News & Events


Related Information

Shorttakes

February 2007 (historical)

A compilation of news from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Published three times a year. Just scan these "shorttakes" for information on what's happening at NIAMS, or access the complete articles for viewing or use in your own newsletter or other publication.

From the Director . . .

If you're missing a familiar face at the Council table this morning, there's a reason. Steve Hausman has retired.

Dr. Hausman, who has been with the Institute since its beginnings 20 years ago, is not only the first and only Deputy Director of NIAMS, but was the first Director of the NIAMS Extramural Program. We have all benefited immeasurably from his devotion to the Institute and to NIH.

Steve, a man of multiple interests, has transformed those interests into activities that have had an impact on the Institute and the entire NIH community. Since 1995, he served as the Deputy Ethics Counselor for NIAMS, and in 2002 co-organized and chaired a national NIH Conference on Institutional Conflict of Interest. He will continue to work with NIAMS on these issues as a contractor.

His passion for information technology resulted in the NIH Advanced Technologies Scientific Interest Group, whose discussions involve nanotechnology, robotics and biomedical applications of new technologies. He was also a driving force behind NIH's implementation of electronic research administration.

Throughout his career, Steve has encouraged participation of minorities and persons with disabilities in all aspects of NIH activities. In September 2003, he was appointed to membership on the NIH Diversity Council, and was later elected Vice Chair and Chair of the council.

Steve has always been much admired by his colleagues in the Institute and in the NIH community for his wit, wisdom and significant contributions to the research enterprise. We can truly echo the words of NIH Director Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni when he wrote that "We are indeed fortunate to have benefited from your strong devotion and hard work in support of the agency and its public health mission."

Thanks, Steve, for all you have done, and may the wind always fill your sails.

Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D.
Director
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institutes of Health

Research Watch . . .

A team of scientists led by NIAMS' Vittorio Sartorelli, M.D., show trichostatin A (TSA) counteracts muscular dystrophy in mice.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Press_Releases/2006/10_04.asp

NIAMS funds new Centers of Research Translation.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Press_Releases/2006/11_08.asp

NIAMS funds war injury supplement.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Announcements/2006/injuries_suppl.asp

Enzyme inhibitor may prevent muscle atrophy.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2006/enzyme_atrophy.asp

NIH announces awards in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) research.

Full story: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/oct2006/od-30.htm

"Scleroderma: Summaries of Research" has been added to the NIAMS Web site.

See: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2006/scleroderma_sum.asp

ACL injuries heal faster and stronger using gel material in animal model.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2006/acl_injuries.asp

NIAMS introduces Lupus CD-ROM.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Announcements/2006/lupus_CD.asp

Study shows patients with herniated disks improve over time - even without surgery.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2006/backpain_surgery.asp

Lubricant found in temporomandibular joint may aid in treating osteoarthritis.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2006/joint_lubricant.asp

Measles virus protein induces Paget's disease-like bone in mice.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2006/pagets_measles.asp

A special report featuring NIAMS' focus on research progress, health disparities progress, and opportunities for minority researchers, published in the Journal for Minority Medical Students, is available on the NIAMS Web site with permission from the Journal.

See: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2006/journal_special_text.asp

Researchers identify biomarkers for lupus-related kidney disease.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2006/lupus_kidney.asp

Communication and relationships are key factors in minority community clinical trial participation.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2006/trial_participation.asp

A team of researchers led by NIAMS' Alasdair Steven, Ph.D., have succeeded in imaging, in unprecedented detail, the virus that causes influenza.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Press_Releases/2006/12_29.asp

Researchers at NIH have discovered that a previously unexplained fatal form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta results from a genetic defect in a protein involved in the production of collagen.

Full story: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/dec2006/nichd-27.htm

A new imaging technique may help with understanding and treating osteoarthritis.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2007/oa_imaging.asp

Researchers have discovered that mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) are the cause of moderate or severe ichthyosis vulgaris.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2007/iv_filaggrin.asp

Researchers are testing new ways to assess the burden of skin disease.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2007/assess_burden.asp

Gene array research contributes to the understanding of acne.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2007/gene_array_acne.asp

NIAMS interns reflect on a summer of experience.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2006/summer_students.asp

Study identifies factors affecting bone mass in men.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2007/bonemass_men.asp

The NIH/NASA Meeting on Space-Related Health Research meeting was held December 8, 2006.

