It gives me a great pleasure to present you the 21Ist issue of the College of Medicine Research Center’s (CMRC) Report for the years 2002-2004 (1422-1424). This report highlights the research activities of the academic staff at the College of Medicine and King Saud University Teaching Hospitals (KKUH and KAUH) in the form of published scientific work as well as the ones presented at the national and international symposia and conferences. It also provides an outline of the research proposals submitted to the Deanship of Scientific Research (King Saud University) for financial support. This document not only highlights the achievements made in various disciplines of basic and applied medical sciences over the past two years but also reflects the research interests and trends of our medical scientists. The appearance of an appreciable amount of published work in the national and international journals of high repute reflects the high quality of research at our institution. I, therefore, would like to extend my deepest sense of appreciation to all the researchers who put the best of their efforts to get their scientific achievements recognized and published worldwide One of the major objectives of CMRC is to encourage, facilitate and promote basic and applied medical research in various disciplines of medical sciences. Accordingly, CMRC approved and funded 29 research proposals from various departments during the last two years. In addition, CMRC is also providing financial assistance to the postgraduate medical students. At present, CMRC is supporting two postgraduate students from the department of Physiology who are pursuing their doctoral (PhD) degrees. In order to fulfill its commitment to promote and facilitate research at this institution, CMRC has established a well organized team of highly skilled and qualified personnel’s to provide best of their services to the faculty and researchers at every level. At present, CMRC is offering the following main services:
1. Literature Search and Medical Information
This unit provides the literature search services in the form of abstracts from the National Library of Medicine (USA) based Silver Platter MEDLINE Search (1966-2004) and full-text articles, clinical updates, practice guidelines, drug information and patient handouts from the MDConsult and PDxMD database (Elsevier Publishers, USA). In addition, the articles which are not available at the College of Medicine or King Saud University Central Libraries are supplied from the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre Library or British library (UK) through the generous cooperation of King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).
It is hoped that CMRC would be able to provide full-text articles from most of the national and international journals in the near future through further extension into its subscription. In order to avoid frequent failure in the KSU internet service, CMRC is also trying to set-up a high speed DSL connection to expedite the downloading of the full-text articles.
2. Research Proposal Designing, Budgeting and Reviewing:
Well-trained statisticians and research scientists at CMRC can offer their services in designing a study, estimation of required sample size, laying-out of the laboratory protocols, improving the organization and management plan, and estimation of the required budget. CMRC can also render its expert opinion in the purchasing of laboratory equipment or hiring of the technical staff. Researchers can also submit their proposal to CMRC for technical evaluation before actually submitting to the internal or external funding authority.
3. Financial Support
With the generous cooperation of the Deanship of Scientific Research at the King Saud University, CMRC provides full financial support, covering the cost of materials, equipment, research technician fees, and other requirements. Once approved by the concerned departmental research committee, researchers can submit their research proposals to the CMRC throughout the year. The technical and academic evaluation of the proposal is conducted by the CMRC nominated reviewers of high academic repute whereas the ethical issues are looked after by the College of Medicine Research Ethics Committee. The final approval of the research proposal is granted by the CMRC Board on the basis of reviewer’s recommendations and Research Ethics Committee report.
The whole process takes about 12-14 weeks. CMRC also provide full financial support to the postgraduate medical students for their Masters and Doctoral studies. Interested students can submit their applications through their respective departments.
4. Research Laboratories
CMRC has well equipped laboratories where researchers can independently conduct their experimental and laboratory work. At present, the following facilities are available:
Isolation, purification, and characterization of proteins, enzymes, antigens and antibodies employing the techniques of gel filtration, fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), electrophoresis, and isoelectric focusing (IEF).
UV/VIS Spectrophotometer; Enzyme kinetics studies.
Extraction, purification and characterization of DNA, RNA.
Amplification of RNA/DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Detection of amplified products by ELISA and sub-marine gel electrophoresis.
Manual DNA sequencing and STR typing.
CMRC staff at our research laboratories can provide their expertise to train your technical staff to carry out various types of laboratory work independently. At the same time they can also help in designing your laboratory protocols.
