Yaguang Zheng

Faculty

Yaguang Zheng Headshot

Yaguang Zheng

PhD RN

Assistant Professor

1 212 998 5170

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Yaguang Zheng is an Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her research focuses on cardiometabolic risk reduction by leveraging mobile health, electronic health records, and data science techniques. Prof. Zheng has explored behavioral phenotypes through the use of wireless devices in clinical trials and real-world settings and their impacts on cardiometabolic disease prevention and management. Zheng’s initial work focused on lifestyle behavior changes through mobile health, more specifically, using mobile health for self-monitoring and its impact on weight-loss outcomes. After identifying a critical knowledge gap in the area of engagement with mobile health, Zheng conducted a pilot study that found that older adults were able to use multiple mobile devices to improve diabetes self-management, debunking traditional perceptions of older adults as being skeptical of multiple mobile technologies.

Zheng has also applied machine learning algorithms to analyze data from a large real-world sample that has yielded varied patterns of use of wireless devices over the course of a year, findings which are helping to target subgroups of individuals who need long-term engagement in using mobile health devices. More recently, Zheng has worked on electronic health record data, including mobile health data from wearable devices, like continuous glucose monitors, which has real-world application for clinical practice.

Prior to joining the NYU Meyers faculty, Zheng was a postdoctoral scholar supported by NIH grant T32 NR008857 Technology: Research in Chronic and Critical Illness at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing.

PhD in Nursing, University of Pittsburgh
Chronic disease
Diabetes
Informatics
Obesity
American Medical Informatics Association
American Heart Association
American Diabetes Association
Post-doctoral trainee, Technology: Research in Chronic and Critical Illness (T32 NR008857) (2020)
New Investigator Travel Award, American Heart Association EPI/NPAM 2014 Scientific Sessions (2014)
Ruth Perkins Kuehn Scholarship, Sigma Theta Tau, Eta Chapter (2014)

Temporal patterns of self-weighing behavior and weight changes assessed by consumer purchased scales in the Health eHeart Study

Zheng, Y., Sereika, S. M., Burke, L. E., Olgin, J. E., Marcus, G. M., Aschbacher, K., Tison, G. H., & Pletcher, M. J. (2019). In Journal of Behavioral Medicine (Vols. 42, Issues 5, pp. 873-882). 10.1007/s10865-018-00006-z
Abstract
Abstract
Self-weighing may promote attainment and maintenance of healthy weight; however, the natural temporal patterns and factors associated with self-weighing behavior are unclear. The aims of this secondary analysis were to (1) identify distinct temporal patterns of self-weighing behaviors; (2) explore factors associated with temporal self-weighing patterns; and (3) examine differences in percent weight changes by patterns of self-weighing over time. We analyzed electronically collected self-weighing data from the Health eHeart Study, an ongoing longitudinal research study coordinated by the University of California, San Francisco. We selected participants with at least 12 months of data since the day of first use of a WiFi- or Bluetooth-enabled digital scale. The sample (N = 1041) was predominantly male (77.5%) and White (89.9%), with a mean age of 46.5 ± 12.3 years and a mean BMI of 28.3 ± 5.9 kg/m2 at entry. Using group-based trajectory modeling, six distinct temporal patterns of self-weighing were identified: non-users (n = 120, 11.5%), weekly users (n = 189, 18.2%), rapid decliners (n = 109, 10.5%), increasing users (n = 160, 15.4%), slow decliners (n = 182, 17.5%), and persistent daily users (n = 281, 27.0%). Individuals who were older, female, or self-weighed 6–7 days/week at week 1 were more likely to follow the self-weighing pattern of persistent daily users. Predicted self-weighing trajectory group membership was significantly associated with weight change over time (p

The utility of traditional Chinese medicine (Shenmai) in the cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass grafting : A single-center randomized clinical trial

Zhang, C., Zheng, Y., Chen, T., Wang, S., & Xu, M. (2019). In Complementary Therapies in Medicine (Vols. 47). 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102203
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: examine the efficacy and safety of Shenmai to the cardiac rehabilitation in patients received coronary artery bypass grafting. Design: a single-center randomized, single blind clinical trial. Setting: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Subjects: Patients with coronary artery disease who received coronary artery bypass grafting in our center were studied. They must be competent to complete the 6-minute walking test without any assistance and without any severe comorbidity. Interventions: in Shemmai group, the participants were treated with Shenmai injection (100 ml/day) right after the surgery to discharge for 9.28 ± 3.75 days and then capsule (3.6 g/day) sequentially for 30 days in addition to the cardiac rehabilitation. In control group, only cardiac rehabilitation was conducted. Main measures: the 6-Minute Walking Test was measured at three time points: one day before operation, on the day of discharge and 30 days follow up. Results: The sample (n = 166) was predominately male (84%), with mean age was 61.12 ± 9.13 years. There was no significant difference between groups in baseline characteristics and the procedural characteristics. There was one death in control group and one stroke in Shenmai group right after the surgery. Overall, there was group (p =.005) and time effect (p

