kristoff@GENBANK.BIO.NET (Dave Kristofferson) (12/23/89)
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989
NOTICES
REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAMS ON THE RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH IN
NATIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE AWARD INSTITUTIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS ..(83/117)... 1
National Institutes of Health
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration
Index: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
ALCOHOL, DRUG ABUSE, AND MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
NIH/FDA REGIONAL WORKSHOPS - PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS ..(120/193)........ 1
National Institutes of Health
Food and Drug Administration
Index: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
DATED ANNOUNCEMENTS (RFPs AND RFAs)
EXPLORATORY CENTER GRANT ON THE HEALTH AND EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF
OLDER RURAL POPULATIONS (RFA) ....................(199/276, 1044/1509)....... 2
National Institute on Aging
Index: AGING
NATIONAL MULTI-PURPOSE RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTER (RFA) ................... 3
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Index: DEAFNESS, COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (279/391, 1768/2449)
OBESITY RESEARCH CENTER (CORE CENTER) GRANT (RFA) ..(401/497, 1512/1616)..... 5
National Institute on Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Index: DIABETES, DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES
CORE GRANTS FOR CLINICAL NUTRITION RESEARCH UNITS (RFA) ..................... 6
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institute on Aging (500/624, 1619/1765)
Index: DIABETES, DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES, AGING
ONGOING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
AVAILABILITY OF INDIVIDUAL POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN GENOMIC
ANALYSIS AND TECHNOLOGY ............................(644/716)................ 8
National Center for Human Genome Research
Index: HUMAN GENOME
THE NCI OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATOR AWARD .............(721/809)................ 9
National Cancer Institute
Index: CANCER
NEONATAL NURSING CARE OF LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS ...(812/1017)...............10
National Center for Nursing Research
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Index: NURSING RESEARCH, CHILD HEALTH, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
NOTICES
REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAMS ON THE RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH IN NATIONAL
RESEARCH SERVICE AWARD INSTITUTIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
P.T. 44; K.W. 1014004, 1014006
National Institutes of Health
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration
A fundamental aspect of research is that it be conducted in an ethical and
scientifically responsible manner. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (ADAMHA) supported
research training programs are notable for producing high quality researchers
in the various fields of biomedical and behavioral science. Within this
framework of excellence and relevance, it is important that attention be
directed towards scientific integrity in the conduct of research.
Most universities and academic institutions have practices and procedures to
ensure the responsible conduct of research. These may include informal
seminars and presentations on conflict of interest, data recording and
retention, professional standards and codes of conduct, responsible
authorship, institutional policies and procedures for handling allegations of
misconduct, policies regarding the use of human and animal subjects, etc. or
formal courses on bioethics, research conduct, the ideals of science, etc.
To address this aspect of research training, the NIH and ADAMHA are revising
the administrative guidelines for all National Research Service Award
institutional training grants to require that a program in the principles of
scientific integrity be an integral part of the proposed research training
effort.
Effective July 1, 1990, all competing National Research Service Award
institutional training grant applications must include a description of the
formal or informal activities related to the instruction about the responsible
conduct of research that will be incorporated into the proposed research
training program.
NIH/FDA REGIONAL WORKSHOPS - PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS
P.T. 42; K.W. 0783005
National Institutes of Health
Food and Drug Administration
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) are continuing to sponsor a series of workshops on responsibilities of
researchers, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), and institutional officials
for the protection of human subjects in biomedical and behavioral research.
The workshops are open to everyone with an interest in research. The meetings
should be of special interest to those persons currently serving or about to
begin serving as a member of an IRB. Issues discussed at these workshops are
relevant to the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration as well
as other Public Health Service agencies. The current schedule includes:
Dates: January 11-12, 1990
Location: Houston, Texas
Title of Workshop: "1990 IRB Challenges"
Contact: Ms. Laurie Flowers
Conference Coordinator
Affiliated Systems Corporation
1200 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 540
Houston, Texas 77056-3104
Telephone: (713) 439-0210
Dates: March 8-9, 1990
Title: "IRB Issues"
Contact: Ms. Mary Jane Peratt
Secretary, IRB
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
4200 East 9th Avenue, Box C290
Denver, Colorado 80262
Telephone: (303) 270-7960
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 1
Dates: June 22-23, 1990 (originally scheduled for May 14-15, 1990)
Title: "NIH/FDA Regional Human Subjects Protections Workshop"
Contact: University of Washington
Continuing Medical Education
Washington Building, Suite 2000
1325 4th Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
Telephone: (206) 543-1050
Dates: July 19-20, 1990
Title: "NIH/FDA Regional Human Subjects Protections Workshop"
Contact: Ms. Leigh Tenkku
Assistant Director of Research Administration
Jewish Hospital of St. Louis
216 South Kings Highway
St. Louis, Missouri 63110
Telephone: (314) 454-8322
NIH/FDA have planned human subjects regional workshops in other parts of the
United States. For further information regarding these workshops contact:
Darlene Marie Ross
Education Program Coordinator
Office for Protection from Research Risks
National Institutes of Health
Building 31, Room 5B62
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-8101
DATED ANNOUNCEMENTS (RFPs AND RFAs)
EXPLORATORY CENTER GRANT ON THE HEALTH AND EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF OLDER
RURAL POPULATIONS
RFA AVAILABLE: AG-90-01
P.T. 04; K.W. 0710010, 0404000, 0414000, 0730000
National Institute on Aging
Application Receipt Date: March 20, 1990
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) invites Exploratory Center Grant
applications (P20) to establish a coordinated, multidisciplinary research
environment on social, economic, psychological, environmental, and biomedical
factors affecting the health, effective functioning, and related aging
processes of older people in rural areas. Recent governmental and
non-governmental reports highlight the special health-care and other service
needs of rural people and especially the needs of those who are old. People
in rural areas are more likely than their urban counterparts to be in fair or
poor health, to suffer from chronic or serious illness, and to be without a
regular source of health care and health insurance. Moreover, a higher
proportion of deaths occur among the nonmetropolitan than the metropolitan
population over 65 years of age. The U.S. Congress has called for a center in
order to improve the knowledge base necessary for the promotion of health and
the prevention of disease among rural older people and to develop and
implement effective, acceptable, and accessible health care and other
services.
