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Wang G, Chen C, Jiang Z, Li G, Wu C, Li S. Efficient Use of Biological Data in the Web 3.0 Era by Applying Nonfungible Token Technology. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e46160. [PMID: 38805706 PMCID: PMC11167317 DOI: 10.2196/46160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
CryptoKitties, a trendy game on Ethereum that is an open-source public blockchain platform with a smart contract function, brought nonfungible tokens (NFTs) into the public eye in 2017. NFTs are popular because of their nonfungible properties and their unique and irreplaceable nature in the real world. The embryonic form of NFTs can be traced back to a P2P network protocol improved based on Bitcoin in 2012 that can realize decentralized digital asset transactions. NFTs have recently gained much attention and have shown an unprecedented explosive growth trend. Herein, the concept of digital asset NFTs is introduced into the medical and health field to conduct a subversive discussion on biobank operations. By converting biomedical data into NFTs, the collection and circulation of samples can be accelerated, and the transformation of resources can be promoted. In conclusion, the biobank can achieve sustainable development through "decentralization."
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanyi Wang
- Department of Urology, Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Urology, Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziyu Jiang
- Department of Urology, Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Urology, Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Can Wu
- Department of Urology, Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Urology, Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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2
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Qin S, Jin H, Li Y, Chen X, He J, Xiao J, Qin Y, Liu C, Mao Y, Zhao L. Comprehensive analysis of IGF2BP3 with expression features, prognosis, immune modulation and stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma and pan-cancer. J Cancer 2024; 15:2845-2865. [PMID: 38577615 PMCID: PMC10988304 DOI: 10.7150/jca.92768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) is a critical m6A reader. It encodes proteins that contain several KH domains, which are important in RNA binding, RNA synthesis and metabolism. Lots of researches have studied the malignant potential of m6A readers in tumors. However, the biological functional analysis of IGF2BP3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pan-cancer is not comprehensive. In this study, we used a bioinformatics approach to comprehensively analyze the significance of IGF2BP3 in HCC through analyzing its expression, mutation, prognosis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, functional enrichment, and the correlation with ferroptosis, stemness as well as immune modulation in HCC. IGF2BP3 presented a negative correlation with the ferroptosis molecule NFE2L2, and a positive correlation with the ferroptosis molecule SLC1A5 as well as the immune checkpoint HAVCR2. In addition, we also analyzed IGF2BP3 expression, prognosis and immune modulation in pan-cancer, revealing the prognostic value of IGF2BP3 in a variety of tumors. Finally, we verified the biological functions of IGF2BP3 in HCC through various experiments. The data showed that IGF2BP3 may enhance the proliferation, colony formation and invasion capacities of HCC cells, and IGF2BP3 is mainly positively correlated with the expression level of stemness marker SOX2. In conclusion, IGF2BP3 had a potential to be a new perspective biomarker in forecasting the immune response, ferroptosis, stemness and prognosis of HCC or even pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Qin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haoer Jin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Early Clinical Trial Center, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiang He
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juxiong Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Qin
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chuyi Liu
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yitao Mao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Luqing Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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3
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Policiuc L, Nutu A, Zanoaga O, Mehterov N, Braicu C, Berindan-Neagoe I. Current aspects in biobanking for personalized oncology investigations and treatments. Med Pharm Rep 2023; 96:235-245. [PMID: 37577017 PMCID: PMC10419688 DOI: 10.15386/mpr-2647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim A biobank is an organization that gathers, refines, preserves and provides access to biospecimens along with relevant clinical data that can be used in applied or clinical research. Biobanking is a critical component of the scientific foundation for personalized medicine; this implies the accessibility of high-quality human biospecimens, such as blood, tissue, and other body fluids, along with the patient clinical data that goes with them. Methods This paper summarizes the function of biobanks in oncology and the requirements for biobank development in translational and clinical research. Results Biobanks raise numerous ethical issues that government agencies address by enacting particular laws. To develop personalized medicine, biobanks are crucial, given that the availability of an extensive collection of patient samples with thoroughly annotated clinical and pathological data is an essential necessity. Also, data related to biobanking raises complex ethical, legal, and social issues, particularly concerning the protection of donor privacy and the appropriate use of collected samples. International standards have been developed to address these issues to ensure biobanking practices' quality, safety, and integrity. Conclusions Biobanking is vital in advancing biomedical research, supporting clinical applications, and enhancing our understanding of human health and disease. Using real-world data and biobanking can accelerate medical research, support personalized medicine initiatives, and improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Policiuc
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Nutu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Oana Zanoaga
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nikolay Mehterov
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Dental Prosthetics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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4
