bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D plasma concentration and VDR gene polymorphisms in patients with non-dipper hypertension
Authors: Tatarnikova I.S , Shpagina L.A , Gerasimenko O.N 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The study of the effects of vitamin D today has a high interest in the scientific community.
We determined the plasma level of vitamin D and the polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR rs1544410, VDR rs2228570) in patients with non-dipper hypertension.
In our clinic, we examined 160 patients aged 30–60, among which a group of hypertensive patients with dipper status included 52 people, a group of hypertensive patients with non-dipper status - 53 people, a control group of 55 people without hypertention, correlating in gender and age with study groups.
The 25 OH vitamin D level was lower in the hypertension groups, both dipper status - 20.5 (14.0; 23.3) ng / ml and non-dipper status 15.0 (12.0; 18.0) ng / ml compared with the control group - 26.0 (19.5; 30.5) ng / ml, p=0.003 and p&lt;0.001.
The results of genotyping showed the presence of genetic features in hypertensive patients with non-dipper status compared with the hypertensive patients with dipper status and the control group at the rs2228570 locus of the VDR gene, p&lt;0.001. The total frequency of genotypes in the following groups: in the non-dipper group the G / A genotype accounts for 49.1% (26), A/A – 41.5% (22), G/G – 9.4% (5); in the dipper group the G/A genotype was 65.4% (34), A/A – 19.2% (10), G/G – 15.4% (8); in the control group G/A – 47.3% (26), A/A – 10.9% (6), G/G – 41.8% (23) for rs2228570 of the VDR gene. Statistical differences from the dipper group and the control group were not obtained in rs1544410 of the VDR gene.
Further studies are needed to clarify the association between rs2228570 of the VDR gene, vitamin D levels and non-dipper status in hypertension.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Relationship between country income, socioeconomic factors and control of cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with type 2 Diabetes: insights from the global DISCOVER registry
Authors: Malik A , Chen H , Cooper A , Gomes M , Hejjaji V , Ji L , Khunti K , Kosiborod M , Nicolucci A , Peri-Okonny P , Shestakova M , Tang F , Vora J , Watada H , Arnold S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), optimal management of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors is critical for primary prevention of CV disease.

Purpose
To describe the association of country income and patient socioeconomic factors with risk factor control in patients with T2D.

Methods
DISCOVER is a 37-country, prospective, observational study of 15,983 patients with T2D enrolled between January 2016 and December 2018 at initiation of 2nd-line glucose-lowering therapy and followed for 3 years. In patients without known CV disease with sub-optimally controlled risk factors at baseline, we examined achievement of risk factor control (HbA1c &lt;7%, BP &lt;140/90 mmHg, appropriate statin) at the 3 year follow-up. Countries were stratified by gross national income (GNI)/capita, per World Bank report. We explored variability across countries in risk factor control achievement using hierarchical logistic regression models and examined the association of country- and patient-level economic factors with risk factor control.

Results
Among 9,613 patients with T2D but without CV disease (mean age 57.2 years, 47.9% women), 83.1%, 37.5%, and 66.3% did not have optimal control of glucose, BP, and statins, respectively, at baseline. Of these, 40.8%, 55.5%, and 28.6% achieved optimal control at 3 years of follow-up. There was substantial variability in achievement of risk factor control across countries (Figure) but no association of country GNI/capita on achievement of risk factor control (Table). Insurance status, which differed substantially by GNI group, was strongly associated with glycemic control, with no insurance and public insurance associated with lower odds of patients achieving HbA1c &lt;7%.

Conclusions
In a global cohort of patients with T2D, a substantial proportion do not achieve risk factor control even after 3 years of follow-up. The variability across countries in risk factor control is not explained by the GNI/capita of the country.
Proportion of patients at goal

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): The DISCOVER study is funded by AstraZeneca
Lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular disease: prediction, attributable risk fraction and estimating benefits from novel interventions
Authors: Welsh P , Welsh C , Celis-Morales C.A.C , Brown R , Ferguson L.D , Gray S , Mark P , Lewsey J , Lyall D.M , Gill J.M.R , Pell J , Jhund P.S , De Lemos J.A , Willeit P , Sattar N 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) measurement may help guide CVD risk prediction, is thought to be causal in several CVD outcomes, and phase 3 intervention trials of Lp(a) lowering agents are underway. We aimed to investigate the population attributable fraction due to elevated Lp(a) and its utility in CVD risk prediction.

