The influence of clostridium perfringens, an anaerobic bacterium found in soil and sewage, as an antithyroid substance has been examined, and under certain defined circumstances, this bacterium has been shown to produce an exotoxin with goitrogenic properties. Laboratory studies are being conducted on other bacteria which are common contaminants of polluted water and soil. It is hoped that these studies will lead to clarification of a hitherto not investigated, novel causative mechanism for endemic goiter, which does not involve the classical theory of dietary iodine deficiency, and which is amenable to control through environmental improvement.

The increase of $28,000 includes $15,000 for annualization of the 1971 pay increase, $7,000 for within-grade pay increases, $1,000 for one extra day of pay in 1972, and $5,000 for payment to the National Institute of Health management fund for centrally furnished services.

This activity involves professional and supporting personnel who are responsible for the administration of the Institute's several grants activities. They assist in the planning and development of programs in research, training, and fellowships that will best serve to accomplish the desired results in the areas of disease interest for which this Institute is responsible; review and evaluation of research and training grant applications for presentation to the National Advisory Arthritis Council; required Council staff assistance; liaison with applicants, grantees, other components of NIH and the Department, advisory bodies, and interested organizations; continuous surveillance of scientific activities and progress; and recording and reporting of fiscal and scientific information relevant to all transactions.

The increase of $162,000 results from increases of $61,000 for annualization of the 1971 pay increase, $26,000 for within-grade pay increases, $3,000 for one extra day of pay in 1972 and $72,000 for payment to the National Institutes of Ilealth management fund for centrally furnished services.

This activity is comprised of the Institute Director, his immediate staff and administrative management and service personnel who are responsible for the general direction, coordination and administration of the total Institute activities.

The increase of $21,000 includes $9,000 for annualization of the 1971 pay increase, $7,000 for within-grade pay increases, $1,000 for one extra day of pay in 1972, and $4,000 for payment to the National Institutes of Health management fund for centrally furnished services.

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases

Program Purpose and Accomplishments

Research Grants (Public Health Service Act Title IV Part D)

Activity:

1971 Amount

$89,803,000

Purpose: This program provides support for clinical and basic research in an unusually broad spectrum of diseases and disciplines including arthritic, rheumatic, and collagen (connective tissue) diseases; various metabolic disorders, such as diabetes; gastrointestinal diseases, such as peptic ulcer; endocrine malfunctions; dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis; diseases of blood, bone, liver, and kidney; and research in urology, nutrition, and orthopedic surgery.

Explanation:

Applications from individual investigators at educational and non-profit institutions are reviewed and ranked on the basis of the qualifications of the investigator and the merit of the proposed project by panels of outstanding experts in specific fields. Within the funds available, the Institute makes grant awards in the order of these priority

scores.

Accomplishments in 1971: In 1971, an estimated 2,028 research projects will be supported at over 400 institutions throughout the nation. This represents about 35% of those applications approved by the panels of

experts.

Objectives for 1972: The Institute will continue to attempt to maintain a balanced program across the broad areas of its responsibility. It is estimated that the funds to become available will support 1,823 research projects or 205 fewer than in 1971.

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases

Program Purpose and Accomplishments

Activity: Fellowships (Public Health Service Act Title IV Part D)

Purpose: The increasing complexity and specialization in biomedical research demand a highly skilled reserve of scientific manpower. Το increase the number and effectiveness of individuals in research and related academic fields, the Institute will continue its three-pronged Fellowship program designed to develop the full investigative potential of the young scientific community. The program includes Special Fellowships, Postdoctoral Fellowships, and the Research Development Awards.

Explanation: Postdoctoral fellowships provide support directly to selected individuals and may be applied at clinical or basic science departments of any institution in the United States. This award may be directed toward a unique line of investigation and, as such, may provide the groundwork for future fields of research.

Placing emphasis on individuals with broader biomedical backgrounds, special fellowships are awarded, for the most part, to young men and women in advanced research and techniques training who have not yet established a permanent affiliation with an academic institution. However, recipients also include established investigators on leave from their positions to pursue special studies.

Young scientists who have displayed exceptional investigative ability in their postdoctoral training are candidates for the Research Development Award. Designed to develop full professional potential, the award provides salary support for a limited number of years to encourage careers in health-related independent research.

Accomplishments in 1971: It is estimated that in 1971, 343 fellowships will be supported in ten major fields for which this Institute is responsible.

Objectives for 1972: Approximately 280 fellowships will be supported.

This is 63 fewer than in 1971 and results from a budget reduction of $464,000.

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases

Program Purpose and Accomplishments

Activity: Training Grants (Public Health Service Act Title IV Part D)

Purpose: The Institute's Training Grants Program is evidence of its concern for the chronic shortage of qualified personnel in the fields of clinical investigation and research training. Aimed toward career development in investigation and teaching, the program is centered in the clinical departments of medical schools throughout the country.

Explanation: Applications are submitted by and awards made to the directors of the training programs rather than to individual trainees. These grants provide for the support of the research environment within the department as well as for stipend support for trainees selected by the program director. Accomplishments in 1971: During 1971 approximately 264 training grants with about 678 trainees will be supported.

Objectives for 1972: In 1972, funds expected to become available will support an estimated 249 training grants or 15 fewer than in 1971.

62-645 71 pt. 3 43