Current Projects


Last updated April 22, 2008

A Pilot Study of Chromium Picolinate for Weight Loss
Funding Source: Nutrition 21
Funding Period: 2006-2007
Study Design: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot trial
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of 12 and 24 weeks of daily ingestion of Chromium Picolinate compared to placebo, on percent body fat in 80 adults with central obesity. While Chromium Picolinate is more commonly recommended for its benefits in modulating blood glucose, there is consumer interest in its potential benefit for weight reduction. A growing body of research is developing in this area.
Eligibility: Adults of all genders between the ages of 25 and 75 who are obese BMI>25.
Further Study Details: Once enrolled, all subjects will undergo baseline assessments and will be randomized to treatment assignment/group to begin the intervention. Following an overnight fast, all enrolled subjects will undergo screening blood profiles inclusive of lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides), fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, C-reactive protein and Lp-PLA2 levels. Subjects will also undergo abdominal CAT scan. Total adipose tissue area will be computed.
Findings: This study is expected to be completed in 2008, at which time results will be available.

Effects of Fruit and Nut KIND Bars on Endothelial Function in Overweight Adults
Funding Source: Peaceworks
Funding Period: 2008
Study Design: Pilot Study
Purpose: To determine the effects of an ad libitum diet enriched with 2.8 ounces (80g) of KIND Fruit and Nut snack bars twice daily for an 8 week period on endothelial function in overweight adults with one additional risk factor for insulin resistance.
Inclusion criteria: (1) men and women ages 18 and greater; (2) able to have blood pressure taken bilaterally; (3) overweight with a body-mass index greater than 25.0; (4) one or more additional risk factors for insulin resistance: abdominal obesity determined by waist circumference  >102 cm (>40 in) in men or >88 cm (>35 in) in women; triglyceride level ≥150 mg/dL; HDL-C <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women; blood pressure ≥130/≥85 mm Hg; and/or fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL.
Findings: This study is expected to be completed by fall 2008, at which time results will be available.

Automated Guidance tool for Medical Encounters addressing Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (AuGMEnT)
Funding Source: SBIR/STTR
Funding Period: 2007-2009
Study Design: non-randomized
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to support healthcare organizations that wish to identify and help patients develop healthier lifestyles but who cannot commit adequate resources and time to this activity.
Eligibility: adults of both genders
Further Study Details: This project will develop assessment and counseling tools that will complement the physician’s assessment and treatment plan. This study will combine nutrition and physical activity assessments, which will take place in a physician’s office. The patient will respond to questionnaire prompts on a handheld computer with a touch-sensitive screen in the physician’s office. Software will classify those responses into behavior models, and generate assessments and recommendations tailored to the needs of the patient. Reports evaluating nutrition and fitness status and a “readiness to change” score with treatment recommendations based on an impediment profiler (a novel behavior change construct) are generated.
Findings: This study is expected to be completed by 2009, at which time results will be available.

Photovoice:  A Tool for Community Empowerment and Action
Funding Source: Connecticut Health Foundation
Purpose: To use photovoice to engage people from across the socio-economic spectrum in calling for New Haven to address issues related to racial health disparities and diabetes. Photovoice is a participatory-action research methodology that has been used increasingly in public health research over the past five years to generate discussion among community members and to create prevention strategies.
Further Study Details: Photovoice is a qualitative, participatory-action research strategy. The main goals of this strategy are: 1) to enable people to record and reflect their community’s strengths and concerns; 2) to promote critical dialogue and knowledge about important issues through the discussion of photographs; 3) to enable the community to identify potential solutions to address problems; and 4) to reach policy makers.

Color Your Plate: Fruit & Vegetable Navigator Web System for Weight Loss
Funding Source: VioCare Technologies, Inc./NIH
Funding Period: see viocare.com for more funding details
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to help users lose weight by using technology to navigate their diets to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and improve long term weight loss through increased fruits and vegetable consumption.
Further Study Details: The multimedia system will combine an automated patient questionnaire with a user-directed interface to access tailored content. The CD-ROM will operate as follows: It will begin with an introduction video of how to use the overall system (CD-ROM and Web Portal). The system will then query the user for specific demographic data and lifestyle goals such as current weight, height, age, gender, ethnicity, and weight goals. The prototype for the automated questionnaire interface was developed in a separate Phase I SBIR, which focused on clinical management of cardiovascular risk factors.
Findings: See viocare.com for product details.