Methods
In 413,724 participants from UK Biobank, associations of serum Lp(a) with composite fatal/nonfatal CVD (n=10,065 events), fatal CVD (n=3247), coronary heart disease (n=16,649), ischaemic stroke (n=3191), and peripheral vascular disease (n=2716) were compared using Cox models. Predictive utility was determined by C-index changes. The population attributable fraction was estimated.

Results
Median Lp(a) was 19.7nmol/L (interquartile interval 7.6–75.3nmol/L). 20.8% had Lp(a) values &gt;100nmol/L; 9.2% had values &gt;175nmol/L. After adjustment for classical risk factors, in participants with no baseline CVD and not taking a statin, 1 standard deviation increment in log Lp(a) was associated with a HR for fatal/nonfatal CVD of 1.09 (95% CI 1.07–1.11). Associations were similar for fatal CVD, coronary heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Adding Lp(a) to a prediction model containing traditional CVD risk factors improved the C-index by +0.0017 (95% CI 0.0009, 0.0026). We estimated that having Lp(a) values &gt;100nmol/L accounts for 5.7% of CVD events in the whole cohort. We modelled that an ongoing trial to lower Lp(a) in patients with CVD and Lp(a) above ∼175nmol/L may be expected to reduce CVD risk by 20.3%, assuming causality, and an achieved Lp(a) reduction of 80%.

Conclusions
Population screening for elevated Lp(a) may help to predict CVD and target Lp(a) lowering drugs to those with markedly elevated levels, if such drugs prove efficacious.
Population attributable fractions: Lp(a)

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): Chest, Heart, and Stroke Association Scotland and British Heart Foundation
Cardiovascular health metrics of 122,788 couples: analysis of a nationwide epidemiological database
Authors: Itoh H , Kaneko H , Kiriyama H , Kamon T , Michihata N , Jo T , Morita H , Yasunaga H , Komuro I 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
The American Heart Association suggests that cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics based on established risk factors and behaviors to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease. Couples share environmental and lifestyle habits, and therefore, there can be an intra-couple correlation of CVH metrics. However, the clinical data on the association of the CVH metrics among couples are limited.

Purpose
We aimed to explore the intra-couple relationship of the AHA-defined cardiovascular health metrics using a nationwide epidemiological database.

Methods
This study is a retrospective observational cross-sectional analysis using the health claims database of the Japan Medical Data Center between January 2005 and December 2016. We modified the American Heart Association CVH metrics and defined ideal CVH component as following: 1) nonsmoking, 2) body mass index &lt;25 kg/m2, 3) physical activity at goal, 4) untreated blood pressure &lt;120/80 mm Hg, 5) untreated fasting glucose &lt;100 mg/dL, and 6) untreated total cholesterol &lt;200 mg/dL.

Results
We analyzed 122,788 heterosexual couples enrolled in the Japan Medical Data Center database. The average age of participants was 50.2±9.5 years in men and 48.6±8.9 years in women. Good correlation was observed between couples in terms of the modified ideal CVH metrics (Figure 1A). The prevalence of meeting ≥5 ideal components in the female partners increased from 31% in the male partners meeting no ideal components to 55% in those meeting 6 ideal components. The concordance ratio is particularly higher in the component of smoking status, blood pressure, and fasting glucose level. A man who meets ≥5 ideal components probably had a woman partner who meets ≥5 ideal components (Odds ratio 1.6, 95% CI: 1.6–1.7, p&lt;0.001). The P value for the McNemar test was significant for all components, indicating that women apparently met ideal metrics for metrics in discordant Couples (Figure 1B).

