Miami Project co-founder and chairman of neurological surgery, Dr. Barth Green, and Miami Project scientific director, Dr. Dalton Dietrich, were quoted extensively in the media about Buffalo Bills player Kevin Everett, who was nearly paralyzed after making a tackle. Everett’s surgeon used moderate hypothermia within moments of the injury, which is widely being credited for his incredible progress. The doctor learned about the treatment during a seminar at the Miami Project. Therapeutic hypothermia in spinal cord injury and other areas has long been a research focus at the Miller School of Medicine.   

NFL Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti and his son Marc hosted  the 2007 Great Sports Legend honorees: Earvin "Magic" Johnson, John Elway, Mark Messier, Gary Player, Kelly Slater, Joe Morgan, Janet Evans, Lesley Visser and Gil De Ferran. 

An emotional Nick Buoniconti said, "Tonight was about defining moments, and each legend has experienced their own defining moments, but they are now contributing to ours. We are helping people get out of wheelchairs and forever standing by their sides."

UM/Sylvester would also like feedback from users. Please send your experience with the Shared Resources Web site and additional resources you would like to see made available to avinard@med.miami.edu.

Screenings will take place at the Mammography Imaging Department, on the first floor of UM/Sylvester, suite 1038. To schedule your free screening, please call 305-243-8820.

Medical school employees will be scheduled on Monday, Oct. 8, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Coral Gables employees will be scheduled on Monday, Oct. 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. 

Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science employees will be scheduled on Monday, Oct. 22, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those traveling from the Coral Gables or Rosenstiel School campuses will be reimbursed for transportation expenses. 

Please join them on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in the Batchelor Children's Research Institute, second-floor conference room, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. For more information, please contact Sheila Findlay at 305-495-8273 or sfindlay@med.miami.edu.

Workshops will be held Monday, Oct. 8, Friday, Oct. 19, and Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Calder Memorial Library, third-floor classroom.

Space is limited, so please register online at http://ulearn.miami.edu/.  If you have any questions please contact Sofia Aymerich by e-mail at saymerich@med.miami.edu.

This year, the office will initiate an aggressive influenza vaccination campaign that will aim to vaccinate as many UM faculty, staff and students with direct patient contact as possible. The vaccine will also be available for other employees who wish to receive it. The campaign will start in the coming weeks, so be on the lookout for updates.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Peter Raposo at 305-243-6783 or visit the web site at http://calder.med.miami.edu/biomed/.

Some examples of sensitive data are: social security numbers, credit card numbers, patient information, clinical trial enrollee information, proprietary research data and financial data.

The Office of HIPAA Privacy and Security would like to remind you that documented permission is required from an appropriate University manager in order to copy or download sensitive information from University servers to a personal computer, laptop or personal digital assistant. For a complete list of guidelines, please visit http://www.med.miami.edu/hipaa/public/x349.xml.

If you have questions related to this or any other HIPAA privacy and security related issue, please contact the Office of HIPAA Privacy and Security at hipaaprivacy@med.miami.edu.

Applications will be accepted starting Nov. 15. For more information, please contact Dana Render at 305-284-5078 or drender@miami.edu.

For more information, please visit http://wellness.med.miami.edu/x71.xml.

The course consists of two blocks of six-week classes, and each will focus on survival language skills in Chinese including communication, comprehension and cultural tips for successful interactions.

Classes start Oct. 9. UM employees and their dependents may be eligible for a 40 percent discount on tuition. For more information and to register online, please visit http://www.educationmiami.com/courses/ILI-800.vsp, call the Intensive Language Institute at 305-284-4727 or e-mail the Institute at alc.cstudies@miami.edu.

Dr. Kloc-Stepkowska will present "Structural Role of RNAs in the Organization of Cytoskeleton."

The lecture will be presented by Bertha Madras, Ph.D., deputy director for demand reduction at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Dr. Madras will explain how to appraise the magnitude of substance use, abuse and addiction in our nation and the high rate of associated medical consequences; practice effective and cost-effective preventive medicine procedures in health care settings; and use new billing codes designed to cover these procedures.

This lecture is designed for psychiatrists and psychologists. Participants will earn one American Medical Association category one credit or one American Psychological Association continuing medical education credit for attending the lecture. This activity has also been approved for one continuing education unit for licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

For more information, please contact Carmen Bou-Crick at 305-355-9073.

The lecture will take place this Friday at noon, in the Rosenstiel Medical Science Building, fifth-floor auditorium. Lunch will be served. For more information, please contact Tanyika Stephenson at 305-243-7482.

The course will be presented by Eugene Fu, M.D., assistant professor of clinical anesthesiology at the Miller School, who will respond to questions raised by the audience after the lecture.

This course will be of interest to neurologists, primary care physicians, internists, general and specialized surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Registration is complimentary for those listed above and includes lunch. This course is designated for a maximum of one American Medical Association category one credit. To download a brochure or register online, visit the Division of Continuing Medical Education at www.cme.med.miami.edu, or call the Division at 305-243-6716, for more information.