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Gao Z, Huang Y, Yao F, Zhou Z. Public awareness and attitudes toward biobank and sample donation: A regional Chinese survey. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1025775. [PMID: 36504979 PMCID: PMC9727410 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1025775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The biobank is an extraordinary aid to research and scientific progress. Public involvement in biobanks, necessary for their development, is limited due to inadequate knowledge of biobanking and concerns about sample donation. This study explores the effectiveness of different publicity methods in improving participants' willingness to donate, and assesses public motivations and concerns. It aims to identify an efficient method of improving participants' awareness of biobanking and promoting sample donation. Methods A structured 20-item questionnaire was formulated to evaluate participants' knowledge of and attitudes toward biobanks and sample donation. In total, 1,500 questionnaires were disseminated to three groups of 500 participants who received, respectively, picture-based promotional material, text-based promotional material, or who attended a biobank-related lecture. Of these, 945 completed questionnaires were received. All the participants completed the questionnaires twice, before and after the corresponding publicity education. Results After each of the three methods of publicity based on text, pictures and a lecture, respondents' willingness to donate samples was significantly increased (P < 0.001), the lecture being more effective than the other two methods (P = 0.001). Participants with a medical background were more willing to donate biospecimens after publicity than those without medical backgrounds (P < 0.005) but had common motivations for donation including altruism and aiding medical research. The main concern hindering respondents' willingness to donate was the security of personal information. Conclusion Different types of biobank-related publicity based on text material, pictorial material and a lecture all improved respondents' willingness to donate and reduced concerns regarding sample donation. Medical background was a critical factor affecting attitudes toward sample donation after publicity. The results of this study suggest strategies that may popularize biobanks and enhance sample donation, further promoting the development of biobanks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolin Gao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanxia Huang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziyu Zhou
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Ziyu Zhou
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5
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Ochieng J, Kwagala B, Barugahare J, Mwaka E, Ekusai-Sebatta D, Ali J, Sewankambo NK. Perspectives and ethical considerations for return of genetics and genomics research results: a qualitative study of genomics researchers in Uganda. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:154. [PMID: 34798900 PMCID: PMC8603565 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00724-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The return of genetics and genomics research results has been a subject of ongoing global debate. Such feedback is ethically desirable to update participants on research findings particularly those deemed clinically significant. Although there is limited literature, debate continues in African on what constitutes appropriate practice regarding the return of results for genetics and genomics research. This study explored perspectives and ethical considerations of Ugandan genomics researchers regarding the return of genetics and genomics research results. METHODS This was a qualitative study that employed in-depth interviews. Thirty participants were purposively selected based on their expertise as genomics researchers in Uganda. Data were analysed through content analysis along the main themes of the study using a comprehensive thematic matrix, to identify common patterns arising from the narratives. NVivo software 12 was used to support data analysis. RESULTS The return of genetics and genomics research results was generally acceptable to researchers, and some indicated that they had previously returned individual or aggregate results to participants and communities. The main reasons cited for sharing research results with participants included their clinical utility, actionability and overall benefit to society. Ethical considerations for appropriate return of results included a need for effective community engagement, genetic counselling prior to disclosure of the results, adequate informed consent, and proper assessment of the implications of, or consequences of returning of results. However, the approaches to return of results were perceived as unstandardized due to the lack of appropriate regulatory frameworks. CONCLUSIONS The return of genetic and genomic research results is generally acceptable to researchers despite the lack of appropriate regulatory frameworks. Ethical considerations for return of genetics and genomics research results are highly divergent, hence the need for national ethical guidelines to appropriately regulate the practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ochieng
- Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Betty Kwagala
- School of Business and Management Studies, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Erisa Mwaka
- Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Deborah Ekusai-Sebatta
- Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ali
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, USA
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6
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Lucas S, Tencerova M, von der Weid B, Andersen TL, Attané C, Behler-Janbeck F, Cawthorn WP, Ivaska KK, Naveiras O, Podgorski I, Reagan MR, van der Eerden BCJ. Guidelines for Biobanking of Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue and Related Cell Types: Report of the Biobanking Working Group of the International Bone Marrow Adiposity Society. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:744527. [PMID: 34646237 PMCID: PMC8503265 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.744527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, increased interest of scientists to study bone marrow adiposity (BMA) in relation to bone and adipose tissue physiology has expanded the number of publications using different sources of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT). However, each source of BMAT has its limitations in the number of downstream analyses for which it can be used. Based on this increased scientific demand, the International Bone Marrow Adiposity Society (BMAS) established a Biobanking Working Group to identify the challenges of biobanking for human BMA-related samples and to develop guidelines to advance establishment of biobanks for BMA research. BMA is a young, growing field with increased interest among many diverse scientific communities. These bring new perspectives and important biological questions on how to improve and build an international community with biobank