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Title: Emerging Issues in Microbial Infections and Cardiovascular Diseases
Institute: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Contact: Chris Taylor, MD
Cost:
Funded in FY98
Date:
October 29-30, 1998
Location:
Bethesda, MD
The workshop invited experts to explore three main topics: epidemiological associations between infections and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), experimental models, and mechanisms of pathogenesis. Microbes appear to induce inflammatory changes that trigger atherosclerosis by various means, for example, by promoting vascular lesions either by altering cell death programs, interacting with platelets, or inducing cellular adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators.
Title:
Zinc and Health: Current Status and Future Directions
Institute:
Office of Dietary Supplements Research (ODSR)
Contact:
Bernadette Marriott, PhD
Cost:
Funded in FY98
Date:
November 4-5, 1998
Location:
Bethesda, MD
This two-day workshop provided an overview of the biochemical, cellular, and nutritional requirements of zinc in health and disease. The role of dietary supplementation with zinc was also presented. The conference brought together leading experts in zinc research and clinicians from many scientific disciplines to present a timely update and critical needs assessment on zinc and health to researchers, nutritionists, public health advisers, and policy makers. The workshop sessions focused on: zinc and the immune system, the gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system; antioxidant and defense functions of zinc; zinc and cellular mechanisms; and zinc in growth and specific disease entities.
Title:
Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Second National Workshop on Adherence and Retention
Institute:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Contact:
Suzanne Hurd, PhD
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
November 9, 1998
Location:
Washington, DC
The goals of the workshop were: 1) to provide an overview of issues in cultural diversity, 2) to provide information about the cultural diversity within WHI, both staff and participants, 3) to learn how impressions of others are formed and influenced, 4) to identify cultural barriers within and between populations, and how they might influence the conduct of clinical trials, 5) to review the basics of effective listening and communication skills, and 6) to practice and role play specific adherence and retention strategies for special populations represented within WHI.
Title:
Workshop on the Multicultural Aspects of Breast Cancer Etiology
Institute:
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Contact:
Susan Sieber, MD
Cost:
Funded in FY98
Date:
March 17-19, 1999
Location:
Washington, DC
The purpose of the workshop was to examine the current state of knowledge about the multi-cultural aspects of breast cancer etiology and explore the limitations of current studies. Further, the conference summarized on-going activities to determine what new/additional activities are needed. Finally, the working group identified and prioritized directions for future research and activities.
Title:
Older Adults, Health Information and the World Wide Web Conference
Institute:
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Contact:
Crystal Ferguson
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
March 25-26, 1999
Location:
Bethesda, MD
The conference provided information on how to develop senior-friendly web sites and offered hands-on opportunities for exploring various sites. A variety of new collaborative activities were established among the participants.
Title:
New Immunotherapies for Autoimmune Disease
Institute:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Contact:
Elaine Collier, MD
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
April 9-10, 1999
Location:
Bethesda, MD
The composition of workshop participants consisted of both scientists and lay persons with presentations to both groups. The topics for discussion ranged from antigen specific therapies to cytokines.
Title:
Phytoestrogens and Healthy Aging: Gaps in Knowledge
Institute:
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Contact:
Frank Bellino, PhD
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
June 2-4, 1999
Location:
Tempe, AZ
This workshop examined the chemistry, biochemistry, and physiology of phytoestrogens. Information about the relationship between phytoestrogens and cardiovascular health, cancer, bone disease, and menopausal symptoms were discussed. The participants suggested areas of research to be included on the agenda for future investigation.
Title:
Biologic and Molecular Mechanisms for Sex Differences in Pharmacokinetics Pharmacodynamics, and Pharmacogenetics
Award:
ORWH Sponsored Scientific Workshop
Co-chairs:
Marietta Anthony, PhD, NIH/ORWH and Mary Berg, PharmD, University of Iowa, College of Pharmacy
Institution:
This workshop was co-sponsored by the FDA Office of Women's Health, NHLBI, NIA, NICHD, NIDCR, NIDA, NIEHS, NIGMS, NINDS, and the NIH Pain Consortium.
This multi-disciplinary workshop was held on May 5-6, 1999 and addressed current knowledge, emerging issues, and future research needs on the differences in how women and men respond to pharmacologic agents. The program featured leaders in the fields of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, and new technologies in drug development. The workshop was developed and held based on recommendations from the report "Agenda for Research on Women's Health for the 21st Century. Volume 2. Pharmacologic Issues." Highlighted was research that demonstrated: 1) differences in a lengthening of the Qt interval in women in response to several types of drugs, 2) better response in women than men to kappa opioids, 3) changes in response to drugs over the menstrual cycle (as in asthmatics), and 4) poorer outcomes in women after transplants possibly due to more rapid clearance of immunosuppressive drugs.
