International Population Study on Macronutrients and BP – INTERMAP This competitive renewal application requests support for further data analysis and reporting work in the international cooperative INTERMAP Study. Specific aims involve elucidating influences on BP of amount and type of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, also individual amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, vitamins, Ca, Mg, Fe, P, Cu, Se, fiber and caffeine. The study is jointly coordinated by the Department of Public Health and Policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University. Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA) – Field Center This CARDIA renewal is a 4-center national collaborative longitudinal investigation of physiological, psychological, and other factors which may influence the evolution of coronary heart disease risk factors in young black and white men and women initially ages 18-30 in 1985-1986. Hispanic Community Health Study Field Center The overall objective of this study is to conduct a 6.5-year prospective study in a representative community-based sample of 16,000 (4,000 per field center) US persons of Hispanic origin, i.e., Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, or Central/South Americans, men and women, ages 18-74 at baseline to identify prevalence of and risk factors for cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases and to conduct annual follow-up of the cohort for up to 4 years to assess interim health.
Metabolomics-Measured Urinary Metabolites, Diet & BP, 17 Population Samples: INTERMAP This research program uses extensive high-quality data for 4,630 women and men ages 40-59 from 17 random samples of populations in China, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States: data on 83 nutrients; urinary sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, 23 amino acids; multiple metabolites identified by modern biochemical/biophysical metabolomics techniques; sociodemographic, anthropomorphic, and biomedical data. The focus is on identification of metabolites in the urine that relate to blod pressure (BP) and BP-associated traits (nutritional, sociodemographic, anthropomorphic, biomedical). The data serve to clarify how lifestyles and other human traits influence the pathways/mechanisms leading to the epidemic of prehypertension and hypertension - - data that can help to prevent and control adverse BP, key risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
My Health Lifestyle: Prevention/Treatment Study of Pediatric Obesity in Minority Children/Families This project will develop a program that uses contacts with a trained Lifestyle Coach and informationfrom visits to their child’s doctor to help parents overcome barriers to achieving a healthier weight for their child.
Study of Latinos-Nutrition Assessment Study (SOLNAS) Aims: 1) To determine measurement error in assessment of energy intake and physical activity energy expenditure when comparing the 24 hr recall, the SOL-FPQ, SOL Physical Activity Questionnaire to objective measures using Doubly Labeled Water (DLW), indirect calorimetry and accelerometry in HCHS-SOL participants while main study is underway. 2) To obtain objective markers of: (a) total and resting energy expenditure using the DLW protocol, indirect calorimetry, and accelerometry; and (b) protein, sodium, glucose, fructose and potassium expenditure from urinary recovery. 3) To store bloods for future biomarker studies to validate usual intake measures, possibly related to fruit and vegetable intake. 4) To explore the extent to which the FPQ improves assessment among SOL participants. Multiple Behavior Change in Diet and Activity This research tests the application of Behavioral Economic Theory and Self-Control Theory to health behavior change in order to lay necessary groundwork for clinical intervention. Low CV Risk, Ages 25-44 & CV/ non-CV Outcomes, Ages 65+ The specific aims of this proposal are to assess long-term relationship of baseline low risk (LR) status at younger age (25-44 years) with presence and extent of subclinical altherosclerotic disease, CVD-related markers of inflammation, and objectively measured physical performance/function at older age (65-79 years). We also are to determine whether current subclinical atherosclerotic disease and inflammatory markers account for associations of LR profile at younger age with physical performance/function at older age. Women’s Health Initiative Regional Field Center Program Northwestern University’s role in this extension includes publishing manuscripts on the WHI dataset, initiating and securing funding for ancillary studies using the WHI dataset, engaging other investigators to use the WHI resource, participating in scientific interest groups, participating on standing committees (P&P, AAS, OC), mentoring junior and new scientists on the WHI resource, participating in other committees as required, and other related scientific and administrative activities. Hispanic Community Children’s Health: Study of Latino Youth (SOL-Youth) This proposed research is an approved ancillary study of the Hispanic Community Health Study (HCHS), which will enroll approximately 1,600 youth of Hispanic origin (Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Central American) age 10 to 14 years from four US field centers (San Diego, CA; Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; New York City, NY). It will add a major, youth component to the HCHS, the most comprehensive assessment of health determinants in this rapidly growing segment of the US Hispanic population. Maternal-Offspring Metabolics: Family Intervention Trial (MOMFIT) This NIH funded study will advance understanding of the effectiveness of behavioral interventions aimed at controlling gestational weight gain in a large population of ethnically diverse overweight/ obese women. Whether changes in diet and physical activity can effectively and safely be implemented during pregnancy and sustained postpartum will be explored. The further impact of the adiposity and growth of the offspring will be evaluated. Joint Adventure: A worksite Activity-Diet Intervention for Chronic Knee Pain (Toward Healthy Physical Activity/Dietary Knee OA Lifestyles) Our research objective is to further refine, implement, and test the effectiveness of an innovative worksite intervention called JointADventure to reduce the symptoms and activity limitations of knee OA, utilizing a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL). BCBSIL is a highly supportive wellness partner, with a strong history of investment in the health of its employees and subscribers. The combined Activity/Dietary (AD) intervention is administered by health professionals trained in motivational interviewing as healthy lifestyle coaches. Over 6 months, they provide 1) individualized