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August 2004 Events * Conference to Bridge Drug Abuse Clinical Practice and Treatment Gap Topic(s): Drug Abuse When: September 27�, 2004 Where: Marriott Renaissance, Detroit, MI Institute: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) A gap exists in the drug abuse field, like others, between clinical practice and scientific research. To help bridge this gap, NIDA is hosting Blending Clinical Practice and Research: Forging Partnerships in the Great Lakes States to Enhance Drug Addiction Treatment. This two-day conference will bring together clinicians and researchers to examine cutting-edge scientific findings about drug abuse and addiction and ways to apply this knowledge to clinical practice. Among those encouraged to attend are drug treatment counselors, social workers, healthcare providers, criminal justice staff, marriage and family counselors, public health workers, physicians, researchers interested in drug abuse and addiction issues, and the media. Organizing the conference with NIDA are the Great Lakes Clinical Trials Network and Wayne State University. Next Steps The conference registratuion fee is $100. For more information and to register, call Stacy Ringwelski at (240) 485-1700. * Drug Addiction from Basic Research to Therapies Topic(s): Drug Abuse When: September 9�, 2004 Where: NIH Campus, Natcher Auditorium, Bethesda, MD Institute: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Drug addiction is a major societal problem, disrupting individual lives and incurring staggering costs to society as a whole. Progress at the basic science level has been impressive, but effective treatment of addiction remains a daunting challenge. Insights into the underlying neurobiological and molecular mechanisms show promise in spurring novel treatments for addiction and other neurological disorders. In view of this, NIDA will host a symposium, Drug Addiction: From Basic Research to Therapies, as part of the NIDA Frontiers in Science meeting. This conference will focus on the translation of fundamental addiction research to a variety of treatments, bringing together scientists in molecular biology, genetics, and neuroscience with researchers in pharmacogenetics, drug discovery, drug targeting and development, and quantitative therapeutics. Participation by scientists from industry will serve to highlight new therapies currently under commercial development. Next Steps Registration is required and is free only for NIH employees. To register and obtain information, visit www.aapspharmaceutica.com/meetings/files/31/FRONTIERS-AAPS.pdf. For other information, contact Rao Rapaka, Ph.D., at (301) 443-6975 or at rrapaka@mail.nih.gov. More information is also available at www.drugabuse.gov. * Drug Harm Exhibit at Times Square in New York City Topic(s): Drug Abuse When: September 14, 2004朏ebruary 1, 2005 Where: One Times Square, New York City, NY Institute: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) An exhibit on the historic and contemporary connections between global drug trafficking and terrorism will open at One Times Square in New York City and run for four-and-a-half months. Entitled Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause, it is geared toward students, but large attendance by the general public is likely because of the high profile tourist location. One of the exhibit's features is a Memorial Wall to individuals, famous and ordinary, who have lost their lives to drug abuse or addiction. Another feature is a section on Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) topics, such as drug production and trafficking. The exhibit is coordinated by the DEA. Other agencies involved include NIDA, which has developed information and graphics for a photomural wall and the Memorial Wall, along with several other federal and private agencies. The exhibit is free and will be open every day of the week, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Next Steps For further information, contact (212) 337-1265 or visit www.usdoj.gov/dea/deamuseum/website/index.html. * Future Addiction Research is Topic of Convention Topic(s): Drug Abuse When: October 22, 2004 Where: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA Institute: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Experts from many scientific disciplines will discuss recent findings and future research on addiction at a mini-convention, sponsored by NIDA, titled Frontiers in Addiction Research. Sessions are open to the public as well as scientists and include: o Behavioral Neuroscience of Nicotine Addiction. o Creative Directions in Imaging. o Poster Presentations. o Mechanisms of Brain Resiliency and Repair. o The Role of Glutamate in Drug Addiction. o Keynote Speaker: Jacob A. Waletzky Award Recipient Presentation. The mini-convention will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, a