call for volunteers
Facial Pain Study
Researchers at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School in Newark are seeking women between the ages of 18 and 65 who suffer
from facial pain (TMJ) or temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The purpose of the study is to determine the causes of
facial pain and the appropriate treatment. Volunteers must never have used oral appliances or bite plates for
treatment. Participants are required to complete daily questionnaires at home for two weeks before undergoing a free
six-week treatment program. They will receive compensation of $300 upon completion of the study.
Women between 18 and 65 years of age without facial pain are also needed for this research project. They will be asked
to complete daily questionnaires at home for two weeks and will be paid $100 when the study is completed.
The project is directed by Karen Raphael, PhD, and Joseph Marbach, DDS. For further information call the project
coordinator, Margaret Spier, at 973-972-8043.
Postoperative
Pain Therapies Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The UMDNJ-University Dental Center, Somerdale, in conjunction with UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School in Newark, is
studying the comparative effectiveness of an investigational drug in relieving discomfort following extraction of a
wisdom tooth. Volunteers must have an impacted wisdom tooth, be 16 or older, and women must not be pregnant. Those
selected for treatment will be observed postoperatively by a trained nurse, will receive free pain medication initially
and financial compensation of $100.
For more information, contact Stephanie Adair at 609-566-6969 or
Fran Devonshire at 973-972-4777.
Chronic Vaginitis Study
Women between the ages of 18 and 50 with recurrent yeast infections are sought to participate in a chronic vaginitis
study at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick. Participants will be asked to complete three visits
and will receive free examinations and cultures.
For more information call investigator Charletta Ayers, MD, at 908-235-7847.
Hereditary Causes of Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Specialists at the Center for Human and Molecular Genetics at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark, the Cancer
Institute of New Jersey, and the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research at Rutgers University are
conducting a study on genetic counseling for familial breast and ovarian cancer in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. The
goal is to examine how individuals respond to genetic counseling for inherited breast and ovarian cancer genes and to
the availability of genetic testing. The team, which includes psychologists, hopes to learn what factors motivate or
discourage individuals from being tested. They will focus on changes in family relations, surveillance and health
practices, and psychological well-being. All participants must be of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and have either a
personal history or a strong family history of early onset breast cancer or ovarian cancer. Genetic counseling and
testing will be provided free of charge. Genetic testing is optional Š those who are interested only in counseling are
encouraged to participate. Participation, test results and information discussed in the study are confidential.
For more information call Monica Magee, MS, at 973-972-3304.
Acupuncture Treatment for Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury
The Center for Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West
Orange is conducting a study on acupuncture for the treatment of pain following spinal cord injury. Volunteers age 18
or older, who sustained a spinal cord injury at least six months ago, and who are currently experiencing pain that has
persisted for at least six months following injury are eligible. Participants will receive eight weeks of acupuncture
at no cost, which will include 15 treatments, following an eight-week assessment period. Participants will monitor
their pain levels and medications on a daily basis. They will receive $300 upon completion of the study.
For further information call Sangeetha Nayak, PhD, at 973-731-3900, extension 2063.
For Women Only
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark is looking for women between
the ages of 18 and 38 to participate in a brief study, lasting through two and one-half menstrual cycles. Participants
will be required to collect their urine at home for six weeks, have two endometrial aspirations Š a sampling of a thin
piece of tissue from the uterine lining Š and agree to use birth control (not oral contraceptives) while participating
in the study. The purpose of the study is to examine the lining of the uterus in normal cycling women. Volunteers are
required to complete two office visits at no cost and will be compensated $335 upon completion.
For more information call Cheryl Forst, RN, BSN, at 973-972-6573.
New Medication for High Blood Pressure and Diabetic Kidney Disease
Hypertension specialists at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick are conducting a three-year study
to evaluate the effect of a new investigational medication for diabetic kidney disease for individuals with early
kidney dysfunction and Type II, adult onset, diabetes. Those eligible to participate must be between the ages of 30 and
70, have Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Participants will receive free clinic visits,
blood pressure medication, laboratory tests and parking.
A second study, sponsored by the group, is in need of volunteers between the ages of 18 and 80 with primary
hypertension, not due to kidney disease or other causes, to participate in a four month research study on hypertension.
The purpose of the investigation is to compare the blood pressure lowering ability of Mibefridil, marketed under the
trade name Posicor, a calcium channel blocker, to another calcium channel blocker Calan SR.
Medical examinations, laboratory tests, blood pressure medication and parking will be provided at no cost.
For more information on both studies, contact Noreen Bradley, RN, at 732-235-7825.
Hypertension
Individuals with hypertension who are at least age 55 are needed to participate in an international study being
conducted in the Department of Medicine at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in Camden and the Section of
Hypertension at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick. It will compare the effectiveness of
Covera-HS, a calcium channel blocker in a new time-release form, with either atenolol or HCTZ. This study is known as
CONVINCE, for controlled onset verapamil investigation of cardiovascular endpoints. Volunteers must have one or more of
the 10 defined cardiovascular risk factors, such as a smoking habit, high-risk blood lipid profile or history of heart
attack. Those eligible to participate will receive free blood pressure medication for up to six years.
