The University's annual Open Enrollment period will take place Monday, October 23 through Friday, November 17. This is the time for faculty and staff to evaluate their benefits package, choose medical and dental coverage for 2007, elect Flexible Spending (which will save on taxes) and enroll in Short Term Disability Insurance.

Benefit elections made during this period will go into effect on January 1, 2007. All faculty and staff who want health care coverage for themselves and their family through the University in 2007 are required to enroll via myUM. Employees can review their current options by logging on at https://myum.miami.edu/.

Town hall meetings on the medical school will take place on Monday, October 16 at various locations. From 7 to 9 a.m., a meeting will be held in Bascom Palmer's Retter Auditorium, followed by another session from 12 to 1:30 p.m. in the Clinical Research Building's Medical Wellness Center Instructional Classroom C on the ninth floor. A late-afternoon session will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m., in the Mailman Center for Child Development's eighth-floor auditorium.

In addition, the University will hold a two-day open enrollment Benefits Fair, which will include opportunities to receive flu shots.

Benefits Fair Hours, Jackson Cafeteria: Thursday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, October 27, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Extended Flu Shot Hours, Jackson Cafeteria: Thursday, October 26, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, October 27, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you have any questions, please email Cristina Elgarresta at celgarresta@miami.edu.

Miller School employees who make a contribution during the first three weeks of the campaign (before October 31) will be eligible to win a number of valuable items.  Drawings will be held November 2 for the following prizes: Thanksgiving baskets,movie gift cards, television, iPod, DVD player, digital camera, a restaurant gift certificate for Ortanique on the Mile, Sunglass Hut gift certificate, Arbonne body care products, and other goody bags.

Your United Way gift can be earmarked for a UM program of your choice and counted toward the Momentum Campaign. If you have any questions, or need assistance please contact the office of Community Relations, 305 243-3453 or communityrelations@med.miami.edu.

Sara J. Czaja, Ph.D., co-director of the University of Miami Center on Aging and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences is the principal investigator of this project. It was also announced that Czaja has been selected to receive a 2006 IBM Faculty Award. This highly competitive award recognizes Czaja's achievements, and the quality of her research programs. In addition to providing support for Dr. Czaja's work, this award will help foster future collaborations between the Center and IBM.

Battery fires are extremely rare, even in the models of battery being recalled. However,the safest course is to pull any recalled battery immediately and use the device on A/C power until the replacement arrives. If portability is essential, be sure to turn the laptop off when it will be unattended for any length of time.

To register, visit http://netlearning.miami.edu/.  For easy step-by-step instructions on how to register, visit http://www.miami.edu/eap/HowToRegister.doc.  For answers about registration, contact 305-284-5110 (Gables/Rosenstiel) or 305-243-3090 (Medical).

The workshop will seek to update the community on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), enhance patient compliance with treatment, better understand the learning difficulties suffered by young patients and optimizing the management of pain and understand the complexities of caring for the adult patient. 
 
Featured speakers include Lennette Benjamin, M.D., clinical director, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY; Ofelia Alvarez, M.D. pediatric hematology/oncology, Miller School of Medicine; Astrid K. Mack, Ph.D., research associate professor, associate director, Sickle Cell Center,  Miller School of Medicine; and Thomas Harrington, M.D., assistant professor of clinical medicine, Miller School of Medicine. 
 
Medical professionals will receive a maximum of 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits for this educational activity.  The cost is as follows: physicians $100, medical professionals $50, and laypersons $25. Persons with SCD and parents who have children with SCD may enter free. 
 
For further information, please contact Dr. Astrid K. Mack at 305-243-5998 or amack@med.maimi.edu.

To register for any of the dates call Humana's appointment line at 1-800-533-5001 ext. 5455. Space is limited. You may only call Humana’s appointment line to register. Calls made to UM/Sylvester, UM/Sylvester’s Mammography office, and Benefits Administration will not be honored. To be eligible, you must be a UM employee enrolled in one of the University-sponsored Humana health plans, have a prescription from your physician, be asymptomatic (no symptoms of breast illness or disease, no pain, discharge, etc.) and at least 365 days must have passed since your last mammogram.

