LabSystem Gen, a tool for structuring and analyzing genetic data in histocompatibility laboratories

Analysis of HLA data involves queries on web portals, whose search parameters are data stored in laboratories' databases. In order to automate these queries, one approach is to structure laboratory data into a database and to develop bioinformatic tools to perform the data mapping. In this context, we developed the LabSystem Gen tool that allows users to create a Laboratory Information System, without programming. Additionally we implemented a framework that provides bioinformatic tools, transparent access to public HLA (human leukocyte antigen) information resources. We demonstrated the LabSystemGen system by implementing BMDdb, which is a LIMS that manages data of recipients and donors of organ transplant.     

Abnormal neutrophil chemotactic activity in children with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA): the role of nerve growth factor

A 1926-ins-T mutation in the TrkA gene encoding the tyrosine kinase receptor for nerve growth factor (NGF) was previously documented in patients with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA). These patients suffer from skin lacerations which often evolve into deep tissue infections. Abnormality in neutrophil functions may explain this high rate of severe infections. In this study we show that chemotaxis was significantly (P < 0.001) suppressed in patients' neutrophils, compared to healthy controls. Although NGF alone did not exert a chemotactic effect, its presence enhanced both migration toward fMLP and phosphorylation of MAP kinases (ERK and JNK) in neutrophils from healthy controls, but not in neutrophils from CIPA patients. The significantly impaired chemotactic activity of neutrophils from a CIPA patient, which has been attributed to the molecular defect in the TrkA receptor, may contribute to the high rate of infection.     

An outbreak of leptospirosis among Israeli troops near the Jordan River

An outbreak of leptospirosis that involved 7 of a team of 27 Israeli troops occurred following a military exercise in northern Israel near the Jordan River. The organism implicated in the outbreak was Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo. The clinical course was uncomplicated and all patients fully recovered. There were no cases of asymptomatic infection. Military personnel should be recognized as having an occupational risk for contracting leptospirosis, especially when military activity takes place near natural water sources inhabited by cattle, taking into account the local epidemiology of this disease. Moreover, outbreaks among military personnel may serve as a sentinel for leptospiral illness in areas in which civilian exposure takes place, such as the Jordan River, which is an important site that involves immersion in the context of both pilgrimage and civilian recreational activities."Bathe and you will become clean. So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, as Elisha had told him to do. And his flesh became clean once more like the flesh of a small child."II Kings 5:14.     

Reduction of cPLA2alpha overexpression: an efficient anti-inflammatory therapy for collagen-induced arthritis

Cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha (cPLA2) plays an important role in the development of several inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study is to determine whether inhibition of cPLA2 expression, using specific antisense oligonucleotides against cPLA2 (antisense), is efficient in reducing inflammation after its development. Two mouse models of inflammation were included in the study: thioglicolate peritonitis and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The antisense was found to be specific and efficient in inhibiting cPLA2 expression and NADPH oxidase activity ex vivo in peritoneal phagocytes. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry analysis showed a significant elevation in cPLA2 expression in the inflamed joints of collagen-induced arthritis mice localized in cell infiltrate, chondrocytes and the surrounding skin and skeletal muscle. Similarly, the cPLA2 metabolite, leukotriene B4, accumulated in the peritoneal cavity of mice with peritonitis. Inhibition of elevated cPLA2 expression after development of inflammation by intravenous administration of antisense resulted in a dramatic reduction in inflammation and a significant reduction in neutrophils recruitment to the site of inflammation in both mouse models of inflammation. Our results demonstrate the critical role of cPLA2 for the duration of inflammation and suggest that inhibition of cPLA2 expression by antisense oligonucleotides may serve as an efficient treatment of inflammatory diseases.     

Stretch test: effectiveness in identifying basal cell carcinoma borders

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor in the world. Total tumor ablation is the gold standard of treatment. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new clinical method, we dubbed the "stretch test," in reducing the incidence of incomplete excision of BCC. All BCCs excised between October 2001 and June 2007, by 1 plastic surgeon, served as the treatment population. Until September 2004, BCCs were excised in the traditional manner and this group served as a control. From October 2004, the stretch test was used in all patients with BCC and this group served as a study group. Overall, the incomplete excision rate was 3.7% (22/596). The rate of incompletely excised BCC until 2004 was 6.4% (16/249) and it decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from 2004 to 1.7% (6/347) in the group in which the stretch test maneuver was used. We found a significant decrease in the rate of incomplete excision of BCC when the stretch test was employed. This reduces the need for reexcision, improves patient recovery, and satisfaction, and helps reduce healthcare costs.