The advent of DNA databanks: implications for information privacy

Genetic identification tests -- better known as DNA profiling -- currently allow criminal investigators to connect suspects to physical samples retrieved from a victim or the scene of a crime. A controversial yet acclaimed expansion of DNA analysis is the creation of a massive databank of genetic codes. This Note explores the privacy concerns arising out of the collection and retention of extremely personal information in a central database. The potential for unauthorized access by those not investigating a particular crime compels the implementation of national standards and stringent security measures.     

The proposed changes to the final privacy rule suggest a disturbing reduction in an individual's ability to exercise a right to healthcare privacy

The author contends that, in eliminating HIPAA's mandatory consent requirement, which is the initial step in the patient's Patient Consent exercise of the right to health information privacy, DHHS has turned its back on privacy protection. She posits that the proposed change is the result of a disturbing focus on an elimination of the industry's administrative burdens, rather than on the protection of patient healthcare information. The article concludes that elimination of the consent requirement is a step backwards in the arena of personal privacy.     

Privacy,surveillance, and the proportionality principle: The need for a method of assessing privacy implications of technologies used for surveillance

Developments in technology have created the possibility for law enforcement authorities to use for surveillance purposes devices that are in the hands or private premises of individuals (e.g. smart phones, GPS devices, smart meters, etc.). The extent to which these devices interfere with an individual's private sphere might differ. In the European Union, surveillance measures are considered lawful if they have been issued in conformity with the legal rules and the proportionality principle. Taking a fundamental rights approach, this paper focuses on the information needed for adopting proportionate decisions when authorizing the use for surveillance of devices that are not built for surveillance purposes. Since existing methods of privacy assessment of technologies do not offer the required information, this paper suggests the need for a new method of assessing privacy implications of technologies and devices which combines an assessment of privacy aspects with the different dimensions of surveillance.     

Plasma versus bone marrow desipramine: a comparative study

Correlation between plasma and bone marrow tricyclic antidepressants has not been studied before. Two groups of rabbits were given 10 and 20 mg of desipramine/kg body weight, respectively. Desipramine was administered to the animals once daily by mouth for 5 days. On the fifth day the animals were sacrificed and blood and bone marrow samples were collected and analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Data showed that a correlation exists between bone marrow and blood desipramine. The bone marrow desipramine concentration increased as its blood levels increased. The average ratio of bone marrow to blood desipramine +/- S.D. (standard deviation) in both dosage groups was 37.2 +/- 4.46 with a range of 30.99-44.82. This investigation is promising and shows that bone marrow could be used as an alternative tissue in the absence of a suitable blood sample.