After accepting the envelope from Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., Pierrilus opened it hurriedly and shouted to the crowd, “Family medicine, Duke University Southern Regional!” -- her area of specialty and the hospital where she will begin her residency training this summer.

With shades of variation, the open-envelope, read-aloud, shriek-with-joy process played out over and over Thursday as Miller School seniors joined their counterparts across the country celebrating Match Day, the national rite of passage to residency in which fourth-year medical students find out where they will continue the next three to seven years of their medical training under the eyes of seasoned physicians.

For more on this story, click here.

Pictured Above: From left, Women’s History Coalition board member Helen McGuire, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson, Women’s History Coalition president Betsy Kaplan and 2009 Women of Impact honoree Jocelyn Bruce, M.D.

The course is open to all medical professionals and is targeted at those with a background in health care education. The registration fee is $1,695 and includes all learning materials, continental breakfast, lunch, and breaks. To register, visit www.gcrme.med.miami.edu and click on the course title. If you have any questions, call 305-243-6491 or send an e-mail to gmiller@med.miami.edu.

As part of the Green U initiative the University community is encouraged to take part in this voluntary effort to support Earth Hour. To find out more and sign up, visit www.EarthHourUS.org.

To take advantage of your free cancer screening and learn the facts about skin cancer prevention including steps you can take to decrease your chances of getting skin cancer, call Dania Gamboa on the designated appointment line at 305-243-3729 and ask for your free screening. You must call the designated appointment line to be eligible for this UMatter benefit.

Aetna members are also eligible for three visits to a UHealth registered dietitian at a reduced copay. If you have high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, food allergies, or are over or underweight you might benefit from an evaluation with Sheah Rarback, R.D. To make an appointment, call 305-243-6831.

Fidelity Investments will visit on Wednesday, April 1; Thursday, April 2; and Wednesday, April 15. To schedule an appointment, visit www.fidelity.com/atwork/reservations or call Michael Erbaio at 239-560-0701.

TIAA-CREF will visit on Wednesday, April 8, and Thursday, April 9. To schedule an appointment, visit www.tiaa-cref.irg/moc or call 1-866-842-3357 ext. 261304.

Lincoln Financial Group will visit on Tuesday, April 28. To schedule an appointment, contact Theresa Yong at 305-245-7332 or Theresa.Yong@LFG.com. 

Also, don’t forget that you can contact LTSave for free investment advice anytime at 1-877-587-2832.

The program will be held in conjunction with the UM Ethics Program's 17th annual "Florida Ethics: Debates, Decisions, Solutions" conference, a gathering that has emerged as the largest community bioethics conference in the nation with upwards of 400 attendees annually.

Nurses, physicians, social workers, psychologists, guardians and lawyers can earn continuing education credits for attending. All UM faculty and staff may attend gratis, but must register. For more information including a program and registration form, visit http://www.miami.edu/ethics or send an e-mail to ethics@miami.edu.

Tai chi classes will be held on Monday and Thursday mornings at 7 with Joanna Torrens, who will help you start your day right. If you have questions about the tai chi classes, please contact Nicole Nagel at nnagel@med.miami.edu.

Cable Circuit Training, a 45-minute total body workout class that alternates between circuit and cardio training, will be held Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. Class capacity is 14, so be sure to arrive early. For more information about the class, please contact Janelle Diaz at jdiaz5@med.miami.edu or Fernanda Uribe at furibe@med.miami.edu.

The Medical Wellness Center is also starting a Fight Club led by wellness instructor Pedro Calcines. The class will teach mixed martial arts including boxing, muy tai, wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Classes will be every day from 4 to 5 p.m. starting April 1. Open-mat sessions will be available upon request and only under supervision. Registration is $15. Please visit the front desk at the Medical Wellness Center to register. If you have any questions about this class, please contact Pedro Calcines at pcalcines1@med.miami.edu.

For more information, call Yanay Tabraue at 305-243-1998 or ytabraue@med.miami.edu.

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

Please RSVP to Natalya Bublik at 305-243-9936 or nbublik@med.miami.edu. 

For more information, please visit http://www.miami.edu/FacultySenate.

This educational activity has been approved for 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. For more information, please contact Elisa Arguelles at 305-585-1280 or earguelles@med.miami.edu.

For more information or to add your name to our educational announcement distribution list, please contact Ingrid Menendez at 305-243-6751 or nrstraining@med.miami.edu.

This educational activity has been approved for1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. For more information, please contact Maria Hurtado at 305-585-8776 or mhurtado@med.miami.edu.

For additional information, please contact Ilse W. Duarte at 305-243-5682 or iduarte@med.miami.edu.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.coralgableswineandfood.com, or please call 954-524-4657.

This educational activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ . One continuing education unit will be awarded to psychologists and social workers who attend. For additional information, please contact Carmen Bou-Crick at 305-355-9073 or cbou@med.miami.edu.

If you wish to meet with the speaker, please e-mail Dr. Zafar Nawaz at znawaz@med.miami.edu.

No RSVP is required. For further information, contact Diane Dames at ddames@med.miami.edu.

The registration fee is $15 and every registered participant will receive a t-shirt, refreshments, entertainment and access to health fair screenings such as skin cancer, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and glaucoma.

Markers can be purchased in honor of a loved one for $15. All proceeds will fund cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. To register, please call 305-425-8100.

For additional information, please contact Ilse W. Duarte at 305-243-5682 or iduarte@med.miami.edu.

Please RSVP by this Friday at facsen@miami.edu or 305-284-3721.

Registration is required through ULearn. Please send an e-mail to resedu@med.miami.edu for more information.

For additional information, please contact Nilcer Aviles at 305-243-6691 or naviles@med.miami.edu.

