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This document provides the latest recommendations for the evaluation of potential sperm, oocyte, and embryo donors, as well as their recipients, incorporating recent information about optimal screening and testing for sexually transmitted infections, genetic diseases, and psychological assessments. This revised document incorporates recent information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the American Association of Tissue Banks, with which all programs offering gamete and embryo donation services must be thoroughly familiar, and replaces the document titled "Recommendations for gamete and embryo donation: a committee opinion," last published in 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusion Blood establishments face environmental, financial, demographic and societal challenges that may impair sustainable blood supply to patients. This study presents the technologies (devices and software) assembled in a global ecosystem implemented by the Blood and Tissue Bank of Aragón (BTBA), Spain, over the last decade to overcome these challenges.Descriptive yearly activity data (2013–2023) of BTBA were retrospectively collected to evaluate the impact of different technologies on blood processing efficiency, focusing on the production of blood components (red blood cell concentrates [RCCs], platelet concentrates [PCs]) and plasma. Operator satisfaction about the technologies introduced in daily routine work was also monitored.Between 2013 and 2023, the annual production decreased by 16.0% for RCCs and increased by 13.3% for PCs. From 2020, all PCs were treated with pathogen reduction technology, and no inventory stock‐out was reported. The lowest PC expiry rate (0.2%) was observed after the implementation of the software for blood processing and PC stock management. The deployment of this software also improved plasma recovery: on average, an extra plasma volume of 9 mL was collected per donation in 2023 compared to 2015. A survey confirmed staff satisfaction.The progressive implementation of automated and software‐based solutions was key to increasing efficiencies in BTBA. This enabled the optimization of blood processing by maximizing productivity, enhancing traceability, reducing overproduction and wastage and increasing the yield of recovered plasma, while ensuring blood product safety and staff satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue banking procedures have evolved to keep pace with precision medicine, technology, emerging understanding of racial disparities, and regulatory requirements. However, there is little published guidance regarding strategies to create and maintain a successful biorepository. Our objective is to describe the infrastructure and protocols used by our Gynecologic Oncology Tissue Bank. Our Tissue Bank was founded in 1992. In August 2022, internal funding was used to modernize the Tissue Bank. We hired three full-time employees, implemented universal screening of patients treated by gynecologic oncology faculty, updated consenting protocols, and standardized communication with providers. Tumor tissue, blood derivatives, ascites, and pleural fluid were collected from eligible, consenting patients and processed. Patient-derived cell lines and organoids were generated. For quality control purposes, one formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sample per tissue site was analyzed by a board-certified pathologist. All samples were labeled and tracked in an OpenSpecimen collection protocol and clinically annotated in a secure database. From August 2022 to October 2023, 227 patients (83% white, 15% Black, 1% Asian) were enrolled and 4249 specimens were collected. Adherent cell lines were generated from 15 patients with ovarian cancer and cell suspensions for organoid generation were collected from 46 patients with ovarian cancer. A recharge center was established to self-sustain the Tissue Bank. Samples have been shared with academic and commercial collaborators. Our Tissue Bank has enrolled a large number of diverse patients, collected numerous specimen types, and collaborated widely. The procedures described here provide guidance for other institutions establishing similar resources. • Dedicated personnel, standardized procedures, and quality control methods are crucial to develop a tissue bank. • The contribution of samples from tissue banks to collaborators is essential for the advancement of scientific research. • These results can provide guidance to other institutions establishing gynecologic oncology biorepositories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for glaucoma in patients with keratoconus following keratoplasty and to identify potential factors that could affect post-transplant complications. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 192 keratoconus patients who underwent keratoplasty. Data on treatment history, perioperative information, tissue bank data, postoperative regimens, complications, and infections were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with glaucoma and transplant complications. Results: There was a 41.6% incidence of glaucoma (high IOP) (p < 0.001), with the median time to glaucoma development being 314 ± 67 days post-transplant. A significant number of patients required surgical intervention, accounting for 48.05%. Our analysis revealed a 14% graft failure rate. On univariable Cox proportional hazard analysis, the following factors demonstrated statistically significant associations with the risk of glaucoma after transplantation: donor endothelial cell density, the use of a single continuous suture type, and the surgeon (performing the surgery). For many variables, the only factor that remained significant was the surgeon. Among the factors analyzed for risks of failure post-transplantation, significant associations were observed for the donor age, the time from harvest to transplant, and the surgeon. In the multivariable analysis, donor age emerged as a significant predictor of post-transplant complications. Conclusions: Risk factors such as donor endothelial cell density, suture type, surgeon, host and donor size, and host gender were found to increase the risk of developing glaucoma post-keratoplasty. Surgeon type was identified as a significant risk factor, while donor age was predictive of post-transplant complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraordinary growth of health technologies has determined an increasing interest in biobanks that represent a unique wealth for research, experimentation, and validation of new therapies. “Human” biobanks are repositories of various types of human biological samples. Through years the paradigm has shifted from spontaneous collections of biological material all over the world to institutional, organized, and well-structured forms. Imaging biobanks represent a novel field and are defined by European Society of Radiology as: “organized databases of medical images, and associated imaging biomarkers shared among multiple researchers, linked to other biorepositories”. Modern radiology and nuclear medicine can provide multiple imaging biomarkers, that express the phenotype related to certain diseases, especially in oncology. Imaging biobanks, not a mere catalogue of bioimages associated to clinical data, involve advanced computer technologies to implement the emergent field of radiomics and radiogenomics. Since Europe hosts most of the biobanks, juridical and ethical framework, with a specific referral to Italy, is analyzed. Linking imaging biobanks to traditional ones appears to be a crucial step that needs to be driven by medical imaging community under clear juridical and ethical guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Descemet's membrane detachment is a possible complication after cataract surgery and has been reported to happen in 0.5% of cases after cataract surgery. Case Presentation: A 77-year-old male patient underwent right eye cataract surgery and presented 2 weeks after surgery with decreased visual acuity (CF) in the operated right eye. There was generalized cornea edema and the Descemet's membrane (DM) was noticed to be detached at 80% of the corneal surface. At 12 days postoperatively, a descemetopexy with intracameral air bubble was performed following the principles of endothelial keratoplasty. On follow-up, the visual acuity in the right eye was 6/7.5 with complete corneal clarity at 2 months. Conclusion: Early recognition and surgical intervention of a DM detachment at cataract surgery are likely to enable resolution without the need for a transplant. If suspected or identified at the end of surgery, anterior chamber air insertion is recommended. It is important to note that separated DM can mimic a retained anterior capsule flap. Care must be taken when considering removal of any clear membranes at the end of cataract surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iran Premature Coronary Artery Disease (IPAD) is one of the first and largest studies of its kind in Asia that investigates different aspects of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) in different ethnic groups in multiple cities. In this paper, we aim to describe the IPAD biobank establishment and present some preliminary results of the IPAD study. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on patients with documented angiography from different ethnicities in more than ten cities of Iran (males aged 60 years and below and females aged 70 years and below). Patients with coronary artery stenosis of more than 75% in at least one vessel (or left-main stenosis of more than 50%) were defined as the case group and patients with normal coronary angiography were considered as the control group. In addition to completing questionnaires and performing physical measurements, samples of serum, buffy coat, plasma, whole blood, saliva, urine, and feces were stored in the freezer at -80 °C. Results: The mean age of patients was 51.1±8.2, of which 43% were women. There were 1221 people in the control group and 1702 in the case group. Our enrollment is completed and data entry and transferring biosamples from different cities is still ongoing. About 30000 biosamples of different ethnicities are saved in the IPAD biobank. Conclusion: This study aims to develop a high-quality biobank and facilitate research on different aspects of PCAD, especially gene-environment interaction regarding ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of belowground organs with buds and carbohydrate storage is typical of perennial plants in fire-prone ecosystems. The bud-bearing storage organs allow regeneration after fire, and they may lose their regeneration capacity if the disturbance is excluded, because of the depletion in the bud bank. We assessed the morphology, anatomy, and storage of carbohydrates in the belowground organs of eight perennial species from open savannas and analyzed their bud banks at different fire frequencies (annual, biennial, and exclusion). Xylopodium was found in all the study species as bud-bearing organ, associated with proliferated storage parenchyma tissue, often in the tuberous roots. We found that bud bank size varied according to different fire frequencies for only half of the studied species (most forbs), and a tendency for lower bud bank sizes in fire-excluded areas was found for all shrub species. Our study highlights the significance of bud-bearing storage organs, particularly xylopodium, and that the species-specific responses of bud bank size to different fire frequencies underscore the need to consider individual plant strategies when analysing fire effects, emphasizing the critical role of belowground organs in sustaining these ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) brain tissue held in tissue banks constitutes a valuable research resource, especially when associated with clinical annotations and longitudinal psychometric testing. Apolipoprotein‐E (APOE) genotyping is important to fully characterise this resource, however older FFPE tissue may not be suitable for genotyping. We performed polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assays on DNA extracted from post‐mortem FFPE brain tissue ranging from 2‐19 years old. A maximum of three years in paraffin was determined for robust APOE genotyping of FFPE tissue using PCR‐RFLP which may suggest prolonged storage of fixed tissue as FFPE blocks may have deleterious effects on DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid diagnosis of human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type-I and -II infections are essential for timely and cost-effective disease interventions. MP Diagnostics ASSURE HTLV-I/II Rapid Test was developed for the rapid detection of anti-HTLV-I/II antibodies in patients' serum, plasma, and whole blood specimens. ASSURE HTLV-I/II Rapid Test employed MP Biomedicals' proprietary HTLV-I/II Trifusion recombinant antigen conjugated with gold nanoparticles and HTLV-I / HTLV-II recombinant antigens immobilized on the nitrocellulose membrane to detect total HTLV-I and HTLV-II antibodies. The overall performance of the ASSURE HTLV-I/II Rapid Test was found to be 99.42% sensitivity (95% Confidence Interval, 98.32–99.88%) and 100% specificity (95% Confidence Interval, 99.58–100.00%) in the tested clinical samples, including a total of 518 HTLV-I/II positive specimens (396 HTLV-I infection, 97 HTLV-II infection and 25 HTLV-I/II dual infection) and 872 HTLV negative clinical specimens consisting of 691 healthy donor samples, 116 potentially cross-reactive samples, and 65 samples with interfering substances. The ASSURE HTLV-I/II Rapid Test can effectively be deployed as a screening tool in any prevalence studies, blood banks or organ transplant centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myrteae is the most species-rich tribe in the Myrtaceae family, represented by a range of socioeconomically and ecologically significant species. Many of these species, including commercially relevant ones, have become increasingly threatened in the wild, and now require conservation actions. Tissue culture presents an appropriate in vitro tool to facilitate medium-term and long-term wild germplasm conservation, as well as for commercial propagation to maintain desirable traits of commercial cultivars. So far, tissue culture has not been extensively achieved for Myrteae. Here, tissue culture for Eugenia, one of the most species-rich genera in Myrteae, is reviewed, giving directions for other related Myrteae. This review also focuses on ex situ conservation of Australian Myrteae, including using seed banking and field banking. Despite some progress, challenges to conserve these species remain, mostly due to the increasing threats in the wild and limited research. Research into in vitro methods (tissue culture and cryopreservation) is paramount given that at least some of the species are 'non-orthodox'. There is an urgent need to develop long-term in vitro conservation for capturing the remaining germplasm of threatened Myrteae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation is a good treatment option of cartilage defects. However, this treatment option is not available in all countries due to limited graft availability and tissue banks limitations. The purpose of this study is to assess the short term functional and imaging outcomes of fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation in the knee using the femoral head of living donors. Hypothesis: Fresh osteochondral allografts from the femoral heads of living donors is a valid graft source for management of distal Femur cartilage defects. This technique can improve functional knee scores with good radiological outcomes. Study Design: Prospective case series. Methods: Fifteen patients with full thickness cartilage defects of the distal femur underwent osteochondral allograft transplantation from the femoral heads of living donors. Grafts were transplanted by both shell and multiple dowels techniques. The average follow up duration was 18.3 months (range, 12–25 months). Patients were evaluated by Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, radiography and MR imaging using Osteochondral Allograft MRI Scoring System (OCAMRISS). Results: There was a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001) in both Lysholm and IKDC average scores at 6 months and 12 months postoperative. Postoperative MRI was done at an average 6.8 months (range, 5–11 months) postoperative. The mean total OCAMRISS score was 3.4 (range, 1–7). A second look arthroscopy was done in four patients and showed intact articular cartilage in all three patients. Conclusion: Femoral head of living donors is a valid new source for fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation of knee osteochondral lesions. Short term results showed improvement in clinical assessment scores. Follow up imaging showed graft incorporation and good MRI scores. Key message: What is known about the subject: Fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation is a successful treatment option for full thickness cartilage lesions in the knee. Osteochondral allografts are harvested from the knee of young deceased donors. There are limitations regarding the graft availability and postmortem tissue banks. What this study adds to existing knowledge: In our study, we used fresh osteochondral allografts from the femoral heads of living donors. The donor population is the non-arthritic patients who undergo hip replacement for traumatic neck femur fractures. This will provide a new source for fresh osteochondral allografts in countries who lack postmortem tissue banks. Even with available tissue banks, this provides an additional stable source of grafts which may expand the indications for osteochondral allografts and facilitate preoperative scheduling. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study that used the femoral head of living donors as a source of fresh osteochondral allografts in the knee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biobanks play an important role in advancing cancer research, yet concerns persist regarding the molecular integrity of long-term stored samples. This study assessed fresh frozen (FF) tissues and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from the Siriraj Hospital colorectal cancer (CRC) biobank collected during two distinct periods (2011–2012 and 2020–2021). In 2022, FF and FFPE primary cancer tissues from 75 CRC patients were evaluated. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analyzed comprehensive gene expression profiles in FF tissues preserved at −80 °C, while nCounter profiling elucidated cancer-specific RNA transcripts in FFPE tissues stored at ambient temperature. Comparative analyses were conducted between specimens from 2011 to 2012 and 2020–2021. The FF tissues stored for approximately 10.5 years were well-suited for RNA-Seq compared to the intact tissues preserved for 1.5 years. Despite consistencies in RNA quantity, RNA integrity, amount of sequencing reads, and CRC gene signature, gene enrichment analysis revealed the decreased ribosome biogenesis, spliceosome and antifolate resistance pathways in the 2011–2012 group. Moreover, the FFPE tissues also showed no alteration in RNA quantity between the two periods, and the nCounter profiling demonstrated comparable CRC-specific gene counts in spite of the significant reduction of raw counts in the 2011–2012 group. We report that FF tissues from CRC patients, stored for 10 years, are viable for whole transcriptome RNA-Seq, despite altered pathways such as ribosome biogenesis, spliceosome, and antifolate resistance. Moreover, 10-year-stored FFPE CRC tissues remain suitable for specific RNA profiling using the nCounter pan-cancer panel, despite a significant reduction in raw counts. These findings underscore the enduring contribution of biobanks to molecular research, highlighting their value a decade post-collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prognostic capability of targeted sequencing of primary tumors in patients with estrogen receptor‐positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2‐negative early‐stage invasive breast cancer (EBC) in a real‐world setting is uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to determine the correlation between a 22‐gene mutational profile and long‐term survival outcomes in patients with ER+/ERBB2‐ EBC. Patients and Methods: A total of 73 women diagnosed with ER+/ERBB2‐ EBC between January 10, 2004, and June 2, 2008, were followed up until December 31, 2022. