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Blood Transfusion = Trasfusione Del... Mar 2021The COVID-19 pandemic is placing blood and tissue establishments under unprecedented stress, putting its capacity to provide the adequate care needed at risk. Here we...
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic is placing blood and tissue establishments under unprecedented stress, putting its capacity to provide the adequate care needed at risk. Here we reflect on how our integrated organisational model has faced the first impact of the pandemic and describe what challenges, opportunities and lessons have emerged.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The organisational model of the Catalan Blood and Tissue Bank (Banc de Sang i Teixits, BST) is described. The new scenario was managed by following international recommendations and considering the pandemic in a context of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), allowing rapid measures to be taken. These aimed to: ensure donor safety, promote proper responses to patients' needs, ensure the health and well-being of personnel, and prepare for future scenarios.
RESULTS
The BST has adapted its activities to the changes in demand. No shortage of any product or service occurred. Donor acceptance, safety and wellbeing were maintained except for tissue donation, which almost completely stopped. To support the health system, several activities have been promoted: large-scale convalescent plasma (CP) production, clinical trials with CP and mesenchymal stromal cells, massive COVID-19 diagnoses, and participation in co-operative research and publications. Haemovigilance is running smoothly and no adverse effects have been detected among donors or patients.
DISCUSSION
Several elements have proven to be critical when addressing the pandemic scenario: a) the early creation of a crisis committee in combination with technical recommendations and the recognition of a VUCA scenario; b) identification of the strategies described; c) the integrated donor-to-patient organisational model; d) active Research and Development (R&D); and e) the flexibility of the staff. It is essential to underline the importance of the need for centralised management, effective contingency strategies, and early collaboration with peers.
Topics: Blood Banks; Blood Component Transfusion; Blood Donors; Bone Marrow Transplantation; COVID-19; Humans; Immunization, Passive; Models, Organizational; Occupational Diseases; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Safety; Spain; Tissue Banks; Tissue and Organ Procurement; COVID-19 Serotherapy
PubMed: 33539280
DOI: 10.2450/2021.0259-20 -
Acta Neuropathologica Communications Sep 2019Perfusing fixatives through the cerebrovascular system is the gold standard approach in animals to prepare brain tissue for spatial biomolecular profiling, circuit... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Perfusing fixatives through the cerebrovascular system is the gold standard approach in animals to prepare brain tissue for spatial biomolecular profiling, circuit tracing, and ultrastructural studies such as connectomics. Translating these discoveries to humans requires examination of postmortem autopsy brain tissue. Yet banked brain tissue is routinely prepared using immersion fixation, which is a significant barrier to optimal preservation of tissue architecture. The challenges involved in adopting perfusion fixation in brain banks and the extent to which it improves histology quality are not well defined.
METHODOLOGY
We searched four databases to identify studies that have performed perfusion fixation in human brain tissue and screened the references of the eligible studies to identify further studies. From the included studies, we extracted data about the methods that they used, as well as any data comparing perfusion fixation to immersion fixation. The protocol was preregistered at the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/cv3ys/ .
RESULTS
We screened 4489 abstracts, 214 full-text publications, and identified 35 studies that met our inclusion criteria, which collectively reported on the perfusion fixation of 558 human brains. We identified a wide variety of approaches to perfusion fixation, including perfusion fixation of the brain in situ and ex situ, perfusion fixation through different sets of blood vessels, and perfusion fixation with different washout solutions, fixatives, perfusion pressures, and postfixation tissue processing methods. Through a qualitative synthesis of data comparing the outcomes of perfusion and immersion fixation, we found moderate confidence evidence showing that perfusion fixation results in equal or greater subjective histology quality compared to immersion fixation of relatively large volumes of brain tissue, in an equal or shorter amount of time.
