Honiton

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two different default dialysate sodium concentrations, 137 mmol/l and 140 mmol/l, on major cardiovascular events and death in adults receiving maintenance haemodialysis. This pragmatic, cluster-randomised, open-label study takes place in real-world dialysis sites and aims to compare the outcomes associated with these sodium levels over an extended period. The study focuses on patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing regular haemodialysis treatment. Dialysis sites are randomly assigned to use either a default dialysate sodium concentration of 137 mmol/l or 140 mmol/l for at least 90% of dialysis sessions at that site. All other care practices continue as usual based on local standards. The study plans to recruit sites over 5 to 7 years, with individual follow-up lasting roughly 2 to 5 years. Site participation requires consent, while individual patient consent may be waived or offered an opt-out option. Participants will be monitored for major cardiovascular events and death, with the primary outcome measuring the time until the first such event occurs. Data collection methods are implemented across participating dialysis units, focusing only on in-center or satellite dialysis patients where applicable. The study's duration depends on the occurrence of endpoints, with an average follow-up of about 5 years anticipated per participant.

Researchers are investigating whether a taste test device can help diagnose depression and predict how well antidepressant medications will work. The study focuses on patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have not yet been treated with antidepressants. It builds on previous research linking taste sensitivity and depression, using the patient's prescribed antidepressant as a probe to observe changes in taste sensitivity and mood. Participants will undergo a taste test before and shortly after starting their first antidepressant medication prescribed by their doctor. The taste test involves identifying a series of sugar or water solutions to determine taste thresholds. Mood assessments using standard questionnaires will be completed at the start and again six to eight weeks later, coinciding with a follow-up taste test. This is an open-label, single-center study aiming to enroll 240 patients with an interim analysis planned after 120 patients. During the study, participants will be monitored through taste tests and mood questionnaires over a period of six to eight weeks. Researchers will measure changes in taste threshold and mood scores to evaluate the relationship between taste sensitivity and antidepressant effectiveness. Participants will complete all study visits and procedures while receiving usual clinical care, with attention to safety and adherence throughout the follow-up period.

Researchers are evaluating whether the drug zilebesiran can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as cardiovascular death, nonfatal heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure in adults who have hypertension that is not well controlled and who either have established cardiovascular disease or are at high risk for it. This Phase 3 global study is designed to continue until enough cardiovascular events have occurred to assess the treatment's effect. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either zilebesiran or a placebo, both given as injections under the skin (subcutaneous administration). All participants will continue with their standard care, which includes treatment with at least two antihypertensive medications, one of which must be a diuretic such as a thiazide or loop diuretic. The study is double-blind, so neither participants nor researchers know who is receiving the active drug or placebo. During the study, participants will be closely monitored for cardiovascular events including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure hospitalizations, and cardiovascular deaths over approximately five years. Researchers will collect data on these events to determine the time until the first occurrence of any of these outcomes. Safety assessments and standard clinical evaluations will also be performed throughout the study period to ensure participant well-being.