bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PREVALENCE OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN YOUNG PEOPLE: SURVEY IN ALGERIA
Authors: Gacemi Sofiane , Bounab Lyamine , Farid Haddoum , Mourad Chemli , Redouane Bouzid 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Hypertension accounts for (13%) of overall mortality. Since it is not accompanied by any signs, arterial hypertension is often unrecognized in young people and its incidence in the age group under 30 years is increasing. Globally, the prevalence of hypertension is estimated to be 13% in males and 7% in females, aged 20 to 29 years. In Algeria, the prevalence among young people aged 18 to 29 is 8.5%.
The objectives of our study were the screening of high blood pressure in healthy young people under 30 years old, using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Design and method:
This is a multicentric cross-sectional analytical study involving 500 individuals, started in April 2018 until May 2021, in western Algeria. Screening for this pathology is based on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Statistical analysis was performed by Epi Info software version 7.2.6.

Results:
Over the entire sample, we identified 9% (n: 45) hypertensive, including 2.5% nocturnal hypertension and 2% masked hypertension, the prevalence of white coat hypertension was 4.8%. Systolic blood pressure 2.2%, diastolic 2.2% and systolic-diastolic 1%. Mean SBP was 116.34 mmHg Mean DBP was 66.86 mmHg.

Conclusions:
We were able to develop an epidemiological database that can be the starting point for multicenter studies to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in young adults at the national level. the establishment of an Algerian electronic platform for ABPM under the aegis of learned societies to better assess this pathology as well as its consequences.
PREVALENCE, AWARENESS AND THERAPEUTIC CONTROL OF HYPERTENSION IN BELGIUM: AN OPPORTUNISTIC SCREENING OF NEARLY 6,000 PARTICIPANTS DURING THE MAY MEASUREMENT MONTH CAMPAIGNS 2017-23
Authors: De Backer Tine , Brouwers Sofie , Delmotte Philippe , Falque Bertrand , Heuten Hilde , Krzesinski Jeanmarie , Saint-rémy Annie , Persu Alexandre , Robberechts Tom , Vanassche Thomas , Van De Borne Philippe , Van Parys Joris , Van Der Niepen Patricia , Desloovere Jana , Van Nieuwenhuyse Bregt , De Bacquer Dirk 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The May Measurement Month (MMM) initiative is an annual global screening and awareness campaign started in 2017 by the International Society of Hypertension highlighting the importance of regular measurements of blood pressure (BP), the most important modifiable risk factor contributing to cardiovascular and all-cause mortality worldwide. Here we report on the results of the MMM campaign done in Belgium during the month of May in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.

Design and method:
Participants 18 years or older were recruited through opportunistic sampling in 12 sites (mostly hospital entrances) across Belgium. Apart from standardized BP recordings (OMRON automated devices) by trained staff, data were collected on demographics, lifestyle factors and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as raised blood pressure (systolic BP =>140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP => 90 mmHg) and/or taking antihypertensive medication. Age-standardized prevalence rates were calculated using the overall Belgian population (1st Jan 2023) as reference.

Results:
Data were collected from 5,926 participants aged 51.5 years on average. Mean (SD) systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 125.9 (17.6) mmHg and 79.4 (10.9) mmHg with 26.7% exceeding the 140/90 mmHg threshold. Age-standardized prevalences (95% CI) of hypertension were 45.4% (42.6%-48.1%) in men and 36.9% (34.8%-39.0%) in women. Among the 2,468 individuals with hypertension, 1,938 (78.5%) had been previously diagnosed and 1,578 (81.4%) of those with known hypertension, received antihypertensive treatment. Only about half of those being treated (56.3%) did achieve the target of systolic/diastolic BP <140/90 mmHg. Inadequate therapeutic control was independently associated with increasing age and higher body mass index. Untreated hypertension was significantly associated with male sex, age, body mass index and alcohol use.

Conclusions:
Despite the potential limited representativeness of the sample, these data suggest that the ‘rule of halves’ for hypertension does not longer hold in Belgium and that therapeutic control of hypertension is still suboptimal.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS AND LIFESTYLE HABITS IN HYPERTENSIVE AND NORMOTENSIVE SUBJECTS
Authors: Andelic Ana Marija , Abramovic Inga , Alagic Marieta , Horvat Petra , Ivankovic Iva , Zdilar Ana Marija , Domislovic Marija , Glavic Mihaela Marinovic , Jelakovic Bojan 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Given the alarming prevalence of hypertension, this study aims to explore differences in socioeconomic factors or lifestyle habits between men and women in relation to blood pressure (BP) categories.

