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Help beat COVID-19!

Whether you have had COVID or not, you can help researchers understand how to beat the virus by completing a survey run by the University of Southampton. You could win one of 62 vouchers (£5 to £500). See www.rtocovid19.com for more details.

Overview - The study is being run by academic GPs at the Centre for Primary Care Research, University of Southampton, and has been approved by the University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (reference ERGO 56975) and NHS REC (reference 289510). It is funded by the National Institute of Health Research.

Overview - A new website called ‘Active Brains’ aims to help older adults to look after their brain and body health to prevent cognitive decline. The website supports older adults to make simple behavioural changes such as increasing physical activity, playing brain training games and finding ways to eat more healthily. This study will trial the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of ‘Active Brains’. The trial will recruit two groups of older adults: 1) those with signs of cognitive decline, 2) those without any cognitive decline. Members of both of these groups will be randomly assigned to one of three trial groups: 1) care as they usually receive it from their GP practice, or 2) access to the Active Brains website, or 3) access to the Active Brains website plus brief support from a trained person (over the phone or by email). Research nurses/ officers can be provided to support practices that do not have a nurse to support the study. The study team will provide the PNs/HCA and CRN research nurses with training to become supporters.

Overview - Longitudinal study comparing two treatment options in Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) using weekly depression symptom monitoring.

Overview - Aminosalicylate agents have proven effective for inducing and maintaining remission in mild to moderate Ulcerative Colitis and thus are commonly used as first-line agents for patients with Crohn's Disease in remission. However, there is uncertainty regarding their effectiveness for Crohn’s Disease. This study will investigate if withdrawal of Aminosalicylate for participants with Crohn’s Disease in remission is more effective than continuing use over a 24-month period.      

Overview - COVID-19 disproportionately affects people over 50 years old with comorbidities and those over 65 years old. The infection causes considerable morbidity and mortality in this population group in particular, and is having a devastating effect on people's health and society internationally. So far, there are no treatments for COVID-19 that have been proven in rigorous clinical trials to be effective. It is essential to identify interventions that may favourably modify progression of the infection.

Overview - Major depression disorder (MDD) is one of the most important causes of disability. Although treatments are available, about a third of patients are treatment-resistant. There is growing interest in the role of the immune system in depression. It’s suggested anti-inflammatory mechanisms may offer an approach to treat depression. The purinergic receptor P2X7 plays a key role in release of inflammatory molecules during stress, which may be linked to stress related depression. This trial aims to find out if blocking the P2X7 receptor with antagonist JNJ-54175446, compared with placebo in people with treatment resistant MDD, who have genetic profiles that indicate high levels of P2X7 receptor signalling, can relieve symptoms of depression.