Role In Translational Medicine Research Articles

Advancing Neurosurgery Through Translational Medicine: The Modern Surgeon's Role

In the dynamic field of neurosurgery, the concept of translational medicine plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and clinical applications. This editorial delves into the evolving landscape of neurosurgery, highlighting the integral role of modern neurosurgeons in research, learning, and patient care. Translational Medicine: Connecting Bench to Bedside Translational medicine refers to the process of applying findings from basic science research to enhance human health and well-being. In neurosurgery, this often involves integrating insights from disciplines like neuroscience, genetics, and biomedical engineering into clinical practice. For example, discoveries in neuroimaging techniques or molecular biology can lead to novel treatments for neurological disorders. The Modern Neurosurgeon: A Scientist and Clinician Today’s neurosurgeon is not merely a technician but a scientist at heart. Engaging in research is not just an academic pursuit but a fundamental aspect of enhancing patient care. By actively participating in or leading research initiatives, neurosurgeons contribute to expanding the boundaries of knowledge and improving treatment outcomes. They collaborate with basic scientists, engineers, and other medical specialists to innovate and develop new therapies. Learning and Innovation Continuous learning is ingrained in the ethos of neurosurgery. Advances in technology and surgical techniques require neurosurgeons to stay abreast of the latest developments through conferences, workshops, and lifelong learning. Moreover, the feedback loop between research and clinical practice fosters an environment of continuous improvement. Lessons learned from patient outcomes inform future research directions, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation. Patient-Centric Care At its core, neurosurgery is about alleviating suffering and restoring function. Translational research allows neurosurgeons to offer more personalized treatments based on genetic, molecular, and imaging data. Tailoring therapies to individual patient profiles enhances efficacy and minimizes risks. Furthermore, participation in clinical trials enables neurosurgeons to offer cutting-edge treatments to patients who may have exhausted conventional options. Challenges and Opportunities While the integration of translational medicine into neurosurgery holds immense promise, it also presents challenges. Research endeavors require substantial resources, collaboration across disciplines, and rigorous ethical considerations. Moreover, translating laboratory findings into clinical applications demands patience and persistence. Conclusion The modern neurosurgeon’s role in translational medicine is multifaceted and indispensable. By embracing research, continuous learning, and patient-centered care, neurosurgeons not only advance the field but also improve the lives of their patients. As technology and knowledge continue to evolve, the collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians will be pivotal in shaping the future of neurosurgery, ultimately leading to better outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients worldwide.

Descriptive analysis of haemangiosarcoma occurrence in dogs enrolled in the Golden Retriever lifetime study.

Haemangiosarcoma is a relatively common malignant tumour in dogs, and one of the primary outcomes of interest for the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. This study collects longitudinal data and samples from a cohort of golden retrievers, with the aim of identification of nutritional, genetic, environmental, lifestyle and reproductive risk factors for cancers and other important diseases in dogs. This analysis describes the accumulating data and samples, which are available for use by researchers to fulfil the study's objectives. As of September 2022, 233/3044 dogs enrolled in the study had been diagnosed with haemangiosarcoma (7.65%), with an incidence rate of 1.10 cases per 100 dog-years. Visceral haemangiosarcoma was the most common, affecting 211/3044 study dogs (6.9%). One hundred and twenty eight visceral haemangiosarcoma diagnoses specified the presence of splenic tumours (60.7%) and 119 specified the presence of cardiac tumours (56.4%). The probability of remaining without a haemangiosarcoma diagnosis declined from 100% from approximately 4 years of age, to a 12 year probability of 91.1% in intact females (95% CI 84.4%-98.3%), 60.7% in neutered females (95% CI 41.6%-88.6%), 72.9% in intact males (95% CI 62.9%-84.6%) and 70.0% in neutered males (95% CI 53.4%-92.0%). The 1 year survival probability for visceral haemangiosarcoma was 1.42% (95% CI 0.37%-5.47%); for cutaneous haemangiosarcoma, it was 84.6% (95% CI 67.1%-99.99%). The accumulated data and samples are a considerable resource for further investigation of canine haemangiosarcoma and have a potential role in translational medicine.

Thinking Critically: How to Teach Translational Medicine.