See: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Meetings_and_Events/Reports/2006/nasa_summary.asp

Two proteins are found to have unexpected effects on lupus.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2007/proteins_lupus.asp

Common blood pressure drug reduces progressive muscle degeneration in mice.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Press_Releases/2007/02_02.asp

Periodic cicadas help scientists study superfast muscle.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2007/cicada_muscle.asp

Scientists learn the origins of rogue B cells.

Full story: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Press_Releases/2007/02_07.asp

Grants and Contracts . . .

The following announcements related to NIAMS appeared in recent issues of the NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts. These announcements are made to the research community to express our interest in funding specific areas of research. For more information on NIAMS grants and contracts, visit the NIAMS Web site at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Research/ and the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/index.html.

Requests for Applications - FYI (NIH Roadmap):

2007 NIH Director's Pioneer Award Program (DP1), RFA-RM-07-005. Issued: October 11, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt date: January 16, 2007.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-07-005.html

Facilitating Interdisciplinary Research via Methodological and Technological Innovation in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R21), RFA-RM-07-004. Issued: October 25, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: January 23, 2007; application receipt date: February 23, 2007.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-07-004.html

Limited Competition for Supplements to CTSAs to Plan for Pilot Projects to Apply the National Clinical Research Associates Model in Their Community Engagement Activities (UL1), RFA-RM-07-006. Issued: November 28, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt date: January 22, 2007.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-07-006.html

Program Announcements:

Research Project Grant (Parent R01), PA-07-070. Issued: November 20, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-070.html

Social and Cultural Dimensions of Health (R01), PA-07-045. Issued: November 21, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-045.html

Functional Links between the Immune System, Brain Function and Behavior (R01), PA-07-088. Issued: November 22, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-088.html

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA) for Individual Predoctoral Fellowships (F31) to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research, PA-07-106. Issued: December 12, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-106.html

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA) for Individual Postdoctoral Fellows (F32), PA-07-107. Issued: December 12, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-107.html

Muscular Dystrophy: Pathogenesis and Therapies (R01), PA-07-125. Issued: December 12, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-125.html

Sarcoidosis: Research into the Cause of Multi-Organ Disease and Clinical Strategies for Therapy (R01), PA-07-136. Issued: December 12, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-136.html

Research on Sleep and Sleep Disorders (R01), PA-07-140. Issued: December 12, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-140.html

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders: Pathophysiological Mechanisms Linking Comorbid Conditions (R01), PA-07-150. Issued: December 13, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-150.html

Pathogenesis and Treatment of Lymphedema and Lymphatic Diseases (R01), PA-07-165. Issued: December 14, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-165.html

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA) for Individual Senior Fellows (F33), PA-07-172. Issued: Issued: December 15, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-172.html

Tools for Zebrafish Research (R01), PAR-07-145. Issued: December 12, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: August 19, 2007; application receipt date: September 19, 2007.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-145.html

Innovations in Biomedical Computational Science and Technology Initiative (SBIR [R43/R44]), PAR-07-160. Issued: December 12, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-160.html

Innovations in Biomedical Computational Science and Technology Initiative (STTR [R41/R42]), PAR-07-161. Issued: December 12, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-161.html

Understanding and Treating Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (R01), PAS-07-190. Issued: December 18, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-07-190.html

Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (R01), PA-07-202. Issued: December 18, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-202.html

Structural Biology of Membrane Proteins (R01), PA-07-253. Issued: December 20, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-253.html

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Treatment (R21), PA-07-264. Issued: December 22, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-264.html

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Treatment (R01), PA-07-265. Issued: December 22, 2006; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-265.html

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Biology and Medicine (R01), PAR-07-270. Issued: January 4, 2007; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: February 20, June 20, October 22, 2007.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-270.html

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Biology and Medicine (R21), PAR-07-271. Issued: January 4, 2007; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: February 20, June 20, October 22, 2007.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-271.html

Research on Ethical Issues in Human Subjects Research (R01), PA-07-277. Issued: January 5, 2007; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-277.html