Effects of Walnut Consumption on Endothelial Function in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Controlled, Cross–Over Trial
Funding Source: California Walnut Commission
Funding Period: 2007-2009
Study Design: Randomized, Controlled, Cross–Over Trial
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if consumption of walnuts will improve endothelial function and lipid markers in Type 2 diabetics.
Eligibility: adults between the ages of 35 and 65 who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
Further Study Details: Study participants will be required to maintain an ad libitum diet. Their dietary patterns will be assessed upon enrollment in the study to establish baseline values. This will be followed by a run in period of 4 weeks to permit diet and weight stabilization. The trial will consist of two sustained phases. During the two sustained phases subjects will be assigned to one of two treatment assignments (1) Supplementation of the diet with 1.5 ounces or 42 grams of walnuts or (2) a diet without walnut supplementation for 8 weeks.
Findings: This study is expected to be completed by June 2009, at which time results will be available.

Effects of Acute and Sustained Ingestion of Cocoa on Endothelial Function in Adults with BMI between 25- 35 kg/m2: A Randomized, Single Blind, Placebo Controlled, Trial
Funding Source: Hershey Foods Corporation
Funding Period: 2005-2007
Study Design: Randomized, placebo controlled cross-over trial.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa intake on endothelial function and blood pressure in overweight adults.
Eligibility: Non-smoking adults ages 30-75 with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25-35 kg/m2, and a waist circumference greater than 88 cm in women and 102 cm in men.
Further Study Details: In Phase I, 45 participants were randomly assigned to receive one of the two possible sequences of 74 g solid dark chocolate and 74 g placebo (see Table 1 for product formulations). In Phase 2, participants were be randomized to one of the six possible sequence permutations for 22 g sugar free cocoa, 22 g sugared cocoa and 22 g placebo (sugar and whey protein without cocoa; prepared in 8 oz (240 ml) of hot water. Participants underwent endothelial function testing after an 8-hour, overnight fast and then two hours following each treatment.
Findings: The acute ingestion of both solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa improved endothelial function and lowered blood pressure in overweight adults. Sugar content may attenuate these effects, and sugar-free preparations may augment them. Endothelial function was significantly lower after dark chocolate consumption compared to placebo. The same results occurred with the sugar-free cocoa.

Evaluating the impact of a youth violence prevention program on African Americans and Hispanics’ violence perceptions and behavior
Funding Source: Community Mediation/CARE
Funding Period: 2007-2008
Study Design: Quasi-experimental design (i.e., before & after study)
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a violence prevention program utilizing peer mediation training on economically disadvantaged urban youths of the New Haven School district, as well as their perceptions of self-efficacy, feelings of hopelessness and hostility, and perceptions of violence via validated questionnaires.
Eligibility: African American and Hispanic youths (10-18 year olds) enrolled in the New Haven School district.
Further Study Details: This study is being conducted in collaboration with Community Mediation. One hundred and twenty African American and Hispanic youths (10-18 year olds) will participate in this study. Six peer mediation training sessions will begin in the summer of 2007 and run through the winter of 2008 for 120 students aged 10-18 and 12 adults in New Haven Public Schools. The primary aim of the intervention is to empower participating youth, leading to increased self-esteem and a reduction of anti-social behaviors.
Findings: This study is expected to be completed by winter 2008, at which time results will be available.

Effects of Juic Plus+® Supplementation on Endothelial Function in Insulin Resistant Adults: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial
Funding Source: NSA Corporation
Study Design: Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial
Purpose:To assess the effects of 8 weeks of daily ingestion of Juice Plus+® combination treatment (6 capsules – a blend of Orchard, Garden, and Vineyard varieties) and Juice Plus+® Orchard and Garden variety (6 capsules) compared to placebo (6 capsules) alone on endothelial function measured by flow mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, in 48 adults with insulin resistance syndrome following an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Eligibility: Non-smoking insulin resistant men and women ages 18 and greater.
Findings: Data from this study is currently being analyzed and results will be available later this year.

