214 results for ""domain-specific+cell+profiling+archive"+accession+code"

in 96.44 milliseconds.

• Non-Coding Autoimmune Risk Variant Defines Role for ICOS in T Peripheral Helper Cell Development

  Our fine-mapping of 76 non-MHC loci associated with risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA, 11,475 cases, 15,870 controls) has recently identified rs117701653, a non-coding single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the CTLA4/CD28/ICOS locus, as the variant most likely to modulate RA risk within this region, with the minor allele C showing disease protection compared to the major allele A. We found that this SNP exhibits allele-specific protein binding and transcriptional modulation, further supporting its regulatory nature. Here, we aimed to determine whether the functional non-coding variant rs117701653 modulates the expression of genes within the CD28/CTLA4/ICOS locus. To address this question, we employed low-input RNA sequencing using the Illumina SmartSeq2 platform on resting total CD4+ T cells from the blood of 24 healthy subjects (8 AA, 8 AC, 8 CC) recruited based on genotype from the Mass General Brigham biobank. We performed a targeted cis-eQTL mapping analysis for protein coding genes with transcription start sites (TSS) within a 1MB window of SNP rs117701653. These genes included WDR12, NBEAL1, CYP20A1, ABI2, RAPH1, CD28, CTLA4, ICOS, and PARD3B. Surprisingly, allelic variation at rs117701653 correlated strongly with expression of ICOS. This suggests that individuals carrying the protective allele C at rs117701653 express lower levels of ICOS, implicating ICOS as a plausible target gene influenced by this protective allele. The raw sequence data from the 24 healthy individuals are available through dbGAP. Gene expression matrices have been deposited to GEO accession GSE235868.

  Study phs003448

• Digitalis Investigation Group (DIG-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives To determine the effect of increasing age on mortality, hospitalizations, and digoxin side effects in patients with heart failure (HF), and to determine whether the effect of digoxin on clinical outcomes varies as a function of age. Background The incidence and prevalence of HF increase with advancing age, but there are limited data on the clinical course and response to specific interventions in elderly patients with HF. Participants A total of 302 centers in the United States and Canada enrolled 7,788 patients between February 1991 and September 1993. Design The Digitalis Investigation Group (DIG) study was a prospective, randomized clinical trial involving 7,788 patients with HF randomized to digoxin or placebo and followed for an average of 37 months. Interactions between age and the following clinical outcomes were examined: total mortality, all-cause hospitalizations, HF hospitalizations, the composite of HF death or HF hospitalizations, hospitalization for suspected digoxin toxicity and withdrawal from therapy because of side effects. Conclusions Increasing age is associated with progressively worse clinical outcomes in patients with HF. However, the beneficial effects of digoxin in reducing all-cause admissions, HF admissions, and HF death or hospitalization are independent of age. Thus, digoxin remains a useful agent to the adjunctive treatment of HF due to impaired left ventricular systolic function in patients of all ages.

  Study phs003872

• Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: This is a National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute sponsored, four-center study designed to: 1) optimize symptom evaluation and diagnostic testing for ischemic heart disease; 2) explore mechanisms for symptoms and myocardial ischemia in the absence of epicardial coronary artery stenoses, and 3) evaluate the influence of reproductive hormones on symptoms and diagnostic test response.Background: Women tend to have a higher prevalence of chest pain than men, yet a lower prevalence of epicardial coronary stenoses, and diagnostic tests such as exercise-induced ECG changes tend to have a higher false-positive rate in women than in men. Thus, accurate diagnosis of ischemic heart disease in women is a major challenge to physicians. In addition, prognosis in women with abnormal diagnostic tests is largely unknown and the role reproductive hormones play in this diagnostic uncertainty is unexplored. Moreover, the significance and pathophysiology of ischemia in the absence of significant epicardial coronary stenoses is unknown.Participants: In Phase I (1996-1997), a pilot phase, 256 women were studied. During Phase II (1997-1999) angiographic and baseline data were collected on an additional 680 women to bring total enrollment to 936. Baseline data was also collected on a reference population of 70 women.Conclusions: Among women without CAD, abnormal Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) consistent with myocardial ischemia predicted cardiovascular outcome, notably higher rates of anginal hospitalization, repeat catherization, and greater treatment costs.

  Study phs004310

• Healthspan and lifespan extension by fecal microbiota transplantation in progeroid mice

  The gut microbiome is emerging as a key regulator of several metabolic, immune and neuroendocrine pathways. Gut microbiome deregulation has been implicated in major conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty acid liver disease or cancer, but its precise role in aging remains to be elucidated. Here, we characterize the gut microbiome profile of accelerated aging and show that its external modulation is sufficient to extend healthspan and lifespan. We found that two different mouse models of progeria present with intestinal dysbiosis, which is characterized, among other alterations, by an increment in proteobacteria, cyanobacteria and a loss in verrucomicrobia, whereas long-lived humans (i.e., centenarians) exhibit a remarkable increase in verrucomicrobia and a reduction in proteobacteria. Fecal microbiota transplantation proved to be effective to enhance healthspan and lifespan in both progeroid mouse models and, more importantly, the solely transplantation with the verrucomicrobia Akkermansia muciniphila was sufficient to exert beneficial effects. Our results demonstrate that intestinal dysbiosis is a phenotype associated with accelerated aging and its correction provides health benefits. Moreover, metabolomic analysis of ileal content points to the restoration of secondary bile acids as a possible mechanism for the beneficial outcome of reestablishing a healthy microbiome. Our results suggest the existence of a link between gut aging and the microbiota, and can help to gain insight into the rationale for microbiome-based interventions against age-related diseases. Mouse sequence data have been deposited in ENA (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/ena) under accession number PRJEB34214

  Study EGAS00001003656

• CIDR: The Role of Rare Coding Variation in Prostate Cancer in Men of African Ancestry - RESPOND Project 2

  In RESPOND Project 2, we seek to identify rare genetic factors that are associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk and aggressiveness in men of African ancestry (AA). We will conduct exome sequencing of 15,000 prostate cancer cases and 5,000 controls from the RESPOND cohort and the African Ancestry Prostate Cancer Consortium (AAPC) with cases selected based on risk categories: high-risk (stage T3/T4 or Gleason 8+ or PSA>20 ng/ml), intermediate-risk (stage T2b/T2c or Gleason 7 or PSA 10-20 ng/ml) and low-risk disease (stage T1/T2a and Gleason ≤ 6 and PSA<10 ng/ml). We expect the findings from this Project to significantly advance knowledge of susceptibility to aggressive PCa and racial/ethnic disparities in PCa risk, and to guide the development of future preventive, early detection and prognostic measures for AA men. The first phase of the study will include exome sequence data for approximately 7,500 cases and 5,000 controls from AAPC. The second phase of the study will include exome data for 5,000 cases from RESPOND and AAPC.ACKNOWLEDGMENTS and CONTRIBUTING SITES Multiethnic Cohort (MEC): The MEC and the genotyping in this study were supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants CA63464, CA54281, CA1326792, CA148085, and HG004726. Cancer incidence data for the MEC and Los Angeles Study of Aggressive Prostate Cancer (LAAPC) studies have been collected by the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program of the University of Southern California with federal funds from the National Cancer Institute (NCI)/NIH/Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under Contract No. N01-PC-35139, and the California Department of Health Services as part of the state-wide cancer reporting program mandated by California Health and Safety Code Section 103885, and grant 1U58DP000807-3 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ghana Prostate Study (GPS): The Ghana Prostate Study was funded by the Intramural Program of the NCI/NIH/DHHS under Contract No. HHSN261200800001E. Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP): We thank all MADCaP study participants. This work is a product of the MADCaP network. This work was supported by NCI/NIH grant U01CA184374 to Timothy Rebbeck and National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) MIRA grant R35GM133727 to Joseph Lachance. Additional funding includes a seed grant from the Integrated Cancer Research Center at Georgia Institute of Technology. UGANDA: The UGANDA study was supported by NIH grant R01CA165862. Southern Community Cohort (SCCS) is funded by NIH grant CA092447. SCCS sample preparation was conducted at the Epidemiology Biospecimen Core Lab that is supported in part by the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center (CA68485). Data on SCCS cancer cases were provided by Alabama Statewide Cancer Registry, Kentucky Cancer Registry, Office of Cancer Surveillance at Tennessee Department of Health, Florida Cancer Data System, Central Cancer Registry at North Carolina Division of Public Health, Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry, Louisiana Tumor Registry, Mississippi Cancer Registry, South Carolina Central Cancer Registry, Virginia Cancer Registry at Virginia Department of Health, and Cancer Registry at Arkansas Department of Health. The Arkansas Central Cancer Registry is fully funded by a grant from National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data on SCCS cancer cases from Mississippi were collected by the Mississippi Cancer Registry which participates in the NPCR/CDC. The contents of this publication are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC or the Mississippi Cancer Registry. Karuprostate: The Karuprostate study was supported by the French National Health Directorate and by the Association pour la Recherche sur les Tumeurs de la Prostate. Séverine Ferdinand, Marc Romana. The North Carolina - Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) is carried out as a collaborative study supported by the Department of Defense contract DAMD 17-03-2-0052. The authors thank the staff, advisory committees and research subjects participating in the PCaP study for their important contributions. We would also like to acknowledge the UNC BioSpecimen Facility and the LSUHSC Pathology Lab for our DNA extractions, blood processing, storage and sample disbursement (https://genome.unc.edu/bsp). Gene-Environment Interaction in Prostate Study (GECAP) was supported by NIH grant ES011126. King County Prostate Cancer Study (KCPCS) was supported by NIH grants CA056678, CA082664, and CA092579, with additional support from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. We thank the participants in these studies, and Ms. Suzanne Kolb for help with study management. The Los Angeles Study of Aggressive Prostate Cancer (LAAPC) was funded by grant 99-00524V-10258 from the Cancer Research Fund, under Interagency Agreement #97-12013 (University of California contract #98-00924V) with the Department of Health Services Cancer Research Program. Cancer incidence data for the MEC and LAAPC studies have been collected by the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program of the University of Southern California with Federal funds from the NCI/NIH/DHHS under Contract No. N01-PC-35139, and the California Department of Health Services as part of the state-wide cancer reporting program mandated by California Health and Safety Code Section 103885, and grant 1U58DP000807-3 from the CDC. Prostate Cancer Studies at MD Anderson (MDA) was supported by grants CA68578, ES007784, DAMD W81XWH-07-1-0645, and CA140388.

  Study phs002637

• Submission FAQ

  Submission FAQ Before Submission Is the EGA the right archive for my data? TThe most suitable archive for your data is dependent on the type of data you are wishing to submit and whether the data require public or controlled access. Public access is defined as complete and open access to all submitted data. On the contrary, controlled access, exerted by the EGA, requires formal applications to be made to access the submitted data files and metadata. EGA only accepts human-derived data subject to controlled access. If your submission contains other types of data, please choose the appropriate repository for it (see image below): ENA, EVA, ArrayExpress, BioSD and GWAS catalog.  Should your submission be subjected to controlled access? Data access conditions are normally defined in the original informed consent agreements signed by the participants involved in your study. All data submitted to the EGA is subject to controlled access. These consents prevent the derived data files, potentially identifiable, from being dispersed by open and public access. Controlled access data often refers to human data derived from medical research and consortium projects. If in doubt, consult the informed consent agreements that apply to your study The EGA enables you to hold a submission before publication. What data types can be submitted to the EGA? Data types accepted by the EGA can be split into three categories: Sequences: both in generic and platform-specific formats. Array-based: from raw signal files to processed matrices. Phenotypes: all possible phenotype formats are accepted. All manufacturer-specific raw data formats derived from major next generation sequencing platforms are accepted. Also generic sequence formats: flat reads in a FASTQ file, aligned sequences (BAM or CRAM files) as well as sequence variation files in VCF format. All array-based technologies are accepted, including raw data, intensity and analysis files, without any restriction on data formats accepted. We also accept and distribute phenotype data (associated to the samples) in almost any format: from an image to a README file. How long does a submission take? Submissions to EGA come in a variety of formats and sizes, thus it is difficult for us to exactly predict how long a submission will take. We, therefore, advise all of our submitters to allow as much time as possible to make a submission. Based on previous records, we anticipate that the submission process may take at least one month. The submitter’s familiarity with the procedures, possible technical issues that may arise during submission and the amount of data that is being submitted are the main factors that will affect the length of the submission process. However, each step of a regular submission should be considered when estimating the time it would take: Encryption of the files Upload of the files Metadata submission Archival of the files Release of the study and datasets to EGA webpage For example, the upload of the files depends on the submission size, while metadata submission mainly relies on each submitter’s expertise. Further, some steps (e.g. answering to inquiries) depend on the EGA Helpdesk team, which may take some days to be processed during busy times Is data deposited in the EGA secure? The EGA set-up consists of a secure computing facility for data processing, a shared EBI set-up for data submissions and distribution of data via data requests made through the EGA website. Data is also copied in the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) infrastructure, where all stored and distributed data is encrypted Data is encrypted along the submission process and stored securely, granting its access to authorised users exclusively. During the download process, through our Python Client or Aspera, all requested data is downloaded over secure https connections. All data at the EGA is encrypted, and only accessible (for log-in and download) through secure protocols. For further information please, visit our security overview. What documentation do I need to provide? All submissions require policy’s documentation: 'Data Access Agreement (DAA)', 'Data Processing Agreement (DPA)' and 'Authorized Submitters Formulary'. The data processors (EGA) and the data owners will also sign the DPA. Will all metadata be public? Among the submitted metadata we need to make the distinction between identifiable and unidentifiable metadata: (1) the former may allow the identification of the human the sample derived from (e.g. detailed geographical providence, personal name, family ancestry…); (2) while the latter can be used to interpret the data without compromising the anonymity of the patients. The majority of the metadata submitted to the EGA corresponds to the unidentifiable category (e.g. sequencer's model). This type of metadata is publicly available on the EGA website and other EBI resources/partners’ websites. On the other hand, some parts samples’ metadata are subject to being identifiable, and thus only accessible by authorized data requesters, with the exception of: 5 submitter-defined attributes of the sample: alias, title, subject_id, gender and phenotype. It is the submitter’s responsibility not to submit sensitive metadata in these public fields. 3 anonymised fields that pinpoint the sample record in archivals: sample’s EGA stable ID (EGAN…), BioSample ID (SAMEA…) and submitter’s center name. During Submission Are there any sample specific requirements for EGA? All samples submitted to the EGA must include the attributes of biological sex, subject ID (anonymised individual identifier) and phenotype information. These are critical for data findability and its analysis, and we highly recommend using controlled ontology terms where applicable. For example: defining tumour and non-tumour samples and/or defining disease state. The EGA recommends using the Experimental Factor Ontology Database to find ontologized terms that describe your sample phenotypes. How do I get an accession number to use in my publication? You will receive your study accession number (EGAS…) upon complete your submission, either: Programmatically. As soon as the metadata is submitted and validated your study will be assigned an accession number that will be given in the submission’s response. Manually registering your study and relevant metadata using the online metadata submission tool: the EGA submitter Portal. How are files uploaded to the EGA? Data files are uploaded into private submission drop boxes (i.e. environments to which you are granted access and where you can transfer your files) using INBOX or FTP. These spaces are provided as part of the submission procedure. Before uploading any file, you must encrypt your files, . Only encrypted files shall be uploaded to the drop boxes. Why does data need to to encrypted for my submitted files? It is one of the security steps the EGA has implemented. In case of a security breach, people without the proper encryption key will not be able to read or use the information that could have been leaked. This measure is essential when working with sensitive data, such as controlled access human data. All submitters must use crypt4gh to create EGA compliant files prior to uploading them. This encryption is GPG-based, using EGA’s public key. Why are my files not available if I see them in the INBOX? There exists a time window between the data upload and the availability of such files via the Submitter Portal. For this reason, some metadata (run and analysis objects) cannot be registered until at least 24 hours after the files have been uploaded to your box. Why are MD5 sum values generated for my submitted files? We require pre- and post- encryption MD5 (message-digest) checksum values to be provided for all submitted files. These 128-bit values are computed using the content of each file, creating unique sequences that allow us to ensure that file integrity has been maintained during the transfer process. In other words, if the MD5 checksums we generate and those you generated match, we infer that the content of the transferred files is correct (i.e. files are not corrupted or truncated). MD5 checksums are computed automatically using the crypt4gh tool provided. Your submission will not be accepted and may be significantly delayed if you do not provide MD5 checksum values for all data files in the required format. How can I check if my files are correctly uploaded to the inbox? It is important to check the status pf your file so you know whether your files are in the inbox, being processed, or if there is any issue with one of them. In order to check this, you should: Look for the file locally. Drag and drop it to the file table. Then bars will appear on the table, which means that we are processing it. Green: The files checksum are correct and your file will move to “ingested files”. No further actions are needed from your end.. Red: The files checksum does not match and your file needs to be re-uploaded. Please re-upload relevant files to your inbox using the same path. After Submission How do I use my accession number in my publication? We suggest the use of the below template, using your study accession ID (EGAS…) : Data has been deposited at the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA), which is hosted by the EBI and the CRG, under accession number EGASXXXXXXXXXXX. Further information about EGA can be found at https://ega-archive.org and "The European Genome-phenome Archive of human data consented for biomedical research" Your study ID will be the one that groups your whole submission, and thus its usage is recommended as such. Nevertheless, all metadata submitted to EGA hold a unique and persistent identifier (starting with EGA…) that can be used to identify specific records. For example, you could reference a specific dataset (EGAD…) or sample (EGAN…) in your publications (see full list of identifiers). How do I make my data searchable? Once you have finalized your submission, you can schedule the data release. Please take into account that the release process needs time for the files to be archived in our system, and for the Helpdesk team to validate your submission. Can I withdraw (meta)data from the EGA? We have methods in place for the secure removal of deposited (meta)data. Contact EGA-helpdesk for further details. EGA complies with FAIRness of (meta)data, and thus, even when the data is removed we keep an entry for their identifiers in our system. In other words, we execute a soft delete on canceled objects (e.g. a study): metadata is still stored in our systems, but it loses all links, cannot be queried and data files cannot be retrieved anymore. The reason behind this behaviour is so that queries using withdrawn data properly respond back (see example of a canceled study). What happens to the data once it has been submitted to the EGA? When the data is submitted, the submitter can choose either keep their data private or schedule the release of their data.

  Documentation submission/metadata/submission/FAQ

• Rapid Early Action for Coronary Treatment (REACT-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: This multicenter controlled community study developed and evaluated the impact of a community educational intervention program on participant delay time from onset of symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to arrival at a hospital emergency department.Background: Although early reperfusion or thrombolytic therapy can reduce morbidity and mortality following an AMI, delayed access to medical care in participants is relatively common. Mean delay times from symptom onset to hospital arrival range from more than 4 hours to 24 hours, and the largest component of prolonged delay is participant recognition and action.Participants: A total of 20 communities from 5 field centers in the U.S. were pair-matched (10 pairs) according to geographic proximity and demographic characteristics. After initiation of a 4 month baseline surveillance period, one community in each pair was randomly selected to receive the intervention. The baseline surveillance period was followed by an 18 month community intervention and surveillance period. The community surveillance captured a total of 59,944 adults aged 30 years or older presenting to hospital emergency departments with chest pain, of whom 20,364 met study criteria for suspected acute coronary heart disease (CHD) at admission and discharged with a CHD diagnosis.Conclusions: Delay times were decreased in the intervention and reference communities. The results showed that the multicomponent community intervention program did not differentially reduce delay time from onset of AMI symptoms to arrival at a hospital, but did significantly increase the use of Emergency Medical Services by these participants in the intervention communities. (PMID:10872014).

  Study phs003885

• Puerto Rico Heart Health Program (PRHHP-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To investigate morbidity and mortality from Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) in Puerto Rican rural and urban men. The objectives of the study were: (1) to identify factors related to the development of CHD, (2) compare the etiology of disease in rural versus urban men, and (3) determine the prevalence and incidence of CHD and other cardiovascular diseases in Puerto Rican males.Background: As Puerto Rico became more industrialized in the 1940s and 1950s, mortality rates for CHD increased. Since many factors related to CHD can be relatively homogenous within a population, two contrasting subgroups were selected for study in Puerto Rico: a rural population of men from a mountainous community and an urban population selected from San Juan. The NHLBI initiated the Puerto Rico Heart Health Program in May, 1965 as a prospective study of lifestyle, environmental and biological factors in the progression of cardiovascular disease in Puerto Rican men.Participants: A total of 9,824 (2,976 rural, 6,848 urban) men, age 45 to 64 were examined at the baseline exam.Design: The examination consisted of standardized questionnaires to determine education, occupation, smoking habits, and physical activity. Trained interviewers conducted a nutritional survey through a 24 hour diet recall. Subjects were also examined to determine prevalent cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular abnormalities. The examination included vital capacity, a 12-lead ECG, and laboratory tests for hematocrit, glucose, serum cholesterol, serum glycercides and lipoprotein electrophoresis. A medical history was also obtained. Three additional exams, approximately three years apart, were conducted and morbidity and mortality follow-up concluded in 1980.

  Study phs003930

• High Frequency Ventilation in Premature Infants (HIFI-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To evaluate the hypothesis that high frequency oscillatory ventilation in preterm infants would reduce the incidence of mortality and pulmonary complications compared to conventional mechanical ventilation.Background: With the introduction of mechanical ventilation in preterm infants, mortality and morbidity significantly improved but remained high. The improvement in survival that accompanied the use of mechanical ventilation also brought about an increase in the incidence of pulmonary complications. The principal complication occurs in the form of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Barotrauma and oxygen toxicity are considered to be in the pathogenesis for this disorder. Considerable interest in high frequency ventilation for preterm infants was generated when animal studies indicated high frequency ventilation to be effective in promoting gas exchange without apparent adverse effects. High Frequency Ventilation (HFV) delivers small tidal volumes at high frequencies of 4 to 15 Hz, and animal studies had indicated that HFV was associated with effective gas exchange, less barotrauma, and lower mean airway pressure. However, the efficacy and safety of HFV in preterm infants had not been studied. The HIFI Planning Phase was initiated in August 1984, and recruitment and intervention began in February, 1986. Follow-up studies continued thru September, 1988.Participants: A total of 673 infants were enrolled.Conclusions: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia incidence was similar in the two groups as was mortality and the need for ventilatory support during the first 28 days. There was a significantly greater rate of pneumoperitoneum of pulmonary origin in the high frequency group as was a greater incidence rate of intracranial hemorrhage. (HIFI Study Group, 1989, PMID: 2643039)

  Study phs004032

• National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Available Data: The current release of the NETT study dataset includes follow-up data through May of 2013.Objectives: To compare lung-volume-reduction surgery with medical therapy for severe emphysema, and to identify participant selection criteria for lung volume reduction surgery.Background: Lung-volume-reduction surgery has been proposed as a palliative treatment for severe emphysema. Effects on mortality, the magnitude and durability of benefits, and criteria for the selection of participants have not been established.Participants: A total of 1,218 participants with severe emphysema underwent pulmonary rehabilitation and were randomly assigned at 17 centers to undergo lung-volume-reduction surgery (bilateral stapled wedge resection) or to receive continued medical treatment. Participants were randomized after a 6-10 week pulmonary rehabilitation period and participants with a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) that was 20 percent or less of predicted and a homogeneous distribution of emphysema or carbon monoxide diffusing capacity 20 percent or less of predicted were not eligible for randomization due to poor post-surgery prognosis for death or functional improvement.Conclusions: Overall, lung-volume-reduction surgery increases the chance of improved exercise capacity but does not confer a survival advantage over medical therapy. It does yield a survival advantage for participants with both predominantly upper-lobe emphysema and low base-line exercise capacity. Participants previously reported to be at high risk and those with non-upper-lobe emphysema and high base-line exercise capacity are poor candidates for lung-volume-reduction surgery, because of increased mortality and negligible functional gain. (NEJM 2003;348:2059-2073).

  Study phs004077

• How to use EGA Webin?

  EGA Webin EGA Webin serves as a platform for registering metadata for array based submissions, large scale sequence submission as well as for legacy EGA submission accounts (ega-box-XXXX). For large scale submitters of sequence data you have also the option to submit metadata via XMLS programmatic submission, while new submitters are advised to utilise the Submitter Portal for their submissions. You can request a legacy EGA submission account (ega-box-XXXX) by populating this form. Please, allow two business days for our Helpdesk team to contact you after populating this form. WEBIN actions: Register metadata for a sequence submission Register study, samples, experiments, runs, DAC, policy and dataset/s after file upload. Register components for your array-based metadata submission Register study, samples, DAC or policy before uploading files. Edit existing submission metadata Change or update previously submitted metadata. Register metadata for a sequence submission Ensure that all sequence files have been encrypted before uploading them to your submission account using the EgaCryptor. Go to the EGA Webin and log in using your submission account name (ega-box-XXX) and password. Register components of your metadata submission Study Samples Data Access Committee (DAC) Data access policy Dataset For array-base submissions: Study, Samples, Data Access Committee (DAC) and Data access policy may all be registered BEFORE file upload and dataset registration through the array-base template. Register your Study Go to the “Studies (Projects)” box Click on “Register Study” and fill in the information related to your study. Click on “Submit”, this will save the information and generate an EGA study ID. To use the study accession number in a publication, the study has to be previously released on the EGA website, we suggest the following format: "Sequence data has been deposited at the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA), which is hosted by the EBI and the CRG, under accession number EGASXXXXXXXXXXX.Further information about EGA can be found on https://ega-archive.org and “The European Genome-phenome Archive in 202 "(10.1093/nar/gkab1059)" Register your Samples Go to the “Samples” box Click on “Register Samples” Select “Download spreadsheet to register samples” and customise your template, there is a default EGA template (EGA default checklist) but more attributes can be added if required. For the EGA default checklist, there are mandatory,recommended and optional attributes. As well custom fields which can be added if required. Mandatory attributes Field Name Description tax_id Taxonomy ID of the organism as in the NCBI Taxonomy database. Entries in the NCBI Taxonomy database have integer taxon IDs. See our tips for sample taxonomy here scientific_name Scientific name of the organism as in the NCBI Taxonomy database. Scientific names typically follow the binomial nomenclature. For example, the scientific name for humans is Homo sapiens. sample_alias Unique name of the sample. If not selected system will auto generate an unique alias sample_title Title of the sample sample_description Description of the sample phenotype *** Where possible, please use the Experimental Factor Ontology (EFO) to describe your phenotypes. Recommended attributes Field Name Description subject_id Identifier for the subject where the sample has been derived from gender * Sex Optional attributes Field Name Description sex sex of the organism from which the sample was obtained disease_site Affected organ sample type Affected organ donor_id ** Identifier of the donor where the sample has been derived from *Gender should be described as 'male', 'female' or 'unknown'. If 'unknown' due to a known sex chromosome aneuploidy, please create a user defined attribute called 'Sex chromosome karyotype' and add the appropriate value, for example, 'XXY'. **Donor id (Subject id) should be a de-identified subject handle. If unknown, please add 'unknown' to the field. ***Phenotypes should, where possible, be an Experimental Factor Ontology accession. If a term cannot be found to describe your phenotype please use free text. All sample phenotypes considered important for further analysis of the data should be provided (for example, tumour type), additional phenotype attributes can be created by defining your own attributes; use the notion 'phenotype2', 'phenotype3', etc. After you have customised the fields for the sample submission, download the template and fill in the information. Example of the sample template: Finally upload the sample template to get the EGA accession IDs for the samples. Register your Data Access Committee (DAC) Further information on the role of your DAC Go to the “Data Access” box Click on “Register Dacs” Input the information about the DAC and register at least one main DAC contact. Register your Data Access Policy Your Data Access Policy provides the terms and conditions of data use, this is also referred to as the Data Access Agreement (DAA). Completion of a DAA by the applicant/s should form part of the application process to the Data Access Committee (DAC). Go to the “Data Access” box Click on “Register Policies” Select the DAC to which this policy will be linked to and fill in the policy information. Submitting your Runs and Analyses This section is only for sequence data submission, for array-based submission it can be skipped. Please refer to our Submitting array based metadata Runs Registration Go to the “Raw Reads (Experiments and Runs)” box Click on “Submit Reads” Select “Download spreadsheet template for Read submission” Select the template corresponding to your submission type For the templates you have the option to customise the optional fields. To check their description click on “Show Description “ Download the template and fill in the required information. Example of the runs template: We recommend that Fastq, BAM, and CRAM read files are submitted using Webin-CLI When using this interface instead of Webin-CLI, raw sequences must be uploaded in one of the supported data formats before they can be submitted. The files can be uploaded using FTP or Aspera. The study and the sequenced samples must be pre-registered before the raw reads are submitted. Please note that each individual study and sample should be registered only once. You will be asked to provide information about the sequencing libraries and instruments. Submitting your Dataset This section is only for sequence data submissions, for array based submissions it can be skipped. Please refer to our Submitting array based metadata The dataset describes the data files, defined by the run (EGARXXXXXXXXXXX) and analysis (EGAZXXXXXXXXXXX) accessions that make up the dataset and links the collection of data files to a specified Data Access Committee and Data Access Policy. As a result, you must have registered your Reads and experiments, Data Access Committee (DAC) and Data access policy before submitting your Dataset. Please consider the number of datasets that your submission consists of, for example, a case control study is likely to consist of at least two datasets. In addition, we suggest that multiple datasets should be described for studies using the same samples but different sequence technologies. Please contact EGA Helpdesk for further assistance. Go to the “Data Access” box Click on “Register Dataset” Select the Data Access Committee (DAC) and Data access policy Register your dataset After submitting your dataset you should contact the EGA Helpdesk to provide a release date for your dataset. Datasets are automatically held (i.e. not released) unless they are affiliated to a study that has already been released. Edit/update existing submission metadata Go to the “Report” section of the object you would like to edit. Locate the object and click on the arrow under action. An option menu will be displayed. Objects can be edited through their XML or with the WEBIN menu. 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  Documentation submission/metadata/submission/EGA_webin

• Whole Exome Sequencing of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Patients and Trios

  Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a common and severe birth defect characterized by structural defects of the diaphragm and by pulmonary hypoplasia. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia patient may present either as an isolated phenotype or together with other congenital anomalies in a complex phenotype. Despite the clinical significance of CDH, the underlying genetic and developmental pathways are incompletely understood. In order to establish a catalog of human genetic variation for this condition, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on 275 carefully phenotyped individuals with CDH in the Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories at the Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA, USA) and Boston Children's Hospital (Boston, MA, USA). The exome data generated are valuable for comparison of candidate genes derived from WES of other CDH cohorts or affected kindreds, and to provide ideal candidates for further functional studies with the ultimate goal of enhancing our understanding of the heterogeneous and, possibly, oligogenic molecular etiology of CDH. While familial clustering has been reported in rare kindreds, the majority of probands with CDH have no family history of CDH leading to the hypothesis that de novo variants are an important and relatively frequent etiological mechanism. In the second version of the study, we performed WES analysis on 87 trios, to assess the contribution of de novo mutations in the etiology of diaphragmatic and pulmonary defects and to identify previously unknown candidate genes. This dbGaP submission includes WES data on: (a) 20 new probands, (b) 9 probands also reported in the previous version (dbGaP accession no. phs000783.v1.p1), (c) 174 unaffected parents, including the parents of 67 previously reported probands. Combined analysis with other available cohorts of congenital diaphragmatic hernia revealed a genome-wide enrichment of likely gene-disrupting de novo variants (i.e., nonsense, frameshift or splice site), and missense de novo variants predicted in silico to be damaging.

  Study phs000783

• Acquired Copy Number Alterations in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Genomes

  We performed genome-wide copy number analysis with paired normal and tumor DNA obtained from 86 adult patients with de novo AML using the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP array 6.0 containing 1.85 million features. Acquired copy number alterations (CNA) were confirmed using an independent, higher resolution, custom array comparative genomic hybridization platform. A total of 201 somatic CNA were found in the 86 AML genomes (mean 2.34 CNA/genome), with FAB M6 and M7 AML genomes containing the most changes (10-29 CNA/genome). Twenty-four percent of AML patients with normal cytogenetics had CNA, while 40% of patients with an abnormal karyotype had additional CNA detected by SNP array, and several regions contained CNA in multiple AML genomes. The mRNA expression levels of 57 genes were significantly altered in 27 of 50 recurrent CNA regions <5 megabases in size. Array data are available online at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/ as GEO accession #GSE10358. A total of 8 uniparental disomy (UPD) segments were identified in the 86 genomes and 6/8 UPD regions occurred in samples with a normal karyotype. Collectively, 40% of AML genomes contained alterations not found with cytogenetics, and 96% of these regions contained known or novel AML associated genes. 43/86 AML genomes had no CNA or UPD at this level of resolution. The number of CNA per genome was not associated with overall survival, independent of cytogenetic classification. In this study of 86 adult AML genomes, subcytogenetic CNAs or UPD did not add prognostic information to standard cytogenetics. However, arrays identified many somatically mutated oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and also genes not previously implicated in AML that may be relevant for pathogenesis. AML CNA segments from 86 adult AML patients are available through dbVar at ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/dbVar/data/Homo_sapiens/nstd11_Walter_et_al_2009.

  Study phs000201

• Genome-wide Association Study of Myasthenia Gravis

  The purpose of this project was to conduct a genome-wide associate study to search for the genetic factors that predispose to myasthenia gravis. The rationale for this study lies in the fact that, although the immunological and physiological processes affecting the neuromuscular junctions of myasthenia gravis patients are well understood, the spectrum of genetic factors that predispose to myasthenia gravis and influence its disease manifestations are not well known. Identification of the myasthenia gravis-related genes will shed light on the fundamental cellular events underlying myasthenia gravis, and will provide focus for research aimed at developing therapies that alter the natural course of the disease. A consortium of fourteen institutions in North America collected DNA samples from 1028 people diagnosed with autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Relevant clinical data have been collected for each patient, including age of onset, severity of disease, response to drug therapy, personal and family history of other autoimmune diseases. Genotyping of the case cohort was performed in the Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Genotyping of the case cohort was performed using the HumanOmniExpress-12v1_C SNP array manufactured by Illumina Inc. For the control cohort, we downloaded genotype data from dbGAP (accession phs000196.v2.p1) for 1,998 US neurologically normal individuals. The control cohort had been previously genotyped at the Center for Inherited Disease Research at Johns Hopkins University on HumanOmni1-Quad version 1.0B beadchips (Illumina) as part of the NeuroGenetics Research Consortium GWAS of Parkinson's disease. Analyses were confined to the 677,673 autosomal SNPs that were common to both chips. Of the 1028 samples which were genotyped, 21 samples were excluded due to mismatched genders, 9 were excluded due to low genotype call rate, 5 samples were excluded as duplicates, and 25 samples were excluded as ethnic outliers. The remaining 972 samples were used in analysis.

