bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conspecific attraction for conservation and management of terrestrial breeding birds: Current knowledge and future research directions
Authors: Valente Jonathon J , LeGrande-Rolls Christa L , Rivers James W , Tucker Anna M , Fischer Richard A , Betts Matthew G
Published: April 2021

Conspecific presence can indicate the location or quality of resources, and animals settling near conspecifics often gain fitness benefits. This can result in adaptive conspecific attraction during breeding habitat selection as demonstrated in numerous terrestrial, territorial birds. There is growing interest in using simulated conspecific social cues (e.g., decoys, broadcasted vocalizations) to manage bird distributions, yet it remains unclear when this approach is likely to succeed. We reviewed published studies to evaluate whether the strength of conspecific attraction in terrestrial birds is mediated by characteristics of species (life history traits), simulated cues (e.g., timing and duration), sites (e.g., quality), and how conspecific attraction was measured. We identified 31 experiments that simulated social cues and compared conspecific settlement between treatment and control sites. We then used phylogenetically controlled meta-regression to assess the impacts of 19 moderators on settlement. Nearly all species included in these experiments were migratory passerines, and social cues generally had a strong, positive influence on their settlement decisions, as the odds of site occupancy were 3.12× (95% CI: 0.81–11.69) greater in treatment sites relative to control sites. Within this group, conspecific attraction was evolutionarily conserved with ≥25.5% (95% CI: 5.1%–65.4%) of the variance in treatment effects explained by phylogenetic relatedness. However, we found no evidence that any covariates influenced the response to social cues, and we posit this stems from limited research specifically designed to identify the mechanisms mediating conspecific attraction. We therefore developed a research agenda that provides a framework for testing mechanistic hypotheses regarding how cue characteristics, species traits, and spatial contexts may mediate attraction to conspecifics. Evaluating these hypotheses will greatly advance the field by helping managers understand when, where, and why simulating social cues can be used to enhance populations of species that are of conservation concern.
Should Robots Be Taxed?
Authors: Guerreiro Joao , Rebelo Sergio , Teles Pedro
Published: April 2021

Using a quantitative model that features technical progress in automation and endogenous skill choice, we show that, given the current U.S. tax system, a sustained fall in automation costs can lead to a massive rise in income inequality. We characterize the optimal tax system in this model. We find that it is optimal to tax robots while the current generations of routine workers, who can no longer move to non-routine occupations, are active in the labour force. Once these workers retire, optimal robot taxes are zero.
Joint anatomy in axial spondyloarthritis: strong associations between sacroiliac joint form variation and symptomatic disease
Authors: Ziegeler Katharina , Kreutzinger Virginie , Proft Fabian , Poddubnyy Denis , Hermann Kay Geert A , Diekhoff Torsten
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The aim of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of variant SI joint forms in symptomatic patients with mechanical joint disease (MJD) and axial SpA (axSpA) compared with control patients.

Method

A total of 973 patients were included in this cross-sectional study (95 axSpA; 61 MJD; 817 controls); clinical diagnosis, age and gender were noted. An established scoring system was used to classify joint forms on CT scans of the pelvis. Frequencies of joint forms were compared between groups (axSpA; MJD; controls).

Results

Patients with MJD exhibited the highest proportion of atypical joints (80.3% in MJD vs 44.1% in axSpA and 37.5% in controls; P < 0.001). Overall, females had a significantly higher proportion of atypical joints than men (65.0 vs 17.8%; P < 0.001); proportions of atypical joints were significantly higher in males with symptomatic joint disease than in male controls: 32.2% in axSpA, 55.0% in MJD and 13.9% in controls; P ≤ 0.001. Two specific joint forms were significantly more prevalent in symptomatic patients than in controls: the iliosacral complex (16.2 vs 4.2%; P < 0.001) and the crescent-shaped ilium (9.1 vs 2.8%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate a strong association between atypical joint forms and symptomatic joint disease.
Scoring of large muscle group movements during sleep: an International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group position statement
Authors: Ferri Raffaele , DelRosso Lourdes M , Provini Federica , Stefani Ambra , Walters Arthur S , Picchietti Daniel L
Published: April 2021

There is a gap in the manuals for scoring sleep-related movements because of the absence of rules for scoring large movements. A taskforce of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) elaborated rules that define the detection and quantification of movements involving large muscle groups. Consensus on each of the criteria in this article was reached by testing the presence of consensus on a first proposal; if no consensus was achieved, the concerns were considered and used to modify the proposal. This process was iterated until consensus was reached. A preliminary analysis of the duration of movements involving large muscle groups was also carried out on data from two previous studies, which, however, used a visual analysis of video-polysomnographic (PSG) recordings obtained from children or adults. Technical specifications and scoring rules were designed for the detection and quantification of large muscle group movements during sleep with a duration between 3 and 45 seconds in adults or 3 and 30 seconds in children, characterized by an increase in electromyographic activity and/or the occurrence of movement artifact in any combination of at least two recommended channels and not meeting the criteria for any other type of movement. Large muscle group movements are often accompanied by sleep stage changes, arousals, awakenings, and heart rate rises. The absence of clear and detailed rules defining them has likely impeded the development of studies that might disclose their clinical relevance; these new rules fill this gap.
Aerobic fitness and the sleeping brain of adolescents—a pilot study
Authors: Neikrug Ariel B , Mander Bryce A , Radom-Aizik Shlomit , Chen Ivy Y , Stehli Annamarie , Lui Kitty K , Chappel-Farley Miranda G , Dave Abhishek , Benca Ruth M
Published: April 2021

Study Objectives

Aerobic fitness (AF) and sleep are major determinants of health in adolescents and impact neurocognitive and psychological development. However, little is known about the interactions between AF and sleep during the developmental transition experienced across adolescence. This study aimed to consider the relationships between AF and habitual sleep patterns and sleep neurophysiology in healthy adolescents.

Methods

Subjects (mean age = 14.6 ± 2.3 years old, range 11–17, 11 females) were evaluated for AF (peak VO2 assessed by ramp-type progressive cycle ergometry in the laboratory), habitual sleep duration and efficiency (7–14 days actigraphy), and topographic patterns of spectral power in slow wave, theta, and sleep spindle frequencies in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep using overnight polysomnography (PSG) with high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG, 128 channels).

Results

Significant relationships were observed between peak VO2 and habitual bedtime (r = −0.650, p = .009) and wake-up time (r = −0.603, p = .017), with greater fitness associated with going to bed and waking up earlier. Peak VO2 significantly predicted slow oscillations (0.5–1 Hz, p = .018) and theta activity (4.5–7.5 Hz, p = .002) over anterior frontal and central derivations (p < .001 and p = .001, respectively) after adjusting for sex and pubertal development stage. Similar associations were detected for fast sleep spindle activity (13–16 Hz, p = .006), which was greater over temporo-parietal derivations.

Conclusions

Greater AF was associated with a more mature pattern of topographically-specific features of sleep EEG known to support neuroplasticity and cognitive processes and which are dependent on prefrontal cortex and hippocampal function in adolescents and adults. AF was also correlated with a smaller behavioral sleep phase delay commonly seen during adolescence.
Metagenomic sequencing reveals a lack of virus exchange between native and invasive freshwater fish across the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Costa Vincenzo A , Mifsud Jonathon C O , Gilligan Dean , Williamson Jane E , Holmes Edward C , Geoghegan Jemma L
Published: April 2021

Biological invasions are among the biggest threats to freshwater biodiversity. This is increasingly relevant in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia, particularly since the introduction of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). This invasive species now occupies up to ninety per cent of fish biomass, with hugely detrimental impacts on native fauna and flora. To address the ongoing impacts of carp, cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) has been proposed as a potentially effective biological control agent. Crucially, however, it is unknown whether CyHV-3 and other cyprinid herpesviruses already exist in the Murray–Darling. Further, little is known about those viruses that naturally occur in wild freshwater fauna, and the frequency with which these viruses jump species boundaries. To document the evolution and diversity of freshwater fish viromes and better understand the ecological context to the proposed introduction of CyHV-3, we performed a meta-transcriptomic viral survey of invasive and native fish across the Murray–Darling Basin, covering over 2,200 km of the river system. Across a total of thirty-six RNA libraries representing ten species, we failed to detect CyHV-3 nor any closely related viruses. Rather, meta-transcriptomic analysis identified eighteen vertebrate-associated viruses that could be assigned to the Arenaviridae, Astroviridae, Bornaviridae, Caliciviridae, Coronaviridae, Chuviridae, Flaviviridae, Hantaviridae, Hepeviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Picornaviridae, Poxviridae, Reoviridae and Rhabdoviridae families, and a further twenty-seven that were deemed to be associated with non-vertebrate hosts. Notably, we revealed a marked lack of viruses that are shared among invasive and native fish sampled here, suggesting that there is little virus transmission from common carp to native fish species, despite co-existing for over fifty years. Overall, this study provides the first data on the viruses naturally circulating in a major river system and supports the notion that fish harbour a large diversity of viruses with often deep evolutionary histories.
Assessing the Capacity to Work Among Older Workers: A Survival Analysis of Retirement Behavior
Authors: Boissonneault Michaël , de Beer Joop
Published: April 2021

Whether increases to statutory retirement ages will have the anticipated effect in countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) depends on whether workers have the health capacity to postpone retirement. Methods that were proposed to measure the capacity to work at older age are ill-designed to assess inter-cohort trends, which is important for determining whether the amount of years spent retired and in good health is keeping up with increases in the statutory retirement age. We propose to measure the capacity to work as the amount of time that people would spend working if they kept working until poor health forces them to retire. We find that American workers born in 1936–1947 spent 9.4 years working between ages 55 and 69 but had the capacity to work an additional 3.3 years. We further find significant inter-cohort increases in the years spent working but insignificant ones in the years spent able to work, which might point toward a decrease in the years spent retired and in good health. Increases in the educational attainment of younger cohorts have had a positive effect on the capacity to work, but the expansion of obesity a negative one. Finally, we find similar trends among men and women as well as among Whites and non-Whites, although the capacity to work is much lower among non-Whites. Our results show the importance of considering inter-cohort changes in the capacity to work when designing policies that aim at inducing higher retirement ages.
KIDNEY DNA METHYLATION AS A DRIVER OF HERITABLE PREDISPOSITION TO BLOOD PRESSURE AND HYPERTENSION
Authors: Xu Xiaoguang , Eales James , Jiang Xiao , Guo Hui , Samani Nilesh , Charchar Fadi , Tomaszewski Maciej
Published: April 2021

Objective:

We aim to bridge the knowledge gap between “sequence” (discoveries from genome-wide association study (GWAS)) and “consequence” (human hypertension) by illuminating the effects of blood pressure (BP)-associated genetic variants on molecular targets operating at epigenome in the renal tissue.

