The effect of fish oil rich in cetoleic acid on the omega-3 index and skin quality.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to provide preliminary data on the effect of a long chain monounsaturated oil rich in cetoleic acid on the omega-3 index, a validated measure of EPA and DHA in blood cells, as well as a potential effect of the oil on skin quality. DESIGN: Two intervention studies were performed, each as double blinded, placebo controlled, randomised nutritional trials. The CetoIndex study (N = 55) measured omega-3 index using a blood spot collection kit (Omegaquant). The Optihud study (N = 28) measured skin quality parameters in healthy women using the VISIA system. The cetoleic-rich-oil (CRO) was an oil derived from North Atlantic fish with a predominance of long chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids including cetoleic acid (C22:1 n-11) and gondoic acid (C20:1 n-9). RESULTS: In a placebo-controlled study, the omega-3 index in healthy volunteers was increased similar to that seen with an oil with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In a separate placebo-controlled study, the CRO reduced erythema in skin, which is a marker of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study suggest that the use of a CRO increases the omega-3 index more than expected from the levels of EPA and DHA in the oil. The CRO may potentially have benefits on skin inflammation. SUMMARY: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are commonly taken as dietary supplements for a range of health benefits. Other marine fatty acids may also provide health benefits and it is of interest to understand their activity. Long chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids (LCMUFA) have shown biological activity in studies of metabolic health in animal models. Here, we report two intervention studies using a fish oil with a high LCMUFA content where cetoleic acid is the predominant fatty acid (Cetoleic rich oil: CRO). In CetoIndex, a placebo-controlled study in 55 healthy volunteers, the omega-3 index increased similarly to that seen with an oil containing higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In Optihud, a placebo-controlled study in 28 female volunteers, the CRO reduced erythema in skin, which is a marker of inflammation. The results of this pilot study support the use of a CRO for increasing the omega-3 index with potential benefits on skin inflammation.

New measurement of the K+-->pi+ nunu branching ratio.

Three events for the decay K+-->pi+ nunu have been observed in the pion momentum region below the K+-->pi+pi0 peak, 140 < Ppi < 199 MeV/c, with an estimated background of 0.93+/-0.17(stat.) -0.24+0.32(syst.) events. Combining this observation with previously reported results yields a branching ratio of B(K+-->pi+ nunu) = (1.73(-1.05)+1.15) x 10(-10) consistent with the standard model prediction.

Improved measurement of the K+-->pi+nunu; branching ratio.

An additional event near the upper kinematic limit for K+-->pi(+)nunu; has been observed by experiment E949 at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Combining previously reported and new data, the branching ratio is B(K+-->pi(+)nunu;)=(1.47(+1.30)(-0.89))x10(-10) based on three events observed in the pion momentum region 211

Further evidence for the decay K+ -->pi+nu(nu).

Additional evidence for the rare kaon decay K+-->pi+nu(nu) has been found in a new data set with comparable sensitivity to the previously reported result. One new event was observed in the pion momentum region examined, 211pi+nu(nu)) = 1.57(+1.75)(-0.82)x10(-10).

The pharmacy computer system at the New England Medical Center.

The pharmacy computer system developed and implemented at the New England Medical Center (NEMC) is described. The system was developed to improve the department's fiscal performance and operations. It operates on NEMC's large mainframe system and has the following components-order entry, unit dose/patient profile, i.v. admixture, and financial/management. The system was designed to interface with the admissions and census system and use the pharmacy department's drug data file. It accepts medication orders from pharmacy satellites and then processes the orders according to the requirements for the i.v. admixture or unit dose procedures. Financial data are collected as a routine part of all medication order processing. The system allows for the entry of multiple medication orders on one cathode ray tube (CRT) screen, thus facilitating order entry. The use of programmed system defaults is described. Order entry, dose selection, and patient profiles are displayed on a CRT. An active order list is printed once daily at midnight to serve as a back-up for the system. The computer system has had a positive impact on the department's operational, clinical, and management functions. Future enhancements of the NEMC system are discussed.

Managing the implementation of a pharmacy computer system.

The process of managing the implementation of a pharmacy computer system is described. The three major phases of an implementation plan are (1) orientation and testing, (2) training of personnel, and (3) operation and expansion. Testing procedures described include those for entering new medication orders, profile maintenance, printouts for unit dose cart dispensing, label and report generation, i.v. system orders, back-up system, special edit features, charge generation, and admission, discharge, and transfer status. Personnel training components described are orientation, formal and practical sessions, program development, and training manual development. Implementation programs described include parallel operations of manual and computer systems, limited independent operation, and expansion. Successful implementation of a pharmacy computer system depends on careful planning and coordination.