Informatics is the central capability around which the others are presently organised. This capability has been internally developed by Proton Quest. The 1997 Annual Report notes that the Proton Quest group provides the essential informatics infrastructure that co-ordinates the scientific team. The Molecular Allies division provides multi-disciplinary research project management and expertise in lead identification and optimization.

31 What is the cause of Pott's disease?

32 One thing that often baffles me is that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus often suffer recurrent thrombosis due to lupus anticoagulants (antiphospholipid syndrome). How can an anticoagulant cause thrombosis?

33 Are elevated homocysteine levels an independent risk factor for progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/scleroderma? Kindly suggest some references if possible.

34 1. What are the indicators of remission in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? Is it the normalization of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the disappearance of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and other antibodies, or is it clinical improvement? 2. During remission of SLE, do 56uygANA and other antibodies disappear?

35 When should the use of cyclophosphamide in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) be commenced? What is the correct and safe dosage of cyclophosphamide?

36 1. Given the benefits of dexamethasone, which lacks any mineralocorticoid activity, why is this not prescribed in your book for diseases that require long-term steroid therapy, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or giant cell arteritis? 2. Does dexamethasone have more serious adverse effects than prednisolone? Why is it not generally preferred?

37 Would an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level, in association with a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and in the absence of infection and serositis, exclude the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus?

38 How do steroids precipitate a crisis in patients with systemic sclerosis?

39 Are neck and face muscles commonly affected in poly- and dermatomyositis? Does this differ from the muscles that are affected with myasthenia gravis?

40 1. In dermatomyositis, what is the shawl sign? 2. How frequently is dermatomyositis associated with Gottron's papules?