CONCLUSIONS
This manuscript serves as a resource for investigators interested in building upon the methods and results of previous research in designing their own perfusion fixation studies in human brains or other large animal brains. We also suggest several future research directions, such as comparing the in situ and ex situ approaches to perfusion fixation, studying the efficacy of different washout solutions, and elucidating the types of brain donors in which perfusion fixation is likely to result in higher fixation quality than immersion fixation.
Topics: Brain; Humans; Perfusion; Tissue Banks; Tissue Fixation
PubMed: 31488214
DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0799-y -
The Oncologist Dec 2019As scientific techniques evolve, historical informed consent forms may inadequately address modern research proposals, leading to ethical questions regarding research...
BACKGROUND
As scientific techniques evolve, historical informed consent forms may inadequately address modern research proposals, leading to ethical questions regarding research with archived biospecimens.
SUBJECTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS
We conducted focus groups among patients with cancer recruited from Massachusetts General Hospital to explore views on medical research, biobanking, and scenarios based on real biospecimen research dilemmas. Our multidisciplinary team developed a structured focus group guide, and all groups were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded for themes by two independent investigators using NVivo software.
RESULTS
Across five focus groups with 21 participants, we found that most participants were supportive of biobanks and use of their own tissue to advance scientific knowledge. Many favor allowing research beyond the scope of the original consent to proceed if recontact is impossible. However, participants were not comfortable speaking for other patients who may oppose research beyond the original consent. This was viewed as a potential violation of participants' rights or interests. Participants were also concerned with a "slippery slope" and potential scientific abuse if research were permitted without adherence to original consent. There was strong support for recontact and reconsent when possible and for the concept of broad consent at the time of tissue collection.
CONCLUSION
Our participants support use of their tissue to advance research and generally support any productive scientific approach. However, in the absence of broad initial consent, when recontact is impossible, a case-by-case decision must be made regarding a proposal's potential benefits and harms. Many participants support broad use of their tissue, but a substantial minority object to use beyond the original consent.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
For prospective studies collecting tissue for future research, investigators should consider seeking broad consent, to allow for evolution of research questions and methods. For studies using previously collected tissues, researchers should attempt recontact and reconsent for research aims or methods beyond the scope of the original consent. When reconsent is not possible, a case-by-case decision must be made, weighing the scientific value of the biobank, potential benefits of the proposed research, and the likelihood and nature of risks to participants and their welfare interests. This study's data suggest that many participants support broad use of their tissue and prefer science to move forward.
Topics: Biological Specimen Banks; Female; Focus Groups; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Tissue Banks
PubMed: 31182655
DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2018-0376 -
Cell and Tissue Banking Jun 2021We have experienced numerous new challenges during the process of brain harvesting in the period of COVID-19. Although brain harvests have continued successfully during... (Review)
Review
We have experienced numerous new challenges during the process of brain harvesting in the period of COVID-19. Although brain harvests have continued successfully during this time period, the numerous uncertainties and challenges described in this paper have nearly derailed the process several times. While the interface of the medical profession with patients in the context of a pandemic has been well-documented on several fronts, and particularly for those health care workers on the front lines, we are not aware of any documentary accounts of the challenges facing research and tissue donation programs. With this paper, we contribute an additional perspective and describe the lessons we have learned in addressing these novel issues.
Topics: Arizona; Brain; COVID-19; Funeral Homes; Funeral Rites; Humans; Illinois; Michigan; New Jersey; New York; SARS-CoV-2; Tissue Banks; Tissue and Organ Procurement; Washington
PubMed: 33175287
DOI: 10.1007/s10561-020-09882-9 -
Fertility and Sterility Nov 2014To harmonize standard operating procedures (SOPs) and standardize the recording of associated data for collection, processing, and storage of human tissues relevant to... (Review)
Review
World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project: IV. Tissue collection, processing, and storage in endometriosis research.
OBJECTIVE
To harmonize standard operating procedures (SOPs) and standardize the recording of associated data for collection, processing, and storage of human tissues relevant to endometriosis.
