Sections of this page:

Lauding Our Physicians

KU academic programs rank high in U.S. News evaluation

March of dimes

Around KUMC ...

Donald Hagen, EVC

Breakthroughs & Developments

Faculty News

Campus Happenings

Classifieds

Topics Information

Lauding Our Physicians
Though Doctor’s Day has come and gone, any day is fine for appreciation

By Donald Hagen and Irene Cumming
EVC and Hospital CEO, respectively

Though Monday, March 30, was Doctor’s Day, any day provides a great opportunity to let KU Medical Center’s physicians know how much we appreciate their expertise and dedication to health care.

Our physicians are the gold standard for health care in Kansas City. They go far be-yond society’s already extraordinary expectations of physicians. When we say we offer cutting-edge, state-of-the-art health care, we are not using empty words. KU physicians bring the latest in clinical advances, diagnostic procedures, medications and services to Kansas City and the region. Moreover, they develop clinical services that respond to emerging as well as ongoing health care challenges. And they do so with a commitment to meeting each patient’s individual needs. KU physicians truly set an example for their colleagues throughout the city, state and nation.

Not only do KU physicians provide the best in care today, but they also build the foundation for the health care of tomorrow. In addition to their medical practices, our physicians invest much time instilling the science and art of medicine into future generations of doctors. It is their dedication to medical students and residents that ensures continued, high quality health care in the future.

And, if their practices and teaching were not enough, KU physicians also conduct the research that creates tomorrow’s health care expertise and technology. Our physicians are internationally renowned for their research.

We’re extremely proud of their leadership in clinical care, research and education, and we want all of Kansas City to know about them. No other hospital can provide the high quality care offered by KU physicians. No other hospital in Kansas City can offer the services of physicians who are establishing the standards by which medicine of the future will be practiced. And no other hospital in Kansas City can boast such expertise and excellence.

KU academic programs rank high in U.S. News evaluation

Several University of Kansas graduate and specialty schools were accorded high marks in last month’s U.S. News & World Report issue, “America’s Best Graduate Schools.”

Among them were the KUMC School of Nursing, ranked 39th in the nation, and the Intercampus Program in Communicative Disorders in Speech-language Pathology, on the KUMC and Lawrence campuses, which was deemed the nation’s seventh best.

Moreover, Audiology’s Intercampus Pro-gram in Communicative Disorders took the final spot in the U.S. Top 10.

“Obviously, we’re excited to make the ... Top-10 list in both of these areas,” said Kim Wilcox, chair of the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing: Sciences and Disorders.

He attributed the outstanding grades to a broad-based collaborative effort initiated in the 1950s by R.L. Schiefelbusch, then director emeritus of KU’s Institute for Life Span Studies, and a number of his colleagues.

That initiative was a precursor of sorts to Initiative 2001, current Chancellor Robert Hemenway’s vision of a single, unified University of Kansas, pulling together to achieve excellence.

The nationally distributed magazine employed standardized, empirical data in-cluding research volume as well as reputation figures collected from across the nation from various university deans and faculty.

March of dimes
WalkAmerica

• What: 1998 March of Dimes WalkAmerica
• When: 8 a.m., Saturday, April 25
• Where: Main Swope Park entrance, Meyer Blvd. and Swope Parkway
• Who: People of all ages and walks of life; people who care about people
• Why: To combat birth defects, which can affect one of every 14 babies born in the U.S.

Around KUMC ...
what’s new

Worlds of Fun
Don't miss out on KUMC Worlds of Fun Day, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., April 18. Discount tickets are available at the KUMC Bookstore, $19 for adults, $13 for children under four-feet tall. You must present your KUMC ID to purchase tickets. Price includes a picnic lunch.

Bookstore Bargains
Silver Dollar City opens Friday, April 10; discount tickets are available at the KUMC Bookstore. The best KC restaurants have published a collection of 50 treasured recipes; the book sells for $20 and contains coupons worth $500 from these establishments. Tickets to the KC Wizards games April 4 and June 6 are available at the discounted cost of $8. For New Dinner Theatre tickets, call 649-SHOW; mention that you are from KUMC and account # 45353.

KPERS Seminar
KPERS is conducting a pre-retirement seminar for KPERS members who are considering retirement within the next five years. It will be held at 7 p.m., April 15 in the Kansas City, Kan., Commission Chambers, first floor, Municipal Office Building, 701 N. 7th, Kansas City, Kan. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, call KPERS at 1-888-275-5737 or Pat Applegate, Benefits, at ext. 5147.

