bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ALCOHOL DRINKING MAY MODIFY THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HDL-CHOLESTEROL AND CORONARY CALCIUM SCORE IN AN OLDER POPULATION
Authors: Chuang Shao -Yuan , Wu Ming -Ting , Chung Ren -Hua , Lai Chia -Hung , Liu Wen -Ling , Chang Hsing -Yi , Hsiun Chao Agnes , Chuang Shu -Chun , Wu I -Chien , Hsu Chih -Cheng 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The associations between lipids and Coronary Calcium Score (CAC score) remain controversial. We aimed to investigate if high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is correlated with Coronary Calcium Score among older adults.

Design and method:
A total of 819 older aged more than 55 years old (Men: 378 and Women: 441) without coronary sent from the Healthy Aging Longitudinal Study in Taiwan were evaluated the Coronary Calcium Score by Low-Dose CT Scan in 2023. The metabolic features were measured at baseline (2nd wave 2014∼2019). CAC score was calculated by the Agatston score formula by an FDA-approved automated AI program (AView, Coreline) and modified by an experienced cardiac CT technologist if necessary. Linear and logistic regression were used to investigate the association between HDL-cholesterol and CAC score.

Results:
The median [Q1 and Q3] of CAC score was 122.6 [23.2 and 392.7]. The proportion of all older adults was 20.15% (n=165) for CAC Score less than ten, 55.31% (n=453) for CAC score between 11 and 400, and 24.5% for CAC score more than 400. HDL-Cholesterol (age-sex adjusted R [adj-R]=-0.208, p<.0001) and triglycerides (adj-R=0.122, p<.0001) were significantly associated with log-CAC, but LDL-cholesterol (adj-R=-0.005, p=0.8915) and total cholesterol(adj-R=-0.054, p=0.1237) did not. All blood pressure measures, body mass index, and waist circumference were significantly positively associated with log-CAC. Older age, male gender, elevated systolic blood pressure, higher HBA1C, and lower HDL-C were independently associated with CAC. Furthermore, HDL-C was significantly associated with log-CAC Score in those with alcohol drinking habits (standardized beta [STB] = -0.207, p=0.003), but not in those without alcohol drinking habits (STB=-0.05, p=0.2717) (p-value for interaction=0.016). The odds ratios of low HDL-cholesterol (<40 for men and <50 mg/dL for women) at baseline for higher CAC (<10, 11∼400, 400+) were 1.91 (95% confidence intervals: 1.10∼3.31) and 1.26 (0.85∼1.85) for those with and without alcohol drinking habits, respectively.

Conclusions:
Lower HDL-cholesterol was associated with higher future CAC scores among older adults in this retrospective design. Furthermore, this association could be altered by alcohol consumption.
CORRELATES OF BODY FAT MASS INDEX (FMI) AND FAT FREE MASS INDEX (FFMI) WITH HYPERTENSION IN THE HMAR TRIBES OF NORTHEAST INDIA
Authors: Lalnuneng Abigail 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The ongoing obesity epidemic highlights the significant impact of body fat on health. The present aim to understand the relationship between hypertension and height-normalized indices, namely the fat-free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI).

Design and method:
A cross-sectional sample of 1207 Hmar adults (Scheduled Tribes of India), with 615 from rural and 592 from urban areas in Manipur, Northeast India, was collected. Body composition was assessed using an Omron Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer (OBIA). Body Mass Index (BMI) was divided into FMI (BFM in kg divided by the square of height in meters) and FFMI (FFM in kg divided by the square of height in meters). Blood pressure (BP) data were collected using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope, cross-validated with a digital BP monitor, and classified based on the 7th Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC) guidelines on hypertension.

Results:
Table 1 shows that 36.4% and 17.4% of Hmars in rural areas had pre-hypertension and hypertension, respectively. In urban areas, these proportions are 40.9% and 24.7%, respectively. There are differences in hypertension between rural and urban areas, and between males and females within rural and urban areas.
Table 2 shows the prevalence of hypertension by FFMI and FMI according to sex and settings. Hypertension is significantly associated with higher FFMI and FMI in males, except for FFMI in rural men. Males with higher FFMI (Chi-square = 7.08∗∗) and FMI (Chi-square = 7.63∗∗) have experienced different risks of hypertension depending upon places of residence. In females, the prevalence of hypertension is significantly higher in women who have higher FFMI and FMI in both the settings. Unlike males, females experienced a similar risk of hypertension in both the settings at the same FMI and FFMI.

