In his opening remarks, Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., hailed the recently retired trio – Priscilla Potter, M.D., Ph.D., Robert Hinkley, Ph.D., and Astrid Mack, Ph.D. – as “greats from our academic world who served with sound qualifications.”

“They have an unrelenting devotion to this institution,” Goldschmidt said at the December 18 event. “They served with full respect for human rights, education, diversity and compassion; they were interested in making life better.” For more on this story, click here.

Since the introduction of the program, Miami-Dade County has increased the cost of the monthly pass. The University will absorb the full impact of the increase for employees earning less than $35,000 per year. The cost for others will increase. Effective February 2009, rates are as follows:

Unless you cancel your Miami-Dade transit pass before January 10, 2009, your February 2009 payroll deduction will be adjusted according the above schedule. To cancel your pass, please go to http://ummcsd.med.miami.edu/SECURITY/Transit_Pass.htm and complete the “Transit Pass Cancellation Form."

Employees from all campuses who have questions should visit the above Web site or send an e-mail to UMParking@med.miami.edu.

Pictured: The University of Miami’s Sebastian the Ibis, Santa Claus, and assorted elves were on hand December 15 to present toys to the 30 plus children and their families who are currently staying at the house. 

For more information, please contact Maria Penton at 305-243-6691 or mpenton@med.miami.edu.

The seminar will be conducted by Stephen Russell, D.V.M, Ph.D., co-founder of Grant Writers' Seminars and Workshops, LLC. While the focus of the seminar is NIH-specific, Dr. Russell will provide valuable information on the proposal development process applicable to all sponsors.

Registration is $100 and includes the seminar and a workbook. Please register through ULearn. Payment must be made prior to the seminar. Acceptable forms of payment include IDR and personal check. Please mail or deliver your IDR or check made out to the Office of Research, at 1400 NW 10th Avenue, Dominion Towers, Suite 1007. Attention: Sponsored Programs Education & Training.  

For any questions, please send an e-mail to ResEDU@med.miami.edu.

Several prizes will be raffled and the first 100 attendees at the seminars will receive a spa gift bag. New members who join the Medical Wellness Center will receive 20 percent off their first month of membership.

To RSVP for the seminar or green tea social, please call 305-243-7600. For more information, please contact Nicole Nagel at nnagel@med.miami.edu.

For more information, call Amar Deshpande at 305-243-8644 or adeshpande@med.miami.edu.

Lunch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, please contact Wanda Castro at 305-243-4466 or wcastro@med.miami.edu.

For additional information, call 305-243-6691 or send an e-mail to naviles@med.miami.edu.

Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Pat Wedderburn at 305-243-4962 or pwedderburn@med.miami.edu.

Psychiatrists are increasingly seeing dual- or triple-diagnosed patients, who take multiple psychiatric medications and have varying degrees of treatment resistance. The two-day symposium is designed to update mental health professionals, family practice physicians, nurses and pharmacists on the current standards of practice based on the American Psychiatric Association practice guidelines and experience from the experts. Participants will also learn about emerging issues in basic science topics relevant to psychiatry, detoxification treatment, psychiatric management of patients with HIV/AIDS and the effective management of a psychiatric practice. 

The conference will take place January 23 and 24 at the Alexander All Suite Oceanfront Resort on Miami Beach. The Spanish program will be held Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and the English program will be held Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants who successfully complete the conference will be eligible to receive 13.5 American Medical Association PRA category one credits. For more information or to register, please visit http://psychiatry.med.miami.edu/Events/Masters-Of-Psychiatry.aspx.

The human genome has hidden levels of regulatory complexity and variability that have begun to reveal themselves since the initial sequence became available in 2001. Today, with increasingly powerful sequencing and analysis technologies, we are not only beginning to appreciate the scale of variation in individual human genome sequences, but also gaining a greater understanding of how genome differences relate to human evolution and disease. This meeting will showcase these advances in our understanding of human genome regulation and variability as well as the potential of new technologies to drive the advancement of knowledge.

This year’s keynote speakers and awardees are Svaante Paabo from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany; Craig Venter, Ph.D., founder, chairman and president of the J. Craig Venter Institute; and George Church, Ph.D., professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School.

For more information, go to http://www.nature.com/natureconferences/MWS2009.

Abstract submissions will be considered for poster presentations until this Friday. Notifications are expected to be out by January 5. For more information, please visit http://www.nature.com/natureconferences/miami/MWS2009/umstudents.html.

Tai Chi engages all of your senses during the exercises, so you don't have time to notice that you want a cigarette. The conscious breath in Tai Chi practice is also known to help regulate the respiratory system and lessen the severity of asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis; all of which can afflict smokers. The course will focus on improving muscular strength and flexibility, heart and lung capacity, posture, balance, and the integration of mind and body.

If you qualify for this study, you will be assigned to a group of 8-12 people to participate in the Tai Chi exercise program three times per week for 12 weeks at the UM Medical Wellness Center. Classes are one hour long and will start the beginning of January. After the initial 12 weeks, you will also participate in a session once per week for the next 12 weeks. Master trainer Jef Morris will lead the Tai Chi course. Jef has been featured in articles in the Miami Herald and New York Times. The course cost is $84, which is the same cost as participating in the existing UM smoking cessation program. Upon successful completion of the program, Benefits Administration will reimburse the full amount to you if you are a UM employee. If you are not a UM Employee, then you will not be reimbursed for participating in the study.

To find out if you are eligible for the study or if you have any questions, please contact John Lewis, Ph.D., at 305-243-6227 or jelewis@miami.edu. 

