bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P.04 A Transfer-Function-Free Technique for the Non-Invasive Estimation of Central Arterial Pressure
Authors: Giudici Alessandro , Cretu Ioana , Negoita Madalina , Wilkinson Ian B , Khir Ashraf W 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Central aortic pressure (CAP) is important for the determination of the cardiovascular risk. Transfer function (TF)-based techniques allow for estimating CAP non-invasively from pressure waveforms acquired distally in the circulation. However, TF-based CAP might preserve the high frequencies of the distal waveform [1]. Therefore, we propose a new method where CAP is estimated from local direct non-invasive measurements of diameter (D) and blood velocity (U) waveforms.

Methods
Aortic root D and U were measured using an ultrasound scanner (GE, Vivid E95) in 10 healthy volunteers (46 ± 15 years, 5 men), and used to determine local wave speed (PWV) using the lnDU-loop method [2]. Brachial systolic (Ps) and diastolic blood pressure (Pd), as well as central Ps, were also estimated using a sphygmomanometer (Uscom, BPPLUS-R7). CAP was determined as:
, where, and blood density = 1060 kg/m3.

Results
Mean brachial Ps and Pd were 124.1 ± 9.5 and 77.9 ± 5.4 mmHg, respectively. Mean PWV was 3.07 ± 0.71 m/s, leading to = 1.00 ± 0.46. The average calculated Ps was only –0.4% lower than TF-Ps (116.4 ± 11.2 vs. 116.9 ± 8.9, mmHg). Estimated calculated aortic and measured brachial mean pressure were almost identical with a difference of 0.01% (97.8 ± 6.9 vs. 97.8 ± 6.5, mmHg).

Discussion
This proof-of-concept study shows that the CAP waveform can be estimated non-invasively from measurements of brachial Pd, and aortic D and U obtained using equipment available in almost every cardiovascular clinic. Further studies are warranted to establish the full utility of the new technique.
P.07 The Progression of Left Ventricular Ejection Time in Simulated Microgravity
Authors: Orter Stefan , Möstl Stefan , Bachler Martin , Hoffmann Fabian , Mayer Christopher C. , Kaniusas Eugenijus , Reisinger Michaela , Wassertheurer Siegfried , Tank Jens , Hametner Bernhard 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Microgravity in space is known to cause major alterations in the cardiovascular system. Left ventricular ejection time (LVET) can be measured by the time from the onset point of the pressure wave to the incisura of the dicrotic notch. The aim of this study was to simulate microgravity by head-down tilt bedrest (HDT) to examine changes in LVET in female and male subjects.

Methods
24 healthy subjects (16 males and 8 females, height 176 ± 7 cm, weight 77 ± 6 kg, age 37 ± 10 years) were enrolled in a HDT study. The bed rest study applied strict –6° HDT for 60 days. Pulse wave measurements were taken using an oscillometric pressure cuff on the brachial artery. LVET index (LVETi) was calculated according to Weissler et al [1]. LVETis of different measurement times were compared using repeated measures ANOVA with post-hoc analysis using paired t-tests and Bonferroni correction.

Results
Figure shows a decrease of LVETi during bed rest, followed by a sharp rise of LVETi after bed rest. Repeated measures ANOVA confirmed significant differences between measurement times. The increase of LVETi from each HDT measurement day to 4 days after HDT (R + 4) was significant (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences comparing male and female subjects.

Discussion/Conclusion
Overall, we conclude that LVETi decreased during HDT and reached four days after bed rest a similar level as before for both female and male subjects. As LVETi removes heart rate induced effects on LVET, the change in LVETi might be a result of change in ventricular ejection and afterload.
P.14 Transcranial Colour Duplex Reveals Haemodynamically Significant Venous Flow Alterations Following Resection of Arteriovenous Malformation of the Brain
Authors: Busch Kathryn , Davidson Andrew , Butlin Mark , Avolio Alberto , Kiat Hosen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Resection of a brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) can impose several post-operative challenges including post- operative haemorrhage (POH) [1]. The mechanism of such complications remains controversial although deliberately inducing hypotension has proven successful for POH prevention [2]. Daily non-invasive monitoring for patients may be useful in predicting POH. Transcranial color duplex (TCCD) and central aortic pressures (CAP) can be derived non-invasively providing pressure and haemodynamic measurements. These techniques may provide valuable insight into the process of vessel remodeling following bAVM resection.