Conclusions:
In conclusion, the findings from this study provide crucial insights into the prevalence of hypertension among the Hmar population, emphasizing the significance of body composition indices –FMI and FFMI. The observed disparities in hypertension prevalence between rural and urban areas, as well as between genders, underscore the need for targeted public health interventions.
CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS, HIGH BODY FAT PERCENTAGE AND THE RISK OF CORONARY CALCIFICATION IN MIDDLE–AGED MEN
Authors: Koh Jonghoon , Kang Minjeang , No Changseok 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) have been showed to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease(CVD). We tested the hypothesis that central obesity is associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC), but that fitness attenuates this association.

Design and method:
We analyzed men who participated in a health screening program. We measured CAC using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with a calculation of Agatston coronary artery calcium score. CAC score over 400 were defined as the prevalence of moderate to severe subclinical atherosclerosis.
Central obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) over 25kg/m2 and body fat percentage (BFP) over 30% in men. Fitness was directly measured by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and divided into unfit (low tertile) and fit (middle and upper tertile) categories based on age-specific VO2peak percentiles.

Results:
Compared with normal weight men, central obese men was associated with a higher prevalence of CAC after adjusting for age, SBP, lipid profile, logCRP, s-glucose, heart rate, diabetes, and hypertension. The fit men was associated with lower odds ratios for having CAC. However, the fit with central obesity had odds ratios for CAC that were similar to those of the fit with normal weight.

Conclusions:
Our findings demonstrate that BMI and BFP are associated with increased risk of moderate to severe CAC score, but that high fitness appears to attenuate the risk in men.
ROLE OF H2S AS A PREDICTOR OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN METABOLIC SYNDROME
Authors: Birulina Julia , Buyko Evgeniy , Ivanov Vladimir , Voronkova Olga , Efimova Lina 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
One of the possible protective factors that can protect target vascular cells (endothelial, smooth muscle cells) from damage during the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

Design and method:
A study was carried out in male Wistar rats weighing 250–320 g, 140 days old at the end of research. The rats from the control group were fed standard rat chow. The rats from the experimental group had a high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet. Biochemical parameters of rat blood were determined. The concentration of H2S in the blood serum and adipose tissue of rats was determined by the photometric method at 670 nm. The expression of the H2S synthesis enzyme CSE was studied in aortic tissue samples using Western blot.

Results:
It was found that HFHC diet led to an increase in body weight, obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and leptinemia in the experimental group rats. It was found that the concentration of H2S significantly decreased in the blood serum and adipose tissue of rats with MetS. The rate of production of H2S in adipose tissue of rats with MetS also decreased. In the aortic tissue of rats with MetS, there was a decrease in the amount of protein of the CSE.

Conclusions:
Changes in the activity of the H2S/CSE system in MetS may be additional evidence of the development of vascular dysfunction in metabolic disorders.
OSLER MANEUVER FOR BEDSIDE DIAGNOSIS OF PSEUDOHYPERTENSION
Authors: Moccetti Federico , Messerli Franz , Toggweiler Stefan , Schoenenberger-berzins Renate 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Please see results and conclusion. The abstract is a case report.

Design and method:
Please see results and conclusion. The abstract is a case report.

Results:
An 82-year-old man presented with progressive dizziness and orthostatic symptoms. His long-standing hypertension was treated with ramipril, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide with increasing, doses over the past months. Cuff blood pressure (BP) was 152/83mmHg. During cuff inflation at suprasystolic pressure levels the pulseless brachial and radial arteries remained distinctly palpable (Panel A), leading to the suspicion of pseudohypertension. Invasive central aortic BP measurement demonstrated a significantly lower BP (116/71 mm Hg) compared to simultaneous brachial cuff BP (152/83 mm Hg), confirming the presence of pseudohypertension. During invasive BP measurement severe calcification of the brachial and radial arteries were also noted (arrows, Panel B) supporting the diagnosis.