Design and method:
This study involved 864 participants (random sample of general adult population in Croatia included in the ’Epidemiology of Hypertension in Croatia -2’ project). Participants, categorized by BP and antihypertensive medication use, were further divided by gender into controlled hypertensive (BP<140/90 mmHg; 94 men and 181 women), uncontrolled hypertensive (101 men and 133 women), and normotensive (115 men and 240 women) groups. Socioeconomic factors and lifestyle habits were assessed through a provided questionnaire.

Results:
The sex difference in average personal monthly income showed statistical significance in all categories of BP. Less than 467€ monthly was earned by 39.4% of men and 71.3% of women among controlled hypertensives (p<0.001), 51.5% of men and 72.2% of women among uncontrolled hypertensives (p<0.001), and 28.7% and 46.3% of women among normotensives (p=0.004). Significant sex differences in level of education were found in both hypertensive groups, but not in normotensives (p=0.250). Education of more than 8 years was observed in 80.9% of men and 58.6% of women in controlled (p=0.006) and 78.2% of men and 56.4% of women in the uncontrolled (p=0.005) group. There is a significant difference in pack years between men and women. The mean amount in controlled hypertensives is 24.0 in men and 20.0 in women (p=0.024); in uncontrolled hypertensives 20.0 in men and 11.0 in women (p=0.029); in normotensives 16.0 in men and 10.0 in women (p=0.004). Difference of hard alcohol consumption between men and women was significant. In controlled hypertensives 17.0% of men and 1.7% of women drink once a week or more (p<0.001); in uncontrolled hypertensives 16.8% of men and 2.3% of women (p=0.001); in normotensives 9.6% of men and 4.2% of women (p=0.048).

Conclusions:
Men with hypertension exhibited a less healthy lifestyle, marked by increased alcohol consumption and smoking, while women with hypertension appear to be affected more by their socioeconomic status, particularly by lower monthly income in comparison with men.
EPIGENESIS OF 11BETA-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE IN SALT-SENSITIVE HYPERTENSIVE RATS
Authors: Takeda Yoshiyu , Takeda Yoshiichi , Kometani Mitsuhiro , Karashima Shigehiro , Konishi Seigo , Aono Daisuke , Horike Shinichi , Yoneda Takashi 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1 (11beta-HSD1) is the modulator of glucocorticoid hormone and type2 (11beta-HSD2) is the modulator of mineralocorticoid hormone. Both enzymes are related to hypertension. We investigated the effect of high salt diet on the methylation of both enzyme gene in salt-sensitive hypertensive (SSH) rats.

Design and method:
SSH rats were fed a high (7% NaCl) or normal (0.45%) salt chow for 4 weeks. WKY rats were used as controls. Body weight, blood pressure, plasma and urinary aldosterone concentration and PRA were measured. DNA was extracted from both kidneys and visceral fats. Bisulfite sequencing and Pyrosequencing were done for the analysis of methylation status of 11beta-HSD1 and 2 gene.

Results:
High salt diet significantly increased blood pressure in SSH rats compared with control rats (p<0.01). High salt diet significantly decreased methylation ratio of 11beta-HSD1 gene in the visceral fats of SSH rats compared with controls (p<0.05). The methylation ratio of 11beta-HSD2 gene in the kidney of SSH rats was not influenced by high salt diet.

Conclusions:
11Beta-HSD1 overexpression in visceral fats in mice was reported to show SSH. We reported decreased 11beta-HSD2 activity in the artery in SSH rats. In this study high salt diet affected methylation status of 11beta-HSD1 in the adipose tissue but not 11beta-HSD2 gene in the kidney in SSH. Food intake such as salt may influence the epigenesis of 11beta-HSD and induce hypertension.
GENETIC FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE PATHOGENESIS OF ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION IN TWO AFRICAN POPULATIONS
Authors: Rayner Brian Lindsay , Kalideen Kusha , Ramesar Raj 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
This study aimed to assess the association of genetic variants, including RAAS variants, and essential hypertension in a cohort of African patients.

Design and method:
Two hundred and seventy-seven hypertensive patients and one hundred and seventy-six normotensive individuals were genotyped for 79 variants. The cohort could be further stratified on the basis of ethnicity, namely the Mixed Ancestry and the Xhosa-speaking populations. Genotyping was performed using the medium-throughput Illumina Golden Gate Bead Express assay and allele-specific polymerase chain reaction.

Results:
The association of variants with essential hypertension was assessed using the Fisher Exact test, while multivariate logistic regression was used to predict the development of hypertension. Five variants in RAAS genes (CYP11B2 rs179998, AGT rs5051 and rs699, AGTR1 rs5186 and ACE rs4646994) were significantly associated with essential hypertension in the cohort under study. After multinomial logistic regression, rs5186 and rs699 were identified as risk factors for the development of hypertension.

Conclusions:
In the Mixed Ancestry and Xhosa populations of South Africa, an association was observed between RAAS-related genes and the development of hypertension.
MICRORNAS AS BIOMARKERS IN THE DIFFERENTIATION OF HYPERTENSION CAUSED BY TAKAYASU ARTERITIS FROM ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Ma Huimin , Zhang Delian 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
We detected the expression of 10 pre-selected miRNAs in the plasma of patients Takayasu's arteritis(TA) and Essential Hypertension (EH) and explored whether miRNAs expression levels can be used as biomarkers to distinguish between TA and EH in the differential diagnosis.

Design and method:
The study included 20 TA patients and 20 EH patients. The plasma concentrations of miR-125a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-203a-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-326 and miR-346 were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Role of plasma miRNAs concentration in the differential diagnosis of TA and EH was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).

Results:
Compared with EH patients, the expression levels of miR-125a-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-203a-3p, miR-326, and miR-346 in TA patients were lower (P < 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, including age, gender, systolic blood pressure, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and renin, the differential expression of miR-155-5p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-203a-3p in TA and EH was still statistically significant (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that when the three microRNAs were combined, the sensitivity increased to 0.95, the specificity was 0.80, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.805, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.634 0.977].

Conclusions:
The expression levels of miR-155-5p, miR-181a-5p and miR-203a-3p in TA patients were lower than those in EH patients. The combined diagnosis of the three microRNAs may be beneficial to the differentiation of hypertension caused by TA from EH.
KV4.3 PROTECTS AGAINST OXIDATIVE CAMKII ACTIVATION IN HEART FAILURE
Authors: Wang Yanggan 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Oxidative stress causes excessive CaMKII activation in heart failure which exacerbates cardiac dysfunction. We determined whether restoration of down-regulated membrane Kv4.3 expression in ventricular myocytes can block oxidative CaMKII activation in heart failure.

Design and method:
Heart failure was induced in mice by severe thoracic aortic banding. Transjugular injection of AAV-Kv4.3 was performed in mice 1 week after banding. Fluorescence spectra were measured using F-4600 spectrophotometer (Hitachi). The slit width and excitation wavelength were set to 5 mm and 270 nm, respectively. Emission spectra were increased from 280 nm to 400 nm (step = 1nm). The spectra of purified proteins were examined, including CaMKII, CaMKII and Ca2+/CaM, CaMKII and Kv4.3, CaMKII, Kv4.3, and Ca2+/CaM.

Results:
Dissociation of Kv4.3 from Kv4.3-CaMKII molecular complex or down-regulation of Kv4.3 in mouse ventricular myocytes enhanced H2O2-induced CaMKII oxidation and autophosphorylation. Only non-oxidized and unphosphorylated forms of CaMKII have been detected from the Kv4.3 immunoprecipitates in ventricular myocytes with H2O2 Incubation. Fluorescence spectra assay showed that Kv4.3 prevented the transformational change of inactive CaMKII to its active conformation in the presence of Ca2+/CaM and H2O2. In vivo transfection with AAV9-Kv4.3 had no impact on reactive oxygen species in heart failure myocardium but effectively suppressed CaMKII oxidation and activation.

Conclusions:
Kv4.3 is a potent native suppressor for oxidative CaMKII activation by binding to the regulatory domain and preventing the opening of inhibitