bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Galectin-3 is inversely associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in the general population
Authors: Haid M , Bahls M , Doerr M , Felix S , Zylla S , Markus M , Friedrich N , Ewert R , Glaeser S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a prognostic biomarker for fibrosis, different cancers, renal impairment and, in particular, for heart failure. Further, higher Gal-3 levels are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Whether Gal-3 is related with the protective effects of a high CRF is unclear.

Purpose
The present study examined the relation between Gal-3 and CRF as determined by body weight adjusted peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak/kg), oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (VO2@AT) and maximal workload (Wmax).

Methods
We used data of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND) from Northeast Germany. A total of n = 1,483 participants with a median age of 49 (IQR: 39 – 59 years, male 48%) were included in the analysis. CRF parameters were measured using standardized cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer. Plasma galectin-3 concentrations were determined using a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Individuals with left ventricular ejection fraction &lt; 40%, previous myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, chronic lung disease, severe renal disease (eGFR &lt; 30 ml/min/mm2), a history of cancer, and extreme values for Gal-3 were excluded. Linear regression models adjusted for age, sex and lean mass were used to analyze the association between Gal-3 and CRF.

Results
A one ml/min/kg greater VO2peak was related to a 0.32 ng/ml (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.45 to -0.18, p &lt;.001) lower Gal-3. Further, a one Watt larger power output was also associated with a 1.32 ng/ml (95% CI -2.10 to – 0.54, p &lt;.001) lesser Gal-3. VO2@AT was not related to Gal-3 (β: -3.31 95% CI -8.68 to 2.05, p = .23).

Conclusions
In the general population Gal-3 is inversely associated with CRF. Further studies should investigate whether lower Gal-3, beyond its importance as a biomarker for heart disease, may even play a role in the protective effect of the CRF.
Age-standardized prevalence of social determinants of health and associated race-ethnic disparities in stroke survivors
Authors: Parekh T 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with evident differences in health outcomes by race and socioeconomic factors. We aim to focus on social determinants of health by race/ethnicity and education level that greatly influences the health-related quality of life in stroke survivors.

Method
Using the 2017 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data, the direct age-adjusted prevalence was standardized to the 2000 projected US population. Multivariable weighted logistic regression models were post-estimated to calculate marginal effects of age, gender, education, and race on social determinants of health (housing insecurity, food insecurity, healthcare access hardship) at mean values of other predictors for stroke survivors. Models were adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic position, and stroke risk factors. Marginal effects (ME) reported as predicted probabilities.

Result
Among stroke survivors, nearly 27% reported housing insecurity and healthcare access hardship, and 48% reported food insecurity. The prevalence of housing insecurity was significantly higher among female (31.69%) than male (21.98%) survivors, and of race, highest among Non-Hispanic-Black (37.49%), lower among Non-Hispanic-Whites (23.83%), and lowest among Hispanics (17.20%) stroke survivors. In contrast, food insecurity was highest among Hispanics (63.71%). Healthcare access hardship was similar across the group with a comparatively lower prevalence in Non-Hispanic-White stroke survivors (25.32%). The predicted probability of housing insecurity was significantly higher among young adults compared to older adults aged 65 or above [ME 26.8 (95CI: 14.5-39.1 vs. ME 1.4 (95CI: 0.9-2.0)]. Of race, Black, NH stroke survivors showed a higher probability of housing insecurity [ME 12.4 (95CI: 6.3-18.3)], while the probability of food insecurity [ME 39.3 (95CI: 11.1-67.6)] and healthcare access was higher among other Non-Hispanic groups. The probability of any insecurities was similar among male and female stroke survivors. Stroke survivors with less than high school education showed a significantly higher probability of housing and food insecurity, in addition to healthcare access.

Conclusion
Social inequalities along with racial disparities in stroke survivors necessitate tailored intervention to reduce the burden of stroke. It is crucial to address socioeconomic factors such as housing, food, and healthcare access that promote the development of stroke risk factors.
Abstract Figure.
Association of cardiovascular risk factors with biological age
Authors: Zaprovalna O , Kolesnikova O , Radchenko A , Potapenko A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine

Background
Identifying reliable biomarkers of early ageing is an important goal for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Chronological age (CA) is an essential risk factor for age-related disease including CVD. Biological age (BA) may be a more accurate metric for the risk of CVD and prediction of early vascular ageing, atherosclerosis. Available data allow us to judge the relationship of early ageing with all-cause mortality, healthspan and CVD. There is a hypothesis that BA can be used into models of risk prediction and stratification of CVD for personalized treatment.

Purpose
to determine the relationship between BA and factors of risk CVD in patients of different ages without clinical manifestations CVD.

