The disease, a narrowing of the valve that restricts blood flow, is a function of aging and has a high mortality rate if not treated.

The new procedure, an FDA-approved clinical trial that is available at a handful of select facilities across the nation and only at UM in Florida, launches a “new era in the management of heart disease,” said William O’Neill, M.D., the Miller School’s executive dean for clinical affairs, who, along with Alan Heldman, M.D., clinical chief of the Cardiovascular Division, implanted the new heart valves. For more on this story, click here.

“The Javits Award gives outstanding scientists opportunities to explore innovative, first-rate research, which could truly change the way we think about certain diseases and conditions,” said Story C. Landis, Ph.D., NINDS director. “Dr. Sacco is well known as an exceptional innovative stroke researcher and this award is a testament to the valuable research that he and his team are conducting.”

“The Javits Award recognizes extraordinary research and we are so proud of Dr. Sacco and his team of researchers,” said Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D. “The work they are doing in the field of stroke and stroke prevention is having an impact on thousands and thousands of lives.”

Authorized by Congress in 1983, the award honors the late U.S. Senator Jacob K. Javits (R-NY), who was a strong advocate for neuroscience research and also suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The award is given to investigators who have demonstrated exceptional scientific excellence and productivity in research supported by the NINDS.

“I am excited and deeply honored to be recognized by the NINDS with such a prestigious award,” said Sacco. “The award will fund the Northern Manhattan Study which has been ongoing since 1990 and is the first study of its kind to focus on stroke risk factors in whites, blacks and Hispanics living in the same community.” 

Researchers enrolled nearly 3,500 people to study risk factors, occurrence and outcome of stroke and other vascular diseases in Northern Manhattan’s multiethnic population. New research will be funded on the effect of early changes that show up on brain MRI and carotid imaging and how those changes may relate to cognitive decline. 

The study is now shared between Columbia University, where the participants are enrolled, and Miami, where data, blood, neuropsychological testing and carotid imaging will be analyzed. Other Miami faculty collaborators include Tanja Rundek, M.D., Ph.D.; Clinton Wright, M.D., who will join the neurology faculty from Columbia in July; Susan Blanton, Ph.D.; Hannah Gardener, Sc.D.; and Ronald Goldberg, M.D.

More than 250 physicians, surgeons and nurses from around the world attended the Sixth Annual Miami International Revascularization Summit (MIRS) which took place April 10 through 12 at the Alexander Ocean Front Resort in Miami Beach. The MIRS Conference was webcast live to 13 countries, with 26 distinguished institutions hosting the webcast including the Hospital de Clinicas de Niteroi, Brazil; National Heart Institute, Egypt; All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India; the National Health System and St. George’s Hospital, United Kingdom; and the University of Auckland, New Zealand. 

The three-day conference was developed and coordinated by Eduardo de Marchena, M.D., associate dean for international medicine, professor of medicine and surgery, and director of the Cardiovascular Center; Alexandre C. Ferreira, M.D., associate professor of medicine and director of the Cardiovascular Laboratory; Tomas A. Salerno, M.D., professor of surgery and chief of cardiothoracic surgery; and Juan Pablo Zambrano, M.D., assistant professor of clinical medicine. The symposium covered topics in percutaneous coronary and peripheral interventions, surgical revascularizations, emergency cardiothoracic surgery and robotic interventions, to name a few. Local experts were joined by world-renowned faculty from throughout the Americas and Europe, including Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., who provided the opening lecture on healthcare challenges facing Latin America and outlined his vision for the development of biotechnology in the region.

Archived sessions of the webcast conference will be available for a fee at a later date.
For details on this and other global outreach programs, please contact the International Medicine Institute at 305-243-9200 or IMIinfo@med.miami.edu.

Please note that you must visit your physician for a mammogram prescription. These screenings are held as a UMatter awareness event. If you cannot attend this event, you can schedule your free annual mammogram any time throughout the year. To schedule an appointment at either location call 305-243-7783 or 305-243-5512.

