bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RELATIONSHIP OF ARTERIAL STIFFNESS AND RENAL DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSIVE DISEASE WITH A HIGH ADDITION TO TREATMENT
Authors: Koziolova Natalya , Chernyavina Anna 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Objective: to assess the relationship between changes in the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWVcf) with glomerular and tubular function in patients with hypertension with a high adherence to treatment.

Design and method:
Materials and methods: 82 hypertensive patients with a high adherence to treatment were examined (average age 50.23 ± 7.16), who were divided into 2 groups depending on PWVcf. Group 1 - 41 patients with PWVcf less than 10 m / s, Group 2 - 40 patients with PWVcf more than 10 m / s. To determine the level of CFS, all patients underwent volume sphygmopletismography. To assess the renal filtration function, the serum level of cystatin C was determined by ELISA and GFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI formula for cystatin C. Also, for the assessment of tubular renal function, the level of serum NGAL was determined by the method ELISA.

Results:
Results: patients in the groups did not significantly differ in age, gender, risk factors, concomitant diseases and therapy, blood pressure and lipid profile. In group 2, the NGAL level was 1.68 ± 0.83 ng/ml, which is more than in group 1 - 1.27 ± 0.57 ng/ml (p = 0.032). At the same time, the patients did not statistically significantly differ in the level of cystatin C and GFR based on cystatin C. Correlation analysis showed a direct moderate relationship between PWVcf and the level of NGAL (r = 0.31; p < 0.05) in these patients was found.

Conclusions:
Conclusions: in hypertensive patients with a high adherence to treatment, along with an PWVcf increase, there is a significant deterioration in tubular renal function, estimated by an increase in NGAL level. GFR with high adherence to treatment was not associated with changes in PWVcf.
FATTY LIVER INDEX IS POSITIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN A CHINESE POPULATION
Authors: Junli Zuo , Yueliang Hu , Jiehui Zhao , Isabella Tan , Mark Butlin , Alberto Avolio 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Non-alcoholic fatty fiver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic liver injury closely related to insulin resistance. Fatty liver index (FLI) can be used as a surrogate marker and validated index for NAFLD. This study aimed to explore the relationship between FLI and arterial stiffness in a Chinese population.

Design and method:
From December 2017 to March 2019, a total of 405 inpatients (mean age 51.16 ± 11.92 years) were recruited for cardiovascular disease screening at Ruijin Hospital North, Shanghai.Measurement of brachial systolic, diastolic, mean and pulse pressure. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured (SphygmoCor) to assess the arterial stiffness.

Results:
Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to their FLI <30,normal; 30–59, intermediate fatty liver index; > = 60, NAFLD. The proportion of subjects with hepatic steatosis (FLI> 60), intermediate FLI (30–59), and no steatosis (FLI <30) was 34.6%, 31.6% and 33.8%, respectively. The male population (53.9%) had significantly higher FLI levels (p < 0.05). Subjects with FLI > 60 had higher cfPWV than those with FLI < 30 (p = 0.006). cfPWV was positively correlated with FLI (r = 0.143, p = 0.004). After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, PDP, glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and LDL, FLI remained positively associated with cfPWV (p = 0.011).

Conclusions:
cfPWV, as a measure of arterial stiffness, is higher in the NAFLD group when compared to that in normal groups. Fatty liver index is positively associated with arterial stiffness in a Chinese population.
THE INTERPLAY OF ANTICOAGULATION AND THORACIC AORTA CALCIFICATION IN PATIENTS ADMITTED WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME
Authors: Gkini Konstantia-Para , Terentes-Printzios Dimitrios , Vlachopoulos Charalambos , Aznaouridis Konstantinos , Ioakeimidis Nikolaos , Gardikioti Vasiliki , Sigala Evangelia , Dima Ioanna , Kallikazaros Ioannis , Tousoulis Dimitrios 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Patients under haemodialysis have increased vascular calcification burden especially that is seems to be upregulated when treated with Vitamin K antagonists (VKA). We sought to investigate the association of anticoagulation and thoracic aorta calcification (TAC) in patients with ACS.

