CTSI Collaborator Newsletter Summer 2009 Edition

CTSI Receives Administrative Supplements Through ARRA Funding

The University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Science Institute recently was informed that three administrative award supplements submitted for ARRA funding will be funded. Total funding awarded exceeds $2,100,000. The three projects selected for funding are as follows:

1. The Health Living Research Center (P.I.: Nancy Bennett)- This project aims to bring University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) behavioral scientists, the Greater Rochester Practice-Based Research Network (GR-PBRN), and the CTSI community engagement program of the Center for Community Health (CCH) together to create a Healthy Living Research Center that will expedite the translation of behavioral research to clinical and community programs, addressing health behaviors, and exploring the critical interface between clinical and community interventions, testing their effectiveness and cost effectiveness.

2. CTSPedia (P.I.: Sally Thurston)- CTSPedia is an online resource that offers access to statistical macros for SAS and R software packages and information about statistical methods. This supplement establishes the University of Rochester as the leader of the CTSPedia project and also proposes continued development and expansion of the resources available through the site. Dr. Thurston and her team hope to transition CTSPedia from its current stage of development (as a funded pilot project) toward a recognized, defined and branded entity as a utilized resource for researchers and consultants worldwide.

3. Research in Comparative Effectiveness Network (RICE) (P.I.: Thomas Pearson)- The project proposes to establish the RICE (Research in Comparative Effectiveness) Network, a practice-based research network specializing in comparative effectiveness research (CER). The network will focus on improving adherence to evidence based guideline recommendations. The Morehouse School of Medicine is partnering with the UR CTSI on this project.

Six additional administrative supplements were submitted to NCRR by University of Rochester Investigators for consideration but were not funded. Five of these projects will receive partial funding through the CTSI.

The CTSI Announces New Leadership

July 1st, 2009 marked the beginning of the fourth year of the Clinical Translational Science Institute at the University of Rochester. This date also marked the departure of Dean David Guzick as the Principal Investigator of the CTSI as he left the University of Rochester to pursue a position with the University of Florida. Dean Guzick was instrumental to the establishment of the CTSI and was the driving force behind many of the institute ’s activities and efforts over the past four years. Although Dean Guzick will be greatly missed; the CTSI is proud to announce that Dr. Thomas A. Pearson, MD, MPH, PhD, has been appointed as Principal Investigator for the CTSI. Dr. Pearson previously served as Co-Investigator of the CTSI and also the Director of the CTSI’s education and training program. Dr. Pearson also serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Research for the University of Rochester Medical Center. He has been involved with the Clinical and Translational Science Institute since the original grant submission and has invested much of his time and energy to ensure that the CTSI is improving the research environment across the Medical Center.

Additional appointments have been made by the CTSI to fill positions previously occupied by Dr. Pearson in his prior role. Dr. Edward Puzas , Senior Associate Dean for Basic Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center, will now serve as Co-Investigator for the CTSI. Dr. Puzas is also a Donald and Mary Clark Professor of Orthopaedics, Director of Orthopaedic Research at the URMC, and was a co-founder of the Center for Musculoskeletal Research. Dr. Puzas has also been a key contributor in helping the Department of Orthopaedics win the #1 US rank in funding awarded by NIH.

The CTSI is also pleased to announce that Dr. Robert Holloway has been appointed as Director of the CTSI’s education and training component. Dr. Holloway has successfully coordinated the CTSI’s KL2 Career Development funding program for the past three years and now will provide guidance to all educational offerings provide through the CTSI. Dr. Holloway is also a Professor in the Departments of Neurology and Community and Preventive Medicine.

The CTSI welcomes these new additions to the leadership team and looks forward to their input during the upcoming months. The goal of the CTSI is to foster clinical and translational research for all researchers within the University of the Rochester and the addition of these individuals to the leadership only strengthens its ability to really impact these areas.

Ultra Sensitive Proteomics Comes to the University of Rochester

By Mark A. Plessinger

The CTSI Translational Technology Key Function (Dr. Steve Welle, Director) and the CTSI Laboratory Support Center (Dr. equipment Mark Plessinger, Director) announce the availability of a new instrument to University of Rochester researchers. The Proteomics Center has recently acquired a Bruker Apex 94 dual source FTICR instrument (Figure A, below), the latest technological advancement in mass spectrometers. This new instrument provides extremely accurate mass determinations, sensitivity down to femtomole range, and ultra-high resolution. The system is undergoing the final adjustments and is expected to be fully functional by September 15, 2009. Dr. Alan Friedman, Director of the Proteomics Center, states that the new FTICR instrument will deliver the highest sensitivity, mass accuracy, resolution, and broadest dynamic range of any high performance mass spectrometer. While the system can be used for a broad spectrum of analyses, its primary focus will be on high-end proteomic studies, performing both top-down and bottom-up analyses. Top graph 1 -down methods evaluate intact proteins, primarily for characterization of post-translational modifications of native protein conformations, while bottom-up methods study enzymatically digested protein fragments. While both methods measure atomic masses for identification, the ability of the FTICR system to perform top-down studies introduces capabilities to detect chemical modifications, mutations, and isoforms that are undetected by conventional antibody determination. This technology is unique to most Proteomics Centers and provides a novel dimension and advantage to the University of Rochester’s research programs.

