Volunteers

Using Magnetic Resonance Techniques to Study the Brain and Brain Diseases

Text Box: University of Hawai’i Neuroscience and Magnetic Resonance Research Program

Volunteer for MRI Research Studies

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We are actively recruiting research participants for imaging studies to evaluate brain diseases. Participants have to fulfill study criteria for each study and, if enrolled, will be compensated for their time. Healthy volunteers who fulfill study criteria are also needed for comparison purposes. A brief description of active research studies can be found below:

Text Box: “Brain Activation in Patients with Early HIV Dementia” (Principal Investigator: Linda Chang, M.D.; funding source NIMH-2R01MH061427):
This study aims to determine the effects of aging and HIV infection and their interaction on brain chemistry and function. Advanced MRI techniques (functional MRI and MR spectroscopy) will be used to evaluate participants with or without HIV infections. Annual evaluations will be performed. Please contact us for specific requirements to enter this study. Contact: Diana Sheldon, ph: 586-7488 or e-mail: diana2@hawaii.edu “Early Brain Development After Prenatal “Ice” Exposure: A Longitudinal MR Study” (Principal Investigator: Linda Chang, M.D.; funding source NIDA-1R01DA021016):
We aim to evaluate brain development in children using brain scans (Magnetic Resonance imaging techniques) and mental function tests that are performed with paper and pencils. We hope the results will determine whether "ice" exposure prenatally affects brain development. Children between the ages of 3 and 4 years old are needed. Your child may be eligible if he/she was or was not exposed to methamphetamine (“ice”) during the mother’s pregnancy. Download and read our letter for those thinking about participating in the study.
Click here: ”Subject Referral or Participation” Contact: Lynn Anderson, ph: 545-8966 or e-mail: lynnma@hawaii.edu Aaron Hoo, ph: 545-8962 or e-mail: hoo@hawaii.edu “Mathamphetamine Psychosis: A model in man and mouse” (Principal Investigator: Daniel Alicata, M.D., Ph.D.; funding source: NINDS-2U54NS3906):
Using MR imaging tools and neuropsychological evaluation, “meth” exposure in the human adolescent will be studied. Research subjects, minors between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, are being recruited under a Certificate of Confidentiality. Contact: Dr. Daniel Alicata, ph: 545-8971 or e-mail: dalicata@pol.net Dr. George King, ph: 545-8848 or e-mail: grking@hawaii.edu “Brain structure and chemistry changes in young marijuana users” (Principal Investigator: Christine Cloak, Ph.D., funding source: The Queen Emma Research Foundation):
This pilot study aims to observe potential neurochemical abnormalities in a population of marijuana users. Research participants with or without a history of marijuana use, between the ages of 14 and 23 years, are being recruited. Contact: Dr. Christine Cloak; ph: 586-7456 or e-mail: cloak@hawaii.edu “General Development and Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Techniques” (PrincipaI Investigator: Thomas Ernst, Ph.D., funding source: NIDA-K02 DA016991)
The goal of this project is to test or improve imaging techniques on human subjects. Enrolled subjects will be asked to do up to 4 scan sessions with each scan session lasting a maximum of 90 minutes. Contact: Diana Sheldon, ph: 586-7488 or e-mail: diana2@hawaii.edu “Parallel MRI for Substance Abuse Research”, (Principal Investigator: V. Andrew Stenger, Ph.D., funding source: 1K02 DA020569 )
Pilot studies performed under this career development project will primarily focus on “parallel transmission” technique development using 3D/2D structural sequences as well as rapid fMRI spiral sequences. Contact: Dr. Andy Stenger, ph: 585-5159 or e-mail: stenger@hawaii.edu “Investigating brain function in abstinent cannabis users, using TMS and fMRI”, (Principal Investigator: Michael Cole, Ph.D., funding source: 1U54 NS056883-01: Project 1) Contact: Dr. George King, ph: 545-8848 or e-mail: grking@hawaii.edu “Effects of In Utero Meth Exposure on Arousal- and Stress-Related Systems”, (Principal Investigator: Linda Chang, M.D.., funding source: 1U54 NS056883-01: Project 2) Contact: Dr. Linda Chang, ph: 545-8969 or e-mail: lchang@hawaii.edu “Event Related fMRI in Abstinent Meth Users”, (Principal Investigator: V. Andrew Stenger, Ph.D., funding source: 1U54 NS056883-01: Project 3) Contact: Dr. Andy Stenger, ph: 585-5159 or e-mail: stenger@hawaii.edu Dr. Helenna Nakama, ph: 545-8971 e-mail: nakamah@dop.hawaii.edu “Glutathione in Patients with HIV and Methamphetamine Abuse”, (Principal Investigator: Linda Chang , M.D., funding source: 1U54 NS056883-01: Project 4) Contact: Dr. Linda Chang; ph: 545-8969 or e-mail: lchang@hawaii.edu “Impact of Marijuana Exposure on Brain Maturation: Translational Neuroimaging”, (Principal Investigator: Christine Cloak , Ph.D., funding source: K01 DA021203 01) Contact: Dr. Christine Cloak; ph: 586-7456 or e-mail: cloak@hawaii.edu “Parallel MRI for High Field Neuroimaging”, (Principal Investigator: V. Andrew Stenger, Ph.D., funding source: 1 R01 DA019912-01A2 ) Contact: Dr. Andy Stenger, ph: 585-5159 or e-mail: stenger@hawaii.edu “RGR-based motion tracking for real-time adaptive MR imaging and spectroscopy”, (Principal Investigator: Thomas Ernst , Ph.D., funding source: 1 R01 DA021146-01A1 ) Contact: Dr. Thomas Ernst; ph: 585-5153 or e-mail: tmernst@hawaii.edu
All information and data obtained for the research are strictly confidential.

Neuroscience and MR Research Program, Department of Medicine—JABSOM, University of Hawaii, 1356 Lusitana Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813

Carol Kosaki: 808-545-8968; Linda Cunningham: 808-545-8973; Fax: 808-545-8970; Email: nmr@hawaii.edu

Last update: December 2008.
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