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Science Corner
March 22, 2007
I. Science and Service News Updates
II. Resources: Publications,
Toolkits, Other Resources
III. Calls for Public Input
IV.
Calls for Applications
V. Calendar of Events
VI. Funding Information
VII. Programmatic Funding Opportunities
VIII. Research Funding
Opportunities (PAs and RFAs)
Print
Version
| Science
and News Update |
NIMH: Tiny, Spontaneous Gene
Mutations May Boost Autism Risk
Tiny gene mutations, each individually rare, pose more risk for autism
than had been previously thought, suggests a study funded in part
by NIMH. These spontaneous deletions and duplications of genetic material
were found to be ten times more prevalent in sporadic cases of autism
spectrum disorders than in healthy control subjects — but only
twice as prevalent in autism cases from families with more than one
affected member. The results implicate the anomalies as primary, rather
than just contributory, causes of the disorder in most cases when
they are present, according to the researchers. Although they might
share similar symptoms, different cases of autism could thus be traceable
to any of 100 or more genes, alone or in combination. Researchers
reported on their discovery online, March 16, 2007 in Science Express.
Press Release: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/gene-mutations-autism.cfm |
NIMH: Adolescent Brains Show
Lower Activity in Areas That Control Risky Choices
A new NIMH study could help explain why adolescents are so prone to
make risky choices. When contemplating risky decisions, they show
less activity in regions of the brain that regulate processes involved
in decision-making, compared with adults. The areas are among the
last to develop and are involved in control of “thinking”
functions, including decision-making, and in processing reward-related
input and behavior (the orbitofrontal/ventrolateral prefrontal cortex
and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex). Results of the study were reported
in the March 9, 2007 issue of Neuropsychologia. Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/adolescent-brains-risky-choices.cfm |
NIMH: Depression Risk Higher
in Girls with Low Birth Weight
Girls' risk for developing depression after puberty increased significantly
if they had low birth weight, in a study funded in part by NIMH. Yet
low birth weight didn't appear to be just one more risk factor for
depression. Rather, it seemed to increase the risk effects of other
adversities. Among the 5.7 percent of girls in the study with low
birth weight, more than 38 percent developed at least one episode
of depression as teens, compared to only 8.4 percent with normal birth
weight. If a teenage girl with low birth weight had just one other
risk factor — such as teenage pregnancy or sexual abuse —
her odds of developing depression increased to 19.6 percent versus
3.6 percent for normal birth weight girls. If she had two more risk
factors, the risk rose to 68.5 percent versus 19.7 percent for normal
birth weight girls. But if she had no other risk factors, low birth
weight posed no additional risk. Nor did it increase depression risk
in teenage boys. Results of the study were published in the March
2007 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/lowbirthweight.cfm |
NIMH: Global Use of ADHD
Medications Rises Dramatically
Global use of medications that treat attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) nearly tripled from 1993 to 2003, and spending on
the drugs rose nine-fold, according to a study co-funded by NIMH and
published in the March/April 2007 issue of Health Affairs. Using the
IMS Health MIDAS, an international pharmaceutical database, researchers
examined data from nearly 70 countries, mostly from North America,
Europe and Northeast Asia. They found that among 5- to 19-year-olds,
use of stimulants and non-stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD increased
by 274 percent. The United States prescribes the most ADHD medications,
but its share of the worldwide market declined from 87 percent in
1993 to 83 percent in 2003. ADHD medications include amphetamine (Adderall),
methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin), and atomoxetine (Strattera).
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/scheffler_adhd_meds.cfm |
NIMH: HIV Treatment May Help
Reduce Severity of Mental Impairment in Children with HIV Infection
During the first few years of life, children born with HIV infection
are most susceptible to central nervous system disease, and can develop
impaired cognitive, language, motor and behavioral functioning. However,
NIH-funded researchers have found that among children with HIV infection,
treatment with a protease inhibitor-based highly active antiretroviral
therapy helped protect against cognitive and motor difficulties compared
to a control group of age-matched children who were born to HIV-infected
mothers but who did not contract the virus themselves (e.g., HIV-exposed).
The findings are part of the large-scale, longitudinal study conducted
within the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group (PACTG) Network and
are published in the March 2007 issue of Pediatrics.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/lindsey_hivneuro.cfm |
NIMH: African Americans,
Black Caribbeans, and Whites Differ in Depression Risk, Treatment
Although black Americans are less likely than whites to have a major
depressive disorder (MDD), when they do, it tends to be more chronic
and severe. They are also much less likely to undergo treatment, a
major NIMH-funded study of mental-health status shows. The National
Survey of American Life also shows striking differences among blacks.