Information on breast cancer and other preventive care programs will be presented by Humana Health Services Research Center representatives.

The new vaccine, administered in three injections over six months, helps protect against cervical cancer caused by certain types of the human papilloma virus (HPV). It will be available through our ob/gyn clinics to women ages 16 to 26 and is covered by the university's insurance under Humana, as well as Cigna, BCBS and Avmed. To make an appointment call 305-243-4530.

The series, sponsored by the Jay Weiss Center for Social Medicine and Health Equity, will focus on important questions, issues and case studies related to the emerging movement of social medicine and global health equity.  Please contact Maria Pieiga, 305-243-8893, or mpieiga@med.miami.edu if you have any questions.

Those wanting to present a poster should first submit a one page abstract (limit 250 words) describing their work in aging to Dr. Carl Eisdorfer either via e-mail ceisdorf@med.miami.edu or fax to 305/355/9076 by October 16.

The Center for Liver Diseases is recruiting participants for the following studies:

Patients with cirrhosis of the liver as a result of Hepatitis B Infection:

This is a phase III b protocol comparing entecavir vs. adefovir in chronic hepatitis B subjects with evidence of hepatic decompensation. Subjects must have cirrhosis because of hepatitis B infection, never been treated for hepatitis B or treated with lamivudine (epivir) only, and do not have HIV, hepatitis C or D. For further information please call: 305)-243-6939, or e-mail the study coordinator, Connie Higgins at: chiggins@med.miami.edu.

Chart review:

This study is a chart review on hepatitis B subjects to determine the relation of an elevated HBV DNA and normal liver function tests to the histological findings of the liver biopsy. The study requires the subject has a previous liver biopsy between 2003-2006 and to see the research team to obtain a hepatitis B serology panel, liver function tests (ALT and AST), and HBV viral load. Subjects must be more than 18 years old, have a documented laboratory diagnosis of HBV infection of at least six months, treatment naïve patient, had a previous liver biopsy done between 2003-2006, and a documented HBV DNA. The previous biopsy slides will be retrieved and sent to a central reviewer. If you are interested, please contact University of Miami Center for Liver Diseases, Zvi Leibovici at 305-243-2330, or e-mail at zleibovici@med.miami.edu.

• Patients with hepatic encephalopathy
This study will compare Lactulose and Rifaximin to determine the benefit of either drug, or a combination of both. We will be enrolling patients with cirrhosis of the liver and a history of a previous hospitalization for hepatic encephalopathy. Patients will be followed for six months and a one-month post-treatment. Contact Macy Ho, CRC 305-243-4648 or e-mail Mho@med.miami.edu.

• Patients with chronic liver disease
This studies the correlation between liver histology and elasticity measured in patients with chronic liver disease using a device known as Fibroscan. This is a painless, non-invasive test. Qualifying patient must have received a laparoscopic liver biopsy within the past two months or scheduled a laparoscopic liver biopsy within the next two months by their PCP at Cedars Medical Center-Miami. This is a one time visit. Liver cancer patients are excluded. Contact: A. Brown at 305-243-2184 or abrown@med.miami.edu

• Vaccine test in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
The Center for Liver Diseases is conducting a Phase I, double-blind, placebo controlled, dose escalation, multi-center trial of a therapeutic vaccine in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Subject must be > 18, have no hypersensitivity to baker's yeast, non-cirrhotic, compensated liver disease, and must have received a liver biopsy within the past two years or be willing to have one performed. Subjects can be naïve to previous treatment, or a relapser or partial responder to an interferon-based treatment. Must meet other criteria as well. Contact A. Brown at 305-243-2184 or abrown@med.miami.edu