Bioengineering Research Grants (BRG) (R01), PA-07-279. Issued: January 8, 2007; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-279.html

Mechanisms, Models, Measurement, and Management in Pain Research (R01), PA-07-282. Issued: January 8, 2007; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-282.html

NIH Pathway to Independence (PI) Award (K99/R00), PA-07-297. Issued: January 12, 2007; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-297.html

PHS 2007-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC, and FDA for Small Business Innovation Research Grant Applications (Parent SBIR [R43/R44]), PA-07-280. Issued: January 16, 2007; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-280.html

PHS 2007-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH for Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Applications (Parent STTR [R41/R42]), PA-07-281. Issued: January 16, 2007; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-281.html

Novel Approaches to Enhance Animal Stem Cell Research (R01), PA-07-303. Issued: January 18, 2007; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-303.html

Novel Approaches to Enhance Animal Stem Cell Research (R21), PA-07-304. Issued: January 18, 2007; letters of intent receipt date: not applicable; application receipt dates: multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-304.html

Changes to the Requirements for Physicians Applying to PA-06-512 (Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08)) and PA-05-143 (Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23)) for NIAMS, NOT-AR-07-001.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-AR-07-001.html

Highlights From the Hill, DHHS and NIH . . .

110th Congress

The first session of the 110th Congress convened on January 4, 2007.

National Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week

On December 9, 2006, the House (109th Congress) passed by unanimous consent H. Res. 335, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a National Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week. The resolution would also raise public awareness of the disease and foster understanding of its impact on patients and their families. H. Res. 335 includes language calling for increased spending for research to develop treatments and a cure for the disease.

National Institutes of Health Reform Act of 2006

On January 15, 2007, President George W. Bush signed H.R. 6164 as P.L. 109-482, the National Institutes of Health Reform Act of 2006. Provisions would revise Title IV of the Public Health Service Act including the creation of the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives. The purpose of the Division is to identify and report on research that represents important areas of emerging scientific opportunities, rising public health challenges, or knowledge gaps that deserve special emphasis and would benefit from conducting or supporting additional research involving collaboration between two or more Institutes and Centers, or would otherwise benefit from strategic coordination and planning. Research proposals would be funded by the Common Fund, and a Council of Councils would be selected to advise on the policies and activities of the Division. Other provisions include the creation of a Scientific Management Review Board to conduct periodic organizational reviews of NIH and to make recommendations on the use of NIH organizational authorities; authorization (but not appropriation) of an increase in NIH funding for each of the next 3 years; a requirement for a public process for reorganizing NIH programs; and reformation of the agency's reporting requirements by creating a new biennial report that eliminates or subsumes many current reporting requirements. For more information, go to http://www.nih.gov/about/reauthorization/index.htm.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination

On January 16, 2007, Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) introduced H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. The Senate companion, S. 358, was introduced by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) on January 22. These bills, which would prohibit discrimination in health insurance and employment on the basis of predictive genetic information, are identical to legislation passed by the Senate during the 109th Congress. The bills would prohibit health insurers in both the group and individual markets from (1) using genetic information to impose enrollment restrictions or to adjust premium or contribution amounts, (2) requesting genetic testing or results except as necessary for treatment, payment, or health care operations, or (3) requesting or requiring the use of genetic information for the purposes of underwriting. The bills define a genetic test as an analysis of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, or metabolites that detects genotypes, mutations, or chromosomal changes.

Stem Cell Research

On January 5, 2007, Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) introduced H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. The Senate companion, S. 5, was introduced on January 4 by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). The bills would require the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research using human embryonic stem cells regardless of the date on which such cells were derived.

On January 9, 2007, Representative Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) introduced H.R. 322, a bill to "derive pluripotent stem cells using techniques that do not knowingly harm embryos." On January 4, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the Senate companion measure, S. 51. The bill would require NIH to fund research to develop techniques for the isolation and production of pluripotent stem cells, without deriving such cells from human embryos. The bill would also require the Secretary, in consultation with the NIH Director, to issue guidelines within 90 days of the bill's enactment that would outline and prioritize such research.

