A study on fatty acid composition of fish oil from two marine fish, Eusphyra blochii and Carcharhinus bleekeri

Two species of marine fish found in coastal waters of Karachi (Pakistan) were studied, Eusphyra blochii (Hammer-headed Shark) and Carcharhinus bleekeri (Shark) for their fatty acid composition. The isolation, identification and characterization of these fatty acids were carried out by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) and a combination of TLC-GLC technique. A large variation was observed between hammer-headed shark liver oil and shark liver oil. Twenty five individual fatty acids from the oil of marine fish were analyzed among those the palmitic acid was a major saturated fatty acid while stearic acid was the other major constituent. Among unsaturated fatty acids monoenoic e.g. oleic and palmitoleic acids were the major constituents and traces of dienoic and trienoic fatty acids were also found. In addition medicinally important polyunsaturated fatty, acid eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids were also identified.

Transposition of duplicated chromosomal segment involving fused BCR-ABL gene or ABL oncogene alone in chronic myelocytic leukemia and Ph chromosome-positive acute leukemia with complex karyotypes

Thirty-six patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) in the blastic phase were examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization to clarify the mechanisms of progression of the disease. Two of 19 CML patients in the blastic phase (10.5%) had an extra fused BCR-ABL gene on structurally complex chromosome aberrations in addition to the Ph chromosome. Another patient had an extra ABL oncogene on the end of a deleted chromosome, resulting in three copies of the ABL oncogene. These three patients showed additional chromosome aberrations, such as der(12), der(15), and der(18), which differ from the standard karyotypic evolution in the blastic phase. Amplification of the fused BCR-ABL gene or the ABL oncogene seemed to be induced by transposition. These segmental transpositions suggest that these regions have high genetic instability possibly leading to blastic transformation.

Ioffe et Al. Reply:

A Reply to the Comment by C. A. Chatzidimitriou-Dreismann et al.

Analysis of a dephased complex-coupled distributed-feedback laser by the power-series method

A novel power-series method to solve the coupled-wave equations is introduced. The method is used to calculate the threshold gain margins of a complex-coupled distributed-feedback laser as functions of the ratio of gain coupling to index coupling (|kappa(g)|/|kappa(n)|) and of the phase difference between the index and the gain gratings. For coupling coefficient |kappa|l < ., the laser shows a mode degeneracy at specific values of the ratio |kappa(g)|/|kappa(n)| for cleaved facets. At phase differences pi/2 and 3pi/2 between the gain and the index gratings, an antireflection-coated complex-coupled laser becomes multimode, and a different mode starts to lase. The effect of facet reflectivity (both magnitude and phase) on the gain margin of a complex-coupled DFB laser is also investigated. Although the gain margin varies slowly with the magnitude of the facet's reflectivity, it shows large variations as a function of the phase. Spatial hole burning was found to be minimum at phase difference npi, n =, ..., and maximum at phase differences pi/2 and 3pi/2.

A comparative study of omega-3-fatty acids obtained from marine fish and bezafibrate alone and in combination as hypolipidemic agents

The fish oil and its constituents have been studied in detail with special reference to ailments. The discovery of omega-3 fatty acids led to a detailed investigation about its effect and role as anti-cholesterolemic agents. The effect of fish oil alone and in combination with acid derivatives was found to be a potent cholesterol and triglycerides lowering agent. Comparative studies of fish oils and bezafibrate led to the formulation of new therapeutic combination having lesser side effects and toxicity.

Iterative manual control model of human operator

In this paper, we present an iterative manual control model of a human operator performing some repetitive task. Various aspects of the model are discussed in detail. Experiments have been done to study the human capability to perform the tasks by learning iteratively. Results of the experiments show the ability of the human operator to perform the tracking of a desired trajectory for some unknown non-linear system with quite reasonable accuracy during the iteration process. It is concluded that the human operator performs the repetitive task by modifying his control action using error and error rate in each iteration. During the modification, the human operator assigns different weights to the error and error rate in each iteration. These results can be implemented in designing more efficient iterative learning control algorithms.

Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization overcomes pitfalls of G-banding analysis with special reference to underestimation of chromosomal aberration rates

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is suitable for detecting different types of chromosome aberrations on interphase nuclei even in specimens with no or few chromosome metaphases. However, it is not known why FISH is superior to conventional G-banding analysis. The sensitivity of interphase FISH was compared to that of G-banding analysis in 288 leukemia/lymphoma patients for 10 different types of chromosome aberrations: t(9;22) (M- and m-BCR), t(8;21), 11q23 abnormalities, t(15;17), del(5)/-5, del(13)/-13, +8, -7, and +12. The results revealed that t(15;17) positive cells could not proliferate well in culture, leading to underestimation of abnormality by G-banding. Monosomy 7 in acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as well as trisomy 12 and deletion chromosome 13 in chronic lymphocytic leukemias (CLL) were also severely underestimated by G-banding. On the other hand, no discrepancies were observed in t(8;21), t(9;22), translations involving 11q23, or in trisomy 8. These findings indicate the superiority of interphase FISH over conventional cytogenetics for detecting chromosome abnormalities in small clones, especially for monosomy 7 or (15;17) translocations.

Determination of natural radioactivity in building materials used in the Rawalpindi/Islamabad area by gamma-ray spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis

Samples of sand and manufactured building materials collected from the Rawalpindi/Islamabad area have been analyzed for the primordial natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K using gamma-ray spectrometry. The uranium and thorium contents have also been determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The specific activities of these radionuclides in the samples are compared with those of the world averages for soil. The comparison shows that, of the nine samples analyzed, only the three brick samples have higher activities than the world averages for soil. The specific activities in these materials, having a radium equivalent activity of less than 370 Bq kg-1, when evaluated for radiological effects show that all materials meet the external gamma-ray dose limitation of 1.5 mSv y-1. The gamma-spectrometric and INAA techniques complemented each other well in this study.

Threshold analysis of a chirped-grating distributed-feedback laser with the power series method

A new and efficient method for analyzing a chirped-grating distributed-feedback (DFB) laser is presented. We show that coupled-wave equations can be solved by use of the power series method. The single-mode gain margin of a linearly chirped-grating DFB laser is calculated for different chirping factors and coupling constants. We found that clearly optimum chirping exists for which the single-mode gain margin is maximum. The gain margins were also calculated for different positions of the cavity center. The effect of facet reflectivities and their phases on the gain margin was investigated. We found that the gain margin is maximum and the spatial hole burning is minimum for the cavity center at the middle of the laser cavity.

Frequent allelic loss of the RB, D13S319 and D13S25 locus in myeloid malignancies with deletion/translocation at 13q14 of chromosome 13, but not in lymphoid malignancies

In order to identify a commonly deleted region of 13q14 on chromosome 13, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on 17 patients with myeloid malignancies and 12 patients with lymphoid leukemia/lymphoma who exhibited either deletion or translocation at 13q14. Three cosmid probes (RB, D13S319 and D13S25) hybridizing to sequences on 13q14 were used. Fourteen of the 17 patients with myeloid malignancies (82.4%) exhibited allelic loss at the RB, D13S319 and D13S25 locus, whereas only three of the 12 patients with lymphoid malignancies (25.0%) exhibited loss within these loci. These three patients had chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Six, two and one of the remaining nine lymphoid leukemia/lymphoma patients had breakpoints centromeric to the RB gene, telomeric to D13S25 and within the D13S319 locus, respectively. A high frequency of allelic loss was found using these probes in patients with myeloid malignancies, compared to in patients with leukemia in the lymphoid origin, except CLL patients. These results indicate that loss of the RB gene itself or a region between RB and D13S319, which includes commonly deleted loci, may play an important role in myeloid leukemogenesis.

Human learning characteristics in the tracking tasks of iterative nature

In this paper, human learning characteristics in the tracking tasks of iterative nature are investigated. Various linear and nonlinear systems are used as plant, and a human operator has to generate the proper control inputs to force these systems in tracking the desired trajectory. The learning behaviour of the human operator in modifying his control actions is studied and it is observed that the human operator can improve his performance quite efficiently despite the unavailability of any information about the system or the desired trajectories. It is concluded from the experiments that the human operator not only use the information that is directly available to him (error in this case), but also extracts some useful information (e.g. error rate) that he feels is necessary to generate a good control action. The limitation of the human performance is studied in frequency domain, and the performance of the human operator against the frequency bandwidth of error and error rate signals are highlighted. Analysis of the results revealed that a human operator gives more importance to the error rate in generating his control actions and, accordingly, it is observed that his limitation in term of performance is more sensitive to the frequency bandwidth of the error rate as compared to the error. The human operator cannot improve his performance once the frequency components of the error or error rates shift to the higher frequencies, say above 1.0 Hz.

