For more information, contact Kathy Salce at 305-243-1046 or ksalce@med.miami.edu.

"Patches" (software upgrades) are available to adjust computer clocks to the new DST schedule. Some patches can be applied automatically, depending on the type of computing device and the configuration of its operating software. Others will require action by you.

Due to the complexities of this change, it cannot be guaranteed that ALL computer calendars will shift correctly. You should consider the time of all calendar entries in the extended DST period as suspect until confirmed.

We STRONGLY recommend that you "confirm" the scheduled time for appointments between March 11 and April 1 of this year by typing it in the subject line of all events on your calendar within the extended DST period.

These required computer patches may shift times for calendar entries between March 11 and April 1, and between October 28 and November 4, as part of the correction process. Again, we recommend that you enter the scheduled time for appointments in the subject line between March 11 and April 1 prior to any software upgrades. For medical campus Windows users, the confirmation marking should be done BEFORE midnight on Tuesday, March 6, as software upgrades will start after that time.

For additional information on DST, go to http://it.med.miami.edu.

A01 Staff - http://www6.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/1,1770,13610-1;11502-3,00.html

A03 Staff - http://www6.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/1,1770,13610-1;11354-3,00.html

A06 Staff - http://www6.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/1,1770,13610-1;14437-3,00.html

If you have any questions about Human Resources policies, please contact Medical Human Resources at 305-243-6482.

Users who have previously saved Ovid searches need to transfer their saved searches and auto alerts. Once the new personal account is established, users need to ask the Library’s systems department to transfer all saved material into their newly created personal account. It is necessary to provide the systems department with the existing username and the newly-created username. Transfer normally takes twenty-four hours. For additional information or to request the transfer of saved searches or auto alerts, please e-mail caldersystems@med.miami.edu or contact the systems department at 305-243-5530.

The University is introducing a new retirement plan - the Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) which will be the only plan available to faculty and staff whose date of employment is on or after June 1, 2007. Faculty and staff in existing retirement plans will be given a one-time opportunity to elect to stay in their current plan or begin earning benefits in the new RSP. The election is irrevocable and becomes effective June 1. Regardless of your election, you will not lose benefits you have already earned in your existing retirement plan.

Participants in the existing retirement plans must make their retirement plan election by midnight, April 6, at myum.miami.edu.

The University will be holding a series of information sessions on the new retirement plan. For a list of information sessions visit www.miami.edu/benefits/InformationalSessions.pdf. For a list of frequently asked questions concerning the plan, visit https://www6.miami.edu/benefits/RSP-FAQs.pdf. If you have further questions, contact Benefits Administration at newretplan@miami.edu.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 305-243-4183.

Wednesday, March 21, workshop 1, 9 a.m. to noon: "Making Sense of DNA and Protein Sequences." We will find a gene within a eukaryotic DNA sequence, then predict the function of the implied protein product by seeking sequence similarities to proteins of documented function using BLAST and other tools.

Workshop 2, 1 to 4 p.m.: "Identification of Disease Genes." This mini-course deals with the identification of a disease gene using NCBI's human genome assembly.

Thursday, March 22, workshop 3, 9 a.m. to noon: "Correlating Disease Genes and Phenotypes." We will learn to determine what is known about a disease and the gene associated with it. We will then elucidate the biochemical and structural basis for the phenotype caused by the mutant protein.

Workshop 4, 1 to 4 p.m.: "Structure Analysis Quick Start." This course covers how to visualize and annotate 3D protein structures using NCBI's Cn3D, identify conserved domain(s) present in a protein, search for other proteins containing similar domain(s), explore a 3D modeling template for the query protein and find distant sequence homologs that may not be identified by BLAST.

The Professional Development and Training Office exists to ensure that professional development activities are designed and implemented that meet or exceed research-based standards for effective professional development at UM. PDTO offers performance consultations and courses along with a host of additional services to the entire University community. You can browse a list of upcoming PDTO courses available this month at this link http://www6.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/1,1770,36483-1;52542-3,00.html.

Classes begin this Saturday, so reserve your spot soon. For more information and registration please call 305-284-4727 or visit www.educationmiami.com/7day.

CME Transcripts
Did you know you can view and download your CME transcripts online?  Visit the Continuing Medical Education web page at www.cme.med.miami.edu and click on the CME transcript link. 

CME Listings
See which UM Miller School of Medicine-sponsored CME activities are being held on or off campus by visiting the CME webpage at www.cme.med.miami.edu.  View a listing of upcoming CME activities that outline the conference topics, speakers, objectives, target audience and credits offered.

Online Registration
Go to www.cme.med.miami.edu and click on the conferences link.  Find the event, register, and pay online. A confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail address upon successful processing of your registration. 

