bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ANGIOGENIC MARKERS AS PROGNOSTIC TOOLS IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19: CRACOV-HHS STUDY
Authors: Stolarz-skrzypek Katarzyna , Olszanecka Agnieszka , Wojciechowsa Wiktoria , Kusak Piotr , Bednarek Agnieszka , Rusinek Jakub , Kusnierz-cabala Beata , Wizner Barbara , Surdacki Andrzej , Sanak Marek , Grodzicki Tomasz , Rajzer Marek 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The course of COVID-19 can be altered by different comorbidities and arterial hypertension (HT) is one of them. Angiogenic markers are already used to establish the prognosis of acute conditions related to HT. The aim of our study was to assess the prognostic impact of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1), angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the severity of COVID-19 course. The study was a part of CRACoV project.

Design and method:
It was a prospective cohort study including the patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. Patients were assigned to severe or non-severe COVID-19 group based on National Institutes of Health criteria on admission. The serum concentration of sFLT1, Ang2 and VEGF was measured 5 times: twice during hospitalization: on 1st and 7th day, and 3 times after hospitalization – 28 days, 180 days and a year after discharge.

Results:
The study included 229 patients – 120 (52.4%) in severe and 109 (47.6%) in non-severe COVID-19 group. The median age (Q1-Q3) was 59 (48-67) years and 81 (35.4%) of patients were female. There were 57 (52.8%) patients with HT in non-severe and 70 (58.3%) in severe group (p=0.399). The groups differed significantly in terms of median body mass index (kg/m2), waist circumference (cm) and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus which were higher in severe group (30.03 (26.77 - 33.22) vs. 28.65 (25.82 - 31.83), p=0.015; 105 (97 - 115) vs. 100 (89 - 108), p=0.001 and 24.4% vs. 13.3%, p=0.036; respectively). Area under the curve for COVID-19 severity prediction for VEGF concentration on 1st day was: 0.687 (p<0.001), while it was not significant for other angiogenetic factors. In both groups median VEGF concentration (pg/ml) was the highest on 7th day but significantly higher in the severe group (229.22 (128.02 – 334.62) vs. 160.63 (100.85 – 281.59), p=0.010). The sFLT1 and Ang2 concentrations did not differ significantly between the groups at any time point.

Conclusions:
Serum VEGF concentration might be considered as additional predictive factor for severe COVID-19 course while sFLT1 and Ang2 cannot be used to anticipate COVID-19 severity.
HIGHER BASELINE SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE IS ASSOCIATED WITH GREATER BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCTIONS FOLLOWING RADIOFREQUENCY RENAL DENERVATION IN A POOLED COHORT OF OVER 3900 PATIENTS
Authors: Schmieder Roland E , Mahfoud Felix , Mancia Giuseppe , Townsend Raymond R , Kandzari David E , Bakris George , Bhatt Deepak L , Kario Kazuomi , Whitbourn Robert , Fahy Martin , Böhm Michael 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) is the leading global risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) increases this risk. Radiofrequency renal denervation (RF RDN) has been shown to reduce BP effectively in patients with uncontrolled HTN. We investigated the relationship between increasing baseline SBP and its change after RF RDN.

Design and method:
Patients undergoing RF RDN (N=3974) were pooled from global clinical trials in patients on antihypertensive drugs: SPYRAL First-In-Man, SYMPLICITY HTN-3, HTN-Japan, SPYRAL HTN ON-MED, and the Global SYMPLICITY Registry DEFINE. Office and 24-h ambulatory SBP at baseline and 6 months after RF RDN were evaluated. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between baseline and SBP change after 6 months (SBP change=intercept+slope∗baseline SBP).