On January 19, 2007, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (Senator Edward Kennedy [D-MA], Chairman) and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Senator Tom Harkin [D-IA], Chairman) held a joint hearing entitled "Can Congress Help Fulfill the Promise of Stem Cell Research?" Story C. Landis, Ph.D., Director, NINDS, testified for NIH. The text of her remarks can be found at http://olpa.od.nih.gov/hearings/110/session1/testimonies/stemcell.asp.

House Appropriations Subcommittee to Hold Hearings on FY 2008 Budget

On March 6, 2007, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education (Representative Dave Obey [D-WI], Chairman) will hold its NIH Overview hearing on the FY 2008 Budget, with Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., Director, NIH, testifying. He will be accompanied by Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Director, NHLBI; John E. Niederhuber, M.D., Director, NCI; Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, NIAID; Duane F. Alexander, M.D., Director, NICHD; and John Ruffin, Ph.D., Director, NCMHD.

Budget Update

FY 2006

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, the NIAMS funded 247 new and competing continuation applications for a success rate of 19.3 percent; the overall NIH success rate was 20.0 percent. Additional details about the distribution of the FY 2006 appropriation are provided on the NIAMS website at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/About_Us/Budget/funding_plan_fy2006.asp

FY 2007

On February 15, President George W. Bush signed into law a Joint Funding Resolution providing appropriations for FY 2007 (H.J. Res. 20/Public Law 110-5). The Resolution provides approximately $620 million more for NIH over FY 2006 levels. Although specific details are still being finalized, one item of note is a direct appropriation of funds to the NIH Office of the Director for the NIH Common Fund, which covers Roadmap. In the past, Roadmap activities were supported by the NIH Institutes and Centers. The funding level for NIAMS in FY 2007 will remain essentially level with FY 2006 at $507.8 million; however, the $6.1 million originally earmarked for the Institute's Roadmap contribution will be available to the NIAMS for obligation.

To help ensure the availability of an adequate pool of funds for new and competing continuation awards, NIH will not provide inflationary adjustments for existing non-competing renewal awards in FY 2007, including modular grants and centers. This reduction will be applied to all remaining years of the grant. Particular funding priority will be given to new investigators and first-time renewal applications from new investigators. Each Institute has been asked to fund a target number of new investigators equal to the average number funded over the previous 5 years. The goal for NIAMS is 41. To reach this target, the Institute is in the process of developing a separate funding plan for new investigators. While funding levels are being finalized, the NIAMS is operating under an interim funding plan for FY 2007, which is available at the website noted below. http://www.niams.nih.gov/About_Us/Budget/funding_plan_fy2008.asp

FY 2008

The FY 2008 President's Budget request was released on February 5, 2007. Since this document was published prior to the signing of the FY 2007 Joint Funding Resolution, the FY 2007 column of the Congressional Justification document reflects the amount previously available under the Continuing Resolution, which was at the annualized FY 2006 level and includes funds to be transferred for Roadmap. In addition to budget tables, the Congressional Justification document includes narrative sections about the Institute's programs and how funds will be allocated. This document can be found at the website noted below. http://www.niams.nih.gov/About_Us/Budget/2008cj_narrative.asp

As well, additional information about the overall NIH budget can be found at the following website: http://officeofbudget.od.nih.gov/ui/HomePage.htm

NIAMS Faces . . .

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Advisory Council welcomes five ad hoc members: George A. Beach, Chairman and CEO, Beach Creative Communications, Philadelphia, Pa.; Betty A. Diamond, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Microbiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, N.Y.; Kathleen J. Green, Ph.D., Joseph L. Mayberry Professor, Department of Pathology/Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill.; Clifford J. Rosen, M.D., Executive Director, Maine Center for Osteoporosis Research and Education, St. Joseph Hospital, Bangor, Maine; and James N. Weinstein, D.O., M.S., Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedics, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, N.H.

As mentioned earlier, Steven J. Hausman, Ph.D., has retired after 31 years with the Federal Government. He has been part of NIAMS since its origin over 20 years ago, serving as the first Director of the NIAMS Extramural Program, the Deputy Ethics Counselor for NIAMS, and as the Deputy Director of NIAMS.

Paul H. Plotz, M.D., Chief of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch in the NIAMS Intramural Research Program, will be serving as the Acting Deputy Director of NIAMS. Dr. Plotz will serve in this role for 6 months, while NIAMS conducts a nationwide search for a permanent deputy director.