Methods
This prospective study evaluated fifteen patients with bAVMs. CAP and TCCD were studied pre-operatively and then daily for up to 14 days post-operatively. CAP and TCCD parameters were compared with a group of normal volunteers and a control group of participants having craniotomies.

Results
The post-operative venous changes were dramatic and have not been previously studied. In the early post-operative period there was a marked prominence of venous flow adjacent to the middle cerebral artery. The venous signals demonstrated significantly increased velocities and pulsatility. Furthermore, two of the patients with sustained increased venous prominence, velocity, and pulsatility suffered a POH. After the initial period of post-operative venous flow alteration, the venous parameters returned to normal values.

Conclusion
These preliminary findings provide insight into vessel remodeling and elucidate the time frame for venous flow alterations after surgery. If confirmed in future validation studies, the period of increased venous velocity, pulsatility and prominence may correlate to the time at which patients are at risk of POH.
P.15 Isolated Systolic Hypertension and Central Blood Pressure: Implications from the National Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan
Authors: Chuang Shao-Yuan , Chang Hsing-Yi , Cheng Hao-Min , Pan Wen-Harn , Chen Chen-Huan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives
We aimed to investigate the association between isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and central blood pressure (BP) in a nationally representative population.

Methods
A total of 2029 adults without anti-hypertensive medicine, aged ≥19 years old participated in the 2013–2016 National Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan. Central and brachial BP were simultaneously measured using a cuff-based stand-alone central BP monitor purporting to measure invasive central BP (type II device). Central hypertension [1] was defined by central systolic (SBP)/diastolic BP (DBP) ≥130 or 90 mmHg, and ISH was defined by brachial SBP ≥140 and DBP <90 mmHg.

Results
The prevalence of ISH was 6.51% among adults aged ≥19 years old (2.15% [n = 21] for young adults [aged <50 years] and 10.54% [n = 111] for older adults [aged ≥50 years]). ISH subjects had significantly higher central pulse pressure (PP) (62.8 mmHg for the young and 72.4 mmHg for elders) than those subjects with either isolated diastolic hypertension (brachial SBP <140 and DBP ≥90 mmHg, central PP 44.8 mmHg) or systolic diastolic hypertension (brachial SBP ≥140 and DBP ≥90 mmHg, central PP 60.2 mmHg). There was a U-shaped trend in the association between age and ISH prevalence, and between age and central PP. The ISH prevalence was 2.95%, 1.73% and 10.54%, and the average central PP was 49.5, 47.0, and 54.0 mmHg for subjects aged <30, between 30–50, and ≥50 years, respectively. Moreover, all ISH adults had central hypertension and a higher prevalence of obesity than the normotensives (body mass index ≥27 Kg/m2, 71% vs. 17%, for age <50 years, and 27% vs. 17% for age ≥50 years).

Conclusions
All subjects with ISH, young or older, had central hypertension. Central PP was higher in the young and older age groups in comparison to the middle age group. The U-shaped trend corresponded to the association between age and ISH prevalence.
P.19 Intradialytic Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow and Regional Changes in Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Paré Mathilde , Obeid Hasan , Labrecque Lawrence , Drapeau Audrey , Marquis Karine , Brassard Patrice , Agharazii Mohsen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose/Background/Objective
Cognitive decline is highly prevalent amongst end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and is accelerated upon initiation of hemodialysis (HD) [1]. ESRD increases aortic stiffness and blood flow pulsatility, which may damage small vessels of target organs like the brain [2]. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the acute effect of HD on cerebral blood flow and its relation to arterial stiffness.

Methods
Before, every hour during and after HD (T0–T4), we measured cerebral flow velocity (FV) using transcranial Doppler, blood pressure (BP) via digital finger cuff (Nexfin), cardiac activity using ECG and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) with Mobile-O-Graph. FV pulsatility index (PI) and transit times between ECG peak and the foot of both FV and BP waveforms (cerebral dT; digital dT) were computed using in house MATLAB-based analysis. Changes during HD were evaluated with Generalized Estimating Equation models adjusting for multiple comparisons in SPSS 26.0.

Results
In eight participants aged 63 ± 17 y. old (4 diabetics, 3 women), peak FV decreased from baseline at T1 and T2 (−11.2 cm/s, p = 0.007; −12.2 cm/s, p < 0.001), PI decreased at T1 (0.81 to 0.77, p = 0.005), whilst minimum FV, mean BP and partial pressure of CO2 remained unchanged. Digital dT increased at T3 (0.19 to 0.22, p < 0.001) and cerebral dT increased throughout HD (T1-T4, p < 0.005), whereas aortic PWV did not change.

