

"In God we trust ...
all others must bring data."
- W. Edwards Deming

The PHILOSOPHY
The amount of energy, time, and financial resources wasted in medical research every year worldwide due to a lack of experience of researchers regarding technique, infrastructure, research management, and biostatistics is significant. Researchers who lack expertise in these critical areas can lead to flawed study designs, inaccurate data collection and analysis, and - most relevantly - incorrect conclusions. This can result in wasted resources and effort, as well as potential harm to patients if flawed research leads to ineffective or harmful treatments.
"Most Medical Research Is Useless" published in PLOS Medicine in 2014 by Paul Glasziou et al. analyzed over 2000 randomized controlled trials published in leading medical journals and found that only a small percentage of these trials (around 10%) actually contributed trustworthy scientific result with the potential of improving clinical outcome someday.
​
Therefore, professional guidance in translational and clinical research is of paramount importance, not only for the well-being of patients, but also for the advancement of scientific knowledge. This can significantly reduce stress, wasteful operational strategies and waste data, which in turn promotes the exchange of ideas, expertise, and research enthusiasm. Professional guidance, therefore, is not just a moral imperative, but also a necessary condition for the success of translational and clinical research.
​
Overseeing several years in research experience, my aim is to contribute my "Lessons Learnt" to research groups that might profit from these and offer consultation and guidance for translational research, clinical trials, database management and biostatistics.
​
​
1. Fundamental Research
2. Translational Research
3. Clinical Trials
4. Sample Data Management
5. Biostatistics
Wet Lab: S1 & S2 cell culture work; organoids; cryopreservation & frozen stock management -80°C, -180°C; virus production & transfection (lenitvirus & adeno-associated-virus); human tumor cultivation
Microscopy: fixation; frozen sections; PPFE sections; conventional staining; immuno staining; widefield microscopy; confocal microscopy; fluorescence microscopy; slide scanning
In-vivo Methods: tumor models (NMRI-nude with human tumor xenotransplantation); tumor-injection (Hamilton syringe), virus-injection (pulled micropipettes); two-photon microscopy; laser stimulation
Animal Models: GV-SOLAS A & B (former FELASA B & C)
- rodent: cranial window; vascular anastomoses; microsurgery
- porcine: esophagectomy; kidney transplantation
Imaging:
- fluorescence imaging: indocyanine green (ICG)
- spectral imaging: spectroscopy; hyperspectral imaging (HSI); multispectral imaging (MSI)
Coding and Machine Learning: Python; Fiji; data annotation; multidimensionality reduction (PCA; UMAP; t-SNE); machine lerning; deep-lerning
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): interventional surgical trials; randomization; electronical case report form (eCRF) development; funding application; web hosting
Ethical vote & Prospective Registration
Prospective, Big Data, Long-Term Databases:
-
biobank management: tissue; blood & other fluids
-
digital sample management: omics; bioinformatics; imaging
-
database-IT: REDCap (licence holder); network-attached storage (NAS); redundant systems; data labelling; SDS server
Sample Size Calculation: explorative design; confirmative design (non-inferiority, superiority); various power levels; adjustment for drop-outs & lost-to follow-ups; crossover design; diagnostic quality criteria
