propria is defined as T2 stage in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Evidence is lacking regarding whether the T2 substage based on anatomy may serve as a prognostic indicator. This study aims to confirm the prognostic value of the T2 substage. The clinicopathological characteristics of 120 patients who had pathologically verified T2 tumors between 2006 and 2011 at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital were retrospectively studied. Based on the invasion depth, tumors that had penetrated the circular muscle layer were defined as T2a, while T2b disease referred to those that had invaded the longitudinal muscle layer. Factors potentially related to survival were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analyses. The logistic regression model was used to examine the factors associated with lymph node metastasis. To verify the prognostic value of the T2 substage further, patients with T1b and T3 stage disease during the same period were selected for comparisons. The univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that the T2 substage and N stage were independent prognostic factors. The T2 substage was highly relevant to lymph node metastasis in the logistic regression model (P = 0.044). When T1b and T3 was considered, the survival of T2a patients was closer to that of T1b patients, while the survival of T2b patients was closer to that of T3 disease (P = 0.000). The T2 substage was an independent prognostic factor. Patients with T2a tumors displayed a favorable survival, while the prognosis of T2b patients was closer to that of T3 patients.

Proton pump inhibitor monotherapy and the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used as potent gastric acid secretion antagonists for gastro-esophageal disorders and their overall safety in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is considered to be good and they are well-tolerated. However, recent studies have suggested that PPIs may be a potential independent risk factor for cardiovascular adverse events. The aim of our meta-analysis was to examine the association between PPI monotherapy and cardiovascular events in patients with GERD.

METHODS

A literature search involved examination of relevant databases up to July 2015 including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrial.gov, as well as selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting cardiovascular events with PPI exposure in GERD patients. In addition, the pooled risk ratio (RR) and heterogeneity were assessed based on a fixed effects model of the meta-analysis and the I² statistic, respectively.

KEY RESULTS

Seventeen RCTs covering 7540 patients were selected. The pooled data suggested that the use of PPIs was associated with a 70% increased cardiovascular risk (RR=1.70, 95% CI: [1.13-2.56], P=.01, I² =0%). Furthermore, higher risks of adverse cardiovascular events in the omeprazole subgroup (RR=3.17, 95% CI: [1.43-7.03], P=.004, I² =25%) and long-term treatment subgroup (RR=2.33, 95% CI: [1.33-4.08], P=.003, I² =0%) were found.

CONCLUSION & INFERENCES

PPI monotherapy can be a risk factor for cardiovascular adverse events. Omeprazole could significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular events and, so, should be used carefully.

The Association Between Post-Diagnosis Health Behaviors and Quality of Life in Survivors of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

Background: Survivors of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early stage breast cancer, tend to decrease physical activity, gain weight, and maintain alcohol use following treatment. However, the impact of these health behaviors on long-term quality of life (QoL) in DCIS survivors has not been investigated. Methods: We examined the association of post-diagnosis body mass index (BMI), physical activity and smoking with QoL among 1,448 DCIS survivors aged 20–74, who were diagnosed during 1995–2006 and enrolled in the population-based Wisconsin In Situ Cohort. Health behaviors and QoL were self-reported during biennial post- diagnosis interviews. Physical and mental QoL were measured using the validated SF-36 questionnaire (higher scores reflect more positive QoL). Generalized linear regression was used to establish QoL mean scores in cross-sectional analyses, with multivariable adjustment for age, comorbidity status, education, and income. Results: Women reported 3,444 QoL observations over an average 7.9 years of follow-up. Physical health summary scale measures of QoL were significantly higher among women with healthy BMI (46.5 for healthy weight versus 40.5 for obese, P = 0.02) and those who were physically active (45.9 for active women versus 42.6 for inactive, P = 0.03). Mental health summary scale scores were significantly higher among non-smokers (51.2 for non-smokers versus 47.1 for current smokers, P &lt; 0.01). These associations were consistent over increasing time since treatment up to 15 years. Conclusion: Our preliminary analysis suggests that maintaining healthy behaviors following DCIS treatment is associated with improved long-term QoL. Longitudinal analysis using cross-lagged regression is underway to evaluate the temporal association between health behavior and QoL. Understanding factors that impact QoL in DCIS survivors may inform interventions aimed at preventing negative health behaviors and optimizing long term quality of life following a DCIS diagnosis.