Translational Medicine (TM) is a comparatively new field of study that focusses on the continuum of activities from the conception of an idea, to advanced clinical testing and the development of a new medical technology or drug. In recent years, graduate education programs have been established internationally to train a new generation of professionals with specific skills necessary to navigate the translational landscape. Literature in the area highlights the importance of integrating specific competencies relevant to translational medicine as part of curriculum development. In addition to developing a working understanding of core knowledge (e.g., ethics, funding, regulation, policy, etc.), skills including effective communication, reflection, interdisciplinary, and interprofessional collaboration are critical components of a skilled TM professional. Curriculum development must focus on content, while carefully selecting the teaching strategies that are most effective to achieve the desired outcomes, which is for learners to comprehend the complex material. The following publication presents a series of vignettes that describe the experiences of an associate professor of molecular biology, who is looking to explore her role in translational medicine and develop skills for an innovative approach to problem-solving. The vignettes are focused on a variety of teaching and learning strategies that can be used to teach translational medicine. Each vignette includes a description of the experience from the perspective of the learner and the faculty as it pertains to the teaching strategy, method of delivery, and learning outcomes. TM is as complex to teach as it is to learn. The specialized skills and knowledges that are part of the TM toolbox cannot all be taught in a lecture format. Educators must consider multiple strategies and select those which are most effective for achieving the learning outcomes.

Research progress of translational medicine for gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant digestive tumors globally. The comprehensive treatment based on surgery of gastric cancer can not satisfy the purpose to reduce morbidity and mortality. In recent years, translational medicine has emerged with the rapid development of basic medical research, such as molecular biology, and the change of medical patterns. The core of translational medicine is to establish a fast conversion channel between basic research and clinical applications which could translate basic research results into theories, technologies and products for clinical practice. In the present paper, the research progress of translational medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer will be summarized, and the role of translational medicine for precise treatment of gastric cancer will be discussed. Key words: Gastric neoplasms; Translational medicine; Diagnosis; Targeted therapy; Immunologic therapy; Staging; Mole-cular classification

Safety Pharmacology in Drug Discovery and Development.

Safety pharmacology is essential throughout the spectrum of drug discovery and development. Prior to first-in-human studies, safety pharmacology assays, tests, and models predict the clinical risk profile of a potential new drug. During clinical development, safety pharmacology can be used to explore--and potentially explain--both predicted and unpredicted side effects (e.g., adverse events, changes in vital signs, abnormal laboratory values) in order to refine the original clinical risk profile. This chapter will introduce the reader to safety pharmacology's role in translational medicine: the science of translating potential drugs' on- and off-target nonclinical properties to clinical consequences in order to select the best drug candidates to move into early clinical testing. Case studies will be used to illustrate the importance of safety pharmacology testing throughout all phases of drug development.

Indian traditional ayurvedic system of medicine and nutritional supplementation.

Food is the major source for serving the nutritional needs, but with growing modernization some traditional ways are being given up. Affluence of working population with changing lifestyles and reducing affordability of sick care, in terms of time and money involved, are some of the forces that are presently driving people towards thinking about their wellness. There has been increased global interest in traditional medicine. Efforts to monitor and regulate traditional herbal medicine are underway. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine, remains the most ancient yet living traditions. Although India has been successful in promoting its therapies with more research and science-based approach, it still needs more extensive research and evidence base. Increased side effects, lack of curative treatment for several chronic diseases, high cost of new drugs, microbial resistance and emerging, diseases are some reasons for renewed public interest in complementary and alternative medicines. Numerous nutraceutical combinations have entered the international market through exploration of ethnopharmacological claims made by different traditional practices. This review gives an overview of the Ayurvedic system of medicine and its role in translational medicine in order to overcome malnutrition and related disorders.

Exploration on the important role of translational medicine based on the diagnosing and treating development of acute pancreatitis

Translational medicine is a totally new concept which could basically eliminate the barrier between basic medicine and clinical medicine and shorten the process of‘bench to bedside’Throughout the history of the diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis,we found that changes of treatment concept at each historical stage were the results of‘translational medicine’under the technical and cognitive condition at that time.This paper elaborated on the important role of translational medicine based on the diagnosing and treating development of acute pancreatitis as well as discussed the medical teaching and research under the mode of translational medicine. Key words: Acute pancreatitis; History of development; Translational medicine