Although many research topics are worthy of consideration, NIA consultants and
staff have identified five as requiring special attention: A) The changing
sociodemographic and epidemiologic characteristics of the older rural
population, B) the occupational and physiochemical environment, C) the
population aging of rural communities (including the infrastructure of
families, churches and other social organizations), D) the availability,
utilization, and quality of health-care and other services, and E) aging rural
people as resources. Applications should propose activities relevant to at
least two of these broad topics.
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 2
This Request for Applications (RFA) follows the Bureau of the Census'
definitions of "rural vs. urban", "metropolitan vs. nonmetropolitan", and
"farm vs. nonfarm". It recognizes that "rural" and "nonmetropolitan" are not
synonymous with "agriculture" and that appropriate research populations
include people living in small towns engaged in nonagricultural occupations.
Proposed investigations should include minorities and women in the study
populations for research.
The support mechanism for this RFA is the Exploratory Center Grant (P20).
This grant mechanism consists of: (A) an administrative and planning
component providing administrative, coordinating, research planning,
logistical, and/or methodological support; and (B) small scale studies. NIA
intends that the majority of funds under this RFA be devoted to the small
scale studies. Consequently the Administrative and Planning Core should not
exceed 45 percent of the amount requested.
The initial award period is for three years and may not be extended.
Institutions are eligible to apply if they have at least (A) two principal
investigators with any PHS agency or comparable peer-reviewed research project
(RO1) grants and/or (B) one program project (PO1) grant that are currently
active or that were awarded during the 2 years prior to submitting an
application under this RFA. These grants must be on aging and/or rural
research topics related or similar to those described above.
Subject to the availability of funds, the NIA anticipates making 2 awards
under this RFA. The maximum amount per award will be $250,000 (direct and
indirect costs) per year. In order to obtain a copy of the complete RFA and
the NIA Guidelines for Exploratory Center Grants as well as to discuss the
suitability of the grant application, contact:
Ronald P. Abeles, Ph.D.
Behavioral and Social Research
National Institute on Aging
Building 31C, Room 5C32
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-3136
NATIONAL MULTI-PURPOSE RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTER
RFA AVAILABLE: DC-90-01
P.T. 04, 44; K.W. 0710030, 0720005, 0715050, 0715055, 0785035
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Application Receipt Date: March 22, 1990
PURPOSE
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
announces its intent to designate and support a limited number of National
Multi-purpose Research and Training Centers (RTC) for the multi-disciplinary
study of communication sciences and disorders. The goal of the RTC is the
support of basic and clinical research; research training; continuing
education for health professionals; and dissemination of information to the
general public, in one of the program areas of the institute.
A National Research and Training Center is a national resource and is
dedicated to working with the NIDCD in furthering the goals of the Institute,
through a multi-disciplinary, coordinated approach involving laboratory and
clinical research, research training and an outreach program of education for
health care professionals and the public. An RTC may focus on one or more of
the major program areas of the Institute (hearing and balance; speech, voice
and language; or taste and smell; and other disciplines related to these
areas) but each of the components must relate to the central theme including
the research training and education components. All of the components must be
of high quality and meet the standards of excellence of biomedical research.
BACKGROUND
In 1988, Congress established the National Institute on Deafness and Other
Communication Disorders, Public Law 100-553, which mandated that "the Director
of the Institute shall, after consultation with the advisory council for the
Institute, provide for the development, modernization, and operation
(including care required for research) of new and existing Centers for studies
of disorders of hearing and other communication processes...."
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 3
The law further specified that each Center shall conduct--
"(1) basic and clinical research into the cause, diagnosis, early
detection, prevention, control and treatment of disorders of
hearing and other communication processes and complications
resulting from such disorders, including research into
rehabilitative aids, implantable biomaterials, auditory
speech processors, speech production devices, and other
otolaryngologic procedures;
"(2) training programs for physicians, scientists, and other
health and allied health professionals;
"(3) information and continuing education programs for physicians
and other allied health professionals who will provide care
for patients with disorders of hearing and or other
communication processes; and
"(4) programs for the dissemination to the general public of
information--
"(A) on the importance of early detection of disorders
of hearing and other communication processes, of
seeking prompt treatment, rehabilitation, and of
following an appropriate regimen; and
"(B) on the importance of avoiding exposure to noise
and other environmental toxic agents that may
affect disorders of hearing or other communication
processes...."
