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Data management is essential in a flow cytometry (FCM) shared resource laboratory (SRL) for the integrity of collected data and its long-term preservation, as described in the Cytometry publication from 2016, ISAC Flow Cytometry Shared Resource Laboratory (SRL) Best Practices (Barsky et al.: Cytometry Part A 89A(2016): 1017-1030). The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic introduced an array of challenges in the operation of SRLs. The subsequent laboratory shutdowns and access restrictions brought to the forefront well-established practices that withstood the impact of a sudden change in operations and illuminated areas that need improvement. The most significant challenges from a data management perspective were data access for remote analysis and workstation management. Notably, lessons learned from this challenge emphasize the importance of safeguarding collected data from loss in various emergencies such as fire or natural disasters where the physical hardware storing data could be directly affected. Here, we describe two data management systems that have been successful during the current emergency created by the pandemic, specifically remote access and automated data transfer. We will discuss other situations that could arise and lead to data loss or challenges in interpreting data. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry., (© 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.)

Single-cell genomics is a powerful tool for determining the genetic architecture of complex communities of unicellular organisms. In areas of high transmission, malaria patients are often challenged by the activities of multiple Plasmodium falciparum lineages, which can potentiate pathology, spread drug resistance loci, and also complicate most genetic analysis. Single-cell sequencing of P. falciparum would be key to understanding infection complexity, though efforts are hampered by the extreme nucleotide composition of its genome (∼80% AT-rich). To counter the low coverage achieved in previous studies, we targeted DNA-rich late-stage parasites by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting and whole genome sequencing. Our method routinely generates accurate, near-complete capture of the 23 Mb P. falciparum genome (mean breadth of coverage 90.7%) at high efficiency. Data from 48 single-cell genomes derived from a polyclonal infection sampled in Chikhwawa, Malawi allowed for unambiguous determination of haplotype diversity and recent meiotic events, information that will aid public health efforts., (© The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution.)

"Broiler-type" chickens are fast-grow-ing, heavy-bodied birds with high demands on bone quality. Phenamil increased mineralization in cultured murine mesenchymal stem cells. Phenamil effects were tested in 2 groups of weight and gender matched day-old broiler chickens (n = 13). Oral administration of 30 mg phenamil/kg body weight d 1 to 13 reduced growth of chicks d 5 to 14 (P = 0.002); with phenamil-treated (PT) chick body weight being 84% of vehicle-treated (VT) chicks' body weight on d 14. Tissues collected on d 15 showed that femur lengths and widths did not differ, but tibias from PT chicks were 6% shorter (P = 0.002) and 13% narrower (P = 0.012) with 18% thinner tibial cross-sections (P < 0.008) than in VT chicks. Angles of the caudal aspect of the anterior surface of keeled-sternums were 166° in PT chicks, flatter than the 148° found in VT chicks (P = 0.000). Total mineral content of both tibia and femur were lower in PT chicks (P = 0.005 for both). Bone Ca, P, and Mg (ppm) in ash were similar, but Ca:P was lower (1.70 vs 1.75) in PT versus VT chicks (P < 0.05). Osteocalcin was ∼20% lower (P = 0.020), PINP was ∼45% higher (P = 0.000) in PT chicks. Carboxy-terminal telopeptide type I collagen (ICTP) and cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX1) were similar in the 2 groups. Phenamil had unexpected and detrimental effects on bone formation in growing broiler chicks, reducing linear skeletal growth and markedly changing bone architecture., (© 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.)