DESIGN
An international collaboration involving 34 clinical/academic centers and three industry collaborators from 16 countries on five continents.
SETTING
In 2013, two workshops were conducted followed by global consultation, bringing together 54 leaders in endometriosis research and sample processing from around the world.
PATIENT(S)
None.
INTERVENTION(S)
Consensus SOPs were based on: 1) systematic comparison of SOPs from 24 global centers collecting tissue samples from women with and without endometriosis on a medium or large scale (publication on >100 cases); 2) literature evidence where available, or consultation with laboratory experts otherwise; and 3) several global consultation rounds.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Standard recommended and minimum required SOPs for tissue collection, processing, and storage in endometriosis research.
RESULT(S)
We developed "recommended standard" and "minimum required" SOPs for the collection, processing, and storage of ectopic and eutopic endometrium, peritoneum, and myometrium, and a biospecimen data collection form necessary for interpretation of sample-derived results.
CONCLUSION(S)
The EPHect SOPs allow endometriosis research centers to decrease variability in tissue-based results, facilitating between-center comparisons and collaborations. The procedures are also relevant to research into other gynecologic conditions involving endometrium, myometrium, and peritoneum. The consensus SOPs are based on the best available evidence; areas with limited evidence are identified as requiring further pilot studies. The SOPs will be reviewed based on investigator feedback and through systematic triannual follow-up. Updated versions will be made available at: http://endometriosisfoundation.org/ephect.
Topics: Blood Specimen Collection; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Internationality; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Specimen Handling; Tissue Banks
PubMed: 25256928
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.07.1209 -
Revista Medica de Chile May 2011The use of bone grafts is a common practice in musculoskeletal surgery to provide mechanical stability where there is a defect and it allows skeletal reconstruction.... (Review)
Review
The use of bone grafts is a common practice in musculoskeletal surgery to provide mechanical stability where there is a defect and it allows skeletal reconstruction. Classically auto and allografts have been used. The latter are the choice in large, complex defects. Allografts can be transplanted despite cell death, have osteoconduction and osteoinduction capacity, low antigenicity and biomechanical properties similar to the original bone. They can be obtained from living and death donors. They are stored by cryopreservation and lyophilization in entities called bone banks. This is a review about bone allografts and the organization and function of the bone banks.
Topics: Bone Banks; Bone Transplantation; Bone and Bones; Humans; Organizational Objectives; Tissue Preservation; Tissue and Organ Procurement; Transplantation, Homologous
PubMed: 22051719
DOI: No ID Found -
Medecine Sciences : M/S Jan 2006
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Tissue Banks
PubMed: 16705932
DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2006221s4 -
The Tohoku Journal of Experimental... Apr 2019Precision medicine is a rapidly developing area that aims to deliver targeted therapies based on individual patient characteristics. However, current radiation treatment... (Review)
Review
Precision medicine is a rapidly developing area that aims to deliver targeted therapies based on individual patient characteristics. However, current radiation treatment is not yet personalized; consequently, there is a critical need for specific patient characteristics of both tumor and normal tissues to be fully incorporated into dose prescription. Furthermore, current risk assessment following environmental, occupational, or accidental exposures to radiation is based on population effects, and does not account for individual diversity underpinning radiosensitivity. The lack of personalized approaches in both radiotherapy and radiation risk assessment resulted in the current situation where a population-based model, effective dose, is being used. In this review article, to stimulate scientific discussion for precision medicine in both radiotherapy and radiation risk assessment, we propose a novel radiological concept and metric - the personalized dose and the personalized risk index - that incorporate individual physiological, lifestyle-related and genomic variations and radiosensitivity, outlining the potential clinical application for precision medicine. We also review on recent progress in both genomics and biobanking research, which is promising for providing novel insights into individual radiosensitivity, and for creating a novel conceptual framework of precision radiotherapy and radiation risk assessment.
