Research and Clinical Trials

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The Brain, the Gut, the Microbiome

Would you like to help answer some intriguing questions about how the brain and the gut influence each other? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study with the Brain Imaging Research at the Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress. You must be: a) 18-60 years of age; b) right-handed; c) not pregnant or breast feeding; d) diagnosed with ulcerative Colitis (UC); e) In good health without significant neurological or psychological medical history. Participation involves a screening visit and an MRI. Earn up to $95 and get a digital image of your brain.
Info: 310-206-1758 or visit uclacns.org

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Mood Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults

Does your child have moods that change rapidly? Do mood disorders run in your child’s family? UCLA is recruiting participants for a study of adolescents and young adults who are at risk for mood disorders. We are testing whether a mobile app can be used to enhance the effects of family treatment sessions. We are looking for teens or young adults (ages 13-19) who have mood swings. Participating families will receive a diagnostic evaluation and 12 sessions of family-based educational and problem-solving sessions. Participants will receive training in use of a mobile app that asks for weekly information about states and how things are going in your family. The app will supplement the therapy sessions by sending explanations of skills your family can use to enhance day-to-day functioning.
Info: 310-825-2836 or visit www.semel.ucla.edu/champ

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SUVN-502 Study with Donepezil and Memantine for the Treatment of Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

This phase II-a clinical trial will investigate whether the oral investigational drug SUVN-502 can enhance the cognitive effect of two FDA medications (donepezil and memantine) approved for use in patients with dementia. Individuals ages 50 to 85 with a diagnosis of moderate dementia who are taking the maximum dosages of donepezil and memantine may be eligible to participate. Patients will have a 60 percent chance of receiving the active study drug versus placebo (inactive substance). The study will last 26 weeks.
Info: 310-794-6191 or cossinalde@mednet.ucla.edu

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Nicotinamide as an Early Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment (NEAT)

The NEAT study is a phase II-b clinical trial focusing on nicotinamide, a soluble form of vitamin B3. This one-year study will investigate the safety and tolerability of daily high-dose oral nicotinamide, and assess whether nicotinamide is able to reduce levels of phosphorylated tau found in spinal fluid. It will also assess whether nicotinamide is effective in reducing the rate of cognitive and functional decline. This study seeks individuals ages 50 to 85 with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Participants will have a 50 percent chance of receiving the study drug versus a placebo (inactive substance).
Info: 310-794-6191 or cossinalde@mednet.ucla.edu

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Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 3 (ADNI3)

ADNI3 is the fourth wave of a North American multicenter observational study launched in 2004. The primary goal of this study is to discover, optimize, standardize and validate clinical biomarkers used in Alzheimer’s disease research and clinical trials. This study seeks participants between 55 and 90 years old who are willing and able to undergo yearly test procedures, including cognitive tests, questionnaires, brain imaging, blood draws and spinal taps. Eligible individuals may have normal cognition with no memory concerns, or have memory concerns and diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Participants will be evaluated on a yearly basis, for two to four years.
Info: 310-794-6191 or cossinalde@mednet.ucla.edu

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OPTIMUM Depression Study

If you are 60 years or older, depressed, or taking an antidepressant but not feeling better, you may be eligible to participate in the OPTIMUM research study. Eligible participants will be given randomized medication options: Step 1: (for 10 weeks) adding aripiprazole or bupropion to current antidepressant; or switch to bupropion or Step 2: (for 10 weeks) adding lithium to current antidepressant; or switch to nortriptyline. The study team will assess your side effects and mood for up to 12 months. Study psychiatrists will provide medication recommendations to your primary care physician.
Info: 310-206-5240.

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Wellness for Older Adults: Health Education or Tai Chi

For those who are suffering from depressive symptoms, lack of energy, and on a stable form of treatment for depression, UCLA is conducting a 12-month research study involving 12 weekly 60 minute sessions of either a health and education wellness class or a Tai Chi class. Participants will undergo three functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. A complete psychiatric evaluation will be provided. If you are 60 years of age or older, you may qualify. Participants will be compensated.
Info: 310-794-9523

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Yoga and Memory Training for Women

UCLA is seeking women over the age of 50 suffering from memory concerns to participate in a study of yoga and memory training. Eligible participants must have either high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems or diabetes. The year-long study will include 12 weekly 60-minute sessions of yoga or memory training. Participants will undergo two functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. A complete psychiatric evaluation will be provided. Participants will be compensated up to $250 and reimbursed for parking.
Info: 310-825-2065.

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Ulcerative Colitis Research Study

Led by principal investigator Emeran Mayer, MD, PhD, the UCLA Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience is conducting a brain imaging research study regarding ulcerative colitis (UC). Participants must be between 18 and 60 years of age, not pregnant or breastfeeding, diagnosed with UC, right-handed and in otherwise good health without significant neurological or psychological history. Participants will receive digital images of their brains and earn up to $95.
Info: 310-206-1758 or uclacns.org.

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Pathways to Wellness

UCLA is conducting a six-week research study that focuses on wellness after breast cancer. Mindfulness meditation and survivorship education classes will be offered to compare the effectiveness of the two classes. Participants must attend three in-person appointments throughout the duration of the study. This study seeks women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger who were diagnosed within the last five years.
Info: 310-825-2520 or ucla.in/2nPqFAV.

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Investigation of cinnamon spice on glucose and insulin levels

This randomized clinical trial will investigate whether cinnamon spice can affect the glucose and insulin levels. Individuals ages 20 to 50 who are generally in good health and typically consume a low fiber/polyphenol diet (beige diet) may be eligible to participate if they are in their either normal weight range or overweight and pre-diabetic. Participants will have a 50 percent chance of having oatmeal with or without cinnamon spice. The study will last 4 weeks. Eligible participants will be compensated and a daily parking pass will be provided. Info: 310-206-8292 or ZEzzatZadeh@mednet.ucla.edu. Visit the Clinical Nutrition website for more details.