In January 1989, over 100 U.S. scientists representing various specialties in
the communication sciences, met to develop a research plan for the NIDCD.
These scientists addressed the issue of the National Multi-purpose Research
and Training Centers. With the Congressional mandate providing guidance, the
Task Force identified and expanded on the critical features of such Centers,
that is, research, training, continuing education, and information
dissemination.
Plans for inclusion of underrepresented minorities, women, and individuals
with disabilities must be included within this component of the application.
The Purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to implement the
Congressional mandate and the recommendations of the Task Force regarding the
establishment of these National Multi-purpose Research and Training Centers.
MECHANISM, NUMBER OF YEARS, AND BUDGET
National Multi-purpose Research and Training Centers will be funded through
the Center grant mechanism (P60). Up to seven (7) years of support may be
requested at an annual direct cost not to exceed 1.5 million dollars per
annum. Budget increments in subsequent years will be limited to necessary
cost-of-living increases.
METHOD OF APPLYING
Potential applicants may request additional information, copies of the
complete RFA, and guidelines for preparing an application from:
Dr. Ralph F. Naunton
Director, Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
National Institutes of Health
Federal Building, Room 1C-11
7550 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-1804
Letters of Intent will be due (optional): February 15, 1990
Application Due: March 22, 1990
Awards: September 1990
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 4
OBESITY RESEARCH CENTER (CORE CENTER) GRANT
RFA AVAILABLE: 90-DK-03
P.T. 04; K.W. 0715145, 0710095, 0710030
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: January 15, 1990
Application Receipt Date: March 30, 1990
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
invites applications for an obesity research center (core center) to be
awarded in Fiscal Year 1991. The award of one obesity research core center is
anticipated in Fiscal Year 1991.
An obesity research center provides for an integrated array of research,
educational and service activities that is oriented towards obesity and
related eating disorders. The research core center grant is awarded to
facilitate the planning and coordination of these research activities
primarily by providing funding for core facilities and associated staff that
serve the various projects of the obesity research center on a shared basis.
The Core Center mechanism builds upon an established base of already funded
research excellence which emphasizes common themes or foci. The Core Center
grant may provide funds for: (1) core units such as body composition
analyses, lipid analyses or cell culture; (2) pilot/feasibility projects which
encourage new investigators to pursue new innovative ideas to a point where
they can compete for independent support; (3) temporary salary support to one
new named investigator, usually for 24 months, in specified areas of research
complementary to ongoing activities; (4) program enrichment funds.
The objectives of the Core Center are to encourage a multidisciplinary
approach to research in obesity and to bring together, on a cooperative basis,
clinical and basic science investigators in a manner which will enhance and
extend the effectiveness of research being conducted in the field of obesity.
An average Center may include about 5 to 7 pilot/feasibility projects and 4-6
core units with a direct cost of approximately $500,000. However, the actual
cost of the Center will vary depending on the needs of the Center. In no case
shall direct costs requested exceed $700,000. The anticipated award(s) will
be for 5 years and is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.
Currently, funds totalling approximately 1.0 million dollars are available for
support of applications responsive to this announcement.
Potential applicants are urged to submit a letter of intent that provides a
descriptive title, names of key investigators involved and other institutions
participating in their application. The letter of intent, which is
non-binding and is not a precondition for an award, should be submitted by
January 15, 1990, to Dr. Hubbard at the address below. In addition, the
general description of a Core Center, copies of Core Center Guidelines, a more
detailed Request for Applications (RFA) and consultation may be obtained from:
Van S. Hubbard, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Clinical Nutrition Research Units Program
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Westwood Building, Room 3A18B
5333 Westbard Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-7823
Applications for the Obesity Research Core Center grant will be evaluated in a
national competition by the NIH grant peer review process. The receipt of one
competing continuation application is anticipated. Applications will be
reviewed initially by a special review committee convened by the NIDDK and
subsequently by the National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Advisory Council. The special single receipt date for submissions in response
to this announcement is March 30, 1990 with earliest funding December 1990.
Applications are unlikely to be reviewed by a site visit team; therefore, the
written application should be complete so as to facilitate review without a
site visit. Extensive additional material submitted subsequent to the stated
receipt date will not be accepted.
When human subjects are to be included within investigations responsive to
this announcement, inclusion of women and minorities is encouraged. If they
are excluded, reasons for this exclusion must be explained in the application.
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 5
Complete line 2 of the application face page of the PHS 398 (rev. 10/88) by
typing in "OBESITY RESEARCH CENTER, RFA 90-DK-03." The RFA label (found in
the 10/88 revision of application form PHS 398) must be affixed to the bottom
of the face page. Failure to use this label could result in delayed
processing of your application such that it may not reach the review committee
in time for review.
Two copies of the application are to be sent to:
Review Branch
NIDDK
5333 Westbard Avenue
Westwood Building, Room 406
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Four copies of the application are to be sent to the address on the mailing
label in the application kit.