databases that can be used and shared all over the world. However, to create internationally accessible biobanks, several practical and legislative issues must be addressed to create a general ethical protocol used in all institutes, to allow for exchange of biological material internationally. In this position paper, the BMAS Biobanking Working Group describes similarities and differences of patient information (PIF) and consent forms from different institutes and addresses a possibility to create uniform documents for BMA biobanking purposes. Further, based on discussion among Working Group members, we report an overview of the current isolation protocols for human bone marrow adipocytes (BMAds) and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs, formerly mesenchymal), highlighting the specific points crucial for effective isolation. Although we remain far from a unified BMAd isolation protocol and PIF, we have summarized all of these important aspects, which are needed to build a BMA biobank. In conclusion, we believe that harmonizing isolation protocols and PIF globally will help to build international collaborations and improve the quality and interpretation of BMA research outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Lucas
- Marrow Adiposity and Bone Lab-MABLab ULR4490, Univ. Littoral Côte d’Opale, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Michaela Tencerova
- Molecular Physiology of Bone, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Benoit von der Weid
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Levin Andersen
- Clinical Cell Biology, Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Cell Biology, Pathology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Camille Attané
- Institute of Pharmacology and Structural Biology, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5089, Toulouse, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue contre le cancer, Toulouse, France
| | - Friederike Behler-Janbeck
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - William P. Cawthorn
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kaisa K. Ivaska
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Olaia Naveiras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Hematology Service, Departments of Oncology and Laboratory Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Izabela Podgorski
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Michaela R. Reagan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States
- Graduate School for Biomedical Science, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bram C. J. van der Eerden
- Laboratory for Calcium and Bone Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Bram C. J. van der Eerden,
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7
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Demanelis K, Jasmine F, Chen LS, Chernoff M, Tong L, Delgado D, Zhang C, Shinkle J, Sabarinathan M, Lin H, Ramirez E, Oliva M, Kim-Hellmuth S, Stranger BE, Lai TP, Aviv A, Ardlie KG, Aguet F, Ahsan H, Doherty JA, Kibriya MG, Pierce BL. Determinants of telomere length across human tissues. Science 2020; 369:eaaz6876. [PMID: 32913074 PMCID: PMC8108546 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz6876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Telomere shortening is a hallmark of aging. Telomere length (TL) in blood cells has been studied extensively as a biomarker of human aging and disease; however, little is known regarding variability in TL in nonblood, disease-relevant tissue types. Here, we characterize variability in TLs from 6391 tissue samples, representing >20 tissue types and 952 individuals from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. We describe differences across tissue types, positive correlation among tissue types, and associations with age and ancestry. We show that genetic variation affects TL in multiple tissue types and that TL may mediate the effect of age on gene expression. Our results provide the foundational knowledge regarding TL in healthy tissues that is needed to interpret epidemiological studies of TL and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Demanelis
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Farzana Jasmine
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lin S Chen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Meytal Chernoff
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lin Tong
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dayana Delgado
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chenan Zhang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Justin Shinkle
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mekala Sabarinathan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hannah Lin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eduardo Ramirez
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Meritxell Oliva
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, Center for Data Intensive Science, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sarah Kim-Hellmuth
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Statistical Genetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barbara E Stranger
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, Center for Data Intensive Science, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tsung-Po Lai
- Center of Human Development and Aging, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Abraham Aviv
- Center of Human Development and Aging, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Habibul Ahsan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Muhammad G Kibriya
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brandon L Pierce
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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8
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Alahmad G, Alzahrany H, Almutairi AF. Returning Results of Stored Biological Samples and Biobanks: Perspectives of Saudi Arabian Biomedical Researchers. Biopreserv Biobank 2020; 18:395-402. [PMID: 32706976 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2020.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific medical research involving human samples often leads to improved diagnosis, the discovery of treatment modalities, or the identification of possible risk factors for many diseases. Some findings, including incidental findings, may be important to donors, and some may require intervention. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of health care professionals in their use of stored biological samples for biomedical research regarding the concept of the research results and the challenges of informing donors regarding the results. This qualitative study involved 19 medical researchers doing research with stored biological samples and biobanks. The data were gathered during face-to-face interviews in English using a semistructured interview technique. The participants provided rich and illuminating experiences, framed in the following themes: the professional duty of researchers to return the research results and the right of donors to know; factors affecting informing donors of results (e.g., severity of disease; impact of the provided information; reliability of the research results; and donor approval); challenges to physically returning the results; and the nature of the informed consent, as well as the elements required in the informed consent documentation. Although the majority of researchers agree on the importance of returning research results, some have contradictory views such as that returning research results is not the researcher's responsibility. The study results also support the view that a number of elements should be included in the informed consent, such as the intention of informing the donors of the results as well as the benefits and risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghiath Alahmad