Methods
We selected 102 patients aged 31–60 years with moderate cardiovascular risk without clinical symptoms of CVD. The patients did not receive regular drug therapy. Consenting subjects had a physical assessment, anthropometric measurements, electrocardiogram recording, blood sampling for laboratory analyses, including analysis of telomerase activity, telomere length in leukocytes and buccal epithelium by a polymerase chain reaction in real-time. The SCORE scale was used for evaluation of the 10-year risk of fatal stroke and fatal myocardial infarction. In addition, 40 control individuals aged 31–60 years (20 men and 20 women), were also included in the study. BA was determined by 3 methods: PhenoAge, Voitenko’s method and Gorelkin-Pinhasov’s method. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to develop a prediction of the early ageing model.

Results
The comparing patients of the control and main groups of the same CA shows, that patients with CVD risk have significantly higher BA, higher levels of proatherogenic lipids and shorter telomere length of the buccal epithelium. It was determined that body mass index, blood pressure, glucose levels are associated with an increase in BA in the main and the control groups. The increase of BA in the control group was associated with smoking, telomere length and telomerase activity and the level of antioxidant protection, in patients of the main group premature aging was associated with impaired lipid metabolism.

Conclusion
The biomarkers of biological aging can have benefits of the early identification of persons who age "faster" than others. The possibility of measuring biological aging can allow the assessment of health status at a time when there are still no symptoms, and interventions are more likely to be effective.
Cardiovascular and behavioural risk factors in families with elevated lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)]
Authors: Chakraborty A , Pang J , Chan D , Watts G 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background/Introduction
Elevated lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] is an inherited and independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). However, it is an under detected condition with no specific therapy available at present for lowering Lp(a). Hence, identifying the distribution of modifiable cardiovascular and behavioural risk factors is important for implementing an effective intervention programme to mitigate the overall risk of ASCVD in high-risk individuals with elevated Lp(a).

Purpose
The primary aim was to describe and compare the distribution of modifiable cardiovascular and behavioural risk factors in both index cases and their relatives with elevated Lp(a) identified through cascade testing at the Lipid Disorders Clinic, Royal Perth Hospital.

Methods
We studied 51 index cases and 71 relatives cascade tested with elevated Lp(a) (≥0.5 g/L). Questionnaires were completed concerning aspects of cardiovascular health (cholesterol level, blood pressure and blood glucose level) and behavioural health metrics (diet, smoking, physical activity, body-mass-index [BMI]). Lp(a) was measured by an immunoassay having minimal dependence on apolipoprotein(a) isoform size. The health metrics were described as proportions and statistical analyses performed using Student’s t-test or Chi-square where appropriate.

Results
Compared with the index cases, a higher proportion of their affected relatives were female (62% vs 43%, p = 0.039), younger (43 years vs 53 years, p &lt; 0.001) and had lower Lp(a) levels (1.03 g/L vs 1.12 g/L, p = 0.003). A lower proportion of the affected relatives were treated for dyslipidaemia (31% vs 96%, p &lt; 0.001). The affected relatives also had a lower incidence of ASCVD events (3% vs 37%, p &lt; 0.001), hypertension (21% vs 43%, p = 0.003), and lower HbA1c levels (5.3% vs 5.9%, p = 0.031) compared with index cases. Additionally, a larger proportion of the affected relatives had ideal cardiovascular health (35% vs 14%, p = 0.008) compared with their index cases. However, more than half of the index cases and their relatives did not maintain a healthy diet (59% and 69%, respectively) and an ideal BMI (68% and 59%, respectively).
Conclusion(s)
Although the younger affected relatives with elevated Lp(a) have a lower cardiovascular risk compared with the index cases, a focus on modifiable behavioural changes, such as a healthy diet and an ideal body weight, is still required to mitigate the overall risk of ASCVD.
What change in BMI is required to improve cardiovascular outcomes in childhood and adolescent obesity lifestyle interventions: a meta-regression
Authors: El-Medany A , Birch L , Hunt LP , Matson RIB , Chong AHW , Beynon R , Hamilton-Shield J , Perry R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): This study was supported by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol

Background
There is minimal evidence regarding the change of body mass index (BMI) needed to improve cardiovascular health in obese children. This paper aims to establish the minimum change in body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) needed to improve lipid profile and blood pressure (BP) of obese children and adolescents, to aid future trials and guidelines.

Methods
Studies with participants involved in lifestyle interventions, aged 4–19 years, with a diagnosis of obesity according to defined BMI thresholds, were considered for inclusion in a large systematic review. Interventions had to report pre- and post-intervention (or mean change in) BMI-SDS, plus either systolic blood pressure (SBP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and/or triglycerides (TG). Random effects meta-regression quantified the relationship between mean change in BMI-SDS and mean change in cardiovascular outcomes.