Fewer than half of African Americans with MDD undergo treatment, but
the rate drops to about one-quarter in Caribbean blacks who emigrated
to the U.S. or were born there. Results were published in the March
issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Science Update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/mdd-race-ethnicity.cfm |
NIDA Launches First Large-Scale
National Study to Treat Addiction to Prescription Pain Medications
Researchers funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
are launching the first large-scale national study evaluating a treatment
for addiction to prescription opioid analgesics (i.e., painkillers)
such as Vicodin and OxyContin. NIDA’s National Drug Abuse Treatment
Clinical Trials Network (CTN) is conducting the multi-site study,
known as the Prescription Opiate Addiction Treatment Study (POATS).
Press Release: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/mar2007/nida-07b.htm |
NIAAA: Study Advances Evidence
for Receptor’s Role in Alcohol Pleasure and Problems
A genetic variant of a receptor in the brain’s reward circuitry
heightens the stimulating effects of early exposures to alcohol and
increases alcohol consumption, according to a new study by researchers
at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
Conducted in rhesus monkeys, the study extends previous research that
suggests an important role for a similar brain receptor variant in
the development of human alcohol use disorders. A report of the findings
is published in the March, 2007 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Press Release: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/mar2007/niaaa-06.htm
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| Resources:
Publications, Toolkits, Other Resources |
NIDA
NewsScan
The latest NIDA NewsScan provides recent research findings related
to pain, opioids, and addictions. http://www.drugabuse.gov/newsroom/07/NS-3.html
New SAMSHA Resources
After an Attempt: A Guide for Taking Care of Yourself After
Your Treatment in the Emergency Department
This brochure was created to help attempters of suicide. It offers
information about moving ahead after treatment in the emergency
department and provides resources for more information about suicide
and mental illnesses.
In English: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SVP-0157/
In Spanish: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/svp06-0158SP/
Mental Health, United States 2004
This compendium of the latest information available on mental health
services, published every two years since 1983, was released by
SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services. For the first
time, this edition includes chapters on quality improvement and
its application to the mental health field. Specialized topic areas
discussed include a national overview of mental health consumer
organizations in the United States and the role of information technology
as a force that promotes transformation and improved quality of
care. http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA06-4195/default.asp
SAMHSA: New Publications from the GAINS Center
Dispelling the Myths about Information Sharing Between the
Mental Health and Criminal Justice Systems
This publication provides a review of the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and how it can provide tools for
cross-system collaboration.
http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/text/integrated/Dispelling_Myths.asp
SPECTRM: Expanding the Mental Health Workforce Response
to Justice-Involved Persons with Mental Illness
This publication provides an overview of the Sensitizing Providers
to the Effects of Incarceration on Treatment and Risk Management
(SPECTRM) training program.
http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/text/reentry/Spectrum.asp
SAMHSA: New Reports from the Office of Applied Studies
Use of Marijuana and Blunts among Adolescents, 2005
A short report that provides the demographics on youth age 12 to
17 who not only currently use marijuana but also smoke “blunts”
(cigars with tobacco replaced with marijuana).
http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/mjBlunts/mjBlunts.cfm
Drug Abuse Warning Network, 2005: National Estimates of
Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits
This report provides data on visits involving illicit drugs, alcohol,
and nonmedical use of pharmaceuticals. In 2005, of the 108 million
total emergency department visits in general non-Federal hospitals,
an estimated 1,449,154 were associated with drug misuse or abuse.
http://oas.samhsa.gov/DAWN/2k5ed.cfm
State Estimates of Substance Use from the 2004-2005 National
Surveys on Drug Use and Health
This report provides highlights, tables, and national maps with
substance use and mental health data on individual states. Data
are presented on alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use. Mental
health data include major depressive episode and serious psychological
distress among adults.
http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k5state/toc.cfm
OJJDP: Guidelines for Sharing Information
About Youth
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
has developed these guidelines to suggest a course of action for
key agency and organization stakeholders involved in juvenile information
sharing.
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/215786.pdf
Administration for Children and Families: New Child Abuse
and Neglect Manuals
Working With the Courts in Child Protection
This manual explains court processes most relevant to child abuse
and neglect cases. It introduces concepts and terminology associated
with the courts, describes the key court processes, and presents
practical information to help child protective services caseworkers
prepare for litigation.
