Subject: NIH GUIDE - V20(24) 06/21/91
From: Dot Baker <[email-masked]>
To: [email-masked]
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 91 09:34 EST

Hi Paul:
This is the second of the two NIH information for 6/21/91.
To correct my eariler message, please send the RFA as follows:
RFADK-91-14.910621
The NIH Guide should be posted to the Listserver as:
NIHGUIDE.910621
Please let me know when it posted so I can let everyone know.
Thanks for you help and patience.
                     Mary Broaddus
 
NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 24, June 21, 1991
 
$$INDEX BEGIN
 
                                   NOTICES
 
$$INDEX N1
 
NOTICE OF MEETING:  THE SYSTEM FOR THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMITTAL OF
FINANCIAL STATUS REPORTS
National Institutes of Health
Index:  NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

                   NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs AND RFAs)
 
$$INDEX R1 10/16/91
 
DIGESTIVE DISEASES CORE CENTERS (RFA DK-91-14)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Index:  DIABETES, DIGESTIVE DISEASES, KIDNEY DISEASES

                        ONGOING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
$$INDEX P1
 
SMALL GRANTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NONMAMMALIAN MODELS (PA-91-68)
National Center for Research Resources
Index:  RESEARCH RESOURCES
 
$$INDEX P2
 
RESEARCH PROGRAM PROJECTS FOR THE STUDY OF HUMAN NEUROCHRONOBIOLOGY
(PA-91-69)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institute on Aging
National Institute of Mental Health
Index:  NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, STROKE, AGING, MENTAL HEALTH
 
$$INDEX P3
 
ETIOPATHOGENESIS AND TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS (PA-91-70)
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Index:  ARTHRITIS, MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES, SKIN DISEASES
 
$$INDEX END
 
                                   NOTICES
 
$$N1 BEGIN
 
NOTICE OF MEETING:  THE SYSTEM FOR THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMITTAL OF
FINANCIAL STATUS REPORTS
 
P.T. 42; K.W. 1014006
 
National Institutes of Health
 
The National Institutes of Health is sponsoring a two-day workshop,
August 22-23, 1991, to be held in Bethesda, Maryland, on "The System for
the Electronic Transmittal of Financial Status Reports".  The workshop
will include a hands-on computer demonstration as well as discussions on
indirect costs and The Federal Cash Transactions Report (PMS-272).
 
There is no fee for this workshop.  However, the number of participants
has been limited to 75.  Participants will be accepted on a first-come,
first-served basis.  To request a registration form or for more
information, please contact Priscilla Irick or Arlene Griesmer on (301)
496-5287 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Registration forms
must be received in this office no later than July 31, 1991.
 
$$N1 END
 
                   NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs AND RFAs)
 
$$R1 BEGIN DK-91-14
 
DIGESTIVE DISEASES CORE CENTERS
 
RFA AVAILABLE:  DK-91-14
 
P.T. 04; K.W. 0715085, 0710030, 0785035
 
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
 
Application Receipt date:  October 16, 1991
 
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK) invites applications for Digestive Diseases Core Center grants.
NIDDK anticipates the award of one competitive Digestive Diseases Core
Center grant in Fiscal Year 1992.
 
The objective of the Core Center is to bring together, on a cooperative
basis, clinical and basic science investigators in a manner that will
enhance and extend the effectiveness of research being conducted in the
field of digestive diseases.  The research activities of the Center must
include projects that are relevant to the underlying causes(s),
mechanism(s), diagnosis, early detection, prevention, control, and
treatment of digestive diseases and related physiological,
pathophysiological, congenital, or metabolic disorders resulting from
such diseases.  The focus of the research program in the Center can be a
disease such as pancreatitis, functional bowel diseases, chronic
hepatitis; an organ such as liver, esophagus, large bowel; a process
such as absorption, secretion, motility; or an appropriate combination
thereof that may also include areas of relevant technology.
 
Institutions that have the necessary foundation of multidisciplinary
digestive diseases-related research are encouraged to apply for a
Digestive Diseases Core Center grant.  Each applicant must show that at
least 50 percent of the fiscal support for the ongoing research projects
in the areas relevant to digestive diseases are from the NIDDK and that
the remainder of the research projects to be included in the Center
research base are relevant to the goals of the research Core Center.
Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.
 