nonprofit organization of physicians and scientists who conduct basic research on the brain and nervous system. The Jacob A. Waletzky Award is granted annually by the Society for Neuroscience to a young scientist in this field. Next Steps Registration is required and costs $25 before 6 p.m. Pacific Time on October 8 or $35 thereafter. More information is available at www.masimax.com/frontiers2004. * HIV Vaccine Issues Discussed at United States Conference on AIDS 2004 Topic(s): HIV/AIDS When: October 21�, 2004 Where: Philadelphia Marriott Hotel, Philadelphia, PA Institute: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Participants at the largest national AIDS workers' conference, the United States Conference on AIDS (USCA) will be able to hear about the latest developments in HIV vaccine research and the importance of clinical trial participation. Speaking on those subjects will be NIAID representatives, who will network with more than 4,000 dedicated case managers, physicians, public health workers, advocates, policy makers, and other leaders. NIAID抯 HIV Vaccine Communications Campaign will participate in a special full-day session sponsored by NIH. Representatives will discuss preventive HIV vaccine research and the importance of incorporating this research into larger HIV prevention strategies. In addition, members of NIAID-funded community advisory boards and constituency groups will provide a morning session on the importance of clinical trial participation, particularly for underrepresented populations. The conference's main sponsor is the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC). Next Steps For information, contact Matthew Murgu韆 at (301) 435-7164 or visit the conference Web site at http://www.nmac.org/conferences/usca2004. Registration ranges from $375�$550. * HIV Vaccine Research on Agenda at U.S. Minority Women抯 Health Summit Topic(s): HIV/AIDS, Minority Outreach When: August 12�, 2004 Where: JW Marriott Hotel, Washington, DC Institute: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Research on an HIV vaccine and the implications for women of color will be discussed by an NIAID Vaccine Communications Campaign representative at this year's National Minority Women's Health Summit. On August 14, Brenda Larkin, R.N., B.S.N., research nurse at NIAID's Vaccine Research Center, will deliver a poster and a talk on the topic. Attendees at the three-day conference will also receive valuable information to help further their professional knowledge about promising new HIV prevention technologies. Next Steps Registration for the Summit is $175. For more information, contact Matthew Murgu韆 at (301) 435-7164 or visit www.4woman.gov/mwhs. * Latino/Latina Community to Hear about HIV Vaccine Research Topic(s): HIV/AIDS, Population Groups When: October 7�, 2004 Where: Washington Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center, Seattle, WA Institute: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) At an upcoming conference, the Latino and Latina community can learn more about HIV vaccine research and what this means for them at a plenary presentation by NIAID HIV Vaccine Communications Campaign representative Dennis Torres. Mr. Torres will collaborate with Gary Chovnick, M.P.H., Seattle HIV Vaccine Trial Unit, to speak at El Encuentro conference sponsored by the non-profit National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Organization (LLEG�). Next Steps For more information, contact Matthew Murgu韆 at (301) 435-7164 or visit the conference Web site at www.llego.org/pages_e10/e10_main.htm. Registration costs $100�$200, depending on status. * Learn How Addiction and Obesity May Be Linked Topic(s): Drug Abuse, Food, Nutrition and Metabolism When: August 31, 2004 Where: NSC building, NIH, Rockville, MD Institute: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Mounting evidence suggests chronic overeating is a compulsive behavior that shares characteristics with substance abuse and addiction. New research findings on these associated behaviors may have treatment implications for people struggling with various forms of addiction and drug abuse. NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D., and Penn State University Associate Professor of Clinical Nutrition Rebecca L. Corwin, R.D., Ph.D., will share insights into the relationships between addiction mechanisms, eating disorders, and obesity. Next Steps The meeting is open to the pubic. More information is available at www.drugabuse.gov. * Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Health Summit Discusses HIV Prevention Topic(s): HIV/AIDS When: August 25�, 2004 Where: Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, MA Institute: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) New HIV prevention technologies are the focus of a workshop, Prevention Reloaded, to be