  Study phs000726

• Multiple Myeloma Total Therapy trial patient sequencing

  The study of multiple myeloma (MM) genomics has identified many abnormalities that are associated with poor progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Copy number abnormalities have been extensively studied in many datasets with long follow-up, however, the prognostic impact of mutations have not been extensively studied and available datasets have generally had a relatively short follow-up. These analyses have identified a range of mutations that are associated with prognosis, making it important to extend these observations in larger studies with robust diagnostic technologies. Samples from newly diagnosed MM patients enrolled in Total Therapy trials (n=225) were sequenced on a targeted panel consisting of 140 genes and additional regions of interest for copy number, as well as tiling of the Ig and MYC loci for detection of translocations. Samples were sequenced to a median depth of 452x using 2x75 bp paired end reads. Reads were aligned to hg19 and mutations called using Strelka and filtered with fpfilter. Translocations were called by Manta, and copy number determined by read depth ratio and loss of heterozygosity comparison with a patient matched non-tumor sample. DNA was obtained from either CD138+ cells from the bone marrow of multiple myeloma patients (tumor) or from stem cell harvests or peripheral blood cells from the same patient (control). 100 ng of DNA was fragmented, end-repaired, and adapters ligated using the HyperPlus kit (KAPA Biosystems). After PCR amplification the libraries were hybridized with probes against either a targeted panel consisting of 140 genes and chromosomal regions (Nimblegen) using SeqCap reagents (Nimblegen). Hybridized libraries underwent further amplification before being sequenced on a NextSeq500 (Illumina) using 75 bp paired end reads There are 450 (225 tumor and 225 germline) samples in this study. 263 are available as part of this dataset. The remaining 187 are available with dataset accession id EGAD00001004117.

  Study EGAS00001003223

• NHLBI TOPMed: The Jackson Heart Study (JHS)

  Since there is a greater prevalence of cardiovascular disease among African Americans, the purpose of the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) is to explore the reasons for this disparity and to uncover new approaches to reduce it. The JHS is a large, community-based, observational study whose 5306 participants were recruited from among the non-institutionalized African-American adults from urban and rural areas of the three counties (Hinds, Madison, and Rankin) that make up the Jackson, MS, metropolitan statistical area (MSA). Jackson is the capital of Mississippi, the state with the largest percentage (36.3%) of African Americans in the United States. The JHS design included participants from the Jackson ARIC study who had originally been recruited through random selection from a drivers' license registry. Approximately six months before the JHS was to begin, an amendment to the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act was passed that changed the level of consent for public release of personal information from driver's license lists from an "opt out" to an "opt in" basis. The Mississippi Highway Patrol was no longer able to release a complete listing of all persons with driver's licenses or state identification cards, which prevented its use in the JHS. New JHS participants were chosen randomly from the Accudata America commercial listing, which provides householder name, address, zip code, phone number (if available), age group in decades, and family components. The Accudata list was deemed to provide the most complete count of households for individuals aged 55 years and older in the Jackson MSA. A structured volunteer sample was also included in which demographic cells for recruitment were designed to mirror the eligible population. Enrollment was opened to volunteers who met census-derived age, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES) eligibility criteria for the Jackson MSA. In addition, a family component was included in the JHS. The sampling frame for the family study was a participant in any one of the ARlC, random, or volunteer samples whose family size met eligibility requirements. Eligibility included having at least two full siblings and four first degree relatives (parents, siblings, children over the age of 21) who lived in the Jackson MSA and who were willing to participate in the study. No upper age limit was placed on the family sample. Known contact information was obtained during the baseline clinic examination from the index family member with a verbal pedigree format to identify name(s), age(s), address (es), and telephone number(s). Recruitment was limited to persons 35-84 years old except in the family cohort, where those 21 years old and above were eligible. Only persons who otherwise met study criteria but were deemed to be physically or mentally incompetent by trained recruiters were excluded from study eligibility.1 1 Wyatt SB, Diekelmann N, Henderson F, Andrew ME, Billingsley G, Felder SH et al. A community-driven model of research participation: the Jackson Heart Study Participant Recruitment and Retention Study. Ethn Dis 2003; 13(4):438-455 (PMID: 14632263).

  Study phs000964

• Effectiveness and Safety of Intermittent Antimicrobial Therapy for the Treatment of New Onset Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Airway Infection in Young Patients With Cystic Fibrosis (EPIC-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and safety of 4 antipseudomonal treatments in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) with recently acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection.Background: CF is an inherited disease that causes mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract, which can cause lung infections and digestive problems. It is the most common type of chronic lung disease in children and young adults and may result in early death. There is no cure for this disease. The primary cause of death in individuals with CF is progressive obstructive pulmonary disease associated with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection. PA infection can occur early in life and can become highly resistant to antibiotics. Once an individual has been diagnosed with chronic PA infection, it is almost impossible to manage effectively. The need exists for an effective treatment to control and eliminate PA infection. Past research has shown that if PA infection is treated early, there is a greater likelihood that it may be eliminated completely.Participants: There were 304 participants.Design: Participants were randomized to 1 of 4 antibiotic regimens for 18 months (six 12-week quarters) between December 2004 and June 2009. Participants randomized to cycled therapy received tobramycin inhalation solution (300 mg twice a day) for 28 days, with oral ciprofloxacin (15-20 mg/kg twice a day) or oral placebo for 14 days every quarter, while participants randomized to culture-based therapy received the same treatments only during quarters with positive P aeruginosa cultures. The primary end points were time to pulmonary exacerbation requiring intravenous antibiotics and proportion of PA - positive cultures.Conclusions: No difference in the rate of exacerbation or prevalence of PA positivity was detected between cycled and culture-based therapies. Adding ciprofloxacin produced no benefits (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2011; 165(9):847-856).

  Study phs004067

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Clinical Network: Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial (ARDSNet FACTT-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from ARDSNet-FACTT include plasma, DNA, and serum. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Objectives: This study evaluated the benefits and risks of Pulmonary Artery Catheters (PACs) in patients with established acute lung injury in a trial comparing hemodynamic management guided by a PAC with hemodynamic management guided by a central venous catheter (CVC) using an explicit management protocol.Background: Optimal fluid management in patients with acute lung injury is unknown. Diuresis or fluid restriction may improve lung function but could jeopardize extrapulmonary organ perfusion.Participants: This randomized study compared a conservative and a liberal strategy of fluid management using explicit protocols applied for seven days in 1000 patients with acute lung injury. The primary end point was death at 60 days. Secondary end points included the number of ventilator-free days and organ-failure-free days and measures of lung physiology. Design: Participants were randomly assigned to a strategy involving either conservative or liberal use of fluids with concealed allocation in permuted blocks of eight with the use of an automated system. Participants were simultaneously and randomly assigned to receive either a pulmonary-artery catheter or a central venous catheter in a two-by-two factorial design.Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the primary outcome of 60-day mortality; however, the conservative strategy of fluid management was associated with improved lung function and shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care without increasing non-pulmonary organ failures. These results support the use of a conservative strategy of fluid management in patients with acute lung injury. (NEJM June 15, 2006; Vol 354, No. 24, pp 2564-75; NEJM May 25, 2006; Vol 354, No. 21, pp 2213-24)

  Study phs004165

• Psychophysiological Investigation of Myocardial Ischemia (PIMI-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To investigate psychophysiological factors related to both symptomatic and asymptomatic cardiac ischemia.Background: An important hypothesis has been generated from current research in this area: manifestations and expressions of cardiac ischemia are influenced by specified psychophysiological mechanisms.Participants: The study population consisted of 196 participants recruited from four clinical units, all of which were clinical units for the Asymptomatic Cardiac Ischemia Pilot (ACIP). Participants eligible for PIMI were identified throughout the screening process established for the enrollment of participants in ACIP.Design: The primary goal of PIMI was to test the hypothesis, "Manifestations and expressions of cardiac ischemia are influenced by specific psychophysiological mechanisms." The specific relationships investigated were:Patients who are susceptible to mental stress ischemia (indexed by new left ventricular wall motion abnormalities) would display more ischemia during daily activities and would have ambulatory ischemia at lower heart rate and activity level thresholds than patients who are not susceptible. Cardiovascular and catecholamine reactivity to mental stress would be a predictive of severity of mental stress ischemia and of ambulatory ischemia. Β-edorphin responses to mental stress and to exercise would be predictive of asymptomatic ischemia. Patients with systematic ischemia and those with asymptomatic ischemia would show differences in each of the following at rest and after response to stresses (exercise and/or mental tests). Mental stress would produce different hormonal and perceptual responses than exercise. Asymptomatic ischemia would be associated with a lesser severity of ischemia than symptomatic ischemia. The location of the ischemic myocardium would be inferior in a higher proportion of patients with asymptomatic ischemia than of patients with symptomatic ischemia. The latency internal that would be the onset of ST segment depression and the onset of ischemic pain would be related to somatic sensory perception, autonomic nervous system reflux control of the heart, Β-endorphin responses, and psychosocial characteristics.

  Study phs004183

• Genetic Modifiers of Huntington's Disease

  Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder typically diagnosed in mid-life that is caused by expansion of an otherwise polymorphic CAG trinucleotide repeat. The mutation causes a gain-of-function of the huntingtin protein to trigger a pathogenic process that produces detectable phenotypic differences many years before the traditional diagnosis, which is based upon characteristic motor symptoms. The prediagnosis phase of pathogenesis is now the subject of intense scrutiny by an NINDS-funded longitudinal study, PREDICT-HD, in which undiagnosed gene carriers are followed longitudinally and subjected to detailed phenotyping (PREDICT-HD Huntington Disease Study -- dbGaP Study Accession: phs000222). This powerful approach, which offers the potential for moving the focus of therapeutic development to the decades prior to neurological disease diagnosis, is enabled by the fact that all individuals with HD have the same type of mutation, which can be determined at any time in life by a single HD CAG repeat PCR amplification assay. The precise length of the HD CAG repeat differs between individuals. There is a strong negative correlation between the number of CAG repeats and the age at onset of diagnostic neurological abnormalities in HD, such that the CAG repeat accounts for ~50% of the variation in age at diagnosis. Analysis of the remaining variance not explained by the length of the CAG repeat has shown that it is highly heritable, being due to genetic variation, elsewhere in the genome. The intent of the Genetic Modifiers of Huntington's Disease study is to identify genetic modifiers of HD pathogenesis by using genomewide association techniques in diagnosed HD individuals to identify genetic factors associated with the residual variance in age at onset not explained by the CAG repeat, and to extend these analyses to pre-diagnosis phenotypes, for example, those defined in the PREDICT-HD study. Identification of modifier genes is a top priority for HD research (and an example of an approach that can be applied in other late-onset genetic disorders), as it could provide clues to developing rational treatments that delay or prevent the pathogenic process from causing the ravages of the disease that ensue in the ~15 years of inexorable decline to ultimate death that now follows clinical diagnosis. To further that goal, the release of study version 2 makes available whole exome sequencing data of n=221 study participants.

  Study phs000371

• Transcriptomic Profile of Whole Blood Cells from Elderly Subjects fed Probiotic Bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 (LGG) in a Phase I Open Label Study

  Open label study to evaluate the safety of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 (LGG) in elderly subjects. Fifteen healthy elderly volunteers, ages 65-80 were enrolled in a study in which they received LGG capsules containing 1 x 1010 CFU, twice daily for 28 days and were followed through day 56. The study subjects completed a daily diary, a telephone call on study days 3, 7 and 14 and study visits at the Massachusetts General Hospital Clinical Research Center at baseline, day 28 and day 56. During each visit, the subject diary, interim history, potential adverse effects and concomitant medications were reviewed and vital signs and a physical examination were performed. Routine blood tests were obtained to monitor for safety during visits and nasopharyngeal and stool samples were collected for microbiome analysis. Volunteers interested in participating in the effect of LGG probiotic on the Human whole Blood Transcriptome substudy also had blood drawn for DNA and RNA extraction, after signing the substudy consent form. The main objective of the study was to assess the safety and tolerability of 2 x 1010 CFU LGG administered orally to elderly subjects for 28 days. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the richness and microbial diversity in nasopharyngeal and stool specimens using pyrosequencing, and to compare cytokine production in response to bacterial stimulation by following the kinetics of mRNA expression of pro and anti-inflammatory genes and different signaling pathways, in relation to changes in stool Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. The study was reviewed and approved by the Partners Human Research Committee (IRB # 2010P001695) and was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01274598). The main results regarding the clinical signs and safety of intervention is published in PLoS One. 2014 Dec 1;9(12):e113456. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113456. eCollection 2014. PMID: 25438151. RNA sequencing for transcriptome analysis was only done in 11 of the 15 subjects as RNA integrity and quantity had to be optimal for the three times where blood was collected in order for a subject to be included in the study. The information regarding the microbiome data associated with this study is presented in a separate paper, which can be found at dbGaP study accession, phs000896, and PMID: 25873374.

  Study phs000928

• Acute Respiratory Distress Network (ARDSNet) Studies 06 and 08 Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Trial of Aerosolized Albuterol Versus Placebo for the Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (ALTA) (ARDSNet-ALTA-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Biospecimens Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from ARDSNet-ALTA include Plasma, DNA, Urine, and BAL. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Objectives This clinical trial was designed to test the hypothesis that an aerosolized beta-2-agonist, albuterol, would improve clinical outcomes in participants with acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Background In participants with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), inflammation of the pulmonary circulation increases vascular permeability. Fluid leaks from blood vessels into the pulmonary interstitium and alveoli. Recovery from this form of acute respiratory failure requires that the pulmonary edema resolve. The resolution of alveolar edema is driven by active transport of sodium and chloride ions from the luminal space across both type I and type II alveolar epithelial cells, creating an osmotic gradient for the reabsorption of water. In the ex vivo human lung, the rate of alveolar fluid clearance can be doubled by treatment with a cyclic AMP beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. On the basis of the preclinical observations that treatment with beta-2-agonists could reduce pulmonary edema and accelerate the rate of alveolar fluid clearance, the ALTA study was designed and undertaken with the hypothesis that treatment of participants with ALI/ARDS with beta-agonist therapy would accelerate the resolution of alveolar edema and improve clinical outcomes. Participants There were 282 participants. Design Study staff conducted a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which participants were randomized to receive aerosolized albuterol (5 mg) or saline placebo every 4 hours for up to 10 days. The primary outcome variable for the trial was ventilator-free days. Conclusions Ventilator-free days were not significantly different between the albuterol and placebo groups. The results suggest that aerosolized albuterol does not improve clinical outcomes in participants with ALI. Routine use of beta-2 agonist therapy in mechanically ventilated participants with ALI cannot be recommended (Matthay, et al., 2011, PMID: 21562125).

  Study phs003743

• Acute Respiratory Distress Network (ARDSNet) Studies 10 and 12 Statins for Acutely Injured Lungs from Sepsis (SAILS) (ARDSNet-SAILS-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Biospecimens Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from ARDSNet-SAILS include Plasma, DNA, and Urine. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Objectives The SAILS trial was intended to assess the efficacy and safety of oral rosuvastatin in participants with sepsis-induced Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and test the hypothesis that rosuvastatin therapy would improve the clinical outcomes of critically ill participants with sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Background In ARDS, inflammation in the lungs and other organs can cause life-threatening organ failure. Inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (statins) can modulate inflammatory responses. Previous observational studies suggested that statins improved clinical outcomes in participants with sepsis. Participants There were 745 participants. Design Participants were randomly assigned in permuted blocks to receive either enteral rosuvastatin or placebo. A 40 mg loading dose of the study drug was administered within four hours after randomization. Subsequently, maintenance doses of 20 mg were administered daily until the third day after discharge from the intensive care unit, study day 28, hospital discharge, or death, whichever came first. The primary outcome measure was mortality before hospital discharge home or until study day 60 if the participant was still in a health care facility. Secondary outcome measures included the number of ventilator-free days to day 28, organ-failure-free days to day 14, and ICU-free days to day 28. Conclusions The study was stopped because of futility after 745 of an estimated 1000 participants had been enrolled. There was no significant difference between study groups in 60 day in-hospital mortality or in mean ventilator-free days. The rosuvastatin group had fewer days free of hepatic or renal failure. Thus, rosuvastatin therapy did not improve clinical outcomes in participants with sepsis-associated ARDS and may have contributed to hepatic and renal organ dysfunction.

  Study phs003736

• Proteomic Biomarkers of Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease: a Multicentre Cohort Analysis (PF-ILD Proteomics-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To identify novel plasma biomarkers of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease and develop a proteomic signature to predict this phenotype. Background: Progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a devastating condition characterized by parenchymal scar formation, leading to deteriorating lung function and early death. Whereas almost all patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) progress, a variable proportion of patients with other common ILDs, including connective tissue disease associated ILD, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and unclassifiable ILD, develop progressive fibrosing ILD. There are criteria that effectively identify those experiencing ILD progression. However, the criteria do not allow patients who are at risk to be identified before progression occurs. Several blood-based biomarkers have been linked to differential progression in patients with IPF and other fibrosing ILDs. Inflammatory signaling also appears to have a prominent role in fibrotic-predominant ILDs. As such, cytokines, interleukins, and other immune mediators might serve as useful biomarkers of progressive fibrosing ILD. The PF-ILD Proteomics study was a targeted investigation of inflammation-related proteins to identify and validate novel biomarkers of progressive fibrosing ILD in patients with fibrotic connective tissue disease-associated ILD, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and unclassifiable ILD. Participants: There were 589 participants. The discovery cohort comprised 385 participants and the validation cohort comprised 204 participants. Design: PF-ILD Proteomics was a multicenter cohort analysis study. Peripheral blood was collected from consenting patients and plasma was isolated according to center-specific protocols. Relative plasma concentrations for 368 biomarkers were determined with use of a semi-quantitative, targeted proteomic platform. Patients from UC Davis and UCSF comprised the discovery cohort and those from UTSW comprised the validation cohort. Participants who were alive with less than 10% relative decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) at 12 months-after blood draw were considered to have non-progressive ILD. Participants who died of any cause, underwent lung transplant, or experienced 10% or greater relative FVC decline within 12 months of blood draw were deemed to have progressive fibrosing ILD. Conclusions: 17 plasma biomarkers of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease were identified and showed consistent associations across ILD subtypes.

  Study phs003954

• Lung Health Study (LHS-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To determine the effects of Special Care, compared to Usual Care, on rate of decline in pulmonary function in a group of cigarette smokers identified as having mild abnormalities in pulmonary function. In addition, the study sought to determine if participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who were assigned to inhaled corticosteroids had a lower rate of decline in lung function and lower incidence of respiratory morbidity compared to participants assigned to placebo. Also, the study sought to determine the long-term effects of smoking cessation and continued smoking, on cardiopulmonary morbidity, mortality, and the rate of decline in the one second forced expiratory volume in men and women with early chronic obstructive lung disease who have been followed prospectively for 12 to 15 years.Participants: A total of 5887 participants were enrolled.Conclusions: Participants in the two smoking intervention groups showed significantly smaller declines in Forced Expiratory Volume 1 (FEV1) than did those in the control group. Most of this difference occurred during the first year following entry into the study and was attributable to smoking cessation, with those who achieved sustained smoking cessation experiencing the largest benefit. The small noncumulative benefit associated with use of the active bronchodilator vanished after the bronchodilator was discontinued at the end of the study. The authors concluded that an aggressive smoking intervention program significantly reduced the age-related decline in FEV1 in middle-aged smokers with mild airways obstruction. Use of an inhaled anticholinergic bronchodilator resulted in a relatively small improvement in FEV1 that appeared to be reversed after the drug was discontinued. Use of the bronchodilator did not influence the long-term decline of FEV1. Additionally, the study showed that lung function decline in the participants treated with the inhaled corticosteroid was statistically no different from that in the placebo group. Corticosteroid use did, however, result in 25 percent fewer respiratory symptoms and nearly 50 percent fewer outpatient visits for respiratory problems. However, after three years, bone density in the hip and back was lower in the corticosteroid group.

  Study phs004013

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Network (IPFnet) Prednisone, Azathioprine, and N-Acetylcysteine: A Study That Evaluates Response in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPFNet-Panther-IPF-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Objectives: The initial objective of the PANTHER-IPF study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a drug combination of prednisone, azathioprine, and N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of mild-to-moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) compared to N-acetylcysteine alone or placebo. After interim analysis presented safety concerns regarding the three drug regimen, the protocol was modified to evaluate only N-acetylcysteine effectiveness. Background: IPF is a chronic, progressive lung disease of unknown cause that is characterized by the histopathological or radiologic patterns of usual interstitial pneumonia in a typical clinical setting. The median survival of participants with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after diagnosis is 2 to 5 years. To date, no pharmacologic therapies have been shown to improve survival. Acetylcysteine has been suggested as a beneficial treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, although data from placebo-controlled studies are lacking.Design: Patients with mild-to-moderate impairment in pulmonary function were randomly assigned to receive a three-drug regimen (prednisone, azathioprine, and acetylcysteine), acetylcysteine alone (plus matched placebos for prednisone and azathioprine), or matched placebos for each of the active therapies. After the planned midpoint interim analysis, the data and safety monitoring board recommended discontinuation of the three-drug regimen because of an excess in the number of deaths, hospitalizations, and serious adverse events among patients in the combination-therapy group, as compared with the placebo group. After NHLBI accepted this recommendation on October 14, 2011, the three-drug regimen was discontinued and patients were recruited for only the acetylcysteine group and the placebo group. Patients were seen at the clinical centers for screening, at baseline, and at 4, 15, 30, 45, and 60 weeks. The primary outcome measure was change in FVC over 60 weeks.Conclusions: As compared with placebo, acetylcysteine offered no significant benefit with respect to the preservation of FVC in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with mild-to-moderate impairment in lung function. In addition, there were no significant differences between the acetylcysteine group and the placebo group in the rates of death or acute exacerbation.

  Study phs004071

• Losartan Effects on Emphysema Progression (LEEP-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, to reduce emphysema progression in patients with COPD and mild to moderate emphysema. Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease comprising chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Smoking cessation slows the progression of the disease, and bronchodilators can provide sustained improvement in lung function, but there are no pharmacologic agents that clearly modify emphysema progression. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have been suggested as potential drugs to slow the progression of COPD. A few trials have shown that patients treated with ARBs had slower progression of radiographic emphysema. The LEEP study was initiated to test the hypothesis that the ARB losartan would reduce the progression of emphysema in patients with COPD with mild to moderate emphysema.ParticipantsA total of 220 participants were enrolled. 108 participants were randomized to receive losartan, and 112 participants were randomized to receive the placebo.Design LEEP was a randomized, placebo-controlled multicenter trial. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive losartan or placebo. The dose was 50 mg losartan or placebo given as one capsule daily for 2 weeks, and, if well tolerated and the systolic blood pressure was >90 mm Hg, it was increased to two capsules. Participants and site investigators were masked to treatment assignment. Participant responses to the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, the COPD Assessment Test, and the Physical Function–Short Form 20a were collected. The number and severity of COPD exacerbations were recorded. COPD exacerbations were defined as two or more new or worse symptoms for ≥3 days and classified by treatment as mild (neither antibiotics nor oral steroids), moderate (an antibiotic or oral steroid), or severe (hospitalization). The primary outcome measure was the change in quantitative whole-lung emphysema score after 48 weeks measured by the percentage of lung voxels less than -950 Hounsfield units (PCT950) on full inspiratory HRCT. Conclusions Losartan does not prevent progression of emphysema in patients with COPD who have mild to moderate pulmonary emphysema.

  Study phs004313

• Study of Clinical Efficacy of Antimicrobial Therapy Strategy Using Pragmatic Design in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (CleanUP IPF-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives To investigate whether the addition of antimicrobial treatments improves outcomes compared to usual care alone among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive lung disease. Lung dysbiosis, characterized by increased bacterial load and/or loss of diversity, has been reported in patients with IPF and may contribute to hospitalization and death. Clinical trials investigating other chronic disorders suggest that antimicrobial therapy favorably alters the lung microbial community. The CleanUP IPF study was initiated to determine if an antimicrobial treatment reduces respiratory hospitalization or death among patients with IPF. Participants A total of 513 participants were enrolled. 254 participants were randomized to receive antimicrobials, of those 128 were randomized to receive co-trimoxazole and 126 were randomized to receive doxycycline. 259 participants were randomized to receive usual care alone. Design CleanUP IPF was a randomized, unblinded, multicenter study. Patients were randomized to receive antimicrobials in addition to usual care or usual care alone. Antimicrobials included co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim 160 mg/sulfamethoxazole 800 mg twice daily plus folic acid 5 mg daily) or doxycycline (100 mg once daily if body weight Data collected included diffusion capacity of lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), forced vital capacity (FVC), and occurrence of severe adverse events. Several questionnaires were administered to assess quality of life, including the impacts of shortness of breath, fatigue, and chronic cough on participants. The primary end point was time to first nonelective respiratory hospitalization or all-cause mortality. The study was terminated early due to futility. Conclusions Among adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the addition of co-trimoxazole or doxycycline to usual care, compared with usual care alone, did not significantly improve time to nonelective respiratory hospitalization or death. Martinez FJ, Yow E, Flaherty KR, et al. Effect of Antimicrobial Therapy on Respiratory Hospitalization or Death in Adults With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: The CleanUP-IPF Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;325(18):1841-1851. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.4956

  Study phs004314

• A Case Controlled Etiologic Study of Sarcoidosis (ACCESS-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from (ACCESS) include Bronchial Lavage, DNA, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, and Plasma. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Objectives: To determine the etiology of sarcoidosis by establishing a case control, multi-center study. In addition to etiology, this study also sought to examine socioeconomic variables and the clinical course of patients with sarcoidosis, including quality of life.Background: Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disorder of unknown cause that is characterized by activation of T-lymphocytes and macrophages. For many years, sarcoidosis was presumed to be an atypical manifestation of tuberculosis because of the similarity between the inflammatory responses of the two diseases. However, as culture techniques became more widely employed to diagnose tuberculosis and it became less common, it became clear that sarcoidosis was not simply a variation of tuberculosis. Data on the etiology of sarcoidosis have come from diverse sources: in clinical investigations, alveolitis has been found to precede granulomatous inflammation; in case control studies, familial aggregation has been identified; and in case reports, recurrence of granulomatous inflammation has been observed after lung transplantation. The cause may not prove to be a single, known exposure. Interactions of exposures with genetic dispositions could have important implications for our understanding of immune responses as well as the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.Participants: 736 participants with sarcoidosis enrolled within 6 months of diagnosis from 10 clinical centers in the U.S. Using the ACCESS sarcoidosis assessment system, organ involvement was determined for the whole group and for subgroups differentiated by sex, race, and age (Conclusions: The initial presentation of sarcoidosis is related to sex, race and age, and it tends to remain stable over two years in the majority of patients. The etiology is probably multifactoral with both genetic and environmental factors contributing.Specimen Details: The PBMC for this study are pelleted and suspended in guanidinium-based solution and are nonviable.

  Study phs004276

• EGA account management

  How to manage your EGA account Welcome to the documentation page for creating an EGA user. The European Genome-Phenome Archive (EGA) is a platform for archiving, managing, and sharing human genomic and phenotypic data. To submit, access, and manage requests for the data hosted on the EGA platform, users are required to register for an account. This documentation page provides step-by-step instructions for creating an EGA user account, as well as information on the different types of EGA user accounts and their associated privileges. You can check the EGA data flow for a better understanding. Manage EGA account step-by-step guide Contact Information Public Keys Password Authenticator Federated Identity Sessions Request an EGA account step-by-step guide Fill in this form.You cannot use a generic email account (e.g., Gmail). Make sure you use your institutional email account.Your email is by default your username.The criteria for a strong password is: It should contain between 8 and 32 charactersIt should contain at least one uppercase letterIt should contain at least one numberIt should contain at least one special characterYou will need to wait for the Helpdesk team to check your identity. Please allow two business days for this step.After the Helpdesk validation step, you will receive an email with a link to validate your institutional email.Click the link to verify your email. It will redirect you to the EGA website.As soon as your account has been validated, you will be able to start adding more information to your EGA profile. For that, you first need to log in using your credentials from step 1. Manage EGA account step-by-step guide As a logged-in user, go to your profile by clicking on Welcome > My Profile. To modify it, click the Edit button.You will see the following options: Contact Information In this section, you can modify the personal information of your EGA account. Public Keys Adding a public key is necessary for downloading data via Live Outbox distribution. If you don’t know how to generate your key, you can follow the instructions available on How do I create a key? Password In the Password tab, you can change your password anytime to ensure the security of your account. However, if you receive an email notifying you that your password was modified and you did not initiate the change, it could be a sign that your account has been compromised. In this case, you should immediately contact our Helpdesk team to report the issue and receive assistance in restoring your account security. Authenticator You can set your two-factor authentication (2FA) system for your EGA account as an identity and access management security method that requires two forms of identification to access resources and data. To obtain your code, please follow the instructions below, also available in the Authenticator tab in your profile. Sessions The Sessions tab displays a list of all devices where you are currently logged in as an EGA user. This includes any open sessions you have on your computer, phone, or other devices. By reviewing the list of active sessions, you can monitor the devices that have access to your account and ensure that there are no unauthorised logins. If you notice any suspicious activity, you can close the sessions from this page to immediately terminate access to your account from the unauthorised device.

  Documentation how-to-manage-your-account

• Out with the Java, in with the Python - new EGA data download client unveiled

  We will shortly be deprecating the Java-based download client also known as API V2. The Java client began its life at the back end of 2014, and during its time has seen many developments that have served our users well. During its tenure, the Java client enabled distribution of over 6.5 million files totalling nearly 15 petabytes of data to researchers around the globe. Recent increases in genomic and phenotypic data file sizes, the number of datasets archived in the EGA, the number of users downloading data, and the diversity of download locations has meant that at times the Java client struggled to distribute data efficiently. In response, our team of developers have built a new download client with more robust features and better functionality and reliability. Enter stage left our shiny new API V3.1! The new API V3.1 will replace both API V2 and API V3. The download client for the new API V3.1 is written in Python, and the code is openly available on Github. This Python client makes https calls to the EGA AAI (https://ega.ebi.ac.uk:8443/) and to the EGA Data API (https://ega.ebi.ac.uk:8052), both of which must be accessible from the client location. In addition to general updates to improve performance, the API V3.1 has three new features enhancing the EGA distributions services. First, requested data are now downloaded over secure https connections rather than http, meaning that data can be delivered unencrypted. Instead of separately requesting, downloading, and decrypting data using the Java client, data can now be requested and downloaded using a single command without the need for decrypting. The API V3.1 also automatically verifies each file’s unencrypted md5 after download to ensure the file has downloaded correctly. Second, the new API supports segmenting and automatic resuming. To enable quicker download speeds, the API breaks files into up to four segments and downloads them in parallel. With the new resume feature, downloads - both segmented and continuous stream - will automatically resume if they encounter any errors or the connection is interrupted. These features result in both a faster and more reliable download experience. Finally, the new API V3.1 implements the GA4GH-compliant htsget protocol for supporting requests over genomic ranges. This exciting new feature means that for data files with accompanying index files (e.g. .crai for CRAM files) users can download specific regions of interest rather than the entire file saving both time and storage space. The new features of the Python-based API V3.1 represent significant improvements in security, speed, reliability, and flexibility that are sure to provide a better data download experience. To take full advantage of these features, users must update to Python 3.X. Considering the changes in the data structures with the new API, the upgrade to a new version of the Python client is also mandatory. Updating the client to the latest version can be achieved by running the following command: pip3 install pyega3 -U We are excited for users to try out the new features and take advantage of the multifariously growing EGA distribution services for human biomedical omics data. If you have any questions or feedback, please email the EGA Helpdesk team. We'd love to hear from you!

  Blog new-ega-data-download-client

• Advancing fast in the analysis of circulating tumour DNA

  In cancer patients, solid tumours also release DNA fragments into the blood, and they are called Circulating Tumours DNA (ctDNA). Nowadays, the standard procedure for cancer monitoring is analysis of surgically obtained biopsies. They generate a big amount of material, but the operation is highly invasive and provide medical doctors with a single-time snapshot of the tumours, which are often highly changeable. Analysis of ctDNA, on the other hand, can provide continuous information regarding the tumour itself without the need of invasive procedures. This is why interest in this method is growing, and with it, the need for its technological optimization. Guanhua Zhu and colleagues, at the Genome Institute of Singapore, developed a methodology to quantify ctDNA burden, which means to estimate the amount of tumours derived circulating DNA among all cell-free DNA in the blood of individuals. Their work, published in Nature Communications in april 2021 and summarized in a sketch below, uses state-of-the art methods to analyse cfDNA degradation patterns at promoters and exon regions, to discern it from the DNA coming from the tumours. The bright point of their approach is that simultaneously enable for profiling of actionable cancer mutations and quantitative estimation of ctDNA burden. Their sequencing data of ctDNA has been deposited in the EGA under the accession number EGAS00001004657. This study sums up to a total of 37 of cfDNA and 36 about ctDNA present up to date in the EGA archive. The existence of cfDNA was firstly described back in 2002, while the use of ctDNA analysis in the oncological field exploded only after 2016. The approach is rapidly evolving, moving in parallel with the ever-improving sequencing technologies. Especially, the possibility to obtain high quality sequences from minimal amount of material is a crucial factor. Being able to alleviate cancer patients of disturbing and often slow-recovery procedures, while at the same time improving the quality of diagnosis and disease monitoring seems like a lot to ask. Thankfully, we are blessed with brilliant and dedicated scientists from all around the world who collaborate to make this a reality, sharing their results, knowledge and data.

