Gustavo G. Zarini, Ph.D., RD

Smiling senior scientist with her colleagues in laboratory
20211008_111444

Gustavo G. Zarini, Ph.D., RD
Director of Clinical and Scientific Research

Gustavo Zarini, Ph.D., RD

Dr. Gustavo Zarini is the Director of Clinical & Scientific Research for Oxford Biomedical Technologies. Dr. Zarini holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Dietetics and Nutrition from the College of Public Health and Social Work at Florida International University (FIU). He has been a registered dietitian since 2009 and a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr. Zarini is currently the Principal Investigator in the clinical trial “Effectiveness of the Lifestyle Eating and Performance (LEAP) program for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).”

Dr. Zarini has over 16 years of experience coordinating, managing, and conducting research studies at Florida International University as a Research Specialist/Scientist. Additionally, he was a co-investigator in multiple National Institute of Health (NIH) funded grants. The focus of the research he has been involved in include nutrition and chronic diseases. Dr. Zarini has published more than 40 scientific peer-reviewed articles and 80 abstracts. His publications have been cited widely in various prestigious journals, and he is a reviewer for numerous national and international high-impact journals. He devotes his professional life to conduct cutting-edge research to facilitate the translation of nutrition science into practice.

To contact Dr. Zarini, please e-mail dr.gzarini@nowleap.com

 Awards and Honors:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Dietetics and Nutrition. Florida International University
  • M.Sc. in Dietetics and Nutrition. Florida International University
  • B.Sc. in Nutrition, Universidad de Belgrano, Buenos Aries, Argentina

Peer-Reviewed Publications:

  1. Zarini GG, Masters J, McLean MA, Strobel CT. Clinical and Anthropometric Improvements with a Tailored Dietary Approach in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease. Altern Ther Health Med. 2021 Jun;27(S1):190-194.
  2. Tamargo JA, Campa A, Martinez SS, Li T, Sherman KE, Zarini G, Meade CS, Mandler RN, Baum MK. Cognitive Impairment among People Who Use Heroin and Fentanyl: Findings from the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) Cohort. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2021 Jul-Aug;53(3):215-223. doi: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1850946.
  3. Zarini G, Sales Martinez S, Campa A, Sherman K, Tamargo J, Hernandez Boyer J, Teeman C, Johnson A, Degarege A, Greer P, Liu Q, Huang Y, Mandler R, Choi D, Baum MK. Sex Differences, Cocaine Use, and Liver Fibrosis Among African Americans in the Miami Adult Studies on HIV Cohort. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2020 Sep;29(9):1176-1183. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2019.7954.
  4. Sherman K.E., Abdel-Hameed E.A., Ehman R.L., Rouster S.D., Campa A., Martinez S.S., Huang Y., Zarini G.G., Hernandez J., Teeman C., Tamargo J., Liu Q., Mandler R., Baum M.K. (2019). Validation and Refinement of Noninvasive Methods to Assess Hepatic Fibrosis: Magnetic Resonance Elastography Versus Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Index. Dig Dis Sci. 2019 Aug 29. doi: 10.1007/s10620-019-05815-z.
  5. Vaccaro, J. A., Zarini, G. G., Huffman, F. G. (2019). Parental Perceptions of Child’s Medical Care and Neighborhood and Child’s Behavioral Risk Factors for Obesity in U.S. Children by Body Mass Index Classification. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, Volume 2019, Article ID 3737194, 10 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3737194.
  6. Exebio J. C., Ajabshir, S., Campa, A., Tan Li, T., Zarini, G. G., Huffman, F. G. (2018). The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Blood Lipids in Minorities with Type 2 Diabetes. International Journal of Diabetes and Clinical Research, 5:093, Vol. 5, Issue 3. doi.10.23937/2377-3634/1410093.
  7. Vaccaro, J. A., Zarini, G. G., Huffman, F. G. (2018). Cross-sectional analysis of unhealthy foods, race/ethnicity, sex, and cardiometabolic risk factors in U.S. adults. Nutrition & Dietetics. 2018 Jun 17. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12439.
  8. Huffman, F.G., Vaccaro, J. A., Zarini, G. G., Vieira, E. R. (2018). Osteoporosis, Activities of Daily Living Skills, Quality of Life, and Dietary Adequacy of Congregate Meal Participants. Geriatrics, 3(2); 24. doi:10.3390/geriatrics3020024.
  9. Vieira, E. R., Vaccaro, J.A., Zarini, G. G., Huffman, F. G. (2017). Health Indicators of US Older Adults Who Received or Did Not Receive Meals. Journal of Aging Research. Volume 2017, Article ID 2160819, 8 pages. doi.org/10.1155/2017/2160819.
  10. Huffman, F.G., Vaccaro, J. A., Vieira, E. R., Zarini, G. G. (2017). Health-related characteristics of older adults who attend congregate meal sites in the United States. Geriatrics, 2(3), 22; doi:10.3390/geriatrics2030022.
  11. Exebio, J. C., Zarini, G. G., Ajabshir, S., Antwi, J., Huffman, F. G. (2016). Validation of a sun exposure questionnaire among subjects with type 2 diabetes residing in South Florida. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 18(1):228-233. doi: 10.1007/s10903-015-0163-7.
  12. Cheema, A. K., Li, T., Liuzzi, J. P., Zarini, G. G., Dorak, M. T., Huffman, F. G. (2015). Genetic associations of ppargc1a with type 2 diabetes: differences among populations with African origins. Journal of Diabetes Research, Article ID 921274, 10 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/921274.
  13. Cheema, A. K., Li, T., Liuzzi, J. P., Zarini, G. G., Huffman, F. G. (2015). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (ppargc1a) polymorphism linked with microalbuminuria in hypertensive Haitian Americans with type 2 diabetes. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 5(2):295-303.
  14. Zarini, G. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Canossa Terris, M. A., Exebio, J. C., Tokayer, L., Antwi, J., Ajabshir, S., Cheema, A., Huffman, F.G. (2014). Lifestyle behaviors and self-rated health: the living for health program. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 315042, 9 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/315042.
  15. Ajabshir, S., Exebio, J. C., Zarini, G. G., Nayer, A., McLean, M., Shaban, L., and Huffman, F. G. (2014). Skin color and self-reported sun exposure scores are associated with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations in a multi-ethnic population living in South Florida. British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research, 4(34):5312-5323.
  16. Cheema, A. K., Zarini, G. G., Exebio, J., Ajabshir, S., Shaban, L., Antwi, J., Vaccaro, J. A., Huffman, F. G. (2014). Ethnic Differences in Insulin resistance, adiponectin levels and abdominal obesity: Haitian Americans and African Americans with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research, 4(26):4455-4469.
  17. Exebio, J. C., Ajabshir, S., Zarini, G. G., Vaccaro, J., Huffman, F. G. (2014). Use of homeostatic model assessment indexes for the identification of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance among Cuban-Americans: a cross sectional study. British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research, 4(29):4824-4833.
  18. Vaccaro, J. A., Exebio, J. C., Zarini, G. G., Huffman, F. G. (2014). The role of family/friend social support in diabetes self-management for minorities with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Nutrition and Health, 2(1), pp 1-9. doi: 10.12691/jnh-2-1-1.
  19. Sukhram, S. D., Zarini, G. G., Shaban, L. H., Vaccaro, J. A., Huffman, F. G. (2014). Obesity and serum high sensitivity c-reactive protein levels among elderly Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands with type 2 diabetes. Ageing International, 39:68-80. doi: 10.1007/s12126-012-9149-0.
  20. Huffman, F. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Zarini, G. G., Dixon, Z. (2014). Comparison of two indices of diet quality with acculturation factors and demographics in Haitian Americans. Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 53:42–57. doi: 10.1080/03670244.2013.774674.