counseling based on a comprehensive assessment of baseline clinical, functional and behavioral factors that are barriers to healthy physical activity and dietary behaviors and 2) group education, the content of which is modeled after the highly successful Diabetes Prevention Program physical activity/dietary intervention, and customized for those with knee symptoms. Follow-up assessments continue for 6 additional months. Specific aims are to: 1) assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of the JointADventure intervention at this worksite, 2) estimate the effectiveness of the intervention to decrease body weight, improve dietary habits, and increase objectively-measured physical activity, 3) to improve objectively measured functional performance, and 4) to improve self-reported arthritis-specific and generic health status and health utility. Pending Research Support: Linda Van Horn, PhD, RD A Medical Nutrition Education Pilot Project Testing a Novel Translational Model for Obesity Prevention in Prenatal Care
The proposed model, if proven effective in both training physicians and affecting the nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of pregnant patients, would then be proposed to NIH to study these outcomes more comprehensively among medical schools that previously collaborated in the NAA. To our knowledge, this is the first proposal to link academic medicine and clinical outcomes related to pregnancy and obesity. Epigentetic Mechanisms of PM-Mediated CVD Risk
The objective of this study is to characterize the temporal associations between short- and long-term exposure to particulate matter air pollution, DNA methylation, and cardiovascular risk factors among an exam site- and race-stratified, randomly selected minority oversample of participants in the Women’s Health Initiative clinical trials. *effort in Years 4 and 5 only NIMHD Chicago Center of Excellence (COE) for Minority Cardiovascular Health Maternal Avoidance of Metabolic adversity Study (MAMAS Latinas) (Project 2 title) The Maternal Avoidance of Metabolic adversity Study (MAMAS Latinas) is designed to help Overweight/obese pregnant Latina women in Chicago to avoid Gestational weight gain in excess of the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations while meeting the special nutrient and physical activity needs of women during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.
Franck Mauvais-Jarvis, MD. PhD
National Institutes of Health
Role of Estrogen Receptors in Pancreatic Beta-Cell Survival and Insulin Secretion Genes, Androgens and Intrauterine Environment in PCOS
Role of Androgen Excess in Provoking Oxidative Stress in Females Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hormone action
Training Grant T32 DK007169 AHA Innovative research grant
Role of sex chromosomes in energy homeostasis
Helen Binns, MD
Pediatric Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines Implementation This study engages 16 practices which are members of the Pediatric Practice Research Group in a quality improvement study to evaluate 2 levels of interventions that may lead to compliance with recommendations for CVD risk prevention. Practices will be recruited, engaged in research, and randomized to usual or enhanced dissemination strategies. Quality improvement activities will occur over 1 year. Pre- and post-intervention samples of children’s medical records will be assessed. Focus of evaluations will be on care related to body mass index, obesity, blood pressure, and family tobacco use. Funder NHLBI, we are a sub-grantee under Research Triangle Institute, North Carolina. Another practice based research network in NC is also participating.
Bonnie Spring, PhD
Make Better Choices 2: Multiple Behavior Change in Diet and Activity PI: Bonnie Spring, Ph.D.
R01 HL075451-05A1 (Spring) 07/31/10 - 04/30/15 NIH/NHLBI
Multiple Behavior Change in Diet and Activity 2
The average adult has a poor quality diet and sedentary lifestyle, but the best way to produce sustained healthy change remains unknown. The MBC2 intervention uses handheld technology to help individuals monitor and transmit information about their eating and activity remotely to a behavior coach. The proposed trial tests whether MBC2 intervention improves diet and activity more than a stress management control condition, and whether changing multiple health behaviors is best achieved by changing them all at the same time, or one after another. Engaged: E-networks Guiding Adherence to Goals for Exercise and Diet NIH NIDDK RC1DK087126
PI: Bonnie Spring. PhD
Long in-person treatment with a professional is now necessary to maintain the adherence to diet and activity goals that is needed for successful weight loss. The ENGAGED study tests a way to reduce cost by having half as many in-person treatment sessions and using specially designed smart phones that help people engage virtually with a counselor and peers who support behavioral adherence to weight loss. It uses the smartphone-based technology system to test a way to reduce cost by having half as many in-person treatment sessions and using specially designed smart phones that help people engage virtually with a counselor and peers who support behavioral adherence to weight loss. For more information about the "Engaged" study and Dr. Spring please see links below or contact: Alyson Sularz
Research Coordinator
alyson.sularz@gmail.com NIH Award,Preventive Medicine, Dr. Bonnie Spring Provider-Guided Optimization of EHR tools to Facilitate Evidence-Based Management of Obesity for Adults Co-PIs: Bonnie Spring and Deborah Edberg The purpose of the study is to survey providers in a Federally Qualified Health Center about their knowledge of Guidelines for Obesity Screening and Treatment and their satisfaction with EHR decision support tools to facilitate obesity management. Information will be applied to collaborate with informatics experts and providers to improve obesity decisio support infrastructure. Project coordinator: "Molly Ferguson" <m-ferguson@northwestern.edu>, NIH Award,Preventive Medicine, Dr. Bonnie Spring Dr. Bonnie Spring Dr. Bonnie Spring Recent Publications and Invited Presentations Dr. Robert Kushner, Principle Investigator
We recently completed analysis of a lifestyle patterns questionnaire among a large sample of internet users. The questionnaire was developed a priori by expert opinion. This project was the basis of the previously submitted IRB protocol STU00007447 and resulted in a publication, ‘Kushner RF, Choi SW. Prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle patterns among overweight and obese adults. (Obesity 2010;18:1160-1167). In this study, a new questionnaire will be developed post priori by factor analysis using responses from the first study. The goal is to develop a practical instrument that can be applied for clinical counseling.