  Blog advancing-fast-in-the-analysis-of-circulating-tumour-dna

• Lineage Plasticity and Immune Cell Heterogeneity Are Coordinately Dysregulated Through Changes in FOXA1 Expression in Bladder Cancers with Squamous Differentiation

  We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) of paired, macrodissected regions of urothelial carcinoma (UC), not otherwise specified (NOS-UC) and squamous differentiation (SqD) from 21 bladder tumors in which distinct and separable NOS-UC and SqD regions were present (total 42 exomes, in addition to matched normal exomes). Mean tumor mutational burden (TMB) was higher in the SqD versus the NOS-UC regions. Consistent with the higher TMB, the SqD regions also had a higher neoantigen burden than the patient-matched NOS-UC regions. The SqD regions also exhibited higher karyotypic complexity with a higher median ploidy relative to the paired NOS-UC regions. Phylogenetic analysis of the WES data confirmed that the morphologically distinct regions of all 21 tumors arose from a shared precursor with a median of 68 (range 16 – 852) non-synonymous mutations shared between the NOS-UC and SqD regions, and the overall data were indicative of early branched evolution. As whole exome sequencing did not identify a shared mutational alteration or genomic signature unique to the SqD or NOS-UC components, we therefore performed expression profiling of separable SqD and NOS-UC regions of 12 bladder tumors from the WES cohort with RNA quality sufficient for whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing (RNAseq, total of 24 regions). Based on centroid clustering analysis of expression data, all 12 regions of SqD were basal-squamous subtype based on the TCGA molecular classification schema. Notably, 8 of the NOS-UC regions were also basal-squamous subtype, with only four pairs exhibiting discordant transcriptional subtypes (three NOS-UC regions were luminal-infiltrated, one luminal-papillary). To better quantify differences in the transcriptional profiles of the paired NOS-UC and SqD regions, we used single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to assess for enrichment of luminal or basal-squamous gene expression. ssGSEA analysis revealed that the SqD regions expressed higher levels of basal-squamous genes based on the BASE47 gene set and UPK/KRT gene sets; whereas the matched NOS-UC regions expressed higher levels of luminal genes. These differences in the levels of expression of basal and luminal genes were observed even in cases in which both the NOS-UC and SqD regions were basal-squamous subtype based the TCGA molecular classification schema. Exomes from eight patients in this study have previously been deposited in dbGaP: accession number phs001783 as part of the study "Exome Recapture and Sequencing of Prospectively Characterized Clinical Specimens From Cancer Patients".

  Study phs002357

• Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia (COHRA) Genomic Studies of Oral Health and Disease

  The purpose of this project is to identify the genetic factors contributing to dental caries in children and adults. The datasets come from the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia (COHRA), which has the long-term goal of determining the sources of oral health disparities in a high risk, Northern Appalachian population so that effective preventive interventions can be designed and targeted. The Specific Aims of this project are to perform genome-wide association scans of dental caries of the (1) primary dentition in children, and (2) permanent dentition in adults, to identify novel risk variants and to replicate previously nominated risk variants. This project brings together samples from three cohorts: COHRA1 is a cross-sectional cohort comprising members of 862 northern Appalachian families; approximately 80% of the cohort has been previously genotyped by the Center for Inherited Disease Research with support from NIDCR using the Illumina Quad W array (see dbGaP Study Accession: phs000095.v3.p1). Dental SCORE is a cross-sectional cohort comprising approximately 550 unrelated individuals who underwent the same data collection protocol as COHRA1. COHRA2 is an ongoing longitudinal cohort that recruited approximately 1100 northern Appalachian women during pregnancy, and followed them and their children through their children's early childhood; the current project period will continue data collect though age 6 of the child. Phenotypes for this project were derived from intra-oral examinations performed by trained and calibrated research hygienists. In brief, each tooth was recorded as present or absent, and each surface of each present tooth was scored for evidence of decay. From these data, dental caries indices were generated. This project contains two phases of genotyping: (1) collection of exome SNP Chip data for the previously genotyped COHRA1 samples, and (2) collection of whole-genome SNP Chip data for the remaining COHRA1 samples and all Dental SCORE and COHRA2 samples. These data will support efforts to test hypotheses regarding the causal relationships of risk factors contributing to the unusually high rates of caries formation in the Appalachian population. Ultimately, these data may inform the development of an integrated model of caries risk, in which the effects of genetics, oral ecology, diet, and other environmental/psychosocial factors and behaviors are modeled in concert to explain the disparities, including the high rate of caries onset before age 6. The gene-mapping Aims of this project, which seek to identify the genetic factors that contribute to caries risk, are a requisite step in realizing this integrated model.

  Study phs001591

• Guiding Evidence Based Therapy Using Biomarker Intensified Treatment in Heart Failure (GUIDE-IT-BioLINCC)

  Accessing Data: Please refer to “Authorized Access” below regarding accessing data through the BioData Catalyst ecosystem. The data from this accession is not available for download through dbGaP.Objective: To determine whether an amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP)-guided treatment strategy improves clinical outcomes vs usual care in high-risk patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Background: Heart failure is a common disorder. Standard treatment for HF includes diuretics to control fluid, and drugs called "neurohormonal antagonists" (such as beta-blockers and ACE-inhibitors) to help the heart work more efficiently. The natriuretic peptides, specifically NT-pro-BNP, are biomarkers that reflect HF severity and are significantly associated with adverse outcomes in HF. Smaller studies have evaluated adjusting HF therapy based on natriuretic peptide levels (“guided therapy”) with inconsistent results.Participants: A total of 894 participants were enrolled at 45 sites in the United States and Canada, with 446 randomized to the NT-pro-BNP-guided strategy treatment group and 448 randomized to the usual care treatment group.Design: GUIDE-IT was a multicenter randomized clinical trial with participants randomized to either the NT-pro-BNP-guided therapy strategy or usual care. Given the nature of the study intervention, treatment assignment was not blinded. For participants randomized to the NT-pro-BNP-guided strategy, clinicians were instructed to titrate HF therapy to target an NT-pro-BNP level After an initial visit at 2 and 6 weeks, visits occurred every 3 months throughout the remainder of the study. After therapy adjustment for HF (whether driven by NT-pro-BNP levels or clinical reasons), participants had a 2-week follow-up visit for reassessment. All participants in either group also had blinded NT-pro-BNP concentrations measured in a core laboratory at each study visit. The primary end point was the composite of time-to-first HF hospitalization or cardiovascular mortality. Secondary end points included all-cause mortality, total hospitalizations for HF, days alive and not hospitalized for cardiovascular reasons, the individual components on the primary end point, and adverse events. Conclusions: The guided strategy intervention was stopped in July of 2016 (median follow-up of 15 months) after the study met prespecified inefficacy criteria. Compared to usual care, a strategy of NT-pro-BNP-guided therapy was not more effective in improving time-to-first HF hospitalization or cardiovascular mortality in high-risk participants with HFrEF.

  Study phs003621

• Randomized Evaluation of Sedation Titration for Respiratory Failure (RESTORE-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives The primary aim of the RESTORE clinical trial was to determine whether critically ill children managed with a nurse-implemented, goal-directed sedation protocol would experience fewer days of mechanical ventilation than participants receiving usual care. Background Ensuring the safety and comfort of critically ill infants and children supported by mechanical ventilation is integral to the practice of pediatric critical care. Although sedation therapy benefits young participants who cannot understand the imperative nature of invasive life-sustaining therapies, sedative use is also associated with untoward adverse effects. Specifically, opioids and benzodiazepines commonly used for pediatric sedation may impair bedside neurological assessment, depress spontaneous ventilation, and prolong mechanical ventilation. Over time, drug tolerance develops, which may precipitate iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome when sedation therapy is no longer necessary.Numerous studies in adult critical care support a minimal yet effective approach to sedation management. Sedation goals for mechanically ventilated adults have shifted from an unresponsive state to a calm, easily aroused, readily evaluated participant. Studies in adult participants evaluating targeted sedation, daily interruption and/or titration of sedation, pairing of spontaneous awakening with breathing, and no sedation have reported improved clinical outcomes, including decreased length of mechanical ventilation when compared with usual care. In contrast, few data inform sedation practices in pediatric critical care, and international studies describe significant practice variation. Given unique biobehavioral differences, knowledge generated in adult critical care may not translate to the care of critically ill children. The RESTORE study was conducted to test the effect of a nurse-implemented, goal-directed sedation protocol on clinical outcomes in pediatric participants with acute respiratory failure. Participants There was a total of 2,449 participants (mean age: 4.7 years; range: 2 weeks to 17 years). Design The RESTORE study was a cluster randomized clinical trial conducted in 31 US PICUs. Intervention PICUs (17 sites; 1,225 participants) used a protocol that included targeted sedation, arousal assessments, extubation readiness testing, sedation adjustment every 8 hours, and sedation weaning. Control PICUs (14 sites; 1,224 participants) managed sedation per usual care. The primary outcome variable was duration of mechanical ventilation. Conclusions Among children undergoing mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure, the use of a sedation protocol compared with usual care did not reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation. Exploratory analyses of secondary outcomes suggest a complex relationship among wakefulness, pain, and agitation (JAMA 2015; 313(4):379-89).

  Study phs003783

• Honolulu Heart Program (HHP-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the “Authorized Access” section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from HHP include DNA, plasma, serum, and whole blood. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Objectives: The initial objectives of the Honolulu Heart Program were to: 1) estimate morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke among Japanese men in Honolulu; 2) compare morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke among Japanese men in Japan, Honolulu, and San Francisco; 3) investigate relationships among risk factors, coronary heart disease, and stroke in Japanese men in Honolulu; 4) compare distributions of risk factors among men in Japan, Honolulu, and San Francisco, and relate similarities and differences in risk factors to the occurrence of disease in these areas and in other populations, including Framingham and Puerto Rico; 5) conduct an autopsy study, and to relate pathological findings to morbidity and mortality data; and 6) investigate relationships between risk factors and pathological evidence of atherosclerosis and its complications.Background: The Honolulu Heart Program was initiated in 1965 by the NHLBI as a prospective study of environmental and biological causes of cardiovascular disease among Japanese Americans living in Hawaii. This population was known to have low incidence of coronary heart disease and higher incidence of stroke. The study provided opportunities to investigate relationships among disease frequencies, pathologic findings, and disease predictors in the cohort and to compare the findings in this population with those in other populations, especially cohorts of Japanese men resident in Japan or the U.S.Participants: There were 8006 participants.Design: The study began in 1965 with the first examination of a cohort of 8,006 Japanese-American men residing on the island of Oahu, Hawaii who were born during the period 1900-1919. The first examination was completed in 1968 and was followed by the initiation of a second examination that same year. Three subsequent sub-examinations (Lipoprotein Exams I, II and III) were conducted between 1970 and 1982 to collect lipid measurements on a subset of those who participated in Exam II. The fourth examination of surviving members of the original cohort was conducted during 1991-93 and collected data on 3,741 men. Morbidity and mortality follow-up continues through grant and contract-supported efforts, and the current HHP dataset includes events through 1998.

  Study phs003907

• Programmatic submission based on XML

  Programmatic submissions (XML based) For further information please check our Submission FAQs, submission quickguide as well as submission terms! Introduction Besides the Submitter Portal tool, EGA supports programmatic sequence and clinical data metadata submissions. If you are not sure what this means, you may want to explore our brief metadata introduction. Programmatic submissions are recommended for array-based submission. Moreove, it may be of help if your submission is recurrent or it is difficult to manage manually due to its sheer size. Otherwise, we highly recommend using the Submitter Portal to perform submissions. In this page we will guide you through the required steps to programmatically submit data to the EGA. Programmatic submissions require your metadata to be structured for an easy and straightforward validation and archival. It basically consists in formatting your metadata as Extensible markup language (XML) files and submitting them to the EGA using the WEBIN Before submitting metadata to the EGA, it is important to ensure that the information in your XML files is compliant with our standards. You can see further details on how these standards are maintained at EGA at our EGA Schemas documentation page. Using WEBIN, you can validate your XML files against EGA's schemas to ensure that your metadata is compliant before submission. WEBIN services WEBIN production service WEBIN test service We advise you to submit your metadata to the test service when submitting to the production service for the first time. The test service is identical to the production service except that all submissions will be discarded in the following 24 hours. This allows you to learn about the submission process without having to worry about data being submitted. Authentication Authentication is required each time a submission is made. The submission service uses HTTPS protocol for metadata encryption and identification to provide a secure submission environment. Data file upload Both Runs and Analyses reference files (e.g. FASTQ need to be uploaded to the EGA before these metadata objects are submitted. In other words, if you submit a Run that references a file that we cannot find associated with your account, the metadata submission will fail. See further details on how to upload your files in our File Upload documentation. Metadata model of the EGA Our metadata model is formed by multiple metadata objects. Check further details in our documentation at our EGA Schema documentation page. Working with EGA XMLs files Now that the basic concepts of the EGA metadata have been described, you can start preparing your programmatic submission through XML. Here you will find the guidance on how to prepare the XML files. Programmatic Submission Tutorial Video Take a look at the Programmatic Submission Tutorial Video, which explains the workflow of a programmatic submission and goes over an example metadata submission. Programmatic Submission Tutorial Video. When building your XML files, we recommend using text editors (e.g.Sublime Text or VisualStudio) that allow you to visualise the structure of the XML with ease. Furthermore, these editors constantly check the consistency of the XML structure. Alternatively, and if the submission consists of a big number of objects (specially analyses), you may find the tool star2xml handy. This tool allows for a direct conversion between metadata in a tabular format (e.g. a spreadsheet) into XMLs. Identifying objects: Aliases and center names Every EGA object must be uniquely identified within the submission account using their alias attribute. The aliases can be used in submissions to make references between EGA objects. Let us dig into EGA's use of aliases and center names: alias: every object should have a name that is unique within your submission account. Once submitted successfully, every alias will be assigned a unique and permanent accession (EGA ID). refname: when an object references another by its alias, the alias of the referenced object goes into the "refname" attribute of the referencing object. For example, if a sample has the alias "sample1", and an experiment uses this sample, then the experiment's "EXPERIMENT/SAMPLE/refname" attribute should be "sample1". center_name: The "center_name" attribute is required within the submission XML and, if not provided when the object is submitted, it will be automatically filled using your default EGA account center_name. This element is the "controlled vocabulary acronym or abbreviation that is provided to the account holder when the account is first generated". If the submitter is brokering a submission for another institute, the submitter should use their special broker account name in broker_name while the data centre acronym remains in center_name. Log-in details should have been provided when you requested a submission account. Please contact our Helpdesk team if you have any questions. run_center: Many submitting centers contract out the actual sample sequencing to another center. In these cases, the sequencing center should be acknowledged in the run_center attribute. Again, this is controlled vocabulary and the acronym should be sought from EGA helpdesk before submitting. Please contact our Helpdesk team if you have any questions. Prepare your XMLs The goal of this section is to provide sufficient information to be able to create the metadata XML documents required for programmatic submissions. Please note, the EGA utilises the XML schemas maintained at the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA). It is important due to the fact that by using a similar system, some pieces of documentation from the ENA's programmatic submission can also help you with your programmatic submission to the EGA. For example, you can submit programmatically without using a Submission XML by following the steps at Submission actions without submission XML. A submission does not have to contain all different types of XMLs. For example, it is possible to submit only a few samples; or a study that is later to be referenced. You can submit each object one by one, or submit all in a batch: you choose what method of submission works best for you. We do recommend, nevertheless, that you submit the objects to be referenced (e.g. samples or studies) first, and the objects that reference these (e.g. experiments or datasets) afterwards. You can see a graphical view of these objects and their relationships at our EGA Schemas page. Independently of the submission scenario, you will always require a Dataset XML. The entity of a dataset is what is used to control access to the given data, in the form of runs or analyses. In other words, when a requester is granted access, it is through the dataset and the objects (e.g. runs or analyses) that the dataset contains, granting access to them in one go. Given the nature of the EGA, a dataset XML will always be required for the data access. First, we will differentiate between submissions of "raw" and "processed" data: Runs and Analyses, respectively. Run data submissions Raw data derives from instruments "as is". For example, a plain sequence file (e.g. FASTQ or unaligned BAM files) would be considered raw data. A typical raw (unaligned) sequence read submission consists of 8 XMLs: Submission Study Sample Experiment Run DAC Policy Dataset When technical reads (e.g. barcodes, adaptors or linkers) are included in the submitted raw sequences, a spot descriptor must be submitted to describe the position of the technical reads so that they can be removed. The following data files can be submitted without providing spot descriptor information in the experiment/run XML: BAM files (single reads) SFF files (single reads without barcodes) FastQ files (single reads without any technical reads) Complete Genomics files Analysis data submissions Processed data is, in some way, refined raw data. This includes raw data that has been processed by some form of analysis method (e.g. alignment, noise reduction, etc.). For example, an aligned sequence (e.g. BAM file), that was created using raw FASTQ files, would be a processed file. This category includes most types of data: sequence alignment files (e.g. BAM or CRAM), clinical data (e.g. phenopackets), sequence variation files (e.g. VCF), sequence annotation, etc. A typical EGA analysis data submission consists of 7 EGA XML: Submission Study Sample Analysis DAC Policy Dataset We accept three different types of analysis data submissions: BAM files (for multiple read alignments) VCF files (for sequence variations) Phenotype files (in any format) In anycase, keep in mind that samples must be created in order to be referenced in the analyses. In other words, the provenance of the information within the BAM, VCF and phenotype files Example XMLs Below you can find a non-extensive list of example XMLs with descriptive fields (i.e. explaining what to provide in each field). Furthermore, you can also find real examples (i.e. the true value of the provided fields) in our GitHub repository. Submission XML The submission XML is used to validate, submit or update any number of other objects. The submission XML refers to other XMLs. New submissions use the ADD action to submit new objects. Object updates are done using the MODIFY action and objects can be validated using the VERIFY action. Descriptive submission XML example True values submission XML example Study XML The study XML is used to describe the study containing a title, a study type and abstract as it would appear in a publication. Descriptive study XML example True values study XML example Please use the following notation within the property "STUDY_LINKS" when including PubMed citations in the Study XML: <STUDY_LINKS> <STUDY_LINK> <XREF_LINK> <DB>PUBMED</DB> <ID>18987735</ID> </XREF_LINK> </STUDY_LINK> </STUDY_LINKS> Sample XML The sample XML is used to describe the samples used to obtain the data, whether they were sequenced, measured in any other way, or have an associated phenotype. The mandatory fields include information about the taxonomy of the sample, sex, subject ID and phenotype. For example, the mandatory attribute fields for each sample would look like these, within the array of "SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTES": <SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTES> <SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTE> <TAG>subject_id</TAG> <VALUE>free text!</VALUE> </SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTE> <SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTE> <TAG>sex</TAG> <VALUE>female/male/unknown</VALUE> </SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTE> <SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTE> <TAG>phenotype</TAG> <VALUE>Free text, EFO terms (e.g. EFO:0000574) are recommended</VALUE> </SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTE> </SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTES> Sample is one of the most important objects to be described biologically, it is highly recommended that “TAG-VALUE” pairs are generated as SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTES to describe the sample in as much detail as possible. For example, were we to give the population ancestry of the sample, we could add a new attribute to the array, in which, for example, we would indicate that the sample derives from an individual of "Mende in Sierra Leone" (MSL), with an african ancestry: <SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTE> <TAG>Population</TAG> <VALUE>MSL</VALUE> </SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTE> Given that VALUE and TAG are free text, the combinations are limitless in order to give you full flexibility on the information you want to provide. We recommend you use the Experimental Factor Ontology (EFO) to describe the phenotypes of your samples. You can provide more than one phenotype by adding more items to the array of SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTES. Phenotypes considered essential for understanding the data submission should be provided. Each phenotype described should be listed as a separate sample attribute <SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTE> </SAMPLE_ATTRIBUTE>. There is no limit to the number of phenotypes that can be submitted. If a suitable EFO accession cannot be found for your phenotype attribute, please consider using another controlled ontology database (e.g. HPO, MONDO, etc.) before using free text. Descriptive sample XML example True values sample XML example Experiment XML The experiment XML is used to describe the experimental setup, including instrument platform and model details, library preparation details, and any additional information required to correctly interpret the submitted data. Where any of these values differ between runs, a new experiment object must exist, since runs are grouped by experiments. Each experiment references a study and a sample by alias, or if previously-submitted, by accession. Pooled data must be demultiplexed by barcode for submission. Descriptive experiment ( Illumina paired read ) XML example True values experiment ( Illumina paired read ) XML example Run XML The run XML is used to associate data files with experiments and typically comprises a single data file (e.g. a FASTQ file). Please note that pooled samples should be de-multiplexed prior submission and submitted as different runs. Descriptive run XML example True values run XML example Analysis XML Given that an analysis can be used to submit any type of processed data to the EGA, we will list below an example of each of the three most common types of analysis XMLs submitted to the EGA: sequence alignments (e.g. BAM files); sequence variation (e.g. VCF files); and clinical metadata or phenotypes (e.g. phenopackets). Regardless of the type of processed data submitted in the analysis, the analysis must be associated with a Study and can reference multiple types of other objects, from samples to experiments, if they are available at the EGA. Just like with Runs, whenever a file is submitted to the EGA through an analysis object, the file MD5 checksums must be present, in order for the EGA to validate file integrity upon transfer. This also includes index files when applicable (e.g. .bai.md5 files). Ideally, any analysis that uses a reference sequence for some kind of alignment (e.g. BAM, CRAM or VCF files), would contain metadata about the alignment, such as INSDC reference assemblies and sequences, by either using accessions (e.g. CM000663.1) or common labels (e.g. GRCh37). Read alignment (BAM) Analysis XML The Analysis can be used to submit BAM alignments to EGA. Only one BAM file can be submitted in each analysis and the samples used within the BAM read groups must be associated with Samples. Descriptive bam alignments XML example True values bam alignments XML example Sequence variation (VCF) Analysis XML The Analysis can be used to submit VCF files to EGA. Only one VCF file can be submitted in each analysis and the samples used within the VCF files must be associated with Samples. Download analysis XML (VCF) Phenotype files The Analysis XML can be used to submit phenotype files to the EGA. Only one phenotype file can be submitted in each analysis and the samples used within the phenotype files must be associated with EGA Samples. Download analysis XML (Phenotype) DAC XML The DAC XML describes the Data Access Committee (DAC) affiliated to the data submission. The DAC may consist of a group or a single individual and is responsible for the data access decisions based on the application procedure described in the POLICY.XML. As with any other object, if it was already submitted to the EGA, there is no need to submit it again: you can reference an existing object within the EGA. Hence, A DAC XML does not need to be provided if your submission is affiliated to an existing EGA DAC.. Further information on DACs can be found here, and you can always contact our Helpdesk team if you have further inquiries. Descriptive dac XML example True values dac XML example Policy XML The Policy XML describes the Data Access Agreement (DAA) to be affiliated to the named Data Access Committee. Descriptive policy XML example True values study XML example Dataset XML The dataset XML describes the data files, defined by the Run.XML and Analysis.XML, that make up the dataset and links the collection of data files to a specified Policy. The dataset xml is commonly the last metadata object to be submitted, since it references multiple other entities. Please consider the number of datasets that your submission consists of. For example, a case-control study is likely to consist of at least two datasets. In addition, we suggest that multiple datasets should be described for studies using the same samples but different sequence technologies. Descriptive dataset XML example True values dataset XML example Validating and submitting your EGA Validating EGA's XMLs through Webin After you have ensured that the XMLs are properly formatted and contain all the required information. You can proceed to validate and submit your data. Use the curl command to validate your XML file: Once you have prepared your XML file and asserted you have access to Webin, you can validate your XML file programmatically against EGA's schemas using the curl command. There are multiple ways in which you can validate your XMLs. This variety has to do with the fact that: (1) there are 2 instances of Webin (test and production); and (2) that validation is a default step during submission. In other words, any time that you submit your data through Webin, it will be validated automatically before being accepted. This allows for 4 possible routes of validation, all having the same validation result: validating or submitting to either the production service or the test service of Webin. For example, directly validating a "study" object XML in the testing service (wwwdev…) would look like the following: curl -u <USERNAME>:<PASSWORD> -F "ACTION=VALIDATE" "https://wwwdev.ebi.ac.uk/ena/submit/drop-box/submit/" -F "STUDY=@study.xml" In this command, you would need to replace <USERNAME> and <PASSWORD> with your EGA account username and password, respectively. You would also replace <INPUT_FILE> with the path to your XML file. A mock example would look like the following: curl -u ega-test-data@ebi.ac.uk:egarocks -F "ACTION=VALIDATE" "https://wwwdev.ebi.ac.uk/ena/submit/drop-box/submit/" -F "STUDY=@study.xml" The validation attempt can have different results depending on the given arguments: If your XML file is valid according to EGA's schemas, you will see a message indicating that your XML file is compliant. For example, see below for our mock example, where the "success" was "true" (i.e. no validation errors found). Nevertheless, notice how the "<STUDY accession=" is empty: it is because we were simply validating, so the study did not get an accession or ID. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="receipt.xsl"?> <RECEIPT receiptDate="2023-04-11T15:19:28.850+01:00" submissionFile="submission-EBI-TEST_1681222768850.xml" success="true"> <STUDY accession="" alias="Mock example" status="PRIVATE"/> <SUBMISSION accession="" alias="SUBMISSION-11-04-2023-15:19:28:840"/> <MESSAGES> <INFO>VALIDATE action has been specified.</INFO> <INFO>Submission has been rolled back.</INFO> <INFO>This submission is a TEST submission and will be discarded within 24 hours</INFO> </MESSAGES> <ACTIONS>VALIDATE</ACTIONS> <ACTIONS>PROTECT</ACTIONS> If there are any errors or warnings, the tool will display them, allowing you to correct them before submitting your data to EGA. For example, in the following response, it is said that the object we were trying to submit was already existing, and therefore the "success" was "false". <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="receipt.xsl"?> <RECEIPT receiptDate="2023-04-11T15:12:35.609+01:00" submissionFile="submission-EBI-TEST_1681222355609.xml" success="false"> <STUDY alias="Example!_Human Microbiome Project SP56J" status="PRIVATE" holdUntilDate="2023-03-11Z"/> <SUBMISSION alias="SUBMISSION-11-04-2023-15:12:35:576"/> <MESSAGES> <ERROR>In study, alias: "Example!_Human Microbiome Project SP56J". The object being added already exists in the submission account with accession: "ERP127584".</ERROR> <INFO>VALIDATE action has been specified.</INFO> <INFO>Submission has been rolled back.</INFO> <INFO>This submission is a TEST submission and will be discarded within 24 hours</INFO> </MESSAGES> <ACTIONS>VALIDATE</ACTIONS> <ACTIONS>PROTECT</ACTIONS> If the curl command retrieves no response at all, please double check if your username and password are correctly provided. Also notice the "ACTION=..." argument passed to the Curl command. This specifies the action to take during the call to Webin, so we do not need a "Submission" XML just for a validation attempt. See more at submission actions without submission XML. Furthermore, validation of multiple files or objects (e.g. sample, experiment, study…) can be done in a single command by adding more arguments (i.e. '-F'). For example: curl -u <USERNAME>:<PASSWORD> -F "ACTION=VALIDATE" "https://wwwdev.ebi.ac.uk/ena/submit/drop-box/submit/" -F "STUDY=@study.xml" -F "SAMPLE=@sample.xml" -F "DATASET=@dataset.xml" As mentioned above, beside "validate" action in the test environment, you can also validate your metadata by three other methods: "Validate" in the production server. From our example above, you simply need to take the "dev" away from the URL. curl -u <USERNAME>:<PASSWORD> -F "ACTION=VALIDATE" "https://www.ebi.ac.uk/ena/submit/drop-box/submit/" -F "STUDY=@study.xml" "Add" in the development server. From our example above, you would simply need to replace the action: from "validate" to "add". Whatever is submitted to this service will be discarded in 24h, so whether something gets submitted or not would not matter in the long run. curl -u <USERNAME>:<PASSWORD> -F "ACTION=ADD" "https://wwwdev.ebi.ac.uk/ena/submit/drop-box/submit/" -F "STUDY=@study.xml" "Add" in the productionserver. A combination of the previous two methods, which would render this attempt into a submission. This path is just to be taken when you are sure your metadata is compliant and what you want to submit. curl -u <USERNAME>:<PASSWORD> -F "ACTION=ADD" "https://www.ebi.ac.uk/ena/submit/drop-box/submit/" -F "STUDY=@study.xml" What happens after the submission of a dataset XML? Once you have completed the registration of your dataset/s please contact our Helpdesk Team to provide a release date for your study. Please note that all datasets affiliated to unreleased studies are automatically placed on hold until the authorised submitter or DAC contact contact the EGA Helpdesk for the study to be released. We strongly advise you not to delete your data until EGA Helpdesk confirms that your data has been successfully archived.

  Documentation submission/metadata/submission/programmatic-submission-xml

• Gut microbiome dynamics unravelled with metagenomics sequencing

  It has been already several years since we discovered that microbial therapeutics like Faecal Microbiota Transplantation can be used to treat Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with great success. The concept has challenged us to test the limits of our knowledge with the perspective to improve health in the most diverse conditions like Parkinson disease, depression, autism and obesity, just to mention a few. Note: the figure belongs to the original paper and is owned by the authors. Allyson L.Bird and colleagues from Genentech Inc. (San Francisco) recently published an interesting study building up on the key concept that “As microbial therapeutics are increasingly being tested in diverse patient populations, it is essential to understand the host and environmental factors influencing the microbiome.” The authors of this work analysed 1359 gut microbiome samples using shotgun metagenomics sequencing.  The results of the comparison done between microbiota composition across the different groups showed that biological sex is the strongest driver of diversity, while aging (age range studied: 20–69) appears to be the second factor. As smartly outlined in the authors’ own graphical abstract (figure to the left), Bacteroidota species consistently increased with donors' age while Actinobacteriota species, including Bifidobacterium, decreased. This study also integrated data from oncological patients to draw cancer-related evidences. After correcting the biases for technical and geographic differences, they found that cancer patients show significantly altered gut bacterial communities compared with their healthy counterparts. Eg. E.coli was found to be increased in cancer patients together with Bacteroidota/Firmicutes ratios. By comparing sequential samples taken from the same donors (413) within short-distance time points, the authors found that in the short term, intra-individual differences were less than the inter-individual ones, indicating a certain community stability being the norm. One of the pivotal points from this interesting study is that the data proceeds from extremely well-defined and selected donors. Specifically, the data for 949 selected healthy donors came from the Milieu Intérieur (MI) Consortium and extensive metadata, including demographic variables, serological measures, dietary information, and systemic immune profiles, are available. This precise stratification allowed for the robust detection of smaller changes, compared to former works. All sequencing data has been deposited in the EGA archive under the accession number EGAS00001004437. Enjoy this amazing open access paper published in the Experimental Journal of Medicine on January 2021.

  Blog gut-microbiome-dynamics-unravelled

• TOPDECC-Trans-omics for Precision Dentistry and Early Childhood Caries: Genome-Wide Genotyping (CIDR) and Microbiome in the ZOE 2.0 Study

  The ZOE 2.0 study is a cross-sectional genetic epidemiologic investigation of early childhood oral health, conducted in a state-wide, community-based, multi-ethnic sample of 3-5-year-old preschool-age children in North Carolina, United States. Between 2016-2019, 8,059 children were enrolled and 6,404 of them underwent comprehensive oral-clinical examinations that provided usable data on dental caries (i.e., early childhood caries; ECC) phenotypes. Saliva samples and supragingival biofilm samples were collected by 10 trained and calibrated examiners during the clinical encounters that took place in enrolled children's preschool (Head Start) centers. Specifically, the study enrolled participants and conducted clinical examinations in 260 Head Start centers that belonged to 34 Head Start programs in NC. 6,262 participants provided clinical data and had extracted DNA that met quantity and quality criteria for high-density genotyping and 6,144 of them were retained in the genome-wide association study (GWAS). Additional information on oral health-related behaviors, risk factors and self-reported outcomes was collected prior to the conduct of the clinical exam using self-administered questionnaires completed by children's guardians. Height and weight measurements were used to derive measures of adiposity. A domestic water sample for fluoride concentration measurement was obtained after the clinical examination for approximately 25% of study participants, to provide a measure of environmental exposure to this known caries-preventive agent and this information was subsequently imputed to the entire cohort using a novel GIS-informed method. Supragingival biofilm samples for microbiome analyses were collected from all participating children. Biofilm samples from a pilot 5% (n=300) of the cohort were carried forward to WGS (metagenomics; MTG) and RNAseq (metatranscriptomics; MTX) analyses, and these sequence data are being released via the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) in this dbGaP accession: 300 participants with MTG, 297 of those with MTX. Of note, the 17 participants with MTG data did not have genotypes produced, therefore the study's released participant total count is 6161, including 6144 (with genotypes released) plus 17 (with no genotypes released but with MTG data in the SRA).The study's primary objective is to identify risk loci and gene sets/pathways for ECC and related traits (e.g., caries prevalence and severity) by conducting a trans-ethnic GWAS. Genotyping is based on the Infinium&#8482; Global Diversity Array and the TOPMed panel is used for imputation via the University of Michigan Imputation server. Secondarily, the ZOE 2.0 seeks to determine prevalence and severity of dental caries, other oral disease outcomes, and putative risk factors for dental caries in this low-income population-based sample of European-, African-, and Hispanic/Latino-American preschool-age children.

