Research for a better future
We highlight a few significant research advances over the past year
Faculty members in the College of Public Health and Health Professions are tackling some of the world’s greatest health challenges, from infectious diseases to chronic conditions, such as diabetes, substance use and obesity. Over the past year, faculty received more than $32 million in research funding and published a number of important scientific findings in major journals. Here, we highlight a few significant research studies and new projects.
‘Teach back’ to reduce hospital admissions
At a typical doctor visit, the physician does most of the explaining. But a PHHP study published in the journal General Internal Medicine shows that when certain patients “teach back” a doctor’s instructions, they’re less likely to wind up in the hospital. The study, led by Young-Rock Hong, a health services research doctoral student, found that people living with high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease saw double-digit drops in hospital admissions compared with patients who did not teach their instructions back to their health-care provider.
Understanding medical marijuana safety and effectiveness
The Florida Board of Governors of the State University System selected UF to lead the statewide Consortium for Medical Marijuana Clinical Outcomes Research. Composed of public and private universities, members will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medical marijuana, dosing and routes of administration, and the effects of smoking medical marijuana versus other methods of consumption. The consortium is led by Director Almut Winterstein, Ph.D., a professor in the UF College of Pharmacy, and Associate Director Robert Cook, M.D., M.P.H., a professor of epidemiology and internal medicine in PHHP and the College of Medicine.
Testing new vaccines during public health emergencies
WHO/Christopher Black
A public health emergency creates a challenging environment for the study of experimental vaccines, necessitating the need for novel, flexible and responsive trial designs. In a paper published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, a group of researchers led by UF biostatistics faculty Natalie Dean, Ph.D., and Ira Longini, Ph.D., describe key considerations for the design and analysis of such trials. The team was convened by the World Health Organization’s Research and Development Blueprint and charged with establishing standard procedures to rapidly evaluate experimental vaccines during public health emergencies while maintaining the highest scientific and ethical standards.
Using less oxygen to improve breathing
PHHP research in therapeutic intermittent hypoxia got a boost this year with the award of two National Heart Lung and Blood Institute-funded grants. Intermittent hypoxia exposes patients with breathing problems from illness or injury to a lower level of oxygen in short, repeated bursts for a limited period to strengthen breathing ability. In one study, led by Gordon Mitchell, Ph.D., a professor in the department of physical therapy and director of the Center for Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation, researchers will investigate age and gender differences in response to the technique. In a second study led by Mitchell and Elisa Gonzalez-Rothi, Ph.D., an assistant professor of physical therapy, investigators will develop optimal protocols for using intermittent hypoxia in patients with chronic cervical spinal cord injury.
Sedentary lifestyle cancels out heart benefits of having a normal weight
Low levels of physical activity can put healthy weight adults at the same risk for cardiovascular disease as adults who are overweight, according to a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology. Researchers led by Arch Mainous, Ph.D., a professor and chair of the department of health services research, management and policy, found that 30 percent of U.S. adults at a normal weight are at increased risk of heart attack or stroke. These adults had higher levels of belly fat, shortness of breath upon exertion, unhealthy waist circumference or less than recommended levels of physical activity.
Researchers develop cheap, quick test for Zika
Current methods for testing for Zika are not easily available in resource-strapped countries and when they are, results of confirmatory tests often take weeks. Z. Hugh Fan, Ph.D., a professor at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, and John Lednicky, Ph.D., a research professor in PHHP’s department of environmental and global health, have developed a rapid, cost-effective point-of-care test for the Zika virus that can be used in the field. The test uses inexpensive, commercially available equipment, including a coffee mug with a USB port, cell phone and LED light. The team published the results of their research in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and has filed for a patent on the technology.
Improving access to diabetes care
UF and Stanford University have received a $7.6 million grant from the Leona M. & Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to expand the Extension for Community Health Care Outcomes model, also known as Project ECHO®. Led in Florida by Ashby Walker, Ph.D., the director of health equity initiatives at the UF Diabetes Institute and an assistant professor of health services research, management and policy at PHHP, and Michael J. Haller, M.D., a professor and chief of pediatric endocrinology in the UF College of Medicine, the program is designed to improve access to care and health outcomes for children and adults with Type 1 diabetes. Participating health care providers receive virtual training and tele-education from the diabetes “hubs” at UF and Stanford. The new grant expands Project ECHO to 20 health care centers around Florida and allows researchers to assess whether the program’s intervention is making participants healthier. Among the things researchers will track are hospitalizations, emergency room visits and blood-sugar levels.
Keeping weight off
Many people struggle to maintain weight loss over the long-term. In a new study led by Kathryn Ross, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the department of clinical and health psychology, participants who have participated in a weight loss program will continue to be tracked to monitor mood, thoughts and behaviors that have been hypothesized to predict weight change. Supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the study will use innovative smartphone-based extended-care maintenance programs. Findings may be used to develop personalizable weight management programs.