The NIDDK expects to award one Digestive Diseases Core Center grant in
Fiscal Year 1992 on a competitive basis.  The receipt of one competitive
continuation application is anticipated, and it will be in competition
for an award together with other applications received in response to
this announcement.  The requested budget may not exceed $700,000 direct
costs per year.  Any application exceeding this amount will be returned
to the applicant.
 
INQUIRIES
 
For the complete Request for Applications, Core Center Grant Guidelines,
and consultation, please contact:
 
Tommie Sue Tralka
Director, Digestive Diseases Centers Program
Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Westwood Building, Room 3A15
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-9717
 
Business Information
 
Nancy Dixon
Supervisory Grants Management Specialist
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Westwood Building, Room 639
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-7467
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
No. 93.848, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition.  Awards will be made under
the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Title III, Section 301
and Section 431 (b) (Public Law 78-410, as amended:  42 USC 241 and 42
USC 285c-5) and administered under PHS grant policies and Federal
Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and CFR Part 74.  This program is not subject
to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or
Health Systems Agency review.
 
$$R1 END
 
                        ONGOING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
$$P1 BEGIN PA-91-68
 
SMALL GRANTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NONMAMMALIAN MODELS
 
PA:  PA-91-68
 
P.T. 34; K.W. 0755020, 0780020, 1004005
 
National Center for Research Resources
 
Application Receipt Dates:  October 1, February 1, June 1
 
PURPOSE
 
The Biological Models and Materials Research (BMMR) Program supports the
development of nonmammalian models for biomedical research through the
award of research and resource grants and contracts.  To enhance this
program, the BMMR Program announces the initiation of a small grant
award program for support of pilot studies in this area.  Models that
are considered appropriate for the purposes of this announcement are:
lower organisms such as poikilothermic vertebrates, invertebrates, and
microorganisms; in vitro systems such as cell and tissue culture from
nonmammalian sources and established mammalian cell lines; and
nonbiological systems, such as mathematical and computer simulations.
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE AWARD
 
This is a one-year, nonrenewable award for a pilot project/feasibility
study of an innovative idea aimed at developing the aforementioned
nonmammalian models that would provide a basis for more extended
research.
 
ELIGIBILITY
 
This program is open to both non-profit and for-profit institutions, and
is designed to support new and established researchers for work in
nonmammalian pilot/feasibility research projects in the biomedical
research area.
 
APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURE
 
Applications must be submitted on form PHS 398 (rev.  10/88), available
at most institutional business offices and from the Division of Research
Grants (DRG), National Institutes of Health (NIH).  Because the format
for preparing the small grant application is different from that used
for research grants, additional instructions are needed.  These
instructions are available from the Director, BMMR Program as indicated
below.
 
Application receipt and review dates:
 
                                          NATIONAL ADVISORY
                      INITIAL REVIEW      RESEARCH RESOURCES
RECEIPT DATE          GROUP MEETINGS      COUNCIL MEETINGS
 
October 1             February/March            June
February 1            May/June                  September
June 1                October/November          February
 
REVIEW CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES
 
Applications will be evaluated with respect to the following criteria:
 
  o  Significance and scientific merit of the proposed project as it
     relates to nonmammalian model development;
 
  o  Innovativeness and risk as a pilot project;
 
  o  Probability that the study will provide a basis for more extended
     research;
 
  o  Adequacy of the background training and experience of the
     investigators;
 
  o  Adequacy of the facilities;
 
  o  Appropriateness of the budget;
 
  o  Appropriateness and adequacy of experimental methods, including
     data to be collected, procedures of data analysis, and potential
     problems that may be encountered in the study and how they will be
     addressed.
 
Applications will be received by the NIH, DRG.  Applications may be
subjected to a triage by a peer-review group to determine their
scientific merit relative to the other applications received in response
to this announcement.  NIH will withdraw from competition those
applications judged to be noncompetitive and notify the applicant and
institutional business official.  Those applications judged to be
competitive will be further evaluated for scientific/technical merit by
initial review groups that will be convened by the Office of Review,
NCRR.  The second level of review will be conducted by the appropriate
national advisory council or board.
 