  21. Huffman, F. G., Exebio, J. C., Vaccaro, J. A., Zarini, G. G., Dixon, Z. (2013). Effect of medical advice for diet on diabetes self-management and glycemic control for Haitian and African Americans with type 2 diabetes. Food and Nutrition Sciences, Vol.4 No.11, Article ID: 37541, 8 pages. doi:10.4236/fns.2013.411142.
  22. Huffman, F. G., Vallasciani, M., Vaccaro, J. A., Exebio, J. C., Zarini, G. G., Nayer, A., Ajabshir, S. (2013). The association of depression and perceived stress with beta cell function between African and Haitian Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. Journal of Diabetes Mellitus, 3(4):236-243.
  23. Colas, M. V., Vaccaro, J. A., Zarini, G. G., Huffman, F. G. (2013). Impact of vegetable preparation method and taste-test on vegetable preference for first grade children in the United States. International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition, 2:316-325. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2013.02.04.5.
  24. Huffman, F. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Ajabshir, S., Zarini, G. G., Exebio, J., Dixon, Z. (2013). Perceived stress and self-rated health of Haitian and African Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 18(3):198-204. PMCID: PMC3732899.
  25. Huffman, F. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Exebio, J. C., Abajshir, S., Zarini, G. G., and Shaban, L. H. (2013). Relationship of omega-3 fatty acids on C-reactive protein and homocysteine in Haitian and African Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 3(179). doi:10.4172/255-9600.1000180.
  26. Huffman, F. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Zarini, G. G., Biller, D., Dixon, Z. (2012). Inadequacy of micro nutrients, fat, and fiber consumption in the diets of Haitian-, African- and Cuban-Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 82(4):275-87. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000120.
  27. Huffman, F. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Exebio, J. C., Zarini, G. G., Katz, T., Dixon, Z. (2012). Television watching, diet quality, and physical activity and diabetes among three ethnicities in the United States. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 191465. doi: 10.1155/2012/191465.
  28. Debnath, S., Gomez, G. P., Zarini, G. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Al-Hajeri, M., Huffman, F. G. (2012). Do dietary factors contribute to medical cost for Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes? Journal of Health Care Finance, 38(4):61-75.
  29. Exebio, J. C., Zarini, G. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Exebio, C., Huffman, F. G. (2012). Use of hemoglobin A1C to detect Haitian-Americans with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. ArquivosBrasileiros de Endocrinologia&Metabologia, 56(7):449-455.
  30. Huffman, F. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Zarini, G. G., Dixon, Z. (2012). Dietary intake of flavonoids and HDL- and LDL- cholesterol in two black ethnicities with and without type 2 diabetes. The Internet Journal of Cardiovascular Research, Volume 7 Number 2 ISSN: 1540-2592. http://ispub.com/IJCVR/7/2/13995
  31. Shaban, L., Zarini, G. G., Sukhram, S., Huffman, F. G. (2012). Serum Vitamin D Insufficiency and Diabetes Status in Three Ethnic Minority Groups. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 14(6):926-932. doi: 10.1007/s10903-012-9634-2.
  32. Huffman, F. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Gundupalli, D., Zarini, G. G., Dixon, Z. (2012). Acculturation and diabetes self-management of Cuban Americans: Is age a protective factor? Ageing International, 37:195-209. doi. 10.1007/s12126-010-9102-z.
  33. Exebio, J. C., Zarini, G. G., Exebio, C.,Huffman,F. G. (2011). Healthy Eating Index scores associated with symptoms of depression in Cuban-Americans with and without type 2 diabetes: a cross sectional study. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, Volume 2011, Article ID 398324. doi:10.1155/2011/398324.
  34. Huffman, F. G., De La Cera, M., Vaccaro, J. A., Zarini, G. G., Exebio, J., Gundupalli, D., Shaban L. (2011). Healthy Eating Index and Alternate Healthy Eating Index among Haitian Americans and African Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, Volume 2011, Article ID 398324, doi:10.1155/2011/398324.
  35. Huffman, F. G., Zarini, G. G., McNamara, E., Nagarajan, A. (2011). The Healthy Eating Index and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index as predictors of 10-year CHD risk in Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. Public Health Nutrition, 23:1-9
  36. Huffman, F. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Nusrath, N. S., Zarini, G. G. (2011). The Effect of carbohydrate amount, quality and type on arterial pulse pressure in Cuban-Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 1:106. doi: 10.4172/2155-9600.1000106.
  37. Zarini, G. G., Exebio, J. C., Gundupalli, D. G., Nath, S., Huffman, F. G. (2011). Hypertension, poor glycemic control and microalbuminuria in Cuban Americans with type 2 diabetes. International Journal of Nephrology and Renovascular Disease, 4 35-40.
  38. Huffman, F. G., Exebio, J. C., Zarini, G. G., Exebio, C. (2011). Use of HbA1c in Screening for Cuban-Americans with Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health,13(3):541-5. doi: 10.1007/s10903-010-9363-3.
  39. Huffman, F. G., Zarini, G. G., Cooper, V. (2010). Dietary glycemic index and load in relation to cardiovascular disease risk factors in Cuban American population. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 61(7):690-701.
  40. Huffman, F. G., Knight-Sepulveda, K., McLean, M., Vaccaro, J., Zarini, G. G. (2010). Serum adiponectin, ghrelin and metabolic syndrome, and diabetes status in Cuban Americans. International Journal of Health Research, 3(2)93-103.
  41. Huffman, F. G., Whisner, S., Zarini, G. G., Nath, S. (2010). Waist circumference and BMI in relation to serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(3):842-852.
  42. Huffman, F. G., Gomez, G. P., Zarini, G. G. (2009). Metabolic syndrome and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in Cubans. Ethnicity & Disease, 19(2):115-120.
  43. Huffman, F., Vaccaro, J., Zarini, G. G., Nath, S. (2009). Coronary heart disease risk in Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. Internet Journal of Health, Vol 12, Number 1.
  44. Huffman, F. G., Vaccaro, J. A., Nath, S. D., Zarini, G. G. (2009). Diabetes self-management: are Cuban Americans receiving quality health care? Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, 32(3):278-304.