Adherence

Burke, L. E., Zheng, Y., & Wang, J. (2018). In Principles and Concepts of Behavioral Medicine : A Global Handbook (pp. 565-593). Springer New York. 10.1007/978-0-387-93826-4_19
Abstract
Abstract
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Bidirectional Relationships Between Weight Change and Sleep Apnea in a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention

Kline, C. E., Burke, L. E., Sereika, S. M., Imes, C. C., Rockette-Wagner, B., Mendez, D. D., Strollo, P. J., Zheng, Y., Rathbun, S. L., & Chasens, E. R. (2018). In Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vols. 93, Issues 9, pp. 1290-1298). 10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.04.026
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To examine the bidirectional relationship between weight change and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the context of a behavioral weight loss intervention. Patients and Methods: Adults who were overweight or obese (N=114) participated in a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention from April 17, 2012, through February 9, 2015. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), a marker of the presence and severity of OSA, was assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Linear mixed models evaluated the effect of weight change on the AHI and the effect of OSA (AHI ≥5) on subsequent weight loss. Secondary analyses evaluated the effect of OSA on intervention attendance, meeting daily calorie goals, and accelerometer-measured physical activity. Results: At baseline, 51.8% of the sample (n=59) had OSA. Adults who achieved at least 5% weight loss had an AHI reduction that was 2.1±0.9 (adjusted mean ± SE) events/h greater than those with less than 5% weight loss (P

Experiences of Daily Weighing Among Successful Weight Loss Individuals During a 12-Month Weight Loss Study

Zheng, Y., Zheng, Y., Terry, M. A., Danford, C. A., Ewing, L. J., Sereika, S. M., Goode, R. W., Mori, A., & Burke, L. E. (2018). In Western Journal of Nursing Research (Vols. 40, Issues 4, pp. 462-480). 10.1177/0193945916683399
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to describe participants’ experience of daily weighing and to explore factors influencing adherence to daily weighing among individuals who were successful in losing weight during a behavioral weight loss intervention. Participants completed a 12-month weight loss intervention study that included daily self-weighing using a Wi-Fi scale. Individuals were eligible to participate regardless of their frequency of self-weighing. The sample (N = 30) was predominantly female (83.3%) and White (83.3%) with a mean age of 52.9 ± 8.0 years and mean body mass index of 33.8 ± 4.7 kg/m2. Five main themes emerged: reasons for daily weighing (e.g., feel motivated, being in control), reasons for not weighing daily (e.g., interruption of routine), factors that facilitated weighing, recommendations for others about daily weighing, and suggestions for future weight loss programs. Our results identified several positive aspects to daily self-weighing, which can be used to promote adherence to this important weight loss strategy.

Group-based trajectory analysis of physical activity change in a US weight loss intervention

Imes, C. C., Zheng, Y., Mendez, D. D., Rockette-Wagner, B. J., Mattos, M. K., Goode, R. W., Sereika, S. M., & Burke, L. E. (2018). In Journal of Physical Activity and Health (Vols. 15, Issues 11, pp. 840-846). 10.1123/jpah.2017-0484
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The obesity epidemic is a global concern. Standard behavioral treatment including increased physical activity, reduced energy intake, and behavioral change counseling is an effective lifestyle intervention for weight loss.PURPOSE: To identify distinct step count patterns among weight loss intervention participants, examine weight loss differences by trajectory group, and examine baseline factors associated with trajectory group membership.METHODS: Both groups received group-based standard behavioral treatment while the experimental group received up to 30 additional, one-on-one self-efficacy enhancement sessions. Data were analyzed using group-based trajectory modeling, analysis of variance, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression.RESULTS: Participants (N = 120) were mostly female (81.8%) and white (73.6%) with a mean (SD) body mass index of 33.2 (3.8) kg/m 2. Four step count trajectory groups were identified: active (>10,000 steps/day; 11.7%), somewhat active (7500-10,000 steps/day; 28.3%), low active (5000-7500 steps/day; 27.5%), and sedentary (

Current theoretical bases for nutrition intervention and their uses

Zheng, Y., Mancino, J., Burke, L. E., & Glanz, K. (2017). In Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease (pp. 185-201). Elsevier. 10.1016/B978-0-12-802928-2.00009-6
Abstract
Abstract
This chapter discusses contemporary theoretical basis for dietary interventions for disease prevention and management and their applications in practice. This chapter (1) introduces key concepts related to the application of theory in understanding and improving diet and eating-related behaviors, (2) reviews behavioral issues related to adopting healthful diets, (3) discusses dietary interventions, and (4) highlights important issues and constructs that cut across theories. Six theoretical models that are in current use and can be particularly useful for understanding the processes of changing eating habits in clinical and community settings are described: social cognitive theory, the stages of change construct from the transtheoretical model, consumer information processing, the theory of planned behavior, multiattribute utility theory, and the social ecological model. The central elements of each theory and how they can be used to guide dietary interventions are described in this chapter.

