Biopreservation and Biobanking最新文献

Pre-analytical variability significantly impacts the reproducibility of liquid biopsy research, which is critical for precision medicine and biomedical research. This report highlights the challenges and variability in the pre-analytical processes of liquid biopsies, especially regarding extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are crucial for diagnostics in oncology. The MIBlood-EV initiative aims to standardize the reporting of pre-analytical variables and the quality control of plasma and serum samples to enhance reproducibility in EV research. By providing a comprehensive and flexible reporting framework, MIBlood-EV seeks to improve the reliability of EV studies and facilitate the development of evidence-based protocols, ultimately advancing the field of liquid biopsy research.

Density gradient centrifugation is a conventional technique widely utilized to isolate bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) from bone marrow (BM) aspirates obtained from pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patients. Nevertheless, this technique achieves incomplete recovery of mononuclear cells and is relatively time-consuming and expensive. Given that B-ALL is the most common childhood malignancy, alternative methods for processing B-ALL samples may be more cost-effective. In this pilot study, we use several readouts, including immune phenotype, cell viability, and leukemia-initiating capacity in immune-deficient mice, to directly compare the density gradient centrifugation and buffy coat processing methods. Our findings indicate that buffy coat isolation yields comparable BM-MNC product in terms of both immune and leukemia cell content and could provide a viable, lower cost alternative for biobanks processing pediatric leukemia samples.

Introduction: The collection of biological specimens is necessary to support basic and translational research. However, the complexity of biobanking introduces numerous ethical issues, particularly regarding informed consent. Objective: To evaluate the acceptability and perceived benefits of an educational video facilitating the consent process for the Children's Cancer Centre Biobank. Methods: We invited individuals who had previously consented to be (or their child to be) part of the Biobank, and health professionals who were involved in obtaining consent. Participants watched the video and completed a purpose-designed online survey. Results: A total of 16 health professionals (invited = 30) and 15 patients/caregivers (invited = 127) participated. Most patients/caregivers felt informed about the Biobank at consent, however, noted how overwhelmed they were at the time and that they did not engage with the written information. Overall, both patients/caregivers and health professionals rated the video favorably regarding the information provided and format. Participants valued that it was simple and clear, with several health professionals noting the need for linguistic translations to better support the families they work with. Most patients/caregivers agreed that the video provided enough information to begin considering participation. This aligned with the health professionals' feedback that the video was most effective when used as a conversation starter to help formalize the written consent. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that our video is an acceptable and beneficial tool to assist in the Biobank consenting process, from both the perspective of decision-makers and health professionals obtaining consent. It appears particularly valuable as a precursor to an interactive, formal consent discussion. Further work is required to determine whether our video has a significant impact on outcomes such as decision-making satisfaction and knowledge, and to determine the value to adolescents.

Objectives: To evaluate the population health returns from investment in the Victorian Cancer Biobank (VCB), a research consortium including five hospital-integrated sample repositories located in Melbourne, Australia. Methods: This economic evaluation assigned monetary values to the health gains attributable to VCB-supported research. These were then compared with the total investment in VCB infrastructure since inception (2006-2022) to determine the return on investment (ROI). A time lag of 40 years was incorporated, recognizing the delay from investment to impact in scientific research. Health gains were therefore measured for the years 2046-2066, with a 3% discount rate applied. Health gains were measured in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to VCB-associated research, with monetary cost assigned via the standardized value of a statistical life year (AU$227,000). The age-standardized DALY rate attributable to cancer was modeled for two standpoints (1) extrapolating the current decreasing trajectory and (2) assuming nil future improvement from current rates, with 33% of the difference attributed to scientific innovation. The proportion of the aggregate health gain attributable to VCB-supported research was estimated from the number of VCB-credited scientific publications as a proportion of total oncology publications over the same period. Results: The AU$32,628,016 of public funding invested in VCB activities over the years 2006-2022 is projected to generate AU$84,561,373 in total (discounted) savings. ROI was AU$1.59 for each AU$1 invested. Conclusions: The VCB offers a strong ROI in terms of impacts on health, justifying the expenditure of public funds and supporting the use of biobanks to advance scientific research.

Myrtle rust is a plant disease caused through infection by the fungus Austropuccinia psidii and was first detected in Australia in 2010. The disease has spread through New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania. In this short timeframe, myrtle rust has had a devastating impact on many native species in the family Myrtaceae, including several rainforest species that are now at risk of extinction. In 2022, myrtle rust was first detected in the northern part of Western Australia (WA)-the largest state in Australia. WA is home to ca. 2000 Myrtaceae taxa (ca. 60% of Australia's Myrtaceae diversity), many of which form the dominant component of the vegetation across several ecosystems (e.g., Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Melaleuca, Agonis, Verticordia etc.). While modelling suggests that the environmental conditions in WA's north are less conducive to myrtle rust in comparison to the wet, temperate rainforests of the east coast, WA's temperate, Myrtaceae-rich south coast may be climatically suitable. Coupled with the sheer abundance of Myrtaceae species in WA, their high degree of endemism, high proportion of threatened species, and little available information on their susceptibility to myrtle rust, a pre-emptive strategy to conserve germplasm of at-risk species is warranted. This paper highlights the role of ex situ germplasm conservation in responding to biosecurity threats such as myrtle rust. With early intervention critical to sourcing healthy and genetically diverse germplasm, we present a prioritized list of genera and species of Myrtaceae in WA to inform strategic, coordinated, and timely ex situ conservation actions, along with case studies to illustrate the complementary approaches of seed banking, cryobiotechnology, and tissue culture necessary to conserve germplasm of WA's myrtaceous flora.

