Pittsburgh Pepper Center - University of Pittsburgh |

Time 2020-09-11 17:04:17

Web Name: Pittsburgh Pepper Center - University of Pittsburgh |

WebSite: http://www.pepper.pitt.edu

ID:43416

Keywords:

Pepper,Pittsburgh,Center,

Description:

Our MissionThe University of Pittsburgh Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center is one of fourteen Centers throughout the United States funded by the National Institute on Aging. The Pepper Center promotes independence among older Americans by optimizing balance and mobility and reducing injurious falls through disciplined inquiry and translational research. We train young investigators from multiple disciplines within a vibrant intellectual and collaborative environment and serve as a resource and partner to other investigators, institutions, and the public. We strive to increase scientific knowledge that will lead to better ways to maintain or restore independence to older persons. Leadership The Pepper Center is comprised of various Cores led by physicians and researchers. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, the Pepper Center leadership staff constitutes experts across departments within the University. Pepper Scholars The Pepper Center promotes the development of new investigators through a multilevel progressive training program including career development activities, education and training opportunities, and support for pilot research.  Pepper Research Network on Aging The mission of the Pepper Research Network on Aging is to promote and foster inclusion of older adults living in the community and across the continuum of care in University of Pittsburgh research studies. Core Descriptions The Pepper Center is comprised of six Cores. The Cores work closely with leading research groups in aging and other relevant disciplines throughout the University of Pittsburgh, and with research groups both nationally and internationally. Get InvolvedAre you or someone you know over the age of 60, still living independently, and interested in participating in age-related research? You or they may be eligible to enroll in the Pepper Center Research Registry for older adults. Learn More Jun 24, 2020Share your story. We want to hear from patients, their families and health care workers who are 18 years and older to learn more about how the coronavirus is impacting you. Healthy Aging and Research Participation – Virtual Senior Academy May 18, 2020Healthy Aging and Research: Presented by Maddie Rigatti SpotlightVisit our Spotlight that periodically features ongoing or completed studies from Pepper Center investigators. Learn More PublicationsVisit our Publications page for details on completed studies by Pepper investigators. Learn More ResourcesResources for investigators, including expertise and assistance with study design and implementation. Learn More Contact UsUniversity of PittsburghClaude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center3471 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1110Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Due to COVID-19, all Pepper Seminars will be conducted virtually until further notice.For information regarding seminars conducted on Zoom, please view our calendar or contact Naama Balass at nab5@pitt.edu.Leadership: Dr. Perera, Dr. Handler, Dr. RubioStudy Design: We meet with Pepper investigators early in study conception to assist with:ensuring hypotheses are relevant and testableanalysis of preliminary data and sample size and power computationsdevelopment of the analysis plan, randomization (if applicable)analysis of datainterpretation of resultsgenerating relevant graphics and text for dissemination of results in presentations and manuscriptsStatistical Analysis: We use SAS as our main general purpose statistical software, and Salford Predictive Miner, Stata, SUDAAN, Solas, StatXact, LogXact, PASS, NQuery as needed for specific requirements involving classification/regression trees, frailty models, complex survey data, missing data, exact inference, and sample size/power computations.DMAIC is proficient in providing all standard analytic support such as general (ANOVA, ANCOVA, regression) and generalized (logistic/Poisson/negative binomial variations) linear models, generalized estimating equations and linear mixed model extensions of the above, survival analysis (Cox frailty models), time series analysis (Box-Jenkings, ARIMA, ARCH) and multivariate methods (factor, cluster, principal component, discriminant, multivariate ANOVA analyses).Informatics: DMAIC is available to provide informatics support to Pepper investigators. We assist with capabilities of various databases of the UPMC Health System, MARS, and falls data warehouse. We will assist in merging data across different databases using multiple identifiers; and de-identify the data for research using appropriate methods. Through access to these databases, we provide capabilities for real-time event surveillance such as falls, adverse drug event monitoring and adverse event monitoring in clinical trials.Screening of deidentified aggregate data. Investigators can search the database using criteria related to mobility status, demographics, or other indicators to determine potential sample sizes available for a proposed study.Access to identifiable data for actual recruitment. Studies require formal research approval, including IRB approval and protocol review by the Pepper registry committee. Investigators then have access to individual subject data in an automated web-based application. Investigators receive a password, specify study inclusion/exclusion criteria on a secure webpage, and download a current database of potentially eligible respondents.Researchers using the community registry need to include the registry in their IRB protocol, which can be found in PittPRO section Recruitment Methods – #2.Scholar Programs and Opportunities for Young InvestigatorsNovice Scholars: This program engages trainees in the research area of balance, mobility and aging early in their development by offering research opportunities in a supportive and enthusiastic environment. The Novice candidates also provide a pipeline for future Pepper Scholars.Candidates must have an interest in some aspect of balance, mobility, and aging, a sponsoring mentor who is involved in the OAIC and defined research goals, including a research project in a related area.Trainees at this initial level must have funding from an existing institutional program. Trainees may come from any of the age-related T32 training grants, the Hartford