Boston biorepository, recruitment and integrative network (BBRAIN): A resource for the Gulf War Illness scientific community
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: AIMS: Gulf War Illness (GWI), a chronic debilitating disorder characterized by fatigue, joint pain, cognitive, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin problems, is currently diagnosed by self-reported symptoms. The Boston Biorepository, Recruitment, and Integrative Network (BBRAIN) is the collaborative effort of expert Gulf War Illness (GWI) researchers who are creating objective diagnostic and pathobiological markers and recommend common data elements for GWI research. MAIN METHODS: BBRAIN is recruiting 300 GWI cases and 200 GW veteran controls for the prospective study. Key data and biological samples from prior GWI studies are being merged and combined into retrospective datasets. They will be made available for data mining by the BBRAIN network and the GWI research community. Prospective questionnaire data include general health and chronic symptoms, demographics, measures of pain, fatigue, medical conditions, deployment and exposure histories. Available repository biospecimens include blood, plasma, serum, saliva, stool, urine, human induced pluripotent stem cells and cerebrospinal fluid. KEY FINDINGS: To date, multiple datasets have been merged and combined from 15 participating study sites. These data and samples have been collated and an online request form for repository requests as well as recommended common data elements have been created. Data and biospecimen sample requests are reviewed by the BBRAIN steering committee members for approval as they are received. SIGNIFICANCE: The BBRAIN repository network serves as a much needed resource for GWI researchers to utilize for identification and validation of objective diagnostic and pathobiological markers of the illness.
Source: Life Sciences
Authors: D. Keating, C.G. Zundel, M. Abreu, M. Krengel, K. Aenlle, M.D. Nichols, R. Toomey, L.L. Chao, J. Golier, L. Abdullah, E. Quinn, T. Heeren, J.R. Groh, B.B. Koo, R. Killiany, M.L. Loggia, J. Younger, J. Baraniuk, P. Janulewicz, J. Ajama, M. Quay, P.W. Baas, L. Qiang, L. Conboy, E. Kokkotou, J.P. O'Callaghan, L. Steele, N. Klimas, K. Sullivan
Institutions: Boston University, Nova Southeastern University, Miami VA Healthcare System, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco VA Health Care System, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The Open University, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Roskamp Institute, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Georgetown University, Drexel University, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Baylor College of Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,300
OpenAlex ID: W3198756256