CORE GRANTS FOR CLINICAL NUTRITION RESEARCH UNITS
RFA AVAILABLE: 90-DK-02
P.T. 04; K.W. 0710095, 0720005, 0710030, 0785035
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institute on Aging
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: January 15, 1990
Application Receipt Date: March 30, 1990
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) invite applications for Clinical
Nutrition Research Unit (CNRU) grants to be awarded in Fiscal Year 1991. The
award of two CNRU grants is anticipated in Fiscal Year 1991.
A CNRU is an integrated array of research, educational, and service activities
that is oriented toward human nutrition in health and disease. A research
core center grant is awarded to facilitate the planning and coordination of
the activities of the CNRU primarily by providing funding for core facilities
and associated staff that serve the various projects of the CNRU on a shared
basis.
ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF A CNRU
A CNRU, at a minimum, must comprise the following seven components which also
should have other sources of support such as a regular NIH research grant
(RO1), NIH FIRST Award (R29), NIH Program Project (PO1), NIH Individual
Fellowship (F32), and the NIH Institutional National Research Service Award
(T32) or other Federal and non-federal sources:
1. Research with human subjects and populations;
2. Laboratory investigations;
3. Research training (funds to be derived from other sources*);
4. Shared facilities and research services;
5. Education programs for medical students, house staff, practicing
physicians, and allied health personnel (funds to be derived from
other sources*);
6. Research components of nutritional support services; and
7. Public information activities (funds to be derived from other
sources*).
* Funds to support these components may not be requested as part of an
application in response to this announcement.
An average Center may include about 5 to 7 pilot/feasibility projects and 4-6
core units with a direct cost of approximately $500,000. However, the actual
cost of the Center will vary depending on the needs of the Center. In no case
shall direct costs requested exceed $700,000. The anticipated award(s) will
be for 5 years and is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.
Currently, funds totalling approximately $1.1 million are available for
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 6
support of applications responsive to this announcement. It is expected that
two awards of comparable size will be made.
When human subjects are to be included within investigations responsive to
this announcement, inclusion of women and minorities is encouraged. If they
are excluded, reasons for this exclusion must be explained in the application.
Potential applicants are urged to submit a letter of intent that provides a
descriptive title, names of key investigators involved and other participating
institutions regarding their application. The letter of intent, which is
non-binding and is not a precondition for an award, should be submitted by
January 15, 1990 to Dr. Hubbard at the address below. In addition, the
general description of a Core Center, copies of Core Center Guidelines, the
full Request for Applications (RFA) and consultation may be obtained from:
Van S. Hubbard, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Clinical Nutrition
Research Units
Westwood Building, Room 3A18B
5333 Westbard Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-7823
For information concerning NIA research research interests in nutrition
contact:
Ann Sorenson, Ph.D.
Program Director for the
NIA Nutrition Program
Building 31, Room 5C-21
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-1033
Applications for the CNRU Core Center grant will be evaluated in a national
competition by the NIH grant peer review process. The receipt of two
competing continuation applications is anticipated. Applications will be
reviewed initially by a special review committee convened by the NIDDK and
subsequently by the National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Advisory Council and/or the National Advisory Council on Aging. The special
single receipt date for submissions in response to this announcement is March
30, 1990 with earliest funding December 1990. Applications are unlikely to be
reviewed by a site visit team; therefore, the written application should be
complete so as to facilitate review without a site visit. Extensive
additional material submitted subsequent to the stated receipt date will not
be accepted.
Complete line 2 of the application face page (PHS 398, rev. 10/88) by typing
in "CORE GRANTS FOR CLINICAL NUTRITION RESEARCH UNITS, RFA 90-DK-02." The RFA
label available in the 10/88 revision of Application Form 398 must be affixed
to the bottom of the face page. Failure to use this label could result in
delayed processing of your application such that it may not reach the review
committee in time for review.
Two copies of the application are to be sent to:
Review Branch
NIDDK
5333 Westbard Avenue
Westwood Building, Room 406
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Four copies of the application are to be sent to the address on the mailing
label in the application kit.
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 7
ONGOING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
AVAILABILITY OF INDIVIDUAL POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN GENOMIC ANALYSIS AND
TECHNOLOGY
P.T. 22; K.W. 1215018, 1002058, 0755045, 0755018
National Center for Human Genome Research
Application Receipt Dates: January 10, May 10, September 10
The mission of the National Center for Human Genome Research (NCHGR) is to
characterize the human genome and the genomes of selected model organisms.
The research program has the following interrelated goals: the construction
of high resolution genetic linkage maps; the development of a variety of
physical maps; the determination of the complete nucleotide sequence of the
DNA of human and other selected model organisms; the development of the
capability for collecting, storing, distributing, and analyzing the data
produced; and the development of appropriate new technologies to achieve these
goals.