Shed Syndecan-1 is involved in chemotherapy resistance via the EGFR pathway in colorectal cancer

Background:

Syndecan-1 (Sdc-1) shedding induced by matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and additional proteases has an important role in cancer development. However, the impact of Sdc-1 shedding on chemotherapeutic resistance has not been reported.

Methods:

We examined Sdc-1 shedding in colorectal cancer by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Dot blot, reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and so on, its impact on chemotherapeutic sensitivity by collagen gel droplet embedded culture-drug sensitivity test (CD-DST) and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), and potential mechanisms of action by Dot blot, western blot and immunofluorescence.

Results:

Sdc-1 shedding was increased in colorectal cancer patients, Sdc-1 serum levels in postoperative patients were lower than in preoperative patients, but still higher than those observed in healthy adults. Patients with high preoperative Sdc-1 serum levels were less responsive to 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, Irintecan, Cisplatin or Paclitaxel chemotherapy. Moreover, the disease-free survival of patients with high preoperative Sdc-1 serum levels was significantly poorer. The possible mechanism of chemotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer can be attributed to Sdc-1 shedding, which enhances EGFR phosphorylation and downstream signalling.

Conclusions:

Shed Sdc-1 is involved in chemotherapy resistance via the EGFR pathway in colorectal cancer, and Sdc-1 serum levels could be a new prognostic marker in colorectal cancer.

Re-emergence of Rift Valley fever virus in Barkedji (Senegal, West Africa) in 2002-2003: identification of new vectors and epidemiological implications

The Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a threat that must not be neglected, as the consequences of RVFV are dramatic, both for human and animal health. This virus is a zoonotic virus that already has demonstrated a real capacity for re-emerging after long periods of silence, as observed in Barkedji (Senegal, West Africa) in 2002. In this article we present the 2nd emergence in Barkedji after the 1st manifestation in 1993, and for the 1st time the circulation of RVFV during 2 consecutive years among mosquito populations in Senegal. As part of the entomological surveillance program undertaken since 1990 to detect circulation of the RVFV in Barkedji, 108,336 mosquitoes belonging to 34 species and 5 genera were collected in 2002-2003. Aedes vexans and Culex poicilipes, previously known to be vectors of RVFV in Senegal, comprised 88.7% of the total collection. In 2002, Ae. vexans was the most abundant mosquito, followed by Cx. poicilipes; the opposite situation was observed in 2003. In 2002, 29 and 10 RVFV isolates were obtained from Cx. poicilipes (minimum infection rate [MIR] = 0.13%) and Ae. vexans (MIR = 0.02%) pools, respectively and the MIR for the 2 species were significantly different (chi2 = 34.65; df = 1, P < 0.001). In 2003, 7 RVFV strains were isolated from Cx. poicilipes (3, MIR = 0.03), Mansonia africana (2, MIR = 0.08), Ae. fowleri (1), and Ma. uniformis (1, MIR = 0.05). The 3 latter species were found to be associated with RVFV for the 1st time in Senegal. A significant decrease in MIR was observed from 2002 to 2003 (chi2 6.28; df = 1, P = 0.01) for Cx. poicilipes, the only species involved in the transmission during the 2 sampling years.

A meta-analysis of bevacizumab plus interferon alfa for previously untreated patients with metastatic clear-cell renal carcinoma (mRCC)

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Background: mRCC was highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Both CALGB study and AVOREN study failed to detect statistic differences in overall survival (OS). To evaluate the effectiveness and adverse-effect of bevacizumab plus IFN-α for untreated mRCC, we performed a meta-analysis.

Methods: We searched RCTs that compared bevacizumab plus IFN- alpha with other treatments. For trials without heterogeneity, meta-analysis was carried out by using review manager (Revman 4.2) with fixed or random-effects models. Hazard ratio (HR), relative risk (RR), and 95 percent confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The primary outcome was overall survival. The secondary outcomes were PFS and the adverse effects. Subgroup analyses were performed by MSKCC risk factors.