Primary Care Forum
Joseph Scherger, MD, MPH, will present “Marcus Welby Returns,” at 5:15 p.m., April 16, preceded by a 4:45 p.m. reception in the Wahl West Conference Room. This forum is a must for anyone concerned with which characteristics will be necessary for successful practice in the future. Scherger is associate dean for Clinical Affairs and Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, College of Medicine, as well as a member of the AAFP Board of Directors. Call ext. 1454 to make reservations. Space is limited.

March of Dimes Walk
Join fellow KUMC co-workers for the 1998 March of Dimes WalkAmerica at 8 a.m., Saturday, April 25, near the main entrance to Swope Park. (Look for the KUMC tent.) Last year, KU Medical Center placed 11th overall and first in the Hospital Challenge Division by raising $10,146. This year’s goal is $20,000. Walkers can choose from either the 8-mile or the 13-mile routes. All participants who raise $50 for the March of Dimes will receive a KUMC T-shirt to wear on the day of the walk. Participants who raise $100 will receive an official March of Dimes WalkAmerica T-shirt in addition to the KUMC T-shirt. Employees, spouses, children and neighbors are welcome to join the KU Rock 'n Walk Team and help in the fight of birth defects. For more information or to sponsor a walker, call Amy Metcalf at ext. 1233.

Parking Discussion
An open Town Hall parking meeting will be held at 7:30 a.m. and again at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, in the Wyandotte Room of the main cafeteria. All interested staff, employees and students are invited to attend. Members of the medical center's Parking Committee will be present to discuss Parking issues. The committee also welcomes suggestions and/or questions.

Research Lecture
The Research Institute, in conjunction with Hoechst Marion Roussel and the KUMC Department of Preventive Medicine, will host author and lecturer Joyce Cramer of Yale University School of Medicine at noon, Thursday, April 16, in the Prairie Room of Delp Cafeteria. Cramer will discuss her book, “Patient Recruitment in Clinical Trials.” Space is limited. For reservations and additional information, call the Research Institute's clinical trials office at ext. 1249.

New Student Group
The Emergency Medicine/Critical Care Interest Group (ER/CCIG), a new student organization on campus, offers professional and literature references for any student interested in expanding the educational experience to an international scale. Those considering an international elective, residency, work, or seeking an international mentor, contact David A. Alcindor, medical student and co-vice president of ER/CCIG at:
dalcindo@kumc.edu
The organization serves all students interested in emergency medicine and various critical care specialties and provides information about residency opportunities and brings a variety of speakers to expose students to all aspects of emergency medicine and critical care.

Health Expo
The third annual KU Medical Center Health Expo will be from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 18, in the Francisco Lounge of the Student Center with the theme, “Feel Great in ’98,” and will offer participants opportunities to assess their health and wellness and learn about the resources available at KUMC.

Self-Care Workshops
Healthquest is offering a series of free Self-Care Workshops for state employees. Participants will learn how to use the “Healthwise Handbook” to prevent, recognize and treat common illnesses and injuries. They also will learn how to more effectively work with their doctor. They will receive a free 320-page handbook at the training. Employees who have already received a handbook at previous trainings are welcome to attend but will not receive another handbook. The 45-minute sessions will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, April 22. To register, contact the Benefits Office, 1040 Wescoe, ext. 5263 or 5087.

OFD Launched
The Office of Faculty Development began in February 1998 under the direction of Dr. Anne Walling. The purpose of the OFD is to develop an enduring institutional value that faculty development is an integral component of professional functioning and provide a range of appropriate programs and resources to ensure this value is achieved. Faculty Development refers to a broad range of issues concerning achieving and sustaining excellence in professional roles. Initial needs assessments indicate demand for such components as faculty orientation, resource clearinghouse, workshops, self-directed activities, mentoring, and community development. OFD will be developing a Newsletter, which will include Internet information, resources acquired in the clearinghouse, and articles from faculty.

Caring is the Key
KUMC’s guest relations program, Caring is the Key, is offered to all employees throughout the medical center and provides an opportunity to share experiences, skills and ideas for promoting excellent customer service. Through group discussions, role play and group exercises, participants focus on skills and techniques to improve communication, create positive public impressions and deal effectively with issues of confidentiality and difficult situations. Caring is the Key is a four-hour program presented in two two-hour segments from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, and Thursday, April 16. Location to be announced. For more information, or to enroll, call Human Resources at ext. 5099.