A representative from TIAA-CREF will be at the University of Miami March 27 and 29. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-842-2003, ext. 3522.

A representative from Fidelity Investments will be on the medical campus March 27 to answer financial questions about its retirement plans. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-642-7131.

And a representative from VALIC will be at the University of Miami on March 30, April 18 and May 16 to conduct individual counseling sessions. To schedule an appoint please call Brad at 786-205-5617 or 1-800-892-5558 ext. 89413, or e-mail brad_baumgartner@aigvalic.com.

All meetings will take place in the Human Resources Benefits Office, 901 NW 17th St., Suite D.

The deadline to apply is March 30. For an application and additional information, please contact Cristina Llanos at 305-243-6292 or via e-mail at: cllanos@med.miami.edu.

Please visit our website for more details about Dr. Boufford or to view the live webcast if you cannot join us in person, www.jayweisscenter.org.

Our guest speakers are from the German Association of Orthopedic Surgeons and come from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Nicola Ihme, M.D., will present “ Residual Growth and Complications in Screw Fixation of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.” Frank Braatz, M.D., will present “Effects of Different Alignment and Dampening Properties of a Prosthetic Foot in Gait Analysis of Transfemoral Amputees.” Rainer Biedermann, M.D., will present “Treatment of Spastic Equinus Foot Deformity by Calf Lengthening with the Ilizarov Apparatus and Subsequent Orthotic Redression,” Ludger Linkemeyer, CPO, will present “Acceptance of C-Leg Fitting by Transfemoral Amputees,” and “Foot Amputations – Special Solutions for Special Cases” will be presented by Felix Tschui, M.D.

Nicola Ihme, M.D., is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at University Hospital in Aachen, Germany; Frank Braatz, M.D., practices at the Gait Analysis Laboratory at University Hospital in Heidelberg, Germany; Rainer Biedermann, M.D., is a professor and consultant orthopedic surgeon at the Medical University of Innsbruck in Austria; Ludger Linkemeyer, CPO, practices at the Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinic at University Hospital in Muenster, Germany; and Felix Tschui, M.D., practices at Rehabilitation Hospital in Bellikon, Switzerland. For more information, contact Ledi Figueroa at lfigueroa@med.miami.edu or call 305-243-6725.

Dr. Pinchuk will speak this Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in the McKnight Vision Research Center eighth-floor lecture hall.

For more information please contact 305-326-6047 or jshum@med.miami.edu.

The program is sponsored by the Laboratory for Clinical and Biological Studies at the UM Miller School of Medicine and by Siemens Medical Solutions.

This year’s theme will focus on advances in our understanding of immune activation in persons with HIV infection and the potential for therapeutic approaches.

For more information call Ana Ayala at 305-243-5359 or e-mail aayala@med.miami.edu. There is no charge for attendance.

For more information please call 305-243-3269.

For additional information, please call 305-243-5909.

This activity has been approved for 1.5 CME/CEUs for physicians, psychologists, and social workers. For more information please contact Carmen Bou-Crick at 305-355-9073 or cbou@med.miami.edu.

Lunch will be provided and it is not necessary to RSVP. For more information please call 305-243-5723 or e-mail ethics@miami.edu.

Participants will enjoy a brisk walk through Newport Center, where UM/Sylvester is located, attend a health fair, and support cancer research. Approximately 2,000 walkers are expected to participate. The entrance fee is $15 and includes a light breakfast, water, and a T-shirt. The event is open to members and non-members of the Pap Corps. Sponsors include Bank Atlantic, Bonnie Benado, Kids Who Care, Mark Our Words, Protex International, Pyra Promotions, Southwest Airlines, Sudduth Van Lines, UM/Sylvester, Vista Food Exchange, White Hall Nursing Homes of Boca Raton, and 101.5 Lite FM.

The free health fair is sponsored by UM/Sylvester and begins at 9 a.m. Health screenings will include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, oxygen saturation, and skin cancer screenings. There will also be health information on cancer prevention and related topics, arthritis, nutrition, and the diagnostic imaging services, which will be available at UM/Sylvester at Deerfield Beach later this year.

To register, to make a donation, or for further information, call the Pap Corps at 954-425-8100.

Join us Wednesday, March 14, from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm in the Medical Wellness Center. For more information, call 305-284-6604. To register please call the Medical Wellness Center at 305-243-7600, and please post this announcement for those who do not have access to e-mail.

Physicians, psychologists, and social workers can earn 1.0 CME/CEU.

For more information please contact Carmen Bou-Crick at 305-355-9073 or cbou@med.miami.edu.

The seminar is free and lunch will be provided. For more information please call 305-243-6597.