Manuscripts Reviewed

  1. Dedefo MG, Kebamo Abate SK, Ejeta BM, Wakjira GB, Korsa AG. (2019). Level of Glycemic Control and Predictors of Poor Glycemic Control among Diabetic Patients in West Ethiopia: a cross sectional study. Journal of Diabetes Research. Manuscript ID: 9473964. (Impact Factor: 3.040).
  2. Naja F, Itani L, Hamade R, Chamieh M, Hwalla N. (2019). Mediterranean Diet and its Environmental Footprints amid Nutrition Transition: The Case of Lebanon. Sustainability. Manuscript ID: sustainability-578139. (Impact Factor: 2.075).
  3. Limon-Miro AT, Lopez-Teros V, Astiazaran-Garcia H. (2019). Dynamic Macronutrient Meal-Equivalent Menu Method: Towards Individual Nutrition Intervention Programs. Methods and Protocols. Manuscript ID: mps-534610.
  4. Filardi T, Panimolle F, Crescioli C, Lenzi A, Morano S. (2019). The Impact of Low Glycaemic Index Diet on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Risk and Outcomes. Nutrients. Manuscript ID: nutrients-524790. (Impact Factor: 4.171).
  5. Ghazizadeh H, Mayefi T, Akrami- Moghadam F, et al. (2019) The Impact of Healthy Eating Index on the Development of Metabolic Syndrome. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome. Manuscript ID: DIMS-D-19-00053. (Impact Factor: 2.361).
  6. O’Reilly S, Versace V, Siew Lim S, Janus E, Dunbar J. (2019. The Effect of a Diabetes Prevention Program on Dietary Quality in Women with Previous Gestational Diabetes. Nutrients. Manuscript ID: nutrients-433081. (Impact Factor:171).
  7. Boniface C, Shary J, Ebeling M, Forestieri N, Wei W, Hollis B, Wagner C. (2018). Association of Vitamin D and Glucose Tolerance in Pregnant Women. Nutrients. Manuscript ID: nutrients- (Impact Factor:4.171).
  8. Chan Y Y, Teh CH, Lim K K, et al. (2015). Lifestyle, chronic diseases and self-rated health among Malaysian adults: results from the 2011 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). BMC Public Health, 15: 754. doi: 10.1186/s12889-015-2080-z. (Impact Factor: 2.209).

