Multidisciplinary Collaborative Research Research Articles

International Research Collaboration During the Pandemic: Team Formation, Challenges, Strategies and Achievements of the African Translational Research Group

This paper discusses multidisciplinary international research collaboration team formation during the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges faced, strategies adopted, achievements and dynamics in the implementation of research on Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), by the African Translational Research Group (ATReG). The paper also discusses the lessons learnt and future opportunities for global collaborative research. In-depth virtual interviews were conducted with consenting members of ATReG. Questions were designed to provide rich, deep, and insightful opinions, lived experiences and perspectives of ATReG group members on group formation, challenges, strategies and achievements. Interview data was transcribed and analysed thematically, and the results were presented with important quotations presented. The ATReG consisted of English ( n = 13) and French ( n = 1) speaking sub-Saharan African (SSA) researchers who specialise in public health, epidemiology, optometry, information technology, supply chain management, psychiatry, community health, general medical practice, nutrition and biostatistics. Most members of the group reported an informal but well-coordinated structure of the group. Formed during the pandemic, all group meetings were held online, and many members are yet to meet each other in person. The group collected data from Africans and published 10 peer reviewed journal articles on COVID-19 within two years. It presented in international conferences, engaged with the media and the public and was awarded a national competitive funding in Nigeria all of which which contributed to career progression and academic promotion of some members. There have been challenges in sustaining the research collaboration and maintaining productivity. Challenges include difficulties meeting deadlines and obtaining funding for research activities. However, these challenges have been addressed through a collaborative problem-solving approach. The study found the need for operational and methodological flexibility, centralised coordination, and established funding sources as being essential for long term sustainability and performance of the group. The ATReG’s objective of providing useful data on COVID-19 and generating useful knowledge about COVID-19 in SSA has been achieved. In such a multi-disciplinary international collaborative team relaiant on the online medium to operate, the experiences and challenges can be a model for learning for researchers intending to form international multidisciplinary collaborative groups. Nonetheless, there are still many important areas of research which ATReG will continue to pursue.

Three discipline collaborative radiation therapy (3DCRT) special debate: FLASH radiotherapy needs ongoing basic and animal research before implementing it to a large clinical scale.

Three discipline collaborative radiation therapy (3DCRT) special debate: FLASH radiotherapy needs ongoing basic and animal research before implementing it to a large clinical scale.

Implementation of One Health Approach for Malaria Zoonotic Control in Indonesia: Past, Present, and Future

Malaria zoonotic, Plasmodium knowlesi threatens the global development of malaria elimination. Even though current control efforts have been implemented, the prevalence of malaria zoonotic in Indonesia cannot be ignored. Conventional measures to control malaria in humans ignore the transmission of residual P. knowlesi between hosts and natural primate vectors. Attempting to manage Plasmodium knowlesi transmission should try applying the One Health approach theme, which focuses on the management of the infectious disease agent to be researched at the man-animal-ecosystem interface. This review will present a brief history of malaria knowlesi in Indonesia, risk factors, and the application of the one health approach that has been carried out in the past until now. Furthermore, the efforts to optimize the one health approach in the future, especially in controlling and eradicating malaria, were presented. This condition suggests an integrative control strategy through improving surveillance methods and understanding the risks associated with disease transmission in line with the One Health approach. It is also recommended that Indonesian policymakers facilitate multidisciplinary collaborative research on incidence rates, clinical spectrum, clusters, and geographical distribution of Plasmodium knowlesi transmission. They impose ecological regulations that restrict forest transformation and encourage ecosystem regeneration. Hence, combining solitary protective measures, promoting malaria control strategies that improve health insurance, mosquitobased food traps, and biocontrol strategies in synergy with current control practices are expected to minimize transmission capacity.

Osteoporosis, an Inevitable Circumstance of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review.

Nowadays, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and osteoporosis have become crucial health-related issues globally. CKD-induced osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by the disruption of mineral, hormone, and vitamin homeostasis that elevates the likelihood of fracture. Here, we review recent studies on the association of CKD and osteoporosis. In particular, we focus on the pathogenesis of CKD-associated osteoporosis, including the homeostasis and pathways of several components such as parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, fibroblast growth factor, and klotho, as well as abnormal bone mineralization, remodeling, and turnover. In addition, we explore the diagnostic tools and possible therapeutic approaches for the management and prevention of CKD-associated osteoporosis. Patients with CKD show higher osteoporosis prevalence, greater fracture rate, increased morbidity and mortality, and an elevated occurrence of hip fracture. We also rule out that increased severity of CKD is related to a more severe condition of osteoporosis. Furthermore, supplements such as calcium and vitamin D as well as lifestyle modifications such as exercise and cessation of smoking and alcohol help in fracture prevention. However, new approaches and advancements in treatment are needed to reduce the fracture risk in patients with CKD. Therefore, further collaborative multidisciplinary research is needed in this regard.

