British medical bulletin
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Crowdfunding and crowdsourcing of medical research has emerged as a novel paradigm for many biomedical disciplines to rapidly collect, process and interpret data from high-throughput and high-dimensional experiments. The novelty and promise of these approaches have led to fundamental discoveries about RNA mechanisms, microbiome dynamics and even patient interpretation of test results. However, these methods require robust training protocols, uniform sampling methods and experimental rigor in order to be useful for subsequent research efforts. Executed correctly, crowdfunding and crowdsourcing can leverage public resources and engagement to generate support for scientific endeavors that would otherwise be impossible due to funding constraints and or the large number of participants needed for data collection. ⋯ Crowdsourced viral and metagenomic studies are the next step in elucidating the genomic and epigenomic characterization of urban population health.
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At the 10th year anniversary of the first face transplantation, there are currently 36 patients worldwide, who are the recipients of faces coming from human donors. ⋯ Based on over 20 years of research experience in the field of vascularized composite allotransplantation, and clinical experience as a leading surgeon of the US first face transplantation, this review will summarize the well-known facts as well as unexpected outcomes and challenges of face transplantation.
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Prostate cancer (PrCa) is the commonest non-cutaneous cancer in men in the UK. Epidemiological evidence as well as twin studies points towards a genetic component contributing to aetiology. ⋯ Incorporating genetics into PrCa screening is being investigated currently using both common SNP profiles and higher risk rare variants. Knowledge of germline genetic defects will allow the development of targeted screening programs, preventive strategies and the personalized treatment of PrCa.