Principal investigator, Andrea Dunaif, MD, professor and division chief, Division of Endocrinology, FSM, and other researchers created a study with a hypothesis that hyper-androgenemia 1) plays an independent role in pathogenesis of the metabolic abnormalities in PCOS 2 results from A8 PCOS susceptibility variant 3) begins producing metabolic abnormalities before puberty. To determine whether there is a premenarchal phenotype and whether A8 identifies at-risk girls, first degree relatives will be studied. Medications including flutamide and metformin and combinations of them will be used to determine if they reduce visceral adiposity, improve insulin sensitivity, or ameliorate dyslipidemia in women with PCOS. Also, a determination will be made about whether the A8 genotype is predictive of patients’ responses to interventions. Dr. Andrea Dunaif Recent Publications and Invited Presentations
A team of Research personnel headed by Dr. Whitington and Dr. Fishbein has recently been included in a nationwide clinical study called the Clinical Research Network in NASH. In this study, the very best centers from around the country are banding together with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to improve the care of people with fatty liver disease. Our team is engaged in several consortia with other respected and well-established centers to study other significant childhood liver diseases, including biliary atresia, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and cholestatic liver disease. Children's Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic for Children with Overweight-Associated Liver Disease
The CLOCC is within the Center on Obesity Management and Prevention (COMP) at Children’s Memorial Hospital and Research Center in Chicago. to confront the childhood obesity epidemic by promoting healthy and active lifestyles for children throughout the Chicago metropolitan area - to foster and facilitate connections between childhood obesity prevention researchers; public health advocates and practitioners; and the children, families and communities of Chicagoland
Medical director: Katherine Kaufer Christoffel, MD, MPH, professor of pediatrics and preventive medicine, FSM - Executive director: Adam Becker, PhD, MPH
- Primary focus on children 3 to 5 years old
1,700 partners from more than 700 organizations have participated in CLOCC initiatives Organized around core policies, products, and projects; has eight working groups Funded more than $500,000 in seed grants, implementation grants, and working group projects since opening Initially identified six vanguard communities and added four in 2006 Linda Van Horn, PhD, RD, professor of preventive medicine, FSM, received a seed grant from the CLOCC for “Developing and Testing Feasibility of a Tailored Lifestyle Intervention Program to Assist Clinic Practices in Their Efforts to Prevent and Treat Overweight: Planning for a Pilot Study.” Worked with its partners in a state level consensus agenda process that generated four new laws; facilitating implementation of a fifth law that mandates body mass index surveillance as part of child health status surveillance - Sponsored a technical assistance project called “Teamwork, Tenacity, and Technical Assistance” (TTT) that delivered help to eight primary care sites. The effort, led by Adolpho Ariza, MD, was placed on organizing systems for identifying and tracking overweight children and improving their clinical management.
- Supports the innovative Inter-Departmental Task Force on Childhood Obesity, which now includes nine city departments
(Drawn from 2006 and 2007 Annual Reports, Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC). For more see www.clocc.net Supported by funding from the Society for Pediatric Research student research program, a group of investigators that included FSM physician faculty members, Katherine Kaufer Crhristoffel, MD, MPH and Alexander P. Nagle, MD, designed a study - to describe the prevalence of obese preteen children in families of adult bariatric surgery patients
- to understand implications of the data for future clinical care and research.
“Long-term Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery Patients”, the primary study, included adult patients who were either recruited by phone or in-person at a follow-up visit to the clinic.
Body mass index (BMI) at surgery for each study participant was pulled from the study database. Each was given a survey that showed their children’s and grandchildren’s height and weight. Associations were identified between the bariatric patient’s, children’s and grandchildren’s characteristics and child and grandchild obesity. Also, discrepancies were explored between reported and perceived child overweight. (For more see www.cmh.org)
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