Results: Two RCTs (CALGB study and AVOREN study) were identified as eligible for inclusion in our meta-analysis. Overall survival: Meta- analysis including 1,381 patients showed a trend in favor of bevacizumab plus IFN-alpha with an HR of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.80-1.00, p=0.05). Meta-analysis of OS which adjusted on stratification factors showed extent improvement in favor of bevacizumab plus IFN-alpha (HR=0.86, 95% CI, 0.76-0.97, p=0.02). Progress-free survival: Meta-analyses showed statistic differences in favor of bevacizumab plus IFN-alpha in both unstratified PFS (HR=0.68, 95% CI, 0.61-0.77, p<0.00001) and stratified PFS (HR=0.67, 95% CI, 0.59-0.75, p<0.00001). Subgroup analysis: There were no statistic differences between bevacizumab plus IFN-alpha and IFN-alpha in MSKCC favorable risk group (HR=0.91, 95% CI, 0.70-1.17, p=0.45) and MSKCC poor risk group (HR=0.79, 95% CI, 0.55-1.14, p=0.21). For MSKCC intermediate risk group, there was statistic difference in favor of bevacizumab plus IFN-alpha (HR=0.85, 95% CI, 0.73-0.99, p=0.04). Adverse effects: There were statistic differences in favor ofIFN-alpha in anorexia, fatigue proteinuria, and bleeding, while no statistic difference in gastrointestinal perforation.

Conclusions: Bevacizumab plus IFN-alpha prolonged both OS and PFS as first line therapy for mRCC, especially for MSKCC intermediate risk group. The toxicity was acceptable and well tolerated.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Evaluation of the efficiency of bird-baited traps for sampling potential West Nile fever mosquito vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) in Senegal

The efficiency of bird-baited traps and collection heights for sampling potential West Nile mosquito vectors was studied during the 2006 rainy season (between September 27 and November 26) in Barkedji area situated in the sahelian area of Senegal (West Africa). Each night, two traps were set on the ground-level and two on the canopylevel (approximately 3 m) each containing either a chicken or a pigeon, the traps being rotated the following nights. A total of 1,030 mosquitoes were collected using 66 traps-nights. Culex species were predominant and represented 92.2% of the fauna of which 63% belonged to Cx. neavei group Theobald whereas 23.8% were Cx poicilipes (Theobald). The species of the Cx. neavei group were mainly collected by the pigeon-baited trap at canopy while Cx. poicilipes was captured similarly by pigeons and chickens placed at the canopy and ground. The implication of these results in West Nile vectors surveillance is discussed.

[Use of insecticide-treated cattle to control Rift Valley fever and West Nile virus vectors in Senegal]

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and West Nile fever (WN) viruses are transmitted by several mosquito species and share the same vectors in Northern Senegal (West Africa). In absence of an effective treatment and vaccines, vector control remains an alternative method of prevention and control of these vector-borne diseases. The methods targeting adults' pest mosquitoes and malaria vectors which are currently used by the population in the Barkedji area (insecticides treated nets, bombs and copper coil) would not be effective against these vectors because of their exophagic and zoophilic behavior. Thus, we decided to evaluate the effectiveness of insecticide-treated cattle as a method to control these vectors. We evaluated the effects of this treatment on the mortality and the behaviour (attractiveness and engorgement) of the main vectors and subsidiary the whole mosquito fauna. Our study was conducted during September 2005, and between July and November 2006, at Niakha pond located 4 km from the Barkedji village in the Sahelian region of Senegal. A bull-calf was treated with 25 mg/m2 of deltamethrin and compared to an untreated calf of the same weight used as a control. The assays were conducted using two net-traps placed at the edge of the pond from 19:00 PM to 22:00 PM each night for 4 nights per week for 4 consecutive weeks after each treatment. The risk that host- seeking mosquitoes that do not have possibility to feed on cattle might turn to men cohabiting with these cattle was evaluated simultaneously during the bioassay. The deltamethrin treatment led to a significant reduction in the average number of mosquitoes attracted by the treated-calf compared to the control during the first 2 weeks post-treatment both for all species and for the main vectors such as Ae. vexans, Ae. ochraceus, Cx. poicilipes, Cx. neavei and Ma. uniformis. However these means were comparable for the last two weeks post-treatment both for the whole mosquito fauna and the main vectors with the exception of Cx. neavei. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the rates of engorged females during the first two weeks post-treatment. Indeed, the females' engorgement rate on the treated-calf compared to the control has been reduced by 57.3% for Ae. vexans, 39.8% for Ae. ochraceus, 76.4% for Cx. poicilipes, 82.4% for Cx. neavei, 84.6% for Ma. uniformis and 64.1% for the whole mosquito fauna. This effect of the treatment was maintained in the second fortnight post-treatment only for Cx. neavei. Mortality rates were higher among mosquitoes collected with the treated-calf compared to the control in the first fortnight of the test. This impact of the insecticide has been maintained in the second fortnight post-treatment excepted for Cx. neavei. However a significant variation of the mortality of the mosquitoes collected with the treated-cattle was observed between the two fortnights. In fact, the mortality rate of the mosquitoes collected on the treated-cattle decreased by 43.8% for the mosquito fauna as a whole, 47.5% for Cx. poicilipes and 82.4% for Ae. vexans, 76% for Ae. ochraceus, and 63.3% for Ma. uniformis. No deviation of host-seeking mosquitoes, from treated calf to men, has been observed since the average number of host-seeking mosquitoes collected on men close to the two calves was statistically comparable. The insecticide-treated cattle may be a good method for controlling RVF and WN vectors and associated mosquitoes in Senegal. However there is a need to develop new formulations or new strategies of application that could improve the duration of the effectiveness of the treatment.