New technologies applied to canine limb prostheses: A review.

Although only a few studies have investigated about the development of animal prosthesis, currently, there is an increasing interest in canine limb prosthesis design and its clinical application since they offer an alternative to killing the animal in extreme situations where amputating the limb is the only option. Restoring normal function of amputated canine limbs with the use of a prosthesis is challenging. However, recent advances in surgical procedures and prosthesis design technology appear promising in developing devices that closely recreate normal canine limb function. Surgical advances such as evolution of osseointegration (bone-anchored) prostheses present great promise. Likewise, modern computer-aided design and manufacturing technology, as well as novel motion analysis systems are now providing improved prosthesis designs. Advances in patient-customized prostheses have the potential to reduce the risk of implant failure. The objective of this investigation is to present a general review of the existing literature on modern surgical approaches, design and manufacturing methods, as well as biomechanical analyses so that veterinarians can make more and better-informed decisions on the development and selection of proper canine limb prosthesis. Isolated research efforts have made possible an improvement in stability, comfort, and performance of canine limb prosthesis. However, continued multidisciplinary research collaboration and teamwork among veterinarians, engineers, designers, and industry, with supporting scientific evidence, is required to better understand the development of canine limb prosthesis designs that closely replicate the normal limb function.

Peer support work for people experiencing mental distress attending the emergency department: Exploring the potential.

This study explored the benefits and limitations of employing peer support workers, who utilise their own lived experience of mental distress and recovery, to support people experiencing mental distress who are attending the ED. This co-produced qualitative study utilised four phases: (i) assemble a collaborative multi-disciplinary research team and Expert Panel, of which at least half identified as having lived experience; (ii) a site visit to an ED; (iii) focus groups with consumers, support persons and ED staff; and (iv) a learning workshop for peer workers. Focus groups were run for consumers (n=7), support persons (n=5) and ED staff (n=7). Eleven consumer peer workers participated in the learning workshop. Four themes were identified and triangulated: the individual in distress, peer support work, a 'Peers in EDs' service and the ED context. Overall, findings suggest that peer support workers contribute important skills including listening, de-escalation, relationship-building and empathy. This study identified that peer support workers would bring important skills to an ED (e.g. empathetic support, de-escalation). However, significant workforce and organisational support would be required.

How Researchers, Clinicians and Patient Advocates Can Accelerate Lobular Breast Cancer Research

Simple SummaryThis commentary reflects a collaborative effort between international Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)-focused breast cancer researchers, clinicians and patient advocate leaders. It offers a perspective on the progress made in ILC research in recent years and discusses the recent rise in patient advocate involvement to advance ILC research, raise awareness and educate about this disease. It outlines several distinct challenges in conducting ILC research and describes opportunities and suggestions for ways researchers, clinicians and advocates can work together to advance ILC research to develop new therapies and refine the care offered to patients.Breast cancer research and therapies have significantly advanced in recent years. However, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC), the second most common histological type of breast cancer and the sixth most frequently diagnosed cancer of women, has not always benefited from critical analysis, missing opportunities to better understand this important subtype. Recent progress understanding the biological and behavioral differences of ILC demonstrates that it is a unique subtype of breast cancer which can respond differently to common therapies. These new insights have increased interest in researching lobular breast disease. Concurrently, the formation of motivated patient-led advocacy organizations working in partnership with basic, translational and clinical researchers creates new opportunities, including connecting a dispersed patient population to research, encouraging new research funding and connecting patient advocates to researchers to advance common goals. This commentary will explore the unprecedented opportunity to drive multidisciplinary, multicenter and international collaborative research into lobular breast cancer that builds on recent research progress. Collaborative research partnerships that include advocates can result in a better understanding of ILC, identify targeted therapies and refine standard of care therapies that are currently equally applied to all breast cancers, resulting in improvements in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care for patients with ILC.