Conclusions
During hemodialysis, cerebral and digital transit times increased, suggesting decreased stiffness of small peripheral vessels, without significant changes in aortic stiffness. Reduced stiffness of cerebral arteries may partially explain decreased cerebral flow pulsatility.
P.21 Albuminuria Intensifies the Relationship Between Urinary Sodium Excretion and Central Pulse Pressure: The Wakuya Study
Authors: Tagawa Kaname , Tsuru Yusuke , Yokoi Katsumi , Aonuma Takanori , Hashimoto Junichiro 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Central pulse pressure (cPP) is responsible for vital organ hemodynamics [1,2], and its monitoring is important for cardiovascular disease prevention [3]. Excess sodium intake and (micro)albuminuria, a manifestation of renal microvascular damage, are also known as strong predictors of cardiovascular disease [4,5]. We sought to investigate the cross-sectional relationships among dietary sodium consumption, albuminuria and cPP in the general population.

Methods
Subjects were 933 apparently healthy adults in Wakuya town, Miyagi, Japan (mean age, 56 ± 10 years). Radial pressure waveforms were recorded with applanation tonometry to estimate mean arterial pressure (MAP), cPP, forward and backward pressure amplitudes, and augmentation index. Urinary sodium/creatinine ratio (UNaCR) and albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured in spot urine samples.

Results
Median values of UNaCR, UACR and cPP were 139 (interquartile range, 89–205) mEq/g, 5 (4–11) mg/g and 38 (33–45) mmHg, respectively. Both UACR and UNaCR were positively correlated with cPP, even after adjusted for MAP (p < 0.001). Moreover, UACR and UNaCR had a synergistic influence on increasing cPP, which was independent of age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hyperlipidemia and diabetes (interaction p < 0.05). A similar synergistic influence between UACR and UNaCR was found on the forward but not backward pressure amplitude or augmentation index. The overall results were not altered on replacement of UACR with the existence of chronic kidney disease.

Conclusions
(Micro)albuminuria strengthens the positive association between urinary sodium excretion and central pulse (and systolic forward) pressure. Excess sodium intake may magnify cardiovascular risk through widening aortic pulsatile pressure, particularly in the presence of concomitant chronic kidney disease.
P.24 Factors Associated with Premature Vascular Aging in Patients with Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Melekhina I. V. Inna , Medvedeva E. G. Elizaveta Georgievna , Ivanova S. V. Svetlana , Yushchuk E. N. Elena , Trush E. Yu. Ekaterina 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Identification of factors associated with premature vascular aging in patients with arterial hypertension (AH).

Methods
The study included 61 patients (29 men, 32 women) with 1–2 grade AH without cardiovascular complications, aged 40 to 60 years, of which 28 (45.9%) had type 2 diabetes. The duration of AH was 5.0 [2.0; 10.0] years, type 2 diabetes - 2.0 [1.0; 4.0] years. The assessment of vascular stiffness using cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and vascular age (VA) was performed by volumetric sphygmography (VaSera-1500). All patients were divided into 2 groups: with normal VA (the passport age corresponds to the VA, n = 35) and premature vascular aging (the VA is higher than the passport age, n = 26).

Results
There were no significant differences in gender, smoking, dyslipidemia, and the presence and duration of type 2 diabetes in the comparison groups. Significantly higher values of blood pressure (BP) were observed in the group of patients with premature vascular aging - 153.7 ± 26.2/95.3 ± 13.2 versus 137.9 ± 18.6/88.4 ± 13.3 mm Hg., higher duration of AH 10.0 [4.0; 13.0] vs. 3.0 [1.0; 8.0] years, higher blood urea level 5.7 [5.3; 6.8] vs. 4.5 [3.8; 5.8] mmol/l, increased CAVI average values on the right and on the left 8.8 [8.4; 9.4] vs. 7.4 [6.7; 7.9], intima-media thickness (IMT) of CCA (0.92 ± 0.13 vs. 0.80 ± 0.09 mm) and LV mass index (LVMI), 96.1 ± 21.8 vs. 86.1 ± 20.7 g/m2.