  Study phs002232

• Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction (SOLVD-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE:Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession. Access differs from many other dbGaP accessions. ObjectivesThis study was initiated in 1986, primarily to evaluate the effects of enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, on long-term mortality and major morbidity in a group of participants with left ventricular dysfunction. Two large separate trials were run concurrently as part of SOLVD: 1) a prevention trial of participants with low ejection fraction but no overt symptoms of CHF and, 2) a treatment trial of participants with low ejection fraction and symptoms of CHF. In addition, participants at selected sites were entered into substudies to evaluate the effect of enalapril on a number of intermediate outcomes such as right and left ventricular function and hemodynamics, LV mass and wall stress, hormones, arrhythmias, exercise capacity, and quality of life in subsets of participants. Lastly, a registry of 6,336 participants with congestive heart failure of LV dysfunction was designed to describe the clinical course of an unselected group of participants. Background Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a major and increasingly recognized public health problem. The recognition that participants with CHF often have elevated peripheral vascular resistance has led to the introduction of vasodilator therapy, which has emerged as an important component of its treatment. Of the vasodilators, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors appeared to be the most promising. In 1985, little was known about the impact of any long-term drug treatment on survival. SOLVD Registry: The SOLVD Registry is a hospital-based observational study, conducted at selected SOLVD hospitals, of participants with at least moderate left-ventricular dysfunction (EF &#8804; 45%) and/or radiologically confirmed heart failure. It consists of a main study (n=6,273) and a substudy (n=898). Although there is overlap between the Registry and the SOLVD trials, the Registry sample is not a subset of SOLVD nor is it the pool of participants eligible for both trials. Participants A total of 2,569 participants were enrolled into the treatment study and 4,228 participants were enrolled in the prevention study. The dataset available through the NHLBI contains the prevention and treatment study data as well as the registry data. Conclusions In the prevention trial, a significant reduction in the incidence of heart failure and the rate of related hospitalizations was observed for participants in the enalapril arm. A statistically significant reduction in mortality was not observed in the enalapril treatment arm; however, there was a trend toward fewer total deaths and deaths due to cardiovascular causes among the enalapril participants (SOLVD Investigators, et al., 1992, PMID: 1463530).

  Study phs003668

• Sickle Cell Disease Natural History Data Resource (SCD NHDR)

  Data Access NOTE Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. BackgroundThe NHLBI initiated the Sickle Cell Disease Natural History Data Resource (SCD NHDR) to leverage existing SCD studies to build a data resource to provide phenotypic data on contemporaneous control cohorts for gene therapy trials and other studies. The potential uses of the NHDR are broad, including providing matched controls for clinical trials, observing a cohort of untreated patients as part of a natural history study, or conducting comparative effectiveness research on a subpopulation with selected co-morbidities or drug treatment profiles. The SCD NHDR includes two multi-center SCD longitudinal cohort studies with extensive annual clinical data and patient surveys, the Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium (SCDIC-I and SCDIC-II) and the Globin Research Network for Data and Discovery (GRNDaD). The SCDIC-I, initiated in 2017 and concluded in June 2022, enrolled over 2400 patients with SCD from 8 US treatment centers. The SCDIC-II reconsented 1220 of the SCDIC-I patients as well as enrolling an additional 450 new patients from the same 8 centers between September 2022 and October 2023, for a total of 1670 in SCDIC-II. Only two of the many GRNDaD centers are submitting data to the SCD NHDR for deposit into BDC (approximately 122 patients). Data submissions from the SCD NHDR to BDC will be annually starting in early 2024. Description of the Study Data All data obtained for the SCD NHDR are considered common data elements (CDEs) important for studies of SCD. These CDEs were identified from several workgroups of SCD experts convened under the NHLBI's Cure-SC Initiative (https://curesickle.org/cde-catalog). The following types of data elements were abstracted from the medical record &#8211; variables that describe the SCD diagnosis, SCD co-morbidities and other clinical complications, elements from the physical examination, medications and transfusions, insurance type, laboratory measurements, healthcare utilization, history of SCD-related procedures, and measurements from cardiac procedures. The following types of data were self-reported on the patient survey &#8211; demographics, diagnosis information, pain experience, social and mental health information, other patient reported outcome domains (e.g., sleep, fatigue), and alcohol and smoking history. Standard PRO measures were used from ASCQ-Me, PROMIS and Neuro-QoL. Patient surveys were completed approximately annually. Under SCDIC-I, two medical record abstractions and labs were reported at enrollment and approximately 3 years later. Under SCDIC-II and GRNDaD, all data are collected annually. Patients may refuse to complete the survey.

  Study phs003529

• Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury Network - Vitamin D to Improve Outcomes by Leveraging Early Treatment (PETAL VIOLET-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below regarding accessing data through the BioData Catalyst ecosystem. The data from this accession is not available for download through dbGaP. Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from PETAL VIOLET include Plasma and Whole Blood. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Specimens may not be used to produce commercial products.Objectives: To evaluate the effect of short-term vitamin D supplementation on mortality among critically ill patients with a vitamin D deficiency.Background: Observational data indicate that vitamin D deficiency is common among critically ill patients and constitutes a potentially modifiable risk factor associated with longer lengths of stay in the hospital and intensive care unit (ICU), lung and other organ injury, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and death. In a previous phase 2 trial, vitamin D supplementation administered to vitamin D-deficient, critically ill patients was associated with lower observed mortality than placebo at 28 days and at 6 months. Because of the need for a larger, phase 3 trial, the PETAL-VIOLET study was initiated to determine if early administration of high-dose vitamin D3 would reduce all-cause mortality among critically ill patients with a vitamin D deficiency.Participants: 1360 patients underwent randomization, 690 were assigned to the vitamin D group and 668 were assigned to the placebo group. Of the 1078 patients confirmed to have a vitamin D deficiency by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS), 538 had been assigned to the vitamin D group and 540 had been assigned to the placebo group.Design: PETAL-VIOLET was a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Patients were enrolled within 12 hours after the clinician's decision to admit the patient to the ICU from the emergency department, hospital ward, operating room, or outside facility. Patients were tested for vitamin D deficiency, with a threshold of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of less than 20 ng per milliliter. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio, stratified according to site, to receive either a single enteral (administered orally or through a nasogastric or orogastric tube) dose of 540,000 IU of vitamin D3 or matched placebo, in liquid form, administered within 2 hours after randomization.Conclusions: After the first interim analysis, the data and safety monitoring board recommended that the trial be stopped for futility.A single 540,000 IU enteral dose of vitamin D3 administered early during critical illness rapidly corrected vitamin D deficiency but did not provide an advantage over placebo with respect to mortality or other clinically important end points.

  Study phs003879

• Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL) Acetaminophen in Sepsis: Targeted Therapy to Enhance Recovery (ASTER) (PETAL ASTER-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from PETAL ASTER include plasma, urine and whole blood. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Objectives: To determine whether acetaminophen increases days alive and free of organ dysfunction in sepsis participants compared with placebo.Background: Acetaminophen (paracetamol) has many effects that can be beneficial in sepsis treatment, including analgesia, antipyresis, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition, as well as a potent and specific hemoprotein reduction that can block hemoglobin-induced oxidation of lipids and other substrates. The majority of sepsis participants experience elevated circulating cell-free hemoglobin levels, which is associated with development of organ dysfunction including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death.Acetaminophen has been found in observational studies to be associated with improved survival in critically ill sepsis participants with elevated plasma cell-free hemoglobin, and small clinical trials have had positive sepsis participant outcomes such as reduced plasma biomarkers of lipid peroxidation and improved kidney function. However, a large, randomized trial of acetaminophen administration for treatment of fever in participants with suspected infection did not show a mortality benefit. The NHLBI PETAL Network initiated ASTER as a larger phase trial to examine the utility of plasma cell-free hemoglobin level as a biomarker for future sepsis trials and whether acetaminophen would increase the number of days alive and free of organ support for participants with sepsis and respiratory or circulatory organ dysfunction. Participants: A total of 447 participants were enrolled and randomized, 227 to the acetaminophen arm and 220 to the placebo arm. Data from 40 participants who were randomized to the Vitamin C arm, which was stopped early (see Design section below), is also included.Design: ASTER was a phase 2b multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial. The study originally had a 3-arm platform trial in which participants were randomized 1:1:1 to treatment with intravenous acetaminophen, vitamin C, or a common placebo. The vitamin C arm of the trial was stopped after enrolling 79 participants due to external clinical trial data for vitamin C.Participants randomized to the acetaminophen arm received acetaminophen at the dose of 1 g in 100 mL diluent (or 15 mg/kg if actual body weight was Conclusions: Intravenous acetaminophen was considered to be safe but did not significantly improve days alive and free of organ support in critically ill sepsis participants. There was no significant interaction between cell-free hemoglobin levels and acetaminophen.

  Study phs003900

• Patient Registry for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH Registry-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives Establish a patient registry to evaluate the natural history, etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension. Specific aims included the characterization of the demographic, medical history, family history, physical and laboratory findings of patients at time of diagnosis, and to characterize the survival duration of patients by traits evaluated at diagnosis and by medical interventions. Background There are several known causes of pulmonary hypertension: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congenital heart disease, mitral stenosis, left ventricular dysfunction and recurrent pulmonary emboli. Primary Pulmonary Hypertension is a disorder of unknown etiology which is diagnosed only after the known causes of pulmonary hypertension have been eliminated. Prior to the PPH registry, little was known regarding the epidemiology, etiology, natural history or ultimate survival among patients with PPH. In 1973, the WHO met to review the current state of knowledge on PPH and proposed the establishment of a multicenter collaborative study. The NHLBI PPH registry enrolled patients in the registry from 1981 to 1985. Participants Participants were enrolled into the registry from 32 medical centers throughout the US. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as a mean pulmonary arterial pressure of >25 mmHg at rest or 30 mmHg with exercise at catheterization. The diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension was only accepted after the following secondary causes of pulmonary hypertension had been excluded: pulmonary hypertension within the first year of life, congenital abnormalities of the heart, lungs, or diaphragm, pulmonary thromboembolic disease, diagnosis of sickle cell anemia, history of intravenous drug abuse, obstructive lung disease, interstitial lung disease, arterial hypoxemia, collagen vascular disease, parasitic disease affecting the lungs, pulmonary artery or valve stenosis, or pulmonary venous hypertension. Baseline and follow-up data collected on participants include demographic characteristics, chest radiograph, pulmonary function tests, lung perfusion scan or pulmonary angiogram, intracardiac left-to-right shunt, pulmonary hemodynamics, as well as a history, physical findings and other laboratory measurements. Participants were followed for approximately 5 years. Conclusions There were 1.7 females for each male in the registry, and females tended to present with more severe symptoms. The mean time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 2 years. Right ventricular hypertrophy was found in 87% of participants and right atrial pressure was elevated in 72% of participants. The estimated median survival was 2.8 years with single year survival rates of: 1 year, 68%; 3 years, 48%; and 5 years, 34%. (Ann Intern Med, 1987; 107:216-23, Ann Intern Med, 1991; 115:343-49).

  Study phs004275

• The last addition to the list of clonal evolution studies in the EGA

  Tumours of different types may arise from a single cell with at least one malignant mutation. Accumulation of subsequent hits generates lineages of cells with different cancer transformation power; thus, every clone follows an autonomous evolution, and several clones may co-exist into the same solid or liquid tumour. Clonal evolution studies are not new: the conceptual power of this approach has been recognized since the early ’80, especially in leukaemia patients. Nonetheless, these studies greatly benefit from recent technological improvements -machineries and protocols-, which enable ever-increasing sequencing depth, allowing the detection of low frequency variants and consequently more tumour clones. Note: the figure belongs to the original paper and is owned by the authors. Researchers at the University of Kyoto in Japan, have indeed used state of the art knowledge to investigate the clonal evolution of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in a large panel of patients. CML progresses from a majoritarian benign chronic phase into an often fatal blast crisis phase. It is nowadays known that blast crisis are triggered by genetic instability and disrupted DNA repair, which lead to accumulation of DNA mutations. The use of thyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the Philadelphia chromosome have enormously improved the treatment of blast crisis, nonetheless resistant patients are still a medical challenge. Yotaro Ochi and collegues used Whole Exome Sequencing of paired chronic phase and blast crisis samples to depict the genetic landscape of progression from the first to the second stage of the disease (as illustrated in their figure). Their results were published in Nature Communication on this May 2021. They used a dataset previously deposited at the EGA (EGAS00001003071) and their new generated data have been made available under accession number EGAS00001005075. Their analysis of the occurring mutations contribute to understanding the mechanisms of CML evolution and therefore develop a protocol for early management of patients with a TKI resistance signature. Up to date, the EGA hosts 99 clonal evolution studies, developed in several cancer types, including myeloma, renal carcinomas and ovarian cancer, in addition to various leukaemia subtypes, where this approach has been more widely applied and produced important results and seminal papers. From a pan-cancer point of view, the definition of tumour architecture through clonal evolution studies is instrumental to unravel the mechanisms of disease progression and treatment-resistance insource. At the EGA, we are honoured to contribute to exciting and important science advances with our service!

  Blog the-last-addition-to-the-list-of-clonal-evolution-studies-in-the-ega

• Heart Failure Network: Inorganic Nitrite Delivery to Improve Exercise Capacity in HFpEF (HFN INDIE-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTEPlease refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of inhaled, nebulized inorganic nitrite on exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Background Approximately half of patients with heart failure have a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, there are no proven effective medical treatments for this syndrome. Evidence suggests that impairments in nitric oxide availability have a potentially important role in the pathophysiology of HFpEF. Unlike organic nitrates, inorganic nitrite is converted to nitric oxide in the presence of hypoxia and acidosis, conditions that develop during exercise. Because the cardiac, vascular, and skeletal muscle abnormalities that limit physical capacity and contribute to symptoms in patients with HFpEF characteristically develop during exercise, inorganic nitrite may provide the best way to target nitric oxide delivery precisely at the time of greatest need. The HFN-INDIE trial was initiated to test the hypothesis that compared to placebo, longer-term use of inhaled, nebulized inorganic nitrite would enhance peak exercise capacity in patients with HFpEF. Participants A total of 105 participants were randomized. 53 were randomized to receive nitrite first and 52 were randomized to receive placebo first. Design HFN-INDIE was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. After enrollment, patients underwent baseline studies to determine eligibility. All patients were required to display objective exercise limitation, evidenced by reduced peak oxygen consumption (V&#775;O2) on cardiopulmonary exercise testing of less than 75% predicted, with a respiratory exchange ratio indicative of maximal effort (&#8805;1.0). Following qualifying exercise testing, eligible participants received an open-label, single-dose run-in of inhaled, nebulized sodium nitrite (80 mg) to assess tolerability, symptoms, and orthostatic vital signs. Patients developing hypotension (systolic blood pressure The prespecified primary end point was peak V&#775;o2, measured as the highest 30-second average during upright cycle ergometry, during the 4-week period in which patients were receiving inorganic nitrite as compared with placebo. Accelerometry, health-related quality-of-life scores on the self-administered Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (score range, 0-100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life), echocardiographic indicators of cardiac filling pressures measured at trough drug levels (E/e' ratio, estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and left atrial volume index; lower scores indicate better health for all), ventilatory efficiency (VE/V&#775;co2, lower indicating better health), exercise time (higher indicating better health), and NT-proBNP levels (lower indicating better health) were also collected. Conclusions Among patients with HFpEF, administration of inhaled inorganic nitrite for 4 weeks, compared with placebo, did not result in significant improvement in exercise capacity. Borlaug et al., 2018, PMID: 30398602.

  Study phs003667

• Acute Respiratory Distress Network (ARDSNet) Study 04 Assessment of Low Tidal Volume and Elevated End-Expiratory Volume to Obviate Lung Injury (ALVEOLI-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. BiospecimensAccess to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from ARDSNet-ALVEOLI include Plasma and DNA. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Available Data Outcome data regarding organ failure free days are not available. Objectives The ARDS Network is a consortium of clinical centers and a coordinating center to design and test novel therapies for the treatment of Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The ARDS Network 01/03 trials included an investigation of the efficacy and safety of Ketoconazole and Respiratory Management in the treatment of ALI and ARDS (KARMA). The Ketoconazole arm of the KARMA study was later stopped due to an inability to show efficacy. Participants continued to be randomized to the respiratory management arms of the study (ARMA), which compared two ventilator strategies: a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg versus 12 mL/kg. The LARMA phase of the study investigated the efficacy of Lisofylline and Respiratory Management. The objective of the ALVEOLI study was to compare clinical outcomes of participants with ALI and ARDS treated with a higher end-expiratory lung volume/lower FiO2 versus a lower end-expiratory lung volume/higher FiO2 ventilation strategy. The ALVEOLI study tested the hypothesis that mortality from ALI and ARDS would be reduced with a mechanical ventilation strategy designed to prevent lung injury from repeated collapse of bronchioles and alveoli at end-expiration. Background Most participants requiring mechanical ventilation for ALI and ARDS receive positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 to 12 cm of water. Higher PEEP levels may improve oxygenation and reduce ventilator-induced lung injury but may also cause circulatory depression and lung injury from overdistention. PEEP levels higher than traditional levels may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury by decreasing the proportion of nonaerated lung and higher PEEP levels may allow arterial-oxygenation goals to be met at a lower level of inspired oxygen (FiO2). Participants A total of 550 participants were randomized to receive mechanical ventilation with either lower or higher PEEP levels, which were set according to different tables of predetermined combinations of PEEP and fraction of inspired oxygen. Conclusions Participants with acute lung injury and ARDS who receive mechanical ventilation with a tidal-volume goal of 6 ml per kilogram of predicted body weight and an end-inspiratory plateau-pressure limit of 30 cm of water, clinical outcomes were statistically similar whether lower or higher PEEP levels are used. (Brower, et al., 1004; PMID: 15269312).

  Study phs003714

• Jackson Heart Study (JHS-BioLINCC)

  Accessing Data: Please refer to &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; below regarding accessing data through the BioData Catalyst ecosystem. The data from this accession is not available for download through dbGaP.Related Studies: Other Jackson Heart Study data available include: Imaging studies (JHS-Imaging), Genetics and genomics (The Jackson Heart Study, phs000286.v7.p2), and Collaborative Cohort of Cohorts for COVID-19 Research (C4R-JHS, phs002907.v1.p1): Jackson Heart Study (phs002907.v1.p1).Available Data: Data available for request include Jackson Heart Study visit 1-3 examination cycles, collated annual follow-up communication data through 2016, and follow-up for mortality, heart disease, and stroke events through 2014.Objectives: The objectives of the Jackson Heart Study are to: 1) investigate the associations of biological, psychosocial, and behavioral factors with the incidence atherosclerotic events and health outcomes in an African American cohort; and 2) increase access to and the participation of African American populations and scientists in biomedical research and professions.Background: It has long been recognized that African Americans share a disproportionate burden of deleterious health outcomes including diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and early onset of cardiovascular disease. The Jackson Heart Study was initiated in 2000 to explore potential mechanisms and mediators of health outcomes in a large African American cohort. In addition, the JHS conducts a variety of community education and outreach activities to promote healthy lifestyles to reduce disease risk burden and student training programs to promote and support public health research.Participants: African American men and women, age 35-84 at entry. Of the 5306 cohort members enrolled in the study, the data repository contains data from 3,883 that provided informed consent to share their data with investigators not affiliated with the study.Design: Participants were enrolled in the study from 2000-2004 from urban and rural areas of three counties (Hinds, Madison and Rankin) in the Jackson, MS metropolitan statistical area. Participants were enrolled from each of 4 recruitment pools: a random sample component (17%), volunteer component (30%), currently enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (31%), and secondary family members (22%). Recruitment was limited to non-institutionalized adult African Americans age 35-84 years, except in the family cohort where those age &#8805;21 years were eligible. The final cohort of 5,306 participants includes 6.59% of all African American residents aged 35-84 (N=76,426, US Census 2000). Data collection at the baseline exam included a medical history, physical examination, blood/urine analytes and interview questions on areas such as: physical activity; stress, coping and spirituality; racism and discrimination; socioeconomic status; and health care access.The current release of the Jackson Heart Study includes data collected at baseline, exam 2 (2005-2008), and exam 3 (2009-2013). Annual follow-up and surveillance of clinical cardiovascular events is ongoing.

  Study phs003740

• Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) Controlled Study of the Clinical Effectiveness of Automated Real-Time Feedback on CPR Process Conducted at a Subset of ROC Sites (CPR) (ROC-CPR-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Objectives: A substudy of the ROC PRIMED trial, the ROC CPR trial sought to investigate whether real-time audio and visual feedback during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outside a hospital increases the proportion of participants who achieved prehospital return of spontaneous circulation.Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an essential link in the chain of survival for treating cardiac arrest. However, performance of CPR is highly variable both outside hospital and in hospital. Interruptions in chest compression, inadequate depth of chest compression, and high rates of ventilation adversely affect blood flow during chest compressions and can hinder resuscitation. Suboptimal CPR, particularly time spent without chest compressions (low chest compression fraction), can reduce survival of cardiac arrest patients.Current technology incorporated into a monitor-defibrillator can assess core components of CPR through the use of an accelerometer and impedance changes across the defibrillation electrodes. This technology can also provide real-time audiovisual feedback so that the rescuer is prompted to perform according to guideline specifications. Use of such feedback increases the likelihood of performing CPR in accordance with guidelines during training and simulation. Participants: There were 1586 participants: 771 treated without feedback and 815 with feedback.Design: CPR feedback was provided through proprietary Q-CPR software operating in the Philips MRx monitor-defibrillator. The feedback feature of the defibrillator includes audible voice prompts and visual messages on the monitor screen that are triggered when measured chest compressions or ventilation deviate from guidelines or are interrupted.The study was conducted in 21 emergency medical service (EMS) agencies at three ROC regions in the U.S. and Canada. Randomized treatment clusters, which ranged from individual emergency medical vehicles to groups of emergency agencies, were assigned to feedback-on or feedback-off treatments. Each cluster remained in its assigned mode for two to seven months, after which it switched to the opposite treatment arm. At the end of those two treatment periods, each cluster was again randomly assigned to feedback-on or feedback-off. This cycle continued for the duration of the study. Each cluster switched treatment arms at least once, and up to four times, during the study. Conclusions: Real-time visual and audible feedback during CPR altered performance to more closely conform with CPR guidelines. Clusters assigned to feedback were associated with increased proportion of time in which chest compressions were provided, increased compression depth, and decreased proportion of compressions with incomplete release. However, frequency of prehospital return of spontaneous circulation did not differ according to feedback status, nor did the presence of a pulse at hospital arrival, survival to discharge, or awake at hospital discharge (Hostler, et al., 2011, PMID: 21296838).

  Study phs003818

• Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Pragmatic Trial of Airway Management in out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (ROC PART-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Objectives: To determine the effect of an initial airway management strategy using laryngeal tube (LT) insertion, compared with endotracheal intubation (ETI), on survival among adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).Background: Out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest (OHCA) affects more than 350,000 adults in the United States each year, with only a low percentage of patients surviving to hospital discharge. Emergency medical services (EMS) paramedics commonly perform ETI or insertion of supraglottic airways (SGAs), such as the LT, on patients with OHCA to facilitate oxygenation and protect the lungs from aspiration of vomitus. Because SGA insertion is rapid, simple, and requires less training compared to ETI, many EMS agencies have incorporated this as the primary method of ventilation during OHCA resuscitation. However, the optimal method for OHCA advanced airway management is unknown.Participants: A total of 3004 patients were included; 1505 assigned to initial LT and 1499 assigned to initial ETI.Design: PART was a multicenter cluster-crossover randomized trial. The trial included 27 EMS agencies associated with US sites of the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC). The EMS agencies were grouped into 13 randomization clusters. Each cluster selected a crossover interval of 3 or 5 months. Within each cluster, treatment assignments for consecutive intervals were computer-randomized in blocks of 2 to ensure balanced exposure to both airway groups. Crossovers between study groups could occur more than once. Treatment assignments were initial LT insertion or initial ETI. Neuromuscular blocking agents or video laryngoscopy was permitted for initial intubation efforts. The trial did not limit the number of initial LT insertion or ETI attempts. If the initial insertion efforts were unsuccessful, EMS personnel performed rescue airway management using any available airway technique. EMS personnel followed local protocols for confirmation of airway placement and management of OHCA, including field termination of resuscitation efforts. Patients receiving bag-valve mask (BVM) ventilation only were retained in their assigned treatment group per intention-to-treat principles. The trial did not prescribe clinical care at the receiving hospitals, including use of EMS airway, targeted temperature management, percutaneous coronary intervention, or the timing of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy.The primary outcome was 72-hour survival. Secondary outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation, survival to hospital discharge, and favorable neurological status at hospital discharge (Modified Rankin Scale score &#8804;3). Conclusions: Among adults with OHCA, a strategy of initial LT insertion was associated with significantly greater 72-hour survival compared with a strategy of initial ETI. These findings suggest that LT insertion may be considered as an initial airway management strategy in patients with OHCA, but limitations of the pragmatic design, practice setting, and ETI performance characteristics suggest that further research is warranted.

  Study phs003902

• Immunophenotyping in a COVID-19 Cohort (IMPACC) Transcriptomics and Genotyping Assays

  IMPACC (IMmunoPhenotyping Assessment in a COVID-19 Cohort) is a prospective longitudinal cohort study (NCT04378777) launched in May 2020 in response to the worldwide pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institute of Health (NIH). Patient enrollment and sample analysis involved 20 hospitals associated with 15 U.S. biomedical research centers and 11 centralized Core immunoassay laboratories.The study aimed to enable the identification of potential biomarkers and inform future therapeutic interventions using a longitudinal approach encompassing the whole disease course for a comprehensive understanding of the contributions of the pathogen and host immune response in modulating the manifestations, severity, and post-acute sequelae of the infection. IMPACC enrolled close to 1200 adult symptomatic, molecularly confirmed hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the study within 48 hours of their hospital admission. Clinical data and biological samples (blood, mid-turbinate nasal swabs, and esophageal aspirant) were collected according to minimal risk guidelines at enrollment and on days 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Biological samples were collected at 3-month intervals up to 12 months after hospital discharge to assess functional and immunologic recovery measures. Sample collection, processing, and storage procedures were standardized across sites, and samples were transported to centralized assay-specific core laboratories (Core Labs) in batches for testing and analysis. The description of outcome severity was not limited to survival versus death but encompassed a clinical trajectory approach using 5 groups leveraging longitudinal data based on time in the hospital, disease severity by ordinal scale based on the degree of respiratory illness, and presence or absence of limitations at discharge. Disease severity was assessed based on the degree of respiratory illness using a 7-point ordinal scale adapted from the World Health Organization COVID-19 and NIAID disease ordinal severity scales. DNA for genetic analyses was collected from whole blood at a single time point. To identify any genomic determinants of severe COVID-19 disease, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping and exome sequencing were conducted to assess genetic variants associated with individual susceptibility to severe disease. In addition, IMPACC included bulk transcriptomic analysis of upper airway (nasal swaps) samples, lower airway (esophageal aspirant) samples, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to evaluate dynamic changes in cellular composition and cellular response during the course of the disease. Reads were aligned to the GRCh38 human reference genome. Additional information for the IMPACC study has been submitted to The Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort) under study accession SDY1760. Further information and requests for resources and reagents should be directed to and will be fulfilled by the Lead Contact, Dr. Steven Kleinstein (steven.kleinstein@yale.edu).

  Study phs002686

• Heart Failure Network: Entresto(TM) in Advanced Heart Failure (HFN-LIFE-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Objectives: To compare treatment with sacubitril/valsartan versus valsartan alone in patients with advanced heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction and recent New York Heart Association class IV symptoms.Background: Treatment with evidence-based medical therapies improves survival, reduces heart failure hospitalizations, and improves quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction. However, evidence supporting the use of medical therapies among patients with advanced heart failure is limited. Patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV heart failure are not often enrolled in clinical trials.A previous trial reported that, compared with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril, sacubitril/valsartan, an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, reduced the relative risk of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalizations by 20% in ambulatory patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction. Although patients with NYHA class IV heart failure were eligible to enroll, this population was underrepresented. The HFN-LIFE trial was initiated to provide additional information about the tolerability, safety, and potential efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with advanced heart failure.Participants: Of the eligible patients that enrolled, a total of 335 patients tolerated the run-in phase and were randomized to a treatment group. 167 patients were randomly assigned to receive sacubitril/valsartan and 168 patients were randomly assigned to receive valsartan alone.Design: The HFN-LIFE trial was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind phase 4 clinical trial. Trial enrollment was suspended early, due to the high risk for adverse outcomes associated with COVID-19 infection.Eligible patients were enrolled and began an unblinded run-in period of 3 to 7 days with sacubitril/valsartan, 24/26 mg (50-mg fixed dose), administered orally twice daily. Participants tolerating the run-in phase were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive sacubitril/valsartan (target dose, 200 mg twice daily) or valsartan (target dose, 160 mg twice daily). The initial doses were selected based on guidelines with dose adjustments being made every 2 weeks.The primary efficacy outcome was the area under the curve of NT-proBNP levels at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks compared with the level of NT-proBNP at randomization. The secondary efficacy end point was the number of days the patient was alive, out of the hospital, and free from any of the following outcomes: listing for cardiac transplant, cardiac transplant, implantation of a left ventricular assist device, receipt of continuous inotropic therapy for 7 or more days, or hospitalization for heart failure on 2 or more occasions other than the index admission.Conclusions: In patients with chronic advanced heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction, there was no statistically significant difference between sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan alone with respect to reducing NT-proBNP levels.

  Study phs004171

• Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD-HeFT-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives The Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD-HeFT) was designed to evaluate the hypothesis that amiodarone or a conservatively programmed shock-only, single-lead implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) would decrease the risk of death from any cause in a broad population of patients with mild-to-moderate heart failure. Background Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) can die suddenly and unpredictably from arrhythmia despite the use of proven medical therapies, such as beta-blockade. Two approaches have been developed to prevent sudden death among patients with CHF: therapy with amiodarone and therapy with an ICD. However, most of the mortality data on amiodarone and ICD therapy at the time of the study had been obtained in clinical trials performed after myocardial infarction in patients without CHF or those with ventricular arrhythmias. Thus, more data was needed to guide these therapies in patients who did not meet these criteria. Participants There were a total of 2521 participants. 847 were randomly assigned to placebo, 845 to amiodarone, and 829 to ICD therapy. Design Before randomization, participants underwent electrocardiography, a 6-minute walk test, 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography, liver and thyroid function studies, and chest radiography. Participants were required, if clinically reasonable, to receive treatment with a beta-blocker and an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, as well as an aldosterone antagonist, aspirin, and statins, when appropriate. Participants were randomly assigned in equal proportions to receive placebo, amiodarone, or a single-chamber ICD programmed to shock-only mode. Participants assigned to amiodarone or matching placebo began therapy as outpatients immediately after randomization. Placebo and amiodarone were administered as a loading dose of 800 mg/day for one week, 400 mg/day for three weeks, and then as a daily maintenance dosage according to weight and bradycardia status. Participants assigned to ICD therapy received their device a median of three days after randomization. The goal of ICD therapy was to treat only rapid, sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Dual-chamber or biventricular devices, or antitachycardia or rate-response pacing therapies were not permitted. The ICD was uniformly programmed to have a detection rate of 187 beats per minute or more. Antibradycardia pacing was initiated only if the intrinsic rate decreased to less than 34 beats per minute. Median follow-up was 45.5 months. The primary end point was death from any cause. Secondary outcome measures included cardiac mortality, arrhythmic mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and incremental cost-effectiveness of the interventions. Each active treatment arm was compared to the placebo drug arm. Conclusions In participants with NYHA class II or III CHF and LVEF of 35% or less, amiodarone had no favorable effect on survival, whereas single-lead, shock-only ICD therapy reduced overall mortality by 23%.

  Study phs003654

• Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) Trauma Epidemiologic Registry (Trauma Epistry) (ROC-Trauma Epistry-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Available Data: This dataset only includes traumatic injury participants. For ROC cardiac arrest Epistry data please see: ROC-Cardiac Epistry 1 and 2 and ROC-Cardiac Epistry 3.Objectives: To build a prospective population-based registry of participants with out-of-hospital traumatic injury responded to by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Specific aims included: to establish whether the results of Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) trials can be generalized to the larger population of people that experience traumatic injury; to more fully establish the burden of traumatic injury; and to examine the relationships between variation in EMS structure and process, regional and periodic factors, and participant outcomes.Background: Traumatic injury is a major public health problem generating substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden on society. The majority of seriously injured persons are initially evaluated and cared for by prehospital providers, however the effect of EMS systems, EMS clinical care, and EMS interventions on trauma patient outcomes is largely unknown. EMS factors such as service level, number of responding providers, use of procedures or drugs in the field, training, quality assurance/feedback, and response time intervals also vary significantly by region.The Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) was established in 2004 to conduct clinical research in the areas of cardiopulmonary arrest and life-threatening traumatic injury with the overall goal of improving resuscitation outcomes. Previous trauma registries have generally focused primarily on hospitalized patients with limited prehospital information. Registries may also exclude trauma cases at far ends of the spectrum, such as those who die in the field or in a non-trauma center and/or patients that are treated and released. These limitations do not allow for detailed, outcome-based assessments of EMS system factors necessary to define prehospital resuscitation best practices. Therefore there was a need for standardized data collection of out-of-hospital traumatic injuries matched to hospital-based outcomes in diverse geographic locations in order to identify the independent effects of prognostic or treatment factors accounting for variations in survival. Participants: The registry included 13,830 traumatic events from 264 EMS agencies transporting to 287 acute care hospitals from the following regional centers: Birmingham, Alabama; Dallas, Texas; Iowa City, Iowa; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; San Diego, California; Seattle/King County, Washington; Ottawa, Ontario; Toronto, Ontario; and Vancouver, British Columbia.Design: ROC Epistry collected standardized data regarding episode-specific factors, participant demographics, clinical information, pre-hospital interventions and disposition, hospital information, and participant outcome for all out-of-hospital traumatic injuries in the ROC regions. Cases were identified through review of emergency response system records including dispatch centers, EMS ground agencies, and air medical services. Out-of-hospital data were extracted from existing databases whenever possible and augmented with targeted review of EMS reports. Hospital data were abstracted directly from the hospital file in most cases. Sites submitted data using a web-based interface or batch uploads (Newgard, et al., 2008, PMID: 18482792).