Healthy black and white volunteers who are ages 18 or older are wanted for a research study on how the body gets rid of phosphorus in black people compared to white people, because this may help explain racial differences in chronic kidney disease. Study volunteers will be given an infusion of a hormone called parathyroid hormone for six hours. During the six hours, blood and urine tests will be collected. A total of four study visits over approximately three weeks will be required. You will not be able to participate if you have problems with your kidneys or liver, or if you are pregnant. Compensation will be provided for participation.

This study will be conducted at UM’s General Clinical Research Center. To learn more about this research, call Orlando Gutierrez, M.D., at 305-243-4991.

Are you having twins? 
 
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine is conducting a twin birth study under the direction of Victor Gonzalez-Quintero, M.D., M.P.H., and in collaboration with Sunnybrook Health Science Center and the University of Toronto in Canada. For more information please call Pam Uharriet, RN, M.P.H., at 305-243-2168.

The Department of OB/GYN, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
(Urogynecology) at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine is conducting a research study on Bulkamid, an investigational urethral bulking agent for minimally invasive treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). You may be eligible for this study if you are seeking treatment for urinary stress incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity such as sneezing, coughing, or laughing). For more information, please contact Diann C. Fernandez, A.R.N.P., at 305-243-4805.

Mild to Moderate Acne
Leslie Baumann, M.D. of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute is looking for men and women ages 12 to 45 who have moderate acne and are currently not on any treatment medication to participate in a research study to determine whether a new product significantly improves acne. The study consists of five visits spread over a three-month period. You will be compensated $35 for each visit. If interested, please contact a member of the research staff at 305-531-5788, cosmeticresearch@med.miami.edu, or www.derm.net.

Have you been diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Do you have problems with alcohol or cocaine? Do you wish you could stop? Let us guide you on your way to recovery. Researchers at the Miller School are conducting a clinical study to see if an FDA approved medication for bipolar disorders offers any benefit in reducing alcohol and cocaine use and cravings. You may be eligible if you are between the ages of 18 and 65, have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, are dependent on alcohol or cocaine and do not have other major health problems. Study medications, laboratory studies, EKG and study procedures are provided at no cost to participants and you may be compensated for your time. To learn more, call 1-866-RECOVERY or 305-243-1571. All calls are confidential.

The Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is conducting a series of research studies. Currently, we are conducting focus groups to understand how older adults are able to successfully use communication technology and the potential benefits and impact of communication technologies at work. If you speak English and are more than 18 years old, you might qualify for this study. If you want to learn more about CREATE, please call (305) 355-9200 and mention the “Communication Technology at Work” project. You will be paid for your time and effort.

Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, 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 visit www.derm.net.

Leslie Baumann, M.D., professor and director of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, 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 Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute located in the Miami Heart Institute, 4701 N. Meridian Avenue, Nichol Building, Suite 7450, Miami Beach.

The Department of Neurology, Cerebrovascular Division is conducting a research study to validate a Functional Outcome Measure in patients that suffered visual field loss after brain injury. For more information and eligibility criteria, please contact Iszet Campo-Bustillo at (305) 585-1851 or icampo@med.miami.edu.

The Departments of Neurology and Radiology are conducting research studies examining age-related changes in cognitive and motor function, along with new brain imaging techniques. Participants should be healthy adults over age 40 with no history of major neurologic or psychiatric disease. Eligible participants will be asked to participate in activities to assess verbal/non-verbal skills and motor function. Some studies include an MRI at no cost. If you are interested in participating, please call 305-243-7529 to speak to the study coordinator.

The Departments of Neurology and Radiology are conducting research studies to examine changes in cognitive and motor function, along with new brain imaging techniques. Participants must be between the ages of 40 to 79 with Parkinson’s disease. Eligible participants will perform activities to assess verbal/non-verbal skills and motor function. MRI's, if conducted, will be done at no cost. If you are interested in participating, please call 305-243-7529 to speak to the study coordinator.

Physician-Patient Relationship Study
The Center on Aging is conducting a study on the impact of patient-acquired Internet health information on physician-patient relationships. The study will explore how this information affects office visits and the overall positive and negative outcomes that result from patients using the Internet for health information. If you are a physician who sees patients and are interested in participating in a brief interview study, please contact Jessica Hirth at 305-355-9020 or jhirth@med.miami.edu.

El Centro, Center of Excellence for Hispanic Health Disparities Research, is recruiting participants for the following studies:

 •Project VIDA (Violence, Intimate Relationships & Drugs Among Latinos)
Elias Vasquez, Ph.D., and colleagues are recruiting Hispanic men ages 18 to 55 for a pilot study exploring substance abuse, violence, risky sexual behaviors and associated conditions among this population. The results from this study will be used for interventions to reduce these conditions among Hispanic men in South Florida. 

 •Preventing HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Hispanic Women
Nilda Peragallo, Dr.P.H., is recruiting Hispanic women ages 18 to 50 for a randomized trial of a group intervention to reduce sexual risk behaviors and intimate partner violence. To be eligible, women must have been sexually active during the 3 months prior to enrollment. 

 •Treating Behavior Problems and Promoting Healthy Development in Hispanic Adolescents
Daniel Santisteban, Ph.D., is recruiting Hispanic adolescents ages 11 to 14 and their families for a randomized trial comparing family-based and individually-based treatments to reduce current behavior problems and prevent future substance use and risky sexual behaviors in adolescents. To be eligible, the adolescent must be Hispanic and have difficulties in two of the following four areas: conduct, depression, attention deficit, or family conflict. 

For more information on studies conducted by El Centro, contact Tania Lopez at 1-888-262-9481 or tlopez1@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

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.

The Department of Psychology and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center 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.  

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., at the Center for Family Studies 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.