Frederick Rowland studies a wide range of medical and biological phenomena. He investigates how different ecosystems operate, specifically looking at predator-prey dynamics and their implications for wildlife management. In the medical field, he examines the accuracy of diagnostic imaging following surgeries for spinal tumors, as well as rare conditions like desmoid fibromatosis. His research also includes the design and improvement of digital platforms that aid in drug discovery, helping scientists identify therapeutic targets related to various diseases. Overall, his work aims to enhance both our understanding of biological systems and the effectiveness of medical practices.
Key findings
In a study on predator-prey interactions, it was found that active predators only effectively consume prey when their hunting area overlaps entirely with the prey's habitat, indicating spatial dependency in these interactions.
Research on desmoid fibromatosis following spinal surgery revealed that this rare condition can occur in patients, emphasizing the need for accurate imaging techniques to ensure proper treatment and avoid misdiagnosis.
Rowland's work on a calcified leiomyoma found that correct imaging is critical for diagnosis, as the tumor can be mistaken for other conditions, highlighting the necessity for careful pathological evaluation post-surgery.
His development of the Open Targets platform has streamlined the process of identifying and validating drug targets, making it easier for researchers to connect drug targets with associated diseases using varied genetic data.
A study showed that using current perception thresholds (CPTs) provided a more accurate measure of diabetic neuropathy severity compared to traditional nerve conduction velocities, indicating a shift in assessment methodologies.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Rowland study patient outcomes related to spinal surgery?
Yes, he investigates complications that can arise post-surgery, particularly related to imaging and diagnosis following spinal tumor removal.
What conditions does Dr. Rowland research?
His research involves conditions like desmoid fibromatosis, diabetic neuropathy, and chronic uveitis, among others.
Is Dr. Rowland's work relevant to drug discovery?
Absolutely, he has developed platforms that assist scientists in identifying and validating therapeutic targets, which are crucial for drug development.
Publications in plain English
Predator-prey interactions across hunting mode, spatial domain size, and habitat complexities.
2024
Ecology
Orrick K, Sommer N, Rowland F, Ferraro K
Plain English This research examined how different hunting strategies of predators and the size of their habitats affect the interactions between predators and their prey. The study found that active predators mainly rely on consuming prey when their hunting area completely overlaps with the prey's habitat, while prey animals often change their living spaces to survive threats. This knowledge helps us understand how animals respond to danger and adapt their behavior, which is important for managing wildlife and ecosystems.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and wildlife managers understand animal behavior in natural habitats.
Desmoid fibromatosis following surgical resection of spinal meningioma.
2020
Radiology case reports
Mujtaba B, Call C, Rowland F, Spear RP, Amini B +2 more
Plain English The study examined a 42-year-old woman who developed severe headaches and weakness in her legs after surgery to remove a benign spinal tumor called a meningioma. Imaging tests showed a new mass at the surgery site, which was initially believed to be a recurrence of the tumor, but after surgery, it was identified as a rare condition called desmoid fibromatosis. This finding highlights the importance of using the right imaging techniques before surgery to avoid incorrect diagnoses and ensure proper treatment.
Who this helps: This helps patients who undergo spinal tumor surgeries by encouraging better diagnostic practices.
Calcified leiomyoma of the deltoid: pathophysiology and imaging review.
2019
Skeletal radiology
Rowland F, Call C, Mujtaba B, Amini B, Wang WL
Plain English This study looked at a rare type of benign tumor called a calcified leiomyoma, specifically one that developed in the deltoid muscle of a 47-year-old man. The researchers discovered that this particular case is the first reported instance of a calcified leiomyoma in that area. They found that imaging tests initially pointed to other conditions, but a detailed examination ultimately confirmed the diagnosis, showing that these tumors are uncommon but important to identify correctly, as they are unlikely to return if removed properly.
Who this helps: This helps patients with soft tissue tumors and doctors diagnosing them.
Designing an intuitive web application for drug discovery scientists.
2018
Drug discovery today
Karamanis N, Pignatelli M, Carvalho-Silva D, Rowland F, Cham JA +1 more
Plain English This study focused on creating a user-friendly web application called the Open Targets Platform to help scientists working on early drug discovery. The researchers involved users from the beginning and used a step-by-step approach to design and improve the platform based on their feedback. This matters because a better-designed tool can enhance the drug discovery process, making it easier for scientists to find and validate potential drug targets quickly.
Who this helps: This helps drug discovery scientists.
Open Targets: a platform for therapeutic target identification and validation.
2017
Nucleic acids research
Koscielny G, An P, Carvalho-Silva D, Cham JA, Fumis L +51 more
Plain English Researchers created a user-friendly online platform called Open Targets that helps identify and validate potential drug targets linked to different diseases. This platform allows users to easily find connections between drug targets and diseases using a wide array of genetic and health data. It streamlines the process for scientists to either look for diseases related to specific drug targets or find potential targets linked to particular diseases.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and pharmaceutical companies working on new treatments.
The European Genome-phenome Archive of human data consented for biomedical research.
