Online Genetic Databases and Human Genome Epidemiology
Author Information
Author(s): Angela J Frodsham, Julian PT Higgins
Primary Institution: Public Health Genetics Unit, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cambridge, UK
Hypothesis
Can online databases supplement MEDLINE searches for genetic epidemiological information?
Conclusion
There is no single resource of structured data from genetic association studies covering multiple diseases, and much information remains inaccessible to systematic review authors.
Supporting Evidence
- 111 databases containing prevalence data were identified.
- 67 databases were specific to a single gene.
- Only 13 databases contained information on gene-disease associations.
Takeaway
The study looked for online databases that have information about genes and diseases. They found some useful ones, but not enough to help researchers find all the information they need.
Methodology
A systematic search for online databases containing genetic epidemiological information was conducted.
Potential Biases
Publication-related biases may be substantial due to selective reporting of findings.
Limitations
The yield of information on the web was disappointingly low, and existing databases do not cover all relevant evidence.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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