Grantee Research Project Results
2016 Progress Report: Investigating obesity as a susceptibility factor for air pollution in childhood
EPA Grant Number: R836152C001Subproject: this is subproject number 001 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R836152
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: Center for the Study of Childhood Asthma in the Urban Environment
Center Director: Hansel, Nadia
Title: Investigating obesity as a susceptibility factor for air pollution in childhood
Investigators: McCormack, Meredith , Hansel, Nadia
Institution: The Johns Hopkins University
EPA Project Officer: Callan, Richard
Project Period: September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2019 (Extended to August 31, 2021)
Project Period Covered by this Report: September 1, 2015 through August 31,2016
RFA: Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Centers (2014) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Human Health , Children's Health
Objective:
Through both an observational and intervention study, this project aims to identify why obese children with asthma have increased susceptibility to air pollution compared to lean counterparts. We will examine the leading candidate mediators of the increased susceptibility to PM among overweight children, based on our own and others’ findings.
Progress Summary:
In preparation for launching this project, we have received IRB approval, hired study staff and had them complete all necessary training courses, and formed and met with a community advisory board. We also began start-up meetings with the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), purchased necessary study equipment, conducted a first meeting with and received approval from the Data Safety Monitoring Boards, and prepared for screening/enrollment, with clinic visits planned to begin May 9th.
The study coordinators have also worked with the Data Core to develop a REDCap database to record study data, for this project, including study participant tracking and report systems. The manual of operations has been extensively developed and we have established a Johns Hopkins Box account to share study materials using a secure institutional cloud.
The Environmental Core has developed the environmental data collection protocol for the project, trained laboratory and field staff on environmental data collection procedures, and have been holding weekly meetings with the project staff and PI to evaluate exposure assessment strategy, logistics and begin training. All equipment and air cleaners have been tested and calibrated.
The Community Core has established a new relationship with the Community Engagement Program of the ICTR, which supports a Community Research Advisory Council (C-RAC) comprised of diverse Baltimore City community residents and stakeholders. The C-RAC now serves as the community advisory board for the project. Two meetings have been held, one specifically convened to discuss how best to address possible ethical concerns raised by our IRB about inclusion of a sham air cleaner control group. The project investigators have reviewed and selected a range of literacy-appropriate educational materials for community dissemination on asthma, healthy eating and air quality. Staff have begun participating in a regular community health education activity called “Day at the Market”, where there was an opportunity to distribute health promotion materials and answer questions about respiratory health and the environment from members of the East Baltimore community.
Future Activities:
We plan to enroll approximately 70 children over the next recruitment period. These children will complete two clinic visits, an overnight sleep study, and have their homes visited twice to complete necessary environmental monitoring. In addition, approximately 60 of the total 70 enrolled participants will undergo a third clinic screening and two subsequent home visits to remove all of the equipment that had been previously placed in their homes.
Supplemental Keywords:
air pollution, obesity, asthma exacerbation, inner cityRelevant Websites:
AIRWEIGHS: Investigating Obesity as a Susceptibility Factor for Air Pollution in Childhood Asthma Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractMain Center Abstract and Reports:
R836152 Center for the Study of Childhood Asthma in the Urban Environment Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R836152C001 Investigating obesity as a susceptibility factor for air pollution in childhood
R836152C002 Novel exposure metrics for assessing the effects of ultrafine and fine particulate matter on asthma in children
R836152C003 The Role of Obesity in Biological Responses to Particulate Matter in Mice
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.