TERMS OF THE AWARD
 
The award will be for one year and will provide a maximum of $35,000
(direct costs) for personnel, supplies, small equipment, and travel
required for conduct of the project.  In most cases, the award can be
extended on request for an additional year without additional funds.
The award may not be used to supplement projects currently supported by
Federal or non-Federal funds or to provide interim support for projects
under review by the Public Health Service.  Support for student
employees who are performing work on a dissertation is discouraged
because of the short term of this award.
 
STAFF CONTACT
 
Louise E. Ramm, Ph.D.
Director, Biological Models and Materials Research Program
National Center for Research Resources
National Institutes of Health
5333 Westbard Avenue, Room 8A07
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 402-0630
 
The Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (ADAMHA) also
provides small grant support for research on nonmammalian models.  For
information about ADAMHA small grant program eligibility and
characteristics, contact:
 
Niles Bernick, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Referral and Review
Office of Extramural Programs
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 13-103
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-5184
 
GRANTS MANAGEMENT CONTACT
 
Ms. Diana L. Jaeger
Supervisory Grants Management Specialist
Office of Grants and Contract Management
National Center for Research Resources
Westwood Building, Room 849
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-9840
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance,
No. 93.198, Biological Models and Materials Resources.  Awards will be
made under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Title III,
Section 301 (Public Law 78-410, as amended; 42 USC 241) and administered
under PHS grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45
CFR Part 74).  This program is not subject to the intergovernmental
review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency
review.
 
SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS:  FOR THE BIOLOGICAL MODELS AND MATERIALS
RESEARCH PROGRAM SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM
 
FORM PHS 398 (rev.  10/88)
 
Applications must be submitted on the standard PHS research grant
application form (PHS 398, rev.  10/88), following the instructions
supplied with those forms EXCEPT for the following:
 
1.  Face page of application
 
Item 2:  Response to specific Program Announcement:  Yes. Write in:
Small Grants for Development of Nonmammalian Models, PA-91-68.
 
Item 8:  Not applicable; mark NA.
 
2.  Application page 4:  Detailed Budget for the 12-Month budget period.
Funds should be limited to the following categories:  personnel
(including technicians), consultants, rental or service fees, supplies,
travel, and small equipment items.  The total direct costs request may
not exceed $35,000.
 
3.  Application page 5:  Budget Estimates for All Years.  Not
applicable; do not complete this section.
 
    Justification:  All requests must be strongly and SPECIFICALLY
justified for the one-year project period.
 
4.  Biographic sketch:  Not to exceed one page per individual.  Include
this information for all professional personnel associated with this
project as collaborators, consultants, and others.  Include an
appropriate letter from each collaborator or consultant confirming
his/her role in the project.
 
5.  Introduction:  Not to exceed one-half page (including a brief
statement on preliminary work, if any).
 
6.  Research Plan:  Specific aims, background and significance, and
experimental design and methods; not to exceed four pages.  These
sections of the research plan are described in the PHS 398 grant
application kit instructions, and must be followed while keeping within
the four-page limitation.  Citations in this section are limited to one
additional page entitled:  Literature Cited.
 
Application must be readily legible.  In an effort to include as much
information as possible within the page limitations, some applicants
have compressed the spaces between letters and words and reduced the
type size to such a degree that the application is not readily legible.
Such applications will also be returned without review.  Follow the type
size instructions on page 12 of the PHS 398 form.
 
7.  Appendix:  Not applicable.  Do not submit.
 
8.  Submission of the completed application forms:
 
Mail or deliver the complete and signed typewritten original application
and four copies, to the Division of Research Grants, as specified in the
general instructions.
 
Two additional copies must be sent to:
 
Biological Models and Materials Research Program
    (SMALL GRANTS)
National Center for Research Resources, NIH
5333 Westbard Avenue, Room 8A07
Bethesda, MD  20892
 
Applications not following the above instructions will be returned to
the applicant.
 
If you have any questions, contact Dr. Ramm at the address above.
 
$$P1 END
 
$$P2 BEGIN PA-91-69
 
RESEARCH PROGRAM PROJECTS FOR THE STUDY OF HUMAN NEUROCHRONOBIOLOGY
 
PA:  PA-91-69
 
P.T. 34; K.W. 1002030, 0705055
 
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institute on Aging
National Institute of Mental Health
 
The Division of Convulsive, Developmental, and Neuromuscular Disorders,
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the
Neuroscience and Neurophysiology of Aging Program, National Institute on
Aging (NIA), and the Behavioral Medicine Program, National Institute of
Mental Health (NIMH), encourage the submission of research grant and
program project grant applications for the basic and clinical study of
neurochronobiology.
 