Design and method:
Two hundred patients admitted with ACS were included in the study. Type of anticoagulant therapy and the extent of TAC were recorded for every patient. Anticoagulants were divided into two groups, VKA and non-VKA anticoagulants. The extent of TAC on a postero-anterior plain chest X-ray was divided into four grades 0 to 3. Lower and higher TAC were categorized as grade 0 to 1 and 2 to 3 respectively.

Results:
Twenty-nine (15%) patients at admission were on anticoagulants. Seventeen patients (9%) were treated with VKA and 12 patients (6%) with non-VKA anticoagulants. Patients with higher grade of TAC more often had history of heart failure (p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (p < 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (p = 0.006). Age and history of chronic kidney disease predicted higher TAC burden (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% Confidence intervals [CI] 1.03 to 1.10, p < 0.001 and OR = 6.07, 95% CI 2.35 to 15.67, p < 0.001, respectively). Patients treated with VKA had higher TAC grade after adjustment for age, gender and chronic kidney disease. (OR = 3.64, 95% CI 1.08 to 12.20, p = 0.037). On the other hand, there was a non-statistically significant trend for reduced TAC burden in patients treated with non-VKA anticoagulants (OR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.04 to 1.47, p = 0.12).

Conclusions:
Our study shows that patients with ACS treated with VKA have higher grade TAC, while patients treated with non-VKA anticoagulants seem to have lower grade TAC.
ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IS ASSOCIATED WITH A PROTHROMBOTIC STATE IN NON-DIABETIC ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
Authors: Bulfone Luca , Catena Cristiana , Da Porto Andrea , Colussi Gianluca , Frangipane Alessandro , Duratti Andrea , Cavarape Alessandro , Sechi Leonardo A. 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Previous studies reported that a prothrombotic state is associated with early subclinic damage in arterial hypertension. Arterial stiffening can be estimated by measurement of the pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and the augmentation index (AIx) and predicts cardiovascular events in general population and in hypertension. Previous assessments of the impact of the coagulative system on arterial stiffness reported inconsistent results. We examined the relationships among the AIx and cfPWV, and hemostatic system, in non-diabetic essential hypertensive (EH) patients.

Design and method:
In 147 EH subjects (age 52 ± 13 years, 72 men) we evaluated clinical characteristics, renal function, plasma levels of glucose, lipids, fibrinogen, D-dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), von Willebrand Factor antigen (vWF Ag), antithrombin III (ATIII), coagulation C and S proteins, and we measured the AIx and cfPWV.

Results:
At univariate analysis the AIx was significantly and directly related to fibrinogen (r = 0.300, P < 0.001), D-dimer (r = 0.277, P = 0.001) and PAI-1 (r = 0.268, P = 0.009). The cfPWV was significantly and directly related to fibrinogen (r = 0.273, P = 0.001), D-dimer (r = 0.285, P < 0.001), F1+2 (r = 0.267, P = 0.014) and PAI-1 (r = 0.368, P < 0.001). At multivariate analysis AIx was independently associated with levels of fibrinogen (B = 0.224, P = 0.004), D-dimer (B = 0.170, P = 0.037) and PAI-1 (B = 0.341, P = 0.001), and cfPWV was independently associated with levels of D-dimer (B = 0.207, P = 0.005) and PAI-1 (B = 0.208, P = 0.048). Logistic regression indicated that AIx above the median value was significantly associated with levels of D-dimer and PAI-1.

Conclusions:
In non-diabetic patients with EH, arterial stiffening is associated with evidence of a prothrombotic state suggesting that measurement of some hemostatic variables might be useful to identify subjects at increased risk of vascular damage.
WHITE COAT HYPERTENSION AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Antza Christina , Vazakidis Polychronis , Doundoulakis Ioannis , Stabouli Stella , Kotsis Vasilios 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Arterial damage of large arteries, addressed as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-f PWV), is recognized as independent predictor for future cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of white coat hypertension on c-f PWV, in an untreated population.