Results
Seventy-one papers reported various cardiovascular measurements and mean change in BMI-SDS. Fifty-four, 59, 46, and 54 studies were analysed; reporting change in SBP, HDL, LDL, and TG respectively. Reduction in mean BMI-SDS was significantly related to improvements in SBP, LDL, TG, and HDL (p &lt; 0.05); BMI-SDS reductions of 1, 1.2, and 0.7 ensured a mean reduction of SBP, LDL, and TG respectively although an equivalent value for HDL improvement was indeterminate.

Conclusions
Reductions in mean BMI-SDS of &gt;1, &gt;1.2, or &gt;0.7 are likely to reduce SBP, LDL, and TG respectively. Further studies are needed to clarify the optimal duration, intensity, and setting for interventions. Consistency is required regarding derived BMI values to facilitate future systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Factors of cardiometabolic risk in various phenotypes of overweight and obesity among young adults
Authors: Chulkov V , Gavrilova E , Chulkov VL , Pankova E 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): South Ural State Medical University
Introduction. The interaction of metabolic and cardiovascular factors, united by common mechanisms of mutual interference, determines the modern concept of cardiometabolic risk. It is important to study the determinants of cardiometabolic risk factors in different phenotypes of overweight and obesity among young adults.
Purpose. To study cardiometabolic risk factors in various phenotypes of overweight and obesity among young adults.
Methods. Study design: cross-sectional study. The study included 251 patients. All patients were divided into 4 groups: gr. 1 - metabolically healthy individuals with normal body weight (n = 62), aged 24.5 [22-31] years; gr. 2 - metabolically unhealthy individuals with normal body weight (n = 57), aged 28 [23-38] years; gr. 3 - metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (n = 16), aged 30 [24-36] years; gr. 4 - metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (n = 116), aged 36 [28.5-41] years. Statistical methods: MedCalc statistical software package (2020). p &lt; 0.05 were taken as statistically significant.
Results. The most significant changes of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and some hemostasis parameters with adipokine imbalance were found in metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (gr. 4): the highest concentrations of leptin (ng/ml): 37.9 [13.0-63.4] vs 10.0 [5.1-15.5] – gr.1; 9.5 [5.5-21.5] – gr. 2; 25.7 [4.7-37.2] – gr. 3, p4-1.2.3 &lt; 0.05; fibrinogen (g/l): 4.0 [3.5-4.6] vs 3.4 [2.9-4.0] – gr. 1, 3.4 [3.1-4.0] – gr. 2, 3.4 [2.6-3.8] – gr. 3, p4-1.2.3 &lt; 0.001; plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (ng/ml): 464.5 [285.1-628.5] vs 308.2 [211.7-415.7] – gr. 1; 342.3 [222.2-490.0] – gr. 2; 371.0 [273.1-621.0] – gr. 3, p4-1 &lt; 0.001, as well as the lowest concentrations of adiponectin (μg/ml): 7.9 [4.9-10.2] – gr. 3 and 7.9 [5.2-12.4] – gr. 4 compare to gr. 1 – 9.1 [7.5-12.2]) and gr. 2 – 8.7 [7.2-10.5], p3.4-1.2 &lt; 0.05. In young individuals the most significant correlations were found between waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure - on the one hand, and serum concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, leptin, fibrinogen, and type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor, on the other hand.
Conclusion. Disorders of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism with adipokine imbalance in young adults determine a higher cardiometabolic risk both in overweight/obese patient and individuals with normal body mass index.
The impact of legs fat mass and legs lean fat mass on thigh circumference according cardiovascular risk: a population-based study
Authors: Chlabicz M , Paniczko M , Jamolkowski J , Sowa P , Lapinska M , Szpakowicz M , Drobek N , Zalewska M , Raczkowski A , Kaminski K,A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
Introduction A low thigh circumference is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and total mortality.
Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the thigh circumference and cardiovascular (CV) risk classes, and to assess what type of tissue, adipose tissue or muscle tissue affects the thigh circumference.
Methods The longitudinal, population-based, Polish study was conducted in 2017-2020. A total of 931 individuals aged 20-79 were analyzed. Pol-SCORE system was used to assess the 10-year risk of fatal CV based on the following risk factors: age, gender, smoking, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol for individuals aged 40-70. Then, CV risk classes were assessed using the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines. The measurement of thigh circumference were performed directly below the gluteal fold of the thigh. Both thighs were measured and the mean value was calculated as the final thigh circumference. Body composition was assessed using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA).
Results The mean age was 49.1 ± 15.5 years and 43.2% male. The mean thigh circumference was 58.2 ± 5.9 cm, the mean legs fat mass was 7.7 ± 2.8kg, and the mean legs lean mass was 16.9 ± 4.0kg. Lower thigh circumference was associated with higher CV risk classes in univariate linear regression analysis (β -0.516, p = 0.002), as well adjusted by age and sex (β -0.839, p = 0.008), adjusted by age, sex, BMI (β -0.886, p &lt;0.001), and age, sex, WHR (β -0.988, p &lt;0.001). In linear regression analysis legs adipose tissue and muscle tissue were related to the thigh circumference independently of CV risk classes (Model 1) and Pol-SCORE value (Model 2). However, fatty tissue (Model 1: β 0.746, p &lt; 0.001; Model 2: β 0.749, p &lt; 0.001) affects the thigh circumference more than the muscle tissue (Model 1: β 0.479, p &lt; 0.001; Model 2: β 0.442, p &lt; 0.001) (Fig. 1).
Conclusion Smaller thigh circumference was associated with higher CV risk classes. Thigh circumference was more influenced by adipose tissue than by muscle tissue, regardless of the Pol-SCORE or CV risk classes.
Table 1. Variable Model 1 Model 2 Beta p R2 Beta p R2 Legs fat mass 0.746 &lt;0.001 0.785 0.749 &lt;0.001 0.760 Legs lean mass 0.479 &lt;0.001 0.785 0.442 &lt;0.001 0.760 Model 1: adjusted for Cardiovascular risk classesModel 2: adjusted for Pol-SCOREResults of the linear regression analysis thigh circumference in the general population
Abstract Figure 1.
Long-term effects (&gt;24 months) of multiple lifestyle intervention on major cardiovascular risk factors among high risk subjects: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bergum H , Sandven I , Klemsdal TO 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The Norwegian health department