• Study of three treatments
The Center for Liver Diseases is conducting a phase 2, double-blind, multi-center, randomized research study in HBV decompensated subjects. Adult subjects with CPT score of 7-12 and no history of HCC will be assigned to one of the three treatment arms: Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF), Emtricitabine plus Tenofovir Disprocil Fumarate (FTC/TDF) or Entecavir (ETV). Patients can be on lamivudine or adefovir dipivoxil. Must meet other criteria. Contact Clinical Research Coordinator Karina Herrera at 305-243-2148 or at kherrera@med.miami.edu

• Study of liver diseases
The Center for Liver Diseases is conducting a Phase II study for men and women, investigational oral medication for liver scarring caused by chronic Hepatitis C. Subjects must be between 40 and 70 years old, have been diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis C, have failed prior Hepatitis C therapy with interferon and ribavirin treatments, which must have been discontinued at least 12 months ago. Study staff will review additional criteria if you are interested in learning more. The study should last approximately 56 weeks with 14 clinic visits. Contact Macy Ho, CRC 305-243-4648 or Mho@med.miami.edu

Do you or does someone you know experience pain related to spinal cord injury? Eva Widerström-Noga, Ph.D., and her colleagues are conducting research into the nature and treatment of pain associated with spinal cord injury. Studies are enrolling now.  Eligible participants will be 18 to 70 years of age and at least two years post-injury.  If you are interested in enrolling, please call The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at 305-243-8132 for information.

The Center for Liver Diseases is conducting a phase 2, double-blind, multi-center, randomized study in HBV decompensated subjects. Adult subjects with CPT score of 7-12 and no history of HCC will be assigned to one of the three treatment arms: Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF), Emtxticitabine plus Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (FTC/TDF) or Bntecavir (ETV). Patients can be on lamivudine or adefovir dipivoxil. Must meet other criteria. For further information, please contact clinical research coordinator Karina Herrera at 305-243-2148, or at kherrera@med.miami.edu.

Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., of the Division of Cosmetic Dermatology, is looking for people between the ages of 18 and 39 who have mild to severe acne to participate in a research study to determine whether use of an investigational topical treatment will improve acne.  If you are interested, please contact a member of the research staff at 305-531-5788.

The Department of Psychology is recruiting participants for the following studies:

• A schizophrenia family study 
Have you or one of your relatives been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder? Are you in regular contact with this person? If so, you and your family may be eligible to participate in a free family-focused treatment research study. During the treatment, clinicians will provide factual information about schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. In addition, techniques to assist the family in coping with mental illness will be presented. Treatment is available in English and Spanish. If interested, please contact the Schizophrenia Family Project at 305-284-5455.

• A family factors and autism study
The aim of this project is to better understand families’ emotional reactions to autism spectrum disorders. We seek the participation of adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s and one of his or her parents. Participation will involve one hour-long telephone call. If you would like to help with this study or if you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Wasserman at 305-284-2307.

Researchers at the MRI Center need healthy subjects for a magnetic resonance imaging study. For more information, please visit http://midas.med.miami.edu/Research/MRStudies.htm.

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are being recruited for a study of effects of sildenafil on exercise and breathlessness. Participants must have a firm clinical diagnosis of IPF, be 40 to 85 years of age, and not be on medication for IPF. Interested patients or physicians wishing to refer patients should call 305-575-3548, fax 305-575-3126, or e-mail rjackson2@med.miami.edu.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is testing experimental medications and therapies for the treatment of cervical dysplasia, a pre-cancerous condition that can lead to cancer if left untreated. Current treatments are surgical or invasive. This study is testing an investigational gene therapy to see if it safely and effectively treats HPV medicated cervical lesions as a result of dysplasia. If you are between 18 and 25 and have had an abnormal PAP test, you may be able to take part in this research study. Qualified participants will receive all study-related care and study therapy. To find out more, call Iliana Rivas at (305) 243-5832 or i.rivas@miami.edu

The Department of Psychology and the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control is conducting a quality of life research intervention with advanced prostate cancer patients. Participants should have Stage III or IV prostate cancer and have recently or currently been treated with hormone therapy. Eligible participants will take part in a ten-week cognitive behavioral stress and affect management program or a health promotions program. Three psychosocial/medical assessments are also required. If you are interested in this study or would like more information, please contact Frank Penedo, Ph.D., at 305-243-3329, or fpenedo@miami.edu.

