Chronic constipation

People with chronic constipation are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Health Care study of the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy to treat the condition. The study also will investigate quality of life and psychosocial function related to constipation problems and treatment. Eligible participants must be 18 to 75 years old and have at least

two of the following symptoms over a three-month period: stool frequency of two or fewer times a week; hard stools; excessive straining; feeling of incomplete evacuation; feeling of blockage; or need for digital maneuvers to defecate. Compensation will be provided. For more information, contact Kara Kinkade, UI study coordinator, at 319-384-9756 or by e-mail at kara-kinkade@uiowa.edu.

Cervical cancer

Women ages 16 to 23 are invited to participate in a clinical trial at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa to help determine the effectiveness and safety of a vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is associated with most cases of cervical cancer. Participants must be in general good health and must not be pregnant or planning to conceive during the first seven months of the study, which requires about eight visits to UI Hospitals and Clinics. Over the course of the study, participants will receive three injections of either vaccine or a placebo. Follow-up includes up to four years of gynecological exams that will test for the presence of HPV infection or precancerous cells. In addition, routine gynecologic care, contraception, and compensation will be provided. The study is led by Kevin A. Ault, M.D. For more information, call Tracy Peters, research nurse, at 319-384-4531 and ask about the HPV vaccine trial.