Research Projects in Our Community

Current as of November 30th 2006

Anemia and kidney disease

The University of Nebraska Medical Center Nephrology Department is enrolling individuals with chronic kidney disease in a study evaluating the effects an oral anemia drug taken twice a week in people with chronic kidney disease. Those aged 19 or older requiring treatment for anemia, not currently on treatment except iron, and not on dialysis are eligible. The study will last 30 weeks, compensation for time and travel, study drug and study related care are at no cost. Call Mary Ann in the Clinical Trials Office at 552-2735.

Type I Diabetes TrialNet natural History Study

The Clinical Research Center is currently conducting a study to learn more about how type 1 diabetes develops in "at-risk" individuals. Phase 1 of the study involves a blood test to see if participants have auto-antibodies which are associated with a risk of developing diabetes. The test is done at no cost. To participate you must be:

1-45 years of age and have a brother, sister, child, or parent with type 1 diabetes; or

1-20 years of age and have a cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, half-sibling, or grandparent with type 1 diabetes.

In general, your relative may have type 1 diabetes if they were diagnosed before age 40 and required insulin injections within a year of diagnosis. You may call the Clinical Research Center at 559-8555 for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Hearing Loss Study

Individuals 15 years of age and older with hearing loss are invited to participate in a research study.  The study is at Boys Town National Research Hospital, at 555 North 30th Street.  Subjects are needed for 1 visit, lasting approximately 2 hours.  Subjects will receive a hearing test at no cost and be asked to sit and listen to sounds played to the ear.    The purpose of this study is to learn more about how the ear works and its influence on normal and impaired hearing in children and adults.  The tests are safe and comfortable, and subjects may sleep, read or watch a video during portions of these tests.  Subjects are compensated $12/hour for their time.  To learn more, call Sandy at 402-498-6705.

Language Study

The Infant Development Laboratory is currently enrolling children with normal hearing with typical developing speech and language  who are between 2 ½ and 3 years of age for a language research study.  The study requires a mother or father and their child to come to the Lied Learning and Technology Center (attached to Boys Town National Research Hospital) at 425 North 30th Street.  Some participants are needed for 1 visit lasting about 1 hour.  Others may be asked to return and participate in several sessions.  Children will receive a hearing test at no cost.  Parents and children will be asked to play a hiding and finding game with a teacher.  The purpose of this study is to understand how children go about learning new words, and to find ways to help children with hearing loss in their word learning.  The games are fun, safe and comfortable.  Sessions are conducted in an attractive children’s play room.  Families are compensated $15/hour for their time.  To learn more, call Sandy at 402-498-6705.

Normal Hearing Study

Individuals with normal hearing who are 14  and 30 years of age and older, are needed for a hearing research study.  The study is at Boys Town National Research Hospital, at 555 North 30th Street.  Subjects are needed for 2 to 3 sessions, each lasting about 2 hours.  Subjects will receive a hearing test at no cost and will be asked to sit and listen to sounds played to the ear.  The purpose of this study is to better understand how the ear works and to develop ways to better test for hearing loss, especially in babies.  The tests are safe and comfortable, and subjects may sleep, read or watch a video (with the sound turned off) during portions of these tests.  Subjects are compensated $12/hour for their time.  To learn more, call Sandy 402-498-6705.

Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium Study

This study is looking at how differences in the genes that we inherit from our parents contribute to the risk for development of Type 1 Diabetes. If we find out more about these genes, we may be able to prevent diabetes in the future. This study involves one blood draw. We are looking for, brothers/sisters that have diabetes. We need two in the same family that have diabetes plus both parents.  We will provide to you a gift certificate to a local merchant for $20 as  a   token of our appreciation for you time and effort in this research project. Kim Grotheer, RN 559-5955

Left Ventricular Dysfunction in African Americans

with Type 2 Diabetes

This study is comparing two tests used in diagnosing heart problems in diabetics.  Magnetic Resonance Imaging vs. Electrocardiography . Participants will under go both tests twice, 3 months apart. There is no charge for the tests. A stipend for your participation will be provided.  You will receive $50 for the completion of the screening visit and Study Visit 1.  You will receive another $50 for completion of Study Visit 2. We are enrolling:

 ● African Americans 19 years of age or older with type 2 diabetes.  you cannot enroll if:                            

● You have atherosclerotic heart disease, heart failure, previous heart attack, chronic liver disease, kidney disease or lung disease or have protein in your urine. Contact Kim Grotheer, RN 559-5955