Endpoint Design: primary & secondary endpoint definition; composite endpoints; multiple testing strategies
Correlation, Statistical Testing & Linear Models: linear regression; logistic regression; t-test family; multifactorial ANOVA; linear mixed models
Survival Data: Kaplan-Meier chart; censoring
Analysis set: database closure; queries; per-protocol (PP); as-treated (AS); intention-to-treat (ITT); baseline adjustment
Meta-Analyses: systematic literature search; forrest plot; funnel plot; PRISMA statement
Software: Prism; R; SAS

Purpose & Goal
Consulting Services:
-
foster high-quality medical research
-
reduce bureaucracy
-
transition analog to digital solutions
-
depict practical open-source solutions
-
help avoiding common pitfalls & reduce complexity
-
provide infrastructure and uncomplicated peer-connecting (especially in Rhein-Neckar region)
-
build prospective big-data databases (bio- & digital)
Adressed Audience:
-
hospitals
-
pharma companies
-
scientific core facilities
-
research institutions
Publications
As listed in PubMed (peer-reviewed; chronologically descending)
​
-
Venkataramani, V., Tanev, DI., Strahle, C., Studier-Fischer, A., Fankhauser, L., Kessler, T., Körber, C., Kardorff, M., Ratliff, M., Xie, R., Horstmann, H., Messer, M., Paik, SP., Knabbe, J., Sahm, F., Kurz, FT., Acikgöz, AA., Herrmannsdörfer, F., Agarwal, A., Bergles, DE., Chalmers, A., Miletic, H., Turcan, S., Mawrin, C., Hänggi, D., Liu, HK., Wick, W., Winkler, F., Kuner, T. Glutamatergic synaptic input to glioma cells drives brain tumour progression. Nature. 2019 Sep;573(7775):532-538. doi: 10.1038/s41586-019-1564-x. Epub 2019 Sep 18. PMID: 31534219. (IF 42.778)
-
Schwab, M., Brindl, N., Studier-Fischer, A., Tu, T., Gsenger, J., Pilgrim, M., . . . Mihaljevic, A. L. (2020). Postoperative complications and mobilisation following major abdominal surgery with vs. without fitness tracker-based feedback (EXPELLIARMUS): study protocol for a student-led multicentre randomised controlled trial (CHIR-Net SIGMA study group). Trials. 2020 Mar 23;21(1):293. doi: 10.1186/s13063-020-4220-8. PMID: 32293519; PMCID: PMC7092422. (IF 2.279)
-
Dietrich, M., Brenner, T., Nickel, F., Studier-Fischer, A., Müller-Stich, BP., Weigand, MA., Schmidt, K.. Was ist neu in … der hyperspektralen Bildgebung: Eine Technologie der Zukunft für das hämodynamische Monitoring [What is new in … Hyperspectral imaging: A future technology for hemodynamic monitoring]. Anaesthesist. 2021 Feb;70(2):144-145. German. doi: 10.1007/s00101-020-00892-6. PMID: 33258002. (IF 1.041)
-
Nickel, F., Probst, P., Studier-Fischer, A., Nienhüser, H., Pauly, J., Kowalewski, KF., Weiterer, S., Knebel, P., Diener, MK., Weigand, MA., Büchler, MW., Schmidt, T., Müller-Stich, BP. Minimally Invasive Versus open AbdominoThoracic Esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma (MIVATE) - study protocol for a randomized controlled trial DRKS00016773. Trials. 2021 Jan 11;22(1):41. doi: 10.1186/s13063-020-04966-z. PMID: 33430937; PMCID: PMC7798277. (IF 2.728)
-
CHIR-Net SIGMA Study Group*, Mihaljevic, AL. Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measures PRO-CTCAE and CAT EORTC QLQ-C30 in Major Abdominal Cancer Surgery (PATRONUS): A Student-Initiated German Medical Audit (SIGMA) Study. Ann Surg Oncol. 2021 Jun;28(6):3075-3089. doi: 10.1245/s10434-021-09646-z. Epub 2021 Mar 8. PMID: 33683524; PMCID: PMC8119276. (IF 4.978)
-
Haney, CM., Studier-Fischer, A., Probst, P., Fan, C., Müller, PC., Golriz, M., Diener, MK., Hackert, T., Müller-Stich, BP., Mehrabi, A., Nickel, F. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing laparoscopic and open liver resection. HPB (Oxford). 2021 Oct;23(10):1467-1481. doi: 10.1016/j.hpb.2021.03.006. Epub 2021 Mar 18. PMID: 33820689. (IF 3.842)
