Mutations in the TAL1 (T-cell acute leukemia 1) gene were recently described in patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) and in those with lymphoblastic T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (T-NHL). The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the prevalence of mutations in TAL1 gene in T-ALL and TNHL. DNA samples from 15 unrelated healthy controls, 20 T-ALL patients, and 10 T-NHL patients were analyzed using DNA-PCR and direct DNA sequencing to identify sequence genetic variations in TAL1 gene (exons 2 and 3). TAL1 exon 2 mutations were identified in 7.7% adult and 12.5% adolescent T-ALL patients analyzed. TAL1 exon 2 mutations were detected in 16.7% of the adult TNHL patients analyzed. Sequencing of TAL1 exon 3 showed no sequence variation for the T-ALL and T-NHL cancer patients analyzed. No sex difference where observed in the incidences of TAL1 exons 2 mutations between T-ALL and T-NHL patients with and without TAL1 mutations. TAL1 exon 2 missense and frame-shift mutations were present in 44.4% (4/9) and 55.6% (5/9) of T-ALL patients, respectively. However, the frame-shift and missense mutations in the T-NHL patients accounted for, where respectively, 60% (3/5) and 40% (4/5) of all TAL1 exon 2 mutations. Comparing the clinical features showed that there are no differences in PLT and WBC counts as well as the average age between T-ALL and T-NHL patients with and without TAL1 mutations. Overall, these findings indicate that TAL1 mutations are too rare to be of clinical relevance, and do not seem to be significantly associated with the increased T-ALL and T-NHL susceptibility, implying different pathways with respect to TAL1 genetic polymorphisms as a risk factor for T-ALL and T-NHL at least in this population of Libyans.
Amal E. Elarifi, Othman A. El-Ansari, Mohamed A. Al-Griw(12-2016)

Exposure to chemicals has been shown to adversely affect CNS health in rodents and humans. The objective was to evaluate, in-vivo, the effects of trichloroethane (TCE), a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, on the integrity of neural cells. A group of albino mice was injected intraperitoneally twice weekly for three weeks with TCE (100 and 400 µg/kg). Animals were followed up for signs of toxicity and death. Alterations in neural tissues have also been investigated by histopathology The results showed a large number of degenerative neural cells (pyknosis of nuclei, DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation) in the 100 and 400 µg/kg TCE-treated groups comparing to controls. Although there were no significant effect on the neural cell counts, the pattern of increased degenerative cells in TCE-treated groups was higher compared to controls. The results also showed that TCE led to a significant increase in the percent of degenerative neurons. There was also a significant reduction in the percent of neurons. These results correlated with the increase in the percent of glia. This study indicates that TCE exposure had detrimental impact on neural cells, and that neurons are more vulnerable to TCE than glia in this in-vivo mouse model.
Mohamed A. Al-Griw, Naser M. Salama, Soad A. Treesh, Lubna N. Algadi, Abdul hakim Elnfati(7-2015)

Aim– This paper aims to review the existing literature relevant to the subject of ISO/IEC 17025 within Arabic countries and Libyan Research Centres Laboratories (LRCL), especially to the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) that effect the implementation of ISO/IEC 17025 standards. Therefore, a review of the literature revealed a major gap in studies in this area of quality standards for testing and calibration laboratories. Methodology– The aspects listed were based on a review of the literature. This paper summaries the key findings result within LRCL using SWOT and Template analysis to analyse the data collected from existing literature and LRCL data. Findings –The findings revealed that despite some organisations have faced challenges undertaking ISO/IEC 17025 implementations, many others have enjoyed the benefits that the systems have brought to the organisations. Outcomes of the research are important for Arabic and Libyan organisations implementing ISO/IEC 17025 systems and for consulting companies assisting with ISO/IEC 17025 implementation. The distribution of the current study results will lead to knowledge transfer and help organisations, among Arabic and developing countries including Libya, in the process of achieving standardisation. Originality, Value – The novelty of this research paper stems from the realisation of critical factors determining a successful implementation of ISO/IEC 17025 within research centers and Laboratories in Arabic countries and LRCL. The originality and value of this research paper is to fill the gap in knowledge in this area, which is explicit to the Arabic countries and Libya in particular. In addition, it contributes to the literature and professional practice by offering new insights into the CSFs for the implementation of ISO/IEC 17025 in Arabic countries and LRCL.
Anwar Salih Ali Al-mijrab, Maged Elmabruk Elgharib, Mohamed A. Al-Griw(5-2019)