Design and method:
PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched systematically to identify studies comparing c-f PWV levels between normotensives, hypertensives and white-coat hypertensives (WCH). Meta-analysis was performed to compare the difference c-f PWV levels between these groups. New Castle Ottawa quality assessment scale for case-control studies was used to assess study quality.

Results:
WCH patients had significantly increased c-f PWV values compared to the normotensive groups (d = 0.87 95% CI: 0.52 to 1.21, P < 0.01). Moreover, the hypertensive population was found to have statistically significant increased values of c-f PWV compared to WCH population (d = -0.74, 95% CI: -1.43 to -0.05, P < 0.01). Finally, there was no statistically significant difference between masked hypertension and WCH population (d = 0.06, 95% CI: -1.04 to 1.15, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
WCH population have statistically significant increased values of c-f PWV compared to the normotensive group. These results demonstrate that WCH is not clinically innocent, in the untreated population.
ELEVATED EXCESS PRESSURE INTEGRAL IS ASSOCIATED WITH VASCULAR BIOMARKERS OF SUBCLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Aizawa Kunihiko , Casanova Francesco , Mawson Dave M. , Gooding Kim M. , Strain W. David , Gates Phillip E. , Östling Gerd , Khan Faisel , Colhoun Helen M. , Palombo Carlo , Parker Kim H. , Nilsson J. , Shore Angela C. , Hughes Alun D. 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Altered central artery haemodynamics could have an unfavourable influence on the vasculature. A previous study has suggested that elevated excess pressure integral (INTXSP), derived from reservoir-excess pressure analysis, could reflect circulatory dysfunction and predispose to developing atherosclerosis. In this study, we aimed to determine whether an alteration in parameters derived from the reservoir-excess pressure analysis would be associated with vascular biomarkers of subclinical atherosclerosis in older adults.

Design and method:
The data from 958 older adults (69.0 ± 8.2yrs, 351 female, 456 with known cardiovascular disease) were analysed. Using radial artery tonometry, the parameters derived from the reservoir-excess pressure analysis including reservoir pressure integral, INTXSP, systolic rate constant (SRC) and diastolic rate constant were obtained. Common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT), carotid bulb intima-media thickness (BL-IMT), common carotid artery wall-to-lumen ratio (CA-WLR) were also obtained using an ultrasound system.

Results:
Multivariate regression analysis revealed that INTXSP was directly associated with CA-IMT [B = 0.081 (95%CI: 0.029, 0.133)] and CA-WLR [B = 0.010 (95%CI: 0.002, 0.017)] after accounting for conventional cardiovascular risk factors and renal function. SRC was also inversely associated with CA-IMT [B = -0.056 (95%CI: -0.099, -0.012)] and CA-WLR [B = -0.009 (95%CI: -0.017, 0.000)] after accounting for conventional cardiovascular risk factors and renal function. When both INTXSP and SRC were entered into the same regression model together, only INTXSP was associated with those parameters. The observed association was independent of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and aortic systolic pressure. BL-IMT did not show any association with reservoir-excess pressure parameters.

Conclusions:
INTXSP was significantly associated with vascular biomarkers of subclinical atherosclerosis in older adults, suggesting that an elevated INTXSP is linked to the development of atherosclerosis.
RELATIONSHIPS HOMOCYSTEINE AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN PATIENTS WITH H-TYPE ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Rekovets Oksana , Sirenko Yuriy , Torbas Olena , Kushnir Svitlana , Primak Galina , Krushynska Nina , Sirenko Olexandr , Granich Volodymyr , Sydorenko Petro , Polischuk Sergiy , Radchenko Ganna , Zhivilo Iryna 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of hyperhomocystinemia in patients with mild to moderate hypertension, to investigate the relationship between hyperhomocystinemia with arterial stiffness.