Conclusion
Our investigation showed that there was a good intra-couple correlation of the ideal modified CVH metrics, suggesting the potential of couple-based assessment and management for improving CVH status.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Healthy diet and telomerase activity in patients with uncomplicated arterial hypertension
Authors: Pavlova O , Karabko I , Liventseva M , Barbuk O , Shafranovskaya E , Ogurtsova S , Mrochek A 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Telomere length is considered as a novel biomarker indicating the risk of a cell's age, metabolic disturbances and age-related diseases. The available evidence suggests that healthy diet with antioxidant nutrients, fruits and vegetables, Mediterranean diet can influence on telomere length. Telomerase enzyme answers the end replication problem that counters telomere shortening. The effects of the nutrition on telomere length and telomerase activity required further study.

Objective
To evaluate the association of the healthy diet with relative telomere length (RTL) and telomerase activity (TA) in patients (pts) with uncomplicated arterial hypertension (AH).

Material and method
The clinical and genetic examinations were performed in 90 people (42 patients with uncomplicated arterial hypertension (AH) and 48 normotensive individuals). Mean age of hypertensive pts was 51.5±9.3 and of normotensives was 48.5±10.2 years. RTL of peripheral blood leukocytes performed by previously validated real-time PCR. TA was determined by enzyme immunoassay method. Dietary habits, alcohol intake, smoking, level of physical activity, body mass index, waist circumference, presence of obesity, blood pressure (BP), glucose and cholesterol levels, depressive episodes and psychological stress according the international questionnaires were evaluated.

Results
Mean RTL was 0.86±0.14 in group of hypertensive pts and 0.91±0.10 in normotensives, p=0.139. The median TA was higher in normotensives – 5.9 ng/ml (IQR 4.1–9.6) than hypertensive pts – 4.0 ng/ml (IQR 3.3–7.3), p=0.004.The association was found between TA and more frequent consumption per week of vegetable and fish in both groups (r=0.501, p=0.005 and r=0.447, p=0.013 in hypertensive pts; r=0.297, p=0.045 and r=0.316, p=0.036 in normotensives, accordingly). In hypertensive pts also was found relation TA with daily fruit intake (r=0.493; p=0.006) and trend toward to dietary salt consumption (r=−0.316; p=0.08). Among normotensives there was negative trend to relation TA with daily consumption of meat (r=−0.291; p=0.056). There were no association RTL, TA with age, alcohol intake, smoking, levels of glucose and cholesterol, BP, obesity and psychological risk factors in two groups except for the relation TA with waist circumference in normotensives (r=−0.427; p=0.003).

Conclusion
The data suggests that the healthy diet with regular intake of fish, vegetable and fruit can influence on telomerase activity in patients with uncomplicated AH as well as in normotensive individuals.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Budget
Ultra-marathon training induces vasculoprotector microRNA-125a-5p expression
Authors: Postula M , Eyileten C , Soplinska A , Zareba L , Jarosz-Popek J , Fitas Z , Czajka P , Malek L 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization data, they are responsible for approximately 31% of deaths annually. It is estimated that nearly 80% of premature CVDs are preventable by modification of lifestyle including regular physical activity. Endurance training can be described as long-time activity characterized by high dynamic and low to high power and was proven beneficial in CVD prevention. Several miRNAs, including miR-125a-5p had been reported to be regulated in response to exercise in healthy humans. Additionally, Let-7 family members are involved in initiation and development of inflammatory response and up-regulated after training.

Aim of study
Our aim was to determine the differences in inflammatory-related miRNA expression between ultramarathon runners and healthy controls.

Materials and methods
Three circulation inflammation-related miRNA related were chosen based on literature search. RNA was extracted from plasma samples using the mirVANA PARIS Kit and quality of extracted material was assessed using a fluorometric assay. RT-PCR was performed using the Taqman advance protocol on a high throughput thermal cycler. Mann Whitney U test was used for unpaired comparison and Spearman's Correlation was used for the database analysis with miRNA expressions, p&lt;0.05.

