Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
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Academic institutions and researchers are becoming increasingly involved in translational research to spur innovation in addressing many complex biomedical and societal problems and in response to the focus of the National Institutes of Health and other funders. One approach to translational research is to develop interdisciplinary research teams. By bringing together collaborators with diverse research backgrounds and perspectives, these teams seek to blend their science and the workings of the scientists to push beyond the limits of current research. ⋯ In particular, because academic career advancement commonly focuses on individual achievement, team science might differentially impact early stage researchers. The need to be recognized for individual accomplishments to move forward in an academic career may give rise to research team conflicts. Raising awareness to career-related aspects of team science will help individuals (particularly trainees and junior faculty) take steps to align their excitement and participation with the success of both the team and their personal career advancement.
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Interdisciplinary efforts are becoming more critical for scientific discovery and translational research efforts. Highly integrated and interactive research teams share a number of features that contribute to their success in developing and sustaining their efforts over time. Through analysis of in-depth interviews with members of highly successful research teams and others who did not meet their goals or ended because of conflicts, we identified key elements that are critical for team success and effectiveness. ⋯ Self-awareness and strong communication skills contribute greatly to effective leadership and management strategies of scientific teams. While all successful teams share the characteristic of effectively carrying out these activities, there is no single formula for execution with every leader exemplifying different strengths and weaknesses. Successful scientific collaborations have strong leaders who are self-aware and are mindful of the many elements critical for supporting the science at the center of the effort.
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Serum levels of angiopoietin-related growth factor (AGF) are increased in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent reproductive and metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance. Recently, angiopoietins were identified in the systemic circulation and have been designated angiopoietinlike proteins (ANGPTL). More recently, it is shown that angiopoietin-related growth factor (AGF, also called ANGPTL6) directly regulate lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism independent of angiogenic effects in animal studies. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between AGF and PCOS. ⋯ Serum AGF levels were paradoxically increased in patients with PCOS in comparison with data of animal experiments. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the physiologic significance of circulating AGF in human disease.
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Comparative Study
Prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome in patients referred to a tertiary pain clinic.
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), the prototypical central pain augmentation syndrome, is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness. Although patients referred to tertiary care pain clinics are recognized as suffering from chronic pain, they are generally considered to have pain attributable to discrete peripheral, nociceptive, or neuropathic etiology.The purpose of the current study was to assess the prevalence of FMS among consecutive patients referred to a tertiary pain clinic and to evaluate the contribution of central pain to the clinical impact upon such patients. ⋯ A significant proportion of patients referred to a tertiary pain clinic were found to fulfill the ACR criteria for classification of FMS and thus exhibit an important element of central pain. Central pain augmentation should be actively searched for and therapeutically addressed in the evaluation and management of all patients with chronic pain.