2015
Nature genetics
Lappalainen I, Almeida-King J, Kumanduri V, Senf A, Spalding JD +21 more
Plain English This research focuses on the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA), a secure database that stores genetic and health-related data collected from individuals who have agreed to share their information for scientific research. The EGA provides a controlled way for researchers to access important data while ensuring privacy and security, benefiting major projects in human genetics. This matters because it helps advance our understanding of genetics and can lead to better health outcomes.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers, healthcare professionals, and ultimately patients seeking improved medical care.
Information visualisation for science and policy: engaging users and avoiding bias.
2014
Trends in ecology & evolution
McInerny GJ, Chen M, Freeman R, Gavaghan D, Meyer M +5 more
Plain English This study focused on how visualizations, like graphs and charts, can help scientists and policymakers understand complex information and make better decisions. It found that much of the scientific community lacks training in creating effective and unbiased visual representations of data, which can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. Improving these skills is crucial for ensuring accurate communication and promoting discoveries in fields like biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists, policymakers, and anyone involved in environmental conservation.
Carpendale S, Chen M, Evanko D, Gehlenborg N, Gorg C +4 more
Plain English This study looks at how ontologies, which are structured ways of representing knowledge, can improve the visualization of biological data. It discusses the challenges of keeping these representations updated, managing complex relationships, and ensuring they fit the needs of scientists. The findings emphasize the importance of developing better visualization tools that reflect these challenges, ultimately making it easier for researchers to analyze biological information.
Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers in biology.
BioJS: an open source standard for biological visualisation - its status in 2014.
2014
F1000Research
Corpas M, Jimenez R, Carbon SJ, García A, Garcia L +15 more
Plain English The study examined BioJS, a tool that helps people visualize biological data on the internet. It found that BioJS offers a variety of user-friendly components that can be easily shared and reused, making it easier for researchers to create visual representations of biological information. This matters because it streamlines the process of developing bioinformatics tools, helping scientists better understand complex data.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and developers in the life sciences.
Alcántara R, Onwubiko J, Cao H, Matos Pd, Cham JA +16 more
Plain English This study introduces a new online tool called the EBI enzyme portal, created to make it easier for researchers to access detailed information about enzymes, which are crucial for various scientific fields, including drug discovery and bioengineering. The portal gathers and organizes data from different sources into one convenient location, helping users find information without having to search through multiple databases. This is important because having quick access to enzyme information can speed up research and development in many areas.
Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers working in biochemistry and related fields.
The Enzyme Portal: a case study in applying user-centred design methods in bioinformatics.
2013
BMC bioinformatics
de Matos P, Cham JA, Cao H, Alcántara R, Rowland F +2 more
Plain English The study focused on improving the design of a new online tool called the Enzyme Portal, which helps users access information about enzymes, including their functions and related scientific data. Through various user-centered design (UCD) methods, the team created a resource that is easier to use and more effective at meeting user needs. As a result, the design process led to better decisions and teamwork, ultimately creating a service that is more aligned with what users require.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists who need quick access to detailed enzymatic data.
Fatal disseminated intravascular coagulation and pulmonary thrombosis following blood transfusion in a patient with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia and human immunodeficiency virus infection.
1994
Transfusion
Bilgrami S, Cable R, Pisciotto P, Rowland F, Greenberg B
Plain English This study looked at a patient with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) who was also found to have HIV. The patient experienced serious complications, including blood clotting issues and heart failure, shortly after receiving blood transfusions, and sadly, these complications led to death. This matters because it highlights the risks associated with blood transfusions in patients who have both AIHA and HIV, especially when managing such critical conditions.
Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating patients with autoimmune diseases and HIV.
A comparison of nerve conduction velocities and current perception thresholds as correlates of clinical severity of diabetic sensory neuropathy.
1989
Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
Rendell MS, Katims JJ, Richter R, Rowland F
Plain English This study looked at two ways to measure nerve function in patients with diabetic neuropathy: traditional nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) and a newer method called current perception thresholds (CPTs). It involved 71 patients, and the findings showed that CPTs were better at predicting the severity of symptoms and physical impairments than NCVs. Specifically, the strongest correlation between sensory scores and NCVs was only 0.38, indicating that NCVs are not sensitive enough to detect all the problems in diabetic neuropathy.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with diabetic neuropathy, as it highlights a more accurate way to assess their condition.
Evidence of impaired anterior segment fibrinolytic activity in chronic uveitis.
1982
Ophthalmic research
O'Rourke J, Lindsay M, Kreutzer D, Picciano P, Rowland F +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how chronic inflammation in the eye (specifically uveitis) affects the body’s ability to break down blood clots in the front part of the eye. Researchers found that in healthy and acutely inflamed eyes, clots formed slowly but broke down quickly, while in chronically inflamed eyes, clots formed quickly but took much longer to dissolve. This matters because it shows that long-term inflammation disrupts the natural process of breaking down clots, which could lead to further eye complications.
Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic uveitis.