UMN Udall Biostatistics Core

ABSTRACT The Biostatistics Core will provide high quality, efficient, integrated collaboration in and support of the proposed UMN Udall Center on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The overall theme of the Center is to develop novel, circuit based deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). As a foundation for all four proposed projects, and in collaboration with other cores in support of this foundation, this Core will provide: personnel with the appropriate breadth and depth of expertise for the motor, neurophysiological, cognitive, and smartphone/telemedicine data being collected; services in study design, robust and reproducible data management and quality control pipelines, statistical and machine learning analysis, and interpretation and communication; data integration across the many types of data being collected and data sharing with the NINDS Parkinson’s Disease Biomarkers Program (PDBP) Data Management Resource (DMR); career development related to proficiency in statistical and machine learning approaches, study design concepts, and communication on inter- disciplinary teams for investigators, post-docs, and students in the Center; participation in engagement and dissemination activities; and other resources as needed. We will interact closely and extensively with the Administrative Core, the Clinical Core, and the Imaging Core on scientific and management services for each project as it is carried out; on the seamless integration of all cores’ services with each other to best support the projects; on the prioritization of this Core’s work across the needs of the projects; on the ongoing career development of Center investigators and trainees; and on supporting future research and funding opportunities on DBS strategies in PD which are motivated by this proposed Center. This Core’s personnel will participate with project teams during study planning and execution, through study dissemination, and as part of novel cross-project initiatives that will integrate the projects to provide innovative insight into the pathophysiological basis of motor and non-motor signs in PD. This Core’s continuity of involvement will provide a common connection among the projects and continuous interaction with the other cores. Lastly, we will provide resources for additional exploratory analyses that come to light as the research progresses, taking full advantage of the Center’s careful data collection and management, thereby also facilitating the development of innovative hypotheses for future research.