Maundy Thursday
There will be a non-denominational Maundy Thursday Communion Service will be at 11:15 a.m., Thursday, April 9, in Spencer Chapel. All are welcome to attend.

Holy Week Services
Here is the Spencer Chapel schedule for Catholic Services for Holy Week: Sunday Mass, 10 a.m.; Monday Mass, 12:15 p.m.; Tuesday Communion Service, 12:15 p.m.; Wednesday Mass, 12:15 p.m.; Thursday Mass, 12:15 p.m.; Good Friday Service, 4:45 p.m.; Saturday, no services; Sunday Mass, 10 a.m.

Refractive Surgery
Have you had it with eyeglasses and/or contact lenses? The KUMC Department of Ophthalmology's Refractive Surgery Team will host educational seminars on LASIK, PRK and other refractive surgical procedures from noon to 1 p.m., Thursdays, April 16 and April 30, in Lemoine Library, Department of Ophthalmology, Sudler Hall.

Donald Hagen, EVC

Remember, I warned you. Transitioning our hospital to a public authority is extremely difficult, confusing and frustrating. Our day-to-day operations are so interdependent and complex, sorting them and appropriately costing them is a monumental task. Fortunately, we have many hard-working and knowledgeable people working on this task.

Protecting and advancing our mission is the foundation for every difficult decision we’re making. We’re appreciating our history and past practices, but refuse to be ruled by them. We’re building our future, and that means building on our past. We’re creating something new for Kansas.

Our previous practices worked in yesterday’s world, but they may not work in the world of tomorrow.

The world has changed, and we must lead the change. So comments like, “We’ve always done it that way.” are informative, but largely irrelevant. I feel the same way about statements like, “I want to change this.” Change for change’s sake is not good enough either. If we’re going to change procedures we must ensure that the change adds value, otherwise it too is inappropriate.

Our mission is not to become another community hospital with loosely affiliated schools. Our mission is to become the best academic health center.

This means we must have an efficient academically centered hospital working closely and collaboratively with our schools for the benefit of our students and patients. This means all of us --- physicians, nurses, administrators, researchers, secretaries, technicians, construction workers and housekeepers.

Each of you is important.

However, no one group is more important than another. Each of us must work toward a common goal to make KUMC the best. This will require a lot of give and take. Some of the compromises will have a direct impact on your usual ways of conducting your daily activities. Some of the decisions will please you, others will require you to give up something for the benefit of everyone.

I accept this challenge. I expect each and every one of you to accept this challenge also. Individual success and security can only be achieved when everyone succeeds and is secure. If we fail in this area, we fail in our mission.

The stresses and pressures will not go away soon. If you have a suggestion you want to be heard, listen to others.

If you seek praise, be quick to praise another.

If you expect someone to be responsive to your requests, be sure you are responding in a timely way to others. Be patient with your co-workers.

Remember, we’re all in this together. We have lots of hard, difficult work ahead.

Breakthroughs & Developments
The KU Medical Center continually is finding new ways to serve all Kansans

Working to alleviate cancer-related bone pain

KUMC currently is participating in a national clinical study to investigate a new bone-localizing radionuclide for the treatment of bone pain caused by metastatic prostate cancer.
Each year nearly 250,000 men in the United States are diagnosed with prostate cancer. During the course of the disease in many patients, that cancer will spread to the bones, causing severe and chronic bone pain. For many men, pain relief may be accomplished with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy, but these treatments can cause undesirable side effects.
“In the past five years, a new approach to treating bone pain has become common place. This approach uses radioactive chemicals that seek out the bone and accumulate there. When the radioactive atoms decay and release their radiation, it is absorbed locally in the bone,” said Eashwer Reddy, MD, professor of radiation oncology. “Thus, the metastatic sites in the bone are treated while other organs in the body are not affected.”
Radioactive strontium chloride (Metastron) is currently approved for use in relief of pain caused by bony metastases. However, that treatment has side effects such as suppressing bone marrow, and a
temporary reduction of platelets, a type of blood cell. “This is due to delivering radiation not only to the bone itself, but also to the marrow inside the bone where new blood cells are made,” Reddy said.
The clinical study now underway at KU Medical Center uses Tin-117m DTPA, a compound that will seek out bone in the same way as strontium. The difference between the two compounds is that Tin-117m DTPA produces a different type of radiation when the radionuclide decays. “The tin should deliver radiation to the bone without excessive radiation to the bone marrow,” Reddy explained.
The study will compare several different doses of Tin-117m DTPA to a standard dose of Metastron. The radionuclide will be administered only once, but the study participants will be followed for a total of 12 weeks to monitor response. There is no cost for participation in the trial and procedures such as clinic visits, exams, laboratory tests, and the cost of the radionuclides will be provided free of charge. A modest stipend will be provided for follow-up visits to cover costs of time and travel.
Individuals with bone pain due to metastatic prostate cancer or others wishing additional information on the clinical trial can contact Reddy at ext. 3632.