Design and method:

We conducted cis-methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTL) analysis on methylation data from 374,826 CpGs in 195 human kidney samples. Based on the intersection between blood pressure variants from all previous GWAS and mQTLs, we performed a colocalisation analysis to explore whether the overlapping BP GWAS and kidney cis-mQTL signals track the same genetic variant. We then used Mendelian randomisation (MR) to investigate the causal effects of renal methylation signals on BP-defining traits.

Results:

Through examination of the effects of 821 common BP GWAS variants on kidney CpG site methylation in a unique collection of 195 human kidneys, we identified 578 kidney genes as kidney CpG site partners for the BP GWAS variants. For 54% of BP GWAS kidney mGenes, the CpG signal was proximal to the transcription start site (distance < 1500 bp). For example, cg04510874 (the CpG partner of rs4932373 BP GWAS kidney mSNP) mapped onto a CpG island and the promoter sequence of FES (a target for naproxen – a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication with high BP known as one of its side effects). The extent of methylation at this CpG site and the renal expression of FES showed opposite directions of association with the rs4932373 genotype. Colocalisation and Mendelian randomisation analyses revealed a total of 99 unique genes with a causal link to BP through kidney DNA methylation.

Conclusions:

Through integration of DNA methylation data from a large collection of human kidney samples we colocalised GWAS association and cis-mQTL signals in known BP GWAS loci and uncovered 99 kidney genes with a causal effect on BP, that acts through DNA methylation.
IMPACT OF SHAM PROCEDURE ON BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RENAL DENERVATION TRIALS
Authors: Stavropoulos Konstantinos , Katsimardou Alexandra , Imprialos Konstantinos , Patoulias Dimitrios , Koutsampasopoulos Konstantinos , Tegou Zoi , Alataki Sofia , Bouloukou Sofia , Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Papademetriou Vassilios , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Doumas Michael
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Renal denervation (RDN) has been studied extensively during the last decade. Its role in the management of resistant hypertension has been placed at the epicenter after the conduction of the second-generation trials. The impact of sham procedure however remains undetermined.

Design and method:

PubMed and CENTRAL, along with grey literature sources, were searched from their inception to May 2019 for randomized, sham-controlled trials primarily evaluating the efficacy and safety of RDN on the management of hypertension, irrespective of study blinding, setting and sample size. We extracted those data concerning the effect of sham procedure on ambulatory and office blood pressure levels (ABP and OBP, respectively).

Results:

Six randomized, sham-controlled trials were identified and included in the meta-analysis. In total, 981 patients with hypertension were randomized in all 6 trials to undergo either RDN (n = 585) or sham-procedure (n = 396). It was documented that the sham procedure did not affect significantly 24-h systolic ABP levels (MD: -1.15, 95% CI: -2.67 to 0.36, I^2 = 0%); however, it induced a significant decrease in 24-h diastolic ABP levels by 1.52 mm Hg (95% CI: -2.53 to -0.51, I^2 = 0%). In addition, it was demonstrated that the sham procedure resulted in a significant decrease in systolic OBP by 3.05 mm Hg (95% CI: -5.30 to -0.81, I^2 = 0%) and a non-significant decrease in diastolic OBP by 0.65 mm Hg (95% CI: -2.03 to 0.73, I^2 = 0%). No major safety issues arose.

Conclusions:

Sham procedure is a safe procedure, providing significant or marginally non-significant decrease in both ABP and OBP levels.
THE PREVALENCE OF DRUG-RELATED ADVERSE REACTIONS AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
Authors: Stolarz-Skrzypek Katarzyna , Bijak Magdalena , Olszanecka Agnieszka , Wojciechowska Wiktoria , Czarnecka Danuta
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Drug-related side effects are one of the main causes of patients non-adherence to antihypertensive treatment. Therapeutic challenge concerns mainly patients with multiple drug intolerance syndrome, defined as history of side effects after three or more classes of medications. The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence of drug-related adverse events in hypertensive patients.

Design and method:

We recruited for the study regular patients followed at the Outpatient Hypertensive Clinic. The standardized questionnaire was administered, comprising of 23 questions, inquiring about patient medical history including drug related side effects. Patient's answers were adjudicated against archived medical history. Database management a statistical analyses were provided using STATISTICA 13.1.