Conclusion
Premature vascular aging in patients with AH was associated with the degree and duration of hypertension, increased IMT, vascular stiffness [1], blood urea levels and LVMI.
P.25 Radial-Digital Pulse Wave Velocity: A Non-Invasive Method for Assessing Stiffness of Peripheral Small Arteries
Authors: Obeid Hasan , Garneau Charles-Antoine , Fortier Catherine , Pare Mathilde , Boutouyrie Pierre , Agharazii Mohsen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPulse wave velocity (PWV) has been used to evaluate arterial stiffness of large arteries. Here, we examine the feasibility of radialdigital PWV (RD-PWV) as a measure of stiffness of smaller arteries, and its response to changes in local mean arterial pressure. In 29 healthy subjects, we used Complior probes to record arterial pulse wave at radial artery and tip of the index. To determine transit time, we used both second derivative and intersecting tangents of the entire recordings using the device-embedded algorithms, in house Matlab analyses of only reliable waves, and by numerical simulation using arterial tree model. In 15 subjects, we examine the response of RD-PWV to changes in local MAP by vertical displacement of the hand above and below the mid-axillary line. Using second derivative, RD-PWV were 4.68 ± 1.18, 4.69 ± 1.21, 4.32 ± 1.19 m/s respectively for deviceembedded, Matlab-based and numerical simulation analyses, respectively. Using intersecting tangents RD-PWV were 4.73 ± 1.20, 4.45 ± 1.08, 4.50 ± 0.84 m/s, respectively for device-embedded, Matlab-based and numerical simulation analyses, respectively. The strongest correlation (r = 0.92) was seen between device-embedded and Matlab-based second derivatives. The intersession coefficients of variation were 7.0 ± 4.9% and 3.2 ± 1.9% (p = 0.04) for device-embedded and Matlab-based second derivative algorithms. We estimated that each increase of 10 mm Hg in local MAP by vertical displacement of the hand resulted in an increase in RD-PWV of 0.28 m/s. This study shows that RD-PWV can be used for the non-invasive assessment of stiffness of small-sized arteries.
P.26 Liver Transglutaminase 2 Level Comparison Among Different Dietary Interventions
Authors: Oztemiz Elif , Dogan Soner , Tuna Bilge Guvenc 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose/Background/Objectives
Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a highly expressed protein especially in endothelial cells. TG2 has several functions including transamidation activity which is important in several processes such as extracellular matrix remodeling [1]. TG2 activity takes place in aortic stiffness regulation and atherosclerotic plaque formation [2]. One of the most effective implementation for atheroprone state and general cardiovascular health is calorie restriction (CR). In addition, lipid accumulation and subsequent metabolic disorders can be regulated by CR and longer lifespan can be achieved [3]. In this study we aimed to determine the effect of different CR application types on liver TG2 levels of female mice fed up to 82 weeks old age.

Methods
For this purpose, female MMTV-TGF-a mice fed with different dietary regimes; ad libitum (AL), chronic CR (%15 restriction of AL group), intermittent CR (3 weeks AL (ICR-ReFeed)+1 week %60 restriction of AL (ICR-Restricted), between 10-week to 82-week old. Liver tissue was isolated at 10-week old (AL mice as baseline), 50 and 82 weeks. Then, liver tissue samples were homogenized for western blotting. Analysis made by ImageLab software and Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase used as housekeeping gene.

Results
TG2 levels were increased in CCR and ICR-R groups, decreased in ICR-RF compared to AL group. In addition, 82-week old AL mice had higher level of TG2 than 10-week old.

Conclusion
These results may provide future perspectives about TG2 levels depending on feeding protocols and ageing in kidney. TG2 levels in arteries of the same groups will be examined in further studies.
P.29 Involvement of Cannabinoid Receptors in Regulation of MMPs, Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Greiner Bettina , Sommerfeld Manuela , Kintscher Ulrich , Kappert Kai , Kaschina Elena 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R are expressed in the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and may contribute to vascular remodeling process (O’Sullivan, 2015). This study aimed to investigate the implication of CB1R and CB2R in the regulation of matrix metalloproteases MMP2 and MMP9, cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Methods
Primary VSMCs of contractile type were derived from rat aorta. Following compounds were studied: the CB1R agonist arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (ACEA), the CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant, the CB2R agonist JWH133, the CB2R antagonist/inverse agonist AM630. The cells were treated with compounds simultaneously with IL1α stimulation. MMP2 and MMP9 were analyzed 48h after treatment via gelatin zymography, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Apoptotic markers FasL, Caspase-3 and TGFbeta1 were used. This experimental setup was repeated using IncuCyte cell imaging to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Results
The CB2R agonist JWH133 decreased the activity of proMMP9 (p < 0.05), abolished IL1α -induced up-regulation of proMMP9/MMP9 proteins, and decreased MMP2 activity by tendency (11%). JWH133 also decreased the number of apoptotic cells (p < 0.05). Accordingly, CB2R antagonist AM630 did not prevent MMP9 release. CB1R antagonist Rimonabant reduced activity of proMMP9 (35%) and MMP2 (4%) and abolished protein up-regulation of proMMP9/MMP9. CB1R stimulation with ACEA had an ambiguous effect. JWH133 and Rimonabant increased cell proliferation (p < 0,05) and decreased expression of apoptosis markers FasL and caspase-3.