Detection of translocation 8;21 on interphase cells from acute myelocytic leukemia by fluorescence in situ hybridization and its clinical application

To detect a translocation (8;21)(q22;q22) in interphase cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we investigated three probe combinations: single-color hybridization with two cosmid probes (cY8 and cY3), single-color hybridization with four cosmid probes (cY8, cY3, cY107, and cYR4), and dual-color hybridization with two cosmid probes (cY107 and cYR4) from the AML1 gene flanking or overlapping the breakpoint region. Over 95% of nuclei gave sufficient signals in all three probe combinations, and the detection rates were not statistically different among them. Among 18 patients examined at diagnosis, 12 with t(8;21) were also monitored for the number of residual leukemic cells after chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation (BMT). There were some discrepancies between morphology and genetic (especially FISH) results at partial, or even complete remission. As leukemic cells with t(8;21) can maturate, morphological assessment alone is insufficient to evaluate the residual leukemic cells. Interphase FISH provided more precise information about the clinical status of patients with an 8;21 translocation after treatment.

Role of quinone moiety as antitumour agents: a review

Quinone antitumour agents with wide spectrum of activity have been extensively used in different forms of human cancers. Quinones have been isolated either from animals, microorganisms or plants. Extensive research on quinone compounds is going on to discover novel effective antitumour compound. We also discussed the mechanism of action, which have not been fully clarified. In this review we cover all the above-mentioned aspects to emphasize the importance of quinone moiety as antitumour agents.

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in Saudi children 8 years after a mass hepatitis B vaccination programme

OBJECTIVES

On October 1 1989, a programme was begun in Saudi Arabia in which the HBV vaccine was added as the 'seventh' primary immunogen of the Extended Programme of Immunization (EPI). In 1990, another programme was launched by the Ministry of Health to vaccinate all school children. Eight years after this mass vaccination programme, the efficacy of HBV vaccine was evaluated in a community-based study.

METHODS

A community-based study was carried out in Saudi children in urban and rural areas, covering all the regions of Saudi Arabia. After informed consent, blood samples were obtained and tested for HBV markers.

RESULTS

Among 4791 vaccinated Saudi children aged 1-12 years, only 15 were found to be HbsAg-positive (0.31%). HbsAg-positivity was 0.16% in children vaccinated at birth compared with 0.7% in those vaccinated at school entry. The overall HbsAg carrier rate dropped from 6.7% in 1989 to 0.3% in 1997 (P<0.00001). Similarly, there was a significant reduction in the prevalence of anti-HBc from 4.2% in 1989 to 0.46% in 1997 (P<0.00001). The overall seroconversion rate to HB vaccine among 4087 Saudi children up to 12 years of age was about 77%. Seroconversion rate in those vaccinated at birth was 77% compared with 71% in those vaccinated at school entry. After 8 years of receiving the third vaccine dose, close to 65% of the children had an anti-HBs titre of more than 10 IU/l compared with about 28% who had an anti-HBs titre of more than 100 IU/l after the same period.

CONCLUSION

The result of this study demonstrates the tremendous impact of the mass HB vaccination programme on the seroepidemiology of HBV infection in Saudi Arabia. The ultimate goal of preventing HBV-related chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in Saudi Arabia is foreseeable in the near future.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of primary Kaposi's sarcoma of lymph nodes in an immunocompetent man

This case report describes the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) findings of primary lymphadenopathic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in a 44-year-old African heterosexual male who is immunocompetent and has no clinical or serological evidence of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or the endemic form of KS. The cytological findings emphasize the role of FNA in the diagnosis of KS and draw the attention to the fact that a diagnosis of KS in an African man is not synonymous with the diagnosis of AIDS or endemic/African KS. A description of other spindle cell intranodal lesions which may mimick KS is given with a discussion of the differential diagnoses that should be considered in such cases by the cytopathologist.

Isodicentric chromosome 21: a novel aberration in acute myeloid leukemia

We present here a 78-year-old female patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), French-American-British classification M2, exhibiting isodicentric chromosome 21, idic(21)(q22), at the time of diagnosis. The patient had three idic(21)(q22), besides the del(5)(q13q32), add(21)(q22), dic(21;22) (q22;q13), and +22. Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies with whole-chromosome painting and centromere-specific probes for chromosome 21 verified the diagnosis of idic(21)(q22). There were no distinct clinicohematological characteristics of AML with isodicentric 21. The patient was treated with remission-induction therapy followed by consolidation therapy. Two years later, the patient showed the disappearance of isodicentric 21 but retained del(5)(q13q32) and gained other chromosomal abnormalities, +add(17)(p11) and -16. To our knowledge, this is the first report of AML with acquired idic(21)(q22).

