Galaxy: a platform for interactive large-scale genome analysis

Accessing and analyzing the exponentially expanding genomic sequence and functional data pose a challenge for biomedical researchers. Here we describe an interactive system, Galaxy, that combines the power of existing genome annotation databases with a simple Web portal to enable users to search remote resources, combine data from independent queries, and visualize the results. The heart of Galaxy is a flexible history system that stores the queries from each user; performs operations such as intersections, unions, and subtractions; and links to other computational tools. Galaxy can be accessed at http://g2.bx.psu.edu.     

Massive choroidal haemorrhage as a complication of krypton red laser photocoagulation for disciform degeneration

A 78-year-old man with perifoveal subretinal neovascularization originally treated with krypton red laser was re-treated. An attempt was made to produce a "chalky white" burn at the site of the neovascular frond. Immediately after a burn, a brisk choroidal haemorrhage followed, apparently from a ruptured choroidal vessel. Bleeding occurred subretinally and into the vitreous, blinding the patient. While the krypton red laser carries advantages over the argon laser in the treatment of subretinal neovascular fronds, this case indicates that hard burns with the krypton laser carry a risk of massive subretinal haemorrhage.     

Substance P regulates natural killer cell interferon-gamma production and resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Studies have shown that after Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) corneal infection, BALB/c mice that are capable of resolving the disease, locally produce IFN-gamma. As T cells are not detected in the infected cornea of these mice, antibody depletion was used to test whether NK cells produce the cytokine. After depletion, decreased corneal IFN-gamma mRNA and increased disease severity, bacterial load, and PMN infiltrate resulted. Further work determined if substance P (SP), a pro-inflammatory neuropeptide, participated in regulation of this response. To this end, mice were treated with the SP antagonist, spantide I that blocks SP interaction with neurokinin-1, its major receptor. The treatment significantly decreased corneal IFN-gamma and IL-18 protein levels and corneal perforation resulted. In vitro experiments using isolated splenic NK cells confirmed their ability to respond to IL-18 and SP and to secrete IFN-gamma protein. We conclude: that for development of the BALB/c resistance response, NK cells are required to produce IFN-gamma; that the cells express the neurokinin-1 receptor; and that SP directly regulates IFN-gamma production through this receptor. The data suggest a unique link between the nervous system and development of innate immunity in the cornea.     

Pattern of drug compliance in leprosy patients attending urban centres--a longitudinal study

The pattern of drug compliance in 485 leprosy patients attending urban leprosy centres in Bombay was studied for 2 years. The study subjects included 113 patients with paucibacillary leprosy under dapsone monotherapy, 241 patients with paucibacillary leprosy under multidrug therapy and 131 patients with multibacillary leprosy under multidrug therapy. Their urine samples had been checked at least 6 times during the 2 years by DDS tile test at the time of their clinic attendance. The urine test results were not disclosed to the patients, but patients showing negative results were counselled about the need for regular drug intake. 35% of the patients were "Regular through out", 13% were "Irregular through out" and the other 52% who "Tended to be irregular" in their drug intake became "Regular" after counselling. Regularity in drug compliance was better in patients on multidrug therapy than in those on monotherapy. It is suggested that periodic testing of urine for checking for regularity of drug intake and subsequent counselling of patients should be made a routine practice to maintain drug compliance at a high level.     

Custom Ocular Prosthesis: A Palliative Approach

The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families. Eyes are generally the first features of the face to be noticed. Loss of an eye is a traumatic event which has a crippling effect on the psychology of the patient. Several ocular and orbital disorders require surgical intervention that may result in ocular defects. An ocular prosthesis is fabricated to restore the structure, function, and cosmetics of the defects created by such conditions. Although an implant eye prosthesis has a superior outcome, due to economic factors it may not be a feasible option for all patients. Therefore, a custom-made ocular prosthesis is a good alternative. This case report presents a palliative treatment for a patient with an enucleated eye by fabricating a custom ocular prosthesis which improved his psychological, physical, social, functional, emotional and spiritual needs.     

HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF AMOORA ROHITUKA

Abstract

Antihepatotoxic activity of a resuspended residue of the alcohol extract of Amoora rohituka W & A. (Meliaceae) was studied in rats with hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride. Carbon tetrachloride (1 ml/kg, i.p.) was administered twice a week for 3 weeks and an extract of A. rohituka (50 mg/kg/day) was given orally for the same period. The rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last CC1₄ challenge. Carbon tetrachloride induced elevations of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (CPT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total plasma bilirubin concentration as well as depression of total plasma cholesterol concentration were reduced significantly by the concurrent treatment of rats with A. rohituka suspension. Changes in the histological architecture of the liver produced by CC1₄ where also protected by the administration of A. rohituka suspension. These results indicate that A. rohituka suspension possesses hepatoprotective action.