Benefits Administration would also like to remind you to schedule your annual physical. It is important to get periodic evaluations to detect diseases and conditions early before they cause symptoms or major damage. Also, scheduling your annual physical allows you to build a relationship with your doctor so you can discuss your personal health habits and plan for prevention of chronic illnesses. If you have not already scheduled your free annual physical, contact your physician today.

The American Cancer Society Institutional Grant is providing funds for meritorious cancer research that cannot be readily supported through other funding mechanisms. The primary purpose of the ACS grant is to provide seed funds for the initiation of promising new projects or novel ideas by junior faculty members. Applicants should be within six years of their first independent research or faculty appointment and must not currently hold any peer review funding. Awards of $45,000 are available for a one-year period. The application deadline is Friday, May 30.

For guidelines and application forms, please contact Kathy Salce at 305-243-2287 or ksalce@med.miami.edu.

For more information, call 305-243-6691 or e-mail naviles@med.miami.edu.

For more information, contact the Office of Education and Training at 305-243-2287. Lunch will be provided. RSVP is not required.

Presentations will include Dan Clutter, Ph.D., Roche Applied Science, presenting "Beyond Gene Expression: New Applications of Microarray Technology" from 1 to 1:30 p.m.; Tim Harkins, Ph.D., Roche Applied Science, presenting "From Whole Genome Sequencing to Somatic Mutation Detection: New Scientific Discoveries using the Genome Sequencer FLX" from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.; and Jeff Jeddeloh, Ph.D., Roche NimbleGen, presenting "Sequence Capture Arrays for Next-Generation Targeted Re-Sequencing" from 2:15 to 3 p.m. Drs. Clutter, Harkins and Jeddeloh will also participate in an open discussion on "New Technologies Enabling New Research Capabilities" from 3 to 3:45 p.m.

For more information, please call 919-583-2198 or send an e-mail to michael.schilling@roche.com.

For more information, please contact Elisa Arguelles at 305-585-1280 or earguelles@med.miami.edu.

This Thursday, Alonso Alvarez, M.D., urology resident, will present a lecture on "Evaluation and Management of Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male." The case discussion will be held from 7 to 8 a.m. and Dr. Alvarez will give his lecture from 8 to 9 a.m.

Seating is limited. For more information or to RSVP please contact Jackie Meneses, Urology Residency Coordinator at 305-243-3670, jmeneses@med.miami.edu.

Lunch will be provided. For more information, please contact Diane Dames at ddames@med.miami.edu or call 305-243-2287.

For more information, contact Grisel Bisbal at 305-243-7999 or gbisbal@med.miami.edu.

Register online now at www.splitsecondtiming.com. If you have any questions, please call 954-384-7521.

Tickets are $60 and include complimentary valet parking at the Grand Lux Café entrance and the opportunity to win a variety of prizes. All proceeds will benefit the Children First Fund.

Please call 305-243-3956 to purchase your tickets today.

Please join us for a lively dialogue on these and related issues, led by UM President Donna E. Shalala and distinguished philosophers Norman Daniels, Mary B. Saltonstall Professor of Ethics and Population Health at Harvard University, and Jonathan Wolff, professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy at University College London.

A reception will take place at the Ashe Building, room 735 following the discussion.

For pricing and registration, please call 954-964-4040 or 1-800-321-3437.

Please register through ULearn at http://Ulearn.miami.edu. For more information, please contact Sofia Aymerich at saymerich@med.miami.edu.

Sleep Maintenance Insomnia
Robert Schwartz, M.D., is recruiting subjects who are 18 years or older and have trouble sleeping through the night. Subjects must have insomnia for at least one month and have clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. Those interested should contact Linda Cenci or Luis Roque at 305-243-1247, lcenci@med.miami.edu or lroque@med.miami.edu. 

The Division of Geriatrics is recruiting men and women age 65 and older to take part in a study of vitamin D in the prevention of frailty. Participants are asked to come for six visits over six months for blood and urine tests. If you or someone you know are interested, please call Silvina Levis, M.D., at 305-243-4330.