presented at a conference by the NIAID HIV Vaccine Communications Campaign and the international, privately funded Global Campaign for Microbicides. Campaign representatives Ben Perkins, M.S.W., and Edd Lee will speak at the conference, the second Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Health Summit. Campaign representatives will also present information about recent developments in HIV vaccine research to activists, researchers, community members, health care professionals, and allies who work to promote the health and wellness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Next Steps Registration for the conference is $175. For further information, contact Matthew Murgu韆 at (301) 435-7164 or visit www.healthsummit2004.org. * Rocky Mountain Laboratories Host Pandemic Flu Symposium Topic(s): Infectious Diseases When: September 15, 2004 Where: Hamilton High School Performing Arts Center, Hamilton, MT Institute: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) While infectious diseases such as SARS, West Nile virus, and Ebola hemorrhagic fever attract significant public attention, health practitioners know that an impending influenza pandemic is probably the most significant public health threat that we face today. This has prompted NIAID抯 Rocky Mountain Laboratories to host a public symposium on influenza. Kanta Subbarao, M.D., senior investigator in the Respiratory Viruses Section of NIAID抯 Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, will discuss influenza virology. George Risi, M.D., director of the St. Patrick Hospital infection control program in Missoula, Montana, will discuss clinical aspects of influenza, including vaccination and therapy. Herbert Swick, M.D., executive director of the St. Patrick Hospital Institute of Medicine and Humanities, will discuss historical considerations of human influenza, including epidemics and pandemics. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services will broadcast the symposium to each of the State's county health offices. Next Steps For more information, contact Ken Pekoc at (406) 375-9690. * THE EYE SITE Exhibit on Low Vision Will Visit 16 Malls in 2004 Topic(s): Eyes and Vision When: March 1朞ctober 16, 2004 Where: Las Vegas, NV; Cheyenne, WY; Owensboro and Ashland, KY; Phoenix and Tucson, AZ; Presque Isle, ME Institute: National Eye Institute (NEI) To help people understand low vision (vision problems that interfere with a person's ability to perform everyday activities) and to explain what people with vision loss can do to stay independent, NEI developed THE EYE SITE: A Traveling Exhibit on Low Vision for Shopping Centers. The exhibit will visit 16 shopping malls during 2004, in Arizona, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Vermont, and Wyoming.Two identical exhibits have been on tour since 2001. By the end of 2003, they had traveled to 57 malls in 25 states and the District of Columbia. Since THE EYE SITE tour was launched, the NEI has: o Provided more than 30 million people with the opportunity to visit the exhibit and learn about low vision. o Distributed more than 50,000 publications. o Worked with more than 65 vision-related organizations to offer nearly 150 public events. Next Steps Members of the public can visit the exhibit during regular business hours at any mall on the tour. For more information, visit THE EYE SITE Web site at www.nei.nih.gov/nehep/eyesite. * V I S I O N Traveling Exhibit Visits Nashville, TN Topic(s): Eyes and Vision When: May 29朞ctober 3, 2004 Where: Nashville, TN Institute: National Eye Institute (NEI) V I S I O N, a traveling exhibit on eye-brain coordination and research into protecting sight, is visiting Tennessee. The exhibit explains how the eye focuses light, how we perceive motion and color, and how the brain processes visual information into a meaningful picture.V I S I O N was developed as part of the NEI抯 25th anniversary celebration. The 2,000-square-foot exhibit illustrates how the eye and brain work together to create vision and how researchers are developing ways to protect our sight from visual disorders and diseases. The exhibit includes 10 interactive modules developed by the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Since the exhibit was launched in 1993, it has visited science museums in 30 cities and been seen by more than 5 million visitors. Next Steps Visitors can see the exhibit during regular museum hours. Find more information on the V I S I O N exhibit Web site at www.nei.nih.gov/education/visionexhibit/index.asp or visit the Adventure Science Center Web site at www.adventuresci.com. Resources * Infant Screening and Hearing Loss Fact Sheets Topic(s): Hearing Loss Format: Fact Sheet Institute: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) The chances are that you know a baby born in August, because more babies are born that month than in any