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were constructed to plot the relapse‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). The log‐rank test derived p‐value was obtained. For external validation, we performed a survival analysis of 1163 comparable patients retrieved from the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) dataset. Results: At follow‐up, 16 (21.9%) patients had relapsed, while 21 (nearly 29%) harbored mutant genes. Thirty‐three missense mutations were detected in 14 genes. The median ages were 51 and 46 years in patients with and without mutations, respectively. Patients with any mutation had a 1.85‐fold higher risk of relapse (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60–5.69) compared to those without any mutation. Patients who harbored any of the six genes (MAP2K4, FGFR3, APC, KIT, RB1, and PTEN) had a nearly 6‐fold increase in the risk of relapse (HR: 5.82, 95% CI: 1.31–18.56; p = 0.0069). Multivariate Cox models revealed that the adjusted HR for RFS and OS were 6.67 (95% CI: 1.32–27.57) and 8.31 (p = 0.0443), respectively. METABRIC analysis also demonstrated a trend to significantly worse RFS (p = 0.0576) in the subcohort grouped by having a mutation in any of the six genes. Conclusions: Our single‐institution tissue bank study of Taiwanese women with ER+/ERBB2‐ EBC suggests that a novel combination of six gene mutations might have prognostic capability for survival outcomes. We studied the prognosis of a 22‐gene mutational profile using tissue bank tumors of 73 women with ER+/ERBB2‐ EBC. This cohort of female patients had extended follow‐up, reaching 18.8 years. Any mutation in the MAP2K4, FGFR3, APC, KIT, RB1, and PTEN genes would have a 5.8‐fold increased risk of relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been intense debate within the autistic and autism communities about the use of autism biobanks – repositories containing biological and phenotypic materials – and of genomic autism research more broadly. Here, we sought to understand the views and experiences of those contributing to one specific biobank, the Australian Autism Biobank. We adopted a multi-informant approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 77 people, including 18 autistic probands, 46 parents and seven siblings, all of whom donated material to the Biobank, as well as six researchers employed on the project. Specifically, we asked: what motivated participants and researchers to contribute to the Australian Autism Biobank? And how did they feel about their involvement in that process? We analysed the data using reflexive thematic analysis, adopting an inductive approach within an essentialist framework. We identified three themes, which revealed a wide diversity of viewpoints, including positive conceptualisations of autism linked to neurodiversity and more negative conceptualisations linked to hopes for the development of genetic screening and reproductive choice. These findings have implications for the meaning, value and future directions of autism science. This research has been conducted using the Australian Autism Biobank resource. A lot of autism research has focused on finding genes that might cause autism. To conduct these genetic studies, researchers have created 'biobanks' – collections of biological samples (such as blood, saliva, urine, stool and hair) and other health information (such as cognitive assessments and medical histories). Our study focused on the Australian Autism Biobank, which collected biological and health information from almost 1000 Australian autistic children and their families. We wanted to know what people thought about giving their information to the Biobank and why they chose to do so. We spoke to 71 people who gave to the Biobank, including 18 autistic adolescents and young adults, 46 of their parents and seven of their siblings. We also spoke to six researchers who worked on the Biobank project. We found that people were interested in giving their information to the Biobank so they could understand why some people were autistic. Some people felt knowing why could help them make choices about having children in the future. People also wanted to be involved in the Biobank because they believed it could be a resource that could help others in the future. They also trusted that scientists would keep their information safe and were keen to know how that information might be used in the future. Our findings show that people have lots of different views about autism biobanks. We suggest researchers should listen to these different views as they develop their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A major limitation of osteochondral allografts (OCA) is the deterioration of cartilage health associated with cell death during prolonged storage. However, little is known about the mechanisms that contribute to chondrocyte death during storage. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study aimed to determine whether bioactive lipid metabolites accumulate in the storage media of OCA and whether they are associated with a loss of chondrocyte viability during prolonged storage. It was hypothesized that free fatty acids (FFAs) would accumulate over time in the storage media of OCA and adversely affect cartilage health during storage. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A group of 21 (n = 6-8 OCA/treatment group) fresh human hemicondylar OCA tissues and media were analyzed after 7, 28, and 68 days of prolonged cold (4°C) storage. Targeted mass spectrometry analysis was used to quantify bioactive FFAs, as well as primary (lipid hydroperoxide [ROOH]) and secondary (malondialdehyde) lipid oxidation products. Chondrocyte viability was measured using a fluorescence-based live/dead assay and confocal microscopy. Results: The concentration of all targeted fatty acid metabolites in storage media was significantly increased with increased cold storage time (P <.05). ROOH was significantly higher on day 28 of cold storage. No difference in secondary ROOH products in storage media was observed. Chondrocyte viability significantly declined in both the en face and the vertical cross-sectional analysis with increased cold storage time and inversely correlated with fatty acid metabolites (P <.05). Conclusion: It is well established that elevated levels of certain FFAs and lipid oxidation products can alter cell function and cause cell death via lipotoxicity and other mechanisms. This work is the first to identify elevated levels of FFA metabolites and primary oxidation lipid products in the storage media from clinical OCA. The concentrations of FFA metabolites were measured at levels (>100 µM) known to induce cell death and were directly correlated with chondrocyte viability. Clinical Relevance: These findings provide important targets for understanding why cartilage health declines during cold storage, which can be used to optimize media formulations and improve graft health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although biobanks have become fundamental to many research centers and contribute to medical development, they generate many ethical and legal issues that may discourage patients from donating. Materials and Methods To understand patients' perception of ethical and legal issues related to biobanks we conducted a survey among 548 Polish patients with cancer. Results While 93.1% of patients with cancer declared themselves willing to donate biospecimens left over after a medical procedure to a biobank, most opted for one-time consent or study-specific consent, blanket consent being less frequently preferred. Many patients believed that future use of previously collected tissues require second contact. Most patients preferred pseudonymization over anonymization of the data, and supported donors' right to withdraw informed consent at any given moment. Finally, while personal health information was the most expected form of compensation for donation, most patients suggested that all parties, including the biobank concerned, the sponsors of the research, and the donors, should own the rights to cancer tissues donated and profit from the biobank research. Patients' opinions on the ethical and legal issues related to biobank research were associated with age, sex, religiosity, education level, and place of residence. Conclusions Since biobanks generate ethical and legal issues related to informed consent, data protection and storage, as well as the sharing of biosamples, tissue ownership, and profit sharing, that may discourage patients from donation, when asking a patient for a donation, healthcare professionals should communicate in a donor-centered manner and address patients' ethical and moral concerns related to donation and offer resources to help manage these concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the radiographic results obtained using a bone substitute of xenogeneic origin as an adjunct to consolidation in a sample of patients diagnosed with scoliosis and undergoing surgical treatment in a tertiary hospital. Methods: The total sample consisted of 12 female patients, with an average age of 13.5 years. There was a predominance of the single posterior approach (83.3%) In all cases, 30g of the xenogeneic graft was used. Results: The average Cobb angle of the main curve was 85.5 degrees and of the minor curve was 49.2 degrees. We obtained a mean main curve correction of 48 degrees or 56%, which remained in the measurements 6 months postoperatively. The analysis of arthrodesis consolidation demonstrated a predominance of cases classified as Molinari Grade 2, n= 7, (58.7%) at 3 months and at 6 months, n= 8, (66.7%), associated with three Molinari cases Grade 1 (25%) noting a total of 91.7% consolidation of the arthrodesis. Conclusion: The use of the xenogenic graft of bovine origin Bonefill Mix from the company BionnovationR demonstrated a good consolidation rate, being a consolidation adjuvant that can be used to treat these patients. Level of Evidence IV; Prospective Case Series.

Purpose: To address the hypothesis that the tissue processing methods of solvent dehydration and freeze-drying would differentially affect the physicochemical characteristics of four commercially available bone allografts and the adhesion and differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) on such substrates in vitro. Materials and Methods: The surface morphology, surface area, and elemental composition of four commercially available cancellous bone allografts were examined using SEM, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) gas adsorption, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analyses. SEM was also employed to compare the allograft surfaces to that of human bone exposed by in vitro osteoclastic resorption. The allografts were seeded with hBMSCs, and the number of adhered cells was assessed at 3 and 7 days. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was quantified as a measure of osteogenic differentiation after 21 days. Results: Marked differences were seen between the physicochemical characteristics of the solvent-dehydrated and freezedried allografts, as well as between their resulting bone microarchitectures and that of osteoclast-resorbed human bone. Increased hBMSC adhesion and differentiation were observed on the solvent-dehydrated allografts compared to freezedried allografts, which suggests a higher putative osteogenic potential. The latter was attributed to better preservation of the bone collagen microarchitecture integrity, which may provide not only a more complex substrate architecture, but also a more favorable microenvironment to allow nutrients and oxygen to flow to the adhered cells. Conclusion: Commercially available cancellous bone allografts significantly differ in their physicochemical characteristics, stemming from differences in tissue processing and sterilization methods undertaken by tissue banks. These differences impact the response of MSCs in vitro and may alter the biologic performance of the grafts in vivo. Therefore, it is important to consider these characteristics when choosing a bone substitute for clinical application, as the physicochemical properties of the grafts play a crucial role in their interactions with the biologic environment and subsequent incorporation into the native bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the legislative and operational commonalities and differences in Medical Products of Human Origin (MPHO) programs, including blood, hematopoietic cells, tissues and reproductive cells and human milk banking. The analysis includes ethical principles in donation and utilization, policies and legislation, public awareness and education, registries, guidelines in donor selection, safety and quality assurance, operational models and funding, infrastructure and human resources and biovigilance and evaluation of outcomes. Unlike other MPHO, the need for donor human milk (DHM) may be greatly reduced, that is, by ensuring optimal support for maternal lactation and breastfeeding. This should not be lost in the drive for wider and improved service provision. Nevertheless, increased overall demand for DHM is expected as a result of forthcoming international recommendations and also its increased use as the first‐choice supplement to a mother's own milk both within and beyond preterm, low‐birthweight and sick infant populations. Insight into current human milk banking highlights differences and gaps in practices that can benefit from further exploration and harmonization. Strong similarities with the ethical and operational principles underpinning donation and processing of the diverse MPHO suggest that legislating human milk banks within similar MPHO frameworks may bring additional safety and facilitate improved product quality. Moreover, that MPHO‐inspired models operating within attainable regulatory requirements may contribute to sustainable human milk banking activity and growth. Key messages: The strong similarities with the ethical, quality and safety expectations underpinning the donation and processing of the diverse Medical Products of Human Origin (MPHO) can be harnessed to provide additional safety levels and improved donor human milk (DHM) quality.MPHO‐inspired models operating within attainable regulatory requirements may contribute to sustainable human milk banking activity and growth.The need for DHM may be greatly reduced through optimal support for maternal lactation and breastfeedingCurrent global milk banking practices can benefit from expanded and harmonized, international guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The variability in the number of donations together with a growing demand for platelet concentrates and plasma‐derived medicines make us seek solutions aimed at optimizing the processing of blood. Some mathematical models to improve efficiencies in blood banking have been published. The goal of this work is to validate and evaluate an algorithm's impact in the production of blood components in the Blood and Tissues Bank of Aragon (BTBA). Materials and Methods: A mathematical algorithm was designed, implemented and validated through simulations with real data. It was incorporated into the fractionation area, which uses the Reveos® fractionation system (Terumo BCT) to split blood into its components. After 9 months of daily routine validation, retrospective activity data from the Blood Bank and Transfusion Services before and during the use of the algorithm were compared. Results: Using the algorithm, the outdating rate of platelet concentrates (PC) decreased by 87.8% in the blood bank. The average shelf life remaining of PC supplied to Transfusion Services increased by almost 1 day. As a consequence, the outdating rate in the Aragon Transfusion Network decreased by 33%. In addition, extra 100 litres of plasma were obtained in 9 months. Conclusions: The algorithm improves the blood establishment's workflow and facilitates the decision‐making process in whole blood processing. It resulted in a decrease in PC outdating rate, increase in PC shelf life and finally an increase in the volume of recovered plasma, leading to significant cost savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Linking information on family members in the Danish Civil Registration System (CRS) with information in Danish national registers provides unique possibilities for research on familial aggregation of diseases, health patterns, social factors and demography. However, the CRS is limited in the number of generations that it can identify. To allow more complete familial linkages, we introduce the lite Danish Multi-Generation Register (lite MGR) and the future full Danish MGR that is currently being developed. Methods: We generated the lite MGR by linking the current version of the CRS with historical versions stored by the Danish National Archives in the early 1970s, which contain familial links not saved in the current CRS. We describe and compare the completeness of familial links in the lite MGR and the current version of the CRS. We also describe planned procedures for generating the full MGR by linking the current CRS with scanned archived records from Parish Registers. Results: Among people born in Denmark in 1960 or later, the current CRS contains information on both parents. However, it has limited parental information for people born earlier. Among the 732,232 people born in Denmark during 1950–1959, 444,084 (60.65%) had information on both parents in the CRS. In the lite MGR, it was 560,594 (76.56%). Conclusions: The lite MGR offers more complete information on familial relationships than the current CRS. The lite and full MGR will offer an infrastructure tying together existing research infrastructures, registers and biobanks, raising their joint research value to an unparalleled level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Keratoplasty faces a high risk of failure due to multifactorial mechanisms. • Graft failure manifests after surgery and affects transplant survival. • Corneal failure is a challenge and requires investigation to identify predictors. • History of glaucoma and vascularization showed a statistical association with corneal graft failure. To identify the main predictors for corneal graft failure in patients who underwent retransplantation. This is a cross-sectional research with a quantitative and analytical approach, conducted based on data from secondary sources of a Human Eye Tissue Bank (HETB) in Northeast Brazil. Data were collected from the medical charts of all patients transplanted between January 2010 and December 2014. Descriptive statistics were used for the univariate analysis by means of absolute and relative frequencies and means. For the inferential analysis, the chi-square (X²) and the Fisher's Exact tests were used. A total of 241 records were reviewed, representing 258 keratoplasties, of which 27 (10.46%) were retransplantations due to corneal graft failure. Of the total, 55.56% of the individuals were female, with a mean age of 58.56 years, 55.56% of the population was brown, and the highest relative frequency of housing found was in the Central Mesoregion. Of the corneal graft failure cases, 88.89% were due to late failure, 30.77% of cases were classified as pseudophakic and 11.57% as aphakic. Through inferential analysis, a statistical association was obtained among the variable "corneal graft failure" and mesoregion of the state, presence of glaucoma, vascularization, and classification of the eye. The prognosis of keratoplasty is of multifactorial nature. Factors such as mesoregion of the State (place of residence), glaucoma, corneal vascularization, and aphakic eyes represent