Center of Excellence, physicians on other funded research training tracks within their specialties, or doctoral or postdoctoral trainees from the Schools of Public Health, Nursing, Allied Health, or Engineering.Pepper Scholars: The Pepper Scholar program supports junior faculty trainees who have achieved an initial level of expertise and productivity in an area related to balance, mobility, and aging while they seek their first independent funding.Candidates will generally have completed the bulk of initial didactic training in research methods, have completed and published initial research projects, have a sponsoring mentor and mentoring team, and have a training plan with specific goals and milestones, including a specific research project and plan for submitting a proposal for independent funding.All Scholars must spend at least 75% time in research and are expected to have an individualized training plan that utilizes the resources of the CTSI – ICRE. Scholars will complete an Customized Career Development Plan annually and review with their mentoring team.Young Investigators- Transitioning to Independence: This program promotes development of trainees into independent investigators by fostering experiences in leadership and collaboration with other investigators, skills supplementation as desired, and team support and feedback on proposals and manuscripts.Candidates have independent career awards in areas relevant to our theme. They have a sponsoring mentor related to the Pepper Center and a career training plan with specific goals and milestones, including a specific research project.Visiting Scholar: This program is to promote development into an independent investigator by fostering experiences in leadership and collaboration with other investigators, skills supplementation as desired, and team support and feedback on proposals and manuscripts.Candidates have independent career awards in areas relevant to our theme.They have a sponsoring mentor related to the Pepper Center and a career training plan with specific goals and milestones, including a specific research project.REC Leadership Workshops: Workshops to foster leadership and cultural coaching are held twice monthly. Upcoming workshop topics and details can be found on our calendar page.Leadership: Dr. Greenspan, Dr. NewmanWorking Groups: The LAC supports several working groups to enhance communication among Pepper investigators, integrate core expertise around areas of scientific focus, and foster innovative collaborative efforts. Current working groups include:Neuroimaging WorkgroupLong-term Care WorkgroupMuscle Aging WorkgroupLeadership Skills WorkgroupLAC Collaboration: The LAC has fostered and coordinated the research efforts of over 80 Pepper investigators from multiple venues including the School of Medicine, Public Health, Bioengineering, Rehabilitation Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychiatry, Neurology, Informatics and Community Health. The LAC insures that the cores and core leaders of the Research Career Development KL2, Clinical and Population Outcomes, Integrative Systems, Data Management, Analysis and Informatics, and Pilot/Exploratory Studies cores coordinate and collaborate with each other.The LAC receives valuable input and direction from 4 advisory groups including 1) the External Advisory Committee (national experts), 2) the Institutional Advisory Board (multidisciplinary group of experts on aging from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC), 3) the Community Advisory Board (members from local health care agencies, IRB, local media, the registry and local leaders) and 4) the REC Advisory Committee (internal and external experts).Leadership: Dr. FinkelCurrent Funding Opportunities:The Pilot/Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) promotes and supports innovative multidisciplinary research related to balance, mobility, and aging. The PESC encourages supplements to ongoing studies by funding new and ongoing studies, informing investigators of opportunities for pilot funding supplements, and promotes innovative techniques and methods.The PESC has partnered with the CTSI and the Aging Institute to increase individual pilot projects.Leadership: Dr. Rosano, Dr. GreenamyreISC Resources: The ISC provides skills and techniques to foster understanding of biomechanical, structural, functional, physiological and biological influences on age-related mobility and balance. We have expertise with techniques such as Neuroimaging, Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), Biomechanics, and Gait Analysis.We strive to provide a comprehensive, individualized career development program to prepare future investigators to become leaders in mobility, balance, and aging research. All of the pilot projects that are supported by the ISC, involve at least one other core (DMAIC, REC, PESC, CPOC). The ISC interacts with the CPOC to develop assessment tools that are accessible in the clinic and community. The ISC interacts with the DMAIC regarding formats for data entry, pre- processing of data, data quality control, interpretation of findings and novel analytic techniques for complex data. The ISC interacts with REC by providing consultation and training on various instrumentation, and laboratory techniques. The ISC helps REC members apply for small REC pilot funds and interacts with the PESC by providing pre-award consultation, cost estimates and access to key laboratory facilities.Leadership: Dr. Albert, Dr. Brach, Dr. Nace, Dr. HandlerCPOC Resources: Pepper Research Network on Aging, Research ResourcesCPOC plays a critical role in training REC investigators in the rationale and application of key methodologies in aging research. The primary focus is to ensure that all trainees are knowledgeable about the clinical syndrome of mobility impairment and falls and the rationale for clinically relevant assessment of balance. Trainees are also oriented to the potential use of existing data for preliminary or independently funded studies and in methods to promote retention. Training can include observation of methods as currently applied in ongoing studies. As part of REC activities, all basic science and non-clinical trainees are required to observe the conduct of core measures in an ongoing study. Please see the REC section of this progress report for more details.CPOC Activities:Engage older adults from the community and long-term care settings in research.Provide access to ongoing cohort studies, specimens, clinical trials and existing databases.Provide expertise in clinical