Conclusions
The CB2R agonist JWH133 and CB1R antagonist Rimonabant prevented release of MMP9 and cell death of VSMCs. Therefore, stimulation of the CB2R or blockade of the CB1R may be favorable by vascular outward remodeling processes.
P.32 Non-Invasive Measures of Arteriosclerosis Across Childhood and Adolescence: Insights Into the Natural History of Disease
Authors: Nasir Reeja , Cai Tommy Ye , Meroni Alice , Skilton Michael 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Non-invasive methodologies for assessing arteriosclerosis, including carotid intimal-medial thickness (cIMT) for assessing subclinical atherosclerosis and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) for measuring arterial stiffness, are well established and validated in adults [1, 2]. However, they are less well-described in children. Alternative methodologies, such as aortic IMT (aIMT), may be more appropriate in children provided the natural history of atherosclerotic disease [3]. Previous studies have predominantly applied these methodologies in a narrow age-range of children; methodological differences between studies make inter-study comparison of absolute values difficult. Therefore, we aimed to assess the severity of arteriosclerosis across childhood and adolescence using standardised application of age-appropriate and established methodologies.

Methods
We prospectively recruited 97 healthy children aged 2 to 20 (mean age = 11.2 ± 5.12 years old; stratified into five sex-balanced age groups). cIMT and aIMT were assessed via high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. cfPWV was assessed via a semi-automated cuff-based device (Sphygmocor XCEL; AtCor Medical, Australia).

Results
aIMT increased with age (9 μm per year [95% CI: 6, 12], p < 0.0001), whereas cIMT did not meaningfully increase with age (2 μm per year [95% CI: −1, 5], p = 0.14). cfPWV remained relatively stable during early childhood, with an apparent increase from adolescence onwards.

Conclusions
Carotid and aortic atherosclerosis both increase throughout childhood, although this increase is greatest in the aorta. The aorta begins to stiffen during adolescence. Assessment of aortic arteriosclerosis is feasible in childhood and adolescence, and should be prioritised over assessment of carotid atherosclerosis in this age group.
P.35 TASK-1 Channels Play an Anticontractile Role in Rat Septal Coronary Artery Under Pharmacological Blockade of Endothelium
Authors: Lazarenko B. S. Varvara , Shvetsova Anastasia , Gaynullina Dina , Schubert Rudolph 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose/Background/Objectives
TASK-1 (TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium) channels conduct background K+ currents in smooth muscle cells of pulmonary arteries suppressing vasocontraction. However, the vasomotor role of TASK-1 channels in systemic arteries as well as their regulation by the endothelium are poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the impact of TASK-1 channels on the regulation of arterial contraction in the presence or absence of the relaxing influence of the endothelium in the brain and the heart, important regions of the systemic circulation.

Methods
Segments of basilar and septal coronary arteries (2-mm long) were isolated from male Wistar rats and mounted in a wire myograph. The functional impact of TASK-1 channels was assessed by the effect of their blocker AVE1231 (1 µM) on contractile responses to the thromboxane A2 receptor agonist U46619. Experiments were performed first on endothelium-intact arteries and then after combined blockade of NO-synthase (L-NNA, 100 µM), cyclooxygenase (indomethacin, 10 µM) and EDHF (TRAM34, 1 µM and UCL1684, 0.1 µM).

Results
AVE1231 did not change basal tone and contractile responses to U46619 of either basilar or septal coronary arteries with intact endothelium. However, incubation with AVE1231 after pharmacological blockade of the endothelium led to the development of basal tone and augmented contractile responses to U46619 in septal coronary arteries, but not in basilar arteries.

Conclusions
TASK-1 channels may play a protective anticontractile role in the coronary circulation under conditions of endothelial dysfunction.
Supported by RSF (grant N 20-75-00027). We thank Sanofi for the gift of AVE1231.