Results:

The study group included 600 patients (57,66 % women, age = 64 (54–71) years, BMI = 26,7 (24,2–30,5) kg/m2; 42,33% men, age = 60 (49–68) years, BMI = 27,5 (24,7–30,9) kg/m2). Of all patients, 184 (30,67%) reported experiencing drug-related side effect(s) anytime in their life. 56 patients (9,33%) complained of side effects of 2 drug classes, and 24 patients (4,00%) reported side effects from three or more drug classes, fulfilling the definition of the Multiple Drug Intolerance Syndrome (MDIS). Patients with a history of drug-related adverse events as compared to patients never reporting them were more often women (68 % vs 32 %, p = 0,001). No difference was observed between the groups in terms of age (64 (51–71) vs 62 (52–69) years old, p = 0,370) or BMI (26,7 (24,3–30,4) vs 27,3 (24,4–3,1, p = 0,359). Patients with MDIS were older (65 (54–72 vs 59 (50–67 years old, p = 0,018) and more often women (70% vs 30 %, p = 0,001) as compared to patients without MDIS.

Conclusions:

History of drug-related side effects is common among hypertensive patients and concerns one-third of outpatients. Women report drug-related side effect more often then men. Four percent of hypertensive patients fulfills the definition of the multiple drug intolerance syndrome. Older age and female sex are determinants of multiple drug intolerance syndrome in hypertensive patients.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND HEART FAILURE WITH REDUCED EJECTION FRACTION: ARE AGE, HYPERTENSION AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION THE ANSWER?
Authors: Gaman Mihnea -Alexandr , Dobrica Elena Codruta , Cozma Matei Alexandru , Diaconu Camelia Cristina
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Gender differences may exist in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients, but little research has been conducted on this topic so far, mainly because women are underrepresented in clinical trials. The addition of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to HFrEF might have an influence on gender differences as well. Our objective was to evaluate and report gender differences in a group of patients with HFrEF and T2DM.

Design and method:

Observational, retrospective study using the medical records of patients with HFrEF and T2DM hospitalized in the Internal Medicine Department of an emergency referral hospital in Romania between January-June 2017.

Results:

The study group (70.81 ± 9.49 years, range 38–92 years) included 100 patients with HFrEF and T2DM: 47 women (47.00%, 73.02 ± 8.47 years, range 57–92 years), 53 men (53.00%, 68.85 ± 9.90 years, range 38–86 years). NYHA class: 63 (63.00%) patients NYHA class II, 18 (18.00%) patients NYHA class III and 19 (19.00%) patients NYHA class IV. Women with HFrEF and T2DM were older (p = 0.0283) and were more likely to be hypertensive (p = 0.002) vs. men with HFrEF and T2DM who were more likely to have atrial fibrillation (p = 0.05) vs. women. NYHA class II was the most frequent functional class in both genders (61.70% in women vs. 64.15% in men). NYHA class III was more common in men vs. women (22.64% vs. 12.77%), whereas NYHA class IV was more common in women vs. men (25.51% vs. 13.21%). Women with HFrEF and T2DM were more likely to have hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, anemia, nephropathy, dyselectrolytemia, neuropathy or retinopathy vs. men. As compared to women, men with HFrEF and T2DM were more likely to be diagnosed with valvulopathy, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, hepatic steatosis, chronic venous insufficiency or peripheral arterial disease.

Conclusions:

Our study reinforces that gender differences in HFrEF and T2DM patients exist: women were more likely to be older, have a more severe NYHA functional class or suffer from hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, microvascular complications and dyselectrolytemia. Men with HFrEF and T2DM were younger, had a less severe NYHA functional class and often had more macrovascular complications.
THE GLOBAL AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING (ABPM) IN HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION (HF-PEF) REGISTRY. RATIONALE, DESIGN AND OBJECTIVES
Authors: Camafort Miguel , Adeseye Akintunde , Barroso Weimar Sebba , Coca Antonio , Damasceno Albertino , Medina Angel R. González , Jhund Pardeep , Kario Kazuomi , Komori Takahiro , Lee Hae -Young , Lip Stefanie , López-Jaramillo Patricio , Mccallum Linsay , Ogah Okechukwu , Padmanabhan Sandosh , Pascual Domingo , Pyun Wook -Bum , Renna Nicolas F. , Sierra Cristina , Valdez Osiris , Wyss Fernando , Barbosa Eduardo , Okazaki Osamu , Yoshida Tetsuro , Sani Mahmoud
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The prognosis of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), depends on multiple factors such as frailty and functional capacity, the presence of comorbidities and haemodynamic parameters including blood pressure (BP). Detailed definition of these prognostic factors may help identify effective management strategies. Our primary objective is to identify measures of BP recorded by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) that associated with hospital readmission due to HF or cardiovascular (CV) death, or functional decline in patients with HFpEF. Secondary objectives will be to examine the association between these measures and each of the components of the primary outcome separately and on non-CV death and all cause death, cognitive impairment and frailty.

Design and method:

In this prospective observational cohort of patients with stable HFpEF, ABPM will be obtained at baseline and at one year of follow-up. Inclusion criteria will be previous diagnosis of stable HFpEF defined as stable treatment or functional class for at least 4 weeks before study admission. A diagnosis of HFpEF (LVEF > 45%) will be made according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines. In addition to data on demographics and clinical examination, doppler echocardiography, office BP measurement, ABPM recordings, home BP measurement (HBPM), ECG, laboratory tests (serum creatinine, eGFR, Albumin/Creatinine/Ratio, lipid parameters, glucose, HbA1c, liver biology, albumin, prealbumin, blood cell count, ferritin and transferrin saturation rate, natriuretic peptides) will all be recorded. Functional and cognitive capacity will be assessed using the Barthel index and MOCA test, while frailty will be assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery, and Frail Phenotype questionnaires.