Adaptive acquisition of novobiocin resistance in Pasteurella multocida strains of avian origin

Naturally occurring strains of Pasteurella multocida are atypically susceptible to hydrophobic antibiotics such as novobiocin, despite their Gram-negative cell envelope ultrastructure. Four strains adaptively resistant to 1000 micrograms/ml of novobiocin were obtained by sequentially subculturing cell surface hydrophobic variants of avian origin in the presence of increasing antibiotic concentrations. Adaptive novobiocin resistance was accompanied in all cases by the concomitant acquisition of resistance to coumermycin, a hydrophobic antibiotic possessing the same mechanism of action, but not to the functionally disparate hydrophobic antibiotic rifamycin. The acquisition of resistance was not accompanied by alterations in the lipid composition of the cell envelope. Subsequent growth of adaptively resistant strains in the absence of novobiocin did not result in the restoration of susceptibility to either novobiocin or coumermycin. Acquisition of adaptive resistance in encapsulated parental strains resulted in an inability to synthesize capsular material and enhanced cell surface hydrophobicity; however, parental encapsulation and decreased cell surface hydrophobicity were restored upon removal of novobiocin. These data suggest that acquisition of adaptive resistance to novobiocin conferred in this manner is the result of a stable genetic event affecting the mechanistic target of both novobiocin and coumermycin rather than a physiological adaptation involving outer membrane impermeability.

Association of sequences in the coat protein/readthrough domain of potato mop-top virus with transmission by Spongospora subterranea

A monofungal culture of Spongospora subterranea was unable to acquire and transmit the T isolate of potato mop-top pomovirus (PMTV-T), which has been maintained by manual transmission in the laboratory for 30 years. A recently obtained field isolate (PMTV-S) was efficiently acquired and transmitted by the same fungus culture. Sequence analysis of the readthrough (RT) protein-coding region of PMTV-S showed the presence of an additional 543 nt in the 3' half of the coding region relative to that of PMTV-T. These additional nucleotides preserved the reading frame of the RT protein and inserted 181 amino acids into the RT protein. This was confirmed by a comparison by immunoblotting of the sizes of the RT protein of PMTV-T and other recent isolates of PMTV.

Two-Element Refracting System for Annular Gaussian-to-Bessel Beam Transformation

A refracting system consisting of two lenses is designed to transform an annular Gaussian laser beam into a circular Bessel beam. The slopes of the input and output surfaces fit well with a sixth-order polynomial. A smooth variation of the radii of curvature of the resulting aspheric surfaces is very attractive for easy machining of the surfaces. The diffraction-free length for the designed system is 59.4735 m at 633 nm.

Viscosity studies on Mestranol

The viscosity of 1x10(-4) M to 4x10(-4) M solution of Mestranol (synthetic oestrogenic steroidal hormone) in ethanol was measured at 32 degrees, 40 degrees and 50 degrees C in a viscometric bath. The viscosity rates are maximum at 30 degrees C as compared to 40 degrees and 50 degrees C. The disappearance rate of Mestranol at higher temperature and lower viscosity is due to triplet state of species transitions at higher thermal conditions.

Platelet Activating Factor antagonists

Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) is a D-glycerol derived phosopholipid which is a potent endogenous mediator of inflammation. PAF is synthesized and released by a variety of cell types and elicits its biological activity by interacting with specific G-protein coupled receptors found on platelets, neutrophils, and other inflammatory cells. The physiological consequences of the interaction on PAF with its receptor include an increase in vascular permeability, hypotension, bronchoconstriction, and platelet and neutrophil aggregation. These biological effects are consistent with the concept that PAF is involved in a number of inflammatory diseases such as septic shock and asthma (Arimura A., 1998). Given the potent pathophysiological effects of PAF, a great deal of effort has been focused on the discovery of agents which block the action of PAF at its receptor. Within the past 10 years, a wide range of structures have been identified as PAF antagonists. These include not only PAF analogs, but also antagonists derived form natural product as well as non-lipid synthetic compounds. Several theories have been proposed to unify these diverse structural classes, but sophisticated molecular models of the receptor have not been widely employed (Braquet P., 1987). The discovery of new PAF antagonists has relied heavily on traditional medicinal chemistry approaches. A number of PAF antagonists have advanced to clinical evaluation. While several early compounds demonstrated efficacy in animal models of asthma they have failed to provide benefit for this condition in man. The current generation of potent antagonists are being evaluated as therapies for sepsis, pancreatitis and other disorders (Braquet C., 1991).