Title:
Workshop on Women's Health in Sports and Exercise
Institute:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Contact:
Joan McGowan, PhD
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
June 11-19, 1999
Location:
Hunt Valley, MD
The objectives of this workshop were to define the current knowledge base concerning the involvement of women in sports and fitness activities at all ages, and to profile the injuries that are prevalent in women. The most fruitful areas for research on the prevention and treatment of such injuries and to attract new investigators to research women's health in sports and exercise were also highlighted.
Title:
International Leadership Forum for Women with Disabilities
Institute:
Public Health Service (PHS)
Contact:
Pam Oliver
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
June 1999
This Forum occurred last year with 600 women from 80 countries. These conferences focus on training high risk women with disabilities and representatives from organizations that work with them on employment strategies and leadership development. The conferences feature a regionally specific resource kit and provide a marketplace for Federal and private service agencies where women can learn about specific programs in their communities to improve their changes for economic self-sufficiency.
Title:
Second SAMHSA National Conference on Women. "Life Pathways: Women Healing, Thriving, and Celebrating"
Institute:
Public Health Service (PHS)
Contact:
Ulonda Shamwell
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
June 27-30, 1999
Location:
Los Angeles, CA
The goals of this conference were: 1) to increase the interest and commitment to women's substance abuse and mental health issues within the health and social service arenas, 2) to apply knowledge developed by the health service field to improve service delivery for women and their families, and 3) to stimulate consultation, share best practices, and encourage networking across disciplines in order to expand opportunities to improve women's health and well-being.
Title:
1999 MANA Girls Leadership Conference - Hermanitas Summer Institute
Institute:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Contact:
Joyce Hunter Woodford
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
July 2-5, 1999
Location:
Washington, DC
The purpose of this event was to empower high school-aged Hispanic students through leadership and educational development, health, and community action. The workshops were designed to 1) strengthen and support the participants' ability to make the right decisions for herself, 2) develop leadership qualities and skills, 3) adopt healthy living strategies, and 4) teach new skills for community action and development. Further, the meeting provided the opportunity to create a national network of Hermanitas.
Title:
1999 Add Health Users Workshop
Institute:
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Contact:
Chris Bachrach, PhD
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
July 7-9, 1999
Location:
Bethesda, MD
The purpose of the workshop was to provide scientists who are analyzing questions related to adolescent health using Add Health data the opportunity to share their experiences and results, and to learn from each other and the Add Health project staff. Topical areas examined included influences on adolescent substance use; sex, contraception, and STD risk; adolescents, well-being, and risks; and family influences on adolescent health.
Title:
DES Research Update 1999. Current Knowledge, Future Directions
Institute:
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Contact:
Anna Levy
Cost:
$15,000
Date:
July 19-20, 1999
Location:
Bethesda, MD
The purpose of this workshop was to examine the long-term health effects of exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and was a follow-up to a meeting held in April 1992 on this subject. The 1999 conference provided an update on research and progress in responding to the recommendations from the 1992 meeting on DES. It served as a platform for discussion of current and future needs and proposed recommendations for addressing those needs.
Title:
Stepping Away from OA: Prevention of Onset, Progression, and Disability of Osteoarthritis
Institute:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Contact:
Reva Lawrence, PhD
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
July 23-24, 1999
Location:
Bethesda, MD
The objectives of the conference were to review the current state of the science regarding the prevention of onset and progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and the disability it causes, and to gather critical input from experts currently working in the field. Additionally, presenters examined various prevention interventions targeted to the general public, subgroups at higher than average risk of developing OA, and individuals with OA. Finally, promising opportunities for further investigation were explored and scientific collaboration was encouraged.
Title:
International Conference on Fetal Origins of Adult Disease
Institute:
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Contact:
Gilman D. Grave, PhD
Cost:
$10,000
Date:
September 2-3, 1999
Location:
Rockville, MD
The purpose of the conference was to discuss mechanisms by which fetal origins affect adult disease. Specific diseases examined included hypertension, asthma, and diabetes. Identification of high risk sub-populations was also presented and future funding mechanisms for long-term studies was discussed.
Title:
Women and Renal Disease
Institute:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Contact:
Paul Kimmel
Cost:
$25,000
Date:
September 14-17, 1999
Location:
Bethesda, MD
This conference addressed the following areas: 1) developments in the basic biology of estrogen and progesterone, 2) mechanisms underlying differences between progression of renal disease in women and men, 3) mechanisms underlying early menopause in women with renal disease, 4) hormone replacement therapy in women with renal disease, and 5) nonrenal complications and fertility in women with chronic renal disease.
Title:
In-Vivo Optical Imaging at the National Institutes of Health
Institute:
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Contact:
Amir H. Gandjbakhche
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
September 16-17, 1999
Location:
Bethesda, MD
The goals of the workshop were to 1) present the latest developments in optical in vivo imaging methods, 2) address theoretical and technological limits of in vivo microscopic and diffuse imaging, 3) identify opportunities and critical technological developments with the greatest potential for clinical and research utility, and 4) identify where new non-invasive optical imaging techniques could be clinically useful in offering new diagnostic knowledge and/or less morbidity.