-
Dietrich M., Marx S., von der Forst M., Bruckner T., Schmitt F.C.F., Fiedler M.O., Nickel F., Studier-Fischer A., Müller-Stich B.P., Hackert T., Brenner T., Weigand M.A., Uhle F., Schmidt K. Bedside hyperspectral imaging indicates a microcirculatory sepsis pattern - an observational study. Microvasc Res. 2021 Jul;136:104164. doi: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104164. Epub 2021 Apr 6. PMID: 33831406. (IF 3.750)
-
Dietrich, M., Marx, S., von der Forst, M., Bruckner, T., Schmitt, F., Fiedler, M. O., Nickel, F., Studier-Fischer, A., Müller-Stich, B. P., Hackert, T., Brenner, T., Weigand, M. A., Uhle, F., & Schmidt, K. (2021). Hyperspectral imaging for perioperative monitoring of microcirculatory tissue oxygenation and tissue water content in pancreatic surgery - an observational clinical pilot study. Perioperative medicine (London, England), 10(1), 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13741-021-00211-6 (IF 2.904)
-
Dietrich, M., Özdemir, B., Gruneberg, D., Petersen, C., Studier-Fischer, A., von der Forst, M., Schmitt, F., Fiedler, M. O., Nickel, F., Müller-Stich, B. P., Brenner, T., Weigand, M. A., Uhle, F., & Schmidt, K. (2021). Hyperspectral Imaging for the Evaluation of Microcirculatory Tissue Oxygenation and Perfusion Quality in Haemorrhagic Shock: A Porcine Study. Biomedicines, 9(12), 1829. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9121829 (IF 4.600)
-
Seidlitz, S., Sellner, J., Odenthal, J., Özdemir, B., Studier-Fischer, A., Knödler, S., Ayala, L., Adler, TJ., Kenngott, HG., Tizabi, M., Wagner, M., Nickel, F., Müller-Stich, BP., Maier-Hein, L. Robust deep learning-based semantic organ segmentation in hyperspectral images. Med Image Anal. 2022 Aug;80:102488. doi: 10.1016/j.media.2022.102488. Epub 2022 May 27. PMID: 35667327. (IF 13.828)
-
Studier-Fischer, A., Seidlitz, S., Sellner, J., Özdemir, B., Wiesenfarth, M., Ayala, L., Odenthal, J., Knödler, S., Kowalewski, KF., Haney, CM., Camplisson, I., Dietrich, M., Schmidt, K., Salg, GA., Kenngott, HG., Adler, TJ., Schreck, N., Kopp-Schneider, A., Maier-Hein, K., Maier-Hein, L., Müller-Stich, BP., Nickel, F. Spectral organ fingerprints for machine learning-based intraoperative tissue classification with hyperspectral imaging in a porcine model. Sci Rep. 2022 Jun 30;12(1):11028. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-15040-w. PMID: 35773276; PMCID: PMC9247052. (IF 4.997)
-
Chalopin, C., Nickel, F., Pfahl, A., Köhler, H., Maktabi, M., Thieme, R., Sucher, R., Jansen-Winkeln, B., Studier-Fischer, A., Seidlitz, S., Maier-Hein, L., Neumuth, T., Melzer, A., Müller-Stich, BP., Gockel, I. Künstliche Intelligenz und hyperspektrale Bildgebung zur bildgestützten Assistenz in der minimal-invasiven Chirurgie [Artificial intelligence and hyperspectral imaging for image-guided assistance in minimally invasive surgery]. Chirurgie (Heidelb). 2022 Oct;93(10):940-947. German. doi: 10.1007/s00104-022-01677-w. Epub 2022 Jul 7. PMID: 35798904. (IF 0.920)
-
Nickel, F.*, Studier-Fischer, A.*, Hausmann, D., Klotz, R., Vogel-Adigozalov, SL., Tenckhoff, S., Klose, C., Feisst, M., Zimmermann, S., Babic, B., Berlt, F., Bruns, C., Gockel, I., Graf, S., Grimminger, P., Gutschow, CA., Hoeppner, J., Ludwig, K., Mirow, L., Mönig, S., Reim, D., Seyfried, F., Stange, D., Billeter, A., Nienhüser, H., Probst, P., Schmidt, T., Müller-Stich, BP. Minimally invasivE versus open total GAstrectomy (MEGA): study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial (DRKS00025765). BMJ Open. 2022 Oct 31;12(10):e064286. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064286. PMID: 36316075; PMCID: PMC9628650. (IF 3.007)
