The Air Force Health Study Assets Research Program (2015) / Chapter Skim
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From page 1... ...
The design, data and biospecimen collection, and continued use of the assets assembled in these studies are considered to be exemplars of epidemiologic research. One member of this select group -- little known outside the veterans health research community -- is the Air Force Health Study (AFHS)
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The law also directed that up to $250,000 per year be used for pilot funds to be made available when appropriate to support investigations using the AFHS assets. At the end of that effort, Congress directed that a report be submitted to them that considered the feasibility and advisability of conducting additional research on the AFHS data and biospecimens.
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The committee also used the findings and recommendations of the Disposition of the Air Force Health Study report as a guide for assessing what was believed to be feasible and possible for a research program managing and using the AFHS assets and its realized experience. BOX S-1 Statement of Task -- Consensus Committee A June 28, 2011, contract between the National Academies and the Department of Veterans Affairs entitled Air Force Health Study (AFHS)
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Box S-2 summarizes the major types of information collected. BOX S-2 Summary of Clinical, Laboratory, and Questionnaire Information Collected by the Air Force Health Study Biospecimens: serum, whole blood, adipose tissue, semen, urine Clinical measures: spirometry, chest radiographs, electrocardiograms, psychological testing, dermatology exams, peripheral vascular exams, neurological assessments Demographics: education, employment, income, military experience, age, race Endpoints by organ system: neurologic, endocrine, pulmonary, immuno logic, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatic, hematologic, dermatologic, psychi atric, neoplasia, cardiovascular, reproductive Familial factors: marital and fertility history, child and family health General health: health habits, physical activities, leisure activities, toxic substances exposures, vital status, cause of death
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While these activities were under way, the advisory committee charged with administrative oversight of the research program and fostering the use of the AFHS data and biospecimens in new research established a process for solicit
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Research topics that have emerged among the submitted and approved proposals include aging, neurologic diseases, and cancer research, demonstrating that AFHS data and biospecimens remain relevant for important biomedical and public health research projects. Moreover, the biospecimens have been well-preserved and viable, and given the current storage conditions, should remain so for many years to come.
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Exposure–response relationship for Data only dioxin and cancer and noncancer health outcomes in the Air Force Health Study cohort using physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling of exposure and updated mortality Knafl University of North Effects of dioxin exposure for male Air Data only Carolina at Chapel Force Vietnam veterans on reproductive Hill outcomes Mandel Exponent, Inc. The reanalysis of the Ranch Hand data Data only Mazur Syracuse University Testosterone changes Data only Mitchell Emory University Identifying novel biomarkers of Data and and Atlanta VA vulnerable coronary artery disease: The biospecimens Medical Center Air Force Health Study Ramosc University of Detection of L1 protein in Ranch Hand Data and Louisville biospecimens biospecimens Rossc Pacific Health Parkinson's disease and pre-motor Data only Research and features of Parkinson's disease in the Air Education Institute, Force Health Study VA Rothc VA San Diego Caveolin's role during healthy aging Data and Healthcare System biospecimens Seldinc Boston University Incidence of abnormal free light Data and chains and other markers of light chain biospecimens amyloidosis in veterans exposed to Agent Orange: A pilot study Shimc Centers for Disease Monoclonal gammopathy of Data and Control and undetermined significance (MGUS)
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Both DNA and microRNA were isolated successfully from the biospecimens. CONSIDERATIONS FOR CUSTODIANS OR STEWARDS OF THE AFHS ASSETS MFUA's experience as custodian has yielded a number of lessons learned that need to be considered and accounted for to ensure continued successful use of the AFHS data and biospecimens for new and innovative research, no matter who exercises future responsibility for the assets.
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To truly realize the potential of the AFHS data and biospecimens as a research asset like the Framingham Heart Study, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, and other longitudinal epidemiologic studies will require a more sustained and possibly greater investment of money and personnel as detailed below. FUTURE DIRECTIONS A number of steps have been taken to prepare the data and biospecimens for use in research since the IOM began its AFHS Assets Research Program.
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When the Disposition of the Air Force Health Study report was published, it was presumed that a successful research program could be implemented, but there BOX S-3 Summary of the Committee's Findings and Conclusions Findings -- Scientific Value • A great majority of the AFHS cohort members continue to allow use of their data and biospecimens for research. • The biochemical integrity of the AFHS biospecimens appears to be well preserved, and the biospecimens are amenable to analysis by long-established and newly developed assays.
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The committee concludes that sustaining access to the AFHS biospecimens and data benefits the veterans community and the public at large, who will gain from the information derived from studies of the assets. It is too soon to know whether and which studies of the assets will yield information that will promote health and wellness in veterans or in the greater population, but the research performed to date has the potential to contribute to the current body of medical knowledge, especially the results of studies that are examining potential bio markers of disease.
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MFUA has much experience in storing, administering, and disseminating epidemiologic data, and maintaining the current structure of the assets management program is a viable option. However, joining forces with an organization that administers databases or funds research as its primary mission may allow for better promotion and dissemination of the AFHS data and biospecimens for new and original research than could be accomplished by the IOM alone.
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A thorough evaluation of partnering options would require discussions with candidate organizations to determine their willingness and capacity to take on curation of the AFHS data and a determination of the logistics and costs of preparing them for the elocation -- r tasks that are beyond the scope of this committee. If Congress chooses to designate an alternate custodian to manage the AFHS data and biospecimens and to administer a research program, such a decision should be carefully considered and based on thorough comparison of the attributes and characteristics between the IOM and alternatives it evaluates.
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2006. Disposition of the Air Force Health Study.
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