  Study phs003809

• Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE:Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. At present, the ARIC sIRB has determined that ARIC data cannot be shared with for-profit entities.Related Studies Other ARIC data available include: Imaging studies (ARIC-Imaging), Genetics and genomics (ARIC, phs000280.v8.p2), Collaborative Cohort of Cohorts for COVID-19 Research (C4R): ARIC (phs002988.v1.p1), and as a component of the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS-BioLINCC, phs003637.v1.p1). Available Data Data available for request include ARIC v1-v8 examination cycles, collated annual follow-up communication data for contact years 2-32, and follow-up for mortality, heart disease, and stroke events through 2019. Also included are data from ancillary studies. Objectives The objectives of ARIC are to: 1) investigate associations of factors, including those not previously measured in cohort studies, with prevalence of atherosclerosis and incidence of CHD, clinical stroke and other cardiovascular diseases; and 2) measure cardiovascular disease occurrence and trends and relate these to community levels of, and changes in, risk factors, medical care and atherosclerosis. Background At the time of project initiation, the NHLBI had long recognized the need for longitudinal studies to identify the biochemical and physiological markers and specific environmental factors which place individuals at high risk for the major atherosclerosis diseases. The development of reliable ultrasound examination of peripheral arteries enhanced the expected benefit of such studies. Community surveillance planning began for ARIC in response to recommendations of the 1978 NHLBI Workshop on the Decline in CHD Mortality and has been extended in its purpose to evaluate the large geographic differences in U.S. mortality. Participants Black and white men and women, age 45-64 at entry; sample size: 15,792. Design ARIC is a large-scale, long-term prospective study that measures associations of established and suspected coronary heart disease risk factors with both atherosclerosis and new CHD events in men and women from four geographically diverse communities. The project has two components: community surveillance of morbidity and mortality; and repeated examinations of a representative cohort of men and women in each community. The community surveillance involves abstracting hospital records and death certificates and investigating out-of-hospital deaths. The representative cohorts include approximately 4,000 persons from each community. Community surveillance data includes detailed hospital record abstraction, ECG tracings, and event adjudication. Data from out-of-hospital events in the community include physician, informant, and coroner questionnaires as well as death certificate data and event adjudication. Community surveillance ended in 2014.Cohort participants were examined four times at three year intervals between 1987 and 1998, and have been continuously contacted annually to update their medical histories. Atherosclerosis was measured by carotid ultrasonography. Risk factors studied include: blood lipids, lipoprotein cholesterols, and apolipoproteins; plasma hemostatic factors; blood chemistries and hematology; sitting, supine and standing blood pressures; anthropometry; fasting blood glucose and insulin levels; ECG findings; cigarette and alcohol use; physical activity levels; dietary aspects; and family history. Clinic visits were restarted in 2011 with ARIC visit 5.

  Study phs003738

• Public Access Defibrillation Community Trial (PAD)(PAD-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives The Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Community Trial sought to evaluate broad implementation of Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) in urban community units. Survival to hospital discharge of participants with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was the main outcome measure. Survival was compared in community units (e.g., apartment or office buildings, gated communities, sports venues, senior centers, shopping malls) served by non-medical responders trained in CPR and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), to units receiving the traditional optimum community standard of care (i.e., rescuers trained to recognize a cardiac emergency, call 911, and initiate CPR). Background Sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOH-CA) remains a significant cause of death, in spite of recent declines in overall mortality from cardiovascular disease. Existing methods of emergency resuscitation are inadequate due to time delays inherent in transporting trained responders with defibrillation capabilities to the side of the OOH-CA victim. Existing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems typically combine paramedic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) services with some level of community involvement, such as bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Some communities include automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at isolated sites or in mobile police or fire vehicles. Such an approach typically varies in effectiveness, with an incremental improvement in effectiveness seen in communities that organize and integrate services with the existing EMS system. However, optimal improvement in survival from sudden OOH-CA may require a program that utilizes volunteer non-medical responders (who may not have a traditional duty to respond to an emergency) trained to use AEDs. Participants The PAD trial was a prospective, randomized community based trial. More than 19,000 volunteer responders from 993 community units in 24 North American regions participated. The two study arms had similar unit and volunteer characteristics. Participants with treated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the two groups were similar in age (mean: 69.8 years), proportion of men (67 perecnt), rate of cardiac arrest in a public location (70 percent), and rate of witnessed cardiac arrest (72 percent). Conclusions Community units with volunteers trained in CPR and AEDs had significantly more participants surviving to hospital discharge than units with volunteers trained to use CPR only. There were 30 survivors among 128 definite cardiac arrests in the CPR+AED units and 15 survivors among 107 definite cardiac arrests in the CPR only units (p = 0.03). Serious adverse effects were rarely reported. No volunteers received inadvertent shocks, and no participants were shocked unnecessarily. AED maintenance problems were infrequent. A few participating volunteers reported severe stress related to responding to emergency situations. Although residential complexes represented 16% of the units and 29% of the treatable cardiac arrests, only 5% of the survivors were from residential complexes. Such information should be helpful for individual facilities that are considering implementing PAD programs. (NEJM 2004; 351:637-46).

  Study phs003858

• Best Endovascular vs. Best Surgical Therapy in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia (BEST CLI-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives To compare the effectiveness of surgical treatment to the effectiveness of endovascular treatment in adults with chronic limb-threatening ischemia who are eligible for both treatment options. Background Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than 200 million people worldwide. A portion of those individuals develop chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). CLTI is associated with severe health outcomes. CLTI is defined by ischemic foot pain at rest, ischemic ulcerations, or gangrene. Treatment for CLTI includes revascularization to improve limb perfusion and limit the risk of amputation. However, the choice of surgery or endovascular therapy for revascularization varies greatly. The extent to which this variability affects clinical outcomes in patients with CLTI is unknown. The BEST-CLI trial was initiated to determine whether endovascular revascularization was superior to surgical revascularization in patients with CLTI. Participants A total of 1434 participants with a single segment of great saphenous vein comprised cohort 1. Of these, 718 participants were randomly assigned to the surgical treatment group and 716 participants were randomly assigned to the endovascular therapy group. A total of 396 participants needing an alternative conduit comprised cohort 2. Of these, 197 participants were randomly assigned to the surgical treatment group and 199 participants were randomly assigned to the endovascular therapy group. Design BEST-CLI was an international, randomized, open-label trial. Participants were assigned to one of two cohorts based on the availability of a single segment of great saphenous vein. Participants in both cohorts were randomly assigned to either surgery or endovascular therapy. Follow-up was performed at 30 days after the procedure, 3 months, 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter up to 84 months after randomization. Telephone visits in lieu of clinic visits were planned at 30 months and every 12 months thereafter and at the end of the trial. Participants were followed for major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause), quality of life, level of pain, and performance on the six-minute walk test. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse limb events or death from any cause. A major adverse limb event was defined as above ankle amputation of the index limb or a major index-limb reintervention (new bypass, interposition graft revision, thrombectomy, or thrombolysis). Conclusions Among patients with CLTI who had an adequate great saphenous vein for surgical revascularization (cohort 1), the incidence of a major adverse limb event or death was significantly lower in the surgical group than in the endovascular group. Among the patients who lacked an adequate saphenous vein conduit (cohort 2), the outcomes in the two groups were similar. Farber A, Menard MT, Conte MS, et al. Surgery or Endovascular Therapy for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(25):2305-2316. PMID 36342173

  Study phs003844

• Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Trial of Continuous Compressions Versus Standard CPR in Patients With out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (ROC CCC-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Objectives: To compare the rate of survival to hospital discharge after continuous chest compressions versus standard American Heart Association recommended cardiopulmonary resuscitation with interrupted chest compressions in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.Background: Standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) consists of manual chest compressions to maintain blood flow and positive-pressure ventilation to maintain oxygenation until spontaneous circulation is restored. Chest compressions during standard CPR are interrupted frequently by ventilations. These interruptions reduce blood flow and potentially reduce the effectiveness of CPR. In animals with cardiac arrest, the interruption of chest compressions has been associated with decreased survival. Observational studies involving humans with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac cause have suggested that continuous compressions are associated with higher rates of survival than interrupted compressions.Participants: Of 35,904 patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who were screened, 26,148 were eligible for participation in the trial and were enrolled in the trial during either the run-in phase or the active-enrollment phase. The active-enrollment phase included 23,711 patients, of whom 12,653 were assigned to the intervention group and 11,058 to the control group.Design: There were 114 participating EMS agencies across the eight participating Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) sites, which were grouped into 47 clusters. Clusters of agencies were randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to perform continuous chest compressions or interrupted chest compressions during all the out-of-hospital cardiac arrests to which they responded. Each cluster was required to begin enrolling patients in a run-in phase to demonstrate adherence to the protocol before entering the active-enrollment phase of the trial. Twice per year, each cluster was crossed over to the other resuscitation strategy.Patients assigned to the group that received continuous chest compressions (intervention group) were to receive continuous chest compressions at a rate of 100 compressions per minute, with asynchronous positive-pressure ventilations delivered at a rate of 10 ventilations per minute. Patients assigned to the group that received interrupted chest compressions (control group) were to receive compressions that were interrupted for ventilations at a ratio of 30 compressions to two ventilations; ventilations were to be given with positive pressure during a pause in compressions of less than 5 seconds in duration. The primary outcome was the rate of survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included neurologic function at discharge, which was measured with the use of the modified Rankin scale, and adverse events. Conclusions: During the active-enrollment phase, 1129 of 12,613 patients in the continuous chest compression group and 1072 of 11,035 patients in the interrupted chest compressions group survived to hospital discharge.In patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, continuous chest compressions during CPR performed by EMS providers did not result in significantly higher rates of survival or favorable neurologic function than did interrupted chest compressions.

  Study phs003901

• Inorganic Nitrite Delivery to Improve Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (INDIE-HFpEF): Heart Failure Network (HFN INDIE-Imaging)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objective: To determine the effect of inhaled, nebulized inorganic nitrite on exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.Background: Approximately half of patients with heart failure have a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, there are no proven effective medical treatments for this syndrome. Evidence suggests that impairments in nitric oxide availability have a potentially important role in the pathophysiology of HFpEF.Unlike organic nitrates, inorganic nitrite is converted to nitric oxide in the presence of hypoxia and acidosis, conditions that develop during exercise. Because the cardiac, vascular, and skeletal muscle abnormalities that limit physical capacity and contribute to symptoms in patients with HFpEF characteristically develop during exercise, inorganic nitrite may provide the best way to target nitric oxide delivery precisely at the time of greatest need. The HFN-INDIE trial was initiated to test the hypothesis that compared to placebo, longer-term use of inhaled, nebulized inorganic nitrite would enhance peak exercise capacity in patients with HFpEF. Participants: A total of 105 participants were randomized. 53 were randomized to receive nitrite first and 52 were randomized to receive placebo first.Design: HFN-INDIE was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. After enrollment, patients underwent baseline studies to determine eligibility. All patients were required to display objective exercise limitation, evidenced by reduced peak oxygen consumption (V&#775;o2) on cardiopulmonary exercise testing of less than 75% predicted, with a respiratory exchange ratio indicative of maximal effort (&#8805;1.0). Following qualifying exercise testing, eligible participants received an open-label, single-dose run-in of inhaled, nebulized sodium nitrite (80 mg) to assess tolerability, symptoms, and orthostatic vital signs. Patients developing hypotension (systolic blood pressure The prespecified primary end point was peak V&#775;o2, measured as the highest 30-second average during upright cycle ergometry, during the 4-week period in which patients were receiving inorganic nitrite as compared with placebo. Accelerometry, health-related quality-of-life scores on the self-administered Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (score range, 0-100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life), echocardiographic indicators of cardiac filling pressures measured at trough drug levels (E/e&#8242; ratio, estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and left atrial volume index; lower scores indicate better health for all), ventilatory efficiency (VE/V&#775;co2, lower indicating better health), exercise time (higher indicating better health), and NT-proBNP levels (lower indicating better health) were also collected.Data Availability: Data available from this study includes transthoracic echocardiogram images from multiple timepoints. There are 199 echocardiographic exams available, totaling over 13,100 individual echocardiogram images. Conclusions: Among patients with HFpEF, administration of inhaled inorganic nitrite for 4 weeks, compared with placebo, did not result in significant improvement in exercise capacity.Reference: Borlaug et al., 2018, PMID: 30398602.

  Study phs003804

• BLUE CORAL: Biology and Longitudinal Epidemiology of PETAL COVID-19 Observational Study

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Available Data: Long Term Follow-up data has been added with version 2. Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from PETAL BLUE CORAL include: Bronchial Lavage, Plasma, Tracheal Aspirate, Urine, Whole Blood Buffy Coat, DNA, Plasma, Serum, Urine, and Whole Blood. Please note that use of biospecimens is tiered for both non-genetic and genetic research.Objectives: To measure the incidence and changes over time in symptoms, disability, and financial status after COVID-19&#8211;related hospitalization.Background: For many individuals, the effects of COVID-19 persist after the acute phase and result in prolonged symptoms and disability. This has led to widespread efforts to characterize the epidemiologic characteristics of such post-COVID-19 sequelae. However, accurate data were limited, hindering the ability to counsel patients, caregivers, and policy makers and to plan relevant recovery-focused clinical research. Thus, the BLUE CORAL study was intended to address the knowledge gaps and provide critical data to help guide clinical care, public health, and scientific efforts.Participants: A total of 1376 COVID-19 patents were enrolled, with 825 (444 male, and 379 female) that completed at least one follow-up survey.A subset of the BLUE CORAL adult participants were enrolled in the extension study, FIRE CORAL. FIRE CORAL was a multicenter prospective cohort study of participants recovering from COVID-19 disease after discharge from the hospital. Design: BLUE CORAL was a prospective cohort study. Participants were enrolled between August 24, 2020, and July 20, 2021, with follow-up occurring through March 30, 2022. Posthospital surveys were administered by trained interviewers in English or Spanish to patients or their proxies at 1, 3, and 6 months after enrollment. Cardiopulmonary symptoms were assessed using the Airways Questionnaire 20, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Fatigue was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Disability was assessed by self-report of limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Financial problems were assessed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 question and questions regarding job changes, time off work, and insurance coverage developed with the Mi-COVID-19 study using qualitative interviews. Quality of life was measured using the European Quality of Life 5-dimension 5-level instrument.The primary outcomes were new or worsened cardiopulmonary symptoms, financial problems, functional impairments, perceived return to baseline health, and quality of life. Symptoms that were not present before hospitalization or specifically reported as increased in severity were counted as new or worsened. Conclusions: The findings of this cohort study of people discharged after COVID-19 hospitalization suggest that recovery in symptoms, functional status, and fatigue was limited at 6 months, and some participants reported new problems 6 months after hospital discharge.

  Study phs003419

• Weighing Risks and Benefits of Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (WRAP-IPF-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To determine if the reduction of abnormal gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) with laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery will slow the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as measured by forced vital capacity (FVC).Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive lung disease of unknown cause and increasing prevalence in the United States. Aside from lung transplantation, which approximately only 1% of participants will receive, there is no FDA-approved therapy. Abnormal acid gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) has been well described in participants with IPF and is thought to play a role in the progression of the disease. The several retrospective cohort studies that have assessed the association of anti-acid therapies for GER with clinical outcomes in IPF have had inconsistent results.Participants: A total of 58 participants were enrolled.Design: The WRAP-IPF trial was a multicenter, unblinded randomized clinical trial with participants randomized to either laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery or no surgery. Participants in the no-surgery group had the option of receiving laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery from 24 weeks after randomization if their clinician deemed it medically necessary. Medications for acid GER were allowed in both groups if the clinician felt it was necessary.Participants were followed up from time of randomization to 52 weeks. All participants had study visits at baseline, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks, during which spirometry, 6-min walk testing, and participant-related outcome assessments were done. Participants in the surgery group had clinical visits for preoperative evaluation, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, and postoperative management as clinically indicated. Surgery participants additionally underwent repeat 24-hour pH testing at 24 weeks to assess the efficacy of the surgery. All participants were contacted by telephone for safety assessments at weeks 4, 8, 16, 20, 28, 32, 40, 44, and 52. All participants completed an exploratory questionnaire on reflux symptoms at baseline and 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in FVC from randomization (baseline) to 48 weeks. Secondary endpoints included acute exacerbation, non-elective hospitalization (both all-cause and respiratory-related), death, change in cough severity, change in dyspnea severity, change in health-related quality of life, change in 6-min walk distance, and time to selected event-driven composite endpoints of disease progression. Conclusions: In participants with IPF and abnormal acid GER, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is safe and well tolerated but did not significantly slow the rate of FVC decline. Further research is needed, particularly with a larger study in order to achieve sufficient statistical power, regarding the possible benefits of anti-reflux surgery in this population.Raghu G, Pellegrini CA, Yow E, et al. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (WRAP-IPF): a multicentre, randomised, controlled phase 2 trial. Reference: Raghu, et al., 2018; PMID: 30100404.

  Study phs003968

• Lipid Research Clinics - Prevalence Study (LRC-PS-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: The LRC Program began in 1971 under the sponsorship of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health. Part of this program was the Lipid Research Clinics Prevalence Study, a standardized series of cross-sectional surveys of various North American populations designed to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemias and to describe the distributions of lipids and lipoproteins in major ethnic and social groups. In addition to contributing to the aggregate analysis, each independent population-based study was designed with capabilities for separate analyses of lipid and lipoprotein distributions. The participating populations were not selected to be a probability sample representative of the North American population per se, but by virtue of their size and economic and geographical diversity, they provide a useful cross-sectional group. The Family Study was the third phase of the Lipids Research Clinics North American Population Studies. The Family Study was designed to obtain knowledge of the distribution of lipids and lipoproteins among family members and of the association of familial and genetic attributes to dyslipoproteinemias. Background: An association between serum cholesterol and coronary heart disease is well established. A system was developed for classifying hyperlipoproteinemias into six types of patterns, as a basis for characterizing lipoprotein disorders. The Lipid Research Clinics was thus created to improve the detection of and clinical management of hyperlipoproteinemias. The three primary objectives were: 1) to acquire data on the prevalence of different types of hyperlipoproteinemia in various age and ethnic groups, with special emphasis on the nature and frequency of genetic forms; 2) to collect reliable data on the prevalence and incidence of atherosclerosis in different types of hyperlipoproteinemia; and 3) to conduct an intervention trial to determine if lowering plasma lipid levels would reduce the risk of CHD. Participants: There were 60,495 participants. Conclusions: Data from this study confirm findings from earlier studies in developed countries, showing age-related differences in plasma lipid levels. However, for overall distributions, the LRC data showed slightly lower cholesterol and markedly higher trigylceride values than those previously reported for North America. Some variation in plasma lipid values was evident among the clinic populations. The large number of participants within most subgroups permitted a variety of analytic and comparative studies. For example, data from the large pediatric population revealed a drop in plasma cholesterol levels in adolescent males and females. Males aged 20-50 years had higher cholesterol levels than females in the same age group, and higher trigylceride levels between ages 20-70 years. Numbers were also significient for meaningful comparisons between lipid distributions of females who were taking sex hormones and those who were not; in females taking sex hormones, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were higher for subjects younger than 45 years, but slightly lower after age 45, than lipid levels in females not taking hormones (Circulation 1979; 60(2):427-439).

  Study phs003995

• Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. ObjectivesHypertension Study: To determine whether treatment with a calcium channel blocker or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor lowers the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) or other cardiovascular disease (CVD) events vs treatment with a diuretic.Lipid Study: To determine whether pravastatin compared with usual care reduces all-cause mortality in older, moderately hypercholesterolemic, hypertensive participants with at least an additional CHD risk factor. BackgroundHypertension Study: Antihypertensive therapy is well established to reduce hypertension-related morbidity and mortality, but the optimal first-step therapy is unknown.Lipid Study: Studies have demonstrated that statins administered to individuals with risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) reduce CHD events. However, many of these studies were too small to assess all-cause mortality or outcomes in important subgroups.ParticipantsHypertension Study: A total of 33,357 participants. Lipid Study: A total of 10,355 participants. Baseline mean total cholesterol was 224 mg/dL; LDL-C, 146 mg/dL; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 48 mg/dL; and triglycerides, 152 mg/dL. Mean age was 66 years; 49% were women, 38% black and 23% Hispanic, 14% had a history of CHD, and 35% had type 2 diabetes. DesignHypertension Study: A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial conducted from February 1994 through March 2002. Participants were randomly assigned to receive chlorthalidone, 12.5 to 25 mg/d (n = 15,255); amlodipine, 2.5 to 10 mg/d (n = 9048); or lisinopril, 10 to 40 mg/d (n = 9054) for planned follow-up of approximately 4 to 8 years. The primary outcome was combined fatal CHD or nonfatal myocardial infarction, analyzed by intent-to-treat. Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, stroke, combined CHD (primary outcome, coronary revascularization, or angina with hospitalization), and combined CVD (combined CHD, stroke, treated angina without hospitalization, heart failure (HF), and peripheral arterial disease).Lipid Study: Multicenter (513 primarily community-based North American clinical centers), randomized, non-blinded trial conducted from 1994 through March 2002 in a subset of participants from the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). The interventions in the trial were pravastatin, 40 mg/d, vs usual care. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, with follow-up for up to 8 years. Secondary outcomes included non-fatal myocardial infarction or fatal CHD (CHD events) combined, cause-specific mortality, and cancer.ConclusionsHypertension Study: Thiazide-type diuretics are superior in preventing one or more major forms of CVD and are less expensive. They should be preferred for first-step antihypertensive therapy.Lipid Study: Pravastatin did not reduce either all-cause mortality or CHD significantly when compared with usual care in older participants with well-controlled hypertension and moderately elevated LDL-C. The results may be due to the modest differential in total cholesterol (9.6%) and LDL-C (16.7%) between pravastatin and usual care compared with prior statin trials supporting cardiovascular disease prevention.

  Study phs004021

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Network (IPFNet) Sildenafil Trial of Exercise Performance in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPFNet-STEP-IPF-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: The STEP-IPF study sought to evaluate whether treatment with sildenafil would improve walk distance, dyspnea, and quality of life in participants with advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).Background: IPF is a chronic, progressive lung disease of unknown cause that is characterized by the histopathologic pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia. Progression to end-stage respiratory insufficiency and death within 5 years after the onset of symptoms is characteristic. To date, no pharmacologic therapies have definitively been shown to improve survival or quality of life in participants with this disease.Participants with severe IPF have abnormalities of the pulmonary vasculature leading to decreased levels of resting and exercise-induced production of nitric oxide. Since nitric oxide is a potent pulmonary vasodilator, reduced levels are associated with pulmonary vasoconstriction and impaired gas exchange. Sildenafil (Revatio, Pfizer) is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that stabilizes the second messenger of nitric oxide, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which leads to pulmonary vasodilatation. Such vasodilatation could improve ventilation&#8211;perfusion matching and thus gas exchange in with IPF.Design: STEP-IPF was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of oral sildenafil (20 mg three times daily). Participants meeting eligibility criteria were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive sildenafil or matched placebo with the use of a permuted-block design, with stratification according to clinical center. The primary outcome was the presence or absence of an improvement of at least 20% in the 6-minute walk distance at 12 weeks, as compared with baseline. Key secondary outcomes included changes in the 6-minute walk distance, degree of dyspnea, and quality of life.Screening procedures included the taking of a detailed history, a physical examination, spirometry, echocardiography, CT imaging, and measurements of lung volume on plethysmography, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, and arterial blood gases. Eligible participants returned for an enrollment visit within 6 weeks after screening. All participants received an initial dose of a study drug at this visit and were monitored for 60 minutes for adverse effects. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 6, and 12 weeks. After completion of the 12-week visit, all participants were started on treatment with open-label sildenafil. Visits were scheduled at 13, 18, and 24 weeks; at 28 weeks, serious adverse events and vital status were documented. Testing of the 6-minute walk distance was performed with the use of a standardized protocol at the time of screening and enrollment and at study visits at 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks. Participants with pulse oxygen saturation below 88% received supplemental oxygen. Conclusions: This study did not show a benefit for sildenafil for the primary outcome. The presence of some positive secondary outcomes creates clinical equipoise for further research. There were small but significant differences in arterial oxygenation, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, degree of dyspnea, and quality of life favoring the sildenafil group.

  Study phs004085

• Heart Failure Network - Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibition to Improve Clinical Status and Exercise Capacity in Diastolic Heart Failure (HFN RELAX-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Related StudyEcho images are available through HFN RELAX-ImagingObjectivesThe RELAX trial tested the hypothesis that chronic phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor therapy with sildenafil would improve exercise capacity and clinical status in heart failure patients with normal ejection fraction, as compared to placebo. Background Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common and highly morbid condition that is characterized by chronic exercise intolerance, progressive functional decline and a high rate of readmission. At the time of the RELAX trial, clinical trials of renin-angiotensin system antagonists had not demonstrated improvement in outcomes or clinical status in HFpEF, and effective therapies were needed. Phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) metabolizes the nitric oxide (NO) and natriuretic peptide (NP) systems' second messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and thus may limit beneficial NO and NP actions in the heart, vasculature and kidney. Pre-clinical studies suggest that inhibition of PDE-5 reverses adverse cardiac structural and functional remodeling and enhances vascular, neuroendocrine and renal function. In clinical studies, PDE-5 inhibitor therapy improved exercise tolerance and clinical status in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). A small, single-center study in HFpEF observed improved hemodynamics, left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, right ventricular (RV) systolic function, LV hypertrophy and lung function with chronic PDE-5 inhibition as compared to placebo. In aggregate, these studies suggested the potential for PDE-5 inhibition to ameliorate several key pathophysiological perturbations in HFpEF, and thus improve exercise capacity and clinical status. ParticipantsA total of 216 participants were enrolled in the trial with 113 in the Sildenafil group and 103 in the placebo group. Design Participants who met screening criteria underwent baseline studies including a history and physical examination, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPXT), six-minute walk distance, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ), echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and phlebotomy for biomarkers. Subjects were then randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to either the sildenafil or placebo intervention group. The study drug was administered orally at 20 mg three times daily (TID) for 12 weeks. If the dose was well tolerated at 12 weeks, it was increased to 60 mg TID for another 12 weeks. If side effects developed, study staff could recommend discontinuation or return to a lower or previously tolerated dose of study drug. Sildenafil levels 2 hours after a scheduled dose of study drug were obtained at 12 and 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was exercise capacity determined by change in peak oxygen consumption during the CPXT after 24 weeks of therapy. Secondary endpoints included change in six-minute walk distance at 12 and 24 weeks, change in peak oxygen consumption at 12 weeks, and a three tier score reflective of clinical status where patients were ranked based on time to death (lowest tier), time to cardiovascular or cardiorenal hospitalization (middle tier), and change in the MLWHFQ for patients alive without cardiovascular or cardiorenal hospitalization after 24 weeks (highest tier). Conclusions Chronic phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor therapy with sildenafil for 24 weeks did not alter exercise capacity or clinical status compared to placebo in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.

  Study phs003565

• Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) Cardiac Epidemiologic Registry (Cardiac Epistry) Version 3 (ROC-Cardiac Epistry 3-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Available Data The ROC Cardiac Epistry version 3 include all cardiac arrest cases entered into the ROC database from April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2015. This is separate from versions 1 and 2 because of the major changes in how and which data were collected. Version 3 represents the following major changes to the structure and data collection: separate ED Arrival and Hospital Admits forms, mandatory ED and Hospital elements and a revamped CPR Process form. For ROC traumatic injury Epistry data please see: ROC-Trauma Epistry Objectives To build a prospective population-based registry of participants with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest responded to by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Specific aims included: to establish whether the results of Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) trials can be generalized to the larger population of participants that experience cardiac arrest; to more fully establish the burden of cardiac arrest; and to examine the relationships between variation in EMS structure and process, regional and periodic factors, and participant outcomes. Background Cardiac arrest is a common, serious, debilitating and costly public health problem. Although there has been a steady decline in morbidity and mortality from most cardiovascular diseases, high mortality rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests continue to pose a challenge for healthcare providers and a significant public health burden. The Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) was established in 2004 to conduct clinical research in the areas of cardiopulmonary arrest and life-threatening traumatic injury with the overall goal of improving resuscitation outcomes. Participant and care characteristics can predict favorable outcomes in cardiac arrests, but there is still a wide variation in outcomes that is not well understood. EMS factors such as service level, number of responding providers, use of procedures or drugs in the field, training, quality assurance/feedback, and response time intervals also vary significantly by region. Variations in geographic, socioeconomic and periodic factors may also be associated with differences in outcomes. Prior to ROC Cardiac Epistry, there were no North American population-based registries for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Therefore there was a need for standardized data collection of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in diverse geographic locations in order to identify the independent effects of prognostic or treatment factors accounting for variations in survival. Participants There were 120,306 participants. Design ROC Epistry collected standardized data regarding episode-specific factors, participant demographics, clinical information, pre-hospital interventions and disposition, hospital information, and participant outcome for all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the ROC regions. Each ROC site had to ensure capture of all eligible cases within the EMS service areas. Out-of-hospital data were extracted from existing databases whenever possible and augmented with targeted review of EMS reports. Hospital data were abstracted directly from the hospital file in most cases. Alternative methods included linkage to death registries and obituaries if the death occurred within 30 days. Sites submitted data using a web-based interface or batch uploads. Participants were not contacted directly.

  Study phs003726

• Heart Failure Network - Nitrate's Effect on Activity Tolerance in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFN NEAT-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Related StudiesEcho images are available with HFN-NEAT Imaging.ObjectivesTo determine the effect of isosorbide mononitrate on daily activity in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.Background Nitrates are commonly prescribed for symptom relief in patients with heart failure. Early studies in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction concluded that long-acting nitrates improve activity tolerance; however, approximately half of heart failure patients have preserved ejection fraction. The effects of nitrates in patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction have not been extensively studied and the overall effect of nitrates on activity tolerance in such patients is uncertain. ParticipantsThere were a total of 110 participants enrolled with 51 participants assigned to receive isosorbide mono-nitrate first and placebo second, and 59 participants assigned to receive placebo first and isosorbide mononitrate second. Design Enrolled participants underwent baseline assessments, including echocardiography, quality-of-life scores, 6-minute walk test distance, and NT-proBNP levels. participants were also supplied with two kinetic activity monitors containing high-sensitivity triaxis accelerometers, to be worn 24 hours per day. The accelerometer measurements were expressed as arbitrary accelerometer units and stored every 15 minutes equaling 96 data points per day. The 15-minute cumulative accelerometer units were totaled over a 24-hour period to provide daily accelerometer units. Participants were assigned to one of two treatment groups: 6 weeks of placebo first with crossover to 6 weeks of isosorbide mononitrate, or 6 weeks of isosorbide mononitrate first with crossover to 6 weeks of placebo. The study drugs were prepared as 30-mg tablets of isosorbide mononitrate and matching placebo. During each 6-week period, participants were instructed to take no study drug for the first 2 weeks followed by one tablet (30 mg daily) for 1 week, two tablets (60 mg once daily) for 1 week, and four tablets (120 mg once daily) until the next study visit, for a treatment duration of at least 2 weeks and up to 4 weeks. After each 6-week period, participants returned to the study center to repeat end-point assessments. The primary outcome for the study was the comparison of average daily accelerometer units during the period in which participants were receiving the 120-mg dose of isosorbide mononitrate compared to the period in which participants received the placebo. Other secondary end points included the 6-minute walk distance and the post-walk Borg dyspnea score, scores on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, and NT-proBNP levels. In addition, participants completed a questionnaire indicating in which period (first, second, no preference) they felt better. Conclusions Participants were active for fewer hours of the day during the 120-mg phase of receipt of isosorbide mononitrate as compared with placebo. Furthermore, during all study-drug regimens combined (30 mg to 120 mg), participants were less active during receipt of isosorbide mononitrate as compared with placebo. There was no significant effect of isosorbide mononitrate on secondary outcomes.

  Study phs003548

• Acute Respiratory Distress Network (ARDSNet) Studies 01 and 03 Lower Versus Higher Tidal Volume, Ketoconazole Treatment and Lisofylline Treatment (ARMA/KARMA/LARMA) (ARDSNet-ARMA/KARMA/LARMA-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Biospecimens Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from ARDSNet-ARMA/KARMA/LARMA include plasma, serum and urine. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Objectives The ARDS Network is a consortium of clinical centers and a coordinating center to design and test novel therapies for the treatment of Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The primary objective of the KARMA trial was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Ketoconazole and Respiratory Management in the treatment of ALI and ARDS. The Ketoconazole arm of the study was later stopped due to an inability to show efficacy. Participants continued to be randomized to the respiratory management arms of the study (ARMA), which compared two ventilator strategies: a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg versus 12 mL/kg. The LARMA phase of the study investigated the efficacy of Lisofylline and Respiratory Management. Background Participants suffering from ARDS are extremely ill, require mechanical ventilation and, despite improvements in medical care and technology, had a mortality rate as high as 50 percent. An excessive inflammatory response is characteristic of ALI of which ARDS represents the most severe end of the pathophysiologic spectrum. The inflammatory response includes increased numbers of neutrophils activated to produce cytokines, proteases, and reactive oxygen intermediates. Pulmonary injury may also be enhanced by alveolar and tissue macrophages as a producer of vasoactive substances, neutrophil chemoattractants, and procoagulant substances. Ketoconazole, a synthetic antifungal imidazole, also has anti-inflammatory activities and may inhibit neutrophil recruitment via several different pathways known to be involved in the development of ALI and ARDS. Lisofylline causes a marked decrease in the circulating levels of the major oxidizable species of free fatty acids and also inhibits proinflammatory intracellular signaling. Mechanical ventilation in participants with ALI and ARDS have traditionally used tidal volumes of 10 to 15 ml per kilogram of body weight. These large tidal volumes are often necessary to achieve normal partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide and pH, but may induce inflammatory responses through disruption of pulmonary epithelium and endothelium. Mechanical ventilation at lower tidal volumes may reduce injurious lung stretch and decrease the inflammatory response. Participants The Ketoconazole and Lisofylline trials were designed as 2 x 2 factorials and included 220 participants in each trial. A total of 860 participants were randomized into the ventilator management trial. Participants enrolled in the Lisofylline or Ketoconozole studies had to be concurrently enrolled in the ventilator management study and were first randomized into a ventilator strategy and then to drug or placebo. Conclusions Ketoconazole was found to be safe but did not reduce mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, or improve lung function. Lisofylline was also found to be safe and to have no beneficial effect for participants with ALI or ARDS. Ventilation at lower tidal volumes resulted in reduced mortality and an increase in the number of days without ventilator support. (PMIDs: 10789668, 11902249, 10793162).