other. This also means that more babies are screened for hearing loss in August, helped by new screening guidelines and laws in many states, which brings the immense benefit of early hearing loss detection. Parents should remember to have their child's hearing screened and, if follow-up is required, to keep all the appointments. "Children diagnosed with early infant deafness who are offered language intervention before they are six months old develop significantly better language skills than those who do not," says NIDCD Director James Battey, M.D., Ph.D. NIDCD fact sheets explain the importance of infant screening and hearing loss, and describe what parents can do if they have a deaf or hard-of-hearing child. The fact sheets include: o Has your Baby's Hearing Been Screened? o What to Do if Your Baby's Screening Reveals a Possible Problem. o Communication Considerations for Parents of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children. Next Steps View the fact sheets online at www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/index.asp. Spanish versions are also available. To order free copies, contact the NIDCD Clearinghouse, 1 Communication Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20892-3456, or call toll-free (800) 241-1044 [TTY (800) 241-1055], or e-mail nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov. * New Manual Provides Data on Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Topic(s): Alcohol / Alcohol Abuse / Alcoholism Format: Manual Institute: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) If you want to learn about U.S. alcohol consumption, given on a state-by-state basis, you can read the recently published manual, U.S. Apparent Consumption of Alcohol Beverages. This manual, published by NIAAA, is part of the U.S. Alcohol Epidemiologic Data Reference Manual series. The information was reported directly to the Alcohol Epidemiologic Data System by alcohol beverage control boards or other state agencies. Next Steps To order copies of the manual, contact the NIAAA communications office at (301) 443-3860. * New Oral Health and Developmental Disabilities Publications Available Topic(s): Oral Health Format: Publication Series Institute: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) People with mild or moderate developmental disabilities often require specialized dental care. NIDCR has produced a series of publications, Practical Oral Care for People with Developmental Disabilities: Making a Difference, that aims to equip dental professionals in the community with the basic information they need to provide quality oral care to these patients. Publications include background information on developmental disabilities, and address the oral health problems common in people with these disorders. Treatment strategies emphasize adapting standard care procedures to accommodate the needs of this patient population. Also available is a guide for caregivers on home-based oral hygiene, a brochure on completing a safe wheelchair transfer in the dental office, and a two-credit-hour continuing education test for dentists and dental hygienists. The following publications are now available: o For dental professionalsContinuing Education: Practical Oral Care for People With Developmental Disabilities o Practical Oral Care for People With Autism o Practical Oral Care for People With Cerebral Palsy o Practical Oral Care for People With Down Syndrome o Practical Oral Care for People With Mental Retardation o Wheelchair Transfer: A Health Care Provider抯 Guide o For caregiversDental Care Every Day: A Caregiver抯 Guide NIDCR抯 partners in this project are the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Special Care Dentistry梐 public benefit corporation. Next Steps To order free copies of Practical Oral Care publications, call the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse at (301) 402-7364, visit www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov, or e-mail nohic@nidcr.nih.gov. * Read about a Familial Lung Cancer Gene and Advances against CML Topic(s): Cancers Format: Newsletter, Newsletter Institute: National Cancer Institute (NCI) People interested in whether our genes can predispose them to lung cancer can read about a discovery of a potential familial lung cancer gene or genes. This discovery is encouraging news in the fight against this devastating cancer. It is explained in an article in the July 27 issue of the NCI Cancer Bulletin. Readers can also learn about advances in the fight against chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Some patients showed resistance to the widely hailed drug Gleevec (imatinib), but a new drug compound appears to override this resistance. Other topics in this week's issue include: o A study finding that false-positive results in a lung screening trial can affect subjects' continued participation in the