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Majchrowska A, Pawlikowski J, Sak J, Świerczyńska B, Suchodolska M. Genetic tests as the strongest motivator of cooperation between participants and biobanks-Findings from cross-sectional study. Front Genet 2024; 15:1321690. [PMID: 38826803 PMCID: PMC11140032 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1321690] [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: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The development of the scientific potential linked with biobanking and research on human biological material is highly dependent on the willingness of potential donors to cooperate with entities that collect the material. For this reason, it is crucial to identify the circumstances and factors that may encourage potential participants to donate their biological material. In particular, knowledge of the motivational factors that can be modified by the persons managing a biobank may prove notably important for shaping the organizational and communication policy of the biobank and other scientific institutions. Material and methods The research was carried out on a group of 1,100 people over 18 years of age representing the adult population of Poland in 2021. Results More than half of the respondents declared their willingness to donate a blood sample for research purposes to a biobank (57.8%). The most often indicated incentives among the factors supporting the donation of biological material were offers of: obtaining the results of genetic tests predicting the risk of diseases (77.1%), blood tests (71.3%), the possibility of obtaining a small remuneration (64.6%) and the carrying out of genetic ancestry tests (60.4%). Conclusion Offering the possibility of performing additional diagnostic tests, especially genetic tests, may significantly increase the willingness of potential donors to cooperate with biobanks and other entities collecting human biological material for the purpose of scientific research. However, attention should also be paid to the challenges and risks linked with respecting the privacy and autonomy of research participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Majchrowska
- Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jakub Pawlikowski
- Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jarosław Sak
- Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Domaradzki J, Majchrowska A, Cielecka-Piontek J, Walkowiak D. Do biobanks need pharmacists? Support of pharmacy students to biobanking of human biological material for pharmaceutical research and development. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1406866. [PMID: 38799162 PMCID: PMC11117077 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1406866] [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: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to assess the biobank awareness among Polish pharmacy students and how it affects their support for biobank research. Methods A survey among 366 pharmacy students enrolled at two Polish medical universities: the Poznań University of Medical Sciences and Medical University of Lublin was conducted. Results Although most pharmacy students felt positivity about biobanking and expressed the willingness to donate their biospecimens for biomedical research, their awareness on research biobanks was low. Their willingness to participate was driven by the desire to benefit society, help advance science and develop new therapies. While students supported donation for most types of research, biobanks run by medical universities were the highest trusted research institutions. The primary factors associated with student's willingness to participate were religiosity and place of study. Notably, nonreligious students and those studying in Poznan exhibited more favourable attitudes toward donating for research and expressed greater support for the establishment of research biobanks in Poland. Conclusion Since biobank awareness among future pharmacists is inadequate incorporating biobank competency domains into education and training of pharmacists is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Anita Majchrowska
- Chair and Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Judyta Cielecka-Piontek
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Healthcare, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Henderson MK, Kjellqvist S, Yanak BL. Biobank Resilience Through Disasters: Role of Funding, Business Planning, Best Practices, and Standards. Biopreserv Biobank 2024; 22:95-97. [PMID: 38621227 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2024.29136.editorial] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne K Henderson
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Sanela Kjellqvist
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brenda L Yanak
- Clinical Transformation Partners, LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Zhang Y, Liao B, Lei R. A leap of faith: building the trust in human biobanks. Front Genet 2023; 14:1261623. [PMID: 37928244 PMCID: PMC10621791 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1261623] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Human biobanks are an essential resource for contemporary medical research, crucial in treating and preventing human diseases and improving health. Public trust in human biobanks is a vital social prerequisite for their continued operation and related research. Methods: Drawing on the "leap of faith" theory proposed by Georg Simmel and Guido Möllering, this paper first examines the relationship between public trust and human biobanks and the process through which such trust is established. Subsequently, based on the results of this analysis, targeted policy recommendations are put forward to consolidate or enhance public trust in human biobanks. Results: Public trust in human biobanks stems from certain "good reasons," through which uncertainty and vulnerability are "suspended" by faith, leading to a leap toward the "land of expectations." In this progress, the critical factors in building and enhancing public trust in human biobanks are the public's propensity to trust, the inherent trustworthiness of human biobanks, and the security and interactivity of the trust environment. Conclusion: Public trust in human biobanks cannot be determined by any universal formula, as it is influenced by many factors, including intangible elements such as faith that defy empirical understanding. Nonetheless, public trust in human biobanks can be enhanced through measures such as fostering the public's propensity to trust, enhancing the inherent trustworthiness of human biobanks, establishing structural safeguards for the trust environment through ethical norms, systems, and supervision, and promoting public participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- School of Philosophy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Institute of State Governance, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bohua Liao
- School of Philosophy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruipeng Lei