  Study phs003734

• ARDSNet 07-08: Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Center Trial of Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Gamma-Linolenic Acid, and Antioxidants in Acute Lung Injury or ARDS (OMEGA) (ARDSNet-Omega-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from ARDSNet-Omega include bronchial lavage, plasma, urine, and DNA. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent.Objectives: To determine if dietary supplementation of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, &#947;-linolenic acid and antioxidants to participants with acute lung injury would increase ventilator-free days to study day 28.Background: Early acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by neutrophilic lung inflammation, permeability, and intravascular and alveolar fibrin deposition. The type and inflammatory activity of eicosanoids liberated during inflammation depends on the membrane phospholipid composition: omega 6 (n-6) fatty acid arachidonate yields highly reactive and inflammatory dienoic prostaglandins and series 4 leukotrienes, whereas omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids favor production of less active and potentially anti-inflammatory trienoic prostaglandins and series 5 leukotrienes. Participants at risk of developing ALI have n-3 levels approximately 25% of normal and those with established ALI have n-3 levels as low as 6% of normal, suggesting a potential role for n-3 dietary supplementation in participants with ALI.Three randomized controlled studies, conducted in participants with ALI or sepsis-induced respiratory failure, demonstrated an association between the administration of an enteral formula enriched in n-3 fatty acids, GLA, and antioxidants and improved oxygenation and respiratory physiology compared with an unenriched, high-fat formula. However, interpretation of these results is limited by the small sample sizes and as-treated analyses of only those participants who tolerated full enteral nutrition. Participants: The total number of participants in the study was 272.Design: Participants were stratified by hospital and the presence of shock at baseline and then randomized to receive either twice-daily enteral supplementation of n-3 fatty acids, GLA, and antioxidants (n-3 supplement) or an isocaloric-isovolemic carbohydrate-rich control. Participants were also simultaneously randomized to a separate ongoing trial (the EDEN study) comparing low- vs full-calorie enteral nutrition in a 2&#215;2 factorial design.The n-3 or control supplement was administered enterally as twice-daily boluses of 120 mL beginning within 6 hours of randomization. Dosing continued until the earliest of 21 days, 48 hours of unassisted breathing, or extubation. The energy provided by the boluses supplemented that provided by each primary physician's choice of standard continuous non&#8211;n-3-enriched enteral formula. The rate of continuous enteral feeding was managed by a protocol with an algorithm for gastrointestinal intolerances. The supplement was administered even if enteral nutrition was interrupted, as long as the patient was tolerating enteral medications. Conclusions: The study was stopped by the DSMB for futility at the first interim analysis after 143 participants had been randomized to receive the n-3 supplement and 129 to receive the isocaloric control. Despite an 8-fold increase in plasma eicosapentaenoic acid levels, participants receiving the n-3 supplement had fewer ventilator-free days, intensive care unit&#8211;free days, and nonpulmonary organ failure-free days.

  Study phs003744

• Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) Cardiac Epidemiologic Registry (Cardiac Epistry) Versions 1 and 2 (ROC-Cardiac Epistry 1 and 2-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Available Data: The ROC Cardiac Epistry versions 1 and 2 include all cardiac arrest cases entered into the ROC database from December 1, 2005 to April 1, 2011. ROC Cardiac Epistry 3 includes cardiac arrest cases captured between 2011 and 2015, and introduced significant changes in how and which data were collected.For ROC traumatic injury Epistry data, please see: ROC-Trauma Epistry Objectives: To build a prospective population-based registry of participants with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest responded to by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Specific aims: to establish whether the results of Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) trials can be generalized to the larger population of participants that experience cardiac arrest;to more fully establish the burden of cardiac arrest; and to examine the relationships between variation in EMS structure and process, regional and periodic factors, and participant outcomes.Background: Cardiac arrest is a common, serious, debilitating and costly public health problem. Although there has been a steady decline in morbidity and mortality from most cardiovascular diseases, high mortality rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests continue to pose a challenge for healthcare providers and a significant public health burden. The Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) was established in 2004 to conduct clinical research in the areas of cardiopulmonary arrest and life-threatening traumatic injury with the overall goal of improving resuscitation outcomes. Participant and care characteristics can predict favorable outcomes in cardiac arrests, but there is still a wide variation in outcomes that is not well understood. EMS factors such as service level, number of responding providers, use of procedures or drugs in the field, training, quality assurance/feedback, and response time intervals also vary significantly by region. Variations in geographic, socioeconomic and periodic factors may also be associated with differences in outcomes.Prior to ROC Cardiac Epistry, there were no North American population-based registries for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Therefore there was a need for standardized data collection of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in diverse geographic locations in order to identify the independent effects of prognostic or treatment factors accounting for variations in survival. Participants: The registry included 109,326 cardiac arrest events from 264 EMS agencies transporting to 287 acute care hospitals from the following regional centers: Birmingham, Alabama; Dallas, Texas; Iowa City, Iowa; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; San Diego, California; Seattle/King County, Washington; Ottawa, Ontario; Toronto, Ontario; and Vancouver, British Columbia.Design: ROC Epistry collected standardized data regarding episode-specific factors, participant demographics, clinical information, pre-hospital interventions and disposition, hospital information, and participant outcome for all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the ROC regions. Each ROC site had to ensure capture of all eligible cases within the EMS service areas. Out-of-hospital data were extracted from existing databases whenever possible and augmented with targeted review of EMS reports. Hospital data were abstracted directly from the hospital file in most cases. Alternative methods included linkage to death registries and obituaries if the death occurred within 30 days. Sites submitted data using a web-based interface or batch uploads. Participants were not contacted directly.

  Study phs003803

• Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury Network - Reevaluation of Systemic Early Neuromuscular Blockade (PETAL ROSE-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below regarding accessing data through the BioData Catalyst ecosystem. The data from this accession is not available for download through dbGaP. Available Data: The data available for request now include Long Term Outcome data.Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from PETAL ROSE include Plasma, DNA, Whole Blood, and Urine. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent.Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of early neuromuscular blockade with concomitant heavy sedation as compared with a strategy of usual care with lighter sedation targets in patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS.Background: It has been well established that the approaches used for the application of mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can affect survival and outcomes after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU). A large, multicenter trial conducted a decade before this study reported that the early administration of a 48-hour infusion of neuromuscular blockade in patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS (defined by a ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen [Pao2] to the fraction of inspired oxygen [Fio2] of Participants: There were 1006 participants.Design: PETAL-ROSE was a multicenter, unblinded, randomized trial of patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive 48 hours of continuous neuromuscular blockade with concomitant deep sedation (intervention group) or to receive usual care without routine neuromuscular blockade and with lighter sedation targets (control group).Patients in the intervention group who were not under deep sedation at baseline were deeply sedated within 4 hours after randomization. Subsequently, patients in this group received an intravenous bolus of 15 mg of cisatracurium, followed by a continuous infusion of 37.5 mg per hour for 48 hours. After the 48-hour trial intervention period, decisions regarding further use of neuromuscular blockade, including the choice of agent, were left to the discretion of the treating clinician. Neuromuscular blockade could be stopped early if the patient met the criteria for freedom from mechanical ventilation (Fio2 &#8804;0.40 and PEEP &#8804;8 cm of water) for at least 12 hours. All patients were treated with a strategy of low tidal volume ventilation within 2 hours after randomization and a high PEEP strategy for up to 5 days after randomization. Assessors who were unaware of the group assignment interviewed surviving patients or their proxies at 3, 6, and 12 months after randomization. The primary end point was in-hospital death from any cause at 90 days (in-hospital was defined as the time in the trial hospital plus transfer to another hospital, including the time in long-term acute care facilities). Conclusions: After the second interim analysis, the decision to stop the trial for futility was made independently by the data and safety monitoring board.In critically ill patients identified shortly after the diagnosis of moderate-to-severe ARDS, the addition of early continuous neuromuscular blockade with concomitant deep sedation did not result in lower mortality than a usual-care approach to mechanical ventilation that included lighter sedation targets.

  Study phs003878

• Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) Prehospital Resuscitation on Helicopter Study (PROHS) (ROC-PROHS-BioLINCC)

  Accessing Data: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below regarding accessing data through the BioData Catalyst ecosystem. The data from this accession is not available for download through dbGaP.Objective: To observe if patients with severe traumatic injuries evacuated to level 1 trauma centers on air ambulances who received prehospital red blood cells and/or plasma had decreased in-hospital mortality compared to patients who received only crystalloids.Background: Injury is the leading cause of death in adults and children between the ages of 1 and 44 years. However, approximately 40% of in-hospital deaths among injured patients involve massive truncal hemorrhage that is considered potentially salvageable. Multiple retrospective military and civilian studies have reported that transfusion involving blood component ratios approaching whole blood are associated with significant decreases in 24-hour and 30-day mortality among injured patients. Furthermore, prehospital transfusion (PHT) studies from military and civilian hospitals have shown that prehospital transfusion of plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) is not only feasible, but associated with improved coagulation status on arrival. Prehospital resuscitation practices in the US differ significantly in approach, with most systems using crystalloids while a few offer RBCs or a combination of plasma and RBCs. No large multicenter civilian studies have evaluated the use of prehospital plasma and RBCs in severely injured patients compared to crystalloids.Participants: A total of 25,118 trauma patients were admitted during the 10 month enrollment period to the nine participating centers, of which 2341 arrived by helicopter, and 1058 met the highest risk criteria. Of the high risk sub-set, 585 arrived on helicopters with blood products available and 473 patients arrived via helicopters without blood available. One hundred forty two patients (24%) of those transported on helicopters with blood products available actually received PHT and 916 patients did not.Design: PROHS was a multicenter, prospective pragmatic, observational study of prehospital resuscitation approaches. There were no study guidelines dictating resuscitation practice (i.e., use of blood products or end of resuscitation). Of the 9 participating Level I trauma centers, 5 had helicopter systems with plasma and/or RBCs while the other 4 had helicopter systems that used only crystalloid resuscitation. All patients arriving to the participating center's trauma emergency department via helicopter directly from the scene were screened and had initial data collected. Of that group, all patients who met the highest risk category or received blood during transport were followed by direct observation during the initial resuscitation period and then indirectly through medical chart review until hospital discharge or 30 days after admission (whichever occurred first).The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality at 3 hours, 24 hours, and 30 days. Other outcome measures included length of hospital stay, number of ICU days, number of ventilator days, blood product usage, GOSE score at discharge, number of patients with complications, and number of patients who required hemostatic devices. Conclusions:Because of the unexpected imbalance in injury severity between systems with and without blood products on helicopters, all analyses were inconclusive. With few units transfused to each patient and small outcome differences between groups, large randomized studies will be required to detect significant survival differences in this important population.

  Study phs003826

• Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Related Studies: Other CARDIA data available include:phs000236.v2.p2 PAGE: CALiCo: Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults(CARDIA) phs000309.v3.p2 The CARDIA-GENEVA Study phs000399.v1.p2 NHLBI GO-ESP: Heart Cohorts Exome Sequencing Project (CARDIA) phs000613.v1.p2 NHLBI CARDIA Candidate Gene Association Resource (CARe) phs003675.v1.p1 CARDIA Multi-omics Obesity &#38; CVD Substudy &#8211; Year 20 Untargeted Metabolomics Data phs001612.v3.p2 NHLBI TOPMed: CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) phs003045.v1.p1 Collaborative Cohort of Cohorts for COVID-19 Research (C4R): Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA) phs000285.v4.p3 CARDIA_Cohort Available Data: Available data for request include exam data through Year 30 and outcomes and death data through 2022. Additionally, data from 28 ancillary studies are available for request.Objectives: The original objectives of CARDIA were to document levels of risk factors for coronary artery disease and potential determinants of these risk factors in young adults; to study the interrelationships of risk factors and lifestyles and to document behavioral and environmental changes during the transition from young adulthood to middle age; to compare cross-sectional and longitudinal data on age-related trends in cardiovascular disease risk factors; and to compare levels and evolution of risk factors between men and women, blacks and whites, and in groups of differing socioeconomic status. Goals of the study have evolved to emphasize understanding determinants of left ventricular mass, emerging obesity and hypertension, and sequelae of hypertension in pregnancy.Background: CARDIA is designed to increase understanding of contributors to changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors during the critical years of transition from young adulthood to middle age. CARDIA was funded initially in 1983 for a five-year cycle that included two rounds of examinations. Contract renewals have allowed for subsequent re-examinations.Participants: Black and white men and women; ages 18-30 years at entry with a range of attained education; original sample size: 5,115.Design: CARDIA is a population-based observational study of 5,115 participants aged 18-30 years recruited in 1985-1986. The sample was designed to achieve approximately balanced subgroups of race, gender, education (high school or less and more than high school) and age (18-24 and 25-30). Forty percent of the cohort had no more than a high school education. A total of nine examinations have been completed in the cohort with examination cycles at year 2 of the project and years 5, 7, 10 , 15, 20, 25, and 30.In addition to standard measurements of blood pressure, anthropometry, blood lipids, smoking behavior, physical activity, diet, pulmonary function, and many psychological factors, CARDIA has other included measurements (in subsets or in the full cohort) to obtain unique information on other aspects of risk factor development and early morbidity. These have included: graded exercise treadmill testing; echocardiography, particularly for measurement of left ventricular mass; cardiovascular reactivity; serum cotinine; Lp(a), apoE phenotype, apolipoprotein A1 and B; homocysteine; skin reflectance; body composition by dual X-ray absorptiometry; glucose tolerance testing; vascular resistance and compliance; and plasma renin activity and sympathetic nervous system activity.

  Study phs003739

• Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA): African American Family GWAS

  COGA is a family study of alcoholism, in which the subjects have been drawn from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA), a large, ongoing family-based study that includes subjects from seven sites around the US. COGA has gathered detailed, standardized data on study participants, including diagnostic and neurophysiological assessments. This project has already proved successful in identifying several genes that influence the risk for alcoholism and neurophysiological endophenotypes, which have been independently replicated. COGA data were included as part of two Genetic Analysis Workshops, and the phenotypes are familiar to the genetics community. Alcoholic probands were recruited from treatment facilities, assessed by personal interview, and after securing permission, other family members were also assessed. A set of comparison families was drawn from the same communities as the families recruited through an alcoholic proband. Assessment involved a detailed personal interview developed for this project, the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (SSAGA), which gathers detailed information on alcoholism related symptoms along with other drugs and psychiatric symptoms. Many participants also came to the laboratories for electroencephalographic studies. Neurophysiological features that have been shown to be useful endophenotypes for which we have linkage and in some cases association results are included on a subset of the case-control sample: the beta power of the resting electroencephalogram (EEG), the P3(00) amplitude of the visual event-related potential (ERP), and the theta and delta event-related oscillations (EROs) underlying the P3. As part of COGA, a set of informative African American families were selected to have Genome-Wide Association data obtained within families. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina Omni2.5_080814_1 chip to genotype 3,438 subjects selected from densely affected families. Genotyping was performed at CIDR. This sample complements a set of densely affected European American families previously made available under dbGaP study accession phs000763. In addition, exome sequencing data on a subset of individuals with GWAS were added in version 2.For version 3, a subset had 30X Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) as part of the NIDA Sequencing Initiative. The subset contained two distinct sets: Sibling pairs where one sibling had at least two dependence diagnoses in the set (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opioid), and the other had none, and non-related Case-Control pairs matched for age and ethnicity where the cases had alcohol and at least 2 other dependence diagnoses and controls had none. After sequencing, some sibling pairs are re-classified as half siblings, Three VCF files (small variants, structural variants, and copy number variations) are provided. Additional substance abuse variables are made available in version 3. We note that the full sample data are deposited in four dbGaP submissions and the sequenced samples are split across all four: CIDR: Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism Case Control Study (phs000125). GWAS data on cases (primarily probands) and controls drawn from the families. Families with highest density of alcohol dependence and/or extreme event-related oscillation data (phs000763). GWAS data on 119 extended families of European descent are available here, along with extensive documentation. Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA): African American Family GWAS (phs000976). GWAS data on all available COGA families of African descent are available. COGA: Smokescreen GWAS (phs001208). GWAS data on all remaining COGA DNA samples, primarily of other racial background, were genotyped on the Smoke Screen array. A listing of all sequenced pairs is provided in the documentation to facilitate the merging of these samples.

  Study phs000976

• Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL) Network - Functional, Imaging, and Respiratory Evaluation in CORAL (PETAL FIRE CORAL-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from PETAL FIRE CORAL include plasma and whole blood. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent and biospecimens may not be used to produce commercial products.Objectives: To examine the recovery from COVID-19 disease following acute hospitalization with an emphasis on functional, imaging, and respiratory evaluation, and assess the feasibility of conducting a larger study to evaluate variables associated with differential recovery.Background: The BLUE CORAL study, dbGaP phs003419, was intended to address the knowledge gaps and provide critical data to help guide clinical care, public health, and scientific efforts regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) recovery. The understanding and treatment of long-term sequelae of COVID-19, referred to variously as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), post-acute COVID, long COVID, or long-haul COVID, is fundamental to patient recovery. These long-term consequences are common and increasingly recognized, although heterogeneous in manifestation, and can result in a failure to return to baseline level of health. At the time of the FIRE CORAL study, there were limited studies that collected objective assessments following hospital discharge for a wide spectrum of patients surviving COVID-19.Participants: FIRE CORAL enrolled adult participants as a subset of those enrolled in the BLUE CORAL study with a recent COVID-19 hospitalization and that completed the 1- or 3-month post-hospital telephone long-term outcomes assessment. The target enrollment for this pilot study cohort was 80 participants.Design: FIRE CORAL was a multicenter prospective cohort study of participants recovering from COVID-19 disease with in-person follow-up, as an extension of the BLUE CORAL study. The study consisted of a battery of assessments objectively measuring pulmonary function, abnormalities on lung imaging, and functional status. Participants were to attend and perform initial in-person testing at 3 to 9 months after hospital discharge. Participants with abnormal findings on pulmonary function testing or chest imaging during their initial assessment or those with persistent respiratory symptoms were eligible to repeat study procedures 3 months later with a subsequent visit at 12 months. All participants were invited to return for in-person follow up at 12 months after hospital discharge. Assessments included high-resolution chest CT scan without contrast, spirometry, lung volume assessment, diffusing capacity measured by single breath measurement, Six Minute Walk Test, Short Physical Performance Battery, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale. Demographic and hospitalization data are available as part of the BLUE CORAL study.The primary aim of the FIRE CORAL study was to examine the feasibility of conducting rigorous in-person follow-up testing of participants discharged from the hospital following COVID-19 illness to assist with planning for a larger study to evaluate variables associated with differential recovery. The secondary aim was to describe the pulmonary, imaging, and functional recovery following COVID-19 hospitalization in a diverse population of patients.

  Study phs004130

• Heart Failure Network - Imaging from Nitrate's Effect on Activity Tolerance in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFN NEAT-Imaging)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Objectives: To determine the effect of isosorbide mononitrate on daily activity in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.Background: Nitrates are commonly prescribed for symptom relief in patients with heart failure. Early studies in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction concluded that long-acting nitrates improves activity tolerance; however, approximately half of heart failure patients have preserved ejection fraction. The effects of nitrates in patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction have not been extensively studied and the overall effect of nitrates on activity tolerance in such patients is uncertain.Subjects: There were a total of 110 patients enrolled with 51 patients assigned to receive isosorbide mono-nitrate first and placebo second, and 59 patients assigned to receive placebo first and isosorbide mononitrate second.Design: Enrolled subjects underwent baseline assessments, including echocardiography, quality-of-life scores, 6-minute walk test distance, and NT-proBNP levels. Subjects were also supplied with two kinetic activity monitors containing high-sensitivity triaxis accelerometers, to be worn 24 hours per day. The accelerometer measurements were expressed as arbitrary accelerometer units and stored every 15 minutes equaling 96 data points per day. The 15-minute cumulative accelerometer units were totaled over a 24-hour period to provide daily accelerometer units.Subjects were assigned to one of two treatment groups: 6 weeks of placebo first with crossover to 6 weeks of isosorbide mononitrate, or 6 weeks of isosorbide mononitrate first with crossover to 6 weeks of placebo. The study drugs were prepared as 30-mg tablets of isosorbide mononitrate and matching placebo. During each 6-week period, patients were instructed to take no study drug for the first 2 weeks followed by one tablet (30 mg daily) for 1 week, two tablets (60 mg once daily) for 1 week, and four tablets (120 mg once daily) until the next study visit, for a treatment duration of at least 2 weeks and up to 4 weeks. After each 6-week period, patients returned to the study center to repeat end-point assessments. The primary outcome for the study was the comparison of average daily accelerometer units during the period in which patients were receiving the 120-mg dose of isosorbide mononitrate compared to the period in which patients received the placebo. Other secondary end points included the 6-minute walk distance and the post-walk Borg dyspnea score, scores on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, and NT-proBNP levels. In addition, subjects completed a questionnaire indicating in which period (first, second, no preference) they felt better. Conclusions: Patients were active for fewer hours of the day during the 120-mg phase of receipt of isosorbide mononitrate as compared with placebo. Furthermore, during all study-drug regimens combined (30 mg to 120 mg), patients were less active during receipt of isosorbide mononitrate as compared with placebo. There was no significant effect of isosorbide mononitrate on secondary outcomes.

  Study phs004254

• GA4GH

  Standards The EGA is a long-standing supporter of the Global Alliance for Genomics & Health (GA4GH) to enhance responsible sharing of human genetic data through the development of interoperable global standards for human data access. The EGA is one of the founding GA4GH Driver Projects and has contributed to the development and implementation of several GA4GH standards and APIs. Below is a list of the GA4GH standards and APIs that are currently available or planned for implementation at EGA. TechnicalStandards Purpose SpecificationVersion SupportedVersion Implementation Large Scale Genomics htsget A protocol for secure, efficient, and reliable access to sequencing read and variation data. V1.3.0 V1.0.0 Specification Documentation Endpoint Read File Formats (SAM/BAM/CRAM) Specifications for storing next-generation sequencing read data. V3.0.0 V3.0.0 Implementation Example of Usage Variation File Formats (VCF/BCF) The specifications for Variant Call Format Files (VCF) and its binary counterpart BCF. V4.0.0 V2.0.0 V4.0.0 V2.0.0 Implementation Example of Usage Crypt4GH v1.0 Enables direct byte-level compatible random access to encrypted genetic data stored in community standards (e.g. CRAM, VCF) V1.0 V1.0 Specification Documentation Endpoint refget API Enables access to reference sequences using an identifier derived from the sequence itself. V1.2.6 NA Specification RNAget API v1 Provides a means of retrieving data from several types of RNA experiments including (i) feature-level expression data from RNA-seq type measurements and (ii) coordinate-based signal/intensity data similar to a bigwig representation via a client/server model. V1.0.0 NA Documentation Discovery Beacon v2 Supports discovery of genomic variants, phenotypes, and individuals V1.0.1 V0.3 Web UI API Source Code Service Info API v1 The Service Info API is an endpoint for describing GA4GH service metadata, designed for extension and inclusion in other APIs. Service info is used to describe a single service, while Service Registry is used to describe multiple services. V1.0.0 NA Documentation Service Registry API v1 provides information about other GA4GH services, primarily for the purpose of organizing services into networks or groups and service discovery across organizational boundaries. V1.0.0 NA Documentation Data Use Researcher Identities Data Use Ontology (DUO) Allow users to semantically tag genomic datasets with usage restrictions, allowing them to become automatically discoverable based on a health, clinical, or biomedical researcher’s authorisation level or intended use. 2021-02-23 2021-02-23 Specification Documentation Endpoint Authentication & Authorization Infrastructure (AAI) The GA4GH AAI specification leverages OpenID Connect (OIDC) Servers for use in authenticating the identity of researchers desiring to access clinical and genomic resources from data holders adhering to GA4GH standards, and to enable data holders to obtain security-related attributes of those researchers. V1.2.0 V1.2.0 API URI: ega.ebi.ac.uk:8443 Documentation Repository Researcher IDs (passport, visa) Specify the collection of researchers that may access a dataset at any given time, and the credentials they must supply. V1.0.1 V1.0.1 Specification Documentation Endpoint Cloud Tool Registry Service API TRS is a standard API for exchanging tools and workflows to analyze, read, and manipulate genomic data. V2.0.1 NA Documentation Repostiory Data Repository Service API ​DRS API is a standard for building data repositories and adapting access tools to work with those repositories, works with other approved APIs from the GA4GH Cloud Work Stream to allow researchers to discover algorithms across different cloud environments and send them to datasets they wish to analyse. V1.0.3 NA Documentation Repostiory Workflow Execution Service API This API lets users run a single workflow (defined using CWL or WDL) on multiple different platforms, clouds, and environments, and be confident that it will work the same way. The API provides methods to request that a workflow be run, pass parameters to that workflow, get information about running workflows, and cancel a running workflow. V1.0.1 NA Documentation Repostiory Genomic Knowledge Standards Variation Representation v1 Provides a flexible framework of computational models, schemas, and algorithms to precisely and consistently exchange genetic variation data across communities. V1.3.0 EGA team is contributing to including it in in Beacon v2 Specification and Elixir Reference Implementation Documentation Repostiory Clin/ Pheno Data Capture Phenopackets Provides information models with different levels of complexity to enable high level clinical phenotype information as well as deep clinical phenotype information to be exchanged. V2.0.0 Included in Ongoing Submissions EGA team is contributing to including it in in Beacon v2 Specification and Elixir Reference Implementation Documentation Repostiory Driver Project The EGA, jointly coordinated by the EBI and the CRG, was announced, in 2017, to be one of the 15 Driver Projects for GA4GH. Driver Projects are international genomic data initiatives, focussed on real projects and challenges that will guide the development efforts in order to accelerate and enable completely responsible and standarised data sharing by 2022. All chosen Driver Projects make a cross-sectional effort by playing an important role across the different workstreams. Thomas Keane, Jordi Rambla, Mallory Freeberg, and Aina Jené have been named Driver Project Champions for the EGA. All Driver Project Champions will be leading this ambitious initiative for the following years.

  Documentation about/projects-and-funders/ga4gh

• How upcycled prostate cancer sequences enabled key findings on telomeres length

  The length of telomeres, the chromosomes’ end tails, as depicted in the figure below, physiologically shorten with aging. This means that younger cells have longer telomeres compared to their aged counterparts; one could say that the length of cells’ telomeres is a measure of their replicative power. Cancer cells are known to be able to turn this into their favour, and expand their replicative immortality through telomere lengthening and maintenance. Despite being a well-studied pan-cancer hallmark, the relation of the telomeres length to specific cancer genomic features is poorly understood. Julia Livingstone and her colleagues from P.C. Boutros' team in Los Angeles focused their work on prostate cancer. To investigate the relations between telomere length and the clinico-genomics of prostate tumours, they used whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 392 published tumour–reference pairs previously deposited at the EGA under accession numbers EGAS00001000400 and EGAS00001000900. Their work was published on Nature Communications in November 2021. They determined the telomere length of the sequencing sample, from both tumour and non-tumour adjacent tissues, and subsequently ran statistical analysis to investigate possible correlation between the telomeres length with several cancer features. The team discovered that telomeres length does not correlate with any specific driver gene mutation, but it does with the overall frequency of single nucleotides variants in a sample. This finding suggests that tumours with shorter telomeres accumulate more mutations without strong selective pressures for specific ones. While proliferation rate did not correlate directly with telomere length, methylation of almost half of all genes strongly did. The team’s results are massive and reveal a complicated and fascinating relation of different clinical and genomic features of prostate cancer with telomere length. In the paper discussion, they smartly consider different possibilities. As noted above, all these amazing results have been obtained analysing previously sequenced samples. Remarkably, the researchers who generated the samples did not focus at all on telomeres length. They indeed studied specific genes mutations and the features of early and late-onset prostate cancer. This proves, once again, the power of sequencing data re-use. This data is tremendously rich in information, and can hardly be exhausted with any number of analyses. Generating sequencing data, especially Whole Genome Sequencing, even better if tumor-reference paired, is like shopping every last article at the grocery store. You can then cook several recipes, or prepare a seven-course dinner, and still have ingredients left for someone else to borrow and cook something you have not thought about, a recipe that is just not in your cookbook. Noteworthy, the data retrieved from the EGA for this paper is associated with rich and complete metadata, meaning pheno-clinical information regarding the sample donors. As Julia Livingstone and her team wrote, using rich clinical annotations enabled them to assess the relationship between telomere length and patients outcome. This highlights once again the importance of reporting and annotating metadata correctly; It might feel like extra work for the researchers depositing their data, but it really has a huge value. Our team at the EGA is currently working to improve the metadata annotation process, with the aim to maximize the benefits for the scientific community.

  Blog prostate-cancer-sequences-enabled-key-findings-on-telomeres-length

• DMET Genes, Nicotine Metabolism and Prospective Abstinence

  This study (DA033813; PI: Andrew W Bergen; PMID:26132489) includes samples from two laboratory studies of nicotine metabolism. The Pharmacokinetics of Nicotine Metabolism in Twins study (PKTWIN; PI: Gary E Swan; PMID: 15527659) was based on recruitment from a twin registry (PMID: 23084148). The Integrated Research Project on Tobacco Use and Dependence (IRP; PI: Gary E Swan; PMID: 14578134) was based on recruitment from a pedigree-based longitudinal study of risk factors for substance use, the Smoking in Families study (SMOFAM; DA03706; PI: Hy Hops). These two laboratory studies (PKTWIN and IRP/SMOFAM) served as the Stage I dataset to interrogate Drug Metabolizing Enzyme and Transporter genes with a targeted SNP array for association with the Nicotine Metabolite Ratio (NMR, ratio of trans-3'-hydroxycotinine and cotinine), an established biomarker of nicotine metabolism. In addition to the laboratory studies, samples from eight RCTs (PMID: 23249876) with the NMR and smoking-related measures used to test SNPs identified in Stage I (PMID: 26132489). In a third stage, a lung cancer meta-analysis database (PMID: 24880342) was used to assess association of SNPs identified in Stage II with lung cancer. The objectives of the study were to identify novel genes and SNPs contributing to nicotine metabolism (Stage I), and to validate PK SNPs associated with the NMR from individuals participating in a clinical laboratory protocol with the NMR obtained from treatment-seeking smokers, and then to investigate association with prospective smoking cessation (Stage II). This study built upon existing studies of nicotine metabolism and randomized trials of smoking cessation therapies. Enhanced knowledge of the genes influencing nicotine metabolism and prospective abstinence may help personalize smoking cessation treatment and risk assessment for smoking-related diseases. For Stage I, both subject [fixed-dose NMR, covariates (age, BMI, ethnicity, sex, smoking status, and hormone use), and pedigree relationships] and sample (common DMET SNP genotype, genotyping quality control) data are available in this accession. The analysis protocol, quality control summaries, summary genotype, summary phenotype, and analysis results are available for Stage I, II and III samples (PMID: 26132489). Extensive discussion of the prior CYP2A6 association literature with the NMR, abstinence, smoking heaviness and lung cancer risk is available (PMID: 26132489). The NMR has previously been associated with CYP2A6 activity, response to smoking cessation treatments, and cigarette consumption. We searched for drug metabolizing enzyme and transporter (DMET) gene variation associated with the NMR and prospective abstinence in 2,946 participants of laboratory studies of nicotine metabolism and of clinical trials of smoking cessation therapies. Stage I was a meta-analysis of the association of 507 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 173 DMET genes with the NMR in 449 participants of two laboratory studies. Nominally significant associations were identified in ten genes after adjustment for intragenic SNPs; CYP2A6 and two CYP2A6 SNPs attained experiment-wide significance adjusted for correlated SNPs (CYP2A6 PACT=4.1E-7, rs4803381 PACT=4.5E-5, rs1137115, PACT=1.2E-3). Stage II was mega-regression analyses of 10 DMET SNPs with pretreatment NMR and prospective abstinence in up to 2,497 participants from eight trials. rs4803381 and rs1137115 SNPs were associated with pretreatment NMR at genome-wide significance. In post-hoc analyses of CYP2A6 SNPs, we observed nominally significant association with: abstinence in one pharmacotherapy arm; cigarette consumption among all trial participants; and lung cancer in four case:control studies. CYP2A6 minor alleles were associated with reduced NMR, CPD, and lung cancer risk. We confirmed the major role that CYP2A6 plays in nicotine metabolism, and made novel findings with respect to genome-wide significance and associations with CPD, abstinence and lung cancer risk. Additional multivariate analyses with patient variables and genetic modeling will improve prediction of nicotine metabolism, disease risk and smoking cessation treatment prognosis.