BACKGROUND
 
The central nervous system supports basic life regulatory functions and
is largely responsible for the maintenance and regulation of circadian
rhythms such as the sleep-wake cycle and the periodic secretion of
neuropeptides and many hormones.  These brain-controlled biological
rhythms directly determine much human behavior.  Although there are many
"zeitgebers," the major one for control of central nervous system
circadian rhythms appears to be the light-dark cycle.
 
A large body of knowledge concerning neurological circadian rhythms
exists.  There are, however, major gaps in present knowledge that modern
research techniques could address.  The precise molecular mechanism(s)
by which the suprachiasmatic nucleus modulates circadian rhythms remains
unknown.  The neurobiological consequences of phasic secretion, in
contrast to a constant level, of critical hormones, such as melatonin,
somatostatin, or cortisol, are also unknown.  Although there is evidence
to indicate that the sensitivity of neuroreceptors to a variety of
ligands is circadian, the relevance of this phenomenon to understanding
fluctuating responses to neuroactive drugs or to developing optimum
daily dosing schedules for chronic diseases has not been studied.
 
There is evidence that the developing fetus responds to circadian
changes in secretion of maternal hormones and possibly also to the
normal daily light-dark cycle.  The normal maturation and myelination of
the neural substrates for sleep-wake cycling in the developing brain is
purported to underlie the dramatic electroencephalographic (EEG) changes
so well documented in sleep and wakefulness in the pre- and post-term
infant.  Disturbances of this maturation or abnormal development in
those brain areas responsible for sleep and breathing have been
implicated in a number of clinical entities.  However, little is known
about these neural substrates, and what constitutes normal and abnormal
maturation and/or development of them.  There are obviously major
changes in the zeitgebers at birth, e.g., the newborn nursery
environment obscures circadian light-dark cycles in the first few days
of life.  For neonates in pediatric intensive care units, the loss of
light-dark time cues persists even longer.  The temporary or permanent
effect of such changes in zeitgebers on the developing nervous system is
unknown.
 
At the other end of the life span, there are age-related changes in
circadian rhythmicity that may be associated with degenerative changes
in the neural substrates of this cycling.  Little is known about how
these phenomena may be causally related to the sleep disturbances so
prevalent in the elderly.
 
The demands of modern society require individuals to function when the
endogenous circadian rhythms of the central nervous system are
desynchronized with the light-dark cycle.  Examples include rotating
shift work, long distance jet airplane travel, and space travel.  Other
circumstances in which normal light-dark periodicities are distorted
occur in controlled artificial environments such as those aboard naval
vessels and in hospital intensive care units.
 
There is abundant anecdotal evidence concerning the effect of changing
light-dark cycles on physiological parameters.  There is also some
evidence that frequent uncompensated changes in circadian phase may
alter cognitive function, mood, and behavior.  However, systematic study
of the effect of temporary or long-term changes in light-dark cycles
and/or work-leisure cycles is lacking.  Such studies could lead to the
development of more rational strategies to facilitate resetting of the
human biological clock either to a new phase or a new period.  This
information could be of significant economic and social value.
 
RESEARCH GOALS
 
The goal of this announcement is to stimulate research in both basic and
clinical neuroscientific aspects of circadian rhythms.  Examples of
areas of potential research include, but are not limited to:  Study of
normal and pathological human neurochronobiological rhythms across the
life span; environmental or pharmacological modification of phase and/or
period of circadian rhythms; adaptation to changes in the work-sleep
cycles (i.e., rotating shift work); circadian variations in the effect
of drugs upon the nervous system; effects of non-diurnal variations in
light level (i.e., controlled artificial environments such as intensive
care units) on the nervous system; effects of maturation of the
developing brain and changes in the aging brain on sleep-wake cycling
and brain-controlled biological rhythms and vital functions.
Multidisciplinary approaches are encouraged.
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND FORMAT OF APPLICATIONS
 
Applicants must submit applications on form PHS 398 (rev.  10/88).  This
form is available in the office of sponsored research or business office
of the applicant institution and from the Office of Grants Inquiries,
Division of Research Grants, National Institutes of Health, Westwood
Building, Room 449, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301) 496-7441.
 