Multidisciplinary team processes parallel natural disaster preparedness and response: A qualitative case study

Cross-disciplinary (multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, or transdisciplinary) teams are increasingly recognized as crucial alliances required for solving complex problems, particularly those attributable to natural disasters. Despite this recognition, there has been limited research examining the factors necessary for successful cross-disciplinary collaboration at the outset of a research initiative to address natural disaster preparedness and response. The purpose of this study was to explore the facilitators of and barriers to such collaboration through a case study of a multidisciplinary research initiative at an urban East Coast university in the United States. Using an applied qualitative approach, we conducted individual semi-structured interviews with initiative members to explore facilitators and barriers to natural disaster preparedness and response, and initiative members' attitudes, perceptions, and expectations regarding multidisciplinary collaboration. We identified several common themes across natural disaster preparedness and response efforts and multidisciplinary research collaborations, such as greater human and financial resources. Additionally, we identified several themes unique to perceptions of multidisciplinary research collaboration, such as the importance of clearly defined structures, and the needs of all parties being met. Findings may serve as a framework for multidisciplinary academic collaborations preparing for and responding to natural disasters, as well as multidisciplinary collaboration in general.

Supply Chain Management Research Productivity and Growth: 2017–2019

AbstractThe supply chain management (SCM) discipline lacks resources to assess research performance, and our journals do not always receive fair recognition by other business disciplines. This study therefore extends a series of analyses dating back 50+ years to assess SCM publication productivity, evaluating the most productive schools across six journals as well as the associated growth of the base of SCM scholars. The results depict a relatively stable core set of productive schools, while relative research productivity remains mostly fluid outside this core set. In support, SCM author concentration results depict that the overall base of SCM scholars is continuing to expand without signs of slowing. Both SCM programs and individual scholars can apply the results to benchmark peers to improve research productivity and justify requests for resources at their schools. The results also help young scholars understand SCM research expectations and likewise target potential partners for collaboration. We close with thoughts for scholars, academic leaders, and journal editors, including the need for more international and multidisciplinary research collaboration as well as a greater diversity of schools graduating new SCM scholars. Additionally, SCM scholars and journals should revisit our historically strong ties to professional practice to enhance our research relevancy.

Advances in cutaneous vasculitis research and clinical care.

Vasculitis is characterized by inflammation and destruction of blood vessels, resulting in downstream ischemic tissue damage. Diagnosis of vasculitis is a careful exercise in clinical-pathologic correlation, depending upon the clinical manifestations, organs involved, the size of affected blood vessels, imaging, and laboratory findings. While some vasculitis subtypes may be confined to the skin, serious internal organ involvement or underlying disease states may also occur. Accordingly, the skin plays an important role in the diagnostic process and may be prognostically important in some cases, signifying more severe systemic disease. The skin also provides opportunities for tissue-based translational research, improving understanding of disease pathophysiology. Dermatologists, therefore, play a critical role in evaluating vasculitis and helping to advance vasculitis clinical care and research. Recent updates in vasculitis nomenclature and terminology, evidence-based diagnosis, pathogenesis, and investigations of targeted therapies are changing vasculitis research and leading to fundamental shifts in disease management. Treatment advances favoring evidence-based and targeted, rather than broadly immunosuppressive, therapies are in development, while a multicenter trial for skin-limited vasculitis is ongoing. Collaborative multidisciplinary research networks are key to current and future advances in vasculitis research. In this review, we describe recent developments in vasculitis clinical care and research, starting with a discussion of efforts to develop diagnostic and classification criteria, followed by updates on the evaluation and treatment of vasculitis.

Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Africa: An AFREhealth Call for Evidence through Multicountry Research Collaboration.

.In the African context, there is a paucity of data on SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated COVID-19 in pregnancy. Given the endemicity of infections such as malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis (TB) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), it is important to evaluate coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 and their impact on maternal/infant outcomes. Robust research is critically needed to evaluate the effects of the added burden of COVID-19 in pregnancy, to help develop evidence-based policies toward improving maternal and infant outcomes. In this perspective, we briefly review current knowledge on the clinical features of COVID-19 in pregnancy; the risks of preterm birth and cesarean delivery secondary to comorbid severity; the effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on the fetus/neonate; and in utero mother-to-child SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We further highlight the need to conduct multicountry surveillance as well as retrospective and prospective cohort studies across SSA. This will enable assessments of SARS-CoV-2 burden among pregnant African women and improve the understanding of the spectrum of COVID-19 manifestations in this population, which may be living with or without HIV, TB, and/or other coinfections/comorbidities. In addition, multicountry studies will allow a better understanding of risk factors and outcomes to be compared across countries and subregions. Such an approach will encourage and strengthen much-needed intra-African, south-to-south multidisciplinary and interprofessional research collaborations. The African Forum for Research and Education in Health’s COVID-19 Research Working Group has embarked upon such a collaboration across Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa.