Results:

We plan to include data from more than 80 investigators from more than 17 countries around the world during the next 5 years. This study has been registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04065620

Conclusions:

The Global Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) registry will allow us to assess the association between blood pressure and frailty in a global population of patients with HFPEF
ANALYSIS OF PLASMA PROTEIN AGGREGATION FROM PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION
Authors: Gouveia Marisol , Schmidt Cristine , Teixeira Manuel , Magalhães Sandra , Nunes Alexandra , Lopes Mário , Ferreira Rita , Vitorino Rui , Santos Mário , Vieira Sandra , Ribeiro Fernando
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To compare the structural conformation of circulating protein aggregates and the levels of SDS-resistant protein aggregates between patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and age-matched individuals.

Design and method:

Ten adults were recruited, five patients with HFpEF (age: 70.0 ± 3.2 years, FEVE: 58.0 ± 7.5%, NT-proBNP: 1039.4 ± 530.7 pg/mL, BMI: 33.2 ± 5.6 kg/m2, SBP: 142.0 ± 23.5 mmHg, DBP: 74.6 ± 9.3 mmHg) and five age-matched individuals with cardiovascular risk factors (70.6 ± 2.7 years, BMI: 32.8 ± 2.8 kg/m2, SBP: 38.5 ± 13.8 mmHg, DBP: 81.6 ± 6.6 mmHg). SDS detergent-insoluble protein aggregates were analysed in plasma pre-cleared from albumin and immunoglobulin, by diagonal two-dimensional electrophoresis. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to assess plasma proteins’ secondary structures, particularly the ones related with high aggregation propensity.

Results:

Our results indicate that HFpEF patients have similar plasma levels of SDS-resistant protein aggregates to those of age-matched participants (29.6 ± 6.4 vs. 35.0 ± 3.9%, p = 0.153). However, HFpEF patients with lower VO2peak and higher NT-proBNP generally presented higher level of protein aggregates. FTIR multivariate analysis of the amide region I (1700–1600 cm-1), which is directly related to proteins secondary structures, allowed to discriminate HFpEF from age-matched group. Partial Least Square Regression (PLS-R) to this spectra region showed that HFpEF patients exhibited strong vibrational peaks characteristic of protein aggregates (intermolecular beta-sheet (1625 cm-1), anti-parallel beta-sheet (1693 cm-1) and aggregate strands (1611 cm-1)); the age-matched individuals were characterized by a band containing alpha-helix structures (1653 cm-1), characteristic of a more stable conformation with less susceptibility to aggregation.

Conclusions:

The analysis of the protein aggregation profile by FTIR revealed that the plasma from HFpEF patients was characterized by the presence of secondary structures typical of protein aggregates. Although the fraction of detergent-insoluble aggregates was not different from the one of age-matched participants, our ongoing identification of proteins present in the aggregates, by mass spectrometry, will allow us to infer main molecular pathways involved in the progression of HFpEF.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PCSK9 PLASMA LEVELS AND CAROTID ATEROSCLEROSIS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
Authors: Galvez Juan Manuel Urbano , Frederico Ana Coelho , Ronderos Eduardo Carvajal , Bolaños Cristina Carrera
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The objective of our study is to assess whether serum PSCK9 levels are associated with AT by measuring the CIMT, which allows the identification of an analytically independent risk factor in hypertensive patients, with the aim of improving early cardiovascular risk detection in these patients.

Design and method:

In a population of 166 patients with high blood pressure (HBP), the CIMT was evaluated and correlated with the analytical values of PCSK9. The age of the participants ranges between 30 and 86 years, with an average age of 59.5 years and a standard deviation of 11.4 years (CV-19.2%). 55.4% were men. Ultrasound variables related to the carotid arteries, specifically the CIMT and the presence of unstable plaques, were analysed.

Results:

We analyse the possible relationship between the plasma value of PCSK9 and the CIMT considering two situations: that the CIMT is normal or altered. The average PCSK9 levels for both situations are high, observing that the average value for people with altered CIMT is significantly higher (p = 0.001). If we calculate the mean values of CIMT for individuals with normal and altered PCSK9, it is observed that it is significantly higher in individuals with altered PCSK9 (p = 0.000). We also relate the percentage of individuals with altered CIMT with the presence of normal / altered PCSK9 values. The relationship between the variables is statistically significant (p = 0.000), indicating that the proportion of subjects with alteration of the PCSK9 is clearly higher in the group with altered CIMT (75.5% versus 39.3%). With respect to the relationship between PCSK9 values and the presence or absence of unstable carotid plaques, in individuals with this type of plaque, the average level of PCSK9 is clearly higher. However, since the group with this situation is very small, the difference cannot be considered significant (p = 0.170).