-
Katzenschlager, S., Dietrich, M., Peterstorfer, F., Manten, K., von der Forst, M., Behnisch, R., Leowardi, C., Studier-Fischer, A., Nickel, F., Weigand, MA., Weilbacher, F., Popp, E. Implementation of hyperspectral imaging in a trauma resuscitation room: a randomized controlled trial. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2022 Dec 9;30(1):66. doi: 10.1186/s13049-022-01057-7. PMID: 36494726; PMCID: PMC9733002. (IF 3.803)
-
Knoedler L., Knoedler S., Chartier C., Panayi A.C., Orgill D.P., Moog P., Oezdemir B., von Isenburg S., Studier-Fischer A., Prantl L., Kehrer A. The Rise of Facial Palsy on Social Media Over the Last 5 Years. J Craniofac Surg. 2023 Mar-Apr 01;34(2):564-570. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000009106. Epub 2022 Nov 1. PMID: 36730871. (IF 1.172)
-
Dietrich M., Antonovici A., Hölle T., Nusshag C., Kapp A.C., Studier-Fischer A., Arif R., Nickel F., Weigand M.A., Frey N., Lichtenstern‚ C., Leuschner F., Fischer D. Microcirculatory tissue oxygenation correlates with kidney function after transcatheter aortic valve implantation-Results from a prospective observational study. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2023 Feb 14;10:1108256. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1108256. PMID: 36865886; PMCID: PMC9971913. (IF 5.846)
-
Studier-Fischer A., Henriques V., Rheinheimer S., Salg G.A., Nickel F., Schneider M. Combined two-stage total pancreatoduodenectomy and esophagectomy for synchronous malignancy of the pancreatic corpus and the esophagus: A surgical case report. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2023 Mar 22;105:108028. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108028. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36966719. (IF 0.629)
-
Haney C.M., Kowalewski K.F., Schmidt M.W., Lang F., Bintintan V., Fan C., Wehrtmann F., Studier-Fischer A., Felinska E.A., Müller Stich B.P., Nickel F. Robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic bowel anastomoses: randomized crossover in vivo experimental study. Surg Endosc. 2023 Apr 18. doi: 10.1007/s00464-023-10044-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37072638. (IF 3.453)
-
Nickel F.*, Studier-Fischer A.*, Özdemir B., Odenthal J., Müller L.R., Knoedler S., Kowalewski K.F., Camplisson I., Allers M.M., Dietrich M., Schmidt K., Salg G.A., Kenngott H.G., Billeter A.T., Gockel I., Sagiv C., Hadar O.E., Gildenblat J., Ayala L., Seidlitz S., Maier-Hein L., Müller-Stich B.P. Optimization of anastomotic technique and gastric conduit perfusion with hyperspectral imaging and machine learning in an experimental model for minimally invasive esophagectomy. EJSO. 2023 Apr 25; doi:10.1016/j.ejso.2023.04.007. Epub ahead of print. (IF 4.424)
-
Kuemmerli, C., Rössler, F., Berchtold, C., Frey, M.C., Studier-Fischer, A., Cizmic, A., Jonas, J.P., Hackert, T., Nickel, F., Müller, P.C. Artificial intelligence in pancreatic surgery - Current applications. Journal of Pancreatology (2023):10.1097/JP9.0000000000000129, April 26, 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/JP9.0000000000000129. Epub ahead of print. (IF 3.977)
-
Studier-Fischer, A., Seidlitz, S., Sellner, J., Bressan, M., Özdemir, B., Ayala, L., Odenthal, J., Knoedler, S., Kowalewski, K.-F., Haney, C. M., Salg, G., Dietrich, M., Kenngott, H., Gockel, I., Hackert, T., Müller-Stich, B. P., Maier-Hein, L. und Nickel, F. (2023). HeiPorSPECTRAL - the Heidelberg Porcine HyperSPECTRAL Imaging Dataset of 20 Physiological Organs. Nature Scientific Data 10, 414, doi: 10.1038/s41597-023-02315-8.