Daniel Santisteban, Ph.D., of the Center for Family Studies in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, is currently conducting a research program that would provide adolescents and/or their family treatment for free. Participants must be 14 to 17 years old, have a parent or legal guardian willing to participate, meet DSM criteria for both substance abuse disorder and borderline personality disorder, and be willing to participate in four separate but paid evaluations. If interested, please contact Henry Calderon, clinical research specialist/assessor, at 305-243-2225, or hcalderon@med.miami.edu for details.

The Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement is conducting research with family caregivers of dementia patients who speak English and are 50 years of age or older. If you are not a caregiver but are interested in participating, you may be able to help as well. Participants will receive basic training on how to use the Internet and will be asked to look for information about care-giving and dementia. If you are interested in being a part of this research study, please call 305-355-9200. You will be paid for your time and effort.

Jennifer B. Marks, M.D., is currently recruiting patients ages 18 through 40 with type 1 diabetes mellitus with a recent diagnosis for participation in a research study to test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication. Patients must be taking multiple insulin injections daily and in good health. Those who are interested should contact Rogelio Suarez at 305-243-6573 or rsuarez2@med.miami.edu.

The AIDS Clinical Research Unit, directed by Margaret Fischl, M.D., is recruiting participants for the following studies:

• A phase I IL-7 study (IL-7 is a cytokine that aids T-cell development and improves T-cell survival). Participants must be 18 to 50 years of age, receiving antiretroviral therapy for at least 12 months, have an HIV-1 RNA level less than or equal to 50,000 copies/ml, and have a CD4 cell count of 100 cells/ccm or higher. Participants must be willing to do 12-hour IL-7 blood level monitoring. Up to $200 in food certificates provided.

• An investigational CC-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) entry inhibitor for patients with HIV. The study will look at single dose, dose escalations of a study drug (0.5 mg, 2.0 mg and 5.0 mg) and a placebo. The study will determine how well the study drug blocks CCR5 receptors and is tolerated. Participants must be 18 and older, not taking antiretroviral therapy for at least three months and have a viral load greater than 5,000 and a CD4 count greater than 250. Must be willing to do six-hour drug level monitoring. Up to $250 provided.

For more information on studies conducted by the AIDS Clinical Research Unit, contact Juan at 305-243-3838 or Leslie at L.Thompson@miami.edu.

The SPARE Study (Soy Phytoestrogens As Replacement Estrogen) is currently recruiting women 45 to 60 years of age to study the role of soy phytoestrogens given in tablet form to prevent bone loss. Participants will be given a physical exam at study entry, an annual mammogram and bone density test, and will be asked to come for 10 study visits over a period of two years for blood tests and to complete questionnaires about diet, exercise, and well-being. Interested women should contact the SPARE Study Office at 305-243-4330 or via e-mail at aherrin@med.miami.edu.

The University of Miami Skin Research Group, directed by Brian Berman, M.D., Ph.D., is looking for people with acne, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and keloids. Participants should be 18 or older for the acne and keloid studies and ages 2 to 17 for the atopic dermatitis studies. If interested, please contact the research staff at 305-243-5519 or visit our website at http://www.skininvestigation.com/.

Bruce Rubin, M.D., is currently performing a study on trigeminal neuralgia (TN) treatment with subcutaneous injections of BOTOX® to evaluate the effectiveness of treating facial pain associated with TN. Patients must have a diagnosis of TN for more than three months and be at least 18 years of age.
 
Dr. Rubin is also seeking patients for a research study on the treatment of tightness/spasticity in the wrist, fingers, and elbow caused by a stroke while evaluating the effect of BOTOX® on pulmonary functioning. Patients must be 18 years of age, have had a stroke six months ago or longer, have a pulmonary/breathing problem and cannot have used BOTOX® or any other botulinum toxin previously for any condition. Please contact Amy L. Kaye, ARNP, at 305-243-6223 for additional information on either of these studies.