trial. o A study reporting that people living in states where third-party reimbursement for medical costs is mandatory are more likely to enroll in clinical trials than in states where such reimbursement is not required by law. o A special report on the recent Cancer Health Disparities Summit meeting. o This edition's featured clinical trial, which focuses on characterizing those individuals at high risk for blood-related cancers. Next Steps View the NCI Cancer Bulletin at www.nci.nih.gov/ncicancerbulletin-archive. * Read about Drug Addition, New Synthetic Pain Reliever, and Rats on Ecstasy Topic(s): Drug Abuse Format: Newsletter Institute: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) The disease of drug addiction, a new synthetic pain reliever, and how rats fare on ecstasy are all topics covered in a free newsletter for the public, NIDA Notes, produced by NIDA. The interactions of genes, proteins, brain cells, brain circuits and pathways, and behavior are all factors behind the complex brain disease that is generally called addiction. NIDA has launched an initiative, the Brain, Behavior, and Health Initiative to support research into the integrated roles of all these factors behind addiction. NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D., notes that we cannot fully understand the brain by looking at its parts in isolation. This health initiative provides the structure and strategy necessary to develop a comprehensive picture of the biological and environmental factors that interact and lead to drug abuse, dependence, and addiction. The initiative is described in NIDA Notes. Readers can also learn about a new synthetic compound that may be as effective as opioids for treating pain resulting from injury to nerves. The compound, tested in rats, acts on cannabinoid receptors, but does not cause typical side effects such as nausea, sedation, or depression that are associated with other pain-relieving cannabinoids. Another article covers the benefit to high school students of a biology and chemistry curriculum that teaches scientific concepts using drugs as examples. NIDA Notes also features a new tool for evaluating a child抯 neurobehavioral disinhibition梐 suite of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive characteristics梐nd how this can predict the child抯 vulnerability to substance abuse later in life. The publication also describes a study on rats exposed to the drug MDMA (an acronym for its chemical name, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, known as Ecstasy) and how they showed significant behavioral and neurochemical deficits compared with unexposed rats. Next Steps To view NIDA Notes, Volume 19, Number 2, online or sign up for an e-mail or print-version subscription, visit www.drugabuse.gov/NIDA_Notes/NNIndex.html. For other information, contact NIDA Notes Editor David Anderson at (301) 594-6149 or at danders1@mail.nih.gov. Announcements * Diabetes Web Site Wins Award Topic(s): Community Outreach Where: Nationwide Institute: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Diabetes information is easier to obtain, following a redesign of the National Diabetes Education Program抯 (NDEP) Web site. The site won an award in recognition of its improvements. NDEP redesigned its site to make it more user-friendly and easier to navigate. The site was recognized by the Apex Awards for Publication Excellence as one of the Most Improved Web and Internet Sites of 2004. The Apex Award is an annual competition for writers, editors, publications staff, and business and nonprofit communicators. NDEP is a program of NIDDK and the Centers for Disease Controls. Next Steps The NDEP site is at www.ndep.nih.gov. * Eye Web Site Wins Two World Wide Web Health Awards Topic(s): Eyes and Vision Institute: National Eye Institute (NEI) The NEI's Web site recently won two World Wide Web Health Awards. The site garnered a Merit Award for Patient Information and a Bronze Award for Miscellaneous/Professional Information. The World Wide Web Health Awards recognize the best health-related Web sites for consumers and professionals. The awards are given twice a year, with the goal of providing a "seal of quality" for electronic health information. The World Wide Web Health Awards program is organized by the Health Information Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for consumer health-information programs and materials. Since receiving these awards, the NEI has further enhanced its Web site with a redesign that incorporates the most current usability standards and best practice guidelines to ensure accessibility. Next Steps To view NEI's award-winning Web site, visit www.nei.nih.gov. * Group on Publicizing Kidney Disease to Hold Meeting Topic(s): Kidney and Urinary System When: September 20�, 2004 Where: Hyatt Regency, Crystal City, VA Institute: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) The