Topics: Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Genomics; Humans; Precision Medicine; Radiotherapy; Risk Assessment; Tissue Banks
PubMed: 30971620
DOI: 10.1620/tjem.247.223 -
Cryobiology Aug 2021Somatic resource banks play a crucial role in the conservation of genetic diversity, allowing for the preservation of biological samples from different populations. Puma...
Somatic resource banks play a crucial role in the conservation of genetic diversity, allowing for the preservation of biological samples from different populations. Puma somatic cells can be recovered from these banks and used in assisted techniques toward enhancing their multiplication and conservation. In response to the population reduction of this ecologically importance species, we aimed to evaluate the capacity of cryopreservation of somatic tissues on the maintenance of the integrity and quality of the cells recovered after culture, with the aim of establishing a somatic tissue bank that will allow for the safeguarding of a wide genetic sampling of pumas. Cryopreservation increased the thickness of the corneum layer in the tissues, and the number of perinuclear halos and empty gaps. Nevertheless, cryopreservation was able to maintain normal fibroblast patterns, even showing an increase in the percentage of collagen fibers. Cryopreservation maintained the proliferative potential of the tissues and the parameters evaluated during in vitro culture, mainly regarding the viability, proliferative activity, and apoptosis levels. Nevertheless, cells from cryopreserved tissues showed decreased metabolism and mitochondrial membrane potential when compared to cells from non-cryopreserved tissues. In summary, we demonstrated for the first time that puma somatic tissues subjected to cryopreservation are viable and maintain tissue integrity, featuring minimal changes after warming. Although viable somatic cells are obtained from these tissues, they undergo alterations in their metabolism and mitochondrial membrane potential. Improvements in the conservation conditions of somatic samples are needed to increase the quality of somatic tissue banks in this species.
Topics: Animals; Cryopreservation; Fibroblasts; Puma; Tissue Banks; Vitrification
PubMed: 34118241
DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.06.003 -
Biopreservation and Biobanking Dec 2018The Cooperative Human Tissue Network, Midwestern Division, is a National Cancer Institute-funded program that provides quality research biospecimens to qualified...
The Cooperative Human Tissue Network, Midwestern Division, is a National Cancer Institute-funded program that provides quality research biospecimens to qualified investigators. Consented human tissues are procured according to researcher specifications for weight (size) and preservation type; weights of samples in significant demand and limited supply are negotiated. Weights of procured tissues are entered into a dedicated biospecimen database. This study seeks to provide guidance for acceptable tissue weights for researchers. Tissue weights by year and anatomic site were retrieved from the database for primary malignant tissues. The total number of tissues included was 5141. Statistical evaluation of data included the number of tissues for each year, anatomic site as well as minimum, maximum, average weights, standard deviation, and standard error. Anatomic sites with few tissues were excluded. "Stock price" type graphs were constructed to show an average as "volume" with both full weight ranges and range that accommodated 80% of tissues. Average weight and number of sample trends varied by anatomic site. Tissues fell into four weight groups; 10 and 90 percentile boundaries were calculated for each. Smallest average research tissue weights for middle 80% were recorded for prostate and oropharynx (140 mg). Second weight group included tonsil, thyroid, breast, oral cavity, larynx, pancreas, salivary gland, skin, tongue, lung, and parotid (265 mg). The third group included stomach, cervix, colon, esophagus, endometrium, bone, brain, bladder, small bowel, uterus, liver, kidney lymph node, adrenal, and ovary (513 mg). The fourth and heaviest weight group included soft tissue tumors and spleen (1201 mg). Since tissue weights are not usually included in recommendations for research tissue procurement or for frozen tissues stored in biorepositories, we offer this data as a practical guide to researcher acceptable tissue weights for selected sites based on a 3-year researcher request and acceptance history.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Organ Size; Tissue Banks; Tissue and Organ Procurement; United States
PubMed: 30379574
DOI: 10.1089/bio.2018.0068