[Integrated approach to yellow fever surveillance: pilot study in Senegal in 2003-2004]

The aim was to undertake a pilot study of integrated surveillance of yellow fever (YF) in Senegal, based on i) a human surveillance involving healthcare centers in the 11 administrative regions of the country ii) an entomological surveillance including domestic and sylvatic environment and iii) screening mosquitoes for YF virus using RT-PCR method. The integrated approach of human and entomological surveillance was conducted for 2 years (2003-2004). Surveillance in human population was based on screening samples of YF suspected cases (i.e. patients with acute (< or = 15 days) febrile illness with jaundice) for YF specific IgM antibodies. The entomological surveillance was carried out by collecting mosquitoes using human landing catch method and attempt to detect YF virus on them by RT-PCR. Forty five percent of the healthcare centres notified at least one suspected YF case during 2003-2004 periods. Among the 342 sera collected over 2 years, 2 revealed anti-YF IgM antibodies leading to investigations which allowed identification of the source and place of infection and implementation of a reactive focused YF immunization campaign. In addition, YFV was detected by RT-PCR from 49 out of 1762 mosquitoes tested and distributed as follows: in the sylvatic environment, 29 from Aedes furcifer and 1 from Aedes aegypti while in the domestic area, 15 Aedes aegypti and 4 Aedes furcifer. RT-PCR was found more sensitive and rapid than viral isolation for YF virus detection in mosquitoes. The pilot study in Senegal for YF surveillance integrating human and entomological parameters in domestic and sylvatic areas showed that this approach is very efficient in detecting yellow fever virus circulation due to the complementarity of the two systems. Therefore, in the light of the encouraging results presented herein, similar studies in different context and areas are needed to further validate and allow the extension of its application to other endemic regions of Africa.

[Feeding pattern of Rift Valley Fever virus vectors in Senegal. Implications in the disease epidemiology]

During the rainy season 2003, an entomological survey was undertaken in the Sahelian bioclimatic zone of the Ferlo area in northern Senegal, in order to evaluate the degree of interaction between Rift valley fever (RVF) virus vectors and domestic animals and to determine the role of natural vertebrate hosts in the transmission and maintenance cycle. The study of vector-host contact was carried out under bed net traps using man, cow, sheep, chicken as bait whereas the RVFV vectors-vertebrate host interactions were studied through the analysis by an ELISA technique of the origin of the blood meals from naturally engorged females collected by aspiration. Blood meals sources were determined using a set of eight antibodies. Overall, the different known RVFV vectors (Culex poicilipes, Aedes vexans and Aedes ochraceus) were opportunistic although the bovine-baited net was, as far the more effective trap with 53.6% of collected mosquitoes. It was followed by the sheep-baited net (16.7%), man-baited net (12.6%) and chicken-baited net (11.6%). The more effectiveness of the bovine-baited net confirms the degree of implication of this host in RVF epidemiology. The study of vector-hosts interactions in nature showed that among the 1,112 mosquito blood meals tested, 701 were identified of which 693 were from Aedes vexans. The percentage of non-reacting blood meal was 36.7% whereas 16.9 % of the blood meals were taken at least on two vertebrate hosts. Overall, 53.2% of the blood meals from Ae. vexans were taken on equine, 18.6% on bovines, 7.1% on sheep and 0.6% on human. No blood meal was taken on rodent. The greatest diversity was observed in August. These host feedings patterns show that although equine is known to play a minor role in RVF epidemiology a thorough attention should be made to this host with regard to the percentage of blood meals taken in this host. The low percentage of blood meals taken on human could probably explain the low human infection rate observed up to now in Senegal. With the high percentage of non-reacting blood meals, our results also underline the necessity of an improvement of ELISA techniques and the use of more reliable tools as molecular markers for an exhaustive identification of vertebrates hosts involved in RVF epidemiological cycle.