-
Studier-Fischer, A., Schwab, F.M., Rees, M., Seidlitz, S., Sellner, J., Özdemir, B., Ayala, L., Odenthal, J., Knoedler, S., Kowalewski, K.-F., Haney, C.M., Dietrich, M., Salg, Gabriel A., Kenngott, H.G., Müller-Stich, B.P., Maier-Hein, L., Nickel, F.. ICG-augmented hyperspectral imaging for visualization of intestinal perfusion compared to conventional ICG fluorescence imaging - An experimental study. International Journal of Surgery ():10.1097/JS9.0000000000000706, September 15, 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/ JS9.0000000000000706. (IF 15.300)
-
​Wise, P.A., Studier-Fischer, A., Hackert, T., Nickel, F.. Update zur Navigation im OP-Saal [Status Quo of Surgical Navigation]. Zentralbl Chir. 2023 Dec 6. German. doi: 10.1055/a-2211-4898. Epub ahead of print. Zentralbl Chir. 2023 Dec 14;: PMID:38056501
-
​Nickel, F., Studier-Fischer, A., Hackert, T.. Robotische Pankreaschirurgie [Robotic pancreatic surgery]. Chirurgie (Heidelb). 2024 Feb;95(2):165-174. German. doi: 10.1007/s00104-023-02001-w. Epub 2023 Dec 14. PMID: 38095648.
-
​Felinska, E.A., Studier-Fischer, A., Özdemir, B., Willuth, E., Wise, P.A., Müller-Stich, B., Nickel, F. Effects of endoluminal vacuum sponge therapy on the perfusion of gastric conduit in a porcine model for esophagectomy. Surg Endosc. 2024 Jan 5. doi:10.1007/s00464-023-10647-0. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38180542.
-
​Jiang, D., Mantas, A., Studier-Fischer, A., Fuchs, J., Uluk, D., Loos, M., Mieth, M., Zeier, M., Husen, P., Golriz, M., Kahlert, C., Ryschich, E., Mehrabi, A., Pratschke, J., Michalski, C.W., Czigany, Z. Clinical Research in Renal Transplantation: A Bibliometric Perspective on a Half-century of Innovation and Progress. Transplantation. 2024 Jan 10. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000004887. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38196091. (IF 6.200)
-
​CHIR-Net SIGMA Study Group; Mihaljevic, A.. Postoperative Complications and Mobilization following Major Abdominal Surgery with vs. Without Fitness Tracker-based Feedback (EXPELLIARMUS): A Student-led Multicenter Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of the CHIR-Net SIGMA Study Group. Annals of Surgery ():10.1097/SLA.0000000000006232, February 9, 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006232
-
​Egen, L., Demmel, G.S., Grilli, M., Studier-Fischer, A., Nickel, F., Haney, C.M., Mühlbauer, J., Hartung, F.O., Menold, H.S., Piazza, P., Rivas, J.G., Checcucci, E., Puliatti, S., Belenchon, I.R., Taratkin, M., Rodler, S., Cacciamani, G., Michel, M.S., Kowalewski, K.F.. Biophotonics-Intraoperative Guidance During Partial Nephrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Eur Urol Focus. 2024 Jan 25:S2405-4569(24)00008-7. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2024.01.005. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38278713.
-
​Studier-Fischer, A., Özdemir, B., Kowalewski, K., Haney, C. M., Michel, M. S., Salg, G. A., Billmann, F. Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications. J. Vis. Exp. (205), e66684,doi:10.3791/66684 (2024)
-
​Qasim, A.B., Motta, A., Studier-Fischer, A., Sellner, J., Ayala, L., Hübner, M., Bressan, M., Özdemir, B., Kowalewski, K. F., Nickel, F., Seidlitz, S. und Maier-Hein, L. (2024). Test-time augmentation with synthetic data addresses distribution shifts in spectral imaging. International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, doi: 10.1007/s11548-024-03085-3.