predictors for graft failure in the analyzed sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In the early 2000s, the optimal graft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was a subject of uncertainty. Today, autografts have become the gold standard in this procedure. Aim of this study is to contribute to the existing knowledge by conducting a comprehensive comparison of the long-term clinical outcomes between hamstring allografts and anterior tibialis tendon allografts (ATT) in the context of ACL reconstruction. Material and Method: This study was conducted based on individuals who were operated on with the diagnosis of symptomatic ACL rupture 10 years ago. Participants were randomly assigned to undergo ACL reconstruction using either hamstring autografts or anterior tibialis allografts. All allografts were procured from a single tissue bank, underwent aseptic processing, and were freshfrozen without terminal irradiation. Patient assessments included questionnaires based on the Lysholm knee scoring scale (LKSS) and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score. Objective functional tests, such as the Lachman test and pivot-shift, were performed, accompanied by a comprehensive physical examination of the knee. Results: A total of 60 patients, comprising 58 males and 2 females, with a mean age of 29.48±6.2, were included in the study. Predominant symptoms reported were pain and giving-way phenomena. Significantly different LKSS values were observed between the preoperative and postoperative periods for both anterior tibialis allograft and hamstring autograft patients (p<0.001). Similarly, a significant difference was noted in the preoperative and postoperative IKDC scores for all patients (p<0.001). Conclusion: Based on our research findings, both the hamstring autograft and allograft methods demonstrate success in improving LKSS and IKDC scores for patients undergoing ACL repair surgery. Notably, the autograft group exhibits a more pronounced improvement compared to the allograft group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While biobanking is expanding globally, the empirical evidence concerning the impact of religion on future healthcare professionals' awareness and willingness to donate biospecimens for biobank research is lacking. To understand how medical students' religious beliefs can fuel their questions regarding how biospecimens would be stored, cared for, and used, we conducted a survey among 1500 medical students at Poznań University of Medical Sciences. Our findings suggest that, while both religious and nonreligious students supported the idea of biobanking of human biological material and were willing to donate for research purposes, nonreligious students felt more positive toward biobanking, supported the idea of establishing biobanks in Poland more often, and were more eager to donate most types of tissues and to participate in biobank research. Religious beliefs were also associated with medical students' perception of benefits and risks resulting from biobanking, perceived trust toward various biobank institutions, and preferred type of consent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with long‐segment tracheal defects, deemed technically inoperable, constitute a population in critical need of airway replacement. Regardless of the underlying cause—be it benign or malignant processes—this patient category requires either a tracheal transplant or admission to a palliative care facility. Despite over 50 years of exploration in thoracic surgery and regenerative medicine, airway transplantation remains a significant challenge. Various tracheobronchial substitutes, such as synthetic prostheses, bioprostheses, allografts, autografts, and bioengineered conduits, have been experimentally tested, yet none have provided a standardized method for airway replacement. Aortic grafts were suggested by Aortic grafts have been suggested as a biological matrix for extensive airway reconstruction as a biological matrix for extensive airway reconstruction. Cryopreserved aortic allografts, because of their availability in tissue banks and the lack of need for immunosuppressive therapy, were first used in clinical applications. The TRITON‐01 study (NCT04263129) focuses on patients who received airway replacement to determine the routine applicability of this novel approach. The primary objective of this review is to provide information on advancements in the use of aortic allografts as tracheal replacements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an age‐related vasculitis. Prior studies have identified an association between GCA and hematologic malignancies (HMs). How the presence of somatic mutations that drive the development of HMs, or clonal hematopoiesis (CH), may influence clinical outcomes in GCA is not well understood. Methods: To examine an association between CH and GCA, we analyzed sequenced exomes of 470,960 UK Biobank (UKB) participants for the presence of CH and used multivariable Cox regression. To examine the clinical phenotype of GCA in patients with and without somatic mutations across the spectrum of CH to HM, we performed targeted sequencing of blood samples and electronic health record review on 114 patients with GCA seen at our institution. We then examined associations between specific clonal mutations and GCA disease manifestations. Results: UKB participants with CH had a 1.48‐fold increased risk of incident GCA compared to UKB participants without CH. GCA risk was highest among individuals with cytopenia (hazard ratio [HR] 2.98, P = 0.00178) and with TET2 mutation (HR 2.02, P = 0.00116). Mutations were detected in 27.2% of our institutional GCA cohort, three of whom had HM at GCA diagnosis. TET2 mutations were associated with vision loss in patients with GCA (odds ratio 4.33, P = 0.047). Conclusions: CH increases risk for development of GCA in a genotype‐specific manner, with the greatest risk being conferred by the presence of mutations in TET2. Somatic TET2 mutations likewise increase the risk of GCA‐associated vision loss. Integration of somatic genetic testing in GCA diagnostics may be warranted in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermal substitutes have become fundamental tools for covering skin defects, most recently with biological subtypes such as glycerolized acellular dermal matrix (GADM). However, literature regarding this matter is scarce in Latin America and Colombia. In this descriptive observational study, we compared the use of partial skin autografts (PSA) combined with GADM and autografts without GADM. Patients were selected from the burn unit of a hospital in northeastern Colombia between 2021 and 2022. Two study groups were defined: one receiving GADM plus PSA and the other control receiving only a partial split-thickness autograft. A total of 29 patients with 68 body areas were included, with an average age of 20 years. Most cases involved third-degree burns caused by flame. Hospitalization time was the same for both groups (41 days). The percentage of grafts taken was similar in both groups; in the GADM with autografts group, it was 94.7% compared with 96% in the control group. The presence of complications was similar in both groups. GADM produced in local tissue banks is a cost-effective alternative. It can be used in a single surgical procedure without increasing complications, providing a postsurgical course similar to autografts alone. Granting the potential long-term benefits that dermal matrices give for healing in these patients, which should be evaluated in subsequent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The tumour microenvironment (TME) consists of tumour-supportive immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. PhenoCycler, a high-plex single cell spatial biology imaging platform, is used to characterize the complexity of the TME. Researchers worldwide harvest and bank tissues from mouse models which are employed to model a plethora of human disease. With the explosion of interest in spatial biology, these panoplies of archival tissues provide a valuable resource to answer new questions. Here, we describe our protocols for developing tunable PhenoCycler multiplexed imaging panels and describe our open-source data analysis pipeline. Using these protocols, we used PhenoCycler to spatially resolve the TME of 8 routinely employed pre-clinical models of lymphoma, breast cancer, and melanoma preserved as FFPE. Results: Our data reveal distinct TMEs in the different cancer models that were imaged and show that cell-cell contacts differ depending on the tumour type examined. For instance, we found that the immune infiltration in a murine model of melanoma is altered in cellular organization in melanomas that become resistant to αPD-1 therapy, with depletions in a number of cell-cell interactions. Conclusions: This work presents a valuable resource study seamlessly adaptable to any field of research involving murine models. The methodology described allows researchers to address newly formed hypotheses using archival materials, bypassing the new to perform new mouse studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In high-income countries where eye care is advanced, cornea harvesting is hidden from public view. Here entire eyeball enucleations performed on corpses are done in hospital morgues without mourners' presence. For the last two decades, the traditional public crematorium area next to the Pashupatinath temple at the holy river Bagmati east of Kathmandu, has become a major Nepal Eye Bank site for motivated cornea donations. To be cremated in the premises of the Pashupatinath temple is considered highly auspicious. After families have given their consent, the cremation rituals are briefly interrupted by the Nepal Eye Bank staff, and cornea button excisions are performed in public space. Thus, mourners regularly view and assist during the removal of cornea button tissues from the deceased before the bodies are burned on the open funeral pyres or in the electric crematorium. How is it that Nepali