third annual meeting of the Steering Committee for the National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP) will discuss the year's accomplishments and future directions for the program. The 37-member group of voluntary and professional organizations assists NIDDK to increase awareness of kidney disease and stress the importance of testing those at high risk, and to highlight the tools available to prevent or slow kidney failure. Next Steps For additoinal information, please contact Elisa Gladstone at (301) 435-8116 or gladstoneE@extra.niddk.nih.gov. or visit www.nkdep.nih.gov. * Members of the Public and Scientists Discuss Mental Health Research Priorities Topic(s): Mental Health and Behavior When: July 19, 2004 Where: Bethesda, MD Institute: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) The NIMH mission is to reduce the burden of mental and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior. To achieve this, especially in a time of fiscal restraint, the Institute is consulting with many groups of stakeholders to set strategic priorities. In July, approximately 35 representatives of patient and family organizations participated in a discussion about mental health research priorities. The NIMH Alliance for Research Progress Alliance meeting presented an opportunity for NIMH staff to hear and learn directly from the representatives about their views and concerns regarding the direction of future research. NIMH Director Thomas R. Insel, M.D., also presented his vision for NIMH's future research agenda. Dr. Insel led the meeting by explaining his views on the Institute's current and future directions, and recent steps taken toward implementing his vision. There was also a lively, prolonged discussion among the advocates, Dr. Insel, and other NIMH staff. NIMH received additional input through breakout sessions on public trust, "Science to Service," and the next generation of NIMH clinical trials. NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., presented the keynote address and engaged in a lively discussion with attendees about NIH activities, including multi-institute initiatives such as the NIH Roadmap, the Public Trust Initiative, and the Neuroscience Blueprint. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Director Story C. Landis, Ph.D., and National Institute of Nursing Research Director Patricia Grady, Ph.D., also participated in the discussion. Next Steps For more information on NIMH Outreach, visit the Web site at www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/index.cfm. * New Drug Treatment for Alcoholism Approved Topic(s): Alcohol / Alcohol Abuse / Alcoholism When: July 29, 2004 Where: Washington, DC Institute: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) For the first time in a decade, a new drug has been approved for alcohol-dependent people who stop drinking and want to remain alcohol free. The drug, Campral (acamprosate), was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 29, 2004. However, Campral may not be effective in patients who are actively drinking at the start of treatment, nor in patients who abuse other substances in addition to alcohol. The FDA announced that while Campral's mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is thought to act on the brain pathways related to alcohol abuse. Campral was demonstrated to be safe and effective by multiple placebo-controlled clinical studies involving alcohol-dependent patients who had already been withdrawn from alcohol, (that is, detoxified). Campral proved superior to placebo in maintaining abstinence (keeping patients off alcohol consumption), as indicated by a greater percentage of acamprosate-treated subjects being assessed as continuously abstinent throughout treatment. Campral is not addicting and was generally well tolerated in clinical trials. The most common adverse events included headache, diarrhea, flatulence, and nausea. Next Steps The manufacturer of Campral is Lipha Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Lyon, France. * Partnership Network Meeting Held to Promote Diabetes Education Topic(s): Population Groups, Population Groups When: December 7� 2004 Where: Sheraton Colony Square Midtown, Atlanta, GA Institute: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) To further partnerships in the effort to educate people about diabetes, NIDDK's National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is sponsoring its fourth Partnership Network Meeting. This year's theme is Linking Hands Linking Partnerships, LINKS: Learn to Implement NDEP's Knowledge and Successes. Next Steps The deadline for those submitting abstracts for presentation at the meeting is Friday, August 27. For more guidelines about the abstracts and more information about the meeting, visit www.ndeppn2004.org. or contact Joanne Gallivan, NDEP Director, 301-496-3583.