Mark F. Gourley, M.D., joined the Institute as the Director of the Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program. Since 2002, he has served as a staff clinician at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), working with a team of researchers investigating environmental causes of lupus and other autoimmune diseases. Dr. Gourley's research interest in lupus began in 1988 when he first joined NIH/NIAMS. He left NIAMS in 1996 to open the Greater Washington, D.C. area's first lupus clinic at the Washington Hospital Center. He is a 1985 graduate of Tulane Medical School and completed his internal medicine residency in 1988 at the University of Wisconsin.

Jonelle K. Drugan, Ph.D., M.P.H., joined the NIAMS Office of Science Policy and Planning as a Science Policy Analyst after 6 years at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, where she was the public liaison coordinator for 3 years and the legislative point of contact for an additional 3 years. Jonelle obtained her Ph.D. in biochemistry and biophysics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In the year before joining NIH, Jonelle was a visiting staff scientist for the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements in Bethesda, Md.

Louise M. Rosenbaum, Ph.D., joined the NIAMS Office of Science Policy and Planning as a Science Policy Analyst in December. Previously, she worked in the Office of Sponsored Projects at Dartmouth College in conjunction with Dartmouth Medical School and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. In obtaining her Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the Oregon Health Sciences University, Louise worked in the area of skin architecture, with specific studies in type VII collagen and the molecular basis of epidermolysis bullosa.

The Institute welcomes Elijah Weisberg, M.S.E., as a Research Program Analyst in the Musculoskeletal Diseases Branch, Extramural Program. Elijah came to NIH 3 years ago as a biomedical engineer with the National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). Prior to that, he worked at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Conn. as a clinical researcher. His degree in biomedical engineering is from Tulane University.

The Institute welcomes Theresa Smith, B.S., as a Research Program Analyst in the Musculoskeletal Diseases Branch, Extramural Program. After receiving her B.S. degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Maryland's James Clark School of Engineering, Theresa worked for a company in Gaithersburg, then the FDA, then came to NIH 3 years ago as Biomedical Engineer with the National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.

The Institute welcomes Trish Reynolds, R.N., M.S., to the Office of Communications and Public Liaison as a Writer/Editor. Trish received both her Bachelor's degree in Nursing and her Master's degree in Nursing Administration in Health Services from Georgetown University. Her most recent position was Education Manager at the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Wilma Peterman Cross, M.S., has joined the NIAMS Office of Science Policy and Planning (OSPP), handling the responsibilities of the office's Deputy Director. In addition to her role as legislative liaison for the Institute, Wilma is senior advisor and project manager for OSPP, facilitating a number of strategic planning and program evaluation activities. Wilma has been a Senior Program Analyst overseeing legislative affairs since 2004. She joined the NIAMS in 2001 in the Office of Program Planning.

Helen Simon, M.S., has accepted a part time detail with the NIH Foundation. She will continue to work with NIAMS part time as the Senior Advisor for Program Coordination.

Kudos . . .

Daniel Kastner, M.D., Ph.D. Clinical Director, NIAMS Chief, Genetics and Genomics Branch, was honored at University of California San Francisco Medical School as the 10th annual Jean S. and Ephraim P. Engleman visiting professor of rheumatology.

Steven J. Hausman, Ph.D., received a NIH Diversity Council award in January for his service and outstanding contributions to the council from 2003-2006. He chaired the council prior to 2006 and remained a member until December 2006. Due to his leadership, the council was instrumental in researching and developing guidelines for increasing the diversity of the Tenure/Tenure Track program.

From the Health Partnership Program.

The HPP continues to progress under the program's five focus areas: public health education, patient care, health disparities research, recruitment to research careers, and community relations. Below are current highlights.

Staff Changes

As we begin the new year, the HPP team bids farewell to two long-time team members: Gregory Dennis, M.D., Director of Clinical Care and Training and Medical Officer for the NIAMS Community Health Center (CHC), and Kelli Carrington, M.P.H., Health Educator and HPP Outreach Coordinator.

We wish both of them well in their new endeavors. The CHC and the Outreach components of the HPP will continue under the direction of Daniel Kastner, M.D., Ph.D., NIAMS Clinical Director, and Janet Austin, Ph.D., NIAMS Director of the Office of Communications and Public Liaison, respectively.

