Clinical Research Directory

A Study to Investigate Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of AZD1705 in Participants With Dyslipidemia

A study to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of AZD1705 in participants with dyslipidemia.

A Safety and Tolerability Trial Evaluating CTX310 in Participants With Refractory Dyslipidemias

This is a single-arm, open-label, multicenter, ascending dose Phase 1 trial that will enroll participants 18 to 75 years of age with dyslipidemias that are refractory to available treatments.

Effects of Donor-recipient Sex-matched Blood Transfusion on Patient Outcomes

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are selected based upon matching donor and recipient blood group: donor and recipient sex are not considered when selecting blood for transfusion. Hence, transfused patients can currently receive sex-matched and/or unmatched RBCs when transfusions are given. Sex-matched stem cell transplants, and some solid organ transplants, have shown that sex-matching donor to recipient improves patient outcomes. Recent exploratory studies have also suggested that patient outcomes could be improved by sex-matching for RBC transfusion. There is emerging evidence of underlying biologic mechanism(s) to support these observations. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial and will explore the impact on patients who receive RBC transfusions from donors of the same sex ("sex-matched") compared with donors of the opposite sex ("sex-mismatched"). The trial will study adult patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit who require an RBC transfusion. Patients will be assigned (through a process called randomization) to receive sex-matched RBCs or sex-mismatched RBCs to determine if there is a difference in mortality between those receiving matched versus mismatched RBCs. The results of this trial could have direct implications on resources, blood inventory, and RBC transfusion ordering practices.

Focusing on the Menopausal Transition to Improve Mid-Life Women's Health

What if midlife women, who are inherently at an increased risk for future cardiometabolic disease due to transitioning into menopause, had access to a suite of evidence-based health interventions? Could these interventions reduce menopause-related inflammation, restore a healthier cardiometabolic profile, reverse epigenetic aging, and reduce bothersome menopausal symptoms? The ultimate goal of this work is to attenuate future disease and enhance women's quality of life, extend healthspan and increase productivity.

Collection of Blood Samples for New Diagnostic Devices 2

To research and develop new state of the art diagnostic biomarkers on the LumiraDx Platform that are comparable to the approved gold standard reference methods and will radically enhance clinicians and patients ability to monitor health conditions and improve outcomes by delivering the results near patient at the point of care.

AI Platform for Fatigue and Depression Detection

This observational study evaluates the accuracy of the Okaya AI platform in detecting fatigue and depression in cardiology patients, comparing its assessments to PHQ-9 and Fatigue Assessment Scale scores.

African Studies on Aging and Noncommunicable Diseases Epidemiology

Despite the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), across Africa, high-quality evidence on the distribution of NCDs and their risk factors remains strikingly scarce. Many global estimates continue to rely on limited empirical data from African countries, and this persistent data gap has led major international research collaborations to underrepresent the continent. This reality highlights an urgent need for granular, context-specific, and methodologically robust data on NCDs and their determinants across Africa. The African Studies on Ageing and Noncommunicable Disease Epidemiology (ASANDE) initiative responds directly to this need by assembling harmonized, individual-level datasets from African populations, complemented by comparable data from other global regions. With recruitment underway, ASANDE seeks to quantify and compare the associations between major NCD risk factors, including cardiometabolic, behavioral, and environmental determinants, and the incidence and mortality of major NCD outcomes (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and other NCDs) across world regions, with a particular emphasis on disparities between African populations and the rest of the global population.

A Single-centre Study Comparing a Non-invasive Lactate Sensor to Standard Invasive Measurements in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

The main goal of this study is to see how well a non-invasive lactate sensor measures lactate levels compared to standard blood tests. This might reduce the need for frequent blood draws during surgery recovery, and also provide a more comfortable experience for patients. This will also give us information regarding the suitability of the lactate sensor for monitoring other patients - for instance people attending the accident and emergency department with chest pain in which lactate levels may help make a quick diagnosis. Patients will be approached for this study if they are undergoing routine coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or valve replacement surgery. Participants will wear the non-invasive lactate sensor for up to 14 hours, and the readings will be correlated to lactate levels in blood samples. Once the sensor has been removed and the participant has been discharged from their elective surgery admission, the participant has completed the study. Participation in this study and the data collected from the sensor will help us understand how well it works and how it can be used to improve patient care in the future. In the future, the data from this new device will be used to train computer algorithms to provide quick responses that could help manage a patients condition, improving future medical care.