Background
The evidence of the long-term effects of multiple lifestyle intervention on cardiovascular risk is uncertain. We aimed to summarize the evidence from randomized clinical trials examining the efficacy of lifestyle intervention on major cardiovascular risk factors in subjects at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods
Eligible trials investigated the impact of lifestyle intervention versus usual care with minimum 24 months follow-up, reporting more than one major cardiovascular risk factor. A literature search updated April 15, 2020 identified 12 eligible studies. The results from individual trials were combined using fixed and random effect models, using the standardized mean difference (SMD) to estimate effect sizes. Small-study effect was evaluated, and heterogeneity between studies examined by subgroup and meta-regression analyses considering patient- and study-level variables.

Results
Small-study effect was not identified. Lifestyle intervention reduced systolic blood pressure modestly with an estimated SMD of -0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.21 to -0.04, with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 59%), corresponding to a mean difference of approximately 2 mmHg (MD = -1.86, 95% CI: -3.14 to -0.57, p = 0.0046). This effect disappeared in the subgroup of trials judged at low risk of bias (SMD = 0.02, 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.11). For the outcome total cholesterol SMD was -0.06, 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.00, with no heterogeneity (I² = 0%), indicating no effect of the intervention.

Conclusion
Lifestyle intervention resulted in only a modest effect on systolic blood pressure and no effect on total cholesterol after 24 months. Further lifestyle trials should consider the challenge of maintaining larger long-term benefits to ensure impact on cardiovascular outcomes.
Dipper pattern in arterial hypertension: is there a correlation with ageing?
Authors: Neto V 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Dipper pattern in arterial hypertension
is there a correlation with aging?

Background
Systemic arterial hypertension is an important cardiovascular risk factor. Non-dipper hypertension is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Purpose
Study the effect of aging in the dipper pattern, in patients submitted at 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring.

Methods
Retrospective study based on patients submitted at 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring on the first trimester of 2020. Patients were divided into categories based on percentage of nighttime blood pressure drop: 0% Reverse Dipper, 0-10% Non-Dipper, 10-20% Dipper e &gt;20% Extreme Dipper. The sample was dived into two groups: group A (GA) with age between 18- and 60-years vs group B (GB) with age between 60- and 90-years.

Results
This study included 91 hypertensive patients, whom 46.2% were male and with a mean age of 56 ± 15 years. GA represented 60.4% of study sample, whom 43.6% were male and with a mean age of 46 ± 10 years. In the group B, 50% were male with a mean age of 71 ± 6 years. GB patients had more history of diabetes (7.8% vs 26.5%, p = 0.022). No significant difference was found between the two groups in history of kidney chronic disease, obesity or sleep apnea syndrome. In terms of medical treatment, GB had more prescription of loop diuretics (3.9% vs 22.9%, p = 0.010) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (58.8% vs 88.6%, p = 0.028). No significant differences were found in the prescription of other hypertension therapies or the use of drug combinations. No significant difference was found in the number of Dippers in both groups (63.6% vs 58.3%, p = 0.386). GB had more reverse dippers (1.8% vs 16.7%, p = 0.014). GA had more extreme dippers (12.7% vs 2.8%, p = 0.024).

Conclusion
There is no difference in the rate of dipper pattern accordingly to age. The prevalence of reverse dippers in older patients was superior, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular events in this group. The younger group had more prevalence of extreme dippers, which, by some authors, can lead to increased risk of a silent cerebrovascular event.