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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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Brancato V, Esposito G, Coppola L, Cavaliere C, Mirabelli P, Scapicchio C, Borgheresi R, Neri E, Salvatore M, Aiello M. Standardizing digital biobanks: integrating imaging, genomic, and clinical data for precision medicine. J Transl Med 2024; 22:136. [PMID: 38317237 PMCID: PMC10845786 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04891-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancements in data acquisition and computational methods are generating a large amount of heterogeneous biomedical data from diagnostic domains such as clinical imaging, pathology, and next-generation sequencing (NGS), which help characterize individual differences in patients. However, this information needs to be available and suitable to promote and support scientific research and technological development, supporting the effective adoption of the precision medicine approach in clinical practice. Digital biobanks can catalyze this process, facilitating the sharing of curated and standardized imaging data, clinical, pathological and molecular data, crucial to enable the development of a comprehensive and personalized data-driven diagnostic approach in disease management and fostering the development of computational predictive models. This work aims to frame this perspective, first by evaluating the state of standardization of individual diagnostic domains and then by identifying challenges and proposing a possible solution towards an integrative approach that can guarantee the suitability of information that can be shared through a digital biobank. Our analysis of the state of the art shows the presence and use of reference standards in biobanks and, generally, digital repositories for each specific domain. Despite this, standardization to guarantee the integration and reproducibility of the numerical descriptors generated by each domain, e.g. radiomic, pathomic and -omic features, is still an open challenge. Based on specific use cases and scenarios, an integration model, based on the JSON format, is proposed that can help address this problem. Ultimately, this work shows how, with specific standardization and promotion efforts, the digital biobank model can become an enabling technology for the comprehensive study of diseases and the effective development of data-driven technologies at the service of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppina Esposito
- Bio Check Up S.R.L, 80121, Naples, Italy
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Peppino Mirabelli
- UOS Laboratori di Ricerca e Biobanca, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Via Teresa Ravaschieri, 8, 80122, Naples, Italy
| | - Camilla Scapicchio
- Academic Radiology, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, via Roma, 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rita Borgheresi
- Academic Radiology, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, via Roma, 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Neri
- Academic Radiology, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, via Roma, 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy
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Akyüz K, Cano Abadía M, Goisauf M, Mayrhofer MT. Unlocking the potential of big data and AI in medicine: insights from biobanking. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1336588. [PMID: 38357641 PMCID: PMC10864616 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1336588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Big data and artificial intelligence are key elements in the medical field as they are expected to improve accuracy and efficiency in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in identifying biomedically relevant patterns, facilitating progress towards individually tailored preventative and therapeutic interventions. These applications belong to current research practice that is data-intensive. While the combination of imaging, pathological, genomic, and clinical data is needed to train algorithms to realize the full potential of these technologies, biobanks often serve as crucial infrastructures for data-sharing and data flows. In this paper, we argue that the 'data turn' in the life sciences has increasingly re-structured major infrastructures, which often were created for biological samples and associated data, as predominantly data infrastructures. These have evolved and diversified over time in terms of tackling relevant issues such as harmonization and standardization, but also consent practices and risk assessment. In line with the datafication, an increased use of AI-based technologies marks the current developments at the forefront of the big data research in life science and medicine that engender new issues and concerns along with opportunities. At a time when secure health data environments, such as European Health Data Space, are in the making, we argue that such meta-infrastructures can benefit both from the experience and evolution of biobanking, but also the current state of affairs in AI in medicine, regarding good governance, the social aspects and practices, as well as critical thinking about data practices, which can contribute to trustworthiness of such meta-infrastructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaya Akyüz
- Department of ELSI Services and Research, BBMRI-ERIC, Graz, Austria