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I: First report from the Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Registry of North America (CDAR)

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemias (CDAs) are characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis and distinctive erythroblast abnormalities; the diagnosis is often missed or delayed due to significant phenotypic heterogeneity. We established the CDA Registry of North America (CDAR) to study the natural history of CDA and create a biorepository to investigate the pathobiology of this heterogeneous disease. Seven of 47 patients enrolled so far in CDAR have CDA-I due to biallelic CDAN1 mutations. They all presented with perinatal anemia and required transfusions during infancy. Anemia spontaneously improved during infancy in three patients; two became transfusion-independent rapidly after starting interferon-α2; and two remain transfusion-dependent at last follow-up at ages 5 and 30 y.o. One of the transfusion-dependent patients underwent splenectomy at 11 y.o due to misdiagnosis and returned to medical attention at 27 y.o with severe hemolytic anemia and pulmonary hypertension. All patients developed iron overload even without transfusions; four were treated with chelation. Genetic testing allowed for more rapid and accurate diagnosis; the median age of confirmed diagnosis in our cohort was 3 y.o compared to 17.3 y.o historically. In conclusion, CDAR provides an organized research network for multidisciplinary clinical and research collaboration to conduct natural history and biologic studies in CDA.

Improving pregnancy and birth experiences of migrant mothers: A report from ORAMMA and continued local impact.

INTRODUCTIONMigration is a growing phenomenon affecting many European countries, with many migrants being of childbearing age. Depending on the country of origin, poorer pregnancy and birth outcomes amongst migrant women have been reported. Providing appropriate culturally sensitive perinatal services is of paramount importance.METHODSThe Operational Refugee And Migrant Mothers Approach (ORAMMA) was a three-site multidisciplinary collaborative research project, designed to develop and test implementation of a high-quality maternity care model including peer supporters for migrant women who have recently arrived in European countries. Community-based activities were undertaken to ensure ongoing local impact for maintaining supportive interactions amongst peer supporters and recently arrived migrant women in the UK.RESULTSThe women who volunteered to become maternity peer supporters were motivated by their own experiences of being newly arrived migrants in the past or a sense of altruism. Forging links with multiple local community groups enabled the continuation of the support provided by maternity peer supporters, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.CONCLUSIONSEngagement of maternity peer supporters in supporting newly arrived mothers has multiple advantages of addressing social isolation and marginalisation of migrant communities, with potential benefits of improving access and enhancing health literacy and health outcomes amongst recently arrived migrant women as well as creating a self-supporting network for peer supporters themselves.

The status of hydrogen technologies in the UK: A multi-disciplinary review

Hydrogen has the potential to offer deep decarbonisation across a range of global heavy-emitting sectors. To have an impact on the global energy system, hydrogen technologies must be deployed with greater urgency. This review article facilitates the much needed, multi-disciplinary discussion around hydrogen. In doing so, the paper outlines recent advancements, prevailing challenges and areas of future research concerning hydrogen technologies, policy, regulation and social considerations in a UK setting. Findings suggest that hydrogen will play a significant role in decarbonising several UK sectors whilst simultaneously addressing challenges faced by alternative low-carbon technologies. Optimal production, delivery and storage systems must be developed to accommodate perceived future demand. Whilst this will be largely dictated by scale, efficiency, cost and technological maturity, significant improvements in existing policies and regulation will also be critical. The future role of hydrogen in the UK’s decarbonisation strategy is not clearly defined. In comparison to alternative low-carbon technologies, policy and regulatory support for hydrogen has been minimal. Whilst there is growing evidence concerning the public perception of hydrogen in UK homes, additional research is required given its many potential applications. The findings detailed in this article support the urgency for further multi-disciplinary collaborative research.

The Changing Landscape in Home Care: Human Factors Opportunities

Payment models and associated episode period changes have placed pressures on home care agencies with respect to data collection and documentation burden. Related topics of interest to the human factors community therefore are worthy of investigation in the home care space. In addition to more traditional human factors studies, multidisciplinary collaborative research on the impact of payments models is necessary to ensure that issues related to documentation burden are eliminated and that home care agencies can continue to provide care to the millions of homebound patients needing their help.

What's Important: Empathy in Patient Care: Lessons from My Own Knee Story.

What's Important: Empathy in Patient Care: Lessons from My Own Knee Story.

Final Report from IBPRO: Impact of Multidisciplinary Collaboration on Research in Radiation Oncology.