Study to Compare the Methods of Collecting Urine Samples for the Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections
The Institute for Women's Health is conducting a research study for the treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI), a very common problem in young, healthy women that afflicts approximately one-half of women by their late 50's. Urine specimens collected for the diagnosis of urinary tract infection are often contaminated with organisms and the major purpose of this study is to compare the methods (voided versus catheter) of collecting the urine samples for the diagnosis of UTI. If you are a female between the ages of 18 to 49, currently experiencing painful urination for less than seven days and frequent trips to the restroom, you may be able to take part in this study. To find out more, call Wisvline Labrousse, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., at 305-243-2576.

Urinary Tract Infection Antibiotic Treatment  Study
The Institute for Women's Health is conducting a research study for the treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI), a very common problem in young, healthy women that afflicts approximately one-half of women by their late 50's. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and tolerance of a three-day regimen of standard antibiotics currently used for the treatment of UTI. If you are female between the ages of 18 to 45, currently experiencing painful urination and frequent trips to the restroom, you may be able to take part in this study. To find out more, call Wisvline Labrousse, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., at 305-243-2576.

Pregnant Women Needed for Urinary Tract Infection Study
The Institute for Women's Health and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Miller School are seeking the participation of pregnant women at least 18 years of age and over to help in a clinical research study on urinary tract infection and its treatment during pregnancy. The study involves screening pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy and following them at their regular scheduled visits until delivery. We will also determine the optimal duration of treatment of asymptomatic urinary tract infection in pregnancy. Research study visits will include completion of a questionnaire, health history, and collection of urine samples at scheduled visits until delivery. All study-related visits, lab work and medications will be free; participants will be compensated for the completed study visits. For more information, please call Wisvline Labrousse, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., at 305-243-2576

Melasma Study
Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., of the Division of Cosmetic Dermatology is looking for female subjects between the ages of 18 and 50 who have melasma, brown spots on the face, to participate in a research study to determine whether an oral sunscreen is safe and effective in the treatment of melasma. If interested, please contact a member of the research staff at 305-531-5788 or cosmeticresearch@med.maimi.edu.

Keloid scars
Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., of the Division of Cosmetic Dermatology, is looking for men and women between the ages of 18 and 65 who have keloid scars to participate in a clinical research study. The study will determine whether use of an investigational treatment known as Apligraf®, a product with an epidermis and dermis layer like skin, will reduce recurrence of keloids. The study duration is 52 weeks and requires up to 13 visits.  If interested, please contact a member of the research staff at 305-531-5788 or www.derm.net.

Leslie Baumann, M.D., professor and director of the UM Cosmetic Center, is recruiting for studies on photoaging, fine lines, wrinkles, crow's feet, sun damage, brown spots, uneven pigmentation, acne, keloids, scars and loose skin on the abdomen or upper arms. If you are interested in any of these studies, please call our research team at 305-531-5788 or visit the Web site at www.derm.net. Studies will take place at the University of Miami Cosmetic Center located in the Miami Heart Institute, 4701 N. Meridian Avenue, Nichol Building, Suite 7450, Miami Beach.

The Center for Liver Diseases is looking for volunteers with liver (hepatic) disease who are 18 years or older to test the safety of a new drug. For more information, please call Carlos Quintero at 305-243-2854.

The Center for Liver Diseases is also conducting a research study on patients with hepatitis C viral infection (HCV). Patients must be at least 18 years of age with resistance to prior treatment. Qualified patients will receive treatment without cost. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this study, please call Carlos Quintero at 305-243-2854.

Carlos Hernandez-Cassis, M.D., and his group from the Diabetes Research Institute are currently recruiting patients 18 to 70 years of age with diabetic neuropathy for participation in research study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new, phase II medication. Patients must be diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, and taking medication to control symptoms. Those interested should contact George Mejia-Galvis, Ph.D., at 305-243-6573 or Gmejia2@med.miami.edu

The Islet Cell Transplant Center at the Diabetes Research Institute is recruiting subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus to participate in research studies that involve transplantation of islets, the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. For more information and eligibility criteria, call the department at 305-243-5321 or view the clinical trials section of the Web site www.diabetesresearch.org.

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.  

The Division of 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.

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.

Jennifer 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.

 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).

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.

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.