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haneen Alzahrany
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel F Almutairi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Caulfield T, Murdoch B, Ogbogu U. Research, Digital Health Information and Promises of Privacy: Revisiting the Issue of Consent. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS 2020. [DOI: 10.7202/1070237ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligation to maintain the privacy of patients and research participants is foundational to biomedical research. But there is growing concern about the challenges of keeping participant information private and confidential. A number of recent studies have highlighted how emerging computational strategies can be used to identify or reidentify individuals in health data repositories managed by public or private institutions. Some commentators have suggested the entire concept of privacy and anonymity is “dead”, and this raises legal and ethical questions about the consent process and safeguards relating to health privacy. Members of the public and research participants value privacy highly, and inability to ensure it could affect participation. Canadian common law and legislation require a full and comprehensive disclosure of risks during informed consent, including anything a reasonable person in the participant or patient’s position would want to know. Research ethics policies require similar disclosures, as well as full descriptions of privacy related risks and mitigation strategies at the time of consent. In addition, the right to withdraw from research gives rise to a need for ongoing consent, and material information about changes in privacy risk must be disclosed. Given the research ethics concept of “non-identifiability” is increasingly questionable, policies based around it may be rendered untenable. Indeed, the potential inability to ensure anonymity could have significant ramifications for the research enterprise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Caulfield
- Health Law Institute, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Blake Murdoch
- Health Law Institute, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ubaka Ogbogu
- Health Law Institute, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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10
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Mosavel M, Barker KL, Gardiner HM, Siminoff LA. Responsiveness and adaptability in community engaged biobanking research: experiences from a Hispanic community. J Community Genet 2019; 10:395-406. [PMID: 30610570 PMCID: PMC6591347 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-018-0397-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of biobanking research relies on the willingness of the public to provide biological and sociological information, donate tissue samples, and complete psychosocial questionnaires. Medical advances made through biobanking research have limited reach if tissues are not obtained from a diverse sample of individuals. Within, we describe the process of transitioning a small group of Hispanic community members who met regularly into a more formal Hispanic Community Advisory Board (HCAB) for the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. The sole purpose of the HCAB was to provide input and feedback on GTEx and, specifically, how researchers can best address the concerns of the Hispanic community related to tissue donation. This initial purpose was adapted to be responsive to the HCAB's request to include educating others in the Hispanic community who were not a part of the advisory board about genomic biobanking. While HCAB members' knowledge of biobanking was limited, a strong need for culturally tailored information about the impact of biobanking medical discoveries and their potential benefit to the Hispanic community was expressed. The HCAB's feedback guided revisions to GTEx study documents to specifically address concerns about language use, clarity, and context including the need for consent forms to address cultural concerns and fears. HCAB members also collaborated on the development of a walk-through exhibition which provided a visual, narrative-based explanation of GTEx and the process of tissue donation for research and biobanking purposes. The HCAB demonstrated the value of including community participation in scientific research projects, for both scientists and lay communities, and underscored the importance of developing community engagement approaches that are adaptable and responsive to community needs. Our experience with the HCAB serves as exemplar for a unique paradigm of community inclusiveness and education in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maghboeba Mosavel
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 830 East Main Street, One Capitol Square, 4th floor, Richmond, VA 23219 USA
| | - K. Laura Barker
- College of Public Health, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad Street, Suite 417, Philadelphia, PA 19121 USA
| | - Heather M. Gardiner
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Ritter Annex, 9th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Laura A. Siminoff
- College of Public Health (286-00), Bell Building (TECH CENTER), 1101 Montgomery Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