-
​Salg, G.A., Steinle, V., Labode, J., Wagner, W., Studier-Fischer, A., Reiser, J., Farjallah, E., Guettlein, M., Albers, J., Hilgenfeld, T., Giese, N.A., Stiller, W., Nickel, F., Loos, M., Michalski, C.W., Kauczor, H.U., Hackert, T., Dullin, C., Mayer, P., Kenngott, H.G.. Multiscale and multimodal imaging for three-dimensional vascular and histomorphological organ structure analysis of the pancreas (2023). Scientific Reports.
-
Studier-Fischer, A.*, Özdemir, B.*, Rees, M., Ayala, L., Seidlitz, S., Sellner, J., Kowalewski, K.F., Haney, C.M., Odenthal, J., Knödler, 
 S., Dietrich, M., Gruneberg, D., Brenner, T., Schmidt, K., Schmitt, F.C.F., Weigand, M.A., Salg, G.A., Dupree, A., Nienhüser, H., Mehrabi A., Hackert T., Müller, B.P., Maier-Hein, L., Nickel, F.. Crystalloid Volume versus Catecholamines for Management of Hemorrhagic Shock during Esophagectomy – Assessment of Microcirculatory Tissue Oxygenation of the Gastric Conduit in a Porcine Model using Hyperspectral Imaging – An Experimental Study. International Journal of Surgery (2024).
-
Studier-Fischer, A., Bressan, M., bin Qasim, A., Özdemir, B., Sellner, J., Seidlitz, S., Haney, C.M., Egen, L., Michel, M., Dietrich, M., Salg, G.A., Billmann, F., Nienhüser, H., Hackert T., Müller, B.P., Maier-Hein, L., Nickel*, F. & Kowalewski*, K.F.. Spectral Characterization of Intraoperative Renal Perfusion using Hyperspectral Imaging and Artificial Intelligence. Sci Rep 14, 
17262 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68280-3.
-
Gruneberg, G., Dietrich, M., Studier-Fischer, A., Petersen, C., Von Der Forst, M., Özdemir, B., Schöchl, H., Nickel, F., Weigand, M., 
Schmitt, F.C.. Comparison of Two Viscoelastic Testing Devices in a Porcine Model of Surgery Hemorrhage and Resuscitation. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. Sec. Biomaterials. Volume 12 - 2024, doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1417847.
-
Studier-Fischer A., Özdemir B., Kowalewski K.F., Haney C.M., Egen L., Michel M.S., Mieth M., Czigany Z., Salg G.A., Nienhüser H., Billmann F.. Controlled Reversible Visceral Arterial Ischemia, Venous Congestion and Combined Malperfusion via Midline Laparotomy in Rats. J Vis Exp. 2024 Jul 5;(209). doi: 10.3791/67171. PMID: 39037221.
-
Studier-Fischer A., Bressan M., Qasim A.B., Özdemir B., Sellner J., Seidlitz S., Haney C.M., Egen L., Michel M., Dietrich M., Salg G.A., Billmann F., Nienhüser H., Hackert T., Müller B.P., Maier-Hein L., Nickel F., Kowalewski K.F.. Spectral characterization of intraoperative renal perfusion using hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence. Sci Rep. 2024 Jul 27;14(1):17262. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-68280-3. PMID: 39068299; PMCID: PMC11283474.
-
Dietrich M., Tayan A., Hölle T., Nusshag C., Kapp A.C., Mertens C., Studier-Fischer A., Nickel F., Leuschner F., Weigand M.A., Karck M., Lichtenstern C., Arif R., Fischer D. Hyperspectral Imaging for Microcirculatory Assessment of Patients undergoing Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement - a Prospective Observational Pilot Study. J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2024 Nov 8. doi: 10.1007/s12265-024-10573-z. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39514071.
​
CONTACT
Contact Details
Availability
Email: 24/7
​