An important hallmark of the field of radiation oncology has traditionally been multidisciplinary collaboration among its clinicians and scientists. Increased specialization, resulting from increased complexity, threatens to diminish this important characteristic. This article evaluates the success of a short-term educational environment developed specifically to enhance multidisciplinary collaboration. This NIH-funded educational course, named "Integration of Biology and Physics into Radiation Oncology (IBPRO)," was developed at Wayne State University, and designed to facilitate engagement among radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiobiologists in activities that foster collaborative investigation. The question we address here is, "Did it work?" The 240 clinicians and researchers participating in IBPRO over the five years of the course were surveyed to quantify its effectiveness. In total, 95 respondents identified 45 institutional protocols, 52 research grant applications (19 of which have been funded thus far), 94 research manuscripts and 106 research presentations as being attributable to participation in IBPRO. The majority (66%) of respondents reported generating at least one of these research metrics attributable to participation in IBPRO, and these participants reported an average of nearly five such quantitative research metrics per respondent. This represents a remarkable contribution to radiation oncology research within a relatively short period through an intervention involving a relatively small number of radiation oncology professionals. Nearly two thirds of respondents reported ongoing collaborative working relationships generated by IBPRO. In addition, approximately 50% of respondents stated that specific information presented at IBPRO changed the way they practice, and 95% of respondents practicing in a clinical setting stated that, since participation in IBPRO, they have approached clinical dilemmas more collaboratively. Many collaborative working relationships generated by this course continue to actively drive research productivity. Additionally, one of the many enduring legacies of this course is the creation of a new debate series in a professional journal. IBPRO serves as a model for our ability to leverage collaborative learning in an educational intervention to foster multidisciplinary clinical and research collaboration. It has already had a profound impact on the profession of radiation oncology, and this impact can be anticipated to increase in the future.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on primary care research in a resource-limited setting: a commentary.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on several aspects of human existence including primary care research activities in resource-limited settings. Opportunities exist for initiating multi-disciplinary collaborative research teams that may examine current controversial areas of the disease such as prevention, diagnosis and treatment; experiences of stakeholders like COVID-19 survivors and frontline health workers; and individuals and community experiences during lockdowns. Challenges associated with initiating new studies and/or sustaining old ones and publication of research outcomes may need to be curtailed through alternative strategies and support from stakeholders.

AWAKEN-Ing a New Frontier in Neonatal Nephrology

In 2013, literature about the epidemiology of neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI) was limited to primarily retrospective, single center studies that suggested that AKI was common and that those with AKI had higher rates of mortality. We developed a 24-center retrospective cohort of neonates admitted to the NICU between January 1 and March 31, 2014. Analysis of the Assessment of Worldwide Acute Kidney Epidemiology in Neonates (AWAKEN) cohort, has allowed us to describe the prevalence, risk factors and impact of neonatal AKI for different gestational age cohorts. The ample sample size allows us to provide convincing data to show that those with AKI have an increase independent higher odds of death and prolonged hospitalization time (1). This data mirrors similar studies in pediatric (2) and adult (3) critically ill populations which collectively suggest that patients do not just die with AKI, but instead, AKI is directly linked to hard clinical outcomes. This study has allowed us to answer multiple other questions in the field which has expanded our understanding of the risk factors, complications, impact of fluid overload, the definition of neonatal AKI and suggests interventions for improving outcomes. Furthermore, this project brought together neonatologist and nephrologist within and across centers. Finally, the AWAKEN project has enabled us to build relationships and infrastructure that has launched the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative http://babykidney.org/ on its way to accomplish its stated mission to improve the health of newborns with or at risk for kidney disease through multidisciplinary collaborative research, advocacy, and education.

The Cancer Imaging Phenomics Toolkit (CaPTk): Technical Overview.

The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview of the technical specifications and architecture of the Cancer imaging Phenomics Toolkit (CaPTk www.cbica.upenn.edu/captk), a cross-platform, open-source, easy-to-use, and extensible software platform for analyzing 2D and 3D images, currently focusing on radiographic scans of brain, breast, and lung cancer. The primary aim of this platform is to enable swift and efficient translation of cutting-edge academic research into clinically useful tools relating to clinical quantification, analysis, predictive modeling, decision-making, and reporting workflow. CaPTk builds upon established open-source software toolkits, such as the Insight Toolkit (ITK) and OpenCV, to bring together advanced computational functionality. This functionality describes specialized, as well as general-purpose, image analysis algorithms developed during active multi-disciplinary collaborative research studies to address real clinical requirements. The target audience of CaPTk consists of both computational scientists and clinical experts. For the former it provides i) an efficient image viewer offering the ability of integrating new algorithms, and ii) a library of readily-available clinically-relevant algorithms, allowing batch-processing of multiple subjects. For the latter it facilitates the use of complex algorithms for clinically-relevant studies through a user-friendly interface, eliminating the prerequisite of a substantial computational background. CaPTk's long-term goal is to provide widely-used technology to make use of advanced quantitative imaging analytics in cancer prediction, diagnosis and prognosis, leading toward a better understanding of the biological mechanisms of cancer development.