Health Advocacy for Diabetes Prevention
Funding Source: Connecticut Health Foundation
Funding Period: 2007
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to educate residents and community leaders about the devastating effects of diabetes and the dire need for public policies to prevent new cases and to avoid complications among those already diagnosed.
Eligibility: African Americans in New Haven
Further Study Details: The study will engage residents and leaders in a dialogue with candidates to learn who among them is committed to work for legislation and adequate financing to seriously address these issues. It will also mobilize residents to vote for candidates who support their values on this issue.
Findings: The change ultimately hoped for in the African American community of New Haven is an informed and vocal electorate that demands adequate health care for all diabetics, a healthy nutritional school environment, and increased opportunities for physical activity for all residents. Specific progress toward this end was planned through the implementation of the five strategies: Background Information, Community Education/Advocacy, Candidates’ Forum, Participate in a Get Out The Vote campaign, and Follow up with Elected Officials after Election.

Novel Interactive Cell phone technology for Health Enhancement (NICHE)
Funding Source: NIH
Funding Period: 2005-2007
Study Design: controlled pilot test of feasibility
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the Palaistra System (interactive cell phone technology) in the management of type 2 diabetes
Eligibility: Patients in two Community Health Centers that are demographically very similar (Meriden and New Britain), and subjects with similar medical conditions (type 2 diabetes).
Further Study Details: The Palaistra System is a wireless remote patient monitoring and response system, centered around mobile phone technology, that translates scientifically supported knowledge for chronic disease management into action by providing easily followed daily coaching using the patient’s own data. The controlled trial is designed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the Palaistra System in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Nutrition Detectives / ABC for Fitness: Independence, MO
Funding Source: Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City
Funding Period: 2006-2010
Study Design: Structured, multi-phase initiative to implement, evaluate and disseminate school-based nutrition and physical activity interventions
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to implement and study an innovative nutrition and physical activity program for elementary school children, as well as promote healthy lifestyle and reverse the trend of obesity among students and their families.
Eligibility: elementary school children living in Independence, MO
Further Study Details: This will be multi-phase study. During Phase 1/Year 1, three participating schools will be randomized to receive the nutrition (Nutrition Detectives) or physical education component (ABC for Fitness) or a combination of both while three schools will serve as a comparison group. Phase 2/Year 2 consists of identifying the best intervention, based on Phase 1 results, and establishing its efficacy by randomizing 11 schools to receive the program or to serve as the comparison group. Phase 3 will include further refinement and long term surveillance of the program to assess the impact of the program on trends in BMI, academic performance based on standardized scores and class room behavior among the students.
Findings: This study is expected to be completed by 2010, at which time results will be available.

Nutrition Detectives / ABC for Fitness: New Haven, CT
Funding Source: Community Foundation of Greater New Haven
Funding Period: 2008-2010
Study Details: The PRC is working with the New Haven School District’s Wellness Committee to implement Nutrition Detectives and ABC for Fitness programs in six (6) New Haven elementary schools.  Plans for year two include expansion to include additional schools with the overall aim of implementing these programs district wide.  Year two of the project includes program evaluation so that revisions can be incorporated as the programs are implemented in additional schools. In addition to programmatic evaluation, relevant outcomes that will be incorporated into the evaluation plan include: nutrition “literacy” in children; fitness measures in children, dietary pattern in children/adults; physical activity level in children/adults; and BMI if possible.   The working group is currently focusing its efforts on the refinement of the Nutrition Detectives™ and ABC for Fitness™ training curriculum and programs to meet the needs of the New Haven elementary schools.

