Partners Research Studies Seeking Volunteers
1. Did you have a baby at MGH within the past three years?
If so, consider becoming a part of MOMS, the MGH Obstetrical Maternal Study. Being a part of this research study will help the medical community understand why women who develop high blood pressure or high blood sugar during pregnancy are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure or high blood sugar later in life. This research study involves one 3-4 hour visit to the Clinical Research Center at MIT, and includes fasting blood and urine tests, an oral glucose tolerance test, and timed blood tests. Your participation will help us reach our goal of understanding and treating this condition.
You will be paid $150 for participating in this research study.
For more information, or to schedule a visit, please contact Dorrie Sullivan, RN at 617-
726-5382 or DSullivan18@partners.org IRB Protocol #2002P002360.
2. STUDY OF BRAIN WAVES AND ATTENTION IN AGING in OLDER
ADULTS (80 years and older)
The Laboratory of Higher Cortical Functions at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard
Medical School is conducting research on the relationship between different patterns of cognitive aging and changes in the way in which the brain pays attention to events occurring in the environment. We are currently seeking volunteers who are 80 years of age and older, in good health, and who have normal memory function for their age.
Individuals will participate in several tasks that involve looking at line drawings and other objects while their brain waves are being measured. They will also undergo a set of paper and pencil tests. The study takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. Participants will be compensated $25 per hour for their time and the cost of parking will be covered.
Individuals who are interested in learning more about the study should call Jenna Riis at
(617) 732-8869 or email at erplab2004@yahoo.com
. IRB Protocol #2001P001850.
3. INVESTIGATIONAL MEDICINE FOR CHILDREN, ages 6-17, with autism and serious behavioral problems
The Massachusetts General Hospital Pediatric Psychopharmacology Department is currently conducting a research study looking at the effectiveness and safety of an investigational medicine for children, ages 6-17, with autism and serious behavioral problems. Qualified participants may receive study medication that may help treat the serious behavioral problems that children with autism often experience. Children with autism and behavioral problems such as tantrums, aggression and physically haring themselves may be eligible to participate. All study visits, study-related evaluations and lab procedures will be conducted at no cost to study participants. Financial compensation may be provided.
For more information or to see if your child may be eligible, call Dayna at 617-503-1009.
IRB Protocol #2006P001744.
Posted 1/2/08

4. Healthy Volunteers needed for research study on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
(IBD)
Are you scheduled for a screening colonoscopy at MGH?
Massachusetts General Hospital, Crohn’s and Colitis Center, seeks healthy volunteers, ages 18 years and older, for a research study to increase understanding and learn more about what may cause IBD and what factors influence the course of IBD over time. We also need to study healthy volunteers who do not have IBD.
Participants should not be unable or unwilling to provide blood samples and should not have any other immune mediated diseases, such as asthma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or multiple sclerosis. This study involves only 1 study visit, which consists of a brief physical examination and interview, a urine sample, questionnaires, and a blood draw for approximately 1½ tablespoons of blood. Also, if you are scheduled for a colonoscopy at MGH, we would like to collect biopsies of your colon (this is optional and not necessary to take part in the study). You will be given free parking for the study visit.
For more information, please contact Melissa at (617) 724-3238 or mcohen4@partners.org
IRB#2004-P-001067.
5.
Are you taking antidepressants and experiencing sexual side effects?
Research Study of a Natural Compound for Antidepressant Induced Sexual Dysfunction--
If you are a female, aged 18-80 and experiencing sexual dysfunction due to antidepressant medication, you may be eligible to participate at no cost to you in a 12week research study of a natural compound called Maca Root. Maca Root has been used for centuries in South America for nutritional and medicinal purposes. This study is designed to determine whether Maca Root is effective in the treatment of antidepressant induced sexual dysfunction.
If interested, please call 877-552-5837. All inquiries will be completely confidential.
IRB Protocol #2007P001090.
6.
Have you been smoking 10 or more cigarettes a day for the past 6 months?
Smoking Cessation and Relapse Prevention Research Study.
Do you want to quit smoking once and for all? If you are a female between the ages of 18 and 65, you may be eligible to participate in our research study at no cost to you. The study involves an 8-week smoking cessation phase, where you will be given free nicotine patches to help you quit smoking. If you are able to successfully quit smoking after 7 weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (i.e. the patch), you will enter into the 5-week relapse prevention phase of the study where you will stop using the patch, and you will be randomly assigned to receive an investigational drug that may be an effective treatment in helping prevent recently quit smokers from relapsing or placebo (i.e. inactive medication).
Posted 1/2/08

Study participation involves weekly or biweekly visits to our clinic at Massachusetts
General Hospital and the completion of computerized and behavioral tasks at three points throughout the 15-week study. Additional compensation will be provided.
If interested, please call 617-724-8472 or email quitforgood@partners.org. All inquiries are completely confidential. IRB #2006-P-000031.
7. Do you suffer from spinal stenosis-related lower back and leg pain?
The Spine Service department at Brigham and Women’s hospital seeks participants for a research study to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of an investigational medical device. This device offers an alternative surgical treatment to lumbar (lower back) spinal fusion. While spinal fusion decreases spinal motion, the medical device can support the spinal joints and maintain movement. The device is placed in the lumbar spine either at the L3-L4 or L4-L5 lumbar joints. You may be able to take part in this study if you:
1. Are between the ages of 50-85
2. Have experienced back and leg pain for at least 6 months
3. Tried non-operative treatment(s) for 6 months and still have pain
To find out more information and if you qualify to take part in the study, please call
Natalie Warholic at 617-525-8761 or e-mail her at nwarholic@partners.org
.
Protocol # 2007-P-000214/8.
8. HEALTHY ADULT MALE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BRAIN IMAGING
STUDY.
Would you like to help us to better understand the cerebellum? We are looking for healthy male volunteers, aged 18-35, to take part in our study. Native English speakers required. The study will take part over three visits, including one visit to the
Massachusetts General Hospital main campus, and two visits to the Charlestown Navy
Yard campus for brain imaging. The total time commitment will be one hour for the first visit, and two hours for each of the brain imaging sessions (a total of five hours). When the study is completed, you will receive $75 compensation for your participation.
Interested? Call or e-mail Dr. Catherine Stoodley – telephone 617-726-3669 or e-mail cstoodley@partners.org
. IRB Protocol #2007P002189/2.
9. MASSAGE THERAPY FOR FACIAL AND NECK MUSCLE PAIN.
Do you have a persistent muscle pain in your face and/or neck?
A research study is underway involving evaluation of facial/jaw pain, including standard treatment for facial muscle pain and massage or behavioral therapy to treat the problem.
Subjects must be at least 18 years old.
For details contact the Orofacial Pain Clinic, Oral Surgery Department. Phone Monica at
617-432-3147 or email monica_garrison@hsdm.harvard.edu.
Posted 1/2/08