Results:
The baseline SBP for office and 24-h ambulatory BP were 167±24mmHg and 154±18mmHg, respectively. Patients were prescribed 4.4±1.5 antihypertensive drugs at baseline. After 6 months, prescribed antihypertensive drugs decreased to 4.3±1.5 (p<0.0001).
In both office and 24-h ambulatory SBP, baseline SBP correlation with SBP change after 6 months was statistically significant; every 1mmHg increase in baseline office SBP was associated with a 0.59mmHg (r2=0.30; p<0.001) reduction in SBP, and every 1mmHg increase in baseline 24-h ambulatory SBP was associated with a 0.45mmHg (r2=0.19; p<0.001) reduction in SBP at 6 months.
According to this linear regression, a baseline office SBP of 160mmHg, 170mmHg and 180mmHg were associated with 6 months office SBP reduction by -9.2mmHg, -15.1mmHg and -21.0mmHg, respectively (Figure). Reductions in SBP of this magnitude have previously been shown to correspond with substantial reductions in the risk of cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:
A continuous and inverse relationship was observed between baseline SBP and 6 months SBP change in patients with uncontrolled HTN undergoing RF RDN. Higher baseline SBP led to a greater reduction in SBP and may derive greater benefit from an RDN procedure. These findings may help clinicians and patients in their shared decision making regarding their BP management. However, this is a retrospective analysis which needs further prospective validation.
SIGNIFICANT NIGHTTIME BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCTIONS AFTER RADIOFREQUENCY RENAL DENERVATION IN PATIENTS WITH UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION: POOLED ANALYSIS OF THE SPYRAL HTN TRIALS
Authors: Kazuomi Kario , Mahfoud Felix , Townsend Raymond , Kandzari David E , Weber Michael A , Schmieder Roland E , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Fahy Martin , Böhm Michael 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Elevated nighttime systolic blood pressure (SBP) is more strongly associated with risk for cardiovascular events than daytime or office SBP. We assessed whether radiofrequency renal denervation (RF RDN) reduces nighttime SBP, in addition to other times of the day.

Design and method:
We pooled data from patients with uncontrolled hypertension undergoing RF RDN using the latest-generation Spyral multi-electrode catheter, from the published, SPYRAL HTN-OFF and -ON MED clinical trials. Office and 24-ambulatory SBP were evaluated at baseline and at 12 months. Different time ranges were evaluated including nighttime (1am-6am), morning (7am-9am), and daytime (9am-9pm). The number of antihypertensive drugs and drug burden (determined by number of classes and prescribed dosage) from urinary drug testing, where available, was assessed at baseline and at 12 months.

Results:
Data from 388 patients undergoing RDN were pooled. Patients were 54±10yrs old, 26.8% female, BMI 31.3±6.0, 45.1% with >10yrs diagnosis of hypertension, 7.7% type 2 diabetes, 9.8% obstructive sleep apnea, 16.2% current smoker. The baseline nighttime SBP was 139±11mmHg, and 92.5% had nocturnal hypertension (BP greater than or equal to 120/70 mmHg). Patients took 1.0±1.2 antihypertensive drugs with drug burden of 1.6±3.1 at baseline.
12 months after RDN, 30.6% of patients no longer had nocturnal hypertension (p<0.0001). The overall 24-h ambulatory SBP reduced by -11.9±12.4mmHg, nighttime -10.8±15.4mmHg, morning -12.8±20.4mmHg, daytime -12.2±13.6mmHg, and office -17.7±15.4mmHg (Figure). Patients took 1.8±1.1 antihypertensive drugs with drug burden of 2.9±3.0 at 12 months.

Conclusions:
In this pooled cohort of RDN patients with uncontrolled hypertension, nocturnal hypertension was highly prevalent. RF RDN achieved clinically meaningful reductions throughout the 24-hr circadian cycle including the nighttime SBP, when CV risk is highest. RF RDN, in addition to pharmacotherapy, may help to reduce this risk.
SPONTANEOUS, INDEPENDENT, SINGLE-CENTER RDN REGISTRY OF A RESISTANT HYPERTENSION MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM
Authors: Galuppi Enrico , Galli Verdiana , Trento Laura , Casal Matteo , Fezzi Simone , Gambaro Alessia , Pesarini Gabriele , Scarsini Roberto , Tavella Domenico , Ribichini Flavio Luciano 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Uncontrolled resistant hypertension (URH) is defined as Systolic Blood Pressure above 140mmHg despite at least 3 maximally tolerated doses of antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic. Renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) has proved efficacy in the sponsored SPYRAL and RADIANCE studies. However, little evidence is available from independent studies. Furthermore, patients with glomerular filtrate rate <45ml/min have been systematically excluded. This study aims to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of catheter-based radiofrequency RDN in patients with URH, including those with renal impairment.