  Study phs000931

• Heart Failure: A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training (HF-ACTION-BioLINCC)

  Accessing Data Please refer to &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; below regarding accessing data through the BioData Catalyst ecosystem. The data from this accession is not available for download through dbGaP.ObjectivesThe HF-ACTION study examined whether exercise training reduces a composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or all-cause hospitalization for patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure symptoms. Background Heart failure (HF) is a major and growing cardiovascular syndrome that is the end result of many cardiovascular disorders. Although evidence-based drug and device therapies decrease mortality, hospitalizations, and HF symptoms and improve quality of life, many patients treated with these regimens often remain burdened by dyspnea and fatigue, diminished exercise tolerance, reduced quality of life, recurrent hospitalizations, and early mortality. Whereas rest was traditionally recommended for HF patients, there has been evidence that physical deconditioning may play a key role in the progression of symptoms and poor outcomes. Previous studies have shown positive effects of exercise training on exercise capacity, quality of life, and biomarkers and suggest that exercise training might improve survival and decrease HF hospitalizations. Nonetheless, there remains a safety concern regarding exercise training in HF and a large scale, multicenter, controlled clinical trial was needed to provide definitive clinical outcome data. Participants A total of 2,331 participants were randomized. 2,130 consented to share data with non-commercial entities, and 1,753 consented to share for commercial purposes. Design All participants underwent baseline cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Test results were reviewed by investigators to identify significant arrhythmias or ischemia that would prevent safe exercise training, to determine appropriate levels of exercise training, and to establish training heart rate ranges. Demographics, socioeconomic status, past medical history, current medications, physical exam, and the most recent laboratory tests were obtained prior to randomization. All participants received detailed self-management educational materials which included information on medications, fluid management, symptom exacerbation, sodium intake, and physical activity. Participants randomized to the exercise training arm first participated in a structured, group-based, supervised exercise program, with a goal of 3 sessions per week for a total of 36 sessions in 3 months. The primary exercises were walking, treadmill, or stationary cycling. Exercise was initiated at 15 to 30 minutes per session at a heart rate corresponding to 60% of heart rate reserve, and was increased after 6 sessions to 30 to 35 minutes duration and 70% of heart rate reserve. Participants began home-based exercise after completing 18 supervised sessions and were to fully transition to home exercise after 36 supervised sessions. The target training regimen for home exercise was 5 times per week for 40 minutes at a heart rate of 60% to 70% of heart rate reserve. Participants randomized to the usual care group were not provided with a formal exercise prescription. To provide comparable levels of attention from study personnel, all participants were called every 2 weeks for the first 9 months, monthly until 24 months of follow-up, and quarterly thereafter. Participants returned for clinic visits every 3 months for the first 2 years of participation and yearly thereafter for up to 4 years. Follow-up assessments included cardiopulmonary exercise testing, a 6-minute walk test, and a physical activity questionnaire. The primary end point was a composite of all-cause mortality or all-cause hospitalization. Secondary end points included all-cause mortality, the composite of cardiovascular mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization, and the composite of cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization. Conclusions After adjustment for highly prognostic predictors of the primary end point, exercise training was associated with modestly significant reductions for both all-cause mortality or hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality or heart failure hospitalization.

  Study phs003599

• Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) Hypertonic Saline (HS) Trial Shock Study and Traumatic Brain Injury Study (TBI) (ROC-HS/TBI-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession. Access differs from many other dbGaP accessions.ObjectivesShock: To determine if prehospital administration of 7.5% hypertonic saline with 6% Dextran-70 (HSD) or 7.5% hypertonic saline alone (HS), compared to current standard therapy with normal saline (NS), as an initial resuscitation fluid, affects survival following traumatic injury with hypovolemic shock.TBI: To determine whether out-of-hospital administration of hypertonic fluids improves neurologic outcome following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).Background Trauma is the leading cause of death among North Americans between the ages of 1 and 44 years. The majority of these deaths result from hypovolemic shock or severe brain injury. Participants in hypovolemic shock develop a state of systemic tissue ischemia then a subsequent reperfusion injury at the time of fluid resuscitation. Conventional resuscitation involves the IV administration of a large volume of isotonic or slightly hypotonic (lactated ringers, LR) solutions beginning in the prehospital setting. Although not conclusive, prior studies have suggested that alternative resuscitation with hypertonic saline (7.5%) solutions may reduce morbidity or mortality in these participants. Furthermore, hypertonic fluids may have specific advantages in the brain-injured participant, as they may aid in the rapid restoration of cerebral perfusion and prevent extravascular fluid sequestration, thereby limiting secondary brain injury. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated that hypertonicity significantly alters the activation of inflammatory cells, an effect that may reduce subsequent organ injury from ischemia-reperfusion and decrease nosocomial infection. The majority of previous clinical trials have focused on the use of HSD. The potential for 7.5% saline alone (HS) to have similar effects has not been well studied. Removal of the dextran component may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of this solution, which could improve secondary outcomes such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ failure syndrome (MOFS) and rates of nosocomial infections. Participants Shock: There were 893 participants that were randomized (853 enrolled).TBI: There were 1282 participants enrolled and 6-month outcomes data were available for 1087 (85%).Design Shock: Multicenter, randomized, blinded clinical trials involving 114 emergency medical services agencies in North America within the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium were conducted from May 2006 to August 2008. Initial resuscitation fluid, 250 mL of either 7.5% saline per 6% dextran 70 (hypertonic saline/dextran, HSD), 7.5% saline (hypertonic saline, HS), or 0.9% saline (normal saline, NS) administered by out-of-hospital providers. Primary outcome was 28-day survival. On the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring board, the study was stopped early (23% of proposed sample size) for futility and potential safety concern.TBI: Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving 114 North American emergency medical services agencies within the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium were conducted between May 2006 and May 2009. A single 250-mL bolus of 7.5% saline/6% dextran 70 (HSD), 7.5% saline (HS), or 0.9% saline (NS) initiated in the out-of-hospital setting. The main outcome measure was a six-month neurologic outcome based on the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) (dichotomized as >4 or &#8804;4). The study was terminated by the data and safety monitoring board after randomization of 1331 participants, having met prespecified futility criteria.Conclusions Shock: Among injured participants with hypovolemic shock, initial resuscitation fluid treatment with either HS or HSD, compared with NS, did not result in superior 28-day survival. However, interpretation of these findings is limited by the early stopping of the trial (PMID: 21178763).TBI: Among participants with severe TBI not in hypovolemic shock, initial resuscitation with either HS or HSD, compared with normal saline, did not result in superior 6-month neurologic outcome or survival (PMID: 20924011).

  Study phs003777

• Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) Amiodarone, Lidocaine or Neither for Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Due to Ventricular Fibrillation or Ventricular Tachycardia (ALPS)(ROC-ALPS-BioLINCC)

  Accessing Data Please refer to &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; below regarding accessing data through the BioData Catalyst ecosystem. The data from this accession is not available for download through dbGaP. Objective To compare the effects of amiodarone, lidocaine, and placebo on survival to hospital discharge after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Background Ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) are common causes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, but are considered the most responsive to shock and therefore the most treatable. Nonetheless, most defibrillation attempts do not result in sustained return of spontaneous circulation, and VF or VT may persist or recur after shock. There is also evidence that longer durations of VF or VT are associated with decreases in the likelihood of resuscitation. Amiodarone and lidocaine are commonly used to promote successful defibrillation of shock-refractory VF or VT and prevent recurrences. Previous trials have shown amiodarone to be more effective than placebo or lidocaine for return of spontaneous circulation and survival at hospital admittance. This study sought to further extend the research and examine whether amiodarone would improve survival to hospital discharge and neurologic outcomes, as compared to placebo or lidocaine. Participants 3,026 eligible participants were enrolled, with 974 assigned to amiodarone, 993 assigned to lidocaine, and 1,059 assigned to placebo. An additional 1,627 participants that received a study intervention, but did not meet eligibility criteria, were included in analysis of the intention-to-treat population. Design The study interventions (amiodarone, lidocaine, and saline) were packaged in indistinguishable sealed kits and randomly distributed in to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers in a 1:1:1 ratio, stratified by participating site and agency. Each kit contained three syringes, and each syringe held 3 ml of colorless fluid containing 150 mg of amiodarone, 60 mg of lidocaine, or normal saline. Participants with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were treated in accordance with local EMS protocols, in compliance with American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. If VF or VT persisted or recurred after one or more shocks, eligible participants received a vasopressor and the masked kit containing amiodarone, lidocaine, or placebo. Approximating current clinical practice, the initial dose consisted of two syringes administered by rapid bolus. If the estimated body weight of the patient was less than 100 lbs., then one syringe was used. If VF or VT persisted, standard resuscitation measures, additional shocks, and an additional syringe of the study drug were administered. At that point the trial interventions were completed and standard interventions for advanced life support were employed. Upon arrival at the hospital, providers were notified of the patient's enrollment in the trial and encouraged to provide usual care in accordance with AHA guidelines, including open-label amiodarone or lidocaine if necessary. Components of hospital care were monitored but not standardized by the trial protocol. Participants, providers, and trial personnel were blinded to the trial drug assignments, with the exception of treating physicians if emergency un-blinding was required for care. Data from pre-hospital patient care records, CPR process measures, and hospital medical records were collected. The primary outcome of the trial was survival to hospital discharge, and the secondary outcome was survival with favorable neurologic status at discharge, defined as a score on the modified Rankin scale of 3 or less. Conclusions Neither amiodarone nor lidocaine resulted in a significantly higher rate of survival to hospital discharge or favorable neurologic outcome, as compared to placebo, among participants with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to initial shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

  Study phs003784

• Trial of Late Surfactant for Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Study in Ventilated Preterm Infants Receiving Inhaled Nitric Oxide (TOLSURF-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Objectives: To assess whether late surfactant treatment in extremely low gestational age newborn (ELGAN, &#8804;28 week gestation) infants requiring ventilation at 7-14 days safely improves survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia.Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common form of chronic lung disease in children with an estimated 15,000 new cases annually in the United States. BPD affects infants born prematurely, is a major contributor to the cost of prematurity each year, and is associated with long-term pulmonary disability, neurodevelopmental abnormalities and death.Increases in the survival of ELGAN infants have resulted in another form of BPD, which is characterized by impaired alveolar and microvascular development with excess tone and reactivity of airway smooth muscle. Despite treatments to enhance lung maturation, premature infants often need prolonged intubation and mechanical ventilation and/or oxygen support. When mechanical ventilation is required longer than 7 days, BPD results in 70% of surviving ELGAN infants. Most of these infants experience clinical episodes of increased requirement for ventilatory support that are associated with dysfunctional surfactant, which is primarily due to low surfactant protein B (SP-B). In pilot studies of late surfactant treatment in premature infants, there was short-term improvement in SP-B content. These prior studies provided the rationale for a larger clinical trial for later doses of surfactant treatment to prevent episodes of respiratory decompensation and BPD. Participants: 511 infants were eligible for randomization of the 2693 infants screened. Of the 511 infants eligible for randomization, there were 252 infants allocated to the treatment arm and 259 infants allocated to the placebo arm.Design: The study was designed to assess the effect of late doses of surfactant on survival without BPD at 36 weeks post menstrual age (PMA) in ELGAN infants who required intubation and mechanical ventilation between 7 and 14 days of age and were receiving Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). Infants were stratified within clinical centers and gestational age groups and randomized to treatment with calfactant, a natural surfactant extracted from bovine lung lavage fluid, or a sham procedure.All infants received iNO according to the protocol used in the Nitric Oxide Chronic Lung Disease (NOCLD) trial. A masked syringe containing either a standard dose of calfactant for the treatment group, or air for the placebo group, was administered to the infant behind a screen by staff not involved in providing the infant's clinical care. Monitor and ventilator alarms were turned off during dosing to avoid unblinding of clinical staff. To accommodate research staff availability and infant instability, the dosing interval was not strictly set but could be repeated every 24 &#8211; 72 hours up to 5 doses if the infant still required intubation. Dosing could be discontinued by physician request or parental withdrawal from the study. Due to parental preference, the first infant in a multiple birth was randomized according to the randomization schedule and subsequent infants were assigned to the same treatment group. Follow-up to assess pulmonary and neurologic development continued until 2 years of age, with treatment group blinding maintained. The primary outcome was survival without BPD at 36 weeks PMA. Secondary outcomes included BPD at 40 weeks PMA, pulmonary outcome at 12&#8211;24 months of age, and neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of age. Conclusions: There were no significant differences observed between the treatment group and the control group for survival without BPD at 36 weeks or 40 weeks.

  Study phs003899

• Pomalidomide for the Treatment of Bleeding in HHT (PATH-HHT)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Objectives: To determine efficacy (reduction in severity of epistaxis), tolerability, and improvement in quality of life of pomalidomide compared to placebo after 24 weeks of treatment.Background: This study addresses the efficacy of pomalidomide in the treatment of epistaxis in patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) who have anemia and/or require blood transfusion or iron infusion for treatment of bleeding-induced anemia and iron deficiency. HHT (also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu disease) is an inherited bleeding disorder. Over 95% of patients develop recurrent epistaxis, which may be severe and result in chronic anemia, need for iron infusions and blood transfusions, substantial psychiatric comorbidity (including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder) and reduction in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HHT is clinically diagnosed using the Curacao criteria, which consists of 1) spontaneous and recurrent epistaxis, 2) telangiectasias at characteristic sites, 3) visceral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or telangiectasias, and 4) a first degree relative with HHT (inheritance is usually autosomal dominant). Patients with three criteria are considered to have definite HHT, and those with 2 criteria probable HHT. HHT affects approximately 1 in 3,800 individuals. Significant manifestations of HHT often do not appear until the third or fourth decades, sometimes later.Participants: 144 patients from 11 clinical centers were enrolled.Design: This is a multi-center, double blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial that investigated the efficacy and safety of pomalidomide in patients with HHT and chronic epistaxis leading to iron-deficiency anemia or requiring intravenous iron infusions or blood transfusion.Screening evaluation included the Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS) with three-month recall, which reflected the patient's history of epistaxis and bleeding over the prior three months, as well as detailed review of iron infusion and red cell transfusion over the preceding six months. Eligible patients were provided a diary to record the duration of each epistaxis event that occurred during the 4 weeks prior to the baseline visit, and then returned for the baseline randomization visit, at which time patients underwent genetic testing, if this had not been previously performed, and completed an ESS with 4-week recall and quality of life assessments. Patients were randomized 2:1, stratified by study site, to either pomalidomide 4 mg/day or matching placebo during each of six 28 day cycles (24 weeks). Patients were seen every four weeks during treatment, and at a 4-week post-treatment follow-up visit to measure the ESS (with 4-week recall), laboratory assessments including iron stores and need for iron infusion, CBC, and metabolic profile. Patients were assessed for adverse events (AE) throughout the study. Treatment dosage could be reduced, or temporarily or permanently discontinued following AE-specific guidelines related to fatigue, cytopenias or other toxicities.Quality of life assessments were completed at baseline, and the 12- and 24-week visits, and the 4-week post-treatment follow-up visit using validated NIH instruments of 1) Neuro-QOL satisfaction with social roles and activities, 2) PROMIS emotional distress &#8211; depression, and 3) PROMIS fatigue, and the HHT-specific quality of life instrument developed specifically for this study. The effect of pomalidomide on duration of epistaxis was assessed via diary between weeks 8-12, 20-24 and the 4-week post-treatment period.Conclusions: Among patients with HHT, pomalidomide treatment resulted in a significant, clinically relevant reduction in epistaxis severity. No unexpected safety signals were identified (Al-Samkari et al., 2024; PMID: 39292928)

  Study phs003948

• Acute Respiratory Distress Network Early Versus Delayed Enteral Feeding to Treat People with Acute Lung Injury or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDSNet EDEN-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from ARDSNet-EDEN include bronchial lavage, plasma, DNA, and urine. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic and non-genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Objectives: To determine if initial lower-volume trophic enteral feeding would increase ventilator-free days (VFDs) and decrease gastrointestinal intolerances compared with initial full enteral feeding. Background: Mechanically ventilated patients cannot eat normally and if not fed for long periods become malnourished. Because malnutrition is associated with poor outcomes in critically ill patients, artificial nutrition is often provided, especially in those with acute lung injury (ALI) and with expected longer duration of mechanical ventilation. When feasible, enteral nutrition targeting full caloric needs has been advocated over parenteral nutrition. However, feeding intolerance and common care practices often serve as practical barriers to reaching recommended goals. Although confounded by indication and severity of illness, several observational studies have shown improved clinical outcomes, including fewer infections, shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, and lower mortality for patients receiving a higher percentage of calculated caloric needs. Nonetheless, the best timing, formulation, and amount of enteral nutrition remain unknown. Participants: A total of 1,000 participants were enrolled. Design: Participants were randomized, stratified by site and presence of shock at enrollment, to receive either trophic or full enteral feeding for the first 6 days of mechanical ventilation. The initial 272 patients were also simultaneously randomized to a separate trial (the OMEGA study) comparing a nutritional supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants with an isocaloric, isovolemic control in a 2 &#215; 2 factorial design.The designated feeding strategy was initiated within 6 hours of randomization and continued until death, extubation, or day 6. The care of mechanically ventilated patients still receiving enteral feedings after day 6 was managed according to the full feeding strategy in both groups. In extubated patients who then required reintubation, enteral nutrition was restarted and managed according to the study protocol.In the full-feeding group, enteral nutrition was initiated at 25 mL/h and advanced to goal rates as quickly as possible. Gastric residual volumes were checked every 6 hours while enteral feeding was increased. Patients randomized to the initial trophic-feeding group had enteral nutrition initiated at 10 mL/h (10-20 kcal/h) for the first 272 patients who also received the omega-3 or control supplement (240 mL volume per day). After the data and safety monitoring board stopped the OMEGA portion of the factorial design, the initial trophic feeding rate was changed to 20 kcal/h to approximate the calories that had been delivered in the OMEGA study. Gastric Residual Volumes (GRVs) were checked every 12 hours during trophic feeding. In patients randomized to trophic feeding, enteral nutrition was advanced to full-energy feeding rates following the same protocol used for the full-feeding group if they were still receiving mechanical ventilation at 144 hours. Conclusions: There was no difference between groups with regard to the primary end point, VFDs to day 28. There also were no differences in 60-day mortality, organ failure&#8722;free days, ICU-free days, or the incidence of infection between groups. Similarly, there were no differences between groups in VFDs or survival when analyzed by body mass index category or when subsets of patients with shock or more severe lung injury (acute respiratory distress syndrome) were examined.JAMA. 2012 Feb 22;307(8):795-803

  Study phs004168

• Dental Caries: Whole Genome Association and Gene x Environment Studies

  Dental caries (also known as tooth decay) remains the most common chronic disease of childhood, five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than environmental allergies, with more than 40% of children exhibiting caries when they enter kindergarten. In 2005, it was estimated that dental health care costs were approximately $84 billion, of which 60% or about $50 billion were related to treatment of dental caries. Although overall caries prevalence has declined over the last 40 years, dental caries in the primary dentition and mean caries rates in children ages 2-11 has increased markedly over the past 12 years. Childhood caries is a serious public health issue because of associated health problems and because disparities in oral health have led to substantially higher average disease prevalence among children in poverty and in under-served racial and ethnic groups. These issues are of such concern that in 2005, the American Academy of Pediatrics made children's oral health one of their top areas of focus, as it is for the majority of the NIDCR "Disparities Centers". The etiology of dental caries has been studied for many years. Multiple factors contribute to a person's risk for caries, including: 1) environmental factors such as diet, oral hygiene, fluoride exposure and the level of colonization of cariogenic bacteria and 2) host factors such as salivary flow, salivary buffering capacity, position of teeth relative to each other, surface characteristics of tooth enamel and depth of occlusal fissures on posterior teeth. In spite of all that is known about this disease, there are still individuals who appear to be more susceptible to caries and those who are extremely resistant, regardless of the environmental risk factors to which they are exposed, implying that genetic factors also play an important role in caries etiology. This conclusion is supported by studies in both humans and animals, with the most compelling evidence coming from studies of twins reared apart in which investigators found significant resemblance within monozygotic (MZ) but not dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs for percentage of teeth and surfaces restored or carious and estimated the genetic contribution to caries as 40%. Other recent studies of twins reared together estimated the heritability for caries, adjusted for age and gender, as ranging from 45-64%. Despite the strong evidence of a genetic component to risk for dental caries, there have been only a few studies of candidate genes in caries, and no published genome-wide scans. A comprehensive genome wide search is the only approach that will allow us to identify those genetic regions likely to harbor genes increasing the risk for dental caries, and eventually to identify the etiologic genes and to explore the interaction of those genes with microbiological, dietary, fluoride, and behavioral factors that are known to be associated with caries risk and progression. Therefore, the goal of this study is to perform genome-wide association (GWA) studies of dental caries with a large panel of SNP's (610,000) in families and individuals ascertained through multiple US sites (University of Pittsburgh and University of Iowa). The v2 release of this study includes 96 additional individuals who were genotyped with the CCDG: Dental Caries and CL/P in Guatemala project (dbGaP accession number phs000440) to augment the data initially presented here. These subjects were genotyped on the Illumina 610 platform to make their data comparable. This study is part of the Gene Environment Association Studies initiative (GENEVA, http://www.genevastudy.org), which was developed through the trans-NIH Genes, Environment, and Health Initiative (GEI). The overarching goal is to identify novel genetic factors that contribute to dental caries through large-scale genome-wide association studies of well-characterized families and individuals at multiple sites in the U.S. Genotyping was performed at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR). The study was supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR, U01-DE018903). Data cleaning and harmonization were done at the GEI-funded GENEVA Coordinating Center at the University of Washington. Samples of some participants in this study were selected for further genomic analysis. These results will be available in the dbGaP CIDR study: Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia (COHRA) Genomic Studies of Oral Health and Disease (phs001591).

  Study phs000095

• Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL) - Low Tidal Volume Universal Support Feasibility of Recruitment for Interventional Trial (LOTUS FRUIT) (PETAL-LOTUS FRUIT-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: The two main goals of PETAL-LOTUS FRUIT were to conduct a prospective, observational study within all PETAL Network sites to determine the frequency of and outcomes from acute respiratory failure and the current usual care for tidal volume ventilation in patients with and without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and to simulate the design and power of the proposed LOTUS trial. Background: A previous study demonstrated improved survival among patients with ARDS receiving tidal volume (Vt) targeted to 6 ml/kg of predicted body weight (PBW). As a result, low&#8211;tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) is now recommended for all patients with ARDS, although penetration of this evidence-based practice has been limited, especially early in mechanical ventilation. LTVV may also benefit patients without ARDS. Consequently, there has been increasing call to apply LTVV for all patients with acute respiratory failure upon initiation of mechanical ventilation. The PETAL Network considered performing a pragmatic stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized, controlled, hybrid implementation trial to examine systematic implementation of a default 6 ml/kg PBW LTVV strategy in patients with acute respiratory failure requiring intubation to improve adherence to LTVV and decrease mortality in acute respiratory failure. Trial planning may be better estimated by simulation than routine, simplistic calculations, but such simulations require detailed data of initial parameters. Participants: 2848 patients from 49 hospitals were enrolled. Enrollment varied by hospital, ranging from 4 to 100 patients, the maximum enrollment allowed per site. Design: PETAL-LOTUS FRUIT was a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study of patients with acute respiratory failure on mechanical ventilation in the PETAL Network hospitals. For all patients, baseline demographic data, the hospital location, indication for intubation (hypoxemic or hypercapnic respiratory failure or both, altered level of consciousness, or surgery), type of intensive care unit (ICU), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score in the first 24 hours after intubation were collected. Baseline ventilator data immediately after intubation, arterial blood gas results and oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry, and presence of ARDS was also collected for all patients. ARDS was defined as a ratio of arterial oxygen tension to fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) less than or equal to 300 with a chest radiograph within 24 hours of the qualifying ratio of arterial oxygen tension to FiO2 that had bilateral infiltrates unexplained by mass, collapse, or effusion. For the first 50 patients enrolled at each hospital, daily data on ventilator mode, Vt, and presence of ARDS for the first 3 days after intubation was collected. Vt indexed to PBW was calculated from the set Vt for patients on ventilator mode with volume settings. For patients on pressure ventilation modes, Vt was calculated from the ratio of minute ventilation (in ml/min) to the respiratory rate. Enrolled patients were followed until hospital discharge or 28 days for clinical outcomes including mortality, ventilator-free days, and length of stay. To determine the possible improvement in mortality that could be observed with a reduction in Vt from current usual care in the PETAL-LOTUS FRUIT cohort to 6 ml/kg PBW, mortality was estimated as a function of initial Vt. Five models based on data from three distinct patient populations were used. 500 simulations of a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized clinical trial using the model with greatest predicted benefit for lowering the Vt to 6 ml/kg PBW in PETAL-LOTUS FRUIT sites were performed. Conclusions: Use of initial tidal volumes less than 8 ml/kg predicted body weight was common at hospitals participating in the PETAL Network. After considering the size and budgetary requirement for a cluster-randomized trial of LTVV versus usual care in acute respiratory failure, the PETAL Network deemed the proposed trial infeasible (PMID: 30407869).

  Study phs003791

• Broccoli Sprouts Extracts Trial (BEST-COPD-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: To establish a safe and tolerable dose of sulforaphane that effects in vivo antioxidants via Nrf2 for development as a potential novel treatment for participants with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), caused primarily by smoking, is the third leading cause of death in the United States and world-wide. Surprisingly, there are few treatments available to address the pathobiology of COPD other than cessation of smoking. The development and progression of COPD are associated with increased inflammatory response(s) and increased oxidative stress in the lung. Thus, one approach to the development of novel therapies is the stimulation of endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms.Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2/Nrf2) is a transcription factor activated by oxidative stress. Nrf2 activity promotes anti-oxidant enzymes, and anti-oxidant enzymes play key roles in cellular defenses. Sulforaphane, a derivative of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to stimulate Nrf2 activity in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. For example, activation of Nrf2 protected mice from developing emphysema after chronic smoke exposure and decreased oxidative stress. Similarly, activation of Nrf2 in human COPD lung cells resulted in decreased oxidative stress. Therefore, this study was designed to assess whether daily ingestion of sulforaphane by COPD participants for four weeks increased Nrf2 activity in alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells. Participants: There were a total of 89 participants randomized to one of three treatment arms. Of these, 31 participants were randomized to the placebo arm, and 29 participants were randomized to the each of the sulforaphane arms. One participant withdrew from the placebo arm, therefore, a total of 88 participants completed the study.Design: Participants were assigned to receive sulforaphane at 25 micromoles (4.4mg), sulforaphane at 150 micromoles (26.6 mg), or placebo (microcellulose) once daily by mouth. Computer-generated treatment assignments were blinded to participants, clinical staff, and study staff. Doses were back-filled with methylcellulose and presented in similar capsules to compensate for appearance and weight differences in sulforaphane and placebo treatments arms.There were a total of five study visits over the six-week study period. Prior to randomization, participants were assessed for eligibility, which included baseline data collection. Participants provided medical histories, underwent a physical examination, pre-and-post bronchodilator spirometry, lung volume measurements, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO), and pulse oximetry over the six-week study period. Follow up data and biospecimens were collected at the final visit, which was targeted for four weeks after randomization. Two fiberoptic bronchoscopies were performed under sedation to collect endobronchial brushings and bronchoalveolar lavage used to isolate alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells. The first bronchoscopy was performed on the day of randomization, and the second bronchoscopy was performed the day after the final visit. In addition, nasal brushings were obtained prior to bronchoscopy to isolate nasal epithelial cells. The primary outcomes were changes in Nrf2 target gene expression at four weeks in alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells. The target genes for the primary outcome were NQ01, H01, AKR1C1, and AKR1C3. Secondary outcomes included the evaluation of: expression of other genes in the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway (e.g. Nrf2/NFE2L2, KEAP1, and SLPI), markers of oxidative stress (e.g., isoprostane and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in plasma and expired breath condensate, and cytokine profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Conclusions: Sulforaphane administered at four weeks doses of 25umoles and 150umoles to participants with COPD did not significantly increase Nrf2 target gene expression in alveolar macrophages or bronchial epithelial cells. In addition, changes in oxidative stress markers and the expression of other genes in the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway were not statistically significant between the treatment groups.Wise RA, Holbrook JT, Criner G, et al. Lack of Effect of Oral Sulforaphane Administration on Nrf2 Expression in COPD: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial. Vij N, ed. PLoS ONE. 2016; 11(11):e0163716. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0163716 (PMID: 27832073; PMID: 28350841).

  Study phs004022

• Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network (CCTRN): A Phase II, RCT of Mesenchymal Stem Cells & Cardiac Stem Cells in Subjects With Ischemic HF (CONCERT HF-BioLINCC)

  Data Access Note: Please refer to the &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and c-kit positive cardiac cells (CPCs), alone or in combination, in participants with ischemic heart failure.Background The prognosis of heart failure (HF) caused by chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy (coronary artery disease and prior myocardial infarction), hereby referred to as &#8220;ischemic HF&#8221;, remains poor. Many studies have explored the use of various types of stem or progenitor cells in participants with chronic ischemic HF, with encouraging results. Several clinical trials have suggested that MSCs and CPCs are both safe and beneficial in participants with ischemic HF. At the time of this study, no information was available on the efficacy of MSCs and CPCs in humans, however, both cell types have been shown to attenuate left ventricle (LV) dysfunction in animal models. Preclinical models indicate that combining MSCs and CPCs increases the therapeutic effects, but this had not yet been tested in humans. The CONCERT-HF study was initiated to assess whether autologous MSCs and CPCs, alone or in combination, can be manufactured and delivered to participants with ischemic HF; are well-tolerated; and improve LV function, quality of life, and functional capacity, and/or reduce scar size. Participants A total of 125 participants were randomized with 33 participants randomized to the MSCs and CPCs group, 29 participants to the MSCs alone group, 31 participants to the CPCs alone group, and 32 participants to the placebo group. Design The CONCERT-HF study was a multi-center Phase II, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of MSCs alone, CPCs alone, and their combination compared with placebo as well as each other in patients with ischemic HF. In Stage 1 (open label, lead-in study) participants were randomized 1:1 to either a standard-of-care control group (i.e., they did not undergo harvest, mapping, or injection procedures) or combination therapy (MSCs + CPCs, as described for Stage 2) to complete safety assessments. Once approval was granted for Stage 2, participants were randomized (1:1:1:1) to one of four treatments: placebo, autologous MSCs (target dose, 150 &#215; 106 cells), autologous CPCs (target dose, 5 &#215; 106 cells), or a combination of autologous MSCs and CPCs. At the harvest visit, right ventricular endocardial biopsy (EMB) was performed in participants randomized to receive CPCs alone or a combination of MSCs and CPCs. Participants randomized to receive MSCs alone or placebo had a sham procedure (right heart catheterization without EMB). All participants underwent a bone marrow aspiration and approximately 14 weeks later had transendocardial, electromechanically-guided injections of study product. Visits occurred at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after study product injection. A telephone contact took place at 24 months to assess the participant's current medications, as well as morbidity and mortality. Study endpoints included measures of safety, feasibility, and efficacy. Safety outcomes included all adverse events grade 2 and higher, including major adverse cardiac events (MACE) related to HF (death, hospitalization for worsening HF, and HF exacerbation not requiring hospitalization). Efficacy endpoints included quality of life, MRI measures of LV function and structure, functional capacity, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. Conclusions In patients with ischemic HF, autologous MSCs and CPCs, alone or in combination, are safe and feasible; CPCs were associated with a reduction in the incidence of MACE related to HF compared to placebo; MSCs, either alone or in combination with CPCs, were associated with improved quality of life; these seemingly beneficial effects of CPCs and MSCs on clinical outcome were not associated with changes in LV function or structure; and combination therapy with MSCs and CPCs was associated with the best clinical outcomes with respect to both MACE related to HF and quality of life.

  Study phs004055

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Network AntiCoagulant Effectiveness in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPFNet-ACE-IPF-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: The ACE-IPF trial tested the hypothesis that treatment with warfarin at recognized therapeutic doses would reduce rates of mortality, hospitalization, and declines in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) in subjects with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).Background: IPF is a chronic, progressive lung disease of unknown cause characterized by the histopathologic pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia. The median survival of patients with IPF after the onset of symptoms is 2 to 5 years. Prior animal and human studies in pulmonary fibrosis provide a compelling rationale to examine anticoagulation as a therapeutic approach in IPF. Large epidemiologic studies link IPF with thrombosis-related clinical events, such as an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome and deep vein thrombosis. The suspected causal relationship may extend beyond simple coagulation cascade-induced thrombus formation, as procoagulant enzymes may directly stimulate fibrosis via cell surface receptor - mediated responses.Participants: Patients aged 35 to 80 years with progressive IPF were potentially eligible. Progressive IPF was defined as a history of (1) worsening of dyspnea, or (2) physiologic deterioration defined as an absolute decline of either FVC greater than or equal to 10% or DlCO greater than or equal to 15%, a reduction in arterial oxygen saturation of greater than or equal to 5%, or progression of radiographic findings. Between December 14, 2009 and April 1, 2011, 145 subjects were enrolled: 72 in the warfarin group and 73 in the placebo group. The mean age for the population was 67 years. 27% of the subjects were women and 92% were white.Participants were excluded if they met any of the following criteria: current indication for, or treatment with, warfarin, prasugrel, or clopidogrel combined with aspirin; the presence of an increased risk of bleeding; a recent cerebral vascular accident or gastrointestinal bleeding; any current signs or symptoms of severe, progressive, or uncontrolled comorbid illness; and their presence on the active list for lung transplantation. Design: ACE-IPF was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of warfarin targeting an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.0 to 3.0 in patients with IPF. Subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to warfarin or matching placebo for a planned treatment period of 48 weeks. Study subjects were provided two strengths of warfarin tablets (1 mg and 2.5 mg) or matching placebos. Subjects measured their INR with encrypted meters at least weekly. Participants were seen at screening, baseline, and at 16, 32, and 48 weeks after enrollment. Home monitoring was validated by plasma INR measurement at the week 1 and 16 visits.The primary outcome was a composite endpoint based on the time to all-cause mortality; nonelective, nonbleeding hospitalization; or a decrease in the absolute FVC greater than or equal to 10% from baseline value. Secondary outcome measures included rates of mortality, hospitalization, respiratory-related hospitalization, acute exacerbation, bleeding, cardiovascular events, and changes over time in FVC, 6-minute walk test distance, DlCO, plasma fibrin D-dimer levels, and quality of life (QOL).Conclusions: The study did not show a benefit for warfarin in the treatment of patients with progressive IPF and was terminated due to excess mortality in the warfarin treatment group. Treatment with warfarin was associated with an increased risk of mortality in an IPF population who lacked other indications for anticoagulation.Reported causes of death indicated 11 of the 14 were respiratory-related in the warfarin group versus three of the three in the placebo group. There were also three cardiovascular deaths in the warfarin group versus none in the placebo group. No deaths were attributed to bleeding. The warfarin group also demonstrated an increased rate of combined all-cause hospitalization and all-cause mortality. (Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2012 Jul 1;186(1):88-95.)

  Study phs004070

• Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL) Crystalloid Liberal or Vasopressors Early Resuscitation in Sepsis (CLOVERS) (PETAL CLOVERS-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from PETAL CLOVERS include plasma, and whole blood. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Available Data: The data available for request now include Long Term Outcome data.Objectives: To compare the effects of a restrictive fluid strategy (with early use of vasopressors) to a liberal fluid strategy in participants with sepsis-induced hypotension.Background: Intravenous fluid resuscitation is a common therapy used in the initial treatment of participants with septic shock and sepsis-induced hypotension. The goal of initial fluid therapy is to increase depleted or functionally reduced intravascular volume that occurs in sepsis due to a vasodilated vascular network. However, intravenous fluid resuscitation can create dilutional coagulopathy, fluid overload, and pathogenic edema in the lungs and other organs. Vasopressor agents are also commonly used to treat hypoperfusion by inducing constriction of arterioles and venules and increasing cardiac contractility. Vasopressor therapy also comes with risks that include vasoconstriction resulting in tissue ischemia, increased cardiac workload, and arrhythmias. Clinicians have used these strategies, typically in combination, to provide supportive care for participants with sepsis-induced hypoperfusion. However, at the time of the CLOVERS study, there was limited data to guide specific use of these therapies, including fluid volumes, in the early care of participants with sepsis-induced hypotension. The CLOVERS study hypothesized that a restrictive fluid strategy used during the first 24-hours of resuscitation for sepsis-induced hypotension would lead to lower mortality before discharge home by day 90 than a liberal fluid strategy.Participants: A total of 1,563 participants, from 60 medical centers, of the planned 2,230 participants were enrolled, with 782 assigned to the restrictive fluid group and 781 to the liberal fluid group. Enrollment in the trial was ended after the second interim analysis due to a lack of significant difference observed between the two 24-hour strategies.Design: This study was a multi-center, prospective, phase 3 randomized non-blinded interventional trial of fluid treatment strategies in the first 24 hours for participants with sepsis-induced hypotension. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a restrictive fluid strategy (with early vasopressor use) or a liberal fluid strategy. In each group, the assigned protocol was followed for a period of 24 hours. The restrictive fluid protocol prioritized vasopressors as the primary treatment for sepsis-induced hypotension, with 'rescue fluids' being permitted for prespecified indications that suggested severe intravascular volume depletion. The liberal fluid protocol consisted of a recommended initial 2000-ml intravenous infusion of isotonic crystalloid, followed by fluid boluses administered on the basis of clinical triggers (e.g., tachycardia) with 'rescue vasopressors' permitted for prespecified indications. A protocol amendment implemented in October, 2019, allowed for limiting the initial infusion to 1,000 ml if the participant's blood pressure and heart rate had stabilized and the clinical assessment was that the participant was unlikely to benefit from additional intravenous fluid administration. The clinical team could override the protocol-specified care instructions at any time if it was judged to be in the best interest of the participant.The primary outcome was death from any cause before discharge home by day 90. Secondary outcomes included 28-day measures of the number of days free from ventilator use, days free from renal-replacement therapy, days free from vasopressor use, days out of the ICU, and days out of the hospital. Conclusions: Among participants with sepsis-induced hypotension, the restrictive fluid strategy that was used in this trial did not result in significantly lower (or higher) mortality, or other measures of recovery such as length of hospital stay, before discharge home by day 90 than the liberal fluid strategy.

  Study phs004080

• Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program (PROP) Core Database Protocol (PROP-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Objectives: The Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program (PROP) was performed to identify suitable predictors of respiratory outcomes that may serve as surrogate endpoints in future trials of prevention and therapy of respiratory diseases in preterm infants.Background: Acute and chronic respiratory morbidities are common in premature births, and can pose significant risk to the infant's health, particularly during the first two years of life. One such condition is bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) where infants require oxygen therapy due to abnormal repair and impaired lung development after acute lung injury. BPD poses a high mortality risk, even in infants that survive the initial hospitalization. Regardless of BPD diagnosis, preterm infants frequently return for medical care due to symptoms of post-prematurity respiratory disease (PRD), which includes intermittent or chronic wheezing, cough without cold, poor growth, apnea and cyanosis, and lower respiratory tract infections. Impaired lung function can persist into adulthood, contributing to chronic respiratory diseases including asthma and emphysema.However, at the time of the PROP study, there were no objective measures to predict which preterm infants would have persistent respiratory problems after discharge from the hospital. Furthermore, improved survival rates of premature infants and the high prevalence of lasting respiratory morbidities highlight the need for more comprehensive strategies to address both short-term and long-term respiratory complications. Thus, the Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program (PROP) was formed to investigate multiple research hypotheses on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to respiratory disease risk of premature neonates over the first year of life. Specifically, PROP investigators hypothesized that in survivors of extreme prematurity to 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), specific biologic, physiologic and clinical data obtained during the initial hospitalization will predict respiratory morbidity between discharge and 1 year corrected age. Participants: A total of 835 infants were enrolled.Design: PROP was a collaboratively developed multicenter prospective cohort study of very preterm infants from birth through the time of discharge from the NICU and up to one year corrected age.Clinical data included maternal and infant demographics, co-morbidities, and daily infant respiratory, nutritional, and medication data until discharge. These were prospectively collected from birth using medical record review and family interviews. After discharge, phone interviews were conducted with the infant's main caregiver at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months corrected age to assess domains of respiratory morbidity. At 6 and 12 months corrected age, a survey of environmental respiratory irritant exposures and an assessment for gastroesophageal reflux disease were also completed. A standardized physical exam was performed at 36-40 weeks PMA and again at one year corrected age. The exam focused on anthropometrics, vital signs, and respiratory system signs. At 34-41 weeks PMA and within one week of anticipated discharge based on physiologic stability, a set of non-invasive respiratory assessments were performed to assess physiologic biomarkers in infants that were not mechanically ventilated or receiving non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) was performed before and after inhaled albuterol to assess potential airway reactivity. During the RIP study, continuous pulse oximetry was performed during quiet sleep in order to analyze oxygen desaturations and apneas. Standardized oxygen requirement challenge tests were performed at about 36 weeks PMA, and at about 40 weeks PMA if the infant was still hospitalized and was not eligible for, or failed, the previous challenge. Failure was defined as SpO2 20 seconds at any point in the testing. Infants breathing ambient air or that passed the 36 week challenge test underwent a hypoxia challenge consisting of a 15-minute trial of FiO2 of 0.15. Failure was defined as SpO2 The primary outcome was respiratory morbidity, as measured by the presence or absence of substantial post-prematurity respiratory disease (PRD) up to one year corrected age. PRD was classified as a positive response in at least one of four morbidity domains during at least two separate parental interviews. The domains were respiratory medications, hospitalizations for cardiopulmonary cause, respiratory symptoms, and home technology dependence (oxygen, ventilator, or CPAP/BiPAP). Mortality from a respiratory cause was also incorporated.

  Study phs004117

• Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium Registry (SCDIC Registry-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions.Objectives: To understand the barriers to care and other factors related to reduced healthcare utilization after the transition from pediatric to adult SCD care which may contribute to increased morbidity and mortality.Background: Fifty years ago, it was rare for individuals with SCD to live beyond childhood. Advances in care delivery and treatment have more than doubled the life expectancy of individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) since 1972. Beginning in the 1970s, measures such as newborn screening, prophylactic administration of penicillin, and immunization against bacterial infections decreased complications and morbidity, increasing the length and quality of life of children with SCD. Blood transfusions are currently the only proven way to prevent some of the major complications of SCD, especially recurrent stroke. They are also used frequently to help manage some of the acute complications of SCD. More recently, the use of hydroxyurea (HU) as a therapeutic agent to increase fetal hemoglobin has been shown to further reduce the debilitating symptoms of and improve survival in SCD. L-glutamine and crizanlizumab are additional treatments to reduce pain crises and voxelotor is approved to lower the risk of anemia and improve blood flow. In the absence of a widely accessible cure, treatment for SCD is usually aimed at avoiding crises, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications. Many of the advances in treatment have not translated into an increase in longevity or quality of life for adolescents and adults because of disparities in access to routine primary health care.Individuals with SCD experience a markedly increased mortality beginning in the second decade of life. The third and later decades of life are frequently associated with severe chronic pain progressive organ damage and frequent hospitalizations. The provision of evidence-based and expert opinion-based care in SCD is complicated by the difficulties that many patients experience in obtaining access to the health care system and in receiving long-term care from knowledgeable providers. A registry of 2,400 people with SCD was established to provide a rich resource to study the natural history of SCD and to understand barriers to care during the transition from pediatric to adult care. Participants: 2,438 participants with a confirmed diagnosis of SCD were enrolled into the registry over an 18-month period. At the time of enrollment, all participants were 15-45 years of age, English speaking, and without a bone marrow transplant.Design: The SCDIC Registry is a longitudinal observational cohort study. At enrollment, data collection included a medical record abstraction of clinical history, the most recent lab results, and a participant survey which included several patient reported outcomes from PROMIS, ASCQ-Me and NeuroQoL. Similar surveys were administered at annual follow-up. Four to five years after enrollment, a second record abstraction was completed with all clinical events that occurred since enrollment and another set of recent labs. There were many research questions proposed to be answered with the study data thus there was no primary outcome.Conclusions: As noted previously, there were no primary outcomes determined at the start of the study. Research questions included examination of co-morbidities, healthcare utilization, and patient reported outcomes. Key findings from the Registry include:Executive dysfunction, learning difficulties, and poor comprehension significantly associated with poor activities of daily living skills. Executive dysfunction also associated with HU non-adherence. Continuing HU after conception increased odds of miscarriage or stillbirth compared to women who were not using HU. Continuing HU after conception increased odds of low birth weight in infants. Compared to adolescents, young adults had significantly more severe pain, organ dysfunction, mental health disorders, sleep problems, and barriers to medical care. Young adults were significantly less likely to see a sickle cell specialist in the past 2 years. Females had higher pain frequency and severity, more pain episodes, anxiety, depression, hospitalizations, and higher fetal hemoglobin levels. Males had more respiratory, musculoskeletal, genitourinary, and cardiovascular complications, more skin ulcers, and more use of HU. Among 128 subjects that died during the study period, iron overload, pulmonary hypertension, and depression, were significant predictors of the risk of death in multivariate analyses.

  Study phs004203

• EGA metadata schema

  EGA Schemas In this page, you will find information on how the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA) manages its metadata standards using both XML Schema Definition (XSD) and JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) formats. If you are not sure what this means, you may want to explore our brief metadata introduction. This information may be of your interest if you are planning to learn more about how the EGA is built and how to wrap around it for other processes. Nevertheless, if you are a common user (e.g. submitter or requester), you would not have to worry about these schemas nor their format, since they are implemented in user-friendly ways for you. Metadata standards are rules that define how to format and structure data of metadata objects (i.e. entities), like EGA's samples or experiments in a consistent manner. These objects are the nodes of the metadata model of the EGA (Figure 1). Figure 1. Diagram of EGA's metadata model. The model's building blocks are objects (e.g. sample), which can reference each other (e.g. an experiment referencing the used samples). Once your files are uploaded, they can also be referenced by Runs and Analyses. The submission object is an object itself that compiles many others. At EGA, we inherit our metadata schemas from the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA), and we have expanded them to include bespoke objects such as "Policy", "Dataset", and "DAC" (Data Access Committee) for our specific use-case: handling sensitive human data. See below a list of all our metadata objects and some context for each. Metadata Object EGA accession Description Examples of metadata fields Study EGAS… Information about the study Study type, study title, study abstract… Sample EGAN… Information about the used samples in the experiment or analysis Taxon ID, scientific name, biological sex, phenotype… Experiment EGAX… Information about the performed experiment Used libraries, sequencing platform, reference to the used samples… Analysis EGAZ… Contains information about the analysis Type of analysis, used assembly, reference sequence… Run EGAR… The run holds information about the files containing the raw reads generated in a run of sequencing Platform, spot descriptor, raw file references… DAC EGAC… Contains information about the Data Access Committee (DAC) DAC contacts, contact emails… Policy EGAP… Contains the Data Access Agreement (DAA) and policy which its usage complies with Policy text, data use ontologies (DUO) codes… Dataset EGAD… Contains the collection of runs/analysis to be subject to controlled access Dataset type, compilation of Run's and Analysis' IDs There are two different sets of schemas, based on their formats, in which the EGA accepts metadata: XSDs (for XML files) and JSON Schemas (for JSON files). EGA's XML Schema Definition . When programmatic submissions are pushed through the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) system, XML format is used. The schemas that are applied for this format are defined in XML Schema Definition (XSD) files, which can be found at ENA's GitHub repository. You can find more information on how to validate and submit your data programmatically in our programmatic submission documentation. Furthermore, see at our GitHub repository some XML examples with either made-up values (similar to what you would submit) or descriptive values for each field (just for documentation). EGA's JSON Metadata Schemas . When programmatic submissions are pushed through the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) system, JSON format specifications are used instead. See the full JSON specifications for further details. In conclusion, the EGA metadata schemas are crucial for maintaining the quality and consistency of submitted data. By understanding and following the rules outlined in these schemas, you can ensure that your submissions comply with the EGA's standards and contribute to a valuable and accessible genomic resource. Sample checklists Besides the standards in our schemas, we have another layer called Sample checklists. These are another system that the EGA inherits from ENA, and specifies what attributes are required or allowed for a sample object. The EGA uses these checklists to enforce that, for example, a sample object has the three mandatory attributes: subject ID, sex and phenotype of the individual the sample was taken from. When you submit to EGA, our checklist is automatically selected by default.

  Documentation submission/metadata/ega-schema

• Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTEPlease refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession. Access differs from many other dbGaP accessions. BiospecimensAccess to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from TOPCAT include Buffy Coat, DNA, Plasma, Serum, Urine, and Whole Blood. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Objectives The TOPCAT trial evaluated the effectiveness of aldosterone antagonist therapy in reducing cardiovascular mortality, aborted cardiac arrest, and heart failure hospitalization in patients who have heart failure with preserved systolic function. Background Many patients with heart failure have a normal, or near-normal, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Such patients share similar signs and symptoms as patients who have heart failure and a reduced LVEF, as well as an impaired quality of life and a poor prognosis. However, at the time of TOPCAT, the benefit of medical therapies for heart failure were limited to those with a reduced LVEF. Due to a lack of favorable evidence from clinical trials, clinical guidelines offered no specific recommendations for the management of heart failure in patients with preserved LVEF, except for attention to coexisting conditions. Among patients with heart failure and a reduced LVEF and those with myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have been shown to be effective in reducing overall mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure. In small mechanistic studies involving patients with heart failure and preserved left ventricular function, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists improved measures of diastolic function. However, rigorous testing was needed regarding their effect on clinical outcomes in patients with preserved LVEF. Therefore, the TOPCAT trial was initiated to determine whether treatment with spironolactone, an aldosterone antagonist, would improve clinical outcomes in patients with symptomatic heart failure and a relatively preserved LVEF. Participants A total of 3445 participants were enrolled, with 1722 assigned to the spironolactone group and 1723 assigned to the placebo group. Among these, 2464 participants were enrolled via the hospitalization stratum and 981 were enrolled via the BNP stratum. Design TOPCAT was a phase 3, multicenter, international, randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled trial. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive either spironolactone or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. Randomization was stratified according to whether the patient met the criterion for previous hospitalization or BNP elevation. The baseline visit included assessment of socio-demographics, physical characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, laboratory measures, electrocardiography variables and health-related quality of life and functional status. Study drugs were initially administered at a dose of 15 mg once daily, which was increased as tolerated to a maximum of 45 mg daily during the first four months after randomization. Subsequent dose adjustments were made as required and subjects continued to receive other treatments for heart failure and co-existing illnesses. Measurement of potassium and creatinine levels was required within 1 week after a change in the study-drug dose and at each scheduled study visit. Follow-up visits to monitor symptoms, medications, and events and to dispense study drug were scheduled every four months during the subject's first year on the study, and every six months thereafter. The mean follow-up interval was 3.3 years in each study group. Repository blood and urine samples were collected at the baseline and 1 year visits from consenting subjects. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, aborted cardiac arrest or hospitalization for the management of heart failure. Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure management, new onset of diabetes mellitus or atrial fibrillation, and quality of life. A subset of subjects also participated in the Echocardiography or Echocardiography and Vascular Stiffness ancillary studies. Echocardiography, and additionally tonometry in the Echocardiography and Vascular Stiffness study, were performed at baseline and at either 12 or 18 months following randomization. If the subject was already enrolled in the TOPCAT trial at the time the ancillary study was initiated, but had not yet reached the 18 month visit, baseline was determined via a retrospective analysis performed on any echocardiographic images completed within 60 days prior to TOPCAT enrollment and no tonometry was performed if applicable. Conclusions In patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction, treatment with spironolactone did not significantly reduce the incidence of the primary composite outcome of death from cardiovascular causes, aborted cardiac arrest, or hospitalization for the management of heart failure. However, the drug reduced the secondary endpoint of heart failure hospitalization incidence.

  Study phs003665

• Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) Prehospital Resuscitation Using an Impedance Valve and Early Versus Delayed Analysis (PRIMED) (ROC-PRIMED-BioLINCC)

  Accessing Data: Please refer to &#8220;Authorized Access&#8221; below regarding accessing data through the BioData Catalyst ecosystem. The data from this accession is not available for download through dbGaP.Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine two different treatments during a cardiac arrest that occurs outside of the hospital and whether either or both treatments would increase the number of people who lived to hospital discharge with satisfactory functional status. The first treatment involved using a device called the Impedance Threshold Device (ITD). The other treatment involved the amount of CPR given before the emergency medical services (EMS) providers first looked at the heart rhythm to determine if a shock is needed.Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a common and lethal problem with a low survival rate, leading to an estimated 330,000 deaths each year in the United States and Canada. The traditional approach to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has been to emphasize early analysis of cardiac rhythm, with delivery of defibrillatory shocks, if indicated, as quickly as possible. It has been suggested, however, that many participants may benefit from a period of CPR before the first analysis of rhythm.The impedance threshold device (ITD) is designed to enhance venous return and cardiac output during CPR by increasing the degree of negative intrathoracic pressure. Previous studies have suggested that the use of an ITD during CPR may improve survival rates after cardiac arrest. This effect is achieved by preventing the passive inflow of air into the chest during chest recoil between chest compressions without impeding active ventilation. The ITD has been found to improve hemodynamics, the perfusion of vital organs, and neurologically intact survival in studies in animals. The results of small, short-term clinical trials have suggested that the ITD can increase systolic blood pressure during resuscitation and improve short-term survival rates. Participants: In the ITD study, 4,345 participants were assigned to sham ITD and 4,373 to active ITD, while in the early versus later rhythm analysis, 5,290 participants were assigned to early cardiac rhythm analysis, and 4,643 were assigned to later cardiac rhythm analysis. This study qualified for exception from informed consent required for emergency research.Design: Most participants were enrolled simultaneously in both the early analysis versus later analysis component and the active ITD versus sham ITD component of the trial.The use of an active ITD was compared with that of a sham ITD in participants at 10 ROC sites in the United States and Canada. Participants, investigators, study coordinators, and all care providers were unaware of the treatment assignments. EMS personnel were trained in ITD function, proper use of the ITD, and all aspects of protocol implementation, with an emphasis on the optimal performance of CPR according to local guidelines. The first EMS responders to arrive at the scene of the arrest who were equipped with a randomly assigned ITD (active or sham) attached the device between the ventilation bag and face mask or between the bag and an advanced airway. Responders were encouraged to implement use of the device within 5 minutes after their arrival or as soon as clinically possible. Each of the 10 participating ROC centers was also divided into approximately 20 clusters. All episodes of cardiac arrest in a cluster were randomly assigned to one CPR strategy; after a set period of time, ranging from 3 to 12 months, all episodes in that cluster were then assigned to the other strategy. Participants in the early-analysis group were assigned to receive 30 to 60 seconds of chest compressions and ventilations (sufficient time to place defibrillator electrodes) before electrocardiographic (ECG) analysis, and those in the late-analysis group were assigned to receive 3 minutes of chest compressions and ventilations before ECG analysis. The start and stop times for CPR were recorded by the responders, and the information was supplemented by the recording of defibrillator time. Conclusions: All 10 sites halted enrollment in November 2009 when the data and safety monitoring board recommended termination because interim analysis showed that the findings were not likely to change with continuation of the study. Neither use of the ITD nor the amount of CPR given before cardiac rhythm analysis significantly improved survival with satisfactory function (i.e., a score of &#8804;3 on the modified Rankin scale) among participants with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receiving standard CPR. There were also no significant differences in the secondary outcomes, including rates of return of spontaneous circulation on arrival at the emergency department, survival to hospital admission, and survival to hospital discharge.

  Study phs003825

• Lung Tissue Research Consortium (LTRC-BioLINCC)

  Data Access NOTE: Please refer to the "Authorized Access" section below for information about how access to the data from this accession differs from many other dbGaP accessions. Biospecimens: Access to Biospecimens is through the NHLBI Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC). Biospecimens from LTRC include DNA, Plasma, Serum, Tissue - FFPE Cassettes, Tissue &#8211; RNALater Frozen, and Tissue - Snap Frozen. Please note that use of biospecimens in genetic research is subject to a tiered consent. Objectives: The LTRC was a biobank resource established by the NHLBI to collect and distribute lung tissue, blood samples, clinical data, and radiographic studies from participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), other related idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP) and interstitial pneumonias associated with connective tissue diseases who undergo medically-indicated lung resection. All tissue and blood specimens and clinical data were banked centrally and stored for distribution to external investigators who have approved study proposals to investigate the pathogenesis or management of lung diseases. The ultimate goal of this program was to enable research that illuminates the pathobiology of lung diseases and leads to novel interventional treatments for these conditions. Background: Chronic lung diseases are a main cause of death and disability in the United States. COPD affects over 14 million individuals in the United States and represents the third leading cause of mortality. Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor. However, only one of six individuals who smoke develops COPD. This could imply either an individual susceptibility or an additional immunologic or infectious injury to lung cells. Current treatments offer symptomatic relief, but do not prevent disease progression. Better understanding of disease pathogenesis, including the potential roles of lung parenchymal cell apoptosis, immunologic injury, and inflammation may lead to therapies that improve survival and quality of life. Interstitial pneumonias, including IPF and those associated with connective tissue disease, are less common than COPD, but for many of these diseases there are poor outcomes. For example, IPF has a 50% survival rate 2-3 years following diagnosis, and currently no treatment exists which prolongs survival. The prevalence of IPF is approximately 28 cases per 100,000. The underlying histology of IPF is usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), which can also occur in connective tissue diseases. The incidences of other interstitial pneumonias such as non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) or acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) are less frequent but also occur as an expression of interstitial lung disease in the connective tissue diseases. Moreover, there is significant crossover of these three interstitial pneumonias so that cases of IPF/UIP may also reveal fibrotic NSIP and be complicated by episodes of AIP. This implies common injuries but dissimilar histological responses. All of these processes are characterized by epithelial injury, uncontrolled fibroproliferation and the deposition of collagen, irrespective of the histology. It is clear that a better understanding of the genesis of the interstitial pneumonias is required before effective interventions can be developed. Participants: A total of 4,486 participants were enrolled, and lung tissue was obtained from 3,333 of these participants.Design: Written informed consent of each participant was required before any LTRC procedure was performed. Phenotypic data were then obtained that included recording of relevant medical information, a limited exposure history, radiological evaluation, and pulmonary physiological and lung function testing. Questionnaires were administered to determine the extent of symptoms, associated medical illnesses, smoking, environmental and occupational exposures, and quality of life. Laboratory testing included pulmonary function testing, a six-minute walk test, and chest x-ray CT. Blood specimens were collected both for defining the clinical phenotype of donors and to obtain serum, plasma, and DNA for later investigative purposes. At the time of surgery, lung tissues were collected and processed for long-term storage. The LTRC collected only the 'non-tumorous' portions of lung tissue from surgical procedures performed for primary or metastatic lung tumors and received those specimens only after the local pathologist had procured all tissue required for clinical care. Samples of appropriate size were cut and placed in formalin, RNAlater, glutaraldehyde, or liquid nitrogen within 30 minutes of excision (approximately 5% of cases exceeded this target time). Blood and tissue specimens were subsequently shipped to a central Tissue Repository for further processing and long-term storage. A Radiology Center provided quality control and quality assessment of CT data. A Data Coordinating Center managed study operations and maintained a repository of study data. Conclusions: LTRC established a biospecimen collection that is unique in its size, diseases included, standardization of methods, and extent of phenotypic data, serving as a valuable resource to facilitate research on the pathobiology of lung diseases.

  Study phs003913

• Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS)

  Background and Rationale for the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) Over the last several decades, advances in treatments for childhood and adolescent cancer have substantially improved survival following diagnosis. These improvements gave rise to the responsibility for investigating long-term treatment-associated morbidity and mortality. Early efforts to describe late effects were largely conducted through single-institution and limited consortia studies. However, by the mid-1980s, it became increasingly clear that these approaches had inherent limitations, including small sample size, convenience sampling, incompletely characterized populations, and limited length of follow-up. To overcome these limitations, the CCSS was proposed and funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a U01 grant in 1994. Subsequently, the strengths of the CCSS, including an efficient and extensive infrastructure, plus expanding database and biorepository, were recognized and appreciated. Thus, in consultation with the NCI, the CCSS was converted to a U24 (resource grant) funding mechanism to serve the scientific community in 2000. The overarching goal of the CCSS resource is to increase the conduct of innovative and high impact research related to pediatric cancer survivorship. CCSS has been used extensively by researchers from a wide range of disciplines to address a broad spectrum of topics. Strengths of the resource include its large size, comprehensive annotation of treatment exposures, ongoing longitudinal follow-up with characterization of a wide array of participant characteristics and outcomes, and an established biorepository. Design of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) is a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary collaborative research resource comprised of a retrospective hospital-based cohort of survivors of childhood cancer and a comparison sibling cohort. Eligible survivors from 31 participating institutions were diagnosed between 1970 and 1999, prior to age 21 years, with selected common pediatric cancers (leukemia, central nervous system tumors, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney tumors, neuroblastoma, soft tissue sarcoma, or bone tumors). All patients who survived five years from the date of diagnosis were eligible, regardless of disease or treatment status. The baseline questionnaire was completed by 24,368 survivors and 5,039 siblings recruited to serve as a comparison group. To date, participants have completed three general follow-up surveys, as well as a number of specialized surveys on specific topics (e.g. health care, insurance, screening practices, men's and women's health issues, adolescent health, sleep and fatigue). In addition, biological samples (buccal cells, saliva and/or blood) have been collected for over 11,000 participants. Full descriptions of the design and characteristics of the CCSS have been previously published (Robison et al; Leisenring et al.), and available data and samples are described at https://ccss.stjude.org/develop-a-study/gwas-data-resource.html. Treatment Data in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study A key feature of CCSS is the availability of detailed treatment data, which were collected by abstraction of medical records for each individual member of the cohort. Detailed abstraction included dates of therapy, protocol information, and specific details regarding surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Quantitative dose details were collected for 22 specific chemotherapeutic agents, including alkylating agents, anthracyclines, platinum compounds and epipodophyllotoxins. In addition to individual agent doses, algorithms have been created to calculate cumulative doses of all drugs in a specific class, such as anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunomycin and idarubicin) or platinum agents (cisplatinum and carboplatinum). Data abstracted for surgeries included dates and both the names and corresponding International Classification of Diseases (9th revision) code. For radiation treatment data, all relevant records were sent to the Radiation Physics Center at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for detailed abstraction and dosimetry. Initial body region dosimetry was performed for all participants, followed by more detailed dosimetry as needed for specific studies. Genomics Data in the Childhood Cancer Survivor StudyThe NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics and CCSS investigators collaborated to conduct genomics studies (SNP array genotyping and whole exome sequencing) using samples from the CCSS Biorepository. Studies included all cohort participants with available DNA regardless of sex or ancestry when the genomics studies were initiated. Phenotype Data in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Vital status and cause of death for both participants and non-participants is determined via linkage with the National Death Index (NDI). Identification of subsequent neoplasms is based on self-report, followed by validation using medical records, or via NDI. A wide array of additional health outcomes have been ascertained via a comprehensive set of questions on the CCSS questionnaires, covering potential adverse events across a range of organ systems (hearing/vision/speech, urinary, hormonal, heart and circulatory, respiratory, digestive, brain and nervous systems). In addition to health outcomes, longitudinal data have been collected on demographics, health behaviors, family history, screening practices, insurance status, and a range of psychosocial and neurocognitive factors. A full listing of available variables and copies of the CCSS questionnaires are available at http://ccss.stjude.org. Research Areas in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Extensive use by the research community has resulted in over 265 published manuscripts on a wide range of topics, including associations between treatment factors and mortality, subsequent neoplasms, chronic health conditions, cardiac events, neurocognitive sequelae, psychosocial factors, fertility, and health status. Additional topics have included health behaviors, screening practices, health care access and utilization, statistical and exposure assessment methodology, and development of risk prediction models. A full listing of published manuscripts using CCSS data is available on the CCSS website at https://ccss.stjude.org/published-research/publications.html. The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study as a Resource for Investigators The CCSS is an NCI-funded resource (U24 CA55727) to promote and facilitate research among long-term survivors of cancer diagnosed during childhood and adolescence. Interested investigators are encouraged to develop research ideas and propose projects within CCSS, whether or not they are from a participating CCSS institution. The CCSS is now accepting proposals to collaborate with CCSS and NCI investigators in the use of genomics data and corresponding outcomes-related data to address innovative research questions relating to potential genetic contributions to risk for treatment-related outcomes. Any researcher, or group of researchers, qualified to conduct genetic research can submit a proposal. There are no restrictions relative to country, institution, or prior involvement in CCSS. A full description of the process for developing a proposal for genetic research in CCSS can be found at https://ccss.stjude.org/develop-a-study/gwas-data-resource.html, along with listings of approved proposals.

  Study phs001327

• The Genetic Architecture of Smoking and Smoking Cessation

  This study includes samples from two projects: Collaborative Genetic Study of Nicotine Dependence (COGEND; PI: Laura Bierut) and University of Wisconsin Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center (UW-TTURC; PI: Timothy Baker). Data are available for an additional 1420 COGEND subjects through the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment (SAGE), dbGaP study accession phs000092. The majority of these subjects are independent from the current study, but there is a small amount of overlap between the two samples (n=29 subjects) for quality control purposes. It should be noted that the case definition in the SAGE study is DSM-IV alcohol dependence. The case definition in the current study is nicotine dependence by a current score of 4 or greater on the Fagerstr&#246;m Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). The overall goal of this project is to identify and characterize genetic variants that contribute to the development of nicotine dependence, related smoking behaviors, and smoking cessation. The COGEND sample includes unrelated cases and controls for a genetic association study of nicotine dependence. Cases are defined by a commonly used definition of nicotine dependence, a current score of 4 or more (maximum score of 10) on the Fagerstr&#246;m Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Control status is defined as an individual who smoked at least 100 cigarettes during their lifetime, yet never became dependent (lifetime FTND=0). By selecting controls who smoked, those genetic effects that are specific to nicotine dependence can be examined. The UW-TTURC sample includes nicotine dependent smokers from three smoking cessation studies. Subjects had to smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day (confirmed smoking by an alveolar carbon monoxide (CO) level greater than 9) and report being motivated to quit smoking. Participants were excluded based on evidence of psychosis history, clinically significant depression symptoms, other severe mental illness, or contraindications to smoking cessation medications. COGEND: COGEND was initiated in 2001 as a three-part program project grant funded through the National Cancer Institute (NCI; PI: Laura Bierut). The three projects included a study of the familial transmission of nicotine dependence, a genetic study of nicotine dependence, and a study of the relationship of nicotine dependence with nicotine metabolism. The primary goal is to detect, localize, and characterize genes that predispose or protect an individual with respect to heavy tobacco consumption, nicotine dependence, and related phenotypes and to integrate these findings with the family transmission and nicotine metabolism findings. The primary design is a community based case-control family study. Nicotine dependent cases and non-dependent, smoking controls were identified and recruited from Detroit and St. Louis. In addition, one sibling for each case and control subject was recruited in a subset of the sample. More than 54,000 subjects aged 25-44 years were screened by telephone; more than 3,100 subjects were personally interviewed; and more than 2,900 subjects donated blood samples for genetic studies. UW-TTURC: The UW-TTURC was initiated in 2001 as a study of nicotine dependence and smoking cessation treatment. The second round of UW-TTURC was initiated in 2005 as a study of efficacy of smoking cessation and long term outcomes. Nicotine dependent smokers seeking cessation treatment were identified and recruited from Madison and Milwaukee, WI. Over 9,000 adult smokers were screened by telephone; 2,575 individuals were enrolled and randomized to treatment conditions that involved use of different smoking cessation medications. Participants from the UW-TTURC smoking cessation clinical trials had the option of participating in a genetic substudy, and approximately 2,000 donated blood samples for genetic studies. The goal of the genetic studies of smokers seeking cessation treatment is to detect, localize, and characterize genes that predispose or protect an individual with respect to heavy tobacco consumption, nicotine dependence, and related phenotypes including cessation, withdrawal, and relapse. Both studies (COGEND and UW-TTURC) include measures of basic socio-demographic variables, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, family income, and educational attainment. Information on nicotine dependence, as assessed by the Fagerstr&#246;m Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) is available for all subjects. In addition, participants also completed the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS; Shiffman et al., 2004) and the Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (WISDM-68; Piper et al, 2004). Coding for both individual variables and indices has been standardized across studies. All subjects were assessed in person by trained research assistants. This study is part of the Gene Environment Association Studies initiative (GENEVA, http://www.genevastudy.org) funded by the trans-NIH Genes, Environment, and Health Initiative (GEI). The overarching goal is to identify novel genetic factors that contribute to the genetic architecture of smoking through large-scale genome-wide association studies of two well-characterized cohorts. Genotyping was performed at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR). Data cleaning and harmonization were done at the GEI-funded GENEVA Coordinating Center at the University of Washington.

  Study phs000404