The Study Design and Molecular Epidemiology Core provides to its users expertise in experimental design implementation, statistical analysis of research projects, and linkages to the resources of the nationally-known Laboratory for Clinical Biochemistry Research (LCBR) to support translation of basic science findings to epidemiologic or clinical trial settings and to scale and engage epidemiological and clinical research findings to large populations and outcomes research settings.
Study Design and Molecular Epidemiology Core User Services
Services Types
The Study Design and Molecular Epidemiology Core provides the following services to users:
- Experimental design and implementation
- Statistical analysis design and implementation
- Linkage to the resources of the nationally-known LCBR
- Assay development and screening
The Core supports translation of basic science findings to epidemiologic or clinical trial settings, and the opportunity to scale epidemiological and clinical research findings to large populations and outcomes research settings. The Core provides data analyses to evaluate target engagement in biological processes underlying health and disease using multiple assay formats, including automated clinical, fundamental, multiplex and next-generation high-throughput proteomics using our new Olink platform. Results can be evaluated in the context of existing genomic, transcriptomic, methylomic, and proteomic data sets.
Requests for Services
- Please contact Rebekah Boyle and/or Dr. Peter Durda to request services.
- Project Directors. Extensive access to the Core’s study design, biostatistical, and laboratory expertise in appropriate biomarker selection, sample collection and storage protocols for biologic specimens as part of their award. Biostatistical support is guaranteed annually.
- Pipeline Investigators. Complimentary access to limited biostatistical support and study design support annually.
- Pilot Project Investigators. Assistance with application preparation. All Core services will be budgeted for in the award at appropriate rates.
- Non-VCCBH Investigators. Assistance with study design, biostatistical analysis, assay development, or assay performance will be charged at appropriate rates.
Policies
Access to complementary services is on a first-come first served basis. Access to specific study samples is subject to policies for usage of each particular study, and Core personnel will guide investigators to successful usage in accordance with these policies.
Biostatistics Curriculum
- Quarterly biostatistics ‘boot camp.’
- Semi-annual translational workshops
- Development and use of a biorepository in clinical research
- Study design
- Annual study design workshop
Directors of the Study Design and Molecular Epidemiology Core
Professor of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Department of Medicine • Professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine • University of Vermont Cancer Center Member • Co-Director of the Study Design and Molecular Epidemiology Core for the Vermont Center for Cardiovascular and Brain Health
Faculty Scientist • Co-director of the Study Design and Molecular Epidemiology Core for the Vermont Center for Cardiovascular and Brain Health
Core Services through the Laboratory for Clinical Biochemistry Research
Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS)
Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS)
Funder: NHLBI, NIA, NNDS
Description: Following 5,888 people aged 65-100 from 4 field centers since 1989-90 with 11 laboratory collections
Key Outcomes: MI, stroke, frailty, dementia, healthy aging, subclinical atherosclerosis, kidney disease
Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA)
Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA)
Funder: NHLBI
Description: Following 906 people of South Asian descent aged 40+ enrolled between 2010-13 at two field centers with one laboratory collection
Key Outcomes: MI, stroke, dementia, kidney disease
Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Funder: NHLBI
Description: Following 6,814 Black, White, Hispanic & Chinese subjects aged 45-65 at 4 field centers 2001-3 with 6 laboratory collections
Key Outcomes: MI, stroke, death, dementia, kidney disease, progression of subclinical atherosclerosis
Heart Failure Network
Funder: NHLBI
Description: Multiple clinical trials at centers throughout the US
Key Outcomes: Clinical evaluation of treatments for acute and chronic heart failure
Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS)
Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS)
Funder: NINDS, NHLBI, NIA
Description: Following a national sample of 30,239 Black & White adults age 45+ since 2003-7. Biannual follow-up and 2 laboratory collections
Key Outcomes: Stroke, MI, cognitive trajectories/impairment, kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes
National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health
National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health
Funder: NICHD
Description: Examined ~2500 adult participants enrolled as adolescents starting in 1995
Key Outcomes: Childhood origins of adult health status
Jackson Heart Study (JHS)
Funder: NHLBI
Description: 5,300 Black participants in Jackson MS, followed since 1997 [CM1}
Key Outcomes: Cardiovascular and other diseases
NIH Acknowledgements: All users must include this text in manuscripts: We appreciate the support and guidance of investigators from the Study Design and Molecular Epidemiology Core of the Vermont Center for Cardiovascular and Brain Health. Funding was provided by P20 GM135007 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of NIH.