New approaches to shock and trauma research: learning from multidisciplinary exchange.
BACKGROUND
Our understanding of the complex network of pathophysiology after multiple injury is limited. It is proposed to overcome the limitations of the traditional linear reductionism approach by merging the expertise of biology and medicine with other disciplines such as mathematics, physics and computer science.


METHODS
We organized a two-days-workshop, where surgeons and surgical scientists explained the problem from the medical (pathophysiological) perspective to a well selected group of German applied mathematicians and computer scientists. Vice versa they presented and discussed their approaches to complex system analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Physicians found it difficult to develop questions and concepts that go beyond the classic mechanistic thinking. Well formulated questions are the most important prerequisites for successful application of mathematical tools. The possibilities and borders of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Hidden Markow Models (HMM), Agent Based Models (ABM), differential equations for problem solving were discussed. There is no master model for all aspects of pathophysiology, however, application of the models to specific problems is mandatory.


CONCLUSIONS
Future breakthroughs can only be expected if we overcome language problems between disciplines. This cross talk was considered by all participants as a most important step.
Neugebauer
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EA
Biochemical Division, University of Cologne, Germany. sekretariat-neugebauer@uni-koeln.dr
Tjardes
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D003142:Communication; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007393:International Educational Exchange; D008390:Markov Chains; D008433:Mathematics; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D008954:Models, Biological; D015233:Models, Statistical; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D011379:Prognosis; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012769:Shock / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D013597:Systems Analysis; D014194:Traumatology / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends