PERC ID# 2004-14

Principal Investigator: Myles Faith, PhD
Title: Garden Gang Study - Food Substitution for Child Nutrition/Obesity Prevention
Funding Source: NIH

Description: This is a randomized controlled trial that tests the effects of a "Family-Based Food Substitutions" intervention - with and without a Home-Food-Provisions component - on long-term weight change in children at risk for obesity. Participants are randomized into one of three treatment arms:

• Minimal intervention control
• Family-based food substitution
• Family-based food substitution with home provision

PeRC ID# 2044-22

Principal Investigator: Diane L. Spatz, PhD, RNC
Title: Improving Breastfeeding Outcomes in Low Income Families
Funding Source: Gerber Foundation

Description: The study seeks to improve breastfeeding duration rates in families seen at our Primary Care Centers. Baseline data was collected prior to the start of the study. The intervention consists of staff education and training and the development of on-site lactation services such as advanced practical nurse (APN) availability, access to a BabyWeigh scale for measuring milk transfer and access to a hospital-grade electric pump. In addition, all mothers receive a biweekly phone follow-up for education, counseling and support.

PERC ID# 2006-05

Principal Investigator: Thomas Power, PhD
Title: Evaluation of a Family-School Intervention for ADHD
Funding Source: NIH

Description: This study is designed to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of a novel psychosocial intervention for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that involves collaboration between the family and the school.

PeRC ID# 2004-19

Principal Investigator: Susan Levy, MD
Title: Perinatal Factors and Autism Spectrum
Funding Source: Other

Description: This is an epidemiological case control study of the association between specific perinatal risk factors and autism spectrum disorders. Data is derived from a chart review of the prenatal, labor and delivery record of the mother.

PeRC ID# 2004-20

Principal Investigator: Nicholas Stettler, MD
Title: Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity in Primary Care Setting
Funding Source: NIH

Description: This study is a controlled trial of obesity prevention, with group randomization at the practice level, testing two standardized 12-month intervention strategies based on behavioral economics theory. Intervention is delivered by primary care providers who have been trained in behavior modification.

PeRC ID# 2005-19

Principal Investigator: Bob Berkowitz, MD
Title: Adolescent Obesity Study
Funding Source: N/A

Description: This is a multi-site study with sites at Geisinger and Lincoln University. The study is designed to compare, in a randomized trial, the efficacy of a comprehensive behavioral program that includes a liquid meal replacement or a conventional diet.

PeRC ID# 2006-05

Principal Investigator: Tom Power, PhD
Title: Evaluation of a Family-School Intervention for ADHD
Funding Source: N/A

Description: This study is designed to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of a novel psychosocial intervention for ADHD that involves collaboration between the family and the school.

PeRC ID# 2006-08

Principal Investigator: Jordan Spivack, MD
Title: Prevention of Obesity in the Primary Care Setting
Funding Source: N/A

Description: The purpose of this questionnaire is to survey primary care providers' knowledge, attitudes and current practices about obesity and about nutritional advice given at a child's first two years of well-child visits.

PeRC ID# 2006-17

Principal Investigator: Guy Diamond, MD
Title: The TRIAD Project: Validation of the Behavioral Health Screening-Primary Care (2a)
Funding Source: PA Department of Health

Description: This is a study on the Behavioral Health Screening-Primary Care (BHS-PC), which is a computerized screening tool designed to assess risk taking behavior and emotional and physical health of adolescents in a primary care setting.

PeRC ID# 2006-24

Principal Investigator: Gwen Schmidt, MD
Title: Imaging Study of Children With Autism and Language Disorders
Funding Source: Radiology Department Funds

Description: The aim of the electrophysiological signatures study is to use magnetoencephalography to determine if autism is associated with an impaired ability to appropriately modulate the neocortical gamma (40 Hz) rhythm during a selective attention task. Recruitment flyers are placed in each of the four primary care centers.

PeRC ID# 2006-26

Principal Investigator: Chris Liacouras, MD (James Franciosi, MD)
Title: Understanding the Etiology and Epidemiology of Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Funding Source: APFED

Description: This is a nested case-control study to identify risk factors associated with the development of eosinophilic esophagitis in children.

PeRC ID# 2006-28

Principal Investigator: Hakon Hakonarson, MD, PhD
Title: Genetic Causes for Complex Pediatric Disorders
Funding Source: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Description: A new technology is available that allows scientists to look at over 550,000 DNA variations at the same time. This study will:

• Find regions (pieces) of the DNA that might be responsible for susceptibility to different diseases
• Look within these regions to identify specific genes and their variations that might help us understand and diagnose different diseases
• Look at how children respond to treatments and medications.
• Develop approaches to try to prevent disease