Title:
New Approaches to Research on Sexual Orientation, Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Institute:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Contact:
Howard Kurtzman, PhD
Cost:
-0-
Date:
September 27-28, 1999
Location:
Rockville, MD
Several years in the planning stage, this workshop brought to fruition presentation of the current body of research on many social and health aspects of sexual orientation. This included the influence of sexual orientation on adolescent and adult development, family relationships, social prejudices and stigmas, and mental disorders and substance abuse. Further, the meeting identified many relevant areas needing further research and established potential collaborative research relationships for future efforts. Methodological concerns inherent in studying gay/lesbian/bi-sexual/transgender populations were discussed and suggestions made on how this major research problem could be made less problematic.
Title:
Women's Health and the Environment: The Next Century - Advances in Uterine Leiomyoma Research
Institute:
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Contact:
Anne Sassaman, PhD
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
October 7-8, 1999
Location:
Research Triangle Park, NC
The goal of this conference was to bring together researchers working in the fields of medicine, epidemiology, basic research, and therapeutics to foster an exchange of scientific information among members of the uterine leiomyoma research community. Participants were from academia, medicine, government, and industry. Topics addressed included: 1) developmental biology and histopathology of the uterus, 2) mechanisms of tumor development, 3) epidemiology and environmental influences, 4) translational research and experimental model systems, and 5) clinical experience and therapeutics.
Title:
National Conference on Women and HIV/AIDS
Institute:
Public Health Service (PHS)
Contact:
Frances Page
Cost:
$5,000
Date:
October 9-12, 1999
Location:
Los Angeles, CA
The purpose of the conference was to promote AIDS prevention and improve the quality of health care for women with HIV/AIDS. The ORWH funds for this conference were to provide scholarships to women of color and women infected with HIV/AIDS in order for them to attend this national meeting. The support included the cost of transportation, hotel expenses, and registration fees.
Title:
Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering and Technology Development
Institute:
National Science Foundation
Contact:
Ruth Kirschstein, MD and Donna Dean, PhD
Cost:
$25,000
Date:
December 1999
Location:
NIH
The mission of the Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Development Act (Public Law 105-255, approved October 14, 1998) is to recommend a specific set of actions that will: 1) advance the full and equitable participation of all Americans in SET education; 2) increase the number of qualified American scientists, engineers, and technicians by expanding the human resources pool of women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and persons with disabilities; and 3) thereby enhance the Nation's economic capacity and technological growth in this era of global competitiveness. The recommendations of the Commission will be directed toward policies and programs that can be implemented by the Congress, federal departments and agencies, state governments, private enterprise, nonprofit organizations, and education institutions.
ORWH FY 1998 CONFERENCE SUPPORT
Title: Zinc and Health: Current Status and Future Directions Workshop
Institute: Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)
Contact: Bernadette Marriott
Cost: $5,000
Date: November 6, 1998
Location: Lister Hill Auditorium, Bethesda, MD
The goal of the workshop was to define the current status of zinc research as it relates to health issues. It integrated areas from cellular, molecular and clinical areas of research. The workshop was organized around the immune, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. Another goal of the workshop was to recommend directions for future zinc research through identification of research gaps, including emphasis on gender issues.
Title: Community and Science: Models for Success
Institute: Office of Extramural Research (OER)
Contact: Wendy Baldwin
Cost: $10,000
Date: November 19-20, 1998
Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
This conference is a follow up to President Clinton's apology to the survivors and relatives of men of the Tuskegee syphilis study. To that end, the conference is aimed at the enhancement of the interactions and collaborations between scientists and community health. Translational applications of research advances into actions to benefit the community will be discussed. A goal of the workshop is to emphasize the relationship between the public's investment in medical research and improvement of the nation's health.
Title: Pelvic Floor Disorders Workshop
Institute: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Contact: Florence Haseltine
Cost: $5,000
Date: September 28-29, 1998
Location: Bethesda, MD
The purposes of the workshop were to define a research agenda for investigation into the causes of pelvic floor disorders, current treatments, and development of a scientific foundation to deal more efficiently with the clinical problems. The workshop was divided into three sections, basic research; epidemiology; and clinical disorders. The primary outcome of the workshop will be Requests for Proposals aimed at individual investigators (R01s) to fill in research gaps identified at the conference.
Title: Women's Health and the Environment: Innovations in Science and Policy
Institute: Public Health Services (PHS)
Contact: Pam Oliver
Cost: $5,000
Date: September 10, 1998
Location: Washington D.C.