Design and method:
In the study was included 40 patients with mild and moderate hypertension. Performed measurements of office SBP, DBP, (24AMBP), determination of pulse wave velocity in arteries of elastic (PWVel) and muscular (PWVm) types, central SBP, biochemical blood test with homocysteine. Homocysteine > = 10 μmol / l), the called H-type hypertension. Patients treatment mono-, dual or triple combination (telmisartane, amlodipine, hydrochlortiazide). All tests was performed before and after 6 month therapy. Statistical results was performed using the software IBM Statistics SPSS 21.

Results:
The mean age of patients was 55.85 ± 2.09 (26 – 74) years. The average body weight was 87.3 ± 2.77 kg. The average BMI is 29.41 ± 0.63 kg / m2. The average office SBP/DBP at the beginning of the study were 155.88 ± 1.63/92.60 ± 1.43 mm Hg. The average office heart rate 71.40 ± 1.29 beats / min. Mean 24 SBP/DBP monitoring were 139.37 ± 1.49/82.47 ± 1.84 mm Hg. The average daily heart rate 71.38 ± 1.32 beats / min. We found that at the beginning of the study, 75% (30 patients with mild and moderate hypertension) had elevated of blood homocysteine more than 10 μmol / l). PWV was associated after regression analyses with homocysteine. PWV el after treatment (r = 0,307, p = 0,001). PWV m after treatment (r = - 0,733, p = 0,001). Office SBP after treatment (r = 0,423, p < 0,001). Office DBP after treatment (r = - 0,675, p = 0,001). CKD-EPI after treatment (r = - 0,342, p = 0,005). BMI after treatment (r = 0,227, p = 0,026). Creatinine before treatment (r = -0,411, p = 0,003). Creatinine after treatment (r = 0,572, p = 0,011).

Conclusions:
Homocysteine associated with vascular stiffness, independent of the blood pressure reduction during treatment.
INTERDEPENDENCE BETWEEN LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION AND ARTERIAL ELASTICITY ALTERATION
Authors: Sapojnic Nadejda , Caraus Alexandru , Moscalu Vitalie , Durnea Aliona , Bitca Alina , Moiseeva Anna , Ciobanu Nicolae 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
In HT, both arterial elasticity of the central arteries (C1) and of the distal circulation (C2) has been reported to be reduced and this condition favours the development of other cardiovascular diseases. Diastolic dysfunction (DD) identifies hypertensives with high cardiovascular risk independent of LV mass and BP level. Several studies have shown that the extent of diastolic function's impairment could be interdependent on the level of arterial elasticities’ alteration.

PURPOSE:
To evaluate the correlation between the elasticity of large and small arteries and DD

Design and method:
Arterial elasticity indices (C1, C2) were derived from pulse wave analysis based on a modified Windkessel model in 101 hypertensive subjects, (mean age 51.08 ± 0.79 yrs; 48.51% of men, SBP/DBP: 202.49 ± 7.41/106.7 ± 5.54 mmHg, BMI- 29.38 ± 0.22 kg/m2), without other co-morbidities. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), transthoracic echocardiography (TE)were performed at baseline and after 6, 12- months period of treatment. DD patterns were appreciated according to ASE/EACVI 2016 guidelines. Altered arterial elasticity was considered for C1 < 10 ml/mm Hg × 10, C2 < 6 ml/mm Hg × 1. Correlation analysis was performed using Pearson's test. The correlation coefficient was considered weak at < 0.3, medium-0.3–0.7 and strong > 0.7–1.0. Statistical significance was appreciated at a P-value < 0.05 and highly significant at a P-value < 0.001

Results:
Diastolic dysfunction and C1 and C2 indices demonstrated a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.001). More advanced patterns of diastolic dysfunction were associated with higher C1 and C2 abnormalities (Tab. 1,).