Please RSVP to Natalya Bublik at 305-243-9936 or nbublik@med.miami.edu.

For more information, contact Kathryn Lowe at klowe@med.miami.edu.

If you wish to meet with the speaker, please contact Sylka Perez at 305-243-6265 or sperez6@med.miami.edu.

Faculty will consist of internationally-renowned physicians and Miller School faculty members William O’Neill, M.D., executive dean for clinical affairs; Eduardo de Marchena, M.D., associate dean for international medicine and director of interventional cardiology; Juan Carlos Parodi, M.D., professor of surgery; and Eduardo Martinez, M.D., assistant professor of surgery. Other speakers include UM alum Antonio Dager, M.D., who is with Angiografía de Occidente; Igor Palacios, M.D., Peter De Jaegere, M.D., Alfredo Rodriguez, M.D., and many other world-class clinical leaders.

For registration details, please contact Sadiz Torres at 305-243-2720 or storres3@med.miami.edu.

Presentations will take place on Thursday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education's Broad-Bussel Auditorium on the first floor of the Clinical Research Building. The keynote address, “Know Your Epidemic! Know Your Response,” will be given by Dr. Ruben F. del Prado, Fogarty alumnus and UNAIDS Country Coordinator for Guyana and Suriname. Speakers on the first day of the conference will focus on pediatric, adolescent, and family HIV prevention. The conference will feature presentations and roundtable panel discussions with experts from UM and physicians and researchers from Latin America and the Caribbean.

The conference will continue on Friday, May 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., also in the Broad-Bussel Auditorium.  Sir George Alleyne, Special Envoy for HIV in the Caribbean, will be the keynote speaker. The conference will continue with presentations and roundtable panels on HIV prevention among adults and the elderly. 

Seating is limited to 100 people. For more information or to download the registration form, please visit http://www.med.miami.edu/fogarty/x18.xml or contact Victoria Elf at velf@med.miami.edu or 305-243-3210.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Sharifa Pettigrew at spettigrew@med.miami.edu.

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.

Hispanics and Circumcision
If you are a healthy, pregnant, HIV negative Hispanic female and/or male partner 18 years or older, you may be eligible to participate in this project (one session only) and assist with the evaluation of benefits of male circumcision as a possible HIV preventative measure by identifying attitudes of pregnant Hispanic women and her partners about circumcision of the unborn male child, explore the challenge of circumcision as an HIV prevention strategy and increase awareness in the Hispanic community regarding male circumcision. If eligible, you could earn up to $25 in compensation for your time (60 minutes) and effort. Please contact us today for more information at 305- 243-2103.

Tai Chi for Health and Smoking Cessation
The University of Miami Division of Complementary and Integrative Medicine in conjunction with the Medical Wellness Center is conducting a research study to determine if Tai Chi exercise is effective for helping people to stop smoking. Patches, gum, hypnosis...if you've tried everything and still can't quit smoking, Tai Chi may provide the ideal mind-body awareness to help you put out that last cigarette. Tai Chi combines deep breathing with postures that flow from one to the next through a series of slow, continuous movements to help you focus and reduce the stress and cravings typically associated with smoking.

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.

Is your child anxious or depressed?
The Child and Adolescent Mood and Anxiety Treatment (CAMAT) lab at the Psychology Department on the Coral Gables campus is now offering a free cognitive behavioral treatment program for teenagers ages 12-17 who have an anxiety or depressive disorder. After an initial phone screening a diagnostic assessment will be scheduled with one of our clinicians in order to understand each child’s feelings and behavior. If eligible, the study treatment will be offered.

If you would like to learn more about how you can get help and hear more about our program, please contact the CAMAT lab at 305-284-9852 or anxietylab@psy.miami.edu.

Racial Differences in Phosphorus Metabolism
The Division of Nephrology and Hypertension is interested in studying 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.
They are looking for healthy black or white volunteers 18 years of age or older. 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 in the general clinical research center at the University of Miami. To learn more about the study, please call Kelsey Smith at 305-243-4782.

This research is conducted under the direction of Orlando Gutierrez, M.D.

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.

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 disorder 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.

Oily or Dry Skin
Leslie Baumann, M.D., of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute is looking for
women ages 20-40 who are willing to participate in a study to investigate whether there is a gene that can be
identified to determine oily or dry skin types. If you are interested in participating, contact a member of the
research staff at 305-531-5788 or cosmeticresearch@med.miami.edu.

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.

Melasma Study
Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, 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.

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 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 three 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 call 305-243-3329 or e-mail madeline@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. Participants will be reimbursed for time and effort. Three psychosocial/medical assessments are also required. If you are interested in this study or would like more information, please call 305-243-3329, or e-mail madeline@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.

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

• 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 ug/kg) of IL-7 given by SQ injection once a week for 3 weeks. Up to $275 in food certificates provided.

• An investigational HIV treatment vaccine, Vacc-4x, for adults with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. The study vaccine is made in the laboratory and includes four protein copies from the HIV virus. It is given with Leukine a blood cell growth factor used to help improve one’s response to the vaccine. Participants must be taking antiretroviral therapy for at least 12 months, have an HIV RNA <50 copies/ml and CD4 cells > 400 /cmm and be 18 to 55 years of age. Six vaccinations with Vacc-4x and Leukine or placebo over 18 weeks will be received with a two out of three chance of receiving Vacc-4x, followed by up to 24 weeks of antiretroviral therapy interruption following vaccinations. The Study includes 16 study visits over 52 weeks with monthly visits during therapy interruption and safety guidelines for restarting therapy. Study visits include a medical history, physical examination and immune studies. Vaccinations may cause skin reactions and flu like symptoms. Each participant will receive $25 in food certificates for each completed study visit.

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.