Method in study may cut breast-cancer deaths

A technique now in use in the treatment of melanoma is being studied as a possible way to cut deaths from breast cancer at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
The technique involves identifying sentinel lymph nodes, or the lymph nodes that play a part in the disease process, and removing those lymph nodes to be tested for cancer. The sentinel lymph nodes are identified by injecting radioisotopes into the tumor site and, with the aid of a gamma camera, watching to determine to which node the radioisotope moves.
Originally, sentinel nodes were identified in melanoma patients by injecting a blue dye at the melanoma site, according to William Jewell, MD, oncologist and director of the Kansas Cancer Institute. Once the dye reached the sentinel node, it stained the lymph node blue. The node could be removed and examined microscopically.
“There had been controversy for years on whether it was necessary to remove the lymph nodes of melanoma patients and examine them,” Jewell said. While sampling the lymph nodes helped doctors determine if cancer was present, as many as 20 percent of patients went on to develop edema, or painful swelling in the extremities.
If healthy lymph nodes are removed, edema could be the result. But without a way to determine which lymph nodes might be affected, melanoma could recur. A possible answer to the dilemma was finding a way to identify a single lymph node that played a key part in the disease process.
Don Morton, MD, of the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, Calif., began tracing the path to the sentinel nodes by injecting blue dye at the melanoma site. Later the technique was enhanced by injecting radioisotope and watching where it went with a gamma camera. That technique is called lymphocentigraphy.
“Now we use the technique with melanoma patients,” Jewell said. “If we find a sentinel node, then it’s worth it to remove the lymph nodes.”
Citing recent studies, Jewell said that patients with positive lymph nodes were given Intron (interferon alpha 2 beta). For patients, this means higher survival rates. “It’s important to identify patients with positive lymph nodes so they can be treated with the interferon. If a patient’s lymph nodes are negative, we don’t put him or her on the drug.”
Now the procedure is being investigated at KU Medical Center to see if it holds the same potential for patients with breast cancer. “The technique is still investigational, but if we can identify sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer patients, then all we’ll have to do after removing the tumor is take out the sentinel node,” Jewell said.
Identifying and studying sentinel lymph nodes also may help physicians select patients who could best be treated by adjunct chemotherapy.
“If we can rely on node information to tell us whether the disease process has spread, I think it’s going to be very valuable,” Jewell said.
While the death rate from breast cancer is falling due to early detection via mammograms, Jewell believes the sentinel node technique will further improve the care of breast cancer patients. “This procedure allows us to do a simpler form of treatment and still do what we need to do to treat the patient. If we’re able to demonstrate that sentinel node biopsies are as effective as lymph node sampling, then we’re that much farther ahead,” he said.
For information on the study of sentinel node biopsies in breast cancer or its application for patients with melanoma, contact the Kansas Cancer Institute at ext. 4700.

