GeneMANIA Cytoscape plugin: fast gene function predictions on the desktop.

UNLABELLED: The GeneMANIA Cytoscape plugin brings fast gene function prediction capabilities to the desktop. GeneMANIA identifies the most related genes to a query gene set using a guilt-by-association approach. The plugin uses over 800 networks from six organisms and each related gene is traceable to the source network used to make the prediction. Users may add their own interaction networks and expression profile data to complement or override the default data. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The GeneMANIA Cytoscape plugin is implemented in Java and is freely available at http://www.genemania.org/plugin/.

Rapid-extraction oxidation process to recover and reuse copper chromium and arsenic from industrial wood preservative sludge.

Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) wood preservative can form insoluble sludges when the hexavalent chromium component is reduced by wood extractives, wood particles and preservative additives in the solution. This sludge accumulates in treating solution work tanks, sumps and in-line filters and must be disposed of as hazardous wastes by waste disposal companies at high costs. A number of commercial sludges were investigated and found to contain 18-94% copper, chromium and arsenic as oxides combined with sand, oil, wood particles, additives and wood extractives. We have developed a multi-stage recycling process whereby approximately 97% of the CCA components are recovered from the sludge. It involves extraction with sodium hypochlorite to remove and oxidize chromium (more than 90%) and extract most of the arsenic (approx. 80%) followed by extraction of the copper and remaining arsenic and chromium with phosphoric acid. The phosphoric acid extract contains some trivalent chromium, which is subsequently oxidized by sodium hypochlorite. The combined oxidized extract containing CrVI, CuII and AsV was compatible with CCA treating solutions and could be re-used commercially for treating wood without having a significant effect on the preservative fixation rate or the leach resistance of the treated wood. A cost analysis showed that the economic savings from recovery of CCA chemicals and reduced landfill costs exceeded the variable costs for materials and energy for the process by as much as Can $966 per tonne of sludge if sodium sulfite can be acquired in bulk quantities for the process.

Needle localization of non-palpable breast lesions.

Screening mammography identifies suspicious, non palpable mammary lesions. Mammographic needle localization (MNL) is currently being used to facilitate excision biopsy of these lesions. Thirty-two patients underwent biopsies of the breast after MNL for non-palpable lesions. Mammographic indications for biopsy consisted of microcalcifications (48%), mass or abnormal density (21%) or mass+abnormal density (24%). The carcinoma was identified in four cases (12%). Two of these were in situ, one was microinvasive and one was frankly invasive. Three were treated with a modified radical mastectomy. One of these non palpable lesion demonstrated nodal metastasis but none showed distant metastasis. All radiologically detected abnormalities were removed and confirmed with repeat radiology. No complications were identified. MNL effectively localizes non-palpable lesion of the breast and compliments accurate diagnosis and treatment of early carcinoma of the breast.