Director, USAMRAA, 820 Chandler St, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5014

A -- BONE HEALTH & MILITARY MEDICAL READINESS (OSTEOPOROSIS AND RELATED BONE DISEASES) SOL CBD970-0000-0008 POC Craig D. Lebo 301-619-2036 (Site Code DAMD17) E-MAIL: Click here to contact the Contracting Officer via e-mail., craig_lebo@ftdetrck-ccmail.army.mil. Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Research Program -- The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command is soliciting research proposals for studies on the pathophysiology and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, and including environmental and stress exposure factors encountered in military operations which may be neurotoxic or lead to neurodegenerative conditions. An improved understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegerative diseases will form the basis of potential preventive measures against the effects of military threat agents and military operational hazards, and also lead to treatment interventions for Parkinson's disease. This effort is coordinated with research programs of the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. We solicit proposals on a broad range of basic and applied science, including but not limited to these areas of interest: (1) mechanisms of damage and protection against neural cell death, including regulation of excitotoxins such as glutamate, oxidative stress effects, and the protective role of anticonvulsants, (2) development and validation of new approaches to neuropsychological testing to improve early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, (3) new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, including neural cell transplantation, Bone Health & Military Medical Readiness (Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases) -- The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command is soliciting research proposals for studies of bone physiology in populations of military age. This effort is coordinated with research programs of the individual organizations of the National Coalition for Osteoporosis and Related Bones Diseases, and the National Institutes of Health, including the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). The goal of this program is to advance understanding of methods to improve bone health of young men and women, enhancing military readiness by reducing the incidence of fracture during physically intensive training and reducing the incidence of osteoporosis later in life. Research insights into fundamental mechanisms of bone biology and pathogenesis of bone diseases (such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, and osteogenesis imperfecta) contribute to these goals. We solicit proposals on a broad range of basic science and clinical issues related to biomechanical stress on the skeleton, including but not limited to these areas of interest: (1) interrelationship of biomechanical forces and bone cell biology, (2) influence of physical factors on bone matrix synthesis in young adults and genetic markers of synthesis applicable to normal and pathological conditions of bone, (3) interacting effects of physical training with diet and other health habits on peak bone mass development, (4) longitudinal studies of bone physiology and bone remodeling in physically active populations, including influences of specific typesof intense physical training, (5) physical and genetic mediators of stress fracture risk, and (6) stress fracture prevention strategies including pharmacological and hormonal interventions to augment bone mass and limit bone loss. Proposals will be selected for funding on the basis of high quality science. Potential application to military populations will be considered in this award. Projects are typically 2-4 years in duration and must be completed by 30 September 2003. Approximately $9.5M is available for the lifespan of these projects. Full proposals must be submitted according to general instructions contained in the Broad Agency Announcement 95-1 (available on the internet at http://www-usamraa.army.mil). Letters of intent containing a proposed title, brief description of project scope (<150 words), and investigator and institution identification, are due by 3 September 1997. Full proposals are due by 4:00 pm EST, 1 October 1997. Investigators will be notified about funding recommendations by February 1998. For further information, please write to: USAMRMC (MCMR-PLC), Army Operational Medicine Research Program, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5012, FAX (301) 619-2416. Send letters of intent and 20 copies of full proposals only to: Commander, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, ATTN: MCMR-AAA (Bone Health), 820 Chandler Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5014. (0183)

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