Published Abstracts

  1. Linke S, Zarini G, McLean M. Personalized Dietary Approach for Rhinitis and Sinusitis. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 121, Issue 9, A28. Published in issue: September 2021.
  2. Linke S, Zarini G, McLean M, Hogan J, Hogan P, Patenaude J. Tailored Dietary Approach for Individuals with Migraine. Current Developments in Nutrition, Volume 5, Issue Supplement_2, June 2021, Page 849.
  3. Patenaude J, Zarini G, McLean M, Linke S. Effectiveness of a Tailored Dietary Program in Subjects with Fibromyalgia. Current Developments in Nutrition, Volume 5, Issue Supplement_2, June 2021, Page 856.
  4. Linke S, Patenaude J, Zarini GG, McLean MA. Tailored Dietary Approach to Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Lifestyle Medicine Conference. Virtual, October 2020.
  5. Clayton P, Campa A, Liu Q, Martinez SS, Seminario L, Jasmin J, Hernandez J, Teeman C, Tamargo J, Huang Y, Zarini G, Baum MK. Intakes of Vitamin A and Zinc and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Newly Diagnosed HIV-positive Participants in the MASH Cohort in Miami (P24-016-19). Curr Dev Nutr. 2019;3(Suppl 1):nzz044.P24-016-19. Published 2019 Jun 13. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzz044.P24-016-19. PMCID: PMC6574008.
  6. Martinez SS, Campa A, Zarini G, Liu Q, Seminario L, Jasmin J, Hernandez J, Teeman C, Baum MK, Tamargo J. Food Insecurity and Substance Use in HIV-Infected Adults in the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) Cohort (P04-066-19). Curr Dev Nutr. 2019;3(Suppl 1):nzz051.P04-066-19. Published 2019 Jun 13. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzz051.P04-066-19. PMCID: PMC6574034.
  7. Tamargo J, Campa A, Martinez SS, Seminario L, Liu Q, Hernandez J, Teeman C, Zarini G, Bordi R, Sekaly RP, Baum MK. Substance Use, Cocaethylene and Obesity in HIV-Infected and Non-Infected Subjects from the Miami Adult Studies in HIV (MASH) Cohort (P10-082-19). Curr Dev Nutr. 2019;3(Suppl 1):nzz034.P10-082-19. Published 2019 Jun 13. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzz034.P10-082-19. PMCID: PMC6576106.
  8. Teeman C, Huang Y, Liu Q, Hernandez J, Tamargo J, Jasmin J, Seminario L, Clayton P, Zarini G, Martinez SS, Piperato J, Campa A, Baum MK. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) as a Predictor of Fatty Liver in HIV Infected Adults from the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) Cohort (FS12-06-19). Curr Dev Nutr. 2019;3(Suppl 1):nzz049.FS12-06-19. Published 2019 Jun 13. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzz049.FS12-06-19. PMCID: PMC6574701.
  9. Kim H, Li T, Hernandez J, Teeman C, Tamargo J, Sherman K, Rouster S, Abdel-Hameed E, Jasmin J, Seminario L, Liu Q, Zarini G, Martinez SS, Piperato J, Campa A, Baum MK. Association of TIMP1 Levels and Liver Disease Progression among HIV/HCV Co-Infected, HIV Mono-, HCV Mono-infected, and Healthy Groups from the MASH Cohort. Nutrition 2019 Conference. Baltimore, MD, June 8-11, 2019.
  10. Baum MK, Liu Q, Zarini G, Martinez SS, Seminario L, Jasmin J, Hernandez J, Teeman C, Tamargo J, Jaspar N, Clayton P, Greer PJ, Khalsa J, Campa A. Opioid use and liver disease in the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) Cohort. 52nd Miami Winter Symposium: Evolving Concepts in HIV and Emerging Viral Infections. Miami, FL, January 28-30, 2019.
  11. Baum MK, Sherman K, Liu Q, Zarini G, Sales Martinez S, Seminario L, Jasmin J, Hernandez, J, Teeman C, Tamargo J, Jaspar N, Clayton P, Greer PJ, Khalsa J Campa A. Fentanyl Use and Liver Disease in the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) Cohort. Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), Seattle, Washington, March 4-7, 2019.
  12. Baum MK, Zarini G, Ehman R, Sherman KE, Liu Q, Chen J, Laird R, Laird A, Greer P, Seminario L, Jasmin J, Hernandez J, Teeman C, Johnson A, Martinez S, Campa A. MR Elastography Detects Higher Liver Fibrosis in HIV Infected Cocaine Users in the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) Cohort. AASLD, The Liver Meeting 2018, San Francisco, CA, November 9-13, 2018.
  13. Martinez S, Campa A, Zarini G, Mudgal M, Tamargo J, Sneij A, Alohaly A, Baum M. Depressive Symptoms and Association with Substance Abuse in the Miami Adult Studies in HIV (MASH) Cohort. 22nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018). Reference No: A-899-0177-11376.
  14. Zarini GG, Exebio J, Vaccaro JA, McLean M, Ajabshir S, Huffman FG. Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Blood Pressure in Hispanics with Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2017 31:961.12.
  15. Huffman FG, Vaccaro JA, Zarini GG. Sex and Race/Ethnic Disparities in Food Security and Chronic Diseases in U.S. Older Adults. FASEB J. 2017 31:791.18.
  16. Chantarasinlapin P, Zarini GG, Barbieri MA, Wu W, Huffman FG. Relationship between Levels of Serum Methylglyoxal and Fasting Plasma Glucose in Blacks with and without Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2017 31:966.4.
  17. Haddadian P, Huwaikem M, Vaccaro JA, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Obesity in U.S. Children Ages 6–12. FASEB J. 2017 31:642.5.
  18. Ajabshir S, Exebio JC, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Association of Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) and Homeostatic Model Assessment Indexes of Insulin Resistance (HOMA1-IR and HOMA2-IR) Among Three Ethnic Groups. FASEB J. 2017 31:961.18.
  19. Xu L, Cheema A, Zarini GG, Li T, Huffman FG. Interaction Between the Ratio of Polyunsaturated Fat and Saturated Fat Intake and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator 1-α (PPARGC1A) rs4235308 Polymorphism in Relation to the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Cuban American Population. FASEB J. 2017 31:644.16.
  20. Zarini GG, McLean M, Vaccaro J, Exebio J, Ajabshir S, Huffman FG. Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Telomerase Activity in Hispanics with Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2016 30:1156.1.
  21. Exebio J, Ajabshir S, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Blood Lipids in Minorities with Type 2 Diabetes.FASEB J. 2016 30:
  22. Ajabshir S, Exebio J, Zarini GG, Vaccaro J, Huffman FG. Homeostatic model assessment index 1 and 2 are associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D among Haitians and African-Americans living in South Florida. FASEB J. 2016 30:917.12.