For more information on the study being conducted in Camden, contact Lynn Helmer, MD, at 609-342-2489 or Patricia
Niblack, MLT, at 609-968-7269. For information on the New Brunswick study, call Noreen Bradley, RN, at 732-235-7825.
Asthma
Asthmatics age 6 or older are being sought to participate in clinical research studies that will evaluate an
investigational, orally inhaled asthma medication. It will be conducted at the Asthma and Allergy Research Center at
UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark. Participants will get free medication and medical visits. Those who complete
the study will receive financial compensation of $140.
For more information contact clinical coordinator June Tarantola, LPN, at 973-972-2762.
Gasoline Additive Study
The Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, ARCO Chemicals and the state Department of Environmental
Protection are recruiting volunteers for the investigation of sensitivity to methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE). The
study will evaluate the effects of exposure to this gasoline additive believed to cause health problems in some people
while driving or refueling their vehicles. Volunteers who think they are MTBE-sensitive, as well as healthy people who
display no signs of MTBE sensitivity, will be asked to complete a short questionnaire and visit the Institute, located
on the Busch campus in Piscataway, for five two-hour sessions.
A medical evaluation by licensed, board-certified physicians will be conducted. A stipend will be offered to those who
participate in the study. For more information contact Joyce Kosmoski at 732-445-0190.
Comprehensive Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
The WomenÕs Wellness Center in Newark is offering a comprehensive breast and cervical cancer screening program for 500
women over age 50 who live in Essex County. Services include Pap tests, mammograms and breast self-exam teaching. To be
eligible, a woman must be at least 50 years old, reside in Essex county, meet income eligibility guidelines and have
limited or no health insurance. House calls are made to single locations such as apartment buildings, churches or
senior centers for groups of 15 or more women who qualify. Portable mammography is available to provide service on
site.
For further information on the study, contact the WomenÕs Wellness Center at 973-972-2777.
Managing Morbid Obesity
Endocrinologists at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark have begun a special program for management of morbid
obesity in the indigent population. The goal of the project is to remove financial barriers that may prevent indigent
patients from seeking help losing weight. To be eligible, volunteers must be 19 years or older, at least 80 pounds
overweight and referred by their primary care physician or clinic. Services will be provided at no cost to recipients
of Medicaid, City welfare or those whose family income is at the federal poverty level.
The program, funded by the Beth Health Foundation in Roseland, is accepting applications at the Doctors Office Center
on the Newark Campus. Inquiries should be made to Marvin A. Kirschner, MD, at the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes
and Metabolism at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School or call 973-972-6170.
Cancer Clinical Trials
Scientists at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) in New Brunswick develop and conduct clinical trials for
oncology patients who do not respond to traditional therapies and for those with cancers that do not have a standard
treatment.
The focus of the studies is to develop new treatment options and drugs, as well as preventive and diagnostic techniques
to fight the disease.
CINJ is currently conducting 40 clinical studies for different types and stages of cancer. For additional information
on studies being conducted, call the Clinical Research Office at 732-235-7459.
Psoriasis
The Clinical Research Center at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick is seeking volunteers with
psoriasis to participate in research studies being conducted at the school. Eligible participants will be provided
physical examinations by board-certified dermatologists, laboratory tests and medication at no cost. Some programs have
monetary compensation.
Call 732-418-8474 for more information.
Type II Diabetes
The Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick is
conducting studies for patients with Type II diabetes who are being treated with insulin as their sole therapy. The
goal of the studies is to resolve the problems of elevated blood sugars immediately after eating and to maintain normal
blood sugar overnight. One study is evaluating a new long-acting insulin, which may control glucose levels overnight,
resulting in less early morning hypoglycemia.
A second study is investigating a new oral agent that delays the absorption of carbohydrates. The combination of
insulin with the agent should improve elevation of blood sugar after eating. Those eligible to participate will receive
free physical examinations, laboratory tests and medications.
For more information on both studies, contact Stephen H. Schneider, MD, or the research coordinator, Shelley Greenhaus,
RN, at 732-235-7751.
Oral Contraceptive Study
Women between the ages of 18 and 38 who are having regular menstrual cycles are sought to participate in a two-month
oral contraceptive research study at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick. To be eligible,
volunteers must be nonsmokers and in good health. They will receive monetary compensation and free examinations.
For further information, call the WomenÕs Health Research Section, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and
Reproductive Sciences at 732-235-7353 or 732-235-7925.
Investigational Drug Studies
Clinical researchers at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick are seeking volunteers between the
ages of 18 and 75 to participate in studies of new investigational drugs. Eligible participants will receive physical
examinations, laboratory tests and medication at no cost. Some studies require volunteers to stay overnight at the
schoolÕs Clinical Research Center. Study subjects will be asked to complete a data base reference questionnaire. Some
studies will provide monetary compensation.
For more information, call 732-418-8461.