Conclusions:

The serum levels of PSCK9 are positively correlated with an early CV risk factor (CIMT). Therefore, we can conclude that PSCK9 can become an independent risk factor for AT in hypertensive patients. More studies are needed to confirm our preliminary results
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSCK9 PLASMA LEVELS AND BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS REGISTERED BY AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING (ABPM)
Authors: Gálvez Juan Manuel Urbano , Ronderos Eduardo Carvajal , Bolaños Cristina Carrera , Frederico Ana Coelho
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Establish a correlation between values and circadian patterns of 24-hour BP measured by ABPM and serum PCSK9 values to try identify an early CVR biomarker.

Design and method:

In a sample of 166 patients (without treatment with statins) followed in an HBP medical office, 24-hour BP was evaluated by ABPM and correlated with the plasma analytical values of PCSK9. The mean age of the participants was 59.5 years The mean values of daytime and nocturnal systolic and diastolic BP and its relationship with the circulating values of PSCK9 were analyzed. For all variables, the mean, median, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were calculated, as well as their minimum and maximum values and their asymmetry coefficient.

Results:

There is a significant correlation of PCSK9 values with daytime SBP (r = 0.240; p = 0.002; R2 = 0.06), and also weaker with nocturnal SBP (r = 0.153; p = 0.049), in both cases with positive correlation. No positive correlation of PCSK9 values was observed with the mean values of DBP (p = 0.587 and p = 0.081), although it should be taken into account that at the sample level the sign of the coefficient is negative. When grouping the sample by type of AT, it is observed that in general, the positive relationship between daytime systolic BP and PSCK9 remains both in patients with a standard dipper (r = 0.206) and in those with a non-dipper (r = 0.387). On the contrary, for nocturnal systolic BP, it is only observed in dippers (r = 0.420) and in extreme dippers but with a negative sign (r = -0.515). The correlation is not significant among the dippers (p = 0.191).

Conclusions:

In our study, we found a positive correlation between serum PSCK9 levels and 24-hour BP values with different degrees of positivity according to the circadian pattern and type of HBP. This assumes that the plasma level of PSCK9 could be a possible early biomarker of CVR in these hypertensive patients. More studies are needed to confirm our preliminary results.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR, BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE AND POLYMORPHISM OF THE M235T OF THE ATG GENE IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE
Authors: Medentseva Olena , Udovychenko M. , Rudyk I. , Ovrakh T. , Gasanov I. , Babichev D. , Galchinskaya V.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To investigate the association between tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNFa), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and polymorphism of the M235T of the ATG gene in hypertensive patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Design and method:

The main group of eighty-four patients (51 females and 33 males; mean age 62,7 ± 8,0 years) with HFpEF and arterial hypertension. Sixty-eight patients and eighteen healthy persons were carriers of 235T allele (MT+TT genotypes), sixteen patients had MM genotype of M235T polymorphism of ATG, determined by using of polymerase chain reaction. Levels of NTproBNP and TNFa were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using «NTproBNP-BEST-ELISA» (Russia) and «TNFa-ELISA-BEST» (Russia), respectively. All statistical tests were 2-tailed and p < 0,05 was considered statistically significant and performed in Statistica 10.0.

Results:

The significant difference in the level of TNFa in hypertensive patients with HFpEF depending on the different genotypes of M235T polymorphism of ATG was not found. Although the serum NTproBNP level increased in patients with MT+TT genotypes compared with patients with MM genotype (Table 1).

Conclusions:

The presence of T allele of M235T polymorphism of ATG in hypertensive patients with HFpEF was independently associated with increased level of NTproBNP
VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR-A AND THE POLYMORPHISM OF THE GENE (RS 2010963) IN ONE YEAR PROGNOSIS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH ST-ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: Kobets Alla , Kutya Inna , Rodionova Iuliia , Kopytsya Mykola
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The objective was to study the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and the polymorphism of the VEGF-A gene (rs 2010963) in prognosis hypertensive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) within 12-months.

Design and method:

91 patients with STEMI were enrolled into the study, 70 (76.9%) men and 21 (23.1%) women, with an average age of 59.21 ± 8.92 years. The VEGF-A concentration was measured by the ELISA. The allelic polymorphism of the G634C of the VEFR-A gene (rs 2010963) was performed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Blood examination was done on 5–7 days and 12 months after the STEMI.

Results:

Results: The baseline levels of VEGF-A was significantly higher - 194.10 [115.02–398.86] pg/ml in patients with the GG genotype compared with those who had the GC genotype - 148.44 [68, 84–221.28] pg / ml, p = 0.047. After 12 months the level of VEGF-A significantly increased from 148.44 [68.84–221.28] pg/ml to 467.18 [351.34–697.29] pg/ml (p = 0.001) in patients with the GC group of polymorphic variant of the G634C gene. The peptide increased also in the patients with the GG gene but it was less significant. After one year examination, there were significant reduction in the level of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0,015) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), (p = 0,031) in the patients with the genotype GC, at the same time in those with the GG genotype this reduction was characterized by p = 0,039 and p = 0,033 respectively.

