Blockchain in healthcare today最新文献

Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) recently gained attention in research necessary for drug development. While the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a challenging time in this arena, drug development was a critical area of emphasis in the rapid advancement of vaccines. The DCTs were necessary to allow research activities to occur across many locations. The use of DCTs can profoundly impact reshaping healthcare by enabling participants to partake in clinical trials remotely; however, implementation challenges must be considered as technology expands. A working group of participants was assembled during an interactive learning exercise at the Conv2X conference (2023) to explore challenges related to the diffusion of innovation among key stakeholders. Pain points experienced with using and implementing technologies were identified, and an innovative solution using a blockchain-anchored option was presented. Participants were divided into three stakeholder groups: patients, payers, and pharmaceutical sponsors. After a time of discussion, the groups reconvened for review. Several themes that can be supported by blockchain technology emerged. These include enhanced efficiencies, patient experience, and demographic diversity, as well as data integrity, privacy, security, and cost-effectiveness. Future research might focus on strategies to facilitate the adoption of the idea across key stakeholder groups.

In an era dominated by digital advancements, cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in safeguarding information and systems from evolving threats. The escalating sophistication of cyber threats necessitates a critical examination of the efficacy of contemporary defenses. Recognizing the limitations and gaps in current solutions, this research introduces a pioneering framework aimed at fortifying cyber defenses. Motivated by a comprehensive exploration of research articles, surveys, online media, and practical studies, this study scrutinizes the intricacies of cyber threats and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of existing solutions. The proposed frameworks emerge from a meticulous feasibility and practicality study, leveraging insights garnered from diverse online sources. The "how" encompasses a comparative analysis, evaluating the novel framework against established solutions to delineate their respective merits and shortcomings. The impetus behind this research lies in offering valuable insights to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers grappling with the multifaceted challenges of cybersecurity. By navigating through the complexities of existing solutions and introducing innovative frameworks, this paper aims to guide efforts in bolstering cyber defenses. Ultimately, this research envisions a continuous cycle of improvement and evolution in the realm of cybersecurity as stakeholders collectively strive to adapt to the ever-changing digital threat landscape.

Introduction: Scientists use donated biospecimens to create organoids, which are miniature copies of patient tumors that are revolutionizing precision medicine and drug discovery. However, biobanking platforms remove donor identifiers to protect privacy, precluding patients from benefiting from their contributions or sharing information that may be relevant to research outcomes. Decentralized biobanking (de-bi) leverages blockchain technology to empower patient engagement in biospecimen research. We describe the creation of the first de-bi prototype for an organoid biobanking use case.

Methods: We designed and developed a proof-of-concept non-fungible tokens (NFTs) framework for an organoid research network of patients, physicians, and scientists within a synthetic dataset modeled on a real-world breast cancer organoid ecosystem. Our implementation deployed multiple smart contracts on Ethereum test networks, minting NFTs representing each stakeholder, biospecimen, and organoid. The system architecture was designed to be composable with established biobanking programs.

Results: Our de-bi prototype demonstrated how NFTs representing patients, physicians, scientists, and organoids may be united in a privacy-preserving platform that builds upon relationships and transactions of existing biobank research networks. The mobile application simulated key features, enabling patients to track their biospecimens, view organoid images and research updates from scientists, and allow physicians to participate in peer-to-peer communications with basic scientists and patients alike, all while ensuring compliance with de-identification requirements.

Discussion: We demonstrate proof-of-concept for a web3 platform engaging patients, physicians, and scientists in a dynamic research community, unlocking value for a model organoid ecosystem. This initial prototype is a critical first step for advancing paradigm-shifting de-bi technology that provides unprecedented transparency and suggests new standards for equity and inclusion in biobanking. Further research must address feasibility and acceptability considering the ethical, legal, economic, and technical complexities of organoid research and clinical translation.