The MOST study is carried out by investigators from multiple intuitions investigating the causes and consequences of osteoarthritis. The current cycle of MOST is managed by the Administrative Core, which oversees the Clinical Data Collection and Management Core, Imaging Core, and Analysis Core; and the Projects.
The MOST Executive Committee, comprised of the Leads and Co-Leads of each Core, oversees the MOST study and integrates, coordinates, plans and directs its various components so that high quality data are collected, cleaned, and analyzed to address the Projects’ aims, and the Cores provide project investigators the data and results needed to address the scientific questions posed.
Drs. David Felson and Tuhina Neogi at Boston University co-direct the Administrative Core, working closely with the Executive Committee to manage MOST4 and integrate, coordinate, plan and direct its various components so that high quality data is collected, cleaned, and analyzed to address the Projects’ aims, and the Cores provide Project investigators the data and results needed to address the scientific questions posed.
The Administrative Core supports and engages an Observational Safety and Monitoring Board (OSMB) (appointed by NIA) and a Community Advisory Board. The Administrative Core also manages ancillary study activities and a new Pilot Grant Program.
The Clinical Data Collection and Management Core (CDCMC) is led by Dr. Peggy Cawthon at the Data Coordinating Center at University of California, San Francisco; and Clinical Center Co-Leads Dr. James Torner at the University of Iowa and Dr. Cora Lewis at the University of Alabama Birmingham.
The CDCMC is responsible for the harmonization and planning of all data collection elements so that each measure is collected in a standardized, rigorous, and efficient manner, and timed appropriately relative to other measures collected (e.g., some measures must be collected prior to or after others). This Core also works with Project leads to ensure that common data elements (e.g., pain and function assessments) are obtained using protocols that can be utilized by all relevant projects.
The Imaging Core is led by Dr. Michael Nevitt and Co-Lead Dr. John Lynch at the University of California, San Francisco. This core is responsible for ensuring optimal operations of tools and protocols for imaging acquisition, and for providing quality control feedback on acquired images
The Analysis Core is led by Dr. Michael LaValley and Co-Lead Dr. Reza Jafarzadeh at Boston University. The analysis core ensures definitions for common data elements are harmonized across projects. This core will develop variables and datasets needed to address Project aims.