Program project applicants must use the application format as described
in the NINDS pamphlet, "Application Guidelines:  Program Project and
Clinical Research Center Grants" (revised October 1989), which may be
obtained from the NINDS individual listed below.
 
To identify the application as a response to this program announcement
check "yes" on item 2 of page 1 of the application and enter the title
"Research Program Projects for the Study of Human Neurochronobiology,
PA-91-69."
 
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF NIH
POLICIES CONCERNING INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN CLINICAL
RESEARCH STUDY POPULATIONS
 
NIH policy is that applicants for NIH clinical research grants and
cooperative agreements will be required to include minorities and women
in study populations so that research findings can be of benefit to all
persons at risk of the disease, disorder, or condition under study;
special emphasis should be placed on the need for inclusion of
minorities and women in studies of diseases, disorders, and conditions
which disproportionately affect them.  This policy is intended to apply
to males and females of all ages.  If women or minorities are excluded
or inadequately represented in clinical research, particularly in
proposed population-based studies, a clear and compelling rationale for
non-conformance to the policy should be provided.
 
The composition of the proposed study population must be described in
terms of gender and racial/ethnic group.  In addition, gender and
racial/ethnic issues should be addressed in developing a research design
and sample size appropriate for the scientific objectives of the study.
This information should be included in the form PHS 398 in Section 2,
A-D of the Research Plan AND summarized in section 2, e, human subjects.
Applicants are urged to assess carefully the feasibility of including
the broadest possible representation of minority groups.  However, NIH
recognizes that it may not be feasible or appropriate in all research
projects to include representation of the full array of United States
racial/ethnic minority populations (i.e. American Indians or Alaskan
Natives, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Blacks, Hispanics).
 
The rationale for studies on single minority population groups should be
provided.
 
For the purposes of this policy, clinical research includes human
biomedical and behavioral studies of etiology, epidemiology, prevention
(and preventive strategies), diagnosis, or treatment of diseases,
disorders or conditions, including but not limited to clinical trials.
 
The usual NIH policies concerning research on human subjects also apply.
Basic research or clinical studies in which human tissues cannot be
identified or linked to individuals are excluded.  However, every effort
should be made to include human tissues from women and racial/ethnic
minorities when it is important to apply the results of the study
broadly, and this should be addressed by applicants.
 
For foreign awards, the policy on inclusion of women applies fully;
since the definition of minority differs in other countries, the
applicant must discuss the relevance of research involving foreign
population groups to the United States' populations, including
minorities.
 
If required information is not contained within the application, the
application will be returned.
 
Peer reviewers will address specifically whether the Research Plan in
the application conforms to these policies.  If the representation of
women or minorities in a study design is inadequate to answer the
scientific question(s) addressed AND the justification for the selected
study population is inadequate, it will be considered a scientific
weakness or deficiency in the study design and will be reflected in
assigning the priority score to the application.  All applications for
clinical research submitted to NIH are required to address these
policies.  NIH funding components will not award grants or cooperative
agreements that do not comply with these policies.
 
Assignment of applications to specific Institutes will be on the basis
of existing referral guidelines.  Applications will be judged on
scientific merit and program relevance in accordance with NIH policy and
procedures involving peer review.  An initial review will be made by an
appropriate review group.  A second level of review will be conducted by
the appropriate National Advisory Council.
 
Deadlines for the receipt of applications are February 1, June 1, and
October 1.
 