The miR-200 microRNA family plays important tumor suppressive roles. The sole Drosophila miR-200 ortholog, miR-8 plays conserved roles in Wingless, Notch and Insulin signaling - pathways linked to tumorigenesis, yet homozygous null animals are viable and often appear morphologically normal. We observed that wing tissues mosaic for miR-8 levels by genetic loss or gain of function exhibited patterns of cell death consistent with a role for miR-8 in modulating cell survival in vivo. Here we show that miR-8 levels impact several actin cytoskeletal regulators that can affect cell survival and epithelial organization. We show that loss of miR-8 can confer resistance to apoptosis independent of an epithelial to mesenchymal transition while the persistence of cells expressing high levels of miR-8 in the wing epithelium leads to increased JNK signaling, aberrant expression of extracellular matrix remodeling proteins and disruption of proper wing epithelial organization. Altogether our results suggest that very low as well as very high levels of miR-8 can contribute to hallmarks associated with cancer, suggesting approaches to increase miR-200 microRNAs in cancer treatment should be moderate., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The care of the child with a tracheostomy deserves special attention because of the potential devastating airway compromise and because of the need of competent care by caregivers and professionals. The recommendations on tracheostomy care published are few and approaches are inconsistent among different institutions. This clinical consensus statement aims to improve care for children with tracheostomies. A literature search was conducted, reviewed and revised by this group of experts, who concurred with these statements, based on the best evidence available and taking into account the local context., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)

Osteosarcoma is highly resistant to current chemotherapy regimens. Novel therapeutic approaches, potentially involving targeting of specific survival pathways, are needed. We used 17-AAG to inhibit Hsp90 and rapamycin to inhibit mTOR, in the osteosarcoma cell lines, HOS and KHOS/NP. HOS and KHOS cells were treated for 24 and 48 h with 17-AAG or rapamycin and studied drug-induced apoptosis, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), dephosphorylation of signal transduction proteins in the Akt/MAP kinase pathway and mTOR signaling. 17-AAG was a potent inducer of apoptosis, involving effective depletion of GSH and mitochondrial membrane (MM) depolarization, strong activation of caspase-8 and -9 and release of AIF from mitochondria to the cytosol. Furthermore, 17-AAG down-regulated pAkt, p44Erk, p-mTOR, p70S6, TSC1/2 and pGSK-3beta. Treatment with 17-AAG also caused down-regulation of cyclin D1, GADD45a, GADD34 and pCdc2 and upregulation of cyclin B1 and mitotic block. A decrease in Hsp90 and increase in Hsp70 and Hsp70 C-terminal fragments were also observed. Rapamycin was a less potent inducer of apoptosis, involving a small decrease in GSH and MM potential with no activation of caspases or release of AIF. Rapamycin strongly inhibited cell growth with an increase in G1 and a decrease in S-phase of the cell cycle concomitant with down-regulation of cyclin D1. Rapamycin also down-regulated the activity of p70S6, pAkt and p-mTOR, but had no effect on pGSK-3beta, p44Erk, pCdc2, TSC1/2 or Hsp70 or Hsp90. We conclude that Hsp90 inhibition merits further study in the therapy of osteosarcoma.

This report deals with two cases of villous adenoma of the Wirsung duct. The two patients presented with upper abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Duodenal intubation showed a complete failure of exocrine pancreatic function. Ultrasound scan, computed tomography, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography disclosed marked dilatation of the head portion of the main pancreatic duct. A proximal duodenopancreatectomy was performed. Pathological examination revealed a papillary polyp expanding the pancreatic head and filling the main duct lumen. Histological pattern consisted of a villous adenoma without any feature of malignant change. Previously reported cases exhibit many similarities to our two cases. The putative likelihood of malignant change and the relationship between villous tumors of the Wirsung duct and of other origin remain unclear.

The authors report on one case of urinary schistosomiasis monitored for 22 years. It illustrated the problems posed by the "bilharzial uretero-hydronephrosis". They analyse the different therapy problems which have to have been successively solved: Low double ureteral stenosis. The difficulty to be certain of such a stenosis is recalled. The possibility of a reflux or an ureteral atony must be eliminated. True stenosis must be operated without delay; Kidney cancer revealed 20 years later through chronic renal failure by vesico-ureteric reflux caused by the first surgical intervention (latero-lateral vesico-ureteric anastomosis); Iatrogenic vesico-ureteral reflux, treated by uretero-vesical implantation on "psoic" bladder with anti-reflux submucous path. The future of such a chronic renal failure is linked to the capability of the remaining ureter to ensure an acceptable passage of urine, and to the rehabilitation possibility of the kidney. Finally, the authors recalled the difficult therapeutic indications in case of ureteral attack due to bilharziosis.