Cognition

People ages 55 to 90 who have atherosclerosis (deposits of fatty substances or other material that narrow or block blood vessels) are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Health Care study. The study's purpose is to better understand how blood vessel function relates to cognition, which is the ability to remember things, pay attention, learn, and solve problems. For possible eligibility, volunteers must have at least one of the following conditions: atherosclerosis (blockage of the blood vessels), claudication (peripheral vascular disease), angina, previous heart attack, angioplasty, or stent placement. Eligible participants must not have had a stroke or coronary artery bypass surgery. The study will involve four visits to UI Hospitals and Clinics over the course of three years and phone contact every three months. UI psychiatrist David Moser, Ph.D., leads the study. For more information, call research assistant Stephanie Hynes at 319-353-4276.

Genital herpes

Women ages 18 to 30 are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Health Care study to determine the safety and effectiveness of an experimental vaccine to prevent genital herpes, also known as herpes simplex virus. Eligible participants must not have genital herpes or a history of cold sores. In addition, women must generally be in good health and cannot be pregnant or planning to get pregnant within seven months after beginning the study. Eligible participants randomly will be assigned to receive either the herpes vaccine or a hepatitis A vaccine. UI Hospitals and Clinics is one of 17 centers participating in the study, which is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Kevin Ault, M.D., is lead investigator for the UI site. For more information, call UI Health Access toll-free and ask for the genital herpes study with Tracy Peters, UI research nurse, or call Peters directly at 319-384-4531, and mention the genital herpes study.

Heart disease prevention

People ages 55 or older who have had a heart attack or episode of chest pain within the past year are invited to participate in a UI Heart and Vascular Center study on heart disease prevention. Those who also have diabetes may participate if they are 18 years or older. The study will investigate whether long-term use of an investigational medication, compared to placebo (inactive pill), will help reduce the risk of future heart disease events. The study will last two years and involve 12 visits to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. In addition to taking the study drug or placebo, all participants will continue on their current standard treatment for heart disease during the two-year study. These visits will involve, at no cost to participants, physical exams, electrocardiograms, blood and laboratory evaluations, and study medication. Compensation for travel and parking is available.

For more information, call the UI Lipid Research Center toll-free at 800-887-6917 or 319-384-5048.