  23. Huffman FG, Ajabshir S, Li T, Exebio J, Zarini GG. High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to Total Cholesterol Ratio is Associated with Index of Central Obesity in a Young Multi-Ethnic Group Living in South Florida. FASEB J. 2016 30:1152.1.
  24. Zarini G, Shaban L, Exebio J, Vaccaro J, Ajabshir J, Huffman F. Relationship between Microalbuminuria and Serum Vitamin D Levels in African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2015; 29:902.6.
  25. Basiri R, Zarini G, Vaccaro J, Exebio J, Huffman F. Relationship between Intake of Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1) with Blood Lipids and Biomarkers of Glucose Homeostasis in Haitian Americans and African Americans with and without Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2015; 29:902.8.
  26. Exebio J, Zarini G, Vaccaro J, Ajabshir S, Huffman F. The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Glucose Homeostasis among African Americans and Hispanics with Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2015; 29:259.8.
  27. Huffman F, Exebio J, Zarini G, Vaccaro J, Ajabshir S. Validation of a Sun Exposure Questionnaire among Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Residing in South Florida. FASEB J. 2015; 29:902.5.
  28. Mikati N, Zarini G, Vaccaro J, Huffman F. The Relationship between Caffeine Consumption and Type 2 Diabetes Markers in Three Minority Ethnicities with or without Diabetes. FASEB J. 2015; 29:588.3.
  29. Ajabshir S, Exebio J, Zarini G, Nayer A, Vaccaro J, Huffman F. Pulse Pressure and Blood Triglyceride Levels among a Young Multi-Ethnic Group Living in South Florida. FASEB J. 2015 29:584.7.
  30. Zarini G, Vaccaro J, Ajabshir S, Antwi J, Cheema A, Huffman F. Abnormal pulse pressure and microalbuminuria in Haitian Americans with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2014; 28:1029.6.
  31. Huffman F, Frade T, Mclean M, Zarini G, Exebio J, Antwi J, Ajabshir S, Vaccaro J. Association between ghrelin and triglyceride levels in Blacks with and without type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2014; 28:1029.5.
  32. Vivas A, Exebio J, Zarini G, Ajabshir S, Antwi J, Cheema A, Vaccaro J, Huffman F. The relationship between self-rated health and dietary choices of African Americans. FASEB J. 2014; 28:806.6.
  33. Antwi J, Cheema A, Ajabshir S, Exebio J, Zarini G, Vaccaro J, Huffman F. Relationship of triglyceride levels with A1C and adiponectin in Haitian Americans with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2014 28:1029.4.
  34. Exebio J, Zarini G, Vaccaro J, Ajabshir S, Cheema A, Antwi J, Huffman F. Association between serum vitamin D and insulin resistance in African Americans with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2014 28:1030.3.
  35. Ajabshir S, Exebio J,Zarini G, Nayer A, Vaccaro J, Shaban L, Huffman F. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D is associated with blood total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure in a young multi-ethnic group living in South Florida. FASEB J. 2014 28:1041.15.
  36. Huffman F, Feijao K, Shaban L, Zarini G, Ajabshir S, Vaccaro J. Body mass index and serum vitamin D levels in Cuban, African, and Haitian Americans with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2014 28:1029.7.
  37. Huffman FG, Vaccaro JA, Exebio JC, Ajabshir S, Zarini GG. Effect of omega-3 fatty acid intake on C-reactive proteins in African and Haitian Americans with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2013; 27:615.8.
  38. Vaccaro JA, Exebio JC, Ajabshir S, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Effect of omega-3 fatty acid intake on homocysteine in African and Haitian Americans with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2013; 27:615.11.
  39. Ajabshir S, Exebio JC, Zarini GG, Podesta C, Vaccaro JA, Huffman FG. Quantitative measures of forearm skin color and self-reported sun exposure scores predict serum 25(OH)D concentrations in a young multi-ethnic population living in South Florida, US. FASEB J. 2013; 27:245.7.
  40. Colas MV, Vaccaro JA, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Cooking Show and Tell: An educational tool for improving vegetable preference among first graders. FASEB J. 2013; 27: 843.5.
  41. Cheema AK, Zarini GG, Vaccaro JA, Shaban L, Dorak MT, Huffman FG. Prevalence of Gly482Ser polymorphism of PPARGC1A in Cuban Americans. FASEB J. 2013; 27:1212.1.
  42. Exebio JC, Ajabshir S, Zarini GG, Shaban L, Huffman FG. Use of HOMA indexes for the identification of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance among Cuban-Americans. FASEB J. 2013; 27:615.12.
  43. Zarini GG, Shaban L, Exebio JC, McLean M, Huffman FG. Relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and adiponectin levels in Blacks. The FASEB J. 2013; 27: 841.4.
  44. Sukram S, Zarini GG, Shaban L, Huffman FG. Microalbuminuria and hypertension among Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2013; 27: 841.18.
  45. Dixon Z, Exebio JC, Vaccaro JA, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Effect of medical advice for diet on diabetes self-management and glycemic control for Haitian and African Americans with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2013; 27:615.13.
  46. Podesta C, Ajabshir S, Exebio JC, Zarini GG, Podesta R, Huffman FG. Relationship between blood pressure and serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D among a young multi-ethnic group living in South Florida. FASEB J. 2013; 27:615.14.
  47. Zarini GG, Exebio JC, Podesta C, Huffman FG. Association between HOMA-B and A1C levels in Haitian Americans with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2012 26:9.
  48. Cuervo J, Zarini GG, Exebio JC, Michael McLean M, Huffman FG. Hypertension, glycemic control and microalbuminuria in Haitian Americans and African Americans. FASEB J. 2012 26:876.3.
  49. Cheema AK, Zarini GG, ExebioJC, Ajabshir S, Huffman FG. Association between depression and smoking in African-Americans with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2012; 26:1057.10.