KUCC teams with store for mammograms

Early detection with mammograms has led to a decline in the death rate due to breast cancer. But fewer than half the women for whom guidelines recommend regular mammograms actually have the procedure done.
For some, it might not be convenient to make an appointment and go to a doctor’s office or hospital for their mammogram. Others might fear the clinical atmosphere in which the screening takes place. But thanks to a partnership between the University of Kansas Cancer Center and Jacobson’s in the Town Center Plaza, 119th Street and Roe, women have a new option for mammography.
Beginning in April, the retail specialty store will provide space for a full-service mammography center staffed by certified mammography technologists from KU Cancer Center. The store is donating space next to its intimate apparel department and sharing the cost of construction with the Cancer Center. KU Cancer Center will provide equipment and staff.
“We approached Jacobson’s about a year ago with the concept of a mammography center in the store and they were enthusiastic about donating space,” said Colleen Johnson, RN, nurse practitioner for women’s health and program manager for the Cancer Center’s comprehensive breast program. “Jacobson’s is very committed to community involvement and is interested in focusing on breast cancer screening and detection.
“Our goal is to make it more convenient to access this screening technology. At the same time, we want to remove the screening process from a clinical, disease-oriented setting so there is not as much of a ‘fear factor’ for women who come in for mammograms,” Johnson added.
When it opens, the center will house a reception and waiting area, exam room, a mammography room and an education room featuring instructional videos and a computer to access information on cancer care. Mammograms will be developed at the store and interpreted by physicians at KU Medical Center. Results will be available within 48 hours, Johnson said, the same amount of time it takes to receive results from mammograms done at the KU Cancer Center.
Interpreting those results will be radiologists who specialize in mammography at KU Medical Center: C.H. Joseph Chang, MD, PhD, head of the roentgenology division and chief of mammography; Glendon Cox, MD; and Norman Martin, MD. The physicians bring a combined total of more than 80 years worth of experience in reading and interpreting mammograms.
“Mammography is the most reliable way we have of detecting breast cancer and     decreasing the death rate from this form of cancer,” said Chang. “We’re glad to be a part of this service and hope the mammography center at Jacobson’s helps us reach even greater numbers of women.”
Additionally, Chang said the center will offer the same high levels of service as women would find in a doctor’s office or hospital. The center is required to meet the same U.S. Food and Drug Administration
guidelines as mammography units in hospitals. All technologists staffing the center are certified in mammography and the center will be accredited by the American College of Radiology.
Appointments for the service will be encouraged, but not required. Women will be taken on a walk-in basis and issued pagers while they shop inside the store.
“We are delighted to partner with KU Cancer Center to offer the community this invaluable on-site service. It is our hope that a customer-friendly, private setting, as well as the convenience of a center inside a shipping environment will appeal to women of all ages and lifestyles. We view the opening of this center as a tangible component of Jacobson’s mission of exemplary customer service and community involvement,” said Mark Fillion, manager of Jacobson’s Kansas City store.
The cost of a mammogram will be the same as mammography performed at KU Cancer Center, according to Johnson. The total price of $101 includes the physician’s charge to interpret the results. The center also can bill Medicare or insurance carriers directly.
“Mammograms can be obtained without a physician’s referral. Most insurance companies have started to accept self-referrals for mammography,” Johnson said.

Faculty News

KCI Round Table

• The next Kansas Cancer Institute research round table is scheduled for noon, Monday, April 13, in the Lied Auditorium. Renee Royak-Schaler, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, will present “Breast Cancer Risks and Perceptions of Control: Lessons from The PARTNERS Project.”

Presentations

• Dr. Brent W. Beasley presented his award-winning poster, “Internal Medicine Program Directors: Job Satisfaction and Length of Stay,” at the 21st Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine Annual Spring Meeting in San Diego, CA, March 31 through April 1. Beasley’s was one of five award winners.
• Dr. Diane Persons, assistant professor of Pathology, presented a mini-symposium talk at the American Associate for Cancer Research entitled “ERK activity modulates TNFalpha-induced growth inhibition: Comparison of two ovarian carcinoma cell lines.” Co-authors were Dr. Eugenia Yazlovitskaya and Dr. Jill Pelling.
• Dr. C.C. Cheng, professor of Pharmacology, deliverd a seminar entitled “Pharmacophore-based Drug Design of Biologically Active Agents” to a joint gathering of members of DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Co., DuPont Central Research and Development and DuPont Agricultural Products March 25 at Experimental Station, Wilmington, Del.

Publications

• Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, MS, Vice Chair and Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, recently published “Smoking Initiation and Cessation in African Americans Attending an Inner-City Walk-In Clinic,” in the 1998 American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
• Sue Popkess-Vawter, RN, PhD, professor, Shirley Wendel, doctoral student, Serena Schmoll, master's program graduate, and Kathleen O'Connell, RN, PhD, professor, authored “Overeating, Reversal Theory, and Weight Cycling” that appeared in the February 1998 issue of Western Journal of Nursing Research (20[1], 67-83.
• Lynne Connelly, doctoral program graduate, and Nancy Hoffart, RN, PhD, associate professor, are the co-authors of “A research-based model of nursing orientation,” Journal of Nursing Staff Development,1998, 14, 31-39.