Highlights of this conference included a discussion of the Institute of Medicine report on "Gender Differences in Susceptibility to Environmental Factors". Several research presentations were made, including: endocrine disrupters; genetic susceptibility; hormones, the environment, and breast cancer; the gender differences and health disparities related to environmental pollution; environmentally associated rheumatic diseases; chronic diseases; lead exposure and hypertension in the Nurses' Health Study; Lupus and other autoimmune diseases; occupational risks for cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory diseases, asthma, endometriosis, and fertility; legal, regulatory, and ethical issues; presidential initiative on food safety, and the need for data on women for EPA risk assessment recommendations. Research strategies and interagency coordination to identify gender differences in susceptibility to environmental factors were explored. The following recommendations were made concerning research on exposures: (1) the need for a broader definition of terms; (2) more occupational data elements; (3) multiple-exposure data; (4) research across life spans and during critical periods; (5) development of animal models; and (6) identification of cultural and historical factors. The need for more basic research was stressed in terms of gender differences and genetic susceptibility on environmental contributions to disease.
Title: Critical Issues in the Management of the Chronic Renal Failure Patient: Nutrition and Vascular Access
Institute: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Contact: Barbara Harrison
Cost: $5,000
Date: September 27-29, 1998
Location: Baltimore, MD
Scientific presentations included malnutrition in patients with chronic renal insufficiency, epidemiology and cost of vascular access, mechanisms of tissue catabolism, metabolism of specific nutrients, clinical studies and trials. In addition, there were round table discussions on methodology on measuring effects of nutritional interventions, screening for access failure, and prevention and management of vascular access.
Title: Toward A Molecular Understanding of Craniofacial Morphogenesis Symposium
Institute: National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR)
Contact: Susan Wise
Cost: $5,000
Date: November 22-24, 1998
Location: Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, MD
The symposium summarized recent research progress that has increased the understanding of the evolution and development of the craniofacial complex malformations. Seventy-five percent of birth defects affect the head, face, and neck. Risk factors include poor maternal nutrition (lack of folate), alcohol consumption, and medication/drug use. The broad topics were human congenital disorders and human craniofacial disorders. Specific topics included molecular genetics, genomics, signaling networks that control patterning, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, cell lineage determination and differentiation, environmental effects, animal models and human craniofacial syndromes.
Title: Task Force on Women, Gerontological Society of America (GSA)
Institute: National Institute of Aging (NIA)
Contact: Terrie Wetle
Cost: $1,500
Date: November 20-24, 1998
Location: Philadelphia, PA
The ORWH provided cofunding for a supplemental program highlighting the presentations relevant to women's issues and research at the annual GSA meeting. The goals of the Task Force on Women are: (1) To heighten attention to the broad range of aging women's issues within GSA and to the broader community; (2) To increase public and private research on older women; (3) To promote enriched gender-specific information in key databases;(4) To facilitate better utilization of research on older women in the development of policies, programs, and services; and (5) To support the professional development of women, scholars, educators, and policy makers advancing the work on older women's issues.
Title: Creating Healthy Lives: A Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Women's Health
Institute: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Contact: Terry Maricle
Cost: $5,000
Date: September 11-12, 1998
Location: Chicago, IL
The conference educated healthcare providers about the particular needs and concerns of lesbian/bisexual populations, identified barriers to service for lesbian/bisexual populations, and explored methods to increase accessibility of service; educated lesbian/bisexual women about the need for health behaviors that are health promoting, including routine care, and early detection and prevention of breast and cervical cancers, and increased essential knowledge about HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, tobacco use, mental health, and reproductive health; and stimulated new collaborations to enhance services to the lesbian/bisexual community.
Title: Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases Conference
Institute: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Contact: Suzanna Serrate-Sztein
Cost: $5,000
Date: August 29 - September 1, 1998
Location: Tronheim, Norway
The goals of this international conference were to present new work on the biology of pregnancy and of common rheumatic diseases and to develop new research directions. The aims for the proposed efforts were (1) to describe rheumatic diseases related to pregnancy in terms of the biology of pregnancy; (2) to present new biology of specific problems with well-studied pathogeneses; (3) to define consensus measurements criteria for fetal and maternal outcomes; (4) to pose pregnancy questions in the context of the biology of gender; and (5) to present a forum for discussion of important clinical topis.
Title: Motility of the Digestive Tract Research Directions and Priorities
Institute: National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Contact: Frank Hamilton
Cost: $5,000
Date: June 15-17, 1998
Location: Bethesda, MD
The workshop provided perspectives on recent developments in physiology, neurophysiology, smooth muscle molecular biology, development and plasticity of the interstitial cells of Cajal, neural circuitry and synaptic mechanisms in the enteric nervous system, and epidemiology and nomenclature of gastrointestinal motor disorders. Additionally, the workshop provided clinical aspects of motility disorders in children and adults. One of the foci of the conference was bowel disorders, which are two- to five times more prevalent in women compared to men. The work product of the conference will be a trans-institute RFA on functional bowel disorders, with special emphasis on women.
