Cross-disciplinary evolution of the genomics revolution.

Born out of the Human Genome Project (HGP), the field of genomics evolved with phenomenal speed into a dominant scientific and business force. While other efforts were intent on estimating the economic impact of the genomics revolution, we shift focus to the social and cultural capital generated by bridging together biology and computing-two of the constitutive disciplines of "genomics". We quantify this capital by measuring the pervasiveness of bio-computing cross-disciplinarity (XD) in genomics research during and after the HGP. To provide interlocking perspectives at the career and epistemic levels, we assembled three data sets to measure XD via (i) the collaboration network between 4190 biology and computing faculty from 155 departments in the United States, (ii) cross-departmental affiliations within a comprehensive set of human genomics publications, and (iii) the application of computational concepts and methods in research published in a preeminent genomics journal. Our results show the following: First, research featuring XD collaborations has higher citation impact than other disciplinary research-an effect observed at both the career and individual article levels. Second, genomics articles featuring XD methods tend to have higher citation impact than epistemically pure articles. Third, XD researchers of computing pedigree are drawn to the biology culture. This statistical evidence acquires deeper meaning when viewed against the organizational and knowledge transfer mechanisms revealed by the data models. With cross-disciplinary initiatives set to dominate the agenda of funding agencies, our case study provides a framework for appreciating the long-term effects of these initiatives on science and its standard-bearers.

Cystic echinococcosis in sub-Saharan Africa.

Cystic echinococcosis is regarded as endemic in sub-Saharan Africa; however, for most countries only scarce data, if any, exist. For most of the continent, information about burden of disease is not available; neither are data for the animal hosts involved in the lifecycle of the parasite, thus making introduction of preventive measures difficult. Available evidence suggests that several species or strains within the Echinococcus granulosus complex are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and that these strains might be associated with varying virulence and host preference. Treatment strategies (chemotherapy, percutaneous radiological techniques, but mainly surgery) predominantly target active disease. Prevention strategies encompass anthelmintic treatment of dogs, slaughter hygiene, surveillance, and health-educational measures. Existing data are suggestive of unusual clinical presentations of cystic echinococcosis in some parts of the continent, for which the causes are speculative.

Bilateral breast cancer. Incidence, diagnosis and histological patterns.

OBJECTIVE: Bilateral breast cancer is uncommon (1-2.6% of all patients with breast carcinoma). There are conflicting reports and inadequate data regarding the incidence and survival of such patients. This study examined the frequency, mode of detection, therapeutic modalities and histological features among the 2 breasts. METHODS: Medical records of patients who were treated for breast cancer were reviewed at Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Sudan during a 5-year period of 1994 to 1999. Data of patients found to have bilateral breast cancer was analyzed focusing on the demographic information, family history, menstrual status, surgical therapy, chemoradiation, staging and histopathological characteristics. RESULTS: Of 521 patients treated for breast cancer, 90 (17.2%) were reported to have advanced breast carcinoma (stage III, IV) and 7 (1.3%) revealed bilateral cancer: 5 (0.9%) synchronous and 2 (0.4%) metachronous breast cancer. The median age was 47.3 years (range, 24-81 years). Four (57.1%) patients had positive family history for breast cancer. First breast cancer was detected by mammogram in 2 cases while second cancer was diagnosed by the same study in 5 patients. Five (71.5%) underwent mastectomy and 2(28.5%) were treated by lumpectomy and axillary dissection. Six patients presented with stage III and one with stage IV breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma was reported to be the most common type found in 10 (71.5%) breasts. Grade III breast carcinoma was revealed in 9 and Grade I cancer in 3 specimens. CONCLUSION: Bilateral breast cancer is invariably advanced when diagnosed. Mammogram is a valuable tool in early detection. Whether synchronous or metachronous, both breasts often share the same histological type.