PhD Translational Medicine and Surgery - (ENG)

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GENERAL AIMS:

The general aim of the Doctoral Course in Translational Medicine and Surgery is to provide PhD students with a thorough theoretical and practical preparation in translational research.

Translational research aims to transfer the results of basic research into useful clinical applications. It can be defined as all research activities which include:

1. basic scientific studies defining the biological effects of treatments in humans;
2. investigations in humans that delineate the biology of the disorder and provide the scientific foundation for the development or improvement of new therapies;
3. pre-clinical or animal model studies conducted with the aim of improving clinical therapies;
4. studies aimed at allowing an adequate development of a product for clinical use according to the various phases of the registration process.

Translational research has been identified as one of the fundamental strategic objectives in the biomedical research field of the European Union in the H2020 program, where the emphasis is placed precisely on the importance of transforming fundamental discoveries into clinical applications.

Disease mechanisms are studied in their molecular, anatomical and functional components looking for  mechanisms common to different expressions of wide spread disorders such as cardiovascular, endocrine-metabolic, infectious and disorders of aging, such as inflammation, oxidative stress , endothelial dysfunction, autoimmunity.

The disease mechanisms mentioned above also come into play in the main pathologies of surgical interest, therefore an innovative approach to the surgical problems of daily clinical practice requires the use of a translational surgical research approach.

Training program:

The training course is divided into 3 years.

The first year is dedicated to basic didactic activities according to a specific program of lessons which includes frontal lessons and seminar cycles held by internal and external teachers of the Doctoral faculty alongside an intensive specific laboratory activity.

To these courses others are added on topics common to all the Doctoral courses of the University of Perugia.

The second year provides for an intense research and laboratory activity, supported by a continuous updating of the topics of interest through didactic activities, literature study and participation in national and international conferences in which doctoral students are encouraged to present their research results.

The third year includes, in addition to research and continuous updating, the preparation of the final experimental thesis.

At the end of each year, doctoral students are required to submit an annual report on the activities carried out and a plan for the following year.

During the three years, it is compulsory for each PhD student to spend a minimum period of 3 months and a maximum of 18 months at a University or private laboratory abroad or at least in an Italian location different from the actual working site.

Training offer:

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY ITER TRAINING:                                                                

TRANSVERSAL EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY : 
CYCLES XXXIII-XXXIV-XXXV

NB For the XXXVI Cycle, communication from the Offices is awaited
 

DIDACTIC ACTIVITY: 
CYCLES XXXIII-XXXIV-XXXV-XXXVI

SEMINARS CYCLES XXXIII-XXXIV-XXXV 
N.B.

 SEMINARS CYCLES XXXIII-XXXIV-XXXV 
N.B.

2017-2018

The hemorrhagic score in the diagnostic approach to hemostasis pathologies 
Dr. Alberto Tosetto (Vicenza)

Workshop Unconventional roles of platelets: 
BDNFVal66met polymorphism: a potential bridge between depression and thrombosis 
Dr. Silvia Barbieri (Milan)

Emerging role for blood platelets in alzheimer's disease 
Dr. Ilaria Canobbio

Therapeutic approaches for restoration of mRNA transcription, maturation and translation: application to inherited coagulation factor deficiencies. 
Prof. Francesco Bernardi (Ferrara)

Nutrition and cardiovascular risk. 
Dr. Giovanni De Gaetano (Pozzilli)

Thrombosis in unusual locations. 
Prof Walter Ageno (Vicenza)

VWF self-association and its regulation by lipoproteins 
Prof José A. Lopez (Seattle)

START-Antiplatelet Workshop: an Italian registry on antithrombotic therapies in patients with acute coronary syndrome 
Prof Vittorio Pengo (Padua), Prof.ssa Rossella Marcucci (Florence), Dr Giuseppe Patti (Rome)

Workshop Cancer and platelets: 
Novel role of platelets in cancer 
Prof. Thomas Wurdinger (Amsterdam)
PI3K / AKT signaling pathway platelets and cancer 
Prof. Emilio Hirsh (Turin)

International Seminars on Obstetrics and Gynecology XII Edition:

Scientific Coordinator : Prof. Sandro Gerli

-The advent of the inositol 
Prof. Fabio Facchinetti, Modena

-Fetal and epigenetic nutrition 
Prof.ssa Irene Cetin, Milan

-The WFP: where are we and where will we go? 
Prof. Luca Gianaroli, Bologna

-Technological advances in ovarian biology potentially increasing access to infertility treatment 
Prof. Johan Smitz, Belgium

-Pelvic pain and endometriosis: the challenge 
Prof. Andrew W. Horne, Edinburgh, UK

- "Interesting" molecules in cancer prevention 
Prof. Pier Giuseppe Pelicci, Milan  