Title: Workshop on Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids and Psychiatric Disorders
Institute: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Contact: Jerry Cott
Cost: $5,000
Date: September 2-3, 1998
Location: Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, MD
The ORWH provided funding to in support of this workshop on the accumulating evidence that omega 3 fatty acids are of considerable importance in the etiology and treatment of mental disorders. Mammalian breast milk contains high concentrations of these fatty acids. Maternal health can be adversely affected by a deficiency in these fatty acids if their diets are low in essential fatty acids. It is hypothesized that postpartum depression may be caused by such a deficiency.
Title: Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Immunology (ASRI)
Institute: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Contact: Allan Lock
Cost: $5,000
Date: May 9-12, 1998
Location: Chicago, IL
The ORWH provided funding to support a total of 20 trainees (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty members) to attend the 1998 Annual Meeting of the ASRI. This support was specifically targeted to women trainees. The objective of this international meeting was to bring together clinicians and basic scientists to discuss contemporary topics in reproductive immunology, to share their research results, and to exchange ideas. Support of these trainees and junior faculty members allowed them to have an opportunity to attend lectures and discuss ideas with international experts in reproductive immunology and related fields. The meeting consists of six plenary sessions, including (1) Relationships between HLA and pregnancy; (2) Update on cyokines and other regulator molecules of pregnancy; (3) Novel pathways involved in pregnancy in animal models and relationship to human pregnancy; (4) State of the art symposium on HIV and the maternal-fetal interface; (5) Contributions of the mucosal immune system to successful pregnancy; and (6) Treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortions.
Title: Becoming A Mother in the Later Reproductive Years
Institute: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Contact: Donna Vogel
Cost: $5,000
Date: May 3-5, 1998
Location: Bethesda, MD
With delayed marriage and childbearing coupled with declining ovarian function, there is a need for infertility treatment and contraceptive options appropriate to woman over the age of 35. As pointed out in recent reports from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth, women over the age of 35 are a large and growing percentage (now 44.4%) of those with compromised fertility. This workshop explored basic, applied and clinical research directions and the needs for female fertility/infertility and contraceptive methods in the later reproductive years.
Title: Improving the Health of Lesbians
Institute: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Contact: Terry C. Maricle
Cost: $5,000
Date: June 12-13, 1998
Location: Chicago, IL
The objectives of the conference were two-fold: (1) to educate the lesbian community about health behaviors that are health promoting as well as those that are detrimental and constitute risk factors that may contribute to poor health; (2) to educate healthcare providers, school-based clinic providers, teachers, and school counselors serving the lesbian community, with the purpose of improving the understanding of the health care needs of the lesbian population and, as a result, develop models that educate the health provider community at large on lesbians and health care.
Title: 1998 Women's Health & Research Conference: Health Education on Special Populations (3rd Annual Conference)
Institute: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Contact: Joan McGowan
Cost: $5,000
Date: March 13-15, 1998
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
The primary purpose of the Women's Health and Research Conference was to network, to exchange ideas and set the stage for multi-disciplinary and inter-generational, student-faculty-practitioner collaborations. To broaden the interdisciplinary perspective of health at the conference, a special feature was its simultaneous linkage to two other annual conferences: the 21st meeting of the Southeastern Women's Studies Association and the Second International Festival of Women Composers. The purposes of the three conferences were to gather national and international leaders to exchange information on: (1) the range and demographics of diverse women; (2) health service models that address diverse females; (3) health education models that address special populations; (4) gaps in basic and applied health research on special populations of women; and (5) linkage to the humanities and other disciplines for healing and health promotion.
Title: Estrogens as Endogenous Carcinogens in the Breast & Prostate
Institute: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Contact: Karen Grotzinger
Cost: $5,000
Date: March 16-17, 1998
Location: Chantilly, VA
This meeting was planned to explore the role of endogenous estrogens in the etiology of human breast and prostate cancer. An international group of scientists shared viewpoints and constructed a more holistic understanding of the way estrogens induce cancer. Topics included metabolic activation of estrogens to carcinogenic forms, deactivation of carcinogenic metabolites, and the role of estrogen receptor-mediated processes in tumor induction. The goals of this meeting were to provide the attendees with an overview of the direction of research on estrogen-induced cancer and to identify biomarkers that can be useful in studies of cancer risk among humans in the future development of preventive strategies. The overview of the role of estrogens in cancer obtained from this meeting will be useful for scientists engaged in a variety of cancer-related studies, as well as for epidemiologist, health planners, journalists and members of advocacy groups for breast and other human cancers. The journal Science ran an article and news item on the conference and the proceedings will be published as a monograph of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Title: Women's Health: Occupation, Cancer & Reproduction
Institute: National Cancer Institute
Contact: Sheila Hoar Zahm (NCI)
Cost: $5,000
Date: May 14-15, 1998
Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
The goal of this international conference was to elucidate the possible links between occupation and cancer and reproductive problems in women. Gender differences in the etiology of breast and ovarian cancers, stomach cancer, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, hematolymphopoietic malignancies, central nervous system cancers, glioma, sinonasal cancer, bladder cancer were addressed. In addition, specific occupational hazards were explored, including exposure to organic solvents in dry cleaners and hair salons. The risks faced by female workers in the wood, paper, asbestos, silica, medical science/technology, nickel alloys, and vitreous fibers fields and industries was presented. Specific environmental risk "pockets" were examined including populations in Norway, Poland, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden, and other countries.