The original and six copies of the application must be mailed or
delivered to the following address:
 
Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, MD  20892**
 
For further information, applicants may contact:
 
Charlotte B. McCutchen, M.D.
NIH, NINDS, DCDND, EB
Federal Building, Room 114
7550 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-1917
 
If the focus is upon issues of neurochronobiology during late life and
the aging nervous system, applicants should also contact:
 
Andrew A. Monjan, Ph.D., M.P.H.
NIH, NIA, NNA
Building 31, Room 5C35
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-9350
 
If the emphasis is upon the mental health aspects of neurochronobiology,
applicants should contact:
 
Susan Blumenthal, M.D.
Chief, Behavioral Medicine Program
Division of Basic Brain and Behavioral Sciences
National Institute of Mental Health
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 11-C-06
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-4337
 
For fiscal and administrative matters, contact:
 
Angeline L. Wilson
Grants Management Specialist
National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke
Federal Building, Room 1004
7550 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-9231
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
No 93.853, Clinical Basis Research, NINDS.  Awards will be made under
the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Section 301
(Public Law 78-410, as amended; 42 USC 241) and administered under PHS
grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part
74.  This program is not subject to Health Systems Agency review or
Executive Order 12372.
 
$$P2 END
 
$$P3 BEGIN PA-91-70
 
ETIOPATHOGENESIS AND TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS
 
PA:  PA-91-70
 
P.T. 34; K.W. 0715185, 0755030, 0765033, 0745070
 
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
 
I.  PURPOSE
 
The Skin Diseases Program of the National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases supports research on the structure,
function, and diseases of the skin.  This program announcement is to
encourage submission of research grant applications in the area of
etiopathogenesis and treatment of psoriasis.
 
II.  BACKGROUND
 
Psoriasis is a common skin disease affecting several million Americans.
It may be disfiguring and even disabling.  Treatments exist and are
reasonably satisfactory for mild cases; but an understanding of the
underlying etiopathogenesis of the disease is lacking and, thus,
treatments for the more severe forms of the disease are empiric, often
less than completely satisfactory in terms of efficacy, and may have
significant, even life-threatening, side effects.
 
Psoriasis is characterized by a hyperproliferation of epidermis.  Much
of the prior treatment and research have been directed at this aspect of
the disease.  However, the recognition that psoriasis responds to
Cyclosporin A, an immune suppressive agent that does not affect
proliferation to any significant degree, and that psoriasis may develop
or become more severe with HIV infection and then may respond to
treatment of the immune deficit caused by HIV infection, has resulted in
new lines of research focusing on immune mechanisms in the development
of psoriasis.  In addition, advances in molecular biology and the
development of new knowledge in relation to cytokines and other
intermediary proteins that may tie together immunologic effects with
hyperproliferative effects have prepared the way for new advances in
understanding and treating psoriasis.
 
Psoriasis often runs in families.  This genetic aspect has, in the past,
not been studied to any great degree, but, with recent advances in
molecular genetics and the development of techniques for linkage
analysis, an approach to this aspect of the etiopathogenesis of
psoriasis would seem appropriate.  Toward this end, the National
Psoriasis Foundation has announced the availability of a contract to
support the development of a tissue bank for well-established,
informative families to act as a source of material to aid in the
molecular genetic investigations of psoriasis.  This tissue bank will be
available in July 1992.  (For further information, contact Gail M.
Zimmerman, Executive Director, National Psoriasis Foundation, 6443 S.W.
Beaverton Highway, Suite 210, Portland, OR 97221, (503) 297-1545).
 
Much of the current state of knowledge in regard to psoriasis research
was summarized at a psoriasis workshop held in September 1989 and
published as a supplement to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in
November 1990.  A psoriasis workshop emphasizing the molecular genetic
aspects of the disease is planned for September 1991.  It is expected
that these workshops, in combination with the availability of the tissue
bank, will encourage the preparation and submission of grant
applications investigating the etiopathogenesis and treatment of
psoriasis.
 
RESEARCH GOALS AND SCOPE
 
The goals of this program announcement is to stimulate research in
various areas related to the etiopathogenesis and treatment of
psoriasis.  Some research objectives appropriate for inclusion in
applications responding to this announcement are:
 
o Studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in the hyperproliferative
state of psoriasis.
 
o Investigations of immune interactions with and control of the
hyperproliferation of psoriasis.
 
o Molecular genetic investigations of the hereditary basis of psoriasis.
 
o Development of new therapeutic approaches to psoriasis based upon new
information regarding etiopathogenesis and the characteristics of the
disease state.
 
MECHANISMS OF SUPPORT
 
Funding mechanisms to support these investigations include research
grants (RO1), Clinical Investigator Awards (KO8), First Independent
Research and Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29), and Individual National
Research Service Awards (F32).
 