Results
Let-7e, miR-125a-5p, and miR-126 were measured in 40 patients (31 ultra-marathon runners vs 9 control volunteers) We found that control volunteers had significantly lower miR-125a-5p expression levels than ultra-marathon runners (p=0.03). Additionally, miR-125a-5p showed strong positive correlation with number of ultra-marathons run in life, and number of runs exceeding 100km (r=0.473, p=0.01 and r=0.403, p=0.03, respectively). Besides, Let-7e was positively correlated with VE max (maximum ventilation) (r=0.449, p=0.01).

Conclusions
Our study showed that endurance training can increase the miR-125a-5p expression and this result is in the line of previous observation since miR-125a-5p reported as vasculoprotector and were elevated in response to all-out high-intensity running.
Figure 1. MicroRNAs expression comparison

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): “Preludium” from the National Science Center, Poland
Physical activity in patients with coronary heart disease: results from the EUROASPIRE V Survey
Authors: Fras Z , Jankowski P , Jug B , Gaita D , Wood D.A , De Bacquer D , Kotseva K 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Physical inactivity is common in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and associated with an unfavorable prognosis. The study aim was to assess the physical activity levels as well as the intention to become physically active in patients with stable CHD with an additional focus on the association with their risk profile.

Methods
Analyses are based on the cross-sectional EUROASPIRE V survey, conducted under the auspices of the ESC EURObservational Research Project in 2016–2017. The survey encompassed 8,261 CHD patients, included in 27 countries, with a mean age of 62.4 years (±9.6, range 18 - 80 years), 25.8% of them were female. Physical activity level according to the overall patients' risk profile and their medical management was assessed, and the intention to become physically active in order to reduce their risk for recurrent events was investigated.

Results
The physical activity status found in CHD patients included was far from satisfactory in general, since only 34.4% of those interviewed were regularly physically active (for more than 30 minutes duration on average 5 times a week). Nearly half (47.3%) of the patients reported they are performing more everyday physical activity in general after the index event; while only every fifth patient (21.4%) reported to follow the specific exercise advice from a health or exercise professional, every tenth (11.3%) attending the fitness club or leisure centre, and only 6.1% joining the community walking groups. Regular exercise to increase physical fitness (defined as planned physical activity performed 3–5 times per week for 20–60 minutes) was confirmed by 34.8%, while interestingly 40.4% of patients declared regular physical activity as part of the self-reported lifestyle change in order to lose their body weight. A better cardiovascular risk profile as well as receiving physical activity advice or weight loss advice was associated with better physical activity levels.

Conclusions
Although an increase in the proportion of patients being adequately physical active after their index event, physical activity levels remain suboptimal in many CHD patients. There is an obvious need for improvement, with regards to both finding more effective ways of advice and encouraging our patients to increase the amount of their everyday exercise, as well regularly to monitor their lifestyle change.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): The survey was supported through research grants to the European Society of Cardiology from Amgen, Eli Lilly, Sanofi (Gold Sponsors), Pfizer (Silver Sponsor), and Ferrer and Novo Nordisk (Bronze Sponsors).
QT interval dynamicity during exercise test in adolescent athletes
Authors: Balykova L , Makarov L.M , Komolyatova V.N , Shchekina N.V , Ivyanskij S.A , Soldatov Y.O 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

In search of predictors of the life-threatening arrhythmias, the objective of this research was to study repolarization dynamics and reveal the signs of myocardial electrical instability in young athletes during exercise test (ET).

Methods
124 young athletes including 78 boys 11–16 years old and 50 healthy untrained boys were enrolled into the study. All the children underwent ET with ECG recording and manually evaluated durations of QT interval and its derivatives –QTc interval, calculated by Basett and Fridericia formulas (QTc, FQTc), QTc and FQTc interval dispersion. Rate-dependent QT interval parameters (“QT dynamics”) were measured using of linear regression formula for determining slope, intercept, and correlation (r) between QT and RR intervals (Zareba W, Bayes de Luna A, 2005).