NIAMS Community Health Center (CHC)

Christine Grady, Ph.D., R.N., and others from NIH and NIAMS have recently published a paper based on results of the September 2004 partners meeting in the November 2006 issue of the American Journal of Public Health. The paper, entitled "Exploring the Ethics of Clinical Research in an Urban Community," analyzes community partners' opinions on ethics of clinical research involving participants with limited access to health care. Community partners who participated in the meeting are recognized in the acknowledgement section of the paper.

Gwenyth Wallen, Ph.D., R.N., and Migdalia Rivera-Goba, Ed.D., R.N., are currently in the third phase of the study, "Health Beliefs and Health Behavior Practices Among Minorities With Rheumatic Disease." This phase involves in-depth interviews with 100 newly enrolled patients at the NIAMS CHC, as well as 6-month followup assessments.

Michael Ward, M.D., is currently conducting the study, "Time Perspective and Health," which looks at whether there is a relationship between a person's health status and their time perspective, i.e., present or future oriented. Since July 2006, Dr. Ward's team has conducted 322 surveys among patrons of community beauty salons and barbershops in Silver Spring, Md.; their goal is 400.

Community Meetings and Events

NIAMS continues to disseminate information on rheumatic diseases and clinical studies at health fairs within the tristate area. Recent exhibits include the DC Elderfest, St. Paul's Church Health and Resource Ministry event, Tenants' and Workers' United Community Health Fair, and the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase Fair. In November 2006, NIAMS Health Educator Nicole Schuett, M.P.H., gave an arthritis presentation to the Gaithersburg Rotary Club in Maryland.

As part of our efforts to support the NIH Summer Internship Program, the NIAMS Intramural Research Program's Career Development Section, in coordination with Office of Communication and Public Liaison, distributed information about the NIAMS Summer Internship Program at several minority conferences in October and November 2006. The conferences included the national conference of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), the national conference of American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students.

Scientific Presentations

On October 30, 2006, NIAMS staff presented a poster at the National Cancer Institute conference, "The Science of Team Science: Assessing the Value of Transdisciplinary Research," on collaborative work with the Health Partnership Program and the NIH Clinical Center Department of Clinical Bioethics and Department of Nursing. The poster, entitled "Transdisciplinary Research at the Community Level: A Model for Health Disparities Studies," describes (1) the community partners' roles, hinting at their impact on patient recruitment; (2) our patient population; (3) perceptions of the research team's collaboration; (4) the research ethics study by Dr. Christine Grady, Department of Clinical Bioethics; and (5) our process for vetting the study idea through the community partners to promote acceptance of the research ethics study among community members.

NIAMS and other NIH staff presented a workshop at the Association of Rheumatology Professionals meeting in Washington, D.C. on November 13, 2006, entitled, "NIAMS Health Partnership Program: Community-based Research Agenda." The workshop detailed the HPP program structure and progress, the "Health Beliefs and Health Behavior Practices Among Minorities With Rheumatic Disease" study by Dr. Gwen Wallen and Dr. Migdalia Rivera-Goba, and the research from Dr. Christine Grady on ethics in clinical research.

Update on Equal Employment Opportunity . . .

The NIH Summer Internship in Biomedical Research for 2007 is accepting applications via the Web site at http://www.training.nih.gov/student. For additional information concerning research training opportunities at NIAMS, IRP, please visit www.careers.niams.nih.gov. We are already receiving applications for summer internship positions at NIAMS.

NIAMS is planning job-shadow days for students from NIAMS Adopt-a-Schools Wilson High School and Wheaton High School. In addition, NIAMS staff participated as judges at the Wilson High School Science Fair in February.

Since the last NIAMS Advisory Council, Institute staff facilitated and/or participated in the following events:

  • Minority Trainee Research Forum (MTRF) (September 2006)
  • Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) annual conference (October 2006)
  • American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) annual conference (November 2006)
  • Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) (November 2006)
  • A full-day workshop on science fair skills, developed by NIAMS postbaccalaureate Fellows and OCPL staff. Included in the NIAMS presentation was an overview of the NIH and various NIH training opportunities. (December 2006)

Upcoming Events . . .

