Genomic diversity of the African malaria vector .

s.s. is a formidable human malaria vector across sub-Saharan Africa.

Panoptes: web-based exploration of large scale genome variation data.

Motivation: The size and complexity of modern large-scale genome variation studies demand novel approaches for exploring and sharing the data. In order to unlock the potential of these data for a broad audience of scientists with various areas of expertise, a unified exploration framework is required that is accessible, coherent and user-friendly.

Results: Panoptes is an open-source software framework for collaborative visual exploration of large-scale genome variation data and associated metadata in a web browser.

Characterisation of the opposing effects of G6PD deficiency on cerebral malaria and severe malarial anaemia.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is believed to confer protection against malaria, but the precise nature of the protective effecthas proved difficult to define as G6PD deficiency has multiple allelic variants with different effects in males and females, and it has heterogeneous effects on the clinical outcome of infection. Here we report an analysis of multiple allelic forms of G6PD deficiency in a large multi-centre case-control study of severe malaria, using the WHO classification of G6PD mutations to estimate each individual's level of enzyme activity from their genotype. Aggregated across all genotypes, we find that increasing levels of G6PD deficiency are associated with decreasing risk of cerebral malaria, but with increased risk of severe malarial anaemia.

Genomic analysis of local variation and recent evolution in Plasmodium vivax.

The widespread distribution and relapsing nature of Plasmodium vivax infection present major challenges for the elimination of malaria. To characterize the genetic diversity of this parasite in individual infections and across the population, we performed deep genome sequencing of >200 clinical samples collected across the Asia-Pacific region and analyzed data on >300,000 SNPs and nine regions of the genome with large copy number variations. Individual infections showed complex patterns of genetic structure, with variation not only in the number of dominant clones but also in their level of relatedness and inbreeding.

Thoracic epidural versus intercostal nerve catheter plus patient-controlled analgesia: a randomized study.

Background: Pain control is an important issue after thoracotomy. Ideal methods should have a high success rate, with easy implementation and minimal complications. Debate exists over the optimal pain control method.