Results
Initially and on low and moderate loading (25–100 Wt) the athletes had lower heart rate (HR) than in untrained, and quicker (3 min) restoration to initial level (&lt;450 ms) during recovery. The athletes had higher absolute QT interval duration at rest due to bradycardia and myocardial hypertrophy. Beginning step II QTc and FQTc intervals and their dispersions shortening up to minimal in both athlete and untrained groups. Maximal QTc interval in athletes as well as in untrained was recorded at stage I (25 Wt) and did not exceed 460 ms in boys and 470 ms in girls versus 450 and 440 ms, respectively. Maximal QTc prolongation (δQTc) during ET (QTcmax − QTcmin) in athletes did not exceed 80 ms. A shorter FQTc duration compared to QTc was noted. More efficient rate-dependent QT interval reduction (“QT/RR hyperadaptation”) was noted in athletes at peak load: the upper limits of normal QTc, FQTc and dQTc were 400, 330 and 14 ms, respectively. These parameters increasing along with other (echocardiographic and biochemical) signs may serve as myocardial remodeling markers. Decreased (“flat”) slope QT/RR and lower level of QT/RR correlation (“hypoadaptation of QT to RR”) were recorded in athletes at rest and at the initial stages of load, probably due to a higher vagal tone. At the peak load increase both in slope (“steep slope”) and correlation QT/RR (“QT/RR hyper-adaptation”) was noted. Absence of this phenomenon was observed in athletes with cardiac remodeling.

Conclusions
Repolarization dynamics during ET test was similar in athletes and untrained children. Maximal QTc interval in athletes during ET was higher than in untrained and QTc shortening at peak load was more efficient. Complete restoration of HR and QTc intervals to the initial level in athletes occurred at an early recovery period (3 min). Absence of such dynamics gave evidence of myocardial remodeling.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Fib4 index is a more relevant marker for pulse wave velocity but not for carotid intima-media thickness in a men population
Authors: Ojima S , Kubozono T , Kawasoe S , Kawabata T , Miyahara H , Tokushige K , Ohishi M 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are useful markers for predicting cardiovascular disease not only in patients with cardiovascular disease but also in the general population. On the other hand, liver disease due to obesity has become a problem and has been reported to be associated with the progression of atherosclerosis. Recently, an indicator of liver stiffness, the Fibrosis-4 index (Fib4 index), has been used to detect the pre-stage liver diseases. However, there is no report to investigate the association between atherosclerotic parameters such as IMT and PWV, and Fib4 index. The Fib4 index is a simple index calculated from age and three blood sample data, and it will be useful for screening for an early stage of atherosclerosis if we can show the association between Fib4 index and these parameters.

Purpose
To investigate the association between atherosclerotic parameters such as IMT or PWV and Fib4 index

Methods
We recruited 3, 128 men participants who underwent health checkup. IMT was evaluated by carotid ultrasonography, and branchial-ankle PWV (baPWV) was measured by an automatic device. We analysed the association of IMT or baPWV with Fib4 index and atherosclerotic risk factors such as age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and fasting blood sugar (FBS). baPWV ≥1,600 cm/s was defined high baPWV and we performed the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to demonstrate the significance of Fib4 index for baPWV.

Results
Mean Fib4 index was 1.39±0.68. In the univariate linear regression analysis, all factors such as age, SBP, LDL-C, FBS, Fib4 index were significantly associated with IMT or baPWV. On the other hand, in the multivariate linear regression analysis, Fib4 index was an independent factor for baPWV but not for IMT (IMT, p=0.498; baPWV, p=0.023). Figure 1 showed the result of ROC analysis to predict the high baPWV by Fib4 index. The area under curve (AUC) was 0.73, with the highest discriminating sensitivity and specificity at 0.71 and 0.65, respectively at Fib4 index = 1.27.

Conclusions
Fib4 index was significantly related to baPWV and could be the useful screening marker for arterial stiffness in a general men population.
Figure 1. ROC curve analysis

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None