Conclusions:

Conclusion: The STEMI patients with GC genotype are predisposed for the best blood pressure control in the one year follow-up period compared to the GG genotype.
ASSOCIATION OF SERUM UROMODULIN AND GENETIC VARIANTS WITH BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGES, AND HYPERTENSION IN CHINESE ADULTS: RESULTS FROM TWO PROSPECTIVE COHORTS
Authors: Du Mingfei , Wang Yang , Gao Wei-Hua , Sun Yue , Zhang Xiao -Yu , Zou Ting , Yao Shi , Chu Chao , Chen Chen , Wang Dan , Liao Yue-Yuan , Ma Qiong , Yuan Yue , Wang Ke-Ke , Niu Ze-Jiaxin , Yan Yu , Zhou Hao-Wei , Jia Hao , Li Hao , Li Chun-Hua , Chen Fang-Yao , Gao Ke , Li Min , Li Hui-Xian , Lu Wan-Hong , Chang John , Safirstei Robert , Yang Tie-Lin , Mu Jian-Jun
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Uromodulin is a novel tissue-specific biomarker for kidney function. We sought to examine the associations of serum uromodulin and genetic variants with salt sensitive and longitudinal blood pressure (BP) changes, or hypertension in humans.

Design and method:

Subjects (n = 514) from the Baoji Salt-Sensitive Study cohort recruited in 2004 were on the chronic salt intake intervention. We evaluated them for the development of hypertension in 2009 and 2012. In addition, a total of 2210 participants from the Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Study cohort were used to examine the relationships between serum uromodulin and the risk of hypertension.

Results:

We found that SNPs rs12708631 and rs1291770 in the uromodulin gene were significantly associated with longitudinal changes in BPs. SNP rs7198000 was significantly associated with incident hypertension over an 8-year follow-up. Several SNPs was significantly associated with diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure responses to both low-salt and high-salt diets. Gene-based analyses also supported the overall association of uromodulin gene with longitudinal BP changes and hypertension incidence. In addition, hypertensive subjects have lower levels of serum uromodulin than normotensive subjects. Serum uromodulin showed a linear association with increased BP (34.6, 33.2, 27.8, 27.1 and 26.1 ng/mL for subjects with normotension, high-normal, grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3 hypertension, respectively). Serum uromodulin was significantly associated with the lower risk of hypertension in 2210 Chinese subjects.

Conclusions:

This study shows that uromodulin gene is associated with salt sensitive and longitudinal BP changes, or hypertension incidence, and serum uromodulin may serve as a biomarker marker for hypertension.
BLOOD PRESSURE TRAJECTORIES IN EARLY LIFE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE IN MIDDLE AGE
Authors: Zheng Wenling , Mu Jianjun , Yuan Yue
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Hypertension is a pivotal factor in target organ damage (TOD). However, the association of longitudinal BP trajectories in the early life course and adult risk for TOD is poorly reported.

Design and method:

In a prospective cohort, we identified BP trajectories from early childhood to middle age using group-based trajectory models among 2430 individuals in the Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Study (HAHS) and examined the relationship between BP trajectories and TOD risk in later life.

Results:

Four discrete long-term SBP, DBP and MAP trajectories were identified, namely, low stable, moderate stable, high stable (low increasing), and moderate increasing groups, based on the BP levels at baseline and in the 30-year follow-up. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) were higher in persistently high or increasing trajectories in comparison to the low stable group. Individuals with deteriorative trajectories during early life were at an increased risk of suffering from a single or combined TOD in middle age (36–49 years old).

Conclusions:

Higher longitudinal SBP, DBP and MAP trajectories early in life were associated with increased TOD risk in midlife. Identifying BP trajectories in early life can help screen individuals with a single or multiple TODs later.
PROPOSAL OF A UNIVERSAL OFFICE BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE FOR CLINICAL AND SCIENTIFIC USE
Authors: Vischer Annina , Socrates Thenral , Winterhalder Clemens , Eckstein Jens , Mayr Michael , Burkard Thilo
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Office blood pressure measurement (OBPM) procedures recommended in guidelines and applied in studies vary highly. The current European Societies of Cardiology/Hypertension (ESC/ESH) guidelines for OBPM are impractical to use in clinical settings and trials and lack scientific evidence. Our aim was to explore the meaning of the fourth BP measurement as recommended by ESC/ESH and to study whether a simplified OBPM procedure is feasible without loss of quality.

Design and method:

Four sequentially taken blood pressure measurements (BPMs) were used to calculate blood pressure (BP) as a mean of the second/third systolic/diastolic BPM (S2S3/D2D3), or as a mean of the third/fourth BPM (S3S4/D3D4). Patients were stratified according to the absolute difference between the first/second BPM (S1S2/D1D2) into >10 mmHg and < =10 mmHg. A linear model was used to predict S3S4/D3D4 from S2S3/D2D3.