Mosquito vectors of the 1998-1999 outbreak of Rift Valley Fever and other arboviruses (Bagaza, Sanar, Wesselsbron and West Nile) in Mauritania and Senegal

Following an outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in south-eastern Mauritania during 1998, entomological investigations were conducted for 2 years in the affected parts of Senegal and Mauritania, spanning the Sénégal River basin. A total of 92 787 mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), belonging to 10 genera and 41 species, were captured in light traps. In Senegal, Culex poicilipes (41%) and Mansonia uniformis (39%) were the most abundant species caught, whereas Aedes vexans (77%) and Cx. poicilipes (15%) predominated in Mauritania. RVF virus was isolated from 63 pools of Cx. poicilipes: 36 from Senegal in 1998 and 27 from Mauritania in 1999. These results are the first field evidence of Cx. poicilipes naturally infected with RVFV, and the first isolations of this virus from mosquitoes in Mauritania - the main West African epidemic and epizootic area. Additional arbovirus isolates comprised 25 strains of Bagaza (BAG) from Aedes fowleri, Culex neavei and Cx. poicilipes; 67 Sanar (ArD 66707) from Cx. poicilipes; 51 Wesselsbron (WSL) from Ae. vexans and 30 strains of West Nile (WN) from Ma. uniformis, showing differential specific virus-vector associations in the circulation activity of these five arboviruses.

MIG (CXCL9) chemokine gene therapy combines with antibody-cytokine fusion protein to suppress growth and dissemination of murine colon carcinoma

The induction of a CTL response capable of eradicating disseminated tumor metastases and the establishment of a persistent tumor-protective immunity remain major goals of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the combination of interleukin 2 (IL-2) targeted to the tumor microenvironment by a recombinant antibody-IL-2 fusion protein (huKS1/4-IL-2) with gene therapy by the murine chemokine MIG (CXCL9) markedly reduced s.c. tumor burden and decisively suppressed dissemination of experimental lung metastases of CT26-KSA colon carcinoma in syngeneic BALB/c mice. This combined therapy significantly prolonged the life span of these mice 3-4-fold by concurrently delivering MIG and IL-2 to the tumor site and thereby achieving chemoattraction of T cells together with their activation. The antitumor effect obtained was mediated predominantly by MHC class I antigen-restricted CD8(+) T cells with help from MHC class II antigen-restricted CD4(+) T lymphocytes. In addition, the MIG chemokine also induced angiostatic effects in the tumor vasculature. Taken together, this combination of MIG chemokine gene therapy with tumor-targeted cytokine IL-2 provides an approach for the rational design of novel cancer immunotherapy modalities.

An oral DNA vaccine against human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) prevents growth and dissemination of Lewis lung carcinoma in CEA transgenic mice

A DNA vaccine encoding human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) broke peripheral T-cell tolerance toward this tumor self-antigen expressed by Lewis lung carcinoma stably transduced with CEA in C57BL/6J mice transgenic for CEA. This vaccine, delivered by oral gavage with an attenuated strain of Salmonella typhimurium (SL7207), and boosted with an antibody-IL2 fusion protein, induced tumor-protective immunity mediated by MHC class I antigen-restricted CD8(+) T cells, resulting in eradication of subcutaneous tumors in 100% of mice and prevention of experimental pulmonary metastases in 75% of experimental animals. Both CTL and antigen-presenting dendritic cells were activated as indicated by a decisive increase in their respective activation markers CD2, CD25, CD28 as well as CD48 and CD80. The antitumor effects of this CEA-based DNA vaccine obtained in prophylactic settings, suggest that this approach could lead to the rational design of effective treatment modalities for human lung cancer.

