Women ages 15 to 25 are invited to participate in the University of Iowa Health Care portion of an international study to test the efficacy of an investigational vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. These types of HPV are associated with nearly three out of every four cases of cervical cancer. Participants must be healthy and not be pregnant or planning to conceive during the first eight months of the study. Participants will be chosen randomly to receive either the HPV vaccine or Hepatitis A vaccine. The study includes gynecological exams, at no cost, that will test for HPV infection or precancerous cells. Compensation will be provided. The study will involve 13,000 adolescent and young adult women in 15 nations.

Principal UI Investigator: Kevin Ault, M.D.
Contact: Tracy Peters or Tobey Kelly, 319-384-4531

People ages 15 to 75 who have chronic constipation are invited to participate in a University of Iowa study of the effectiveness of home-based biofeedback therapy, compared to clinic-based biofeedback therapy. The study also will investigate whether home-based biofeedback is more cost-effective than clinic-based training. Eligible participants must have at least two of the following symptoms with 25 percent of their bowel movements 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. All eligible participants will receive biofeedback therapy via one of two biofeedback treatment groups: home-based or clinic-based. Compensation will be provided for time and travel. In addition, some study-related training, clinic visits and testing will be free. The biofeedback technique that will be used was pioneered in large part at the UI.

UI Study Lead: Satish S.C. Rao, M.D., Ph.D.
Contact: Megan Miller, 319-384-9756 or megan-j-miller@uiowa.edu.

Eating disorders

A University of Iowa study is examining hormonal responses following food consumption in women with and without eating disorders. Normal-weight women age 18 to 45 who binge and purge, or only purge, may be eligible to participate in the study, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Interested participants will have their eligibility determined through a telephone screening before being asked to give their name. All information provided remains confidential. Compensation for participation is available. The study involves two separate visits to the UI campus, one in the Department of Psychology in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the other at the General Clinical Research Center at UI Hospitals and Clinics. In addition to having blood samples taken, participants will consume a liquid meal and complete ratings of mood, hunger, and fullness.

Principal Investigator: Pamela Keel, Ph.D.
Contact: For more information, call toll-free 866-469-2639.