Animal Models in Cardiovascular MRI Research: Value and Limitations

This review will explore the interface between MRI, cardiovascular research, and animal models, with particular attention to values, limitations, and best practices. This includes the question of whether an animal model may be necessary or appropriate. Factors influencing the selection of small versus large animal models will be considered, including the features that distinguish mice from other animal models. MRI has proven extremely useful in studies of basic cardiovascular physiology, but its true utility lies in the acquisition of end points relevant to cardiovascular disease in preclinical and clinical investigations. Brief summaries will be presented of the many anatomic and functional parameters that can be assessed by cardiovascular MRI, along with its role in translational medicine. Finally, the predictive value and clinical relevance of animal models of cardiovascular disease will be explored, including steps that are recommended to maximize the predictive value of animal models in translational medicine.

Statistical Methods in Translational Medicine

This study focuses on strategies and statistical considerations for assessment of translation in language (e.g. translation of case report forms in multinational clinical trials), information (e.g. translation of basic discoveries to the clinic) and technology (e.g. translation of Chinese diagnostic techniques to well-established clinical study endpoints) in pharmaceutical/clinical research and development. However, most of our efforts will be directed to statistical considerations for translation in information. Translational medicine has been defined as bench-to-bedside research, where a basic laboratory discovery becomes applicable to the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a specific disease, and is brought forth by either a physicianscientist who works at the interface between the research laboratory and patient care, or by a team of basic and clinical science investigators. Statistics plays an important role in translational medicine to ensure that the translational process is accurate and reliable with certain statistical assurance. Statistical inference for the applicability of an animal model to a human model is also discussed. Strategies for selection of clinical study endpoints (e.g. absolute changes, relative changes, or responder-defined, based on either absolute or relative change) are reviewed.

Statistical Tests for One-way/Two-way Translation in Translational Medicine

Translational medicine has been defined as bench-to-bedside research, where a basic laboratory discovery becomes applicable to the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a specific disease, and is brought forth by either a physician/scientist who works at the interface between the research laboratory and patient care, or by a team of basic and clinical science investigators. Statistics plays an important role in translational medicine to ensure that the translational process is accurate and reliable, with statistical assurance. For this purpose, statistical criteria for assessment of one-way and two-way translation are proposed. Under a well established and validated translational model, statistical tests for one-way and two-way translation are discussed. Some discussion on lost in translation is also given.

Perspectives in tissue microarrays.

Tissue microarrays (TMAs) are means of combining tens to hundreds of specimens of tissue onto a single slide for analysis at one time. TMAs are most frequently constructed from paraffin embedded tissue; however, they can be constructed from frozen tissue. The construction of TMAs is flexible, meeting the focused needs of the investigator. A TMA slide can be processed like an ordinary tissue section, and used for histochemical, immunohistochemical staining or in situ hybridization. Combined with automated new image analysis systems, TMAs are a powerful molecular profiling tool. By confirming the findings of microarray experiments or protein arrays, TMAs can be applied systematically to global cellular network analysis within tissue cell. TMAs are commonly used to confirm the results of expression microarrays as well as in the development of diagnostic and prognostics markers for clinical applications. This review will cover recent advancements in technology for the construction and use of TMAs. Because TMAs can be constructed from archival paraffin embedded tissue, they open up the vast archive of patient samples and make them accessible for medical research. TMAs play an ever increasing role in translational medicine, bridging the chasm of discovery at the research bench to the demonstration of clinical utility prior to implementation in patient care.

Endocrine pathology in translational medicine: an overview of current and future prospects.

With applications of recent development of molecular techniques, endocrine pathology, as a scientific discipline, has been expanding its field to cover not only the pathologic diagnosis but also molecular mechanisms of hormone production and secretion as well as implementation for appropriate therapeutic approaches. In this review, the discussion includes molecular markers for the diagnosis of neuroendocrine (NE) tumors focusing on various proteins for the transport of secretory granules. MIB-1, proliferative indices, is particularly useful to access biologic activities of NE tumors. The specific hormone production relies on the expression of combination of transcription factors and proteolytic digestion (processing) of prohormones by specific enzymes, prohormone convertases PC1/3 and PC2. Inappropriate processing of prohormones sometimes are related to neoplastic conditions. Endocrine therapeutics have been focusing on the compensation of deficient hormones by transplanting specific hormone producing cells including embryonic stem (ES) cells. The endocrine pathology is expected to play a major role in translational medicine.