Commissioner Rolle was joined at the event by UM President Donna E. Shalala, Miller School Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., county parks and recreation director Jack Kardys and several other government officials, and special guest Darrin Smith, the former UM Hurricane and two-time Super Bowl champion, for the morning pep rally and official launch of the program known as Fit to Play.

When Dean Goldschmidt took to the stage, he told the group he has three sons – including a five-year-old who thinks he is Superman. Laughter turned to amazement when Goldschmidt said he also has a second family of 800 children. He explained: “These 800 children are the Miller School of Medicine medical students that will be checking you out to make sure you’re fit and healthy all summer.”

“This summer will not be the last time you will see us,” Goldschmidt added. “We’re so proud to be supporting you and we will be here for you.”

Through the Fit to Play partnership, third-year medical students on their primary care clerkship will go to several different parks over the summer and staff stations designed to teach the kids about prevention and healthy behaviors. Each camper will have a health passport that will be stamped at each of the stations, with such topics as fitness, sun protection, tobacco prevention, nutrition, and stress reduction. The program was put together by medical education, the Medical Wellness Center and the Mitchell Wolfson, Sr., Department of Community Service (DOCS) Program. For more on this story click here.

That simple call to lace up your sneaks to combat such pain is also part of the title of Dr. Brown’s new book – Conquer Back and Neck Pain: Walk It Off! (Sunrise River Press, $11.95). Brown, professor and chairman emeritus of orthopaedics at the Miller School, decided to write the book after being asked nearly every possible question about back and neck pain disorders in his many years of practice. In addition, he’s aware of the avalanche of information about back and neck pain – over 500,000 references in Google alone – and thousands of books and articles on the subject.

With so much information and so many questions, Dr. Brown said, there needed to be a book to bring the relevant information together with practical and accessible solutions. “I have been answering patients’ questions concerning spinal disorders for 35 years, particularly about back and neck pain,” said Dr. Brown. “I put the answers to those questions in the book in an effort to allow people to make sense and get a handle on this information.”

Brown’s book launch and signing drew more than 200 people to Books and Books in Coral Gables on June 10. He spoke about the book and explained what it means to “walk it off” for relief and prevention from acute and chronic back pain. Essentially, Dr. Brown points out that walking and certain other forms of exercise can relieve, cure and help prevent many pains in the neck and back. He gives details of how the spine works and how it can deteriorate with age, leading to pain.

Walk It Off! also gives examples of studies that show the value of walking as both medicine and as a preventive measure for back and neck pain. “Every piece of information in the book is based on the results of medical research that I have used to treat patients,” Dr. Brown said. “These are treatments that have been proven to work and are safe. And for the most part they are also cost-effective.”

Dr. Brown himself may be a walking billboard for his simple preventive routine or remedy. He walks or swims at least four times each week.

Pictured Above: Dr. Mark Brown speaks about his new book Conquer Back and Neck Pain: Walk It Off! at Books and Books in Coral Gables on June 10.

• The University of Iowa Foundation has created a special flood relief fund that will accept gifts from anyone wishing to support the university as it deals with flood-related damage not covered by insurance. Gifts may be made to the fund online by visiting www.givetoiowa.org/floodfund, or they may be mailed to the UI Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa 52244-4550.

• Kirkwood Community College has established two funds to assist families and animals displaced by the floods. Please direct donations to the Kirkwood Flood Relief Fund or the Friends of the Animal Shelter Fund in care of the Kirkwood Foundation, Mansfield Center, P.O. Box 2068, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2068.

South Florida Commuter Services would like to get the word out to all drivers who travel to work on I-95 so they can learn how to take advantage of the express lanes and access 95 Express for free.

To learn more about 95 Express and how it could impact your commute, please visit http://www.1800234ride.com/95express.php?sec=119&id=239 and view the 95 Express webinar. The five minute presentation will provide tips on making the drive to work faster and more productive. You can also register your hybrid vehicle or 3+ person carpool.

Representatives from South Florida Commuter Services will be on campus to answer your questions tomorrow (Wednesday) from 10:30 a.m. to noon outside the Rosenstiel Medical Science Building.

Investigators interested in applying must submit a letter of intent as described below no later than this Friday, June 20. From these letters, leadership will select the investigators who are invited to submit a full application. If you are selected, the full application deadline is July 25. 

The letter of intent must include at a minimum:
-names of the principal investigator and key personnel
-title and one-page abstract
-estimate of the overall budget
-biosketch for each key staff member in NIH format

Please submit letters of intent to Cristina Llanos at cllanos@med.miami.edu or call 305-243-6292 for more information.

All full-time UM faculty members are eligible for IRDI funds as long as at least one faculty member on each application holds a primary faculty appointment at the Miller School.

Please submit your proposals to Muriel Industrious at mindustrious@med.miami.edu no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, July 28. For complete program details and application instructions, please visit http://www.miami.edu/research. If you have questions, please contact Muriel Industrious at mindustrious@med.miami.edu or Jennifer McCafferty-Cepero, Ph.D., at jmccafferty@med.miami.edu.

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

Evangelos Badiavas, M.D., Ph.D.—“Bone Marrow Cells in Wound Healing”
Herman Cheung, Ph.D.—“Dental Pulp Derived Pluripotent Stem Cell”
Chunming Dong, M.D.—“Endothelial Progenitor Cells & Scleroderma Vascular Lesion Formation”
Joshua M. Hare, M.D.—“Clinical Trials with Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cardiac Patients”
Norma Kenyon, Ph.D.—“MSC and Immune Effects Following Cellular Grafts”
Krishna Komanduri, M.D.—“Stem Cell Transplantation for Cancer Patients”
Ian K. McNiece, Ph.D.—“Cord Blood Derived Stem Cell”
Andreas G. Tzakis, M.D., Ph.D.—“Organ Transplant at UM, Tolerance”
Tan Ince, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School—“Cell Origin Influence on Tumor Phenotype”

 •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.

 Mild to Moderate Rosacea
Leslie Baumann, M.D., professor and director of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, is looking for men and women over 18 who have mild to moderate rosacea. If you are interested in participating, contact a member of the research staff at 305-531-5788 or cosmeticresearch@med.miami.edu. You may also visit the Cosmetic Center online at www.derm.net for more information.

Jennifer Marks, M.D., is currently recruiting patients ages 18 or older, who are obese with impaired glucose tolerance and have hypertension, for participation in a study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an angiotensin receptor blocker for protection against endothelial dysfunction. Patients must be non-smokers who are otherwise in good health. Those who are interested should contact Jorge Mejia-Galvis, Ph.D., at 305-243-6573.

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 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 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.

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 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.