To accomplish the goals of the research program and to use, for further
research, the resources that the program will develop, scientists who are well
trained in one or more of a variety of disciplines will be needed. Therefore,
the NCHGR is offering individual postdoctoral fellowships to highly qualified
scientists who are seeking training that will enable them to engage in
research relevant to the genome project. Candidates for these fellowships
include biologists who wish to obtain training in genomic research. The NCHGR
also is interested in offering fellowships to scientists who wish to obtain
interdisciplinary training, such as those who wish to integrate mathematical,
physical, chemical, engineering, and/or computer scientific approaches with
those of molecular biology and genetics. The goal of the fellowship program
is to train highly skilled scientists who will use their skills to develop
research programs in the mapping and sequencing of the human genome and the
genomes of other organisms, in the analysis of the resulting data, and in the
development of biological, medical or biotechnological applications based on
the data.
Support for fellowships will be provided through the National Research Service
Award (NRSA). The stipend levels for the individual postdoctoral fellowships
range from $l7,000 to $3l,000, depending on the number of years of relevant
experience subsequent to the award of the doctoral degree. In addition, the
training institution may request an institutional allowance of up to $3,000
per year for supplies, equipment, travel, tuition, fees, insurance, and other
training-related expenses. Individual postdoctoral fellowships are made for
project periods of up to 3 years. The Center plans to support about 50
individual postdoctoral fellowships in fiscal year 1990, which runs from
October 1, 1989 to September 30, 1990.
Recipients of National Research Service Awards are subject to payback
provisions. Details about this requirement and the policies governing this
program can be found in the National Research Service Awards Guidelines, which
were published in the NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts, Vol. 13, No.1,
January 6, l984. Single copies are also available from this office.
Application kits are available from the university business office or from the
Office of Grants Inquiries; Division of Research Grants; Westwood Building,
Room 449; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Receipt dates for applications are January 10, May 10, and September 10
annually. The earliest dates that awards can be made are July, December, and
March, respectively.
For additional information about individual postdoctoral fellowship
opportunities available through the NCHGR, please contact:
Bettie J. Graham, Ph.D.
Building 38A, Room 613
National Center for Human Genome Research
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-7531
NOTE: This is an expanded version of an announcement that appeared in the NIH
Guide to Grants and Contracts, Vol. l8, No. 25, July 21, l989.
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 8
THE NCI OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATOR AWARD
P.T. 34; K.W. 0715035, 0710030, 1014006
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date: April 2
SUMMARY AND PURPOSE
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) will continue to accept new applications
for the Outstanding Investigator Grant (OIG), as well as competing
continuation applications from currently funded OIG recipients in the fifth
year of the initial award period. The purpose of the OIG is to encourage
investigators to continue or embark on projects of unusual potential in cancer
research. Emphasis will be placed on evidence of recent substantive
contributions (i.e., seminal ideas and innovative approaches to resistent
problems) and the potential for continued work of high caliber.
Special features of the OIG include: (1) seven-year project periods for new
and competing continuation awards and (2) alleviation of the need to manage
more than one grant instrument through consolidation of the OIG principal
investigator's (PI's) current cancer-related peer reviewed support.
ELIGIBILITY
Applications may be submitted only by domestic institutions on behalf of
investigators who have recently demonstrated outstanding research productivity
for at least five years. There are no age restrictions. Only United States
citizens, nationals or permanent residents are eligible for this grant.
Applications will be accepted by the NCI only when they are cancer-related as
defined by the Division of Research Grants (DRG) grant referral guidelines.
Investigators whose current research support is derived predominantly from
sources other than the NCI may not be eligible and are encouraged to discuss
their research objectives with appropriate NCI officials before applying.
The OIG PI is required to commit 75 percent of his/her time/effort to the OIG
project, and the institution sponsoring the OIG application is required to
commit itself to providing 25 percent of the investigator's salary support.
Applications which do not meet all of the above eligibility criteria or which
have not had approval from the NCI for exceptions to the above criteria will
be returned to the applicant.
HOW TO APPLY
o The receipt date for all OIG applications, including competing continuation
applications, will be April 2 instead of June 15 of each year. They will be
processed for review at the earliest possible meeting of the NCAB.
o Application for this award should be made on form PHS 398 (revised 10/88) in
accordance with instructions in this Announcement. These application forms
are available in the business or contracts offices at most academic or
research institutions, or from:
Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 449
5333 Westbard Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
o The title "NCI OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATOR GRANTS" should be typed in section 2
on the first page of the application.
o A letter indicating clear and continuing institutional commitment to the
applicant must either accompany the application or be received separately
before the NCI will begin the initial review process.
INQUIRES
All potential applicants for this award are advised that the full text of this
Program Announcement, containing currently applicable guidelines, will be
available after January 1, 1990 and should be requested prior to submitting an
application for the April 2, 1990 receipt date.
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 9
Please direct inquiries for further information and for copies of the full
announcement to:
Mrs. Barbara S. Bynum
Director, Division of Extramural Activities
National Cancer Institute
Building 31, Room 10A03
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-5147
NEONATAL NURSING CARE OF LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS
P.T. 34; K.W. 0730005, 0403020, 0775015, 0715165
National Center for Nursing Research
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
PURPOSE
This program announcement (PA) invites applications for research grants to
study optimal physical care practices of hospitalized low birthweight (LBW)
infants (<2500 grams). Of particular importance are basic science and
clinical studies related to issues of infant feeding, respiratory support,
physical positioning, and skin care and the underlying explanatory mechanisms.
Studies need to show evidence of interdisciplinary research teams.
SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND
LBW is a major cause of infant mortality and morbidity in the United States.
Although the U.S. neonatal mortality rate has decreased in the past 15 years,
currently 6.8 percent of all live births are LBW. LBW infants contribute
disproportionately to the morbidity rates; infants <1500 grams comprise less
than 1 percent of all singleton live births but account for almost 40 percent
of all infant deaths. Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are an important
factor in the survival of these infants. A major problem in neonatal clinical
practice is the balance between prompt implementation of new technologies,
procedures, and treatments and the demonstration of their safety and efficacy.
Because of the urgent care needs of the NICU, many neonatal care modalities
have not been evaluated scientifically. The purpose of this PA is to promote
research which will increase the theoretical and empirical data base for the
management of LBW infants.
Issues Related to Feeding
Nutrition represents a critical requirement for LBW infant survival. Clinical
research on sucking and the management of enteral feeding and the infant's
response to enteral feeding will provide opportunities to improve the
physiological and behavioral outcome of LBW infants.
Enteral Feeding:
Enteral feeding is physiologically stressful for infants, particularly the LBW
infant who has not mastered coordination of suck and swallow. Among the
significant risks of enteral feeding in the LBW infant are apnea and
bradycardia, hypoxia, gastroesophageal reflux, aspiration, and necrotizing
enterocolitis. Optimal methods do not exist for monitoring these risks.
There is also wide variability in clinical practice in the introduction and
advancement of enteral feeds, procedures for administration of tube feedings,
and methods of monitoring infant responses to feeding. Major basic and
clinical research areas in the area of enteral feedings include the following:
(1) methods for determining feeding readiness
(2) advantages and disadvantages of gavage vs jejunal tube feeding
(3) advantages and disadvantages of continuous infusion vs intermittent bolus
feeding
(4) optimal advancement schedules for enteral feeding
(5) interventions to decrease harmful physiological alterations induced by
enteral feeding.
Nutritive Sucking:
Although sucking can be demonstrated as early as 11 weeks, the development of
coordination of suck/swallow and respiration (which allows oral feeding) is
thought to occur after 34 weeks postconception. Although the sucking reflex
is present in extremely immature infants and the pressure/volume feeding
curves of some large premature infants seem to be quite efficient, little is
known about the effect of oral feeding experience on the development of mature
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 10
coordination of suck/swallow and respiration. The reflex can be extinguished
by the lack of oral feeding experience, i.e. prolonged deprivation secondary
to intubation. Sweetness of the feeding and volume delivered are also known
to influence sucking; however, little is known about the effect of nipple
shape, size, and rigidity. Interdisciplinary collaboration with nurses,
neonatologists, biomedical engineers, nutritionists, and child development
specialists are encouraged. Research areas of interest include but are not
limited to the following:
(1) Methods of assessing feeding readiness
(2) Desirability of feeding on schedule vs "on cue"
(3) Methods and oral feeding devices to facilitate oral
feeding in LBW infants
(4) Assessment of the effects of maturity vs experience
on the development of feeding-respiratory coordination.
Non-nutritive Sucking:
Non-nutritive sucking, or the use of a pacifier, can be provided to LBW
infants before the introduction of oral feeding. It has been associated with
improved gastrointestinal motility and weight gain. Research in progress is
designed to test the effect of non-nutritive sucking on behavioral
organization, oxygenation, and fat absorption of LBW infants. Further studies
are needed to evaluate the optimal design of pacifiers and the effect of
non-nutritive sucking on physiologic function.
Issues Related to Respiratory Care
Many LBW infants require respiratory support, including ventilation, constant
positive airway pressure, and oxygen administration. Research is needed to
design respiratory equipment and techniques that will assure infant safety and
minimize complications. Areas of interest include the following:
(1) development of a system to secure endotracheal tubes and nasal prongs that
will minimize skin trauma and restraint of the infant
(2) demonstration of a system of endotracheal suctioning that minimizes
hypoxia, decreased ventilation, tracheal trauma, and bacterial colonization
(3) demonstration of the risks and benefits of chest physical therapy (chest
wall percussion and vibration and postural drainage)
Issues Related to Skin Care
LBW infants have poorly keratinized skin that is prone to significant injury
with relatively minor trauma (alcohol and electrode burns, epidermal stripping
with tape removal, and skin breakdown at flexion sites). Consequences include
increased vulnerability to infection and pressure necrosis, the absorption of
substances applied to the skin surface, and high insensible water losses.
Methods used to minimize these problems have included covering of the infant
with plastic sheeting and application of various types of protective surfaces
to the skin. Additional studies are needed to identify basic science concepts
and clinical treatment methods for the protection and care of the skin of LBW
infants.
Issues Related to Physical Positioning
Positioning and restraint of an infant can affect the shape of the head and
face, intracranial pressure, body alignment, and muscle tone. Oxygenation,
energy expenditure, and state regulation are also influenced by position. For
example, studies to investigate ways to appropriately conserve energy
expenditure during body positioning are needed. A systematic description of
the effects of minimal-restraint positioning on LBW development is needed.