Reservations can be made by contacting Debra Evans at DEvans@um-jmh.org or Araceli Lorenzo at ALorenzo@um-jmh.org or by calling 305-585-6038.

Breakfast and lunch will be served.  This meeting is free and open to the general public as well as all medical center staff.

The first day will begin with complimentary sailing and cocktails at Shake-A-Leg Miami. 

Please visit our website at http://www.pedibrain.org/conference/conference.asp for more information on this year’s conference.

 Carlos Hernandez-Cassis, M.D., from the Diabetes Research Institute, is currently recruiting patients 18 years of age and older with type II diabetes mellitus for participation in a research study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of inhaled insulin. Patients must be taking multiple oral medication daily for more than 2 months and be non-smokers. Those who are interested should contact George Mejia-Galvis at 305-243-6573 or Gmejia2@med.miami.edu.

The Department of Psychology and the UM/SCCC Division of Biobehavioral Oncology and Cancer Epidemiology are conducting an NCI-funded quality of life research study with patients recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Participants are eligible if they have been diagnosed with prostate cancer within 3 months and have not begun treatment. All participants will be followed for two years and will undergo psychosocial and medical assessments. Participants will be reimbursed up to $250 for their time and effort. If you or someone you know may be interested in more information about this study, please contact Natalie Escobio at 305-243-3329 or nescobio@med.miami.edu.  

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is seeking patients with COPD for phase III protocol that will determine whether a once-a-day dose of an investigational medication, bronchodilator, will effectively improve breathing for 24 hours. You will be paid for your time and effort. For more information, please call 305-243-2568 or e-mail Eliana Mendes at emendes@med.miami.edu.

Robert M. Jackson, M.D., from the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, is seeking idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients for an ongoing Phase II clinical trial of vasodilator therapy (sildenafil). The objectives will be to assess possible therapeutic benefits of a vasodilator, sildenafil, on exercise tolerance and dyspnea in IPF patients and to observe changes in post-exercise markers of oxidant stress. The investigators seek patients with mild to moderate IPF and who have been diagnosed clinically. The study is open to at least ten additional patients. For more information, please contact Robert M. Jackson, M.D. or IPF program coordinator Carol Ramos at 305-575-3548 or by e-mail at rjackson2@med.miami.edu. This trial is funded by the Veterans Administration Research Service and is open to non-veterans of both genders. More information can be found at http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00359736?order=2.

The Department of Psychology and the Division of Biobehavioral Oncology, Prevention, Epidemiology and Control at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center are conducting an NIH-funded intervention study to examine the effects of stress management on health and quality of life in women recently diagnosed with breast cancer (stages 0-III). Participants must have recently had surgery for breast cancer, have not yet begun chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and have fluency in English. Eligible women will participate in weekly group sessions over a period of five weeks and be compensated for completing three assessments (questionnaire packet, saliva collection, and blood draw). If you are interested in participating or would like further information about this study, please contact the study coordinator, Janny Rodriguez, at 305-284-2220 or jannyr@miami.edu.

 The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is recruiting patients for the following clinical studies:

• Cervical Dysplasia

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.

• 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.

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).

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.

Do you or 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 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.

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, paid evaluations. If interested, please contact Maite Mena, Psy.D., at 305-243-3658, or mmena@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:

• An investigational polyclonal caprine IgG, HRG214, for HIV patients not responding to antiretroviral therapy. HRG214 contains antibodies that targets HIV infected CD4 cells and specific regions on HIV. Laboratory/animal studies suggest these antibodies are capable of killing or disabling HIV and preventing further infection.  Participants must have HIV RNA < 5000 copies/ml and CD4 cells < 200 cells/cmm. The study will evaluate 3 increasing dose of HRG214 in part I and compare HRG214 to optimized antiretroviral therapy in part II. HFG214 is given IV over about 30 minutes three times a week for up to 26 weeks. $100 provided each completed week of HRG214 treatment and $25 each completed week of observation

 • A phase II study of investigation use of recombination human keratinocyte growth factor (rHuKGF, palifermin) for patients with incomplete immune recovery on HAART.  rHuKGF may enhance thymus production of lymphocytes and increase CD4 cell counts. Participants must be 18 years and older, receiving antiretroviral therapy for at least 6 months with HIV RNA <200 and CD4 cell count <200 cells.  The study will evaluate 3 doses (20, 40 60 mcg/kg) of rHuKGF compared to placebo.  rHuKGF given IV bolus daily for 3 days. Follow up study visits at weeks 1,2,4,8, 12 and 24 with thymus CT scans at entry and week 12.

 • A phase II of an investigational glycosylated recombinant human IL-7 (CYT017, a cytokine that aids T-cell development and improves T-cell survival). Participants must be 18 years of age, receiving HAART for at least 12 months and have an HIV-1 RNA level < 1,000 copies/ml and CD4 cell count of 101– 400 cells/ccm. The study will evaluate three increasing doses (10, 20, 30 Fg/kg) of IL-7 given by SQ injection once a week for 3 weeks. Up to $275 in food certificates 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.

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.