mourners at Pashupati crematorium accept and comply with cornea donation practice? I argue that cornea donation at Pashupati is a collective achievement accomplished by complex socio-material arrangements that bring together various professionals, procedural manuals, legal framework, equipment, medical intervention, the deceased body, and mourners during the cremation practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the United States, ~50% of individuals who meet criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD) during their lifetimes do not remit. We previously reported that a polygenic score for AUD (PGSAUD) was positively associated with AUD severity as measured by DSM‐5 lifetime criterion count, and AUD severity was negatively associated with remission. Thus, we hypothesized that PGSAUD would be negatively associated with remission. Methods: Individuals of European (EA) and African ancestry (AA) from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) who met lifetime criteria for AUD, and two EA cohorts ascertained for studies of liver diseases and substance use disorders from the Indiana Biobank were included. In COGA, 12‐month remission was defined as any period of ≥12 consecutive months without meeting AUD criteria except craving and was further categorized as abstinent and non‐abstinent. In the Indiana Biobank, remission was defined based on ICD codes and could not be further distinguished as abstinent or non‐abstinent. Sex and age were included as covariates. COGA analyses included additional adjustment for AUD severity, family history of remission, and AUD treatment history. Results: In COGA EA, PGSAUD was negatively associated with 12‐month and non‐abstinent remission (p ≤ 0.013, βs between −0.15 and −0.10) after adjusting for all covariates. In contrast to the COGA findings, PGSAUD was positively associated with remission (p = 0.004, β = 0.28) in the Indiana Biobank liver diseases cohort but not in the Indiana Biobank substance use disorder cohort (p = 0.17, β = 0.15). Conclusions: PGSAUD was negatively associated with 12‐month and non‐abstinent remission in COGA EA, independent of behavioral measures of AUD severity and family history of remission. The discrepant results in COGA and the Indiana Biobank could reflect different ascertainment strategies: the Indiana Biobank participants were older and had higher rates of liver disease, suggesting that these individuals remitted due to alcohol‐related health conditions that manifested in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is featured with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, is a primary malignant tumor of the liver. Recently, there is a wealth of supporting evidence revealing that NK cell-related immune traits are strongly associated with the development of HCC, but the causality between them has not been proven. Methods: Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to probe the causal correlation between NK cell-related immune traits and HCC. Genetic variations in NK cell-related immune traits were extracted from recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of individuals with European blood lineage. HCC data were derived from the UK Biobank Consortium's GWAS summary count data, including a total of 372,184 female and male subjects, with 168 cases and 372,016 controls, all of whom are of European ancestry. Sensitivity analysis was mainly used for heterogeneity and pleiotropy testing. Results: Our research indicated the causality between NK cell-related immune traits and HCC. Importantly, CD8+NKT cells had protective causal effects on HCC (OR = 0.9996;95%CI,0.9993–0.9999; P = 0.0489). CD16−CD56 caused similar effects on NK cells (OR = 0.9997;95%CI,0.9996–0.9999; P = 0.0117) as CD8+NKT cells. Intercepts from Egger showed no pleiotropy and confounding factors. Furthermore, insufficient evidence was found to support the existence of heterogeneity by Cochran's Q test. Conclusion: MR analysis suggested that low CD8+NKT cells and CD16−CD56 expression on NK cells were linked with a higher risk of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The radioiodine-refractory (RAI-R) recurrent papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) are more frequent in elderly patients and have an unfavorable prognosis. Data on the prevalence and characteristics of RAI-R recurrent PTCs in patients of young and middle age with or without a history of radiation exposure in childhood are poorly described. The aim of the current study was: i) to determine the frequency of RAI-R recurrent PTCs among donors of the Chornobyl Tissue Bank (CTB) and analyze the clinicopathological features of primary tumors (PTs), primary metastases (PMTSs), recurrent metastases (RMTSs) and risk factors for RMTS, and ii) to determine the immune checkpoint status (ICS) of the RAI-R recurrent PTCs and to assess the factors associated with ICS positivity. Methods: Sixty RAI-R recurrent PTCs (46 exposed to radiation and 14 nonexposed, 2.5% of all cases registered with the CTB) from the Ukrainian patients aged up to 48 years were identified. Results: The clinicopathological characteristics of the PTs moderately to weakly resembled those of the PMTS and RMTS from the same patients while the metastatic tissues were highly similar. The multivariate model of RMTS included the dominant solid-trabecular growth pattern of the PT, cystic changes, N1b metastases, and the probability of a causation (POC) of PTC by radiation as risk factors. Among these factors, the lateral PMTS (N1b) had the strongest effect. The longer period of latency (a POC component) was the second statistically significant characteristic. ICS percent agreement between the PT and RAI-R RMTS was 91.5%; 23.7% of PTs and 28.8% of RMTSs had positive ICS (positive PD-L1 tumor epithelial cells (TECs) and positive PD-L1/PD1 tumor-associated immune cells). ICS positivity of PTs was associated with pronounced oncocytic changes and high density of the p16INK4A-positive TECs in the invasive areas of PTs. In RMTSs, ICS positivity was associated with pronounced oncocytic changes and Ki-67 labeling index ≥ 4.5% of PTs, and the dominant solid-trabecular growth pattern, Ki-67 labeling index ≥ 7.6% and p16INK4A-positivity of RMTS. Discussion: The findings are of clinical relevance and may be useful for developing individual treatment approaches for patients with RAI-R recurrent PTCs possibly involving immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone grafting techniques have been used by medical practitioners for over a century. A few factors that influence how successfully a grafted material is assimilated are its mechanical strength, pore size, ability to stimulate bone growth, and type of the graft. The four properties that the bone transplant material should possess are osteogenesis, osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and osteointegration. Despite being the only material with all four qualities, autologous bone has limited applications because of morbidities at the donor site. Allogeneic bone, which is taken from a different person and is commonly processed by tissue banks, is an alternative to autogenous bone. It carries a danger of spreading illness and being antigenic. Over the past few decades, the development of synthetic bone substitutes has opened up a wide range of options and opportunities to solve these limitations. In bone grafting procedures, synthetic bone replacements and biological components are quickly taking the place of natural grafts. Considerations include the patient's characteristics, the location, the extent of the lesion, and the cost and availability of the graft materials. This review has covered a variety of commonly used alloplastic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allogenic demineralized bone matrix (DBM), processed to expose bioactive proteins imbedded by calcium salts, is widely used for bone repair and regeneration as an alternative to the autologous bone graft. However, demineralized bone matrices from tissue banks vary significantly in residual calcium content and osteogenicity for clinical bone regeneration. The present study produced DBM with various residual calcium contents by partial demineralization using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium (EDTA) and hydrochloric acid. Compositional analysis reveals that, as the percent weight loss of bone materials increases from 0% to 74.9% during demineralization, the residual calcium content of DBM decreases from 24.8% to 0.2% and collagen content increases from 29.7% to 92.6%. Calorimetrical analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis demonstrated that demineralization to the residual calcium content of <4% enables the complete exposure and/or release of bone collagen fibers and other bioactive molecules. In order to evaluate the relationship between the extent of demineralization and the osteogenicity of DBM, DBM particles were fabricated with the aid of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) microfibers to form flexible foam‐like DBM/ADM composites. Proteomic analysis identified various type collagens and bone formation‐related bioactive molecules in both ADM and DBM. Using the rat bilateral Φ = 5 mm calvarium defect repair model, the study had shown that the DBM/ADM composite with ~20% DBM residual calcium (e.g., ~40% calcium being removed) maximized the osteogenicity for bone defect repair after 4 and 8 weeks. DBM with ~40% calcium removal had the maximal osteogenicity presumably through the sustained release of bioactive molecules during the process of bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preserved allogeneic donor skin still represents one of the gold standard therapies in temporary wound coverage in severely burned patients or chronic wounds. Allogeneic skin grafts are currently commercially available as cryo‐ or glycerol‐preserved allografts through skin tissue banks all over the world. Most of the skin tissue banks rely on human cadaveric skin donations. Due to the chronic shortage of human allogeneic transplants, such