LSU DENTAL COBRE: STATISTICAL CORE

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Introduction: The overall mission of the Statistical Core is to provide support in the areas of study design, sample size estimation/statistical power analyses, statistical methodology and database management for the projects in the COBRE. The Statistical Core has a crucial role in not only providing statistical services but in contributing to the mentoring process for the junior principal investigators (JPIs) in developing their understanding of the importance of study design and data analysis. Objective: The activities of the Statistical Core are guided by the following 5 specific aims. (1) Consultation with Junior Principle Investigators (JPIs) on study design, sample size estimation, statistical analysis plan, and research proposal. (2) Development and management of database management system and quality control procedures. (3) Statistical analysis of study data, presentation and interpretation of results. (4) Educational services to support investigator development in study design and analysis. (5) Enhancement of statistical core services to bring state of the art capabilities to the COBRE. Methods: The Statistical Core actively recruited for an M.S. level biostatistician. Each project JPI met one on one with the Statistical Core PI to discuss study issues. Essential computing needs to support the research efforts of the COBRE were identified. We met with the EAC and received valuable feedback. Results: The Statistical Core successfully recruited an statistician. Dr.s Mercante and Simonsen presented seminars to the JPIs on design and analysis issues in statistics and epidemiology, respectively. A database has been developed for Dr. Leighs project. We assisted Dr. Porter-Williams in designing a pilot study. We worked with Dr. Vastardis to resolve the issue of smoking. We purchased and installed a new server. Discussion: The Statistical Core has made significant progress towards the stated objectives and will continue to work closely with the JPIs to provide guidance and support for their research.