The Role of EDHFs on Blood Pressure Following a Bout of Prolonged Sitting

Canadians spend most of their day in sedentary postures (i.e., sitting, lying, reclining). While the beneficial impacts of physical activity on the heart are well-established, less is known about the consequences during time spent in sedentary postures. Currently, we know that spending time in a bout of uninterrupted sitting disrupts blood pressure regulation. However, it is unknown if there are any 'carry over' effects following uninterrupted sitting bouts (i.e., over the next 24-hours). The release of chemicals from arteries controls how stiff or relaxed they are and is important for controlling blood pressure. This is especially true for arteries directly impacted by sitting (e.g., the popliteal artery behind the knee) and that send blood to the brain (e.g., the carotid artery). We have also established that endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHF, chemicals that relax the artery) are important for the relaxation of the artery the popliteal artery. However, we do not know if the effects of EDHFs on this artery are decreased during or after a bout of uninterrupted sitting. A bout of prolonged sitting also causes blood pressure and fluctuations in blood pressure to increase. Importantly, we reported that fluctuations in blood pressure caused by sitting are higher in young males versus females, but average blood pressure was higher among females. These findings suggest that sitting exerts sex differences in the control of blood pressure. Importantly, these effects were only demonstrated during the 2-hour bout of sitting. As such, it is unknown whether blood pressure is negatively impacted after prolonged sitting. The proposed study will determine the impact of EDHFs on blood pressure regulation following a 2-hour bout of prolonged sitting among a group of healthy males and females. Continuous heart rate (via electrocardiogram) and blood pressure (via finger cuff), as well as blood flow from the common carotid artery (in the neck), middle cerebral artery (in the brain) and popliteal artery (behind the knee) will be measured before and after sitting (via ultrasound). The ability of the popliteal artery to relax will be assessed using ultrasound following the release of a pressure cuff. Finally, 24-hour blood pressure and heart rate will be recorded after sitting using a monitor worn for 24-hours. The role of EDHFs will be investigated by comparing 1) baseline blood flow and blood pressure responses (no sitting), 2) blood pressure responses following a 2-hour bout of sitting, and 3) the blood pressure responses following a 2-hour bout of sitting while suppressing the release of EDHFs (via fluconazole ingestion).

Strategy for EArly Recognition of Cancer, COPD & Heart Failure in the Emergency Department

SEARCH-ED is a research study which is running in Emergency Department (ED) of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The aim of the study is to find out if using a computer programme can help doctors diagnose heart and lung problems from chest x-rays. We want to compare how many people are diagnosed with heart or lung problems for the first time when doctors have access to the computer programme results, in comparison to when they don't.

Decoupling Immunotherapy Toxicity and Cancer Response

This study is a novel evaluation of cardiotoxicity after ICI therapy based on traditional CV risk factors with the addition of metabolomic profiles, epigenetic aging, and CHIP. It is not an extension of previous work in ICI therapy.

Adequate Hydration and Health Outcomes

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in middle- and high-income countries, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Epidemiological studies have associated low water intake and underhydration with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and an increased risk of CVD. Similarly, the prevalence of chronic metabolic dysfunction is increasing dramatically worldwide, becoming both a significant public health concern and a global economic burden. Reports from the WHO indicate that the number of people with diabetes worldwide has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, representing 8.5% of adults. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify modifiable risk factors that could help prevent metabolic dysfunction and mitigate the epidemic of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Evidence suggests that the hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP) may play a key role. AVP is the primary hormone responsible for regulating body fluid balance; however, increased AVP secretion, such as under conditions of low water intake, appears to be a risk factor for developing diabetes. Increasing water intake may represent a simple and cost-effective way to improve glucose regulation and cardiovascular health. However, many individuals do not prefer drinking plain water, and although beverages with high sugar content may promote greater fluid intake, they also contribute additional calories that can negatively impact body weight and overall health. Thus, the central research question of this study is whether improving hydration with non-sugar-sweetened beverages can provide equivalent benefits for hydration and health outcomes in adults. Aim 1: To explore the association between habitual fluid intake and fluid preferences (water and non-sugar-sweetened beverages), hydration biomarkers, and health outcomes in normal-weight and obese adults. Aim 2: To compare the impact of increased total water intake, provided as plain water or non-sugar-sweetened beverages, on hydration, cardiovascular health, and glucose regulation in normal-weight and obese adults.