as skin, and increasing costs in the procurement of allografts from other skin tissue banks, Hannover Medical School has been building up its own skin tissue bank based on allogeneic skin grafts from living donors who underwent surgical treatment (i.e., body‐contouring procedures, such as abdominioplasties). This article presents procedures and protocols for the procurement and processing of allogeneic skin grafts according to national legislation and European regulations and guidelines. Beside protocols, initial microbiological data regarding the sterility of the harvested grafts are presented. The results currently form the basis for further investigations as well as clinical applications. In summary, a microbiological testing and acceptance procedure is presented that ensures adequate patient safety and skin viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies of human embryos and fetuses have advanced our understanding not only of basic biology but also of health and disease, through a combination of detailed three-dimensional (3D) morphology and processes such as gene expression, cellular decision-making and differentiation, and epigenetics during the various phases of human development and growth. Large-scale research initiatives focusing on these topics have been initiated during the last decade, all of which depend on biobanks that provide high-quality images of human embryonic and fetal morphology, as well as on high-quality collections of tissue samples that are obtained and stored appropriately. In this perspective, we describe our experience in establishing the Dutch Fetal Biobank to present the framework and workflow of the biobank, provide a brief discussion of the main legal and ethical aspects involved in establishing a pre-natal tissue bank, and present the preliminary data on the first 329 donated specimens. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Objectively measured physical activity (PA) data were collected in the accelerometry substudy of the UK Biobank. UK Biobank also contains information about multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis at the time of and after PA collection. This study aimed to 1) quantify the difference in PA between prevalentMS cases and matched healthy controls, and 2) evaluate the predictive performance of objective PA measures for incident MS cases. Methods: The first analysis compared eight accelerometer-derived PA summaries between MS patients (N = 316) and matched controls (30 controls for each MS case). The second analysis focused on predicting time to MS diagnosis among participants who were not diagnosed with MS. A total of 19 predictors including eight measures of objective PA were compared using Cox proportional hazards models (number of events = 47; 585,900 person-years of follow-up). Results: In the prevalent MS study, the difference between MS cases and matched controls was statistically significant for all PA summaries (P < 0.001). In the incidentMS study, the most predictive variable of progression toMS in univariate Cox regression models was lower age (C = 0.604), and the most predictive PA variable was lower relative amplitude (RA, C = 0.594). A two-stage forward selection using Cox regression resulted in a model with concordance C = 0.693 and four predictors: age (P = 0.015), stroke (P = 0.009), Townsend deprivation index (P = 0.874), and RA (P = 0.004). A model including age, stroke, and RA had a concordance of C = 0.691. Conclusions: Objective PAsummarieswere significantly different and consistent with lower activity among study participants who had MS at the time of the accelerometry study. Among individuals who did not have MS, younger age, stroke history, and lower RA were significantly associated with a higher risk of a future MS diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical embryologists are highly trained laboratory professionals with multiple roles, including laboratory, clinical, biobanking and quality system management. In most European countries, clinical embryologists are trained to work in Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) centres without a specifically dedicated educational path. The criteria required for employment vary according to the educational structure and the public or private nature of the centre. We have herein described the educational profile required by Italian clinical embryologists to work in MAR centres of the National Health System (NHS). Public centres currently represent 36% of all the Italian MAR clinics. According to the Italian law, a future clinical embryologist must achieve a 3–4 year unpaid post-graduate specialization in a different field, choosing from Genetics, Microbiology, Clinical Pathology or Nutrition. Accesses to the above-mentioned post-graduate courses are themselves very limited. Clinical embryologists are basically trained by senior colleagues. This situation makes inevitably difficult to recruit laboratory staff in NHS centres. Moreover, it represents an emblematic example of the need for an equal training curriculum, possibly ensuring a comparable education quality, mobility of trainees and dissemination of skills for clinical embryologists all over Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The bacterial contamination rate of the procured allografts was 2.5 %. • The bacterial contamination rate was lower than that in previous studies. • Treatment times were longer in donors with positive bacterial contaminations. • C-reactive protein levels were higher in donors with positive bacterial contaminations. • Some suitable musculoskeletal tissue donors were overlooked among organ donors. The objective of a musculoskeletal tissue bank is to collect, test, store, and provide musculoskeletal tissue allografts required in orthopedic procedures. Strict exclusion criteria are followed when selecting suitable cadaver musculoskeletal tissue donors, and the allografts are procured under sterile conditions to avoid bacterial contamination. Tissue banking in Turku, Finland, began in 1972, and tissue bank services were last reviewed in 2003. This study aimed to review the operation of the musculoskeletal tissue bank in Turku, Finland, between 2014 and 2020 and to analyze the number, types, and contamination rate of the allografts procured from the cadaver donors. Potential donor-related factors causing bacterial contamination of the allografts and whether potential musculoskeletal tissue donors were overlooked among multiorgan donors were also studied. A retrospective review of all cadaver musculoskeletal tissue donors used in the Hospital District of Southwest Finland Tyks Orto Musculoskeletal Tissue Bank during the study period was conducted, and data on the procured allograft was collected and presented. The donors were selected among patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Turku University Hospital (TYKS). A total of 28 cadaver donors were used, and 636 allografts were procured between 2014 and 2020. The bacterial contamination rate was 2.5%, which was lower than that in the previous international literature. The median treatment time in the ICU was significantly longer, and the median value of the highest C-reactive protein level was significantly higher in the group of donors with positive allograft bacterial cultures. The bacterial contamination rate in the tissue bank was low on an international scale. Some suitable musculoskeletal tissue donors were overlooked among multiorgan donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown highly variable results in indications beyond recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Microbiota dysbiosis in many diseases is characterized by the depletion of strictly anaerobic bacteria, which may be crucial for FMT efficacy. We developed a protocol to ensure anaerobic conditions during the entire transplant preparation and banking process, from material collection to administration. The protocol necessitates an anaerobic cabinet, i.e., a non-standard laboratory equipment. We analyzed the population of viable anaerobes by combining cultivation and 16S rRNA gene profiling during the transplant preparation, and after 4, 8, and 12 months of anaerobic or aerobic storage at −80 °C, 78% of fecal species were captured via cultivation. Our findings suggest that strictly anaerobic transplant preparation and storage may preserve species richness better than oxic conditions, but the overall difference was not significant. However, specific anaerobes such as Neglecta and Anaerotruncus were affected by the oxygen exposure. A storage time of up to 12 months did not affect the presence of cultivated taxa. Noteworthy, our analysis focused on the richness of cultivated anaerobes rather than their abundance, which may have been affected. The benefits of the developed anaerobic protocol in FMT for specific indications remain to be demonstrated in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the development of de-bi technology and a proof-of-concept pilot study with a large breast cancer biobank. Topics discussed include feasibility and relevance of technical solutions for effective advancement of EDP, challenges for decentralized biobanking, and required investment in new technology in new approaches to data sharing and disclosure.