Design and method:
Consecutive unselected patients with URH undergoing RDN were enrolled, assessed in a multidisciplinary team involving cardiologist, nephrologist and hypertension specialists, that excluded secondary forms. Efficacy was defined as change of office (OBP) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) after RDN, safety as the absence of device-related major complication (BARC classification), end-stage renal disease, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and any cause of death within 1 month. 107 patients underwent RDN from 2012 to December 2023. The population had multiple comorbidities: 45% were smokers, 43% diabetic, 35% had peripheral artery disease, 30% coronary artery disease, 57% CKD. The average number of antihypertensive medications was 4.83±1.2 Baseline ABPM and OBP were 151.18±20,97/87,88±14,39mmHg and 155,92±24/85,25±15,5 mmHg, respectively

Results:
. At 12-month a significant reduction of systolic OBP and ABPM, respectively by -17.51±3.70 mmHg (P=0.001) and -7.03±3.37 mmHg (P=0.04) was noticed. BP reduction at 12-month follow-up was observed also among eGFR <45 ml/min, with a reduction by -18.73±7.14mmHg (P=0.02) in systolic OBP and by -17.81±7.49 (P=0.03) in ABPM. The therapeutic burden was slightly reduced baseline to 4 (3-5) at follow-up (p<0.01). No major complications were observed and renal function was stable up to 12 months, compared to baseline (1.87±2.37 vs. 2.44±3.56; -0.57±0.32; p=0.08).

Conclusions:
RDN on top of medical therapy is safe and feasible in patients with URH, even in a high-risk CKD population with multiple comorbidities. A significant reduction of SBP also in this subgroup up to 12 months was reported without undesired effects. Furthermore, our experience underlines the central role of multidisciplinary team evaluation for the appropriate management of URH.
EFFECT OF RENAL DENERVATION ON THE PLASMA ADIPOKINES CONCENTRATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH RESISTANT ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Adamczak Marcin , Czerwienska Beata , Lelek Michal , Gojowy Damian , Mizia-stec Katarzyna , Wiecek Andrzej 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Adiponectin, leptin and visfatin are synthesized by adipocytes. Adiponectin has anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. Leptin has hypertensinogenic properties. Visfatin seems to be a useful marker of endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage. Renal denervation (RDN), is proposed as method of treatment in patients with resistant arterial hypertension. This single-center, interventional clinical study aimed to assess the effect of RDN on plasma adipokines (adiponectin, leptin and visfatin) concentration in patients with resistant arterial hypertension.

Design and method:
Eighteen patients (9 women, 9 men) aged 53.2±6.5 years with resistant arterial hypertension who underwent RDN using Simplicity catheters (Medtronic, Inc., Northridge, CA) were enrolled in the study. Plasma adiponectin, leptin and visfatin concentration was determined before and 6 months after RDN using: the Human Adiponectin ELISA Kit (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co, Tokyo, Japan), the Human Leptin RIA HL-81K (Linco Research, Inc., Missouri, USA) and Visfatin c-terminal ELISA Kit (Phoenix Pharmaceuticals Inc., Karlsruche, Germany), respectively.

Results:
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was reduced 6 months after RDN (mean ± standard deviation; 196.6±28.2 and 162.9±15.6; p<0.001 as well as 117.9±26.4 and 90.7±8.6 mmHg; p<0.001), respectively). Body mass index (BMI) before and 6 months after RDN was similar (mean ± standard deviation, 31.0 ± 4.4 and 31.3±4.4 kg/m2; p=0.8). Plasma adiponectin concentration increased significantly 6 months after RDN (median with interquartile range; 5.78 (3.70;10.47) and 7.58 (5.60;10.64) μg/mL, p=0.009). Plasma leptin and visfatin concentration measured before and 6 months after RDN did not change significantly (median with interquartile range; 5.78 (95% CI 27.5 (14.0;39.0) and 22.5 (12.0;32.0) ng/mL; p=0.13, as well as 4.45 (3.70;5.00) and 4.70 (4.10;6.00) ng/mL; p=0.23, before and 6 months after RDN, respectively).