Title: Vaccine for the Prevention and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases Symposium
Institute: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Contact: Elaine Collier
Cost: $-0- (no funds requested)
Date: June 8, 1998
Location: Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, MD
The ORWH served as cosponsor in celebration of NIAID's 50th birthday, which included a symposium entitled "Vaccine for the Prevention and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases". Although the emphasis was on Insulin Dependent Diabetes Millelitus (IDDM), there were talks on other diseases as well.
Title: 11th Annual National Association of Professionals in Women's Health (NAPWH) Executive Summit on Women's Health Issues
Institute: The National Association of Professionals in Women's Health (NAPWH)
Contact: Missy Hession
Cost: $-0- (no funds requested)
Date: September 13-16, 1998
Location: Denver, CO
This conference of women's health professionals focused on the economics of healthcare, gender specific expertise in areas of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting women's health, patient-responsive care management, self-care competence, complementary medicine, models for women's health services, and advanced disease management programs. The ORWH was a named cosponsor.
Title: US/Mexico Border Conference on Women's Health
Institute: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Contact: Elva Ruiz
Cost: $2,000
Date: N/A
Location: N/A
The ORWH provided funding for the printing of the "Proceedings of the US/Mexico Border Conference on Women's Health". In September 1995, ORWH co-sponsored the US/Mexico Border Conference on Women's Health held at the South Padre Island Convention Center, South Padre Island, Texas. This conference had over 90 presentations and more than 600 participants. Approximately, half of the papers presented were obtained for inclusion in the proceedings. Data presented covered a wide-range of topics and diseases including breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer, smoking in Latinas, sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents, teen pregnancy, contraceptive technologies, prenatal care, AIDS/HIV in Hispanic populations, occupational health hazards, public outreach, diabetes, mental health in Latinas, domestic violence, and barriers to health care.
Title: Women's Health and Menopause Risk Reduction Strategies - Improved Quality of Health (3rd International Symposium )
Institute: Fondazione Giovanni Lorenzini Medical Science Foundation
Contact: Niki Thorak
Cost: $-0- (no funding requested)
Date: June 13-16, 1998
Location: Florence, Italy
The symposium consisted of plenary sessions, workshops, oral communications and posters targeted to an international audience. The new aspects of the acute and chronic conditions related to menopause were discussed by epidemiologists, clinicians, and basic scientists. To aid in closing the gap in current knowledge and stimulate future basic and clinical research, particular attention was given to cell biology and molecular mechanisms of hormone deficiency and their restoration. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was discussed by basic and clinical scientists. Indications for HRT have gone beyond menopause and this protocol is now considered as a prophylaxis against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Studies on HRT also show increasing evidence of behavioral, cognitive (memory and attention, in particular), and mood improvement in postmenopausal women. Analysis of benefits, risks, and costs of hormonal and non- hormonal treatments in different countries and their impact on the modulation of quality of life were presented.
Title: Gender and Pain: A Focus on How Pain Impacts Women Differently Than Men
Institute: National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR)
Contact: Joan Wilentz
Cost: $5,000
Date: April 7-8, 1998
Location: Bethesda, MD
The goals of the conference were: (1) to provide a forum for an overview of the issues of special pain problems related to women, with emphasis on how the pain problem affects women as opposed to a focus on the disease itself; (2) to highlight new and important work; (3) to stimulate interest in male and female differences and the special problems of pain in women; and (4) to stimulate novel collaborations that cut across different scientific disciplines.
Title: Women's Leadership Conference (American Association of Dental Schools)
Institute: National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR)
Contact: Susan Wise
Cost: $5,000
Date: June 20-22, 1998
Location: Nice, France
This conference was an opportunity for presentation and discussion of issues in three main areas relating to women in academia: education, research, and women's health. Presentations were given in the following areas: (1) preparation of women for advancement to senior administrative roles; (2) examination of international advancements of women in academia and research; (3) the issues related to entry/reentry in careers in academics and research; (4) emerging issues in women's oral health and research and incorporation into the curriculum; and (5) advancing the needs of junior faculty.