assessment methodology by providing a standardized set of forms to promote a common data set of core measures for mobility, balance, and falls.Utilize noninvasive, portable technology to examine mobility, balance, and physical activity in clinics and in the field through our novel mobile laboratory.Provide access to space and equipment for OAIC related studies with our SMART Center.Support the research training mission of the Pepper Center.Evaluate the functions and productivity of the Core and manage its productivity.Collaborate with all the other cores and units within and outside the institution for OAIC related themes.Leadership: Dr. Greenspan, Dr. NewmanLAC Collaboration: The LAC has fostered and coordinated the research efforts of over 80 Pepper investigators from multiple venues including the School of Medicine, Public Health, Bioengineering, Rehabilitation Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychiatry, Neurology, Informatics and Community Health. The LAC insures that the cores and core leaders of the Research Career Development KL2, Clinical and Population Outcomes, Integrative Systems, Data Management, Analysis and Informatics, and Pilot/Exploratory Studies cores coordinate and collaborate with each other.The LAC receives valuable input and direction from 4 advisory groups including 1) the External Advisory Committee (national experts), 2) the Institutional Advisory Board (multidisciplinary group of experts on aging from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC), 3) the Community Advisory Board (members from local health care agencies, IRB, local media, the registry and local leaders) and 4) the REC Advisory Committee (internal and external experts).REC Leadership: Dr. Resnick, Dr. Ferketish, Dr. KotlarczykScholar Programs and Opportunities for Young InvestigatorsNovice Scholars: This program engages trainees in the research area of balance, mobility and aging early in their development by offering research opportunities in a supportive and enthusiastic environment. The Novice candidates also provide a pipeline for future Pepper Scholars.Candidates must have an interest in some aspect of balance, mobility, and aging, a sponsoring mentor who is involved in the OAIC and defined research goals, including a research project in a related area.Trainees at this initial level must have funding from an existing institutional program. Trainees may come from any of the age-related T32 training grants, the Hartford Center of Excellence, physicians on other funded research training tracks within their specialties, or doctoral or postdoctoral trainees from the Schools of Public Health, Nursing, Allied Health, or Engineering.Pepper Scholars: The Pepper Scholar program supports junior faculty trainees who have achieved an initial level of expertise and productivity in an area related to balance, mobility, and aging while they seek their first independent funding.Candidates will generally have completed the bulk of initial didactic training in research methods, have completed and published initial research projects, have a sponsoring mentor and mentoring team, and have a training plan with specific goals and milestones, including a specific research project and plan for submitting a proposal for independent funding.All Scholars must spend at least 75% time in research and are expected to have an individualized training plan that utilizes the resources of the CTSI – ICRE. Scholars will complete an Individualized Develop Plan annually and review with their mentoring team.Young Investigators- Transitioning to Independence: This program promotes development of trainees into independent investigators by fostering experiences in leadership and collaboration with other investigators, skills supplementation as desired, and team support and feedback on proposals and manuscripts.Candidates have independent career awards in areas relevant to our theme. They have a sponsoring mentor related to the Pepper Center and a career training plan with specific goals and milestones, including a specific research project.Visiting Scholar: This program is to promote development into an independent investigator by fostering experiences in leadership and collaboration with other investigators, skills supplementation as desired, and team support and feedback on proposals and manuscripts.Candidates have independent career awards in areas relevant to our theme.They have a sponsoring mentor related to the Pepper Center and a career training plan with specific goals and milestones, including a specific research project.REC Leadership Workshops: Workshops to foster leadership and cultural coaching are held twice monthly. Upcoming workshop topics and details can be found on our events page.Leadership: Dr. Perera, Dr. Handler, Dr. RubioStudy Design: We meet with Pepper investigators early in study conception to assist with:ensuring hypotheses are relevant and testableanalysis of preliminary data and sample size and power computationsdevelopment of the analysis plan, randomization (if applicable)analysis of datainterpretation of resultsgenerating relevant graphics and text for dissemination of results in presentations and manuscriptsStatistical Analysis: We use SAS as our main general purpose statistical software, and Salford Predictive Miner, Stata, SUDAAN, Solas, StatXact, LogXact, PASS, NQuery as needed for specific requirements involving classification/regression trees, frailty models, complex survey data, missing data, exact inference, and sample size/power computations.DMAIC is proficient in providing all standard analytic support such as general (ANOVA, ANCOVA, regression) and generalized (logistic/Poisson/negative binomial variations) linear models, generalized estimating equations and linear mixed model extensions of the above, survival analysis (Cox frailty models), time series analysis (Box-Jenkings, ARIMA, ARCH) and multivariate methods (factor, cluster, principal component, discriminant, multivariate ANOVA analyses).Informatics: DMAIC is available to provide informatics support to Pepper investigators. We assist with capabilities of various databases of the UPMC Health System, MARS, and falls data warehouse. We will assist in merging data across different databases using multiple identifiers; and de-identify the data for research using appropriate methods. Through access to these databases, we provide capabilities for real-time event surveillance such as falls, adverse drug event monitoring and adverse event monitoring in clinical trials.

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