-Control of infections in obstetrics and gynecology 
Prof. Fabio Tumietto, Bologna

-Hysteroscopy: evolution of a technique 
Prof. Ivano Mazzon, Rome

-Microbiome and pregnancy 
Prof. Vittorio Unfer, Rome / Chiasso

-Antibiotic therapy in gynecology: all the mistakes we make 
Prof. Carlo Tascini, Pisa

-RCT, metanalysis and beyond 
Prof. Khalid Khan, London, UK

2018-2019

-The use of blood cells as drug carriers 
Prof. M. Magnani (Urbino)

-Biobanks in cardiovascular research: general principles and personal results 
Prof. G. De Gaetano (Pozzilli)

-Platelet von Willebrand factor: pathophysiologic meaning and diagnostic significance 
Prof.ssa A. Casonato (Padova)

-IL-1R8 and platelets 
Prof. A. Mantovani (Milan)

-Negative regulators of platelet activation and adhesion 
Dr. L. Stefanini (Rome)

-Multidrug resistance protein-4: a modulator of platelet response to drugs 
Prof. F. Pulcinelli (Rome)

-WAS protein, platelets and allergy 
Prof. A. Villa (Milan)

-Screening for thrombophilia: clinical aspects and research ideas 
Dr. I. Martinelli (Milan)

-Pre-mRNA splicing and platelet activation 
Dr.ssa. R. Tarallo (Caserta)

-Screening for thrombophilia: clinical aspects and research ideas 
Prof. Valerio De Stefano

Scientific event: 
The clinical laboratory, atherothrombosis and thromboembolism 
Scientific Coordinator Prof. Paolo Gresele

International Seminars on Obstetrics and Gynecology XIII Edition:

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Sandro Gerli

-Women's health: the role of the mass media 
Michela Proietti - Journalist, Corriere della Sera, Milan

-Women are not just Barbie: work, feminism and reproduction         
Barbara Mapelli - Essayist, Professor of Pedagogy of Gender Differences, Bicocca University, Milan  

-Music language and fetal brain: pathophysiology and applications 
Enrico Granieri - Neurologist, Professor of Neurology, University of Ferrara

-The metabolomics in Perinatal Medicine: science or science fiction? 
Vassilios Fanos - Pediatrician, Neonatal Intensive Care Director,

- Neonatal Pathology and Nursery 
University of Cagliari

-Epigenetics: long-term effects on health 
Ernesto Burgio - Pediatrician Geneticist, European Cancer and Environment Research Institute, Brussels

-Hysteroscopy: evolution of a technique Ivano Mazzon - Gynecologist, Arbor Vitae Nursing 
Home, Rome

-Fetal reactivity, its physiology and assessment in labor 
Karl Rosén - Physiologist, Neonatologist-Pediatrician, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

- "Interesting" molecules in cancer prevention 
Pier Giuseppe Pelicci - Oncologist, Scientific Director of the European Institute of Oncology, Milan         

-RCT, metanalysis and beyond 
Khalid Khan - Obstetrician Epidemiologist, Director of the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, London, United Kingdom 
Shoulder dystocia 
Tim Draycott - Obstetrician, North Bristol NHS Trust and PROMPT Maternity Foundation, Bristol, United Kingdom

-Women rights, women violence: the role of obstetrics-gynecology 
Lesley Regan - President of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, London, United Kingdom

-Role of family in decision making in perinatology 
Silke Mader, President of the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants, Munich, Germany

2019-2020

NB for the XXXVI cycle the programming will be defined with accreditation

-Relationship between systematic reviews and guidelines 
Prof. G. Virgili (Florence)

-Physiopathology of abnormal uterine bleeding 
Dr. Francesco Favilli (Perugia)

- Platelet adaptation to antiplatelet therapy 
Prof. F. Pulcinelli

-Anti-thrombotic treatment in congenital thrombocytopathies 
Prof. C. Santoro (Rome)

- Platelets in diabetes: victims and executioners. Implications for the response to aspirin. 
Prof. Francesca Santilli (Chieti)

-Workshop "The dark side of platelets: unconventional role of platelets beyond haemostasis" 
Prof.  Paolo Gresele, Prof. Clive Page

Scientific event: 
Approach to the hemorrhagic patient: diagnosis and treatment. 
Scientific Coordinator Prof. Paolo Gresele

International Seminars on Obstetrics and Gynecology XIII Edition:

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Sandro Gerli

-The induction of childbirth 
Anna Maria Marconi, Director of the Maternal and Childhood Department, Territorial Social-Health Company Santi Paolo e Carlo of Milan, Milan

- Maternal hemodynamics, preeclampsia and growth retardation 
Herbert Valensise, UOC Director of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Policlinico 
Casilino, Rome