Title: Issues and Opportunities in Urinary Incontinence Workshop
Institute: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (NIDDK)
Contact: Leroy Nyberg
Cost: $5,000
Date: January 23-24, 1998
Location: Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, MD
Panels of speakers and breakout sessions were held that addressed research, education, epidemiological, and clinical issues in UI. Issues included: (1) a lack of a national initiative; (2) a deficiency in coordination and integration of issues; (3) low priority in research; (4) lack of awareness of UI and pelvic floor dysfunction; (5) that such disorders are "normal"; (6) the embarrassment and stigma that may prevent patients from seeking treatment; and (7) a lack of standardized, interdisciplinary definitions, tests, measurements, and forms. Recommendations to address these issues included: (1) creation of a consortium and a Federal Center; (2) preparation of "Position Statements" on need for medical care; (3) integration of Federal initiatives; (4) lobbying of funding for research and training in this area; (5) raising awareness through education of primary care providers; (6) initiation of UI instruction in year one of medical school; (7) dissemination of multilingual materials; (8) establishment of a National Bladder Health Week or National Incontinence Awareness Week; (9) classification of types and degrees of incontinence with standardized definitions, evaluation, and diagnostic tests; (10) development and validation of patient survey instruments; (11) establishment of treatment outcome measurements; (12) review and selection of the best ICs standards; and (13) encouragement of journals in the use of standards in reviews of papers.
Title: Recognition and Management of Bleeding Disorders in Women
Institute: The National Hemophilia Foundation
Contact: N/A
Cost: $-0- (no funding requested)
Date: March 28-29, 1998
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Loretta Finnegan, on Dr. Vivian Pinn's behalf, participated in this conference, which was focused on bleeding disorders in women. Topics included the differential diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding, von Willebrand disease, factor XI deficiency and other hereditary disorders of hemostasis, public health issues, thrombocytopenic purpura, acquired hemostatic disorders, use of anticoagulants in women, and recommendations for the future.
Title: Linking Environmental Agents and Autoimmune Disease: Models and Mechanisms
Institute: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Contact: Jerrold Heindel
Cost: $5,000
Date: September 1-3, 1998
Location: NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, NC
The purpose of this workshop was to bring together immunologists, developmental biologists, autoimmune specialists, epidemiologist, molecular biologists and toxicologists to define the state of the art, data gaps and future directions/research needed to understand the mechanistic link and importance of environmental agents in the initiation and exacerbation of the various forms of autoimmune diseases. Monetary awards of $700 were given to young investigators to encourage their participation.
Title: Future of Managed Care and Women's Health: New Directions for the 21st Century National Conference
Institute: Public Health Services - Office of Women's Health (PHS/OWH)
Contact: Elena Rios
Cost: $- 0 - (no funding requested)
Date: January 26-27, 1998
Location: Washington, DC
The conference addressed the impact and role of managed care on the quality of care and women's health. Concurrent sessions addressed preventive health and early detection, clinical management in reproductive health across the life span, systems/service delivery: comprehensive programs in women's health, population demographics and challenges for managed care, quality and health care, methodological challenges for developing outcome measures, and managed care's role in promoting the health of women as relevant to biomedical research and managed care organizations.
Title: Novel Perspectives on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: From Basic Research to Clinical Applications
Institute: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Contact: Susana Serrate-Sztein
Cost: $5,000
Date: November 6-8, 1997
Location: Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, MD
The purpose of this conference was to provide a series of workshops to review basic scientific research and how this research applies to the clinical disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This conference brought together immunologists, cell biologists, geneticists, and molecular biologists to try to understand the cellular and molecular interactions within lymphoid tissues that lead to a breakdown in self-tolerance and the events in target organs that lead to antibody- and/or cytokine-mediated tissue injury. These new insights into immune cell activation and death, into pathways of tissue destruction, and into modulators of lymphocyte or target cell function have suggested new therapies in SLE. The impact of these therapies on the immunocompetence of the host is critical to an assessment of their potential efficacy.
Title: Public Health in the 21st Century: Behavioral and Social Science Contributions
Institute: American Psychological Association (APA)
Contact: Julia Silver
Cost: $5,000
Date: May 7-9, 1998
Location: Atlanta, GA
The conference was a multi-disciplinary effort to address the importance of applying behavioral and social science in public health initiatives with the participation of approximately 600 researchers in medicine, public health and behavioral and social sciences. The conference showcased applications of behavioral and social sciences to public health issues such as AIDS, chronic diseases, injury prevention, violence, environmental health and explored how lessons learned from interventions can be applied to other populations, diseases, and settings.