  50. Ajabshir S, Vaccaro JA, Zarini GG, Cheema AK, Huffman FG. Dietary folate and vitamin B6 intake insufficiencies among Cubans, Haitians and African-Americans with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2012; 26:1018.5.
  51. Gundupalli D, Zarini GG, Vaccaro JA, Huffman FG. Abdominal obesity and inflammation in tri-ethnic population with and without type 2 diabetes in South Florida. FASEB J. 2012; 26:819.39.
  52. Lamya Shaban L, Zarini GG, Exebio JC, Shin DH, Huffman FG. Association between TaqI vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and LDL-C in Cuban Americans. FASEB J. 2012; 26: 526.6.
  53. Huffman FG, Vaccaro JA, Zarini GG, Dixon Z. Following a diet and hemoglobin A1C in Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2012; 26:635.4.
  54. Shiryn D. Sukram SD, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Obesity and serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein in Turkish immigrants with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2012; 26:2.
  55. Exebio JC, Zarini GG, Duenas C, Huffman FG. Association between total fat intake and depressive symptoms in Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2012; 26:812.4.
  56. Duenas C, Podesta C, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Relationship between obesity markers and blood pressure among African Americans with and without T2D. FASEB J. 2012; 26: 817.1.
  57. Zarini GG, Shaban L, Sukhram S, Huffman FG. Relationship between Vitamin D Levels and LDL Cholesterol across Tri-Ethnic Minorities with and without Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2011; 25: 971.28.
  58. Huffman FG, Zarini GG. Differences in Dietary Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load of Tri-Ethnic Population with and without Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2011; 25: 227.7.
  59. De la Cera M, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Differences in Dietary Patterns among Haitian and African Americans with and without Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2011; 25:991.12.
  60. Exebio JC, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Association of Diet Quality with Depression in Cuban-Americans with Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2011; 25:991.13.
  61. Shaban L, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. The Association between Insufficient Vitamin D Levels, Ethnicity and Diabetes Status. FASEB J. 2011; 25:1002.21.
  62. Tracey A, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Differences in Serum Adiponectin Levels among a Tri-Ethnic Population with and without Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2011; 25:720.6.
  63. Pinzon N, Negron JM, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Relationship between Perceived Stress and Blood Lipid Levels among Haitian Americans with and without Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2011; 25:594.11.
  64. Gundupalli D, Nagi G, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Relation between HOMA-IR and Anthropometric Measures of Obesity and Inflammatory Markers. FASEB J. 2011; 25:1095.15.
  65. Wu P, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. The Relationship between Physical Activity and Self-Rated Health in Tri-Ethnic Population with and without Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2011; 25:769.29.
  66. Zarini GG, Huffman FG. The Relationship between Microalbuminuria and Glycemic Control in Haitian Americans with Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2010 24:932.4.
  67. Huffman FG, Zarini GG, Exebio JC, Nelson E, Pinzon N, Negron J, Virginia Morgan V, Ortiz NR. Understanding the Differences in Pulse Pressure in two Minority Groups: Haitians & Cubans. FASEB J. 2010 24:932.5.
  68. Exebio JC, Zarini GG, Exebio C, and Huffman FG. Use of HbA1c in Screening for Cuban-Americans with Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2010 24:932.8.
  69. Liuzzi JP, Hiral P. Modi HP, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Comparison of Vitamin D status in Cuban-Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2010 24:932.9.
  70. Zarini GG, Huffman FG, Perez Gomez G, Nath SD. The association between hypertension and poor glycemic control with microalbuminuria among Cuban-Americans with type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2009; 23:547.7.
  71. Huffman FG, Zarini GG, Shin DH. Influence of C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism on plasma homocysteine levels among Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2009; 23:547.6.
  72. Huffman FG, McNamara E, Zarini GG. Can the alternate healthy eating index score predict health outcomes for Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes? FASEB J. 2009; 23:214.7.
  73. Liuzzi JP, Masmouei H, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Association of the Slc30a8 rs13266634 polymorphism with type 2 diabetes and central obesity in a Cuban-American population. FASEB J. 2009; 23:lb517.
  74. Huffman FG, Vaccaro JA, Zarini GG, Nath S. Diet, health factors Cuban Americans with and without T2DM. FASEB J. 2009; 23:550.6.
  75. Vaccaro JA, Huffman FG, Zarini GG, Nath SD. Diabetes self-management Cuban Americans. FASEB J. 2009; 23:550.9.
  76. Huffman FG, Cooper VY, Zarini GG. Glycemic index and glycemic load on plasma high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol in Cuban Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2009; 23:722.4.
  77. Zarini GG, Perez Gomez G, Nath SD, Huffman FG. High Fruit and Vegetable Intakes are Associated with Lower Homocysteine Levels in Cuban-Americans. FASEB J. 2008 22:702.28.
  78. Huffman FG, Zarini GG, Swink M, Perez Gomez G. Relationship between Glycemic Control and C-Reactive Protein in Cuban-Americans with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. FASEB J. 2008 22:1098.3.
  79. Huffman FG, Zarini GG, Perez Gomez G, Nath SD. Homocysteine levels and 10-year coronary heart disease risk among Cuban-Americans with and without type 2 diabetes. FASEB J. 2008 22:1081.6.
  80. Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Psychosocial and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Cuban Americans with and without Type 2 Diabetes. FASEB J. 2007 21:682.14.
  81. Perez Gomez G, Zarini GG, Huffman FG. Diet intake, fat behavior, and physical activity of Hispanic adolescents: a pilot study. FASEB J. 2006 20:A147.