Conclusions:
In elderly hypertensive patients, increased arterial stiffness can lead to spuriously elevated cuff BP measurements. Osler maneuver, first described by Messerli et al., can help diagnose pseudohypertension: after cuff inflation to suprasystolic pressure levels, the pulseless brachial and/or radial artery remains palpable due to its stiffness. Confirmatory invasive BP measurement may be considered (although not necessary and/or feasible in many patients). Pseudohypertension should be suspected particularly a) in patients who have persistently elevated cuff BP measurements despite antihypertensive treatment, b) in those without evidence of end-organ damage despite long-standing hypertension and c) especially in patients who report orthostatic symptoms and/or do not tolerate antihypertensive therapy. Once pseudohypertension has been diagnosed BP targets need to be readjusted taking spurious BP elevation and patient's symptoms into consideration.
SUBENDOCARDIAL VIABILITY RATIO PREDICTS MORTALITY IN OLDER NURSING HOME RESIDENTS
Authors: Grillo Andrea , Salvi Paolo , Salvi Lucia , Valbusa Filippo , Tan Isabella , Labat Carlos , Rovina Matteo , Gautier Sylvie , Carretta Renzo , Avolio Alberto P. , Fabris Bruno , Parati Gianfranco , Benetos Athanase 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), estimate by arterial tonometry, can quantify the degree of myocardial perfusion relative to left-ventricular workload. This study aims to evaluate the ability of SEVR to predict long-term mortality in the older population, in the PARTAGE (Predictive values of blood pressure (BP) and ARTerial stiffness in institutionalized very AGEd population) study. Additionally, we aimed to identify the SEVR cutoff value best predicting mortality.

Design and method:
Patients were enrolled from the PARTAGE, a multicenter, longitudinal study aimed at determining the predictive value of blood pressure and arterial mechanical parameters in a large population of individuals aged 80 years and over living in nursing homes. Data from central blood pressure derived from arterial tonometry (PulsePen, DiaTecne, Milan) were used to elaborate the SEVR. The mortality over a 10 years follow-up was analyzed according to SEVR, using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression multivariate models.

Results:
A total of 828 people were enrolled (mean age: 87.7±4.7 years, 78% female). 735 patients died within 10 years and 24 were lost to follow-up. SEVR was inversely associated with mortality at univariate Cox-regression model (risk ratio, 0.683 per unit increase in SEVR; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.502–0.930], p = 0.015) and in a model including age, sex, body mass index, Activity of Daily Living index and Mini-Mental State Examination score (risk ratio, 0.647; 95% CI [0.472–0.930]). The lowest tertile of SEVR was associated with higher 10-years total mortality than the middle (p < 0.001) and the highest (p < 0.004) tertile. A SEVR cutoff value of 83% was identified as the best predictor of total mortality.

Conclusions:
SEVR is significantly and independently associated with mortality among nursing home residents aged 80 years and over, with a proposed cutoff value of 83%. An accurate non-invasive estimation of SEVR could be a useful and independent parameter to assess survival probability in very old adults.
EFFECTS OF ALAMANDINE ON SYMPATHETIC OUTFLOW AND ANGIOTENSIN II-INDUCED HYPERTENSION IN RAT
Authors: Wei Shunguang , Chen Qing , Irfan Nafis Md , Yu Yang 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Alamandine, a recently identified component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), is an endogenous heptapeptide derived from angiotensin-(1-7) or angiotensin A. Synthesized primarily through the enzymatic actions of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and aspartate decarboxylase, alamandine exerts its effects by binding to the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor (MrgD). In contrast to the well-studied angiotensin II (ANG II), alamandine exhibits vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties, thereby representing a novel player in the cardioprotective axis of RAS, countering the detrimental effects associated with classical RAS activation. However, the role of alamandine in regulating sympathetic outflow remains unclear.

