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Current Research Projects
We have many ongoing projects. For more details, see the links below.
Unguided Technology-Delivered Adaptations of Motivational Interviewing (U-TAMI)
This project is focused on evaluating the state-of-the-art in U-TAMI across healthcare disciplines. Findings will help identify the populations and intervention components that make up U-TAMI. We will aim to provide a scoping overview of U-TAMI to understand how and with whom these internet-based therapies are applied. Findings will help in understanding if U-TAMIs are correctly applied, with which populations they work, what components are best, and the overall efficacy by health condition. These findings will further aid in the development of our own smartphone application.
Brief Intervention using Genetic Risk Education (BIGRE Trial)
The estimated disease burden due to alcohol-related esophageal cancer in Japan is large, with 5,279 cancer deaths and 102,988 disability adjusted life years lost per year. Through personalized medicine and public health genetics approaches, this study will determine the efficacy of an internet-based brief intervention for people who screen positive for alcohol use and the ALDH2*2 genotype. This allele, identified by a flushing response, is associated with an increased risk for esophageal cancers. If effective, this genetic risk education intervention can be shared through public health initiatives in clinics, hospitals, or broadcast public service announcements to reduce Japanese healthcare costs and improve family and social wellbeing.
Stem Cell Therapies in Addiction
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the ability to change into many different types of cells in an organism. For addiction, we know that dopaminergic (DA) neurons are associated with craving, learning, and planning unhealth alcohol and drug use. Stem cell therapy may be a helpful intervention for addictive disorders via the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, or through other mechanisms. We have identified three main types of stem cells used in addiction studies: embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Each of these have their own unique properties and uses.
This study is evaluating the current state of stem cell therapies in addiction science. Findings will help identify and organize the progress made in the field so far and the most common methods/results. We will aim to provide a scoping overview of this research to understand how the studies are conducted and where they have been most effective. Findings will help us plan and develop new research in important areas of stem cell therapies for addiction treatment.
This study is evaluating the current state of stem cell therapies in addiction science. Findings will help identify and organize the progress made in the field so far and the most common methods/results. We will aim to provide a scoping overview of this research to understand how the studies are conducted and where they have been most effective. Findings will help us plan and develop new research in important areas of stem cell therapies for addiction treatment.
Clinical Epidemiology Studies
The Smallest Worthwhile Difference - Patient important outcomes in mental health and addiction
Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Integration - Clinical epidemiology and policy implications
Prescription Drug Misuse - Clinical epidemiology and policy implications
Prescription Opioid Drug Policy Evaluation - Doctor, pharmacist, and patient regulation assessments
University Student Mental Health - Health disparities investigations
Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Integration - Clinical epidemiology and policy implications
Prescription Drug Misuse - Clinical epidemiology and policy implications
Prescription Opioid Drug Policy Evaluation - Doctor, pharmacist, and patient regulation assessments
University Student Mental Health - Health disparities investigations
Community-Based Group Psychoeducation for Students
This project is aimed at developing an interdepartmental and international network with the goal of creating academic programming and research for improving individual and collective well-being and resilience of Japanese University Students. First, we are conducting a needs assessment of students, faculty, and staff. Findings will help set a foundation for the development of an evidence-based psychoeducational support group for Japanese universities. Next, we will implement a weekly community-based psychoeducation group with an emphasis on prevention, social support, and skill acquisition that benefits the students, their social networks, the university, and the surrounding community as a whole.
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