5. Center for Laboratory Animals and Experimental Surgery (CLAES)
Laboratory animals have played a key role in the advancement of medical sciences. In the absence of human data, research involving laboratory animals is the only and most reliable means of evaluating the effects of a drug, trying a new surgical approach, or studying the radiation effects. CLAES has a variety of species including rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs. Monkeys are going to be added soon in the list. Plans are underway to improve the animal housing according to the international standards. X-ray and surgical facilities are being upgraded.
6. Data Analysis
Analysis and interpretation of scientific data is of fundamental importance in scientific research. CMRC has two highly skilled statisticians who can be approached for any type of statistical consultation. They have made significant contributions in several CMRC and KACST approved research projects.
All of the above mentioned services and facilities are available throughout the year. CMRC is trying its best to improve the existing services to meet the new challenges, especially in the field of medical information and literature search. In addition to creative thinking, element of curiosity and instinct of innovation, scientific research work also requires utmost concentration, recent knowledge and plenty of time. Conferences, symposia, workshops and clinical updates are the events which carries tremendous practical significance. These venues provide excellent opportunity and an amicable environment for learning, exchange of first-hand information, and improving knowledge and clinical skills. The participants have a chance to listen and interact with eminent scholars and speakers. In view of their great academic/professional need and importance, CMRC is planning to organize research conferences, symposia, workshops and seminars in the near future. It is hoped that these events will definitely improve the quality of research and medical care at our institution.
Medical science has made tremendous progress over the past few years. The concept of molecular medicine has completely changed the medical practice. Molecular diagnosis and individually tailored gene therapy are shaping-up to replace the conventional laboratory diagnosis and broad spectrum antibiotic therapy. We have already witnessed the transition from chromosomes to genes. Stem cell research and its limited trial has already been allowed in some countries. The art and science of medicine and medical practice both are miraculously changing. Exhaustive efforts are needed to cope-up with the growing needs for better health care and a healthy future. CMRC is ready to provide every possible facility to meet this challenge.
Finally, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to Prof. Musaad AlSalman, Dean of College of Medicine and Supervisor of University Hospitals, King Saud University, for his skillful guidance and continuous support for CMRC. I am also grateful to Prof. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Ghamdi, Dean, and Scientific Research at King Saud University, for his keen interest, valuable suggestions and financial support. I would also like to extend my deepest thanks and warmest regards to all members of the CMRC Board, and the Research Ethics Committee, for sparing their precious time to review the research proposals and participate in the board meetings.
I truly would like to take this opportunity to convey my sincere regards and thanks to the entire CMRC staff for putting their tremendous efforts in encouraging, facilitating, and promoting scientific research at this institution. I hope that the quality of services at the CMRC will progress further to meet the ever growing challenges in the field of medical research.
Prof. Abdulrahman S. Al-Arfaj
Director
College of Medicine Research Center
CMRC ORGANIZATION
1426 (2005)
DEANS
Prof. Musaad M. Al-Salman
Dean of College of Medicine
Prof. Ali Bin Saeed Al-Ghamdi
Dean of Scientific Research
DIRECTOR
Prof. Mohammed bin Eissa El-Mouzan
BOARD MEMBERS
Prof. Saleh M. Al-Amri
Prof. Mahmoud M. Ashour
Prof. Hamad S. Al-Muhaimeed
Prof. Sulaiman A. Al-Shammari
Prof. Mohammed S. Al-Humayyd
CMRC STAFF
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
1. Dr. AbdulRauf Chaudhary
2. Dr. Youssef El-Nahas
3. Dr. Bahy Syed El-Masry
4. Dr. Muminul Hoque Siddique
5. Dr. Arthur Chavez Isnani
6. Dr. Khadija Fatima
7. Dr. Kazi Nur Asfina
8. Dr. Najma Khalil
TECHNICIANS
1. Logman Gasmalseed Lab. Technician
2. Nessrin Jadu Lab. Technician
BIOSTATISTICS
1. Dustan Kangave Statistician
2. Amir Salah Marzouk Statistician
MEDICAL INFORMATION (MEDLINE)
1. Saleh Abu Al-Ghaith Medical Secretary
SECRETARIES
1. Hassan Ali Mansour Data Encoder
2. Vergie Vicente Medical Secretary