Figures B, C, D illustrate a typical top-down proteomic analysis, using Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) to show the mass spectral analysis of the intact protein (B), mass isotopes of CGRP (C), and the amino acid sequence of CGRP (D). Dr. Friedman will provide graph 2 seminars and individual consultations to familiarize the Center’s customers with the Bruker Apex 94 FTICR mass spectrometer, as well as offering experimental design guidance for effective analysis.
The Proteomics Center is located at KMRB G-9828. For more information, contact Alan Friedman at Alan_Friedman@urmc.rochester.edu or 585-273-4066.

D. Amino Acid Sequence of CGRP

amino acid

CTSI Announces New Research Navigator Service

By Eric P. Rubinstein, JD, MPH
Director of the CTSI Office of Regulatory Support

The Office of Regulatory Support is pleased to announce a pilot of new services through the Research Navigator program. The Research Navigator aids investigators in the process of planning and operating a study, by providing individualized assistance. Similar programs have been established at a number of CTSA-funded institutions and have proved to be a valuable addition to investigator services.

The Research Navigator supports investigators who have questions and challenges regarding research project development, approval and oversight. Services include: development of a Customized Action Plan (CAP); identification of required approval processes, policies and regulations; guidance regarding content and wording of funding applications and protocols; referral to university services; and serving as an investigator advocate in resolving challenges.

Shanti Sharma, PhD (Department of Community and Preventive Medicine and CTSI) is leading the Research Navigator pilot. Assistance has been offered to CTSI-funded investigators and trainees, in order to assess mechanisms for service delivery and to identify need.

Contact the Research Navigator through the Office of Regulatory Support via email. Investigators are strongly encouraged to generate a Customized Action Plan and to request support services as needed.

BRDG Span: Navigating the Valley of Death

Dr. Thomas Pearson hosted a workshop on August 10th, 2009 entitled “Navigating the Valley of Death”, which focused on helping early stage companies access federal stimulus funding. In particular, the workshop targeted the a request for applications that was released for the Biomedical Research , Development and Growth to Spur the Acceleration of New Technologies (BRDG-SPAN) Pilot Program and the grant writing process. Presentations were given by Dr. Pearson, Dr. Scott Steele (URMC Office of Corporate Alliance), Brenda Kavanaugh (URMC Office of Research Program Administration) and Rami Katz JD, MBA (High Tech Rochester). The workshop was attended by representatives from many small technology businesses in the Rochester area. Presentation topics included:
• Grant Preparation
• The NIH Grant Review Process
• Development of a Research Plan
• Full Commercialization Plans

Portions of the workshop were video recorded and our available for viewing by URMC faculty and staff. For access to any of the presentations please contact Nicole O’Dell at nicole_odell@urmc.rochester.edu

2009-10 Faculty Development Workshops Finalized

The 2009-2010 Faculty Development Workshop Series schedule has been finalized for the upcoming year and offers some intriguing topics. The goal of this workshop series is to provide participants with regarding teaching and learning; develop basic strategies for mentoring and academic career planning; and to discover better assessment methods. Topics covered during this year include:

• Warning signs of troubled students
• Helping students with learning problems
• Teaching in a busy office / clinic
• Women in Academic Medicine: Graceful Self Promotion

The kick-off event for this series will occur on Wednesday, September 23rd, from 11:00-1:00 and lunch will be provided. This session will feature Dr. Michael Richardson, from Vanderbilt University, presenting “The purpose of education: Really good learning.” In order to accommodate all faculty members, the remaining workshops have been scheduled from either 4:00-6:00 or 5:00-7:00 pm.

Please visit http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/faculty-development/FacultyDevelopmentWorkshops.cfm to view the complete schedule.

Rochester Clinical and Translational Research Curriculum Seminar Series Resumes in Fall

The CTSI is pleased to announce that the Rochester Clinical and Translational Research Curriculum (RCTRC) seminar series will kick off another year of weekly lunchtime lectures beginning on September 1st, 2009.The seminar series will be held in Whipple Auditorium at 12:15 pm every Tuesday. The fall semester of the RCTRC seminar series will focus on Biomedical Informatics, with Dr. Dongwen Wang presenting “Better understand your audience through monitoring the usage of information systems” during the inaugural session. Dr. Wang is an Assistant Professor in the departments of Biostatistics and Computational Biology ; and Medical Informatics; and also serves as Director of the CTSI’s Biomedical Informatics Key Function. Other topics explored during the Fall semester include online health information, social networks and clinical research, and referent tracking.

The Spring semester of the RCTRC seminar series will focus on issues concerning environmental health. This portion of the series is being coordinated by Dr. Steven Georas, Professor of Environmental Health and Medicine, and Co-Director of the University of Rochester Integrative Health Sciences Facility Core. Topics and presenters for the Spring semester will be announced shortly.