Drug-Free Communities Support Program Evaluation
Funding Source: Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC)
Funding Period: 2006-2008
Purpose: The VSAAC survey looks at the use of cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs among students in grades 6-12 in the Naugatuck Valley. The PRC is analyzing the data from the survey.
More Details: Click here for more details from the VSAAC website.

Nutrition Navigation on-Line Edge (NnoLEDGE)
Funding Source: NIH/NIDDK
Funding Period: 2005-2007
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide diabetes prevention through cost-effective access to large communities through the use of a web-based program.
Eligibility: Community health organizations, local businesses, and community residents.
Further Study Details: The system will be set up as a virtual “navigator” through and around the obstacles to improve eating for each user the system encounters. This is the basis for referring the program as a nutrition navigator. The impediment profiler will be used during user registration and available through the tools tab on the NnoLEDGE web site. It will identify an individual’s barriers to lifestyle change, provide the user with strategies for addressing each barrier, and identify community resources pertinent to each.
Findings: This study is expected to be completed by early 2008, at which time results will be available.

Online Weight Management Counseling for Healthcare Providers (OWCH)
Funding Source: DHHS, Sanofi Aventis, ProHealth
Funding Period: 2007-2008
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to: 1) Develop a self-study CME educational program for a standardized approach to routine lifestyle counseling; 2) Develop a comprehensive website consisting of: a registry of patients; pertinent health information, BMI, waist circumference; 3) Establish standardized quality control indicators for tracking changes in counseling physical activity and nutritional counseling; 4) Provide physician and patient resources, up to date clinical guidelines, and strategies to overcome common impediments to physical activity and a healthful diet; 5) Utilize contacts throughout New England to create pilot programs in which insurers reimburse physicians; 6) Evaluate whether reimbursing physicians increases lifestyle counseling, improves standardized techniques for lifestyle interventions, and has an impact on patient health.
Findings: This study is expected to be completed by 2008, at which time results will be available.

Overall Nutrition Quality Index (ONQI)
Funding Source: Eat Right America (ERA)
Funding Period: 3/2006-2007
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to establish, validate, apply, and disseminate a measure of overall nutritional quality that can be applied to virtually any food on a supermarket shelf or restaurant menu.
Further Study Details: The project consists of three phases. Phase 1 will entail developing the ONQI by gathering expert opinion to review the current algorithm and generating a more reliable version. The instrument will be correlated with an established measure such as the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). Phase 2 will consist of full scale validity testing of the newly developed instrument, while Phase 3 will involve a repetition of steps outlined in the previous phase to refine and improve the instrument. In addition, during Phase 3, the PRC will develop and finalize the protocol of a randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of the ONQI in improving family dietary behaviors. The ONQI provides a practical and user friendly scoring system to determine nutritional quality of individual and family food purchases. Enabling consumers to assess and compare the nutrient quality of food products at point of purchase represents a comprehensive approach towards nutrition education and behavior modification and can lead to population level changes in food purchasing and dietary practices.
Findings: This study is expected to be completed by 2007, at which time results will be available. See onqi.com for more details.

Systems Approach to Diabetes Prevention and Management
Funding Source: Connecticut Health Foundation
Funding Period: 2007-2010
Study Design: N/A
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to enhance both access and quality of diabetes care in underserved communities and to ameliorate health related disparities. The Prevention Research Center will direct and conduct an overall evaluation of initiatives based in 4 community health centers.
Further Study Details: This study represents a first step in obtaining practice based evidence for the efficacy for the efficacy of systems change to inform programs and policies at community health centers within the region and at a national level.
Findings: This study is expected to be completed by 2010, at which time results will be available.

Wellness Initiatives For Improved Tomorrows: WINFIT
Funding Source: Griffin Hospital/CDC
Funding Period: 2005-ongoing
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive employee wellness program with a core focus on nutrition, physical activity and chronic disease management.
Eligibility: Yale Griffin Hospital employees and their families.
Further Study Details: Griffin Hospital is committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of its employees and their families consistent with its mission and commitment to be both patient-centered and employee centered. The program will maintain a workplace that encourages environmental and social support for a healthy lifestyle and will encompass a mind, body, spirit approach to health.