Identify unsuitable patients with left main coronary artery disease in intermediate SYNTAX scores treated by percutaneous coronary intervention

Zhang, C., Zheng, Y., Liu, X., Cheng, Y., Liu, Y., Yao, Y., Wang, X., & Xu, J. (2017). In Heart Surgery Forum (Vols. 20, Issues 6, pp. E258-E262). 10.1532/hsf.1741
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: With the follow-up extending to 5 years, the outcomes of SYNTAX (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery) trial were comparable between coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in left-main (LM) patients with intermediate SYNTAX scores of 23-32. A subdivision depending on SYNTAX score will help to identify unsuitable LM patients with intermediate SYNTAX scores to receive PCI treatment.METHODS: Between January 2011 and June 2013, 104 patients with LM Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) undergoing PCI were selected retrospectively. We compared clinical outcomes in patients with SYNTAX score

Modern Methods for Modeling Change in Obesity Research in Nursing

Sereika, S. M., Zheng, Y., Hu, L., & Burke, L. E. (2017). In Western Journal of Nursing Research (Vols. 39, Issues 8, pp. 1028-1044). 10.1177/0193945917697221
Abstract
Abstract
Persons receiving treatment for weight loss often demonstrate heterogeneity in lifestyle behaviors and health outcomes over time. Traditional repeated measures approaches focus on the estimation and testing of an average temporal pattern, ignoring the interindividual variability about the trajectory. An alternate person-centered approach, group-based trajectory modeling, can be used to identify distinct latent classes of individuals following similar trajectories of behavior or outcome change as a function of age or time and can be expanded to include time-invariant and time-dependent covariates and outcomes. Another latent class method, growth mixture modeling, builds on group-based trajectory modeling to investigate heterogeneity within the distinct trajectory classes. In this applied methodologic study, group-based trajectory modeling for analyzing changes in behaviors or outcomes is described and contrasted with growth mixture modeling. An illustration of group-based trajectory modeling is provided using calorie intake data from a single-group, single-center prospective study for weight loss in adults who are either overweight or obese.

The SMARTER pilot study : Testing feasibility of real-time feedback for dietary self-monitoring

Burke, L. E., Zheng, Y., Ma, Q., Mancino, J., Loar, I., Music, E., Styn, M., Ewing, L., French, B., Sieworek, D., Smailagic, A., & Sereika, S. M. (2017). In Preventive Medicine Reports (Vols. 6, pp. 278-285). 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.03.017
Abstract
Abstract
Self-monitoring (SM) of food intake is central to weight loss treatment. Technology makes it possible to reinforce this behavior change strategy by providing real-time feedback (FB) tailored to the diary entry. To test the feasibility of providing 1–4 daily FB messages tailored to dietary recordings via a smartphone, we conducted a 12-week pilot randomized clinical trial in Pittsburgh, PA in US in 2015. We compared 3 groups: SM using the Lose It! smartphone app (Group 1); SM + FB (Group 2); and SM + FB + attending three in-person group sessions (Group 3). The sample (N = 39) was mostly white and female with a mean body mass index of 33.76 kg/m2. Adherence to dietary SM was recorded daily, weight was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. The mean percentage of days adherent to dietary SM was similar among Groups 1, 2, and 3 (p = 0.66) at 53.50% vs. 55.86% vs. 65.33%, respectively. At 12 weeks, all groups had a significant percent weight loss (p < 0.05), with no differences among groups (− 2.85% vs. − 3.14% vs. − 3.37%) (p = 0.95); 26% of the participants lost ≥ 5% of their baseline weight. Mean retention was 74% with no differences among groups (p = 0.37). All groups adhered to SM at levels comparable to or better than other weight loss studies and lost acceptable amounts of weight, with minimal intervention contact over 12 weeks. These preliminary findings suggest this 3-group approach testing SM alone vs. SM with real-time FB messages alone or supplemented with limited in-person group sessions warrants further testing in a larger, more diverse sample and for a longer intervention period.