Global Genome Biodiversity Network: saving a blueprint of the Tree of Life - a botanical perspective.

BACKGROUND: Genomic research depends upon access to DNA or tissue collected and preserved according to high-quality standards. At present, the collections in most natural history museums do not sufficiently address these standards, making them often hard or impossible to use for whole-genome sequencing or transcriptomics. In response to these challenges, natural history museums, herbaria, botanical gardens and other stakeholders have started to build high-quality biodiversity biobanks. Unfortunately, information about these collections remains fragmented, scattered and largely inaccessible. Without a central registry or even an overview of relevant institutions, it is difficult and time-consuming to locate the needed samples. SCOPE: The Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN) was created to fill this vacuum by establishing a one-stop access point for locating samples meeting quality standards for genome-scale applications, while complying with national and international legislations and conventions. Increased accessibility to genomic samples will further genomic research and development, conserve genetic resources, help train the next generation of genome researchers and raise the visibility of biodiversity collections. Additionally, the availability of a data-sharing platform will facilitate identification of gaps in the collections, thereby empowering targeted sampling efforts, increasing the breadth and depth of preservation of genetic diversity. The GGBN is rapidly growing and currently has 41 members. The GGBN covers all branches of the Tree of Life, except humans, but here the focus is on a pilot project with emphasis on 'harvesting' the Tree of Life for vascular plant taxa to enable genome-level studies. CONCLUSION: While current efforts are centred on getting the existing samples of all GGBN members online, a pilot project, GGI-Gardens, has been launched as proof of concept. Over the next 6 years GGI-Gardens aims to add to the GGBN high-quality genetic material from at least one species from each of the approx. 460 vascular plant families and one species from half of the approx. 15 000 vascular plant genera.

The Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN) Data Standard specification.

Genomic samples of non-model organisms are becoming increasingly important in a broad range of studies from developmental biology, biodiversity analyses, to conservation. Genomic sample definition, description, quality, voucher information and metadata all need to be digitized and disseminated across scientific communities. This information needs to be concise and consistent in today's ever-increasing bioinformatic era, for complementary data aggregators to easily map databases to one another. In order to facilitate exchange of information on genomic samples and their derived data, the Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN) Data Standard is intended to provide a platform based on a documented agreement to promote the efficient sharing and usage of genomic sample material and associated specimen information in a consistent way. The new data standard presented here build upon existing standards commonly used within the community extending them with the capability to exchange data on tissue, environmental and DNA sample as well as sequences. The GGBN Data Standard will reveal and democratize the hidden contents of biodiversity biobanks, for the convenience of everyone in the wider biobanking community. Technical tools exist for data providers to easily map their databases to the standard.Database URL: http://terms.tdwg.org/wiki/GGBN_Data_Standard.

Placenta percreta invading the urinary bladder.

The placenta, normally confined to the decidual lining of the uterine cavity, can in some circumstances invade the muscular wall of the uterus, a condition known as placenta accreta. Less common is placenta increta, in which placental cotyledons become intertwined with the muscular stroma of the uterus. Placenta percreta, in which the trophoblastic tissues penetrate the serosa of the uterus and may extend directly to adjacent structures, is even more rare and is potentially life-threatening. There have been only 10 reports of direct invasion of placenta percreta into the urinary bladder. We review these cases and report 3 recent patients, one of whom was diagnosed pre-operatively by ultrasonography.

Detached ciliary tufts mistaken for peritoneal parasites: a warning.

Detached ciliary tufts of columnar epithelial cells from the female genital tract may be mistakenly identified as protozoa when examined in wet mounts of fluid specimens in the laboratory because of their appearance and motility, although they are generally identified correctly in fixed specimens prepared for cytologic examination. A case of such mistaken identity in specimens from a gynecologic patient was documented, and the literature on ciliary tufts was reviewed. Infectious disease and gynecology consultants should be alert to the potential confusion arising from the presence of ciliary tufts in body fluids.