Design and method:
The present study sought to examine the effects of systemic alamandine on hemodynamic and sympathetic responses in rats and determine whether alamandine counteracts ANG II-caused hypertension. Blood pressure (BP, mmHg), heart rate (HR, beats/min), and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA, % change) were recorded in urethane-anesthetized male Sprague Dawley rats.

Results:
While intravenous (IV) vehicle (n=6) did not induce a significant change, IV injection of alamandine (n=6) elicited a substantial (p<0.05) reduction in BP (from 91.5 ± 3.4 to 77.6 ± 3.1∗), HR (from 313 ± 7 to 274 ± 6∗), and RSNA (25.1 ± 2.4% change∗), beginning within 10-15 mins after IV injection. The responses peaked at 45-60 min and returned to baseline within 120 min. Additionally, while a two-week subcutaneous infusion of ANG II significantly elevated BP, concurrent treatment with alamandine obviously attenuated ANG II-induced pressor response (from 115.9 ± 4.7 to 90.1 ± 3.2∗).

Conclusions:
These results indicate that systemic alamandine has inhibitory effects on sympathetic drive and ANG II-induced hypertension. The diminished impact of alamandine on sympathetic outflow may play a role in the attenuation of pressor responses. Further study to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and physiological implications holds significant potential for advancing our understanding of RAS regulation and identifying novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and heart failure.
HYPERTENSION URGENCY IN A HOSPITAL EMERGENCY SERVICE
Authors: Paz Grethzel Prado , García Fernando Martínez 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The aim of this study is to know the percentage of patients who are discharged with Blood Pressure levels in safe ranges after a hypertensive urgency and what is the most frequent range of SBP in these patients.

Design and method:
It is a observational, retrospective study where all clinical histories of patients over 18 years old attended during a period of 8 months in a Hospital Emergency Service, with the diagnostic of Hypertensive crisis, were reviewed.
Patients with history of Major Cardiovascular Events (Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, acute pulmonary edema and aortic dissection), hypertensive pseudocrisis, patients with decreases in blood pressure levels who had been treated in primary care or at home and who did not need further hypotensive treatment, were excluded.
The data obteined were: Sex, age, Sysolic and Diastolic levels at the begining and at the discharge.
The proportion of patients with a decrease in Systolic Blood Pressure less than 160 mmHg or woth a decrease of more than 20% of their initial levels, were calculated. Although, the mos frequent levels of Systolic Blood Pressure.

Results:
Of 457 Clinic histories reviewed, 351 were included. Participants median age was 68 (±13,8) years old, 62% were female. The 50% of patients arrived to the hospital with SBP between 180-200mmHg. The 62% of patients were discharged with a decrease of SBP equal or more than 20% of their initial SBP. Only the 20% decreased their SBP between 20-25% that some guides recommend, 42% decreased more than 25%. When datas were analized repect to the measure of SBP less than 160mmHg the result was 60%

Conclusions:
There is a 40% of patients who are not discharged with safe ranges of Systolic Blood Pressure. Therefore, there is a long way to go to improve these results.
SUSTAINABLE HYPERTENSION CARE - HOW CAN IT BE ACHIEVED? - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Nilsson Peter , Gottsäter Anders , Midlöv Patrik 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Hypertension represents a major public health problem, but the enormous amount of people (patients) in need of treatment to blood pressure (BP) target and regular controls entails a difficult logistic problem, especially for primary health care, including the costs of care. The aim was to search the literature for experiences of possible cost-effective and practical solutions to this problem - aiming for a sustainable care of patients with hypertension, in line with the WHO Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG2030).

Design and method:
A PubMed search was conducted until January 2024 for search terms: sustainable AND primary care AND hypertension AND cost-effective. The abstracts of full papers or editorials were read and categorised.

Results:
Only five papers were found, two from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) and two with a focus on screening and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD). One Editorial from 2023 addressed the problem and possible solutions to sustainable hypertension care, also in high-income countries.

Conclusions:
There is a discrepancy between the full burden of hypertension on the health care system in general and possible solutions based on sustainable and cost-effective strategies for hypertension care with very few papers published. This challenge will increase further following even more strict thresholds for a diagnosis of elevated BP, as well as BP treatment targets, in contemporary guidelines. New strategies including the promotion of e-Health, PolyPill, home-BP measurements, and involvement of non-physician staff members should be developed for a sustainable hypertension care.
EFFECTS OF GRAPE SEED PROANTHOCYANIDINS ON SERUM LIPID METABOLISM AND ITS MECHANISM IN INDUSTRIAL TRANS FATTY ACIDS INDUCED OBESITY RATS
Authors: Ma Weiping , Zhu Huarui , Zhang Ling 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
To study the effects of GSPE on the serum lipids induced by industrial trans fatty acids (ITFAs) in obese rats and its possible mechanism.

Design and method:
Forty-five newly weaned male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups with 15 rats in each group. The control group were fed with basal diet, ITFAs group was fed with ITFAs diet, ITFAs +GSPE group were fed with ITFAs diet, and GSPE 100 mg /kg/day1 ml were gavaged daily, and the other two groups were given corresponding volume of normal saline. Weights were monitored weekly. After 10 weeks of intervention, blood were collected from the inferior vena cava, fat coefficient were calculated, serum lipid, mRNA and protein expression levels of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase (HSL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in adipose tissue were detected.

Results:
At the 10th week after intervention, the body weight of rats in ITFAs group was significantly higher than that in control group. The body weight and visceral fat coefficient of rats in ITFAs group were higher than that in ITFAs+GSPE group, and there were different degrees of dyslipidemia. The mRNA expression levels of ATGL and HSL in Adipose tissue of ITFAs group and ITFAs+GSPE group were significantly decreased, while the mRNA expression levels of LPL were significantly increased. HSL protein expression level was significantly decreased and LPL protein expression level was significantly increased in ITFAs group. The mRNA expression levels of ATGL and HSL in ITFAs+G group were higher than those in ITFAs group, while the mRNA expression level of LPL was lower than that in ITFAs group. All the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusions:
ITFAs can induce obesity and changes in serum lipid levels in rats by acting on the expression of key enzymes in fat metabolism, and grape seed proanthocyanidins have a certain protective effect on serum lipid metabolism disorders in obese rats induced by ITFAs.
NETRIN-1 MAY BE ATHEROPROTECTIVE THROUGH INHIBITION OF MONOCYTE RECRUITMENT TO THE VESSEL WALL
Authors: Claro Vasco , Ferro Albert 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
To investigate the effect of netrin-1 on monocyte / macrophage migration, both in vitro and in an in vivo model of inflammation.

Design and method:
THP-1 cells-derived macrophages were used to study migration in a xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analysis DP system (Agilent Technologies, USA). 80,000 cells were transferred into the top chamber of a CIM-plate and MCP-1 (100 ng/mL) and/or netrin-1 (300 ng/mL) were included in the cell medium in the bottom chamber.
Monocyte interaction with the endothelium was tracked using intravital microscopy, in mice whose monocytes / macrophages express enhanced green fluorescent protein. Inflammation was induced in the cremaster muscle of treated or non-treated (with netrin-1 – 500 ng) mice, using LPS.
Statistical analysis was by one-way ANOVA, with P < 0.05 denoting statistical significance.

Results:
When compared with chemokine-free media, media containing MCP-1 exhibited a chemoattractant effect on macrophages, as expected. However, when combined with netrin-1, the MCP-1 chemoattractant effect was abolished (A).
Mice treated with netrin-1 exhibited a significant reduction in number of cells in the tissue after inflammatory stimulation (B). Netrin-1 did not significantly affect number of cells adherent to the endothelium (C), whilst on the other hand it increased number of cells rolling on the endothelium (D) in response to LPS.

Conclusions:
Netrin-1 abolished the chemoattractant effect of MCP-1 in THP-1 cells in vitro, and reduced the number of monocytes infiltrating the vasculature in response to an inflammatory stimulus in vivo. The latter appeared to be mediated not by prevention of endothelial adhesion but by increasing rolling without subsequent vascular infiltration. Netrin-1 may present a novel therapeutic opportunity for inhibiting atherosclerosis through preventing monocytic vascular infiltration.