Appointments

• Sara Dale Brandt has been reappointed by the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to the Advisory Board for the credentialling of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists in Kansas for a second and final two-year term. The board assists in setting regulations for the professions and addresses concerns about professional practice.
• Dean M. Rathe, PhD, has assumed the position of Assistant Dean of Student Services/Registrar in the Department of Student Services. Rathe received his PhD from the University of North Colorado. Prior to coming to the University of Kansas Medical Center, he was Director of Student Support Services at the Colorado School of Mines.

Campus Happenings

A film crew working on the Fred Goldman pilot production of “Search for Justice” recently filmed takes in the KU Hospital Emergency Room through the auspices of ER nurse Susan Arnold, executive director of Best Interest of the Child Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating child abuse. Goldman is the father of murder victim Ron Goldman. On hand were, left-to-right, soundman David Stuber, cameraman Scott VanOrdstrand, “patient” Jerry Peterson and Amber Cook, RN.

The Goldenberg Duo, Susan and William, recently performed in Battenfeld Auditorium for an appreciative audience of some 70 music lovers. The duo performed a number of classical pieces during their March 9 visit.

Classifieds

For Sale

For Sale: Queen-size bed, headboard, mattress, springs, six-drawer dresser/mirror; two-drawer bedside end table, oak veneer, excellent condition with comforter, shams, dust ruffle to match; three-foot by five-foot beveled glass dining room table, brass pedestal legs with four matching chairs. 362-1860 evenings.

For Sale: Queen-size waterbed, mattress, frame, heater, liner and six-drawer base unit. 492-1140.

For Sale: Logik/Pioneer stereo system, two speakers, dual cassette, tuner, turntable and cabinet with Technics single disc CD player, $200. 931-5737.

For Sale: 2.5-ton Whirlpool central air unit, $250; Hoosier-type antique kitchen cabinet, with two pullout bottom bins, beautiful wood with ornate glass upper cabinet doors, $1,200, 333-5440 after 6 p.m.

For Sale: Upright Grand Piano, Hamblen/Mason, fully restored with piano bench, $450. 268-6417.

For Sale: White four-piece bedroom set, $400; brown five-piece bedroom set, $400; mattress and box spring, $75. 942-0240.

For Sale: Organ with amp, good for practice; electric stove with self-cleaning oven; stereo with speakers. 384-9252 after 5:30 p.m.

For Sale: Maytag gas dryer, excellent condition, $225. 333-7744 evenings.

For Sale: Four 14-inch mag wheels, good condition, $325 or best offer. 767-1009.

For Sale: Pentium 166mHz IBM Aptiva recently upgraded to 32MB RAM, 32X CD-ROM drive, 52X bpm modem, loaded with programs such as Lotus Suite, includes 15-inch Packard Bell SVGA monitor, $1,500. 649-2920.

For Sale: Beautiful 1997 Century double-wide mobile home, 26-feet by 40-feet, one-and-a-half baths, vaulted ceilings, large utility room, new appliances, eight-foot by 10-foot deck, Belton, asking $36,000 or best offer. 322-9501.

For Sale: Piano, Gulbransen upright with high back, dark wood, good working condition, $300. 831-3069.

For Rent

For Rent: Duplex near KUMC, quiet one-bedroom, stove, refrigerator, AC, garage, $265 per month, available April 15. 722-0505.

For Rent: One-bedroom, one-bath apartment, Rainbow Ridge Apartments, $395 per month, must sublease from April 1 to July 31 or begin new 12-month lease. 432-8824.

For Rent: Two-bedroom townhouse within one mile of KUMC. 989-7876.

For Rent: Furnished one-bedroom apartment, full kitchen, utilities paid, AC, cable, private entrance, Prairie Village, $500 a month. 383-1617.

Wanted

Wanted: Persons interested in joining a bass club for the purpose of competitive fishing. A possible schedule of eight tournaments for the upcoming season on six Kansas lakes with payouts for each tournament. There will also be an Angler of the Year payout and trophy, determined by total weight of season's catch. 588-7460.