PROGRAMMATIC BACKGROUND
This initiative was developed to study nursing practices in the neonatal
nursery that impact on the care of LBW infants. Meetings of priority expert
panels have defined gaps in existing knowledge related to care of LBW infants
and identified several research opportunities. These opportunities exist in
three major areas: prenatal care to prevent LBW, neonatal care to support the
LBW infant and prevent further complications, and follow-up care to the infant
and family after discharge. Interdisciplinary studies with significant sample
size are encouraged. While this initiative is focused on the physical care
given to LBW infants in the NICU, subsequent initiatives will address related
areas of research on LBW.
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 11
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
All policies and requirements that normally govern the grant programs of the
Public Health Service apply.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND REVIEW CRITERIA
Applications should be submitted on the standard PHS form 398 (rev. 10/88).
Application forms are available at most institutional business offices or from
the Division of Research Grants, NIH, telephone (301) 496-7441. In order to
expedite the application routing within NIH, please (1) check the box #2 on
the face page indicating that your application is in response to this
announcement and (2) print (next to the checked box) "Neonatal Nursing Care of
Low Birthweight (LBW) Infants." Mail the completed application and six copies
to:
Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, Maryland 20892**
Receipt dates for applications are February 1, June 1, and October 1.
Applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit by an
appropriate study section in the Division of Research Grants. Secondary
review will be by the corresponding National Advisory Council.
Applications compete on the basis of scientific merit with all other
applications. Researchers considering an application in response to this
announcement are encouraged to discuss their project, and the range of grant
mechanisms available, with staff in advance of formal submission.
Investigators should be aware that NIH urges applicants for grants to give
added attention (where feasible and appropriate) to the inclusion of
minorities in study populations. If minorities are not included in a given
study, a clear rationale for their exclusion should be provided. Merely
including an arbitrary number of minority group participants in a given study
is insufficient to guarantee generalization of results.
Correspondence and inquiries should be directed to:
Dr. Moira Shannon
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Branch
National Center for Nursing Research
Building 31, Room 5B09
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-0523
or
Dr. Linda Wright
Center for Research for Mothers and Children
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Executive Plaza North
6l30/6l20 Executive Boulevard
Rockville, Maryland 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-5575
**THE MAILING ADDRESS GIVEN FOR SENDING APPLICATIONS TO THE DIVISION OF
RESEARCH GRANTS OR CONTACTING PROGRAM STAFF IN THE WESTWOOD BUILDING IS THE
CENTRAL MAILING ADDRESS FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH. APPLICANTS WHO
USE EXPRESS MAIL OR A COURIER SERVICE ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE CARRIER'S
REQUIREMENTS FOR SHOWING A STREET ADDRESS. THE ADDRESS FOR THE WESTWOOD
BUILDING IS:
5333 Westbard Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20816
Vol. 18, No. 45, December 22, 1989 - Page 12
FULL TEXT OF RFAs FOR ONLINE ACCESS
REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (AG-90-01)
EXPLORATORY CENTER GRANT ON THE HEALTH AND EFFECTIVE
FUNCTIONING OF OLDER RURAL POPULATIONS
P.T. 04; K.W. 0710010, 0404000, 0414000, 0730000
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE: MARCH 20, 1990
I. BACKGROUND
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) invites Exploratory Center
Grant applications (P20) to establish a coordinated,
multidisciplinary research environment on social, economic,
psychological, environmental, and biomedical factors affecting
the aging processes and the health and effective functioning of
older people in rural areas. Recent governmental and
non-governmental reports highlight the special health-care and
other service needs of rural people, especially those who are
old. People in rural areas are more likely than their urban
counterparts to be in fair or poor health, to suffer from chronic
or serious illness, to be without a regular source of health care
and health insurance. Moreover, a higher proportion of deaths
occur among the nonmetropolitan than the metropolitan population
over 65 years of age. The U.S. Congress has now called for
establishing a center in order to improve the knowledge base
necessary for the promotion of health and the prevention of
disease among rural older people and for developing and
implementing effective, acceptable, and accessible health care
and other services.
II. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
A research agenda is needed for examining the life-long
experience, the current circumstances, and the special physical
and social nature of rural life as they affect the health,
well-being, and functioning of nonmetropolitan older people.
Although many research topics are worthy of consideration, NIA
consultants and staff have identified five as requiring special
attention: A) The changing sociodemographic and epidemiologic
characteristics of the older rural population, B) the
occupational and physiochemical environment, C) the population
aging of rural communities, D) the availability, utilization, and
quality of health-care and other services, and E) aging rural
people as resources. Applications should propose activities
relevant to at least two of these broad topics.