- School of Marxism, Center for Ethics and Governance of Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Center for Bioethics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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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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Tozzo P, Delicati A, Marcante B, Caenazzo L. Digital Biobanking and Big Data as a New Research Tool: A Position Paper. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1825. [PMID: 37444659 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11131825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Big data analytics in medicine is driving significant change, as it offers vital information for improving functions, developing cutting-edge solutions and overcoming inefficiencies. With the right archiving and analysis tools, all players in the healthcare system, from hospitals to patients and from medical personnel to the pharmaceutical industry, can yield numerous benefits. Therefore, to analyze and interpret these analytics effectively, so that they can be useful for the advancement of scientific knowledge, we require information sharing, specific skills, training, integration between all system players, unique infrastructures and security. All these characteristics will make it possible to establish and harmonize real big data biobanks, for which it will be appropriate to consider new forms of governance compared to those traditionally conceived for large-sample biobanks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Tozzo
- Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Arianna Delicati
- Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Beatrice Marcante
- Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
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Kuguyo O, Chambwe N, Nhachi CFB, Tsikai N, Dandara C, Matimba A. A cervical cancer biorepository for pharmacogenomics research in Zimbabwe. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1320. [PMID: 36526993 PMCID: PMC9756582 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10413-w] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research infrastructures such as biorepositories are essential to facilitate genomics and its growing applications in health research and translational medicine in Africa. Using a cervical cancer cohort, this study describes the establishment of a biorepository consisting of biospecimens and matched phenotype data for use in genomic association analysis and pharmacogenomics research. METHOD Women aged > 18 years with a recent histologically confirmed cervical cancer diagnosis were recruited. A workflow pipeline was developed to collect, store, and analyse biospecimens comprising donor recruitment and informed consent, followed by data and biospecimen collection, nucleic acid extraction, storage of genomic DNA, genetic characterization, data integration, data analysis and data interpretation. The biospecimen and data storage infrastructure included shared -20 °C to -80 °C freezers, lockable cupboards, secured access-controlled laptop, password protected online data storage on OneDrive software. The biospecimen or data storage, transfer and sharing were compliant with the local and international biospecimen and data protection laws and policies, to ensure donor privacy, trust, and benefits for the wider community. RESULTS This initial establishment of the biorepository recruited 410 women with cervical cancer. The mean (± SD) age of the donors was 52 (± 12) years, comprising stage I (15%), stage II (44%), stage III (47%) and stage IV (6%) disease. The biorepository includes whole blood and corresponding genomic DNA from 311 (75.9%) donors, and tumour biospecimens and corresponding tumour DNA from 258 (62.9%) donors. Datasets included information on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, family history, clinical information, and HPV genotype. Treatment response was followed up for 12 months, namely, treatment-induced toxicities, survival vs. mortality, and disease status, that is disease-free survival, progression or relapse, 12 months after therapy commencement. CONCLUSION The current work highlights a framework for developing a cancer genomics cohort-based biorepository on a limited budget. Such a resource plays a central role in advancing genomics research towards the implementation of personalised management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oppah Kuguyo
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Clinical Pharmacology Department, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Avondale, Mazowe Street, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nyasha Chambwe
- grid.416477.70000 0001 2168 3646Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY USA
| | - Charles F. B. Nhachi
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Clinical Pharmacology Department, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Avondale, Mazowe Street, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nomsa Tsikai
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Department of Oncology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Collet Dandara
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Pharmacogenomics and Drug Metabolism Research Group, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology & Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alice Matimba
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Clinical Pharmacology Department, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Avondale, Mazowe Street, Harare, Zimbabwe
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8
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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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Kodariah R, Fadilah F, Paramita RI, Erlina L, Istiadi KA, Billianti YD, Saraswati M, Panigoro SS. Raw fastq data for hotspot regions of cancer-related 50 genes using fresh frozen breast carcinoma tissues obtained from IMERI-FMUI biobank collections. Front Genet 2022; 13:973453. [PMID: 36386824 PMCID: PMC9644235 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.973453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ria Kodariah
- Master’s Programme in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fadilah Fadilah
- Master’s Programme in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Bioinformatics Core Facilities-IMERI, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- *Correspondence: Fadilah Fadilah, ; Rafika Indah Paramita,
| | - Rafika Indah Paramita
- Master’s Programme in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Bioinformatics Core Facilities-IMERI, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- *Correspondence: Fadilah Fadilah, ; Rafika Indah Paramita,
| | - Linda Erlina
- Master’s Programme in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Bioinformatics Core Facilities-IMERI, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Khaerunnisa Anbar Istiadi
- Bioinformatics Core Facilities-IMERI, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Biology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Lampung, Indonesia
| | - Yayi Dwina Billianti
- Master’s Programme in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Meilania Saraswati
- Master’s Programme in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sonar Soni Panigoro
