Nearly three million school-age children in the United States are afflicted
with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the numbers are growing.
ADHD is identified through certain characteristics and behaviors such as
inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
One of the largest grants received by the University of Nebraska Medical
Center during the final quarter of 1998 will fund a year-long study on
the use of a study drug for children and young adolescents with ADHD.
Christopher Kratochvil, M.D., a UNMC child psychiatrist, is the primary
investigator for the $224,348 grant. It will be used to research a study
drug for ADHD that may affect the brain in different ways than current
available drugs.
Children enrolled in the three-phase study take a daily dose of the
study drug and have weekly visits with the doctor. They will receive all
study-related care at no cost but will not receive a stipend.
Currently, 15 children are enrolled in the study. Dr. Kratochvil
is looking for 20 to 30 more children to participate. Parents of children
with ADHD who would like more information about the study or would like
to enroll their children can call (402)559-5056.
This grant is among more than $4.8 million awarded to UNMC during the
last three months of 1998 for research. The $4.8 million is a 26 percent
increase over the $3.8 million in research during the last quarter of 1997.
Funding for research during the final quarter breaks down as follows:
Federal sources–$1,177,883
Industry sources–$2,807,996
Other sources–$851,958.
Two grants totaling $242,331 were awarded to Thomas Porter, M.D., a
UNMC cardiologist. Molecular Biosystems, Inc. awarded a $186,111 grant
to Dr. Porter for a study that will measure how ultrasound can detect blood
flow abnormalities in the heart.
A $56,220 grant from AVI BioPharma, Inc. awarded to Dr. Porter will
be used to determine if ultrasound can therapeautically deliver certain
types of drugs to targeted areas of the body. The study also will see if
ultrasound can be used to break up blood clots that have formed in arteries.
The National Institutes of Health, through the University of Minnesota,
has awarded a $189,573 grant to Susan Swindells, M.D., to provide
HIV/AIDS patients with access into clinical trials. Dr. Swindells, director
of the UNMC HIV clinic will evaluate new and promising therapies for HIV/AIDS
and complications of the disease.
Caren Barnes, coordinator of clinical research for the UNMC College
of Dentistry, is the primary investigator for a $57,035 award given by
Rowenta Werkes GMBH. It will be used to determine if a manual toothbrush
and the Rowenta MH900 instrument will have different effects on dental
plaque accumulation and reduction of gingivitis.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has
established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research
and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than $34 million in
research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually.
In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more
health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.