Results:

Complete measurements were available in 802 patients. 206 patients (25.7%) had an absolute S1S2 difference >10 mmHg, 60 patients (7.5%) for D1D2. Correlation tests showed a median decrease from S2S3 to S3S4 of 0.5 mmHg and 0.5 mmHg for D2D3 to D3D4 (p < 0.0005 for both). For patients with S1S2 >10 mmHg the median decrease was 0.0 mmHg (p = 0.174), with S1S2 <  = 10 mmHg 0.5 mmHg (p < 0.0005), with D1D2 >10 mmHg 1.0 mmHg (p = 0.269), with D1D2 <=10 mmHg 0.5 mmHg (p < 0.0005). There was a linear relationship between S2S3/S3S4 (R2 = 0.944, p < 0.0005, Figure(A); for patients with S1S2 >10 mmHg R2 = 0.958, p < 0.0005, Figure(B), with < =10 mmHg R2 = 0.953, p < 0.0005, Figure(C)) and D2D3/D3D4 (R2 = 0.911, p < 0.0005, Figure(D); for patients with D1D2 >10 mmHg R2 = 0.694, p < 0.0005, Figure(E), with < = 10 mmHg R2 = 0.968, p < 0.0005, Figure(F)). S3S4 and D3D4 could be predicted with an accuracy of 0.967/0.960 from S2S3 and D2D3.

Conclusions:

A fourth BPM does not provide any significant benefit in the context of a standardized OBPM procedure. Therefore, we propose a simplified procedure based on the mean of the second/third standardized OBPM measurement and refrain from a fourth measurement in both clinical practice and study protocols.
RELATION OF SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVITY WITH ATTENDED AND UNATTENDED BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Manta E. , Tsioufis K. , Leontsinis I. , Konstantinidis. D. , Kouremeti M. , Iliakis P. , Papakonstantinou P. , Tatakis F. , Anastasiou A. , Dimitriadi M. , Andrikou I. , Tousoulis D.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Measurement of unattended blood pressure (BP) may have a key role in the assessment of hypertensive patients. Moreover, hypertension is related to sympathetic drive, while there are scarce data on the diverse links of attended and unattended blood pressure with muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of BP levels in the attended and unattended setting with MSNA in patients with essential hypertension.

Design and method:

We enrolled 38 patients with essential hypertension (age: 59 ± 11 years, 20 males, office BP: 142/86 ± 19/11 mmHg, 24-hour BP: 137/80 ± 14/12 mmHg), in whom sympathetic drive was assessed by MSNA estimations based on established methodology (microneurography). Both types of BP measurement, attended and unattended (patient alone in the room, an oscillometric device programmed to perform 3 BP measurements, 1 minute apart, after 5 minutes), were conducted with the same device, on the same day of MSNA recording, in random order. Patients were divided into the combined attended and unattended hypertensive group when BP > or = 140/90 mmHg in both attended and unattended BP estimations and to the attended hypertensive group when only attended BP > or = 140/90 mmHg.

Results:

Patients with combined attended and unattended hypertension (n = 18) compared to those with attended only hypertension (n = 20) were older (61 ± 11 vs 57 ± 11 years, p = 0.03), with no differences regarding metabolic profile, renal function, 24-h ambulatory BP levelsand left ventricular mass index (p = NS for all). In addition, the group of combined hypertension was characterized by greater levels of MSNA, compared to the attended only hypertension group (41.2 ± 11.6 vs 32.2 ± 10.1 bursts per minute, p = 0.031). In all participants, sympathetic nerve traffic as assessed by resting MSNA was related to attended systolic BP (r = 0.459, p = 0.004), attended diastolic BP (r = 0.503, p = 0.001), unattended systolic BP (r = 0.433, p = 0.007) and unattended diastolic BP (r = 0.423, p = 0.008).

Conclusions:

The phenotype of combined attended and unattended hypertension compared to attended hypertension is accompanied by higher sympathetic nervous system activation. This close association of MSNA with attended and unattended BP levels in essential hypertension further supports the key role of sympathetic drive in modulating BP.
“WATCH OUT FOR YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE!” CAMPAIGN IS A REMINDER FOR CRITICAL ROLE OF PUBLIC INFORMING CAMPAIGNS IN HYPERTENSION AWARENESS
Authors: Tavassoli Elham , Zolfaghari Mahsa
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Our Campaign held in Tehran, Iran dedicated to raising awareness on hypertension through emphasizing the importance of blood pressure measurement. 1 month long campaign – starting on 17th April and ending on 17th May 2018 – comprised of three phases.

Design and method:

For the first phase which went on for 7 days (coincide with national health week in Iran) we turned to the social media as a powerful asset for bringing attention to hypertension. On each day we covered a separate topic on blood pressure, which are respectively about: Universal health coverage and hypertension, What is hypertension and what are its signs and symptoms, Hypertension and diet (with a especial focus on salt intake), Obesity and high blood pressure, high blood pressure and physical activity, Smoking and high blood pressure, and finally Monitoring and treatment in hypertension. Our second phase is a 14 day journey (marking the 14th anniversary of WHD) where, on each day we would present them with a new fact about high blood pressure. Moving on to the third phase of the campaign which included our 5 day physical presence, our teams dressed in uniforms were stationed at 5 of the most busiest locations around Tehran. We dedicated the last day of our campaign to screening blood pressures at the food court the blood pressure of 45 people along with their details (including age, gender, history of cigarette, height, weight, etc.) were collected with each person receiving a campaign pack.

Results:

In cases of high or near high blood pressure our experts would intervene with giving advice on what cautionary measures they should take and how they should proceed about their blood pressure from there.

Conclusions:

We hope through our campaign we have been able to contribute to raising awareness on hypertension and its global health impact.