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/courts/index.cfm
Child Neglect: A Guide for Prevention, Assessment, and Intervention
This manual using an interdisciplinary approach to address the complex
issue of neglect, this manual covers neglect's definition, causes,
impact, and prevention and intervention strategies. http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/neglect/index.cfm
CDC: The State of Aging and Health in America 2007
This report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) presents the most current national data available on 15 key
health indicators for older adults related to health status, health
behaviors, preventive care and screening, and injuries. http://www.cdc.gov/aging/saha.htm
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| Calls
for Public Input |
NIGMS Seeks Input for Its
Strategic Planning
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) is engaged
in a strategic planning process that will guide its decision-making
over the next 5 years. The Institute invites input from members of
the scientific community and others on its Strategic Planning Input
website. This site will be open from February 20 to March 20, 2007.
http://www.nigms.nih.gov/About/StrategicPlan/Input.htm |
| Calls
for Applications |
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| Calendar
of Events |
Teleconference: Trauma among
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Youth
March 22, 2007 2:00-3:30 PM ET
This call is a part of SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress
Network Culture and Trauma Teleconference Series.
http://www.nctsnet.org/nccts/nav.do?pid=ctr_top_train_tele_culsched |
Webcast: Alcohol en la Comunidad
Latina (Producido en español)
April 4, 2007
This Center for Substance Abuse Treatment webcast will examine, in
Spanish, issues surrounding alcohol abuse and dependence specific
to the Latino community in the United States, and it will provide
resources on where help and assistance can be found.
http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/multimedia/webcasts/w.aspx?ID=490 |
Conference Call: Screening
and Assessment—What Are the Next Steps?
April 19, 2007, 1:00-2:30PM ET
This conference call produced by SAMHSA’s National Technical
Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health will highlight several
steps in the early identification process for young children who may
have emotional/ behavioral delays. One state will share the screening
process it is using across agencies and another state will discuss
the use of DC 0-3R instead of the DSM for assessment. Participants
will also hear about the relationship between CAPTA (Child Abuse Prevention
and Treatment Act), Part C and mental health as opportunities for
building effective early identification and intervention.
http://gucchd.georgetown.edu/programs/ta_center/tacalls2007.html |
Conference: The 16th National
Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect—Protecting Children, Promoting
Healthy Families, and Preserving Communities
Portland, Oregon, April 16- 21, 2007
This conference is sponsored by the Children’s Bureau of the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The conference
theme promotes the idea of communities joining to establish collaborative
relationships and strategies to prevent child maltreatment and provide
responsive services and treatment. http://www.childwelfare.gov/calendar/cbconference/ |
NIMH Annual International
Research Conference on the Role of Families in Preventing and Adapting
to HIV/AIDS
San Francisco, California, July 25-27, 2007
This NIMH conference is designed to present research findings on family
processes and HIV disease. This year’s conference theme is “Responding
to the Social Context of HIV Risk: The Role of Families and Support
Networks.” http://www.nimh.nih.gov/scientificmeetings/hivaids2007.cfm |
| Funding
Information |
NIH Invites Applications
for the Inaugural NIH Director’s New Innovator Award
The NIH Director’s New Innovator Award will support research
by new investigators who propose highly innovative projects with the
potential for exceptionally great impact on biomedical or behavioral
science. NIH expects to make at least 14 awards in September 2007.
Each grant will be for 5 years and up to a total of $1.5 million in
direct costs plus applicable facilities and administrative costs.
Women and members of groups that are underrepresented in biomedical
or behavioral research are especially encouraged to apply. Applications
will be accepted through Grants.gov between April 25 and May 22, 2007.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/new_investigators/innovator_award/
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SAMHSA: Soliciting Applications
for Addiction Technology Transfer Centers
The Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTC) program supports
the workforce that provides addictions treatment services to 23 million
Americans age 12 and older who need treatment for alcohol or illicit
drug problems. The ATTCs assess the training and development needs
of the substance use disorders workforce, and develop and conduct
training and technology transfer activities to promote the adoption
of evidence-based practices in substance use disorders treatment.
Awards will be made to 14 Regional Centers and one National Coordinating
Center.
Application Due Date: June 1, 2007
http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0703123138.aspx |
SAMHSA to Fund up to Eight
Alternatives to Restraint and Seclusion Grants
SAMHSA is soliciting applications to support states in their efforts
to adopt best practices to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use
of restraint and seclusion in institutional and community- based settings
that provide mental health services, including services for people
with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Application Due Date: May 11, 2007
http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0703123413.aspx
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| Programmatic
Funding Opportunities |
CDC: Racial and Ethnic Approaches
to Community Health Across the US (REACH US)
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=12909&mode=VIEW |
| Research
Funding Opportunities (PAs and RFAs) |
NIH Program Announcements
(PAs)
[Full listing of NIH PAs at http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/index.html
]
AHRQ Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination
Grants (R18)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-247.html
AHRQ Health Services Research (R01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-243.html
Special Emphasis Notice: AHRQ Announces Interest in Research Implementation
Small Research (R03) Grants
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-HS-07-002.html
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