Investigation of Autonomic Stress Response Patterns in College Students With Varying Physical Activity Levels

This study aims to investigate the differences in cardiovascular stress response patterns among individuals with various physical activity levels (sedentary controls and different types of athletes). By synchronously monitoring ECG, heart rate, skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA), blood pressure, and cardiac output, the study will characterize physiological dynamics during resting, orthostatic challenge, cold pressor stress, and maximal exercise.

"Breathlessness Diagnostics in a Box" (BiaB) for Primary Care. A Multi-country Quality Improvement Project Using a Randomized Stepped-wedge Design

This prospective stepped-wedge study evaluates whether use of the Breathlessness diagnostics in a Box (BiaB) tool shortens the time to diagnosis in patients presenting with breathlessness, compared with usual care. The study is conducted in general practice settings in the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. Participating sites start with a usual care period and transition sequentially to the BiaB intervention period. Data are collected during routine clinical visits, from electronic medical records, and through questionnaires completed by patients and healthcare professionals.

A Single Centre Study Comparing Continuous Interstitial Fluid Lactate Detection to Standard Measurements of Lactate in Patients Undergoing Elective Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and/or Valve Replacement.

The main goal of this study is to see if a wearable device can reliably track changes in lactate levels in the body. We\'ll compare the device\'s readings to standard blood tests to ensure accuracy. If successful, this device could reduce the need for frequent blood tests during surgery recovery, making patients more comfortable. It might also be useful in emergency rooms for quick diagnoses, especially for patients with chest pain. This study will take place at Barts Hospital with patients having planned coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and/or replacement valve surgery. Participants will wear the sensors on their upper arm, during which the sensors will continuously measure lactate levels. Participants will also have hourly blood samples taken. In the future, the data from this new device will be used to train computer algorithms to provide quick responses that help manage a patient\'s condition, improving future medical care and technology.

Fortifying Healthy Behaviors, Optimizing Medical Therapies and Enhancing Cognitive Function in Older Adults-pilot Study

The purpose of this research study is to explore ways to improve motor, cognitive and immune functions for aging adults using multiple techniques like lifestyle changes and risk factor management, as well as medications and supplements believed to have a positive effect on health.

Cardiometabolic and Hormonal Adaptations to 4-Month Zumba Training in Overweight/Obese Women

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 4 month Zumba training program on cardiometabolic, hormonal, inflammatory, hepatic, renal, and functional parameters in overweight and obese women. Participants will be classified according to menopausal status (pre- or post-menopausal) and randomly assigned to an exercise group or a non-exercise control group.

HERO System - Health Monitoring for the Detection of Vital Signs and Emotional States

New technologies offer significant opportunities to enhance the quality and intensity of care services, amplifying the ability to respond to patient needs through contactless solutions that also contribute to the humanization of care. Their application in patient monitoring can enable continuous observation, even in the absence of physically present staff, for a larger number of non-critical patients (thus reducing the risk of adverse events), and facilitate timely interventions when needed-aligned with the logic of Anglo-Saxon models based on Early Warning Systems. The general objective of this study is to conduct a pilot clinical trial of a specific solution based on Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision, the HERO Health Monitoring (HHM) system, capable of detecting vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure), body posture, movements, and patients' emotional states-such as expressions of pain-using simple video devices. The study aims, in particular, to measure the concordance of the system's vital sign measurements with standard (telemetric) systems, and to assess the added value of combining these measurements with the additional information provided by HHM regarding posture, movement, and emotional state analysis-once their agreement has been verified against patient-reported outcomes collected via self-assessment questionnaires. This is an observational study involving the HERO Health Monitoring medical device, for which the certification process is expected to be completed through the present study.