Dr. Stephen Russell of Grant Writers’ Seminars and Workshops will conduct the seminar. Dr. Russell has held grant support from the National Institutes of Health as a principal investigator since the early 1970s, including individual, group, center, and training grants. Please visit www.grantcentral.com for more information. Participants who are registered graduate medical school students will receive a copy of Dr. Russell’s notes and The Grant Application Writer’s Workbook. Dr. Russell charges $60 for the workbook and all other participants may pay this amount using an IDR upon registration. Please RSVP to ogs@med.miami.edu by March 9.

To learn more visit http://peds2.med.miami.edu/mailman/mailman.htm and click on Medical Issues and the Growing Child Conference – Part B. For more details please call Wanda Denise Castro at 305-243-4466 or wcastro@med.miami.edu.

This activity has been approved for 1.0 CME/CEUs for physicians, psychologists, and social workers.

For more information please contact Carmen Bou-Crick, 305-355-9073 or cbou@med.miami.edu.

For more information or to RSVP please call 305-326-6047 or jshum@med.miami.edu.

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Do you experience heavy menstrual bleeding on two to five days of your regular menstrual period? Does heavy menstrual bleeding keep you from your normal social and work activities? If you answered yes to these questions, you may qualify for a research study of an investigational drug for heavy menstrual bleeding. This investigational drug is not a hormone. You must be a generally healthy woman between ages 18 and 49, have regular menstrual cycles with heavy bleeding, and not have any other bleeding disorder.

Qualified participants will receive the study drug and study-related procedures including physical exams, electrocardiograms, eye exams and laboratory tests at no cost. They will also receive compensation for time and travel. For more information, please contact Marisol Sloane at 305-243-1616.

• Hot Flashes

Are hot flashes making you miserable? You’re not alone. As many as 85% of postmenopausal women experience the discomfort of hot flashes -- sudden sensations of heat, often accompanied by sweating, racing pulse, and anxiety. If you’re suffering from hot flashes, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is conducting a clinical research trial studying a non-hormonal investigational drug to see if it may relieve hot flashes. If you are a postmenopausal woman experiencing bothersome hot flashes with sweating every day you may be eligible to participate. Qualified participants will receive at no charge study-related medical examinations, laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, investigational medication and compensation for travel costs to doctors’ visits. For more information, please contact Marisol Sloane at 305-243-1616.

• HPV Vaccination

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is conducting a clinical research study comparing an investigational cervical cancer vaccine to the newly FDA-approved cervical cancer vaccine (Gardasil). The study requires 8 visits in a 2-year period. Please refer interested patients who are 18 to 45 years old, in good health and who have not previously been vaccinated against HPV/cervical cancer, to the OB/GYN Research Department at 305-243-5832 (Option 6).

Jay Skyler, M.D., and Jennifer Marks, M.D., from the Diabetes Research Institute, are currently recruiting patients 18 years of age and older with type 1 diabetes mellitus for participation in research studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of inhaled insulin. Patients must be taking multiple insulin injections daily, be non-smokers and in good health. Those who are interested should contact Rogelio Suarez at 305-243-6573 or rsuarez2@med.miami.edu.

Robert Kirsner, M.D., Ph.D., vice chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, is looking for people with foot ulcers as a complication of diabetes or venous insufficiency. Please contact Carol Kittles at 305-243-8485 for additional information on these studies.

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is conducting a federally funded HIV behavioral intervention research study for women and their partners, the New Opportunities for Women 2 (NOW 2) Project. The project will address topics related to safer sex, sexual risk reduction, STDs and communication skills. The NOW 2 Project is currently recruiting English-speaking couples, in which one or both individuals must be HIV positive. Participants must be 18 years or older, willing to be tested for STDs, and answer personal questions in a confidential interview. Women and men who participate may each receive compensation of up to $360 for an entire year of participation (this includes attendance at all interviews, examinations and sessions). If interested, please contact Arnetta Phillips or Jackie Gomez, at 305-243-2103, or (aphillips@yahoo.com / jgomez4@med.miami.edu).

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

• 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: Zvi Leibovici at 305-243-2330 or zleibovici@med.miami.edu.

• Determining the relation of an elevated HBV DNA in hepatitis B patients
This 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. They must also 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, and a documented HBV DNA. For further information, contact Zvi Leibovici at 305-243-2330, or e-mail at zleibovici@med.miami.edu.

• Patients with cirrhosis of the liver as a result of hepatitis B 
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.

• 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.

• 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 Macy Ho at 305-243-4648 or mho@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.

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 Maite Mena, Psy., at 305-243-3658, or mmena@med.miami.edu for details. 

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is seeking patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) for phase III protocol that will assess the impact of pirfenidone on IPF. Subjects must be between 40 and 80, and have a confirmed diagnosis of IPF within 48 months of randomization. For more information please call: 305-243-3728, or e-mail Emmanuelle Simonet at esimonet@med.miami.edu.

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.