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GTEx project maps wide range of normal human genetic variation: A unique catalog and follow-up effort associate variation with gene expression across dozens of body tissues. Am J Med Genet A 2019; 176:263-264. [PMID: 29334591 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Siminoff LA, Wilson-Genderson M, Gardiner HM, Mosavel M, Barker KL. Consent to a Postmortem Tissue Procurement Study: Distinguishing Family Decision Makers' Knowledge of the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project. Biopreserv Biobank 2018; 16:200-206. [PMID: 29746160 PMCID: PMC5995262 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2017.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissues from postmortem transplantation donors are a viable and productive option for genomic research. This entails obtaining authorization from the family decision makers (FDMs) of deceased donors. This study examined best practices for making such requests within the context of the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project, a large national effort to collect reference tissues to establish a genomic biobank and database. Our study interviewed 413 FDMs about their donation experiences. We assessed FDM understanding of important consent concepts varied such as ability to withdraw tissues, the risks of donation, and return of results. Using latent class analysis applied to a subgroup of 188 FDMs who had agreed to participate in GTEx, three groups emerged, representing distinct patterns of comprehension of the GTEx project. Tissue requester gender and use of a GTEx brochure were associated with group membership. Results indicate that more research is needed to improve consent processes with FDMs to facilitate informed decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Siminoff
- College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Heather M. Gardiner
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Maghboeba Mosavel
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry and Innovation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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Warner TD, Weil CJ, Andry C, Degenholtz HB, Parker L, Carithers LJ, Feige M, Wendler D, Pentz RD. Broad Consent for Research on Biospecimens: The Views of Actual Donors at Four U.S. Medical Centers. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2018; 13:115-124. [PMID: 29390947 PMCID: PMC5869128 DOI: 10.1177/1556264617751204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Commentators are concerned that broad consent may not provide biospecimen donors with sufficient information regarding possible future research uses of their tissue. We surveyed with interviews 302 cancer patients who had recently provided broad consent at four diverse academic medical centers. The majority of donors believed that the consent form provided them with sufficient information regarding future possible uses of their biospecimens. Donors expressed very positive views regarding tissue donation in general and endorsed the use of their biospecimens in future research across a wide range of contexts. Concerns regarding future uses were limited to for-profit research and research by investigators in other countries. These results support the use of broad consent to store and use biological samples in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Latarsha J. Carithers
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (USA)
- Now at the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (USA)
| | - Michelle Feige
- Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (USA)
| | | | - Rebecca D. Pentz
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine (USA)
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Wilson-Genderson M, Barker KL, Gardiner HM, Mosavel M, Thomas J, Siminoff LA. Authorization of tissues from deceased patients for genetic research. Hum Genet 2018; 137:63-71. [PMID: 29204889 PMCID: PMC7521139 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-017-1855-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tissues from deceased donors provide important data for genomic research and Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) play a significant role. To understand the decisions of families who donated for transplantation and made decisions about donation to the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx), we examined donation decisions of family decision makers (FDMs). 413 families were interviewed by telephone. The OPO staff who made the transplant and research requests completed self-administered surveys; a total of 309 matching surveys from 99 OPO staff were obtained. 76.8% of families donated to the GTEx project. Logistic regression analysis found that FDM consent to GTEx donation was associated with endorsement of policies to promote biobanking (OR = 1.35), positive attitudes about medical research (OR = 1.1), lack of concern regarding a breach of confidentiality (OR = 1.54), comfort with tissue donation (OR = 1.24), and prior authorization to solid organ donation (OR = 3.17). OPO staff characteristics associated with GTEx donation included being female (OR = 3.57), White (OR = 4.97), comfort with hospital staff role in donation (OR = 1.61), and number of topics discussed with families (OR = 57.9). Donor type, FDM attitudes, OPO staff sociodemographics, OPO comfort with the GTEx authorization process, and intensity of discussing research-specific issues were significantly associated with GTEx donation decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Wilson-Genderson
- Siminoff Research Group, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad Street, Suite 417, Philadelphia, PA, 19121, USA
| | - K Laura Barker
- College of Public Health, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad Street, Suite 417, Philadelphia, PA, 19121, USA
| | - Heather M Gardiner
- Health Disparities Laboratory, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Ritter Annex, 9th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Maghboeba Mosavel
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980430, Richmond, VA, 23298-0430, USA
| | - Jeffrey Thomas
- Life Sciences Program, LifeNet Health, 1864 Concert Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, 23453, USA
| | - Laura A Siminoff
- College of Public Health, Temple University, 1101 W. Montgomery Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
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Curr Beamer L. Ethics and Genetics: Examining a Crossroads in Nursing Through a Case Study. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2017; 21:730-737. [DOI: 10.1188/17.cjon.730-737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
From a research perspective, the interest in biobanking continues to intensify. Governments and industry have invested heavily in biobanks, as exemplified by initiatives like the United Kingdom Biobank and United States' Precision Medicine Initiative. But despite this enthusiasm, many profound legal and ethical challenges remain unresolved. Indeed, there continues to be disagreements about how best to obtain consent and the degree and nature of control that research participants retain over donated samples and health information. Emerging social trends-including concerns about commercialization and perceived rights of continuing control ("biorights")-seem likely to intensify these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Caulfield
- Health Law Institute, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Blake Murdoch
- Health Law Institute, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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