A. CHANGING SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND EPIDEMIOLOGIC
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OLDER RURAL POPULATION
In 1980, 25.5 million Americans were 65 or older, and 25 percent of
these lived in rural areas. While older people comprised about
11 percent of both the urban and rural populations, several aspects of
the older rural population reflect its diversity and distinguish
it from its urban counterparts. These sources of diversity and
distinctiveness need to be considered in regard to their possible
effects on aging and the health and effective functioning of
older rural residents.
o What accounts for the differences between older rural and urban
residents in their concentration in particular regions of the
country? What are the consequences of such concentration for
local communities and regions? For the provision and utilization
of health and other services?
o How does the relative poverty of older rural people in
comparison to their urban counterparts affect their health,
well-being, and functioning?
o What role do living arrangements (i.e., household composition)
play in rural settings? Why is the proportion of men in the
older nonmetropolitan population somewhat higher than in
metropolitan areas?
o Older nonmetropolitan people have less education than older
metropolitan people. What impact does this have on their health,
functioning, and socioeconomic well-being? What social and
psychological mechanisms (e.g., attitudes, beliefs) mediate the
effects of education on health, well-being, and functioning? How
do the educational differences between older rural people and
service providers affect the utilization of services and the
quality of services received?
o Only 11 percent of all employed rural people are engaged in
agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or mining. Indeed, over half
of rural workers have occupations in manufacturing, construction,
or services. Moreover, increasing numbers of rural workers are
moving out of agricultural occupations during their work careers.
How does this diversity among rural workers affect their
life-long patterns of nutrition, exercise, exposure to chemicals,
risk of accidents, and to climatic conditions, and availability
of social (e.g., educational) and health services? What are the
implications for their health and socioeconomic well-being in old
age (i.e., financial resources, housing)?
o Contradictory information exists about the comparative health
status of rural older people. In part, this may reflect
differences in definitions of "health" and of "rural" from one
study to the next. Research is needed to clarify and specify the
relationships among urban-rural residence, aging, and health. Is
the health of older rural people poorer or better than that of
urban older people? Under which circumstances?
B. THE OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSIOCHEMICAL ENVIRONMENT
The exposure of older rural residents to particular
physiochemical and occupational environments reflects the wide
diversity of aging processes and health in rural areas and also
distinguishes them from the experiences of older urban residents.
This exposure raises the general question of whether its effects
are cumulative and whether it interacts with aging processes
(e.g., accelerates aging).
o While there may be health-promoting aspects to many rural
occupations, such as greater physical activity, the evidence is
growing that a number of clinical problems (e.g., bronchitis and
asthma, skin conditions) in older rural dwellers are related
to rural occupations. Are there particular
pathogens in the rural environment (e.g., toxic gases, molds,
traditional allergens, chemicals and physical agents) that may
account for these clinical problems? What are the health
consequences of exposure to the sun in outdoor rural occupations
(e.g., cataracts, skin aging and cancers)? What are the
long-term effects of chemical exposures (e.g., pesticides,
petroleum products) in terms of chronic illness in older rural
people? Another important aspect of rural occupations is the
great number of injuries that are associated with work in
agriculture. How do these injury-related disabilities interact
with degenerative diseases and aging processes? What kinds of
pressures for health care and other services do rural
occupational histories create among older people?
o The health, well-being, and functioning of older rural persons
may be affected by general environmental hazards to which they
are exposed, irrespective of their particular occupations. For
example, rural persons are more likely to develop atopic diseases
or allergies, and these may be related to general exposures. The
effect of such general environmental hazards on the health,
functioning, and utilization of medical care and other services
by older rural people needs further exploration.
o Also, rural older persons are generally less affluent than
urban persons, and this may be manifest in the poor structural
condition of housing, leading to more exposure to extremes of
heat and cold during various seasons. What are the effects of
such variation on health and functioning as people age?
o Many rural people depend on isolated wells, where water quality
control is often inadequate, and the opportunity for
contamination from septic fields and agriculture product use is
comparatively great. The relation of such toxicologic exposures
to basic aging processes needs more study.
o A long-term question is whether infectious agents acquired in
mid-life in rural settings have etiologic significance for
chronic illness later in life. Infectious agents have been
related to degenerative neurologic disease as well as chronic
arthritis, and some candidate agents have been identified in
livestock and sylvatic animals. The potential effects of these
infectious agents need to be considered in terms of their
interactions with other early-life and current influences upon
the health of older people, such as their nutritional and dental
status.
C. POPULATION AGING OF RURAL COMMUNITIES
Attention needs to be paid not only to the health and well-being
of older people, but also to the entire infrastructure of the
communities in which older people live. A thorough investigation
of the health and socioeconomic circumstances of older rural
residents implies a need to study older individuals in the
context of their social environment. Currently, many rural
communities are undergoing massive changes. Some of these
changes are brought on by the significant increases in the
proportion of the population that is old -- the "aging" of the
rural population is exacerbated by either the emigration of
younger people or the immigration of older people. As rural
communities change, complex interactions among older people,
their families, other individuals in the community, and various
community organizations, institutions, and agencies influence
the health and well-being of older rural people. As people grow
older and live longer, changes may occur in their relationships
with their families, churches, informal
social groups, etc.
o What is the role of the family, the church, and local informal
meeting places in the health and well-being of older people?
o How are relationships between health-care and other service
providers and their older clients changing and with what
consequences?
o What are the effects on older people of the closing down of
community agencies due to the changing economic and demographic
nature of rural communities?
o What is the migration flow of older people between rural and
urban areas? What forces are influencing the migration of older
people from farms to (and from) small towns or urban areas?
Similarly, what attracts newly retired urban people to rural
areas?
o Are new agencies opened in response to an influx of newly
retired migrants to rural communities? How are these "nouveau
rural" people received? How do they affect the community's
health care and social service networks?