Methioninase cancer gene therapy with selenomethionine as suicide prodrug substrate

In this study, we report a novel approach to gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy for cancer. This gene therapy strategy exploits the toxic pro-oxidant property of methylselenol, which is released from selenomethionine (SeMET) by cancer cells with the adenoviral-delivered methionine alpha,gamma-lyase (MET) gene cloned from Pseudomonas putida. In MET-transduced tumor cells, the cytotoxicity of SeMET is increased up to 1000-fold compared with nontransduced cells. A strong bystander effect occurred because of methylselenol release from MET gene-transduced cells and uptake by surrounding tumor cells. Methylselenol damaged the mitochondria via oxidative stress and caused cytochrome c release into the cytosol, thereby activating the caspase cascade and apoptosis. Adenoviral MET-gene/SeMET treatment also inhibited tumor growth in rodents and significantly prolonged their survival. Recombinant adenovirus-encoding MET gene-SeMET treatment thereby offers a new paradigm for cancer gene therapy.

Interaction of MCC2, a novel homologue of MCC tumor suppressor, with PDZ-domain Protein AIE-75

AIE-75 is a protein identified as an autoantigen in patients with autoimmune enteropathy and as a colon cancer-related antigen. It has recently been assigned to be a causative gene for Usher type 1C congenital syndromic hearing loss. The novel protein has three PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ) protein-protein interaction domains and is therefore implicated to function as a molecular anchor or sorter. We have identified a novel protein that binds to AIE-75 by yeast two-hybrid screening. The protein has a high homology to the tumor suppressor MCC (mutated in colon cancer; or MCC1 hereafter) and was named MCC2. MCC2 protein binds the first PDZ domain of AIE-75 with its C-terminal amino acids -DTFL. Since the MCC1 does not bind to AIE-75 and the MCC2 displays different expression patterns in various organs compared to MCC1, they appear to play distinct roles in cells. The MCC2 gene is located on chromosome 19p13 in the vicinity of APCL gene, while MCC1 maps near to APC tumor suppressor gene. Because of negative expression of MCC2 in a panel of cancer cell-lines compared to the corresponding normal tissues, we suggest that further study is necessary to investigate a possible role of MCC2 as a tumor suppressor.

Transcriptional slippage of p53 gene enhanced by cellular damage in rat liver: monitoring the slippage by a yeast functional assay

The Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat is a mutant strain characterized by abnormal copper metabolism and a high incidence of hepatitis and hepatoma. Using a yeast-based assay which scores mutants in p53 gene transcripts as red colonies, we detected frequent mutations in the liver of LEC rats. The majority (50-60%) of these were frameshift mutations caused by the insertion of an extra adenine (A) in the regions containing six consecutive adenines. The rate of A insertion was calculated to be 6.9-9.0% of the total p53 cDNA. Insertions of an extra adenine were found almost exclusively in the mRNA (cDNA), especially in the (A)(6) tract located at the most 5'-side (exon 4) among the three (A)(6) tracts (exons 4, 7, and 8), but rarely in the corresponding sites of genomic DNA. Wild-type p53 cDNA was transcribed in vitro into mRNA with the use of SP6 RNA polymerase and tested by the yeast functional assay. Subsequent sequencing detected A insertions at an overall rate of 1.6% in exons 7 and 8 but none in exon 4. This indicates that the A insertion in the exon 4 (A)(6) tract was an in vivo phenomenon rather than an artifact in reverse transcription or polymerase chain reaction. The percentage of red colonies increased sharply to about 20% of the liver samples in the acute hepatitis stage, and returned to control level of those in the chronic hepatitis stage, and increased again slightly to those in the neoplastic stage. The percentage of red colonies correlated with the serum GOT level (r=0.96, p<0.001) but not with the contents of copper and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in the liver of LEC rats. Ethanol treatment of hepatic cell lines also increased the rate of transcriptional slippage at the (A)(6) tract. These findings indicate that cellular damage is responsible for the increase in the rate of mutation at the transcriptional level, and suggest that cellular damage degrades transcriptional fidelity, thereby further impairing cellular functions.

A functional and quantitative mutational analysis of p53 mutations in yeast indicates strand biases and different roles of mutations in DMBA- and BBN-induced tumors in rats