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Effects of phytonutrients on vascular health and skin in obese males

This randomized controlled study will evaluate the effect of polyphenol consumption, specifically those in pomegranate juice, on established parameters of cardiovascular health, skin inflammation and aging. This study will compare the effects of consuming 8 oz. pomegranate juice or 8 oz. placebo juice. We are seeking healthy, non-smoking males aged 18-65, with a BMI between 30 to 45. The study will last 12.5 weeks (5 clinic visits total). Eligible participants will be compensated up to $450 and a daily parking pass will be provided. Info: 310-206-8292 or DBenNissan@mednet.ucla.edu. Visit the Clinical Nutrition website for more details.

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Nutrition Support for Pancreatic Cancer

The UCLA Center for Human Nutrition is seeking participants between 18-75 years of age with unresectable pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a nutritional supplement will help to increase energy, improve body weight, composition and overall quality of life. Participants will receive either nutrition consultation alone or nutrition consultation in addition to a nutrition supplement. There will be 6 in-person clinic visits over 18 weeks. Eligible participants will be compensated and parking passes will be provided. Info: 310-206-8292 or llemieux@mednet.ucla.edu. Visit the Clinical Nutrition website for more details.

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Healthy Avocado Trial

The Healthy Avocado Trial, or “HAT,” is a multi-site nutrition study looking at the effect of avocado consumption on abdominal fat, waist circumference, cholesterol levels, and vascular health. The UCLA Center for Human Nutrition is seeking male and female participants 25 years of age or older with increased waist circumference (≥35 inches for women, ≥40 inches for men). Participants will either be provided with one avocado per day to eat with their usual diet for 6 months or will be asked to maintain their usual diet (minus avocados) for the same duration. The study will last 6 months with 10 clinic visits. Eligible participants will be compensated and a daily parking pass will be provided. Info: 310-206-2962 or uclahealthyavotrial@gmail.com. Visit the HAT website for more details.

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The Effect of a Healthy Snack on Body Weight and Composition

UCLA Center for Human Nutrition is seeking healthy volunteers 30 to 75 years of age and overweight (BMI 27.0-35.0 kg/m2) to participate in a weight-loss research study. Participants will either consume mixed nuts or an equally caloric amount of pretzels daily for 24 weeks. They will also be asked to follow a hypocaloric diet for the first 12 weeks, followed by an isocaloric diet for the second 12 weeks. The study will last 6 months with 9 clinic visits total. Eligible participants will be compensated and a daily parking pass will be provided. Info: 310-206-8292 or MVerdel@mednet.ucla.edu . Visit the Clinical Nutrition website for more details.

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Untreated Fibroids

UCLA researchers are seeking women 18 years of age or older with untreated fibroids who wish to receive treatment and avoid hysterectomy to compare approved uterine-sparing fibroid treatments. Menstruating women who have symptomatic uterine fibroids and desire uterine conservation may be eligible to participate. Eligible women may receive treatment through the TRUST (Treatment Results of Uterine Sparing Technologies) USA study.
Info: www.ClinicalTrials.gov (search identifier: NCT02163525)

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience is conducting a mind/body research study for those suffering from IBS symptoms (abdominal pain or discomfort) and altered bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea). Participants must be 18 to 60 years of age, right handed, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and have no significant neurological or psychological medical history. Participants must undergo an MRI, blood and stool sample and digital brain imaging. Female participants may earn up to $620 for completing all five visits over 12 months at 3-month intervals. Male participants may earn up to $150 for a screening visit, MRI and one stool and blood sample.
Info: 310-206-1758

For information on other digestive diseases clinical trials and studies, please visit: uclahealth.org/gastro/clinical-trials.

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Vulvodynia Research

UCLA researchers are seeking women ages 18 to 55 to help understand brain activity changes associated with a chronic-pain condition called vulvodynia. Women who have been diagnosed with vulvodynia or vestibulodynia, or those with chronic pain around the opening of the vagina with or without intercourse, may be eligible to participate. Participation includes a pelvic exam, sensitivity testing, one small blood sample and one MRI scan. Volunteers can earn up to $210 for participating.
Info: 310-825-5255 or uclaobgynresearch@mednet.ucla.edu

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Effects of E-Cigarettes on Blood Vessel Function (4 visits)

UCLA is seeking healthy men and women between the ages of 21-45 for a research study on the effect of E-cigarettes on blood vessel function. The study will involve 4, 2 hour visits. Must be an E-Cigarette user, or a non-smoker. Monetary compensation provided.
Info: 310-825-3510 or kpeters@mednet.ucla.edu

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Effects of E-Cigarettes on Blood Vessel Function (2 visits)

UCLA is seeking healthy men and women between the ages of 21-45 for a research study on the effect of E-cigarettes on blood vessel function. The study will involve 2, 2 hour visits. Must smoke tobacco cigarettes. Monetary compensation provided.
Info: 310-825-3510 or kpeters@mednet.ucla.edu

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Vestibular Migraine Research Study

UCLA is seeking adults between the ages of 18 and 65 with a history of vestibular migraine (VM) – a recently recognized type of migraine headache that causes attacks of vertigo and dizziness – to participate in a research study. Participants will undergo an observation phase and a treatment phase. While in the study, participants will need to document how often they get VM and track five of their last episodes in a diary. The study includes up to three visits and $50 in compensation per visit.
Info: 310-206-8511