How frugal is Mother Nature with haplotypes?

MOTIVATION: Inference of haplotypes from genotype data is crucial and challenging for many vitally important studies. The first, and most critical step, is the ascertainment of a biologically sound model to be optimized. Many models that have been proposed rely partially or entirely on reducing the number of unique haplotypes in the solution. RESULTS: This article examines the parsimony of haplotypes using known haplotypes as well as genotypes from the HapMap project. Our study reveals that there are relatively few unique haplotypes, but not always the least possible, for the datasets with known solutions. Furthermore, we show that there are frequently very large numbers of parsimonious solutions, and the number increases exponentially with increasing cardinality. Moreover, these solutions are quite varied, most of which are not consistent with the true solutions. These results quantify the limitations of the Pure Parsimony model and demonstrate the imperative need to consider additional properties for haplotype inference models. At a higher level, and with broad applicability, this article illustrates the power of combinatorial methods to tease out imperfections in a given biological model.

Scabies: a ubiquitous neglected skin disease.

Scabies has been a scourge among human beings for thousands of years. Its worldwide occurrence with epidemics during war, famine, and overcrowding is responsible for an estimated 300 million people currently infested. Scabies refers to the various skin lesions produced by female mites, and their eggs and scybala that are deposited in the epidermis, leading to delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. Recent immunological findings such as cross-reactivity with house dust mite allergens and an altered T-helper-1/T-helper-2 pattern contribute to a better understanding of the pathomechanism. Furthermore, progress in molecular biology and cloning of relevant antigens could enable the development of a diagnostic ELISA system and candidate vaccines in the near future. Typical and atypical clinical presentations with pruritus as a hallmark of scabies occur in young, pregnant, immunocompromised, and elderly patients and include bullous and crusted (Norwegian) manifestations as well as those masked by steroid use (scabies incognito). This article reviews scabies management strategies in developed countries and resource-poor communities as well as typical complications, including the emergence of resistance and drug-related adverse events. Other problems such as post-scabies eczema and reinfestation, and newer treatments such as ivermectin are also discussed.

[Dermatology at the University Hospital of Mbarara, Uganda]. / Dermatologie an der Universitätsklinik Mbarara, Uganda.

The Georg Klingmüller Clinic is part of Mbarara University Teaching Hospital (MUST) in south-western Uganda. Established in 1999, this clinic cares for about 6,000 dermatological patients per year. We review the disease spectrum, available diagnostic tools, and therapeutic options in this clinic. In addition, the importance of dermatology for the fight against HIV/AIDS is discussed with respect to the socio-economic background of a sub-Saharan country. Co-operation with dermatology departments in Germany may not only help to diagnose skin diseases in Mbarara, but may also be valuable for the visiting dermatologist to manage the increasing numbers of patients with dark skin at home.