Importance of Study: Semen cryopreservation results in sperm damage due to lipid peroxidation or oxidative stress, leading to a decrease in conception rate. The sperm damage during cryopreservation can be minimized with the use of suitable antioxidant supplements in semen diluent. Some herbs have potent antioxidant potential and can be used in semen diluent to protect the spermatozoa. Objective: Hence, the investigation was planned to evaluate the effect of Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus) aqueous extract on buck semen quality during cryopreservation. Methodology: In the current study, semen was collected from eight Sirohi bucks, and from each buck, 8 ejaculates were collected. Good-quality semen samples were pooled during each collection. Pooled semen samples were then divided into four equal parts and diluted in TRIS buffer containing different concentrations of A. racemosus aqueous extract (different groups, i.e., G I -5 mg, G II -2.5 mg, G III -1.25 mg, and G IV -0 mg of A. racemosus aqueous extract in 1 mL TRIS buffer). All the diluted semen samples were kept at equilibration temperature (5°C) for 2 hours and then cryopreserved by the manual method. Semen samples were evaluated for various sperm characteristics and antioxidant status before and after cryopreservation. Results: Asparagus racemosus aqueous extract showed significant (p < 0.05) enhancement of sperm viability, sperm motility, acrosomal integrity, and plasma membrane integrity, whereas it reduced sperm abnormality. Furthermore, in the experimental groups, the antioxidant gene expression was found to be increased compared to that of the treatment group. G III (p < 0.05) showed significantly better results in terms of sperm viability, sperm motility, acrosomal integrity, and plasma membrane integrity. Conclusion: Asparagus racemosus aqueous extract has the antioxidant potential to protect buck spermatozoa during semen cryopreservation.

Aim: Ethylene glycol (EG) has been employed as a cryoprotectant for many years in mammalian semen cryopreservation but not assessed for birds except for its recently illustrated beneficial effects on commercial chicken lines. The Indian red jungle fowl is facing trouble in its native range due to human encroachment. Therefore, the present study was designed to elucidate the cryoprotective effect of different EG concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) on frozen Indian red jungle fowl semen. Materials and Methods: Semen was collected from 20 cocks, and qualifying ejaculates (>70% motility) were pooled and diluted (15) with red fowl extender. EG was added to the four samples and 20% glycerol in control at 4°C. Samples were equilibrated and cryopreserved in LN₂. Semen quality and biochemical activity were assessed at various stages of cryopreservation. Results: Sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity, chromatin integrity, and mitochondrial activity were recorded highest (p < 0.05) with 20% EG at the post-equilibration and post-thaw stages. Lipid peroxidation was recorded lowest (p < 0.05) with 20% EG compared with other concentrations and control at the post-equilibration and post-thaw stages. Conclusions: It is concluded that 20% EG exhibits cryoprotective properties in terms of regulating morphological and biochemical traits of frozen Indian red jungle fowl sperm.

Introduction: Human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are attractive for both medical practice and biomedical research. Nonfreezing short-term storage may provide safe and simple transportation and promote the practical use of MSCs. Objectives: We aimed to determine the duration of efficient storage at ambient temperature (22°C) of human dermal MSCs in different three-dimensional organization and to investigate the role of cell metabolic mode in the resistance to the ambient storage damaging factors. Methods: MSCs in monolayer, suspension, and encapsulated in alginate microspheres (AMS) were stored in sealed containers at 22°С in culture medium. Viability (fluorescein diacetate /ethidium bromide) and metabolic activity (Alamar Blue assay) were assessed at 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days of the storage. Mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 test), cell cycle analysis, reactive oxygen species level, and resistance to hydrogen peroxide were analyzed under culture conditions. Results: Alginate encapsulation was shown to maintain viability (about 85%), metabolic activity, and adhesion ability during storage for 7 days. The storage of MSCs in both monolayer and suspension was less efficient. Culture of MSCs in AMS decreased basal metabolic activity, mitochondrial activity, and led to reversible cell cycle arrest compared to standard two-dimensional culture. MSCs in AMS have a lower basal level of reactive oxygen species and higher resistance to hydrogen peroxide compared with those in monolayer culture. Conclusion: Revealed shift into quiescent metabolic mode is essential for alginate-encapsulated MSCs resistance to storage at ambient temperature.