Additionally, each semester of the series will feature two presentations focusing on Human Subjects Protections, with the first session scheduled for October 27, 2009. The full listing of presenters and topics can be viewed on the CTSI website or information on sessions in September through November can be viewed on the CTSI Calendar of Events included on the following page.

CTSI Calendar of Events

September
September 1 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: Dongwen Wang, PhD. Topic: Better Understand Your Audience through Monitoring the Usage of Information Systems
September 8 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: Lorraine D. Ellis, MS, MBA. Topic: Protecting the Rights and Safety and Welfare of Subjects
September 15 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: Griffin Weber, MD, PhD. Topic: Research Networking Using the Harvard Catalyst Profiles Website
September 17 Faculty Development Workshop, 4:00-5:00 pm, Louise Slaughter Room (1-9555). Speaker: David Lambert, MD. Topic: Writing Effective Letters of Communication
September 22 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: Donna Berryman, MLS. Topic: Online Health Information
September 23 Faculty Development Workshop, 11:00-1:00, Natapow Room (1-9545). Speaker: Michael Richardson, MD. Topic: The purpose of education; really good learning
September 29 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: Vincent Silenzio, MD, PhD. Topic: CANARY in a Data Mine: Research Applications of Social Media and the Semantic Web

October
October 6 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: Art Papier, MD. Topic: Visual Decision Support: Visual Variants and Improved Clinical Diagnostic Reference
October 6 Faculty Development Workshop, 5:00-7:00 pm, Northeastern Room (1-9535), Speaker: Laurence Guttmacher. Topic: Warning Signs of Troubled Students
October 7-9 CTSA Consortium Steering Committee and Strategic Goal Committees, NIH, Bethesda Maryland
October 13 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: James Kahn, MD. Topic: Technology to Improve Health: Personal Health Records, the Internet and Mobile Connections.
October 14-16 A Global Summit on Education and Training in the Prevention of Heart Disease and Stroke. Harkin International Center, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
October 20 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: Werner Ceusters, MD. Topic: Principles of Referent Tracking and Its Application in Biomedical Informatics
October 20 Faculty Development Seminar, 4:00-6:00 pm, Northeastern Room (1-9525). Speaker: John Hansen, PhD. Topic: Interviewing students for Medical School and Residency
October 22-23 Personalized Medicine Symposium: Genomics and Translational Medicine. Class of 62 Auditorium. (Co-Sponsored by the CTSI and the Office of Corporate Alliance)
October 30-31 The Humanistic and Social Science Basis of Translational Research (Supported by the Mellon Foundation and the CTSI)
October 27 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: TBA. Topic: Human Subjects Protection Program

November
November 3 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: Gene Morse, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS. Topic: Medication Management Research Network
November 4 Faculty Development Seminar, 10:00-12:00, Anderson Room (G-8534). Speaker: Geoff Norman. Topic: TBA
November 10 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: TBA. Topic: Developing treatment for genetic disease by targeting RNA (Neuromedicine IDP)
November 17 RCTRC Seminar Series, 12:15-1:15 pm, Whipple Auditorium, Speaker: Randy Carter, PhD. Topic: Informatics and Public Health
November 17 Faculty Development Seminar, 4:00-6:00 pm, Louise Slaughter Room (1-9555). Speaker: Michael Kim, MD and Denham Ward, MD. Topic: Teaching Residents to Teach

In Recognition of Excellence

• Congratulations to Dr. Mathews Jacob who was awarded a National Science Foundation Career Development Award and was also a previous CTSI Pilot and Collaborative Translational and Clinical Studies awardee.
• Congratulations to Christopher Hogan who won 2nd place for his research poster submission to the 2009 New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians (NYACP) Scientific Meeting. Hogan’s research focused on how cigarette smoke causes inflammation in the lungs, priming the way for lung cancer. Chris Hogan was also a trainee in the CTSI’s year-out program.
• Sally A. Norton, Ph.D., R.N., F.P.C.N., associate professor in the School of Nursing, was inducted as a Fellow in Palliative Care Nursing by the Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association (HPNA). HPNA is a national non-profit organization of nursing professionals specializing in end-of-life care and pain management. The HPNA fellows program honors members who are leaders in education, management, advanced practice and research. Dr. Norton also serves as a member of the CTSI’s education directorate.
• Congratulations to Dr. Thomas A. Pearson, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., Principal Investigator of the CTSI, who was inducted into the distinguished Society of Scholars of Johns Hopkins University. The Society of Scholars inducts former postdoctoral fellows, postdoctoral degree recipients, house staff as well as junior or visiting faculty who have served at least one year at Johns Hopkins and thereafter gained marked distinction elsewhere in their fields.
• William Ricke, Ph.D., assistant professor in both the Departments of Urology and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, recently received the 2009 Young Investigator Award from the Society for Basic Urologic Research. Ricke was one of three researchers to receive the honor, which recognizes significant contributions to urologic research. Dr. Ricke was also a recipient of pilot funding through the CTSI’s Laboratory Support Center program.