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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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Frascarelli C, Bonizzi G, Musico CR, Mane E, Cassi C, Guerini Rocco E, Farina A, Scarpa A, Lawlor R, Reggiani Bonetti L, Caramaschi S, Eccher A, Marletta S, Fusco N. Revolutionizing Cancer Research: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Biobanking. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1390. [PMID: 37763157 PMCID: PMC10532470 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biobanks are vital research infrastructures aiming to collect, process, store, and distribute biological specimens along with associated data in an organized and governed manner. Exploiting diverse datasets produced by the biobanks and the downstream research from various sources and integrating bioinformatics and "omics" data has proven instrumental in advancing research such as cancer research. Biobanks offer different types of biological samples matched with rich datasets comprising clinicopathologic information. As digital pathology and artificial intelligence (AI) have entered the precision medicine arena, biobanks are progressively transitioning from mere biorepositories to integrated computational databanks. Consequently, the application of AI and machine learning on these biobank datasets holds huge potential to profoundly impact cancer research. METHODS In this paper, we explore how AI and machine learning can respond to the digital evolution of biobanks with flexibility, solutions, and effective services. We look at the different data that ranges from specimen-related data, including digital images, patient health records and downstream genetic/genomic data and resulting "Big Data" and the analytic approaches used for analysis. RESULTS These cutting-edge technologies can address the challenges faced by translational and clinical research, enhancing their capabilities in data management, analysis, and interpretation. By leveraging AI, biobanks can unlock valuable insights from their vast repositories, enabling the identification of novel biomarkers, prediction of treatment responses, and ultimately facilitating the development of personalized cancer therapies. CONCLUSIONS The integration of biobanking with AI has the potential not only to expand the current understanding of cancer biology but also to pave the way for more precise, patient-centric healthcare strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Frascarelli
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (C.F.); (E.M.); (E.G.R.); (N.F.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Bonizzi
- Biobank for Translational and Digital Medicine, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (C.R.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Camilla Rosella Musico
- Biobank for Translational and Digital Medicine, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (C.R.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Eltjona Mane
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (C.F.); (E.M.); (E.G.R.); (N.F.)
| | - Cristina Cassi
- Biobank for Translational and Digital Medicine, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (C.R.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Elena Guerini Rocco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (C.F.); (E.M.); (E.G.R.); (N.F.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Annarosa Farina
- Central Information Systems and Technology Directorate, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy;
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Rita Lawlor
- ARC-Net Research Centre and Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Luca Reggiani Bonetti
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University Hospital of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy; (L.R.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Stefania Caramaschi
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University Hospital of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy; (L.R.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Albino Eccher
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University Hospital of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy; (L.R.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.S.); (S.M.)
- Division of Pathology, Humanitas Cancer Center, 95045 Catania, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (C.F.); (E.M.); (E.G.R.); (N.F.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Tozzo P, Delicati A, Marcante B, Catelan D, Caenazzo L. Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey-Based Study on a Sample of Italian Physicians' Opinions on Telemedicine. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1267. [PMID: 37623517 PMCID: PMC10455507 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13081267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine was born out of the need to ensure clinical evaluation and personal care regardless of the physical presence of the healthcare professional nearby. Information technologies have been vital during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure medical care and avoid the contagion between patients and clinicians. Accordingly, telecare services multiplied worldwide and gained paramount importance. The present work aims to collect field-based opinions about Telemedicine and ethics among Italian physicians. We developed a web-based questionnaire that was administered to Italian physicians from 1 May to 15 June 2022. The questionnaire was distributed as a link to Google Forms via social networks/instant messaging applications to groups of graduated and qualified physicians. A total of 180 physicians answered the questionnaire (with an age range from 25 to 68 years old). Physicians belonging to the medical area of expertise appear to more frequently use new technologies in comparison to other specialties. The vast majority believe that it is appropriate to use Telemedicine for monitoring and follow-up but not for evaluating a new patient. Concerns about changes in the physician-patient relationship, informed consent, digital barrier, and privacy and data protection also emerged. Finally, telehealth is thought to be a potential useful tool for the future by the majority of respondents but proper training for physicians is therefore needed.
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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; (A.D.); (B.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Arianna Delicati
- Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (B.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Beatrice Marcante
- Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (B.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Dolores Catelan
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, 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; (A.D.); (B.M.); (L.C.)
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