Presentations

  1. Poster presentation, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), Chicago, IL, US, April 2017.
  2. Poster presentation, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), San Diego, CA, US, April 2016.
  3. Poster presentation, Emerging Leaders in Nutrition Science, American Societies for Nutrition, Experimental Biology Conference, Boston, MA, March 2015.
  4. Poster presentation, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), San Diego, CA, US, March 2014.
  5. Poster presentation, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), Boston MA, US, April 2013
  6. Poster presentation, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), San Diego CA, US, April 2012.
  7. Poster presentation, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), Washington, DC, US, April 2011.
  8. Poster presentation, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), Anaheim, CA, US, April 2010.
  9. Poster presentation, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), New Orleans, LA, US, April 2009.
  10. Poster presentation, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), San Diego, CA, US, April 2008.

Certificates

  • Human Participant Protections Education for Research Training
  • Collaborative IRB Training Initiative Program (CITI) Biomedical Human Research Investigators Course
  • CITI Human Subjects Research Training
  • CITI Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Training
  • CITI Health Information Privacy and Security (HIPS) Training
  • Patient Privacy and Information Security Protections (A/K/A HIPAA)
  • S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Privacy and HIPAA Training
  • S. Department of Veterans Affairs – VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior
  • Magnetic Resonance Safety Training
  • Florida International University Cyber Security Awareness Training
  • Bloodborne Pathogens Awareness
  • Laboratory Hazard Awareness
  • Safe Handling of Biomedical Waste
  • Safe use of Biosafety Cabinets
  • Fire Safety

Hazard Communication (HAZCOM): In Sync with Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

Languages Fluent in English and Spanish