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN CLINICAL
RESEARCH STUDIES
 
NIH and ADAMHA policy is that applicants for NIH/ADAMHA clinical
research grants and cooperative agreements will be required to include
minorities and women in study populations so that research findings can
be of benefit to all persons at risk of the disease, disorder or
condition under study; special emphasis should be placed on the need for
inclusion of minorities and women in studies of diseases, disorders and
conditions which disproportionately affect them.  This policy is
intended to apply to males and females of all ages.  If women or
minorities are excluded or inadequately represented in clinical
research, particularly in proposed population-based studies, a clear
compelling rationale should be provided.
 
The composition of the proposed study population must be described in
terms of gender and racial/ethnic group.  In addition, gender and
racial/ethnic issues should be addressed in developing a research design
and sample size appropriate for the scientific objectives of the study.
This information should be included in the form PHS 398 in Section 2,
A-D of the Research Plan AND summarized in Section 2, E, Human Subjects.
Applicants/offerors are urged to assess carefully the feasibility of
including the broadest possible representation of minority groups.
However, NIH recognizes that it may not be feasible or appropriate in
all research projects to include representation of the full array of
United States racial/ethnic minority populations (i.e., Native Americans
(including American Indians or Alaskan Natives), Asian/Pacific
Islanders, Blacks, Hispanics).
 
The rationale for studies on single minority population groups should be
provided.
 
For the purpose of this policy, clinical research includes human
biomedical and behavioral studies of etiology, epidemiology, prevention
(and preventive strategies), diagnosis, or treatment of diseases,
disorders or conditions, including but not limited to clinical trials.
 
The usual NIH policies concerning research on human subjects also apply.
Basic research or clinical studies in which human tissues cannot be
identified or linked to individuals are excluded.  However, every effort
should be made to include human tissues from women and racial/ethnic
minorities when it is important to apply the results of the study
broadly, and this should be addressed by applicants.
 
For foreign awards, the policy on inclusion of women applies fully;
since the definition of minority differs in other countries, the
applicant must discuss the relevance of research involving foreign
population groups to the United States' populations, including
minorities.
 
If the required information is not contained within the application, the
application will be returned.
 
Peer reviewers will address specifically whether the research plan in
the application conforms to these policies.  If the representation of
women or minorities in a study design is inadequate to answer the
scientific question(s) addressed AND the justification for the selected
study population is inadequate, it will be considered a scientific
weakness or deficiency in the study design and will be reflected in
assigning the priority score to the application.
 
All applications for clinical research submitted to NIH are required to
address these policies.  NIH funding components will not award grants or
cooperative agreements that do not comply with these policies.
 
APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
 
Applications in response to this announcement will be reviewed in
accordance with the usual Public Health Service peer review procedures
for research grants.  Review criteria include:  significance and
originality of the research goals and approaches; feasibility of the
research and adequacy of the experimental design; training, research
competence, and dedication of the investigator(s); adequacy of available
facilities; and provision for the humane care of animals.  Decisions
will be based on initial review group and National Advisory Council
recommendations.
 
Applications must be submitted on form PHS 398 (rev.  10/88), or the
appropriate fellowship application form (PHS 416-1), available in the
business or grants office at most academic or research institutions and
from the Division of Research Grants, National Institutes of Health,
Westwood Building, Room 449, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301)
496-7441.  Applications will be accepted in accordance with the
submission dates for new applications on a continuing basis:
 
The phrase, "ETIOPATHOGENESIS AND TREATMENT OF PSORIASISi, PA-91-70"
must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application.  The
original and six copies must be sent or delivered to:
 
Grant Application Receipt Office
Division of Research Grants
Westwood Building, Room 240
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD  20892-4500**
 
For further information, investigators are encouraged to contact the
following individuals:
 
Alan N. Moshell, M.D.
Skin Diseases Program Director
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Westwood Building, Room 405
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-7326
 
For fiscal and administrative matters, contact:
 
Diane M. Watson
Grants Management Officer
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Westwood Building, Room 407-A
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-7495
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
No. 93.846, Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research.
Awards will be made under authorization of the Public Health Service
Act, Title III, Section 301 (c) (public Law 78-410, as amended; 42 USC
241) and administered under PHS grants policies and Federal Regulations
42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74.  This program is not subject to the
intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health
Systems Agency review.
 
$$P3 END
 
**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

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