Acute myeloblastic leukemia with minimal myeloid differentiation: phenotypical and ultrastructural characteristics

AML-M0 is an infrequent form of acute myeloblastic leukemia characterized by negative reaction with myeloperoxidase (MPO), Sudan Black and lymphoid antigens and positivity for CD13 or CD33. In the present study we describe the immunophenotypical and ultrastructural characteristics of a group of AML-M0 in adult patients. Nine out 218 AML leukemias (4.1%) fulfilled the AML-M0 criteria. CD13 or CD33 were positive in eight out nine cases, with two or more positive myeloid antigens being present in 82% of the cases. Immunological MPO was positive in 57% of the cases and CD68 in 33%. In no case megakaryocytic and erythroid markers present. Four cases (44%) expressed CD7 and TdT but only two coexpressed both antigens. In none of the cases was CD3 or CD22 cytoplasmic expression found. Ultrastructurally, a low number of granules was seen in all cases whereas ferritin particles or rhopheocytosis were not observed. Ultrastructural MPO was positive in one out of five cases and platelet peroxidase (PPO) was negative in the four cases studied. Two out of six cases showed karyotypic abnormalities (hypotetraploidy and a complex karyotype, respectively). In two out three cases a rearranged pattern for JH gene was observed. TCR (Cbeta and Jgamma) rearrangements were not detected in any case. AML-M0 is an infrequent form of acute myeloblastic leukemia. A large panel of myeloid monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) and the study of the cytoplasmic expression of myeloid antigens is necessary to diagnose this form of leukemia. AML-M0 usually coexpress lymphoid markers. Ultrastructural studies may be of help to discard an immature erythroid proliferation.     

Evaluation of the Coulter MAXM. Differential leukocyte count and left-shift alarm

Affective instability in borderline personality disorder is due to a marked reactivity to environmental events. The present study focused on the relationship between affective instability and impulsivity in personality disorder. It used an experimental approach in the form of an affect-stimulation design based on the presentation of a short story which allowed for an analysis of affective responses in regard to quality, intensity, and alterations over time. Impulsive personalities showed a strong intensity of affective responses us well as a tendency towards rapid affect alterations supporting the theory of poor affect regulation in subjects with impulsive self-harming behaviour. Results suggest that affective instability is a crucial part of impulsive personality functioning.     

A Preliminary Study on Ultraviolet Radiation–Cured Biofiber Composites from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch

Biofiber composites, cured by ultraviolet (UV) radiation were produced using pulp made from empty fruit bunch (EFB) as the reinforcing agent and unsaturated polyester as the matrix. The EFB fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions. The kappa number of the EFB decreased as the NaOH concentration increased. The flexural and tensile strength of the composites made from 22% NaOH-treated EFB increased as the percentage of EFB increased. Composites with 28% NaOH treated EFB had lower strength as the percentage of EFB increased. Generally, those with EFB fibers treated with 22% 15 NaOH displayed higher flexural, tensile, and impact strength and tensile modulus than those with 28% NaOH-treated fibers. No significant difference was observed for both types of composite with respect to flexural modulus and elongation at break.     

Oil palm wood flour filled natural rubber composites: fatigue and hysteresis behaviour

The fatigue and hysteresis behaviour of oil palm wood flour (OPWF) filled natural rubber composites was studied. The stress at any strain decreased with increasing OPWF loading in the composites. As the filler loading increased, the poor wetting of the OPWF by the rubber matrix gave rise to poor interfacial adhesion between the filler and rubber matrix. Results also indicate that the composite with the highest loading of OPWF was the most sensitive towards changes in strain energy, and hence exhibited the highest hysteresis. Thermal ageing not only reduced the fatigue life, but also increased the hysteresis of the composites. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase (CYP51) and spermatogenesis

CYP51 is the only gene of the cytochrome P450 (P450, or CYP) superfamily that is expressed in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In animals, the gene product, P45014DM, catalyzes the lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase reaction, an essential step in cholesterol biosynthesis. P45014DM serves a housekeeping role, and it was surprising to find the highest level of CYP51 expression in the testes. This is a result of very high-level CYP51 expression in postmeiotic, haploid spermatids and results in elevated P45014DM activity in these cells. It is proposed that the elevated level of 14alpha-demethylase activity leads to production of signaling sterols by haploid germ cells, although the function of such sterols in males is unknown.     

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Patients with active and severe RA (disease duration <8 years) were recruited into a 24-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Doses of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and/or oral corticosteroids (< or =10 mg prednisolone daily) remained constant throughout the study. Any disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs that were being administered were discontinued at least 6 weeks prior to enrollment. Patients were randomized to 1 of 4 treatment groups: placebo or a single, self-administered subcutaneous injection of IL-1Ra at a daily dose of 30 mg, 75 mg, or 150 mg. RESULTS: A total of 472 patients were recruited. At enrollment, the mean age, sex ratio, disease duration, and percentage of patients with rheumatoid factor and erosions were similar in the 4 treatment groups. The clinical parameters of disease activity were similar in each treatment group and were consistent with active and severe RA. At 24 weeks, of the patients who received 150 mg/day IL-1Ra, 43% met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for response (the primary efficacy measure), 44% met the Paulus criteria, and statistically significant improvements were seen in the number of swollen joints, number of tender joints, investigator's assessment of disease activity, patient's assessment of disease activity, pain score on a visual analog scale, duration of morning stiffness, Health Assessment Questionnaire score, C-reactive protein level, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In addition, the rate of radiologic progression in the patients receiving IL-1Ra was significantly less than in the placebo group at 24 weeks, as evidenced by the Larsen score and the erosive joint count. IL-1Ra was well tolerated and no serious adverse events were observed. An injection-site reaction was the most frequently observed adverse event, and this resulted in a 5% rate of withdrawal from the study among those receiving IL-1Ra at 150 mg/day. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed both the efficacy and the safety of IL-1Ra in a large cohort of patients with active and severe RA. IL-1Ra is the first biologic agent to demonstrate a beneficial effect on the rate of joint erosion.