Conclusions:
1. Renal denervation which successfully decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure may also increase plasma adiponectin concentration but did not influence plasma leptin and visfatin concentration in patients with resistant arterial hypertension. 2. Increased plasma adiponectin concentration may participate in the cardiovascular benefits in these patients, however long term clinical consequences of this observation need further investigations.
ROLE NEUTROPHIL GELATINASE-ASSOCIATED LIPOCALIN (NGAL) IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF RENAL DYSFUNCTION IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH CONCOMITANT TYPE 2 DIABETES AND OBESITY
Authors: Dunaieva Inna , Kravchun Nonna , Kravchun Pavlo 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The diagnostic significance of NGAL as a marker of renal dysfunction, as well as its prognostic value in terms of the further prognosis of the course of renal pathology has now been confirmed. The purpose of the study: to determine the role of NGAL in the development of renal dysfunction in hypertensive patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Design and method:
111 patients with hypertension (50 men, 61 women) aged 54.37 ± 1.18 years and 20 controls were examined. During the examination, they were divided into 4 groups depending on the presence of comorbid pathology: hypertension — the first group (n = 22); hypertension combined with obesity — the second group (n = 30); hypertension combined with T2D — the third group (n = 31); hypertension, T2D and obesity — the fourth group (n = 28). In all patients, body weight and height were measured, body mass index was calculated, levels of glycated hemoglobin, lipid metabolism.

Results:
The level of NGAL in all patients included in the study was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.01). However, it was highest in comorbidity of hypertension, T2D and obesity, which, in turn, indicates a high risk of interstitial fibrosis in these patients. A significant correlation was found between the level of NGAL and the concentration of cardiotrophin (p < 0.032), catestatin (p < 0.001), β2-microglobulin (p < 0.001), cystatin (p < 0.021), atherogenic coefficient (p < 0.011), NT-proBNP (p < 0.014), vitamin D (p < 0.004). The obtained data demonstrate the significant role of NGAL in the development of early cardiovascular and renal complications in our patients.

Conclusions:
A significant increase in the level of NGAL was found in patients with hypertension, hypertension with T2D, hypertension with obesity, hypertension with T2DM and obesity compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.01). A significant correlation of the NGAL level with the serum concentration of cardiotrophin, catestatin, cystatin C, β2-microglobulin, atherogenic coefficient, NT-proBNP, and vitamin D in the examined patients was proved.
PERINATAL AND POSTNATAL COMPLICATIONS OF CHILDREN OF MOTHERS WITH HYPERGLYCEMIA DURING PREGNANCY. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW 2022
Authors: Rodero Eulalia Amador , Montealegre Leslie , Ardila Laura , Rebolledo Roberto , Arteta Martha , Barba Areli , Sanchez Tania , Montaño Luis 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
To identify, through a systematic review, the prevalence and/or risk of peri- and postnatal complications in children of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus

Design and method:
To answer the PICO question: What is the prevalence/risk of peri- and postnatal complications in children of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus? An exhaustive review of scientific articles was carried out based on the PRISMA methodology, between June 16 and July 26, 2022, in the Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Lilacs databases. The Mesh terms, gestational diabetes, hyperglycemia, infant complications, diabetes mellitus, newborn, observational study, systematic review and overweight. They were combined with Boolean operators AND and OR and entered into the database search engines. The established limits were type of study, type of document, language, date of publication. Articles referring to children of mothers with pre-existing diseases were excluded. After passing the established filters, the methodological quality was assessed with Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology STROBE and PRISMA. Those preselected underwent an assessment of the level of evidence with Sackett's proposal; those that obtained a high level and degree of recommendation were included in the present review, a total of 6 studies.