Conclusions:
Diastolic dysfunction is associated with arterial elasticity's alteration, and this association appears to have a particularly strong relationship with the extent of diastolic function's impairment. The more advanced patterns of diastolic dysfunction occurred, the stronger is the interdependence with arterial elasticity abnormalities.
DATA FROM A POPULATION INTERVENTION STUDY FOR THE REDUCTION OF SALT INTAKE AND ACQUISITION OF HEALTHY FOOD HABITS
Authors: Polonia Jorge , Ismael Shamila , Mota Ines , Morais Juliana , Rodrigues Catarina , Castela Ines , Mendes Ines , Soares Maria Ines , Costa Luis , Oliveira Catarina B. , Henriques Tiago , Pinto Patricia , Pita Debora , Oliveira Catarina M. , Maciel Janaina , Serafim Thaina , Calhau Conceicao , Rosario Andre 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Salt restriction and potassium (K) intake can lower blood pressure (BP) and reduce the risk for cardiovascular (CV) diseases. However, it is still unclear which approaches are most effective in changing diet behavior. We evaluated the impact of two education prevention programs in promoting healthy eating habits in the general population.

Design and method:
A total of 311 adults (20–70 years) responsible for acquiring and making their meals were randomly assigned to one of the 2 multi-component educational programs (intervention and healthy lifestyle) during 12 weeks, consisting in face-to-face sessions, e-learning and telephone contacts. The healthy lifestyle program was an integrated approach addressing healthy food and lifestyle habits, including increase in K intake, while intervention was based on education and motivation strategies for reducing salt consumption. Training and clinical evaluation sessions occurred every 4 weeks and 24-h urine samples were collected at beginning and after 12 weeks.

Results:
269 subjects completed the study (71% women, mean age of 45 years). Groups were similar (mean values) at baseline: weight 75 Kg, BMI 27 kg/m2, waist 86 cm, salt intake 9.2 g/d, K+ 1.9 g/d and BP 116/74 mmHg. After 12 weeks the intake per week of vegetables and legumes doubled, while consumption increased of fruits and fish (50%) and of shellfish (30%) along with reduction of salty (6%) and processed foods (20%). After 12 weeks clinical improvements were similarly observed with both programs: reduction of BP by 2/2 ± 11/7 mmHg P < 0.01, body weight by 0.3 ± 2.1 Kg, P = 0.007) and Na/K ratio by 0.05 ± 0.36, P = 0.027). Benefits were greater in subjects eating salt above mean (from 10.3 g/d salt/d salt intake reduced by 0.6 ± 1.5 g/d; P = 0.001), eating K+ bellow the median (from 2.1 g/d K intake increased 0.1 ± 0.2 g/d; P < 0.001) and with BP above 130/85 mmHg (from 136/88, BP reduced 6/5 ± 14/8 mmHg P = 0.001).

Conclusions:
Both education programs showed a positive impact in weight, salt and K+ intakes and BP. Subjects with higher BP and / or salt intake were those who benefited most from these dietary approaches.
RETINAL WALL TO LUMEN RATIO IN PATIENTS WITH ANGINA AND NO CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE. AN EYE TO THE HEART
Authors: Muiesan Maria Lorenza , Paini Anna , De Ciuceis Carolina , Rosei Claudia Agabiti , Guarinoni Vittoria , Rossini Claudia , Salvetti Massimo , Bertacchini Fabio , Aggiusti Carlo , Rizzoni Damiano , Giubbini Raffaele , Curello Salvatore , Metra Marco 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
The vasculature of the eye and of the heart share several common characteristics. Therefore, the easily accessible vessels of the eye may be considered, to some extent, a “window” to the heart. Aim of this study was to evaluate retinal arterioles morphological changes in patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary artery disease.

Design and method:
In 19 patients (M:W 11:8, mean age 71 + 6 years) with microvascular angina (MA), confirmed by normal coronary angiography and SPECT stress hypoperfusion and in 18 controls (C) (M:W 10:8, mean age 69 ± 6 years) with normal SPECT response, direct measurement of wall to lumen of retinal arterioles (W/L) using an adaptive optics (AO) imaging system (Imagine Eyes, Orsay, France) was performed. All subjects also underwent BP measurement with an automated oscillometric device (Omron HEM 9000Ai, mean of 3 measurements).

Results:
No differences in demographic and hemodynamic characteristics were observed between MA patients and C, except for BMI (BMI 30 ± 4.2 vs 24 ± 4 kg/m2, in MA and C respectively, p = 0.001). Retinal arterioles wall thickness (11.75 ± 1.45 vs 13.9 ± 1.53 microm), W/L ratio (0.29 ± 0.05 vs 0.25 ± 0.03 in MA and C respectively, p = 0.008) and wall cross sectional area (WCSA) (4876 ± 976 vs 4004 ± 872 microm2, respectively in MA and C, p = 0.012) were higher in MA patients as compared with C. Differences were confirmed after adjustment for BMI.

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that in patients with angina and normal coronary arteries retinal structural changes may be observed.
MASKED HYPERTENSIVES AS ASSESSED WITH LASER SPECKLE CONTRAST IMAGING EXHIBIT IMPAIRED SKIN MICROVASCULAR REACTIVITY SIMILAR TO ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS
Authors: Lazaridis Antonios , Gkaliagkousi Eugenia , Triantafyllou Areti , Dipla Konstantina , Koletsos Nikolaos , Anyfanti Panagiota , Nikolaidou Barbara , Douma Stella 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) is a novel method to dynamically assess skin microcirculation with very high resolution and reproducibility compared to other laser methods. Skin microcirculation has been proposed as a model of generalized microvascular function and a potential biomarker in cardiovascular prognosis. Masked hypertension is considered a hypertension phenotype of substantial cardiovascular risk similar to essential hypertension (EH). In this study we evaluated skin microvascular reactivity in masked hypertensives as compared to hypertensives and healthy, normotensive individuals using LSCI coupled with post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) test.

Design and method:
We included 20 newly diagnosed masked hypertensives aged 50.0 ± 9.0 and compared them to 70 never treated, newly diagnosed patients with EH aged 49.5 ± 8.7 and 40 healthy, normotensive individuals aged 48.5 ± 8.5 years. Hypertension phenotypes were defined according to standard office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) criteria. The Mobil-O-Graph-NG (IEM, Stolberg, Germany) device was used for ABPM. All subjects underwent forearm skin perfusion recording under standardized conditions using a LSCI device (PeriCam PSI NR System, Perimed, Järfälla, Sweden) coupled with PORH. Data were analyzed by manufacturer's software (PIMSoft, Perimed). Results were expressed as i) the percentage increase of perfusion from baseline to peak condition (%), and ii) the amplitude of PORH response expressed as the peak cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) minus baseline CVC. The CVC was calculated as the flux of each time interval divided by mean arterial pressure (perfusion units [PU]/mmHg).

Results:
Masked hypertensives showed significantly lower percentage increase of perfusion from baseline to peak condition as compared to controls (155.4 ± 48.11 vs 190.54 ± 45.88, p = 0.013) but not compared to hypertensives (155.4 ± 48.11 vs 150.6 ± 41.93, p = NS), respectively. In addition, PORH amplitude was significantly lower in masked hypertensives as compared to controls (0.62 ± 0.2 vs 0.76 ± 0.2, p = 0.02) but no difference was found compared to hypertensives (0.62 ± 0.2 vs 0.52 ± 0.1, p = NS), respectively.

Conclusions:
Masked hypertensives, when assessed with LSCI coupled with PORH, present impaired skin microvascular reactivity as compared to healthy controls. However, their skin microvascular responses were similar to those of hypertensives, highlighting a state of increased microvascular damage in this hypertension phenotype.