In order to analyze the mutational events and to understand the biological significance of the p53 gene in chemical carcinogenesis, we applied a new yeast-based p53 functional assay to ovarian tumors induced by 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), as well as to transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN) in rats. The assay demonstrated that 15 of 19 DMBA induced tumors harbored clonal p53 mutations, which is consistent with the expectations of the "clonal expansion" hypothesis. The majority of the mutations were purine (AG) to pyrimidine (CT) transversions (12/19) on the non-transcribed (sense) strand (NTS), which is likely to be due to depurination created by DMBA adduct formation on the NTS. In contrast, we found no pyrimidine to purine [corrected] transversion on the NTS. After cessation of BBN treatment, BBN-induced multifocal lesions in the bladder contained heterogeneous p53 mutations at an early stage. In the later stage, however, clonal p53 mutations were identified in 4 out of 7 bladders analyzed, conforming with the concept of "field cancerization". The observed base substitutions were G-->A (1/6) or C -->T transitions (2/6), and mutations at T (3/6) on the NTS in clonal mutations, together with non-clonal mutations, showing a preference of C-->T to G-->A (17 vs. 0). Thus, preferential repair was found in the transcribed strand of the p53 gene, whether modified by DMBA or by BBN carcinogens. Very similar mutation patterns were observed between clonal and non-clonal mutations in the DMBA- and BBN-induced tumors, indicating that the rat yeast p53 functional assay can be a potential tool for the characterization of in vivo mutation patterns of p53, when modified by chemical carcinogens.

Treatment of epigastralgia by external application of huweigao at shenque point

140 cases of epigastralgia were divided into two groups at random. The 100 cases in the treatment group were treated with Huweigao externally applied at Shenque (Ren 8), and the 40 cases in the control group by oral administration of Weinaian capsule. After a one-month treatment, the total symptom-relieving rate and the gastroscopy-proved effective rate were 94.0% and 52.6% respectively in the treatment group, much superior to those in the control group.

[Analysis of transcript mutations due to transcriptional slippage in rat p53 tumor suppressor gene with the use of yeast functional assay]

Transcriptional slippage was previously found in Escherichia coli during RNA elongation at runs of 10 or more As or Ts, resulting in the addition of untemplated A or U residues. To evaluate the incidence of transcriptional slippage in vivo, we employed a yeast functional assay, and analyzed the frequency and spectrum of mutations in mRNA of the tumor suppressor p53 in rat tissues. In this assay, yeast are transfected with p53 PCR products and a gapped p53 expression vector, which allow homologous recombination in vivo and yield a percentage of red colonies which reflects the proportion of mutant PCR products. Insertion mutations of single base of adenine (A) at stretches of 6 As were frequently detected in the liver samples of LEC rats which develop spontaneous hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. For excluding the possibility of artifacts involvement, p53 cDNA was amplified by PCR from plasmids containing wild-type p53 and tested with the yeast functional assay, which resulted in no A insertion after sequencing 23 mutant clones. Furthermore, in vitro transcript of wild-type p53 was synthesized by SP6 RNA polymerase, and then, reverse-transcribed, PCR-amplified, and tested with the yeast functional assay. The overall rate of A insertion was much lower than that in the LEC rat liver. Since A insertions were found predominantly at nucleotides 293-298 in exon 4, an exon 4-specific yeast functional assay was developed. A insertion was detected in 4.8% of the PCR product of mRNA but 0-0.1% from genomic DNA, which suggested that such A insertion was caused by transcriptional slippage in vivo. The A insertion rate abruptly increased in acute hepatitis stage in the LEC rat liver, while the rate slowly increased by aging in control WKAH rat liver. It was suggested that cell damage and aging were primarily responsible for the increased rate of transcriptional slippage.

[Phlebotomus of Senegal: survey of the fauna in the region of Kedougou. Isolation of arbovirus]

Phlebotomine sand-flies were captured on a bimonthly basis from April 1995 to March 1996 in the Kedougou district of south-east Senegal. In all, 6,642 specimens were identified belonging to 25 species. Eleven species were captured in tree holes, 17 in termites hills, 19 in rodent burrows and 23 on grass. Sergentomyia buxtoni, S. clydei, S. dubia, S. squamipleuris et S. schwetzi were the most abundant. Species from the genus Sergentomyia accounted for 99.3% versus 0.7% for the genus Phlebotomus, Phlebotomus duboscqi, the leishmaniasis vector in Senegal, was very rare. The male of S. edentula and S. herollandi were recorded for the first time. The sand-fly population was observed to peak in April. The most populated resting sites were, in decreasing order, termite-hills, burrows and tree-holes. Thirty virus strains from 5 different viruses (Saboya, Chandipura, Tete, ArD 95737, ArD 111740) were isolated from 30,482 specimens tested.