Announcements

Study Subjects Wanted: Men and women between the ages of 30 and 70 with adult onset (Type 2) diabetes mellitus who are unable to maintain adequate blood sugar control with diet and exercise. Cannot be taking any oral diabetes medications or insulin. Study participants will receive physical examination, lab work, blood sugar meter and strips, and diabetes study medications at no cost. The study lasts about 34 weeks and will involve close follow-up. Compensation for travel expenses. For more information, contact Glee at ext. 3960.

Project Subjects Wanted: Has it been two or more years since you have had your teeth cleaned? You could receive a free cleaning if you qualify for a special project. If interested, e-mail your name and phone number to KUAlum91@aol.com

Study Subjects Wanted: If you have Type 1 diabetes, take insulin and suffer from stomach discomfort after eating, you may qualify for a National Research Project. Benefits include free study-related doctor visits, lab tests and EKGs, free study medication and reimbursement for time and travel. For more information, call Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at ext. 3852.

Study Subjects Wanted: Women needed with irritable-bowel syndrome for an 18-week research study of an investigational drug for the treatment of symptoms associated with irritable-bowel syndrome. For more information, contact Irene at ext. 3852.

Study Subjects Wanted: Have your been diagnosed with an ulcer in the past five years? That ulcer may have been caused by bacteria. If you are 16 years of age or older, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of investigational medications for the eradication of Heliobacter pylori infection in patients with a history of stomach ulcers. Qualified participants will receive free medical, diagnostic and lab evaluations. For more information, contact Irene at ext. 3852.

Study Subjects Wanted: Persons needed who suffer from nausea, bloating, belching or abdominal pain after eating. Detailed study requires six weeks. Participants will receive a stipend and medical, diagnostic and lab evaluations. For more information, contact Irene at ext. 3852.

Study Subjects Wanted: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology is seeking healthy and asymptomatic females and males between the ages of 18 and 55, not taking any drugs, for the study of a new gastroprotective medication. Participants will receive a good stipend and free laboratory screening tests. For more information call Michele at ext. 4051.

Study Subjects Wanted: Women between the ages of 35 to 65 with adult onset (Type 2) diabetes mellitus are needed. Subjects will participate in a one-time, two-hour evening discussion group that will focus on issues of beliefs and well-being. Participants will receive a stipend and light meal. For more information, call Judy at ext. 1977.

Study Subjects Wanted: Four-month- to 24-month-old infant subjects needed. Brain potentials (EEG) will be recorded while infant views and reaches for toys. Involves about one hour in our laboratory. For more information, call Jennifer Hill Karrer, ext. 5956.

Study Subjects Wanted: Persons with rheumatoid arthritis between the ages of 40 and 70 are needed. Study does not involve any changes in medications. Some subjects will participate in exercises in a class or at home, all will participate in four assessments and will receive a stipend for each. Contact Peggy at ext. 1648.

Study Subjects Wanted: Study participants needed for female hormone replacement therapy trial. If you are post-menopausal and between ages 40 and 55, call Melissa Marsh at ext. 6225. Leave name, date and phone number.

Study Subjects Wanted: Study participants for hormone-replacement therapy trial. If you're between ages 45 and 55, call Melissa Marsh at ext. 6225.

Study Subjects Wanted: The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at KUMC is conducting a research study on an investigational medication for Pre-menstrual Syndrome. Females who suffer from such premenstrual symptoms as mood swings, irritability, or other discomfort, who are at least 24 years of age, who are medically stable and who have not taken birth control pills (or used Norplant) in the past six months may be eligible to participate. Records are kept confidential. For more information, call Teresa at ext. 6499 or Jodi at ext. 1314.

Topics Information

Topics is the employee publication of the University of Kansas Medical Center.

It is published weekly by the office of University Relations. The deadline for submitting news briefs for consideration is noon on the Wednesday before they are to appear. For longer articles or features, contact the editor in advance.

Send story ideas to the editor, Tom Bassing, B711 KU Hospital, e-mail: tbassing@kumc.edu or call ext. 7284

Ad policy: Send or bring your ad to Topics, University Relations, B711 KU Hospital, or fax to ext. 5244, or e-mail to tbassing by noon Wednesday of the week before it is to run.

Ads run free of charge for employees, students and volunteers. For-sale ads are limited to three items. All ads must include the advertiser’s name and work extension (or medical student box number) for verification.

Only home phone numbers - no pager numbers or KUMC extensions - will be published. No ads for commercial services or pets for sale will be accepted. Ads will not be taken by telephone. Only one phone number per ad.

Ads may be a held a week if space is limited.

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