- Master’s Programme in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Surgical Oncology Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Di Nunno N, Esposito M, Argo A, Salerno M, Sessa F. Pharmacogenetics and Forensic Toxicology: A New Step towards a Multidisciplinary Approach. TOXICS 2021; 9:292. [PMID: 34822683 PMCID: PMC8620299 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9110292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacogenetics analyzes the individual behavior of DNA genes after the administration of a drug. Pharmacogenetic research has been implemented in recent years thanks to the improvement in genome sequencing techniques and molecular genetics. In addition to medical purposes, pharmacogenetics can constitute an important tool for clarifying the interpretation of toxicological data in post-mortem examinations, sometimes crucial for determining the cause and modality of death. The purpose of this systematic literature review is not only to raise awareness among the forensic community concerning pharmacogenetics, but also to provide a workflow for forensic toxicologists to follow in cases of unknown causes of death related to drug use/abuse. The scientific community is called on to work hard in order to supply evidence in forensic practice, demonstrating that this investigation could become an essential tool both in civil and forensic contexts. The following keywords were used for the search engine: (pharmacogenetics) AND (forensic toxicology); (pharmacogenetics) AND (post-mortem); (pharmacogenetics) AND (forensic science); and (pharmacogenetics) AND (autopsy). A total of 125 articles were collected. Of these, 29 articles were included in this systematic review. A total of 75% of the included studies were original articles (n = 21) and 25% were case reports (n = 7). A total of 78% (n = 22) of the studies involved deceased people for whom a complete autopsy was performed, while 22% (n = 6) involved people in good health who were given a drug with a subsequent pharmacogenetic study. The most studied drugs were opioids (codeine, morphine, and methadone), followed by antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants and venlafaxine). Furthermore, all studies highlighted the importance of a pharmacogenetics study in drug-related deaths, especially in cases of non-overdose of drugs of abuse. This study highlights the importance of forensic pharmacogenetics, a field of toxicology still not fully understood, which is of great help in cases of sudden death, deaths from overdose, deaths after the administration of a drug, and also in cases of complaint of medical malpractice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Di Nunno
- Department of History, Society and Studies on Humanity, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonina Argo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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Caenazzo L, Tozzo P. Microbiome Forensic Biobanking: A Step toward Microbial Profiling for Forensic Human Identification. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1371. [PMID: 34683051 PMCID: PMC8544459 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years many studies have highlighted the great potential of microbial analysis in human identification for forensic purposes, with important differences in microbial community composition and function across different people and locations, showing a certain degree of uncertainty. Therefore, further studies are necessary to enable forensic scientists to evaluate the risk of microbial transfer and recovery from various items and to further critically evaluate the suitability of current human DNA recovery protocols for human microbial profiling for identification purposes. While the establishment and development of microbiome research biobanks for clinical applications is already very structured, the development of studies on the applicability of microbiome biobanks for forensic purposes is still in its infancy. The creation of large population microbiome biobanks, specifically dedicated to forensic human identification, could be worthwhile. This could also be useful to increase the practical applications of forensic microbiology for identification purposes, given that this type of evidence is currently absent from most real casework investigations and judicial proceedings in courts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela Tozzo
- Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
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12
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Taylor CO, Manov NF, Crew KD, Weng C, Connolly JJ, Chute CG, Ford DE, Lehmann H, Rahm AK, Kullo IJ, Caraballo PJ, Holm IA, Mathews D. Preferences for Updates on General Research Results: A Survey of Participants in Genomic Research from Two Institutions. J Pers Med 2021; 11:399. [PMID: 34065005 PMCID: PMC8151672 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11050399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a need for multimodal strategies to keep research participants informed about study results. Our aim was to characterize preferences of genomic research participants from two institutions along four dimensions of general research result updates: content, timing, mechanism, and frequency. METHODS We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey that was administered from 25 June 2018 to 5 December 2018. RESULTS 397 participants completed the survey, most of whom (96%) expressed a desire to receive research updates. Preferences with high endorsement included: update content (brief descriptions of major findings, descriptions of purpose and goals, and educational material); update timing (when the research is completed, when findings are reviewed, when findings are published, and when the study status changes); update mechanism (email with updates, and email newsletter); and update frequency (every three months). Hierarchical cluster analyses based on the four update preferences identified four profiles of participants with similar preference patterns. Very few participants in the largest profile were comfortable with budgeting less money for research activities so that researchers have money to set up services to send research result updates to study participants. CONCLUSION Future studies may benefit from exploring preferences for research result updates, as we have in our study. In addition, this work provides evidence of a need for funders to incentivize researchers to communicate results to participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Overby Taylor
- Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and The Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Natalie Flaks Manov
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (N.F.M.); (D.E.F.)
| | - Katherine D. Crew
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Chunhua Weng
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - John J. Connolly
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Christopher G. Chute
- Schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Daniel E. Ford
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (N.F.M.); (D.E.F.)
| | - Harold Lehmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Health Sciences Informatics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | | | - Iftikhar J. Kullo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | | | - Ingrid A. Holm
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Debra Mathews
- Johns Hopkins University Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
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Letter to the Editor. Progress in morgues: the time has come for a wide network of forensic research biobanks. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:2135-2137. [PMID: 33772344 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02575-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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