Optimizing the 13C-14N REAPDOR NMR experiment: a theoretical and experimental study

The optimum 14N pulse lengths in the 13C-14N rotational-echo adiabatic-passage double-resonance (REAPDOR) NMR experiment are determined from calculations and from experiments on samples of glycine and L-alanine. The REAPDOR experiment utilizes the adiabatic passages that 14N spins make between the 14N Zeeman energy levels during the application of a single, short 14N radiofrequency pulse. Use of a short 14N irradiation time of less than one-quarter of a rotor period ensures that the number of 14N spins that undergo more than one passage is minimized. This simplifies calculations describing 13C dipolar dephasing and provides better agreement between calculations and experiments. Recovery of the 13C-14N dipolar couplings and 14N quadrupolar coupling constants and asymmetry parameters is described.

[Phlebotomines of Senegal (Diptera: Psychodidae): population and population dynamics of the Mont-Rolland region]

Phlebotomine sandflies were captured on a monthly basis from May 1995 to April 1996 in the Mont-Rolland district in Western Senegal. The objectives were to study the population dynamics of sandflies and to make an inventory of the viruses they transmit. Among 10,315 specimens captured, belonging to 14 species, Sergentomyia dubia (35.9%), S. schwetzi (27.7%) and S. buxtoni (24.5%) were the most abundant. Species from the genus Sergentomyia accounted for 99.6% versus 0.4% for the genus Phlebotomus. The sandflies population was observed to peak in February. The most populated resting sites of the captured insects were in decreasing order tree-holes, termite-hills and burrows. S. dubia was the most abundant species captured in tree-holes. It was S. buxtoni in termite-hills, while S. schwetzi was found to dwell most often in burrows. No virus was isolated from 2,114 specimens tested.

Clinical research on acute hemoptysis treated with kexue ning

The efficacy of Kexue Ning (stopping hemoptysis) in the treatment of acute hemoptysis, and its comparison with that of the control group (treated with western medicine) are reported in this paper. The results showed that both the time for cessation of hemoptysis and the cure rate were better in the therapeutic group than in the control group. In addition, marked improvement in blood rheology after treatment was also found in the therapeutic group, but not in the control group.

Multiple-quantum nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of coupled 1/2 spins in solids. Combination with cross-polarization and magic-angle spinning

Proton multiple-quantum coherence spectroscopy has been combined with magic-angle spinning (MAS) and cross-polarization (CP). This enables the detection of the proton (or any other abundant spin) multiple-quantum coherence spectrum via the high-resolution 13C (any other spin) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum. For this purpose multiple-quantum pulse sequences synchronised to sample rotation have been designed, and the average Hamiltonians of these sequences have been analysed. The analysis allows the design of optimal experimental conditions. As a demonstration of the technique, it has been applied to a mixture of adamantane and hexamethylethane. From earlier 13C spin diffusion experiments it was known that these two molecules form a mixed crystal. With our technique we detected two different phases with different molecular translational self-diffusion coefficients in this system.

First isolations of arboviruses from phlebotomine sand flies in West Africa

For the first time in West Africa, arboviruses were isolated from phlebotomine sand fly pools. One strain of Chandipura virus (a Vesiculovirus), four strains of Saboya virus (a Flavivirus), and one strain of a not yet identified virus were isolated. Three hundred twenty-two pools were established from a population of 33,917 sand flies caught in CO2 light traps in the Ferlo Sahelian region of Senegal from November 1991 to December 1992. This is the first isolation of Chandipura virus from any arthropod in Africa. Saboya virus has already been isolated from small rodents in Senegal; thus, its transmission cycle probably involves rodentophilic sand flies. No strain of Rift Valley fever phlebovirus, which caused an epizootic in this region in 1987, was isolated. During the same time at the same site, 11 sand fly species were identified from 4,191 specimens caught on sticky traps, including Phlebotomus duboscqi, a leishmaniasis vector.

Experimental detection of multiple-quantum coherence transfer in coupled spin solids by multi-dimensional NMR experiments

Three-dimensional multiple-quantum coherence experiments in coupled 1/2 spin solids have been designed to directly detect coherence transfers among all the accessible coherence orders during irradiation. The experiments have been performed on the coupled four-spin polycrystalline sample 1,2,3,4-tetrachloronaphthalene-bis(hexachlorocyclopentadiene) adduct. The experimental results reveal how the coherences transfer in this spin system, which support the theoretically deduced selection rules and can be used to assist more precise description of multiple-quantum coherence dynamics.