Bempedoic Acid Versus Statins in Primary-Prevention Patients With Suboptimal Statin Adherence: Effects on LDL-C Reduction and Tolerability

Bempedoic acid is an oral, non-statin LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering agent that inhibits ATP citrate lyase (ACL), upstream of HMG-CoA reductase (the enzyme inhibited by statins). MDPI +1 In patients with hypercholesterolemia who are unable to tolerate statins, or have sub-optimal statin adherence/tolerance, bempedoic acid has been shown to reduce LDL-C by \~20-30% (monotherapy) and more when added to other therapies (e.g., ezetimibe) (≈30-40%). PubMed * 2 medicinejournal.in * 2 In the large primary-prevention subgroup of the trial CLEAR Outcomes (statin-intolerant patients without prior cardiovascular event), bempedoic acid (180 mg daily) lowered LDL-C by \~21.3% and hs-CRP by \~21.5%. It also was associated with a significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE): hazard ratio 0.70 (95% CI 0.55-0.89) versus placebo over \~40 months. PubMed +1 Regarding tolerability: muscle-related adverse events appear lower compared to statins (because bempedoic acid is activated only in the liver, not in skeletal muscle) and it appears generally well tolerated, but there are signals of increased uric acid/gout, elevated hepatic enzymes, and creatinine/renal effects. MDPI +1 Comparative cardiovascular benefit (when normalized per unit LDL-C reduction) suggests that bempedoic acid may yield similar relative risk reductions as statins, though absolute LDL-C lowering is less.

Improving the Heart Health of Home Health Aides

The goal of this early-stage study is to support the heart health of home health aides, a workforce that provides care for adults at home but whose own health has been historically poor. To do this, the study will use Life's Essential 8 (LE8), a program developed by the American Heart Association (AHA) that promotes cardiovascular wellness through education and lifestyle changes. The program has been adapted specifically for home health aides and will be delivered by trained "peer coaches," who are fellow home health aides who will help guide participants through the program. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Will the LE8 intervention, which provides cardiovascular health education and support with positive thinking, be used by home health aides and do they like it? * Does the LE8 intervention actually improve home health aides' cardiovascular health after the intervention's conclusion compared to baseline? Participants will be paired with a trained peer coach and take part in the 10-week program over the course of 6 months. The program includes support for healthy behaviors and positive thinking, with the goal of making lasting improvements in cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular Function and Response to Stimulation Within the First Year After Spinal Cord Injury

The study aims to explore how cardiovascular function changes in the first year after a spinal cord injury, and to see how different treatments, like spinal stimulation through the skin (transcutaneous spinal stimulation), affect blood pressure. The main questions are: How does stimulation affect blood pressure over the year? What is the level of cardiovascular activation throughout the year? The study will start during the inpatient stay at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and continue after discharge as an outpatient, totaling about 20-29 sessions over the year.

Exercise to Slow Cardiovascular Ageing Progression

In ageing, deleterious alterations in cardiovascular (CV) structure and function increase risks of ageing-related cardiovascular disease (CVD). Investigators found that these CV alterations were associated with circulating serum metabolites, suggesting a metabolic basis to CV ageing. Investigators hypothesize that modification of these metabolites by intervention, such as exercise, may retard CV alterations and reduce CVD in ageing.

Virtual Ward-Assisted Very earLy dIschArge of Low-rIsk STEMI patieNTs: the VALIANT-STEMI Trial

Observational studies have suggested that early discharge (24hrs with follow up virtually by telephone) of patients who are low risk and have had successful treatment following ST elevation myocardial infarction is safe. This has not been tested in a randomised controlled trial. In this trial the study team propose to identify low risk patients and randomise them to usual care or early discharge and follow up virtually by telephone. The primary endpoint would be readmission to hospital or all cause death up to 30 day following the event. If the outcome is positive, the study will assist early discharge of patients, reduce length of stay, potentially improve patient well being and have positive financial implications for the health service

A Preventive, Multidisciplinary Primary Care Intervention Organized Around a Therapeutic Garden: Acceptability to Patients Suffering from Cardio-neurovascular Pathology and to Those Involved in the Action.

A preventive, multidisciplinary primary care intervention organized around a therapeutic garden: Acceptability to patients suffering from cardio-neurovascular pathology and to those involved in the action.