-IUGR early and late 
Tiziana Frusca, Director S C. Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Parma
2. IUGR from a neonatological point of view 
Virgilio Carnielli, Director of Neonatology and Intensive Neonatal Therapy, University Hospital, Ancona

-Sexuality and pelvic pain 
Rossella Nappi, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia

-Current management strategies for the management of massive postpartum haemorrhage - Edwin Chandraharan, Consultant St. George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, London, GB

- "Diabesity": new insights and controversies 
Yariv Yogev, Chairman, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Fertility, Lis Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel

-The clinical risk in obstetrics and gynecology 
Roberto Agosti, Director of S.C. Risk Management, Territorial Social Healthcare Company, Vimercate, Monza and Brianza

-Cesarean section: comparison of operating techniques and short and long-term results 
Dragan Belci, Director of Obstetric and Gynecological Clinic, Pula Hospital, Croatia

Verification of the fulfillment of the training obligations: 

At the end of each year, PhD students are required to present a written report to the PhD programme coordinator regarding the research activity carried out and the results achieved, participation in seminars, conferences and other scientific initiatives, together with any publications produced, countersigned by the tutor. The progress report of the activities planned at the beginning of the year must emerge for verification by the Faculty Board. The coordinator will present the reports received to the Academic Board of the PhD programme for approval by 31st October of each year. In the event of a negative judgment the PhD student may be dismissed from the course.

The Board of Professors of the PhD programme may request at any time an extraordinary verification of the activities carried out by the PhD student.

Educational objectives for the two Curricula:

The PhD course is divided into two curricula (Translational Medicine and Translational Surgery) with a progression of theoretical and practical learning over the three years of the course.

The first year is aimed at learning the theoretical knowledge and basic experimental laboratory / surgical techniques, through a program of lectures and constant laboratory attendance under tutoring. The lectures provide for formal lessons and seminar cycles specific for the two curricula:

• Translational medicine: Pathophysiological bases of autoimmune diseases; mechanisms of inflammation; Pathophysiology of the heart and large vessels, the endocrine system, the glucose metabolism; Basic laboratory principles; Laboratory medicine; Laboratory diagnostics of hemorrhagic / thrombotic diseases; Physical activity and training and translational medicine
• Translational surgery: Oncology of solid tumors; Pathophysiology of liver and digestive disease, of obstetric-gynecological disorders, of urological disease and surgery of obesity.
• Common trunk: Anatomo-histological bases of human disease; statistics, English language, research valorization and management.

The second year is aimed at the development of research projects through intense research and laboratory activities, alongside a continuous updating of the topics of interest through the study of literature, participation in conferences and participation in teaching and student training. The lectures and seminar cycles of the two curricula include:

• Translational medicine: Multivariate analysis of experimental data; Molecular biology techniques; Immunohistochemistry techniques; Translational medicine and nanotechnology; The use of animals in translational research; Transplantation of pancreatic islets; animal models and translational research
• Translational surgery: Application of molecular biology techniques in surgery; The use of animals in translational surgery; Experimental techniques in urological and abdominal surgery; Tissue engineering techniques in urology

The third year is aimed at the preparation of the final experimental thesis, accompanied by highly specialized research and continuous updating activities. The lectures and seminar cycles of the two curricula include:

• Translational medicine: Metanalysis as a research tool; Translational research in endocrinology, in metabolic diseases, in infectious diseases, in respiratory pathologies, in cardiovascular medicine, in cardiology, in hemato-oncology, in nephrology and in reumathology.
• Translational surgery: Metanalysis as a research tool; Translational research in bariatric surgery and metabolic pathologies, in hepatology, in colorectal pathologies, in gastroenterology, in urological pathologies, in vascular surgery, in obstetric gynecological diseases, in radiological techniques.

Job opportunities:

The PhD programme in Translational Medicine and Surgery represents a post-graduate advanced training course on wide-ranging research issues and high social impact concerning diseases that, in epidemiological terms, occupy the first ranking positions in terms of diffusion and, according to the projections of the WHO, are likely to further increase; therefore the employment opportunities for qualified experts in this subject either in public or private research institutions for PhD students are also expected to increase. The students of the course, becoming themselves protagonists, will propose and conduct original scientific research after careful examination of the international literature. The subject of the PhD course provides skills in research areas strategic at European level, such as the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the development of nanosciences, nanotechnologies, nanomaterials and new biotechnological productions, the prevention and treatment of some infectious or oncological disorders of wide diffusion, the application and development of innovative surgical techniques, novel approaches to precision medicine. Job opportunities can be found in academia, in private research centers and in national and international pharmaceutical industries. Calls for temporary or permanent positions published by scientific associations, scientific journals, pharmaceutical industries and universities are regularly made known to our post docs. A monitoring system for professional outlets that doctoral students will be able to achieve will be implemented.