Title: 3rd International Symposium Hormonal Carcinogenesis Conference
Institute: National Institute of Cancer (NCI)
Contact: Karen Grotzinger
Cost: $4,000
Date: September 6-12, 1998
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
This symposium was designed to bring together a group of epidemiologists, basic scientists, and clinicians of widely diverse disciplines, including cell and molecular biology, endocrinology, biochemistry, reproductive toxicology, pathology, gynecology medicine, and epidemiology. The symposia have become the premier international forum for both USA and foreign researchers studying the role of hormones and other growth regulators in the initiation, promotion, and progression of hormonal cancers. Symposia and State-of-the-Art lectures was presented by investigators on subjects pertinent to hormonal carcinogenesis. The clinical session focused on the benefits and risks of hormone and estrogen replacement therapy in women, including both basic and clinical studies.
Title: Working Group on the Prevention of Risk Drinking in Pregnancy
Institute: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Contact: Jan Howard
Cost: $- 0 - (no funding requested)
Date: April 23-24, 1998
Location: Bethesda, MD
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation and birth defects in the world. In this conference, researchers and clinicians representing a variety of areas met to present results of past and ongoing studies, with information on successes as well as unsuccessful interventions. A proceedings was published and an RFA has been developed, with ORWH cosponsorship, to stimulate research in this area.
Title: Behavioral & Metabolic Sub-phenotypes in Obesities
Institute: National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Contact: Barbara Harrison
Cost: $5,000
Date: June 20-26, 1998
Location: Snowmass Village, CO
The major goal of this conference was to review the current evidence regarding obesity phenotypes with emphasis on genetic and molecular aspects. Additional goals were to bring together senior and junior scientists with worldwide expertise in the field of genetics, behavior, substrate metabolism, and metabolic complications; to provide an evaluation of current knowledge regarding the behavioral and metabolic factors involved in the etiology of obesity; and to allow junior investigators to further develop their investigative skills by interacting with senior and established scientists in the field.
Title: International Workshop Evaluating Research Needs on the Use and Safety of Medicinal Herbs
Institute: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Contact: Anne Sassaman
Cost: $5,000
Date: September 23-24, 1998
Location: NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, NC
The workshop focused on the efficacy and safety of medicinal herbs and included workshop sessions on benefits and risks associated with the use of medicinal herbs; international research on the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements and medicinal herbs worldwide; research on medicinal herbs and dietary supplements in the U.S.; and a panel discussion on research needs to assure safety of medicinal herbs and dietary supplements in the U.S.
Title: Emerging Issues in Microbial Infections and Cardiovascular Diseases
Institute: National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Contact: Milton Hernandez
Cost: $4,000
Date: October 29-30, 1998
Location: Bethesda, MD
This conference was planned to include representation from the National Institute of Dental Research, the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute, other health institutes and academic institutions. The conference provided a forum for scientists to discuss: (1) the epidemiological associations of infection and cardiovascular diseases and (2) current experimental models used for epidemiological associations including gender differences in some immune defense mechanisms. Discussion and presentation of the mechanisms of pathogenesis as well as recommendations to address these issues were planned.
Title: Multicultural Aspects of Breast Cancer Workshop
Institute: PHS/DHHS
Contact: Carrie Hunter
Cost: $5,000
Date: March 18-20, 1999
Location: Washington, D.C.
Planning is underway at this time to identify content and speakers. The workshop on the "Multicultural Aspects of Breast Cancer Etiology" is scheduled for next Spring, 1999. This workshop will bring together some 300 participants from across the Nation to discuss in plenary and breakout sessions various aspect of breast cancer etiology, the research status and gaps, and recommendations to address current and future needs in this area.
Title: Adventures in Health, Education and Agricultural Development, Inc. (AHEAD) International Teleconferences
Institute: Public Health Services - Office of Women's Health (PHS/OWH)
Contact: Elena Rios
Cost: $5,000
Date: March 25, 1998 Location: Howard University, Washington, DC
AHEAD has organized international teleconferences to provide an exchange of information between women throughout Africa and the Caribbean and the United States. The international conferences provided a forum for experts in the field of women's health and the global community to exchange information and create strategies to help resolve problems confronting women worldwide. AHEAD organized the Second International Teleconferences series on Women's Health entitled "Healthy Behaviors". This teleconference, the first in the series of four, was held on March 25, 1998 at Howard University. Experts in the field of women's health addressed issues of great concern to women worldwide; infectious diseases, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, STDs, Violence Prevention, Harmful Practices and the Mature Woman (Beyond the Child Bearing Years).
Title: Montgomery County Women's Fair
Institute: National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Contact: Angela Magliozzi
Cost: $2944
Date: March 18, 1998
Location: Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, MD
The 1998 Montgomery County Women's Fair, in it's 18th year, serves the residents of Montgomery County and surrounding areas as a forum for a wide range of self-discovery opportunities (i.e., entrepreneurial coaching; technical training; career, family and financial strategies; equality and diversity issues; travel, networking, learning, health and business promotion). The Fair has a long history of attracting the highest quality workshop presenters and exhibitors. For a minimal cost of $10.00, attendees availed themselves of a full day of workshops and networking.
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