Look for the NIAMS exhibit at the following events between now and the June issue:

  • American Society of the Aging and National Council of the Aging, Chicago, Ill., March 7-9, 2007
  • International Society for Clinical Densitometry, Tampa, Fla., March 14-17, 2007
  • U.S. Department of Labor Women's Health Fair, Washington, D.C., March 21, 2007
  • National Hispanic Medical Association, San Antonio, Tex., March 23-24, 2007
  • Montgomery County Women's Fair, Bethesda, Md., March 31, 2007
  • Student National Medical Association, San Francisco, Calif., April 4-7, 2007
  • Association of Minority Health Professionals and School Minority Health Professionals Foundation, Orlando, Fla., April 4-6, 2007
  • 2007 International Symposium on Osteoporosis, Washington, D.C., April 18-22, 2007
  • Sjögren's Syndrome Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., April 20-22, 2007
  • American Occupational Therapy Association, St. Louis Mo., April 20-22, 2007
  • Fairmont County Health Fair, Fairmont, W.Va., April 25, 2007
  • American Pain Society, Washington, D.C., May 2-5, 2007
  • National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, St. Louis Mo., May 20-22, 2007
  • American Academy of Physician Assistants, Philadelphia, Pa., May 29-30, 2007
  • Celebra La Vida con Salud, a continuing series of community health fairs throughout the country

Publications . . .

Revised booklets:
Handout on Health: Scleroderma
Questions and Answers about Gout
Questions and Answers about Vitiligo
Tengo Artritis?/Do I Have Arthritis?
Lupus: A Patient Care Guide for Nurses and Other Health Professionals-Third Edition

New CD ROM for health professionals:
Lupus and Other Related Information for You and Your Patients

Revised fact sheets:
What Prostate Cancer Survivors Need to Know About Osteoporosis
OI Issues: Constipation
OI Issues: Type I - Understanding the Mildest Form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Childhood Sports Injuries and Their Prevention: A Guide for Parents with Ideas for Kids
Los niños y sus huesos: una guía para los padres (Kids and Their Bones: A Guide for Parents)

New Spanish fact sheet:
Pruebas de la densidad ósea: Lo que significan los números (Bone Mass Measurement: What the Numbers Mean)

New NIAMS fotonovela on bone health (Spanish/English):
La Historia de Isabel/Isabel's Story

New easy-to-read fact sheets (Spanish):
¿Qué es la artritis reumatoide? (What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?)
¿Qué son las lesiones deportivas? (What Are Sports Injuries?)
¿Qué es la psoriasis? (What Is Psoriasis?)
¿Qué es el lupus? (What Is Lupus?)
¿Qué es el síndrome de Marfan?(What Is Marfan Syndrome?)

New easy-to-read fact sheets (English):
What Are Shoulder Problems?
What Is Osteonecrosis?

For information on arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases, including copies of the publications listed above, contact:

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
NIAMS/National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Phone: (301) 495-4484 or (877) 22-NIAMS (free call, in English or Spanish)
TTY: (301) 565-2966
Fax: (301) 718-6366
E-mail: NIAMSInfo@mail.nih.gov
World Wide Web: www.niams.nih.gov

For information on osteoporosis and other bone diseases, contact:

NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center
1232 22nd Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20037-1292
Phone: (202) 223-0344 or (800) 624-BONE (2663)
TTY: (202) 466-4315
Fax: (202) 293-2356
E-mail: niamsboneinfo@mail.nih.gov
World Wide Web: www.niams.nih.gov/Bone

For general information on NIAMS and its research programs, contact:

Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases/NIH
Building 31/Room 4C02
31 Center Drive, MSC 2350
Bethesda, MD 20892-2350
Phone: (301) 496-8190 or (877) 22-NIAMS (free call)
TTY: (301) 565-2966
Fax: (301) 480-2814
E-mail (inquiries): NIAMSInfo@mail.nih.gov
E-mail (public liaison): NIAMSPublicLiaison@mail.nih.gov
World Wide Web: www.niams.nih.gov

Compiled by the Office of Communications and Public Liaison, NIAMS; phone: (301) 496-8190; e-mail: NIAMSInfo@mail.nih.gov