Aims To evaluate the relationship between neuroticism personality traits and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) measures of cardiac morphology and function, considering potential differential associations in men and women. Methods and results The analysis includes 36 309 UK Biobank participants (average age = 63.9 ± 7.7 years; 47.8% men) with CMR available and neuroticism score assessed by the 12-item Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised Short Form. CMR scans were performed on 1.5 Tesla scanners (MAGNETOM Aera, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) according to pre-defined protocols and analysed using automated pipelines. We considered measures of left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) structure and function, and indicators of arterial compliance. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate association of neuroticism score with individual CMR metrics, with adjustment for age, sex, obesity, deprivation, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, alcohol use, exercise, and education. Higher neuroticism scores were associated with smaller LV and RV end-diastolic volumes, lower LV mass, greater concentricity (higher LV mass to volume ratio), and higher native T1. Greater neuroticism was also linked to poorer LV and RV function (lower stroke volumes) and greater arterial stiffness. In sex-stratified analyses, the relationships between neuroticism and LV stroke volume, concentricity, and arterial stiffness were attenuated in women. In men, association (with exception of native T1) remained robust. Conclusion Greater tendency towards neuroticism personality traits is linked to smaller, poorer functioning ventricles with lower LV mass, higher myocardial fibrosis, and higher arterial stiffness. These relationships are independent of traditional vascular risk factors and are more robust in men than women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The interaction effect between genetic risk and socioeconomic factors on thyroid cancer remains unclear. In this study, we utilized a large-scale population dataset to comprehensively estimate the independent effects of genetic and socioeconomic factors and their interaction with thyroid cancer (TCa). The results of this study showed that (1) telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) variants significantly related to TCa risk were commonly situated in the intron 2 region; and (2) low-to-medium genetic risk combined with low household income was associated with a high TCa risk, whereas medium-to-high genetic risk combined with a higher education level and frequent social connection was associated with an increased TCa risk. These findings furnish insights into risk stratification and are informative for implementing the precise screening of thyroid cancer in the general population. Background: There is a research gap between genetic predisposition, socioeconomic factors, and their interactions on thyroid tumorigenesis. Methods: Individual and genetic data were obtained from UK Biobank. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between genetic risk, socioeconomic factors, and thyroid cancer (TCa). A stratified analysis was conducted to estimate their joint effects. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further used to examine the potential causality. Results: A total of 502,394 participants were included in this study. Three index loci (rs4449583, rs7726159, and rs7725218) of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were found to be significantly related to incident TCa. Association analyses showed that high genetic risk, low household income, and high education level were independent risk factors, while unemployment and frequent social connection were suggestive risk factors for TCa. Interaction analyses showed that in participants with low genetic risk, low household income was significantly associated with TCa (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–2.46). In participants with high genetic risk, those with a high education level (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06–1.65) and frequent social connection (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.02–1.81) had a significantly increased risk of TCa. However, no causal relationship was observed in the MR analysis. Conclusion: Interactions exist between genetic risk, household income, education level, and social connection and thyroid cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotechnology is developing at an ever-increasing pace, and the progressive computerization of health care and research is making it increasingly easy to share data. One of the fastest growing areas is biobanking. However, even with the best equipment and the best trained staff, a biobank will be useless without donors. For this reason, we have decided to gauge Polish citizens' awareness and attitudes towards biobanking and their willingness to donate biological samples. For this purpose the survey was conducted among a nationwide group of 1052 Poles aged 18 and over where the totals for gender, age and place of residence were selected according to their representation in the total population of adult Poles. The survey was conducted using the Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) technique. Approximately two thirds of respondents N = 701 (66.6%) indicated that they had heard of scientific studies in which samples of biological material such as blood, saliva or urine are collected. More than half of respondents (N = 613, 58.3%) had a positive opinion regarding scientific research in which samples of biological material are taken. Only N = 220 (20.9%) of respondents had previously encountered the term biobanking. More than a half N = 687 (65.3%) of respondents would participate in a scientific study that biobanked biological material and health information. Almost half of the respondents (48.0%) would like specific consent to be used in biobanking. In our study we observed a negligible correlation between socio-demographic factors and a willingness to donate biological material to a biobank. Considering the results presented above, the level of knowledge and awareness of biobanks, and their role in scientific research and the health care system, among Polish citizens is low and requires education and information activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: When other techniques are unavailable or cannot be performed, the finger bank (FB) procedure becomes viable to reconstruct mutilating hand injuries. The aim of the present study was to synthesize all the current literature and evaluate the studies outcomes using the FB, determining its effectiveness. Methods: A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines in multiple databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Embase, Scopus, Scielo, Cochrane, and Lilacs). Results: Fifteen articles were included. Although most patients presented functional recovery, the FB technique should be used with caution in skin, bone, and tendon as a tissue bank, considering the limited number of studies in the current literature focusing on these tissues. On the other hand, in cases of joint, nerve, and vessel recovery, the use of FB may be safely recommended. Furthermore, we observed that most procedures were emergency and work-related, in addition to the vast majority of patients being men (90.34%). We found that the FB can be extended to rare non-emergency situations (tumor resection and congenital malformation) and used regardless of clinical features such as age of participants or mechanism of injury. Conclusions: Overall, this systematic review highlighted the great prognosis that the FB can offer to traumatic multidigit patients and emphasized the lack of research in this area. Level of evidence: Not gradable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gonadotoxicity of cancer therapy ranges from severe to mild effects on spermatogenesis, structural, functional, and genetic integrity of spermatozoa. However, these effects are even more pronounced in prepubertal males due to the susceptibility of the prepubertal testis to cytotoxic therapy. The proliferating germ cells in the prepubertal testis are mitotic in nature, thereby becoming a target for anticancer agents. Immature testicular tissue (ITT) cryopreservation is offered as the only fertility preservation (FP) strategy for prepubertal males facing gonadotoxic risk, though it is still experimental in nature. Multiple cryopreservation protocols have been developed to ensure safe and efficacious storage of the tissue and to enable maximum recovery of germ cells during thawing. The thawed tissue can then be used for fertility restoration by either in vitro spermatogenesis or transplantation to reinitiate spermatogenesis and thereby result in the production of mature spermatozoa. However, there are many challenges to overcome to successfully offer this procedure as an established one. This mini-review gives an overview of the progress in ITT cryopreservation and fertility restoration procedures, along with the other challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Depression and anxiety are two major categories of mental disorders that are highly prevalent in the general population. This study aims to explore the genetic modification effects of physical frailty on the morbidity of mental disorders.Methods: Using data from UK Biobank, we calculate genetic risk scores for depression, anxiety and mental disorders based on 37/44 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and 9/10 SNPs of anxiety. Frailty status was defined by a modified version of the frailty phenotype based on five individual components. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of depression and anxiety risk among groups with different frailty status.Results: Of 267,755 participants in UK Biobank, 4,905 (2%) were considered frail, 98,907 (37%) pre-frail and 163,943 (61%) not frail. Compared with the non-frail group, the pre-frail group (HR = 1.53; [95% CI:1.47–1.61]), and frail group (HR = 2.75; [95% CI:2.46–3.07]) were significantly associated with increased risk of depression. Per 1-number increment in frailty component counts were significantly associated with increased risk of mental disorders. In each genetic risk score (GRS) strata, people with pre-frailty and frailty suffered higher risks of mental disorders than the non-frail group.Conclusion: Our results indicate that physical frailty plays an important role in the incidence of mental disorders, even after adjustments for covariates, and patients with genetic individual differences are also affected. Therefore, it is crucial that while diagnosing mental disorders, professionals pay closer attention to those patients who present symptoms of frailty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]