1. A novel decentralized model for storing and sharing neuroimaging data using ethereum blockchain and the interplanetary file system
- Author
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Sai Batchu, Abraham Hakim, and Owen S. Henry
- Subjects
File system ,Smart contract ,Computer Networks and Communications ,Computer science ,business.industry ,Applied Mathematics ,Content Identifier ,Hash function ,Transparency (human–computer interaction) ,computer.file_format ,Construct (python library) ,computer.software_genre ,Computer Science Applications ,Computational Theory and Mathematics ,Artificial Intelligence ,Computer data storage ,Image file formats ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,business ,computer ,Information Systems ,Computer network - Abstract
Current methods to store and transfer medical neuroimaging data raise issues with security and transparency, and novel protocols are needed. Ethereum smart contracts present an encouraging new option. Ethereum is an open-source platform that allows users to construct smart contracts—self-executable packages of code that exist in the Ethereum state and allow transactions under programmed conditions. The present study developed a proof-of-concept smart contract that stores patient brain tumor data such as patient identifier, disease, grade, chemotherapy drugs, and Karnofsky score. The InterPlanetary file system was used to efficiently store the image files, and the corresponding content identifier hashes were stored within the smart contracts. Testing with a private, proof-of-authority network required only 889 MB of memory per insertion to insert 350 patient records, while retrieval required 910 MB. Inserting 350 patient records required 907 ms. The concept presented in this study exemplifies the use of smart contracts and off chain data storage for efficient retrieval/insertion of medical neuroimaging data.
- Published
- 2021
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