Results:
The main findings were: Probability of death of 56.8%; jaundice 8.7 vs. 2.1%; p < 0.000; RR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.9-5.9; respiratory distress 4.9 vs. 1.3%; p < 0.009; RR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.4-6.7 and asphyxiation 2.9 vs. 0.4%; p < 0.005; RR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.8-11.1); relative risk of macrosomia OR 1.32 1.02–1.72; Macrosomia 2.9% 0.024; Hypoglycemia 5.1%0.013

Conclusions:
Diabetes Mellitus associated with pregnancy continues to be an important event, causing morbidity and mortality in the mother and perinatal and postnatal effects if it is not adequately treated. The success of the treatment is based on the control of patients with GDM, from a metabolic point of view, from before conception and continuing throughout the course of pregnancy.
EFFECT OF SEMAGLUTIDE VERSUS OTHER GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS ON OFFICE BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS AMONG SUBJECTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES: A META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Patoulias Dimitrios , Stavropoulos Konstantinos , Koufakis Theocharis , Imprialos Konstantinos , Karakasis Paschalis , Varouktsi Anna , Zografou Ioanna , Katsimardou Alexandra , Petidis Konstantinos , Doumas Michael 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have emerged as a cornerstone treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present meta-analysis was to assess whether semaglutide exerts greater effects on office blood pressure (BP) levels compared to other commercially available GLP-1RAs in patients with T2D.

Design and method:
We searched PubMed and Cochrane Library databases, along with grey literature sources, from inception to February 2023, in order to retrieve head-to-head, phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of semaglutide versus other GLP-1RAs on office systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP, respectively) levels in patients with T2D.

Results:
We finally pooled data from 5 RCTs in a total of 3,760 randomized participants with T2D. Subjects treated with semaglutide versus other GLP-1RAs experienced a significantly greater reduction in office SBP by 1.20 mm Hg (p = 0.006), and in office DBP by 0.67 mm Hg (p = 0.01). Regarding office SBP, the results were primarily driven by the comparison between semaglutide and exenatide, while, regarding office DBP, the results were mainly driven by the comparison between semaglutide and dulaglutide. However, no significant subgroup difference for none of the above-mentioned comparisons was shown.

Conclusions:
It is evident that semaglutide use is accompanied with a greater reduction in both office SBP and DBP, compared to other GLP-1 RAs, in patients with T2D. Therefore, its use should be prioritized for patients with T2DM and concomitant hypertension or other cardiovascular risk factors.
CORRELATION BETWEEN CAROTID-FEMORAL PULSE WAVE VELOCITY (PWV) AT ONE MEASUREMENT AND 24-HOUR PWV IN MEN AND WOMEN ASSESSED BY TWO DIFFERENT METHODS IN A POPULATION-BASED STUDY
Authors: Nilsson Peter , Johansson Madeleine 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Aortic stiffness can be assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) using golden standard applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor; SC) or a 24-hour ambulatory oscillometric method (Arteriograph; AG). We aimed to compare AG with SC in a population-based study for PWV in men and women.

Design and method:
We used data from subjects (n= 1545; 748 men, 797 women; mean age 50 years, SD: 9.3) with complete data on both AG and SC from a population-based cohort. Correlations (Pearson's rho) were analyzed for PWV between carotid-femoral PWV using SC and aortic PWV (24-hours, daytime, nighttime) using AG stratified by sex. In addition, correlations with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were analyzed after adjustment for covariates.

Results:
Study characteristics are displayed in the Table. Mean PWV was higher in men and women when assessed by 24-hour AG (men: 9.1± 1.8 and women: 9.2± 1.5 m/s p=0.10) compared with SC (men: 7.9±1.5 and women: 8.3±1.6 m/s p<0.001). In women, SC-PWV was moderately correlated with 24-hour AG-PWV (r=0.43, p<0.001, Figure 1A), daytime AG-PWV (r=0.40, p<0.001), and nighttime AG-PWV (r=0.40, p<0.001). In men, SC-PWV was moderately correlated with 24-hour AG-PWV (r=0.41, p<0.001, Figure 1B) and nighttime AG-PWV (r=0.43, p<0.001), but less correlated with daytime AG-PWV (r=0.38, p<0.001). PWV also correlated with FPG levels.

Conclusions:
Mean PWV was lower when assessed by SphygmoCor compared with 24-hour Arteriograph in men and women. The methods were moderately correlated. Both measures of arterial stiffness were independently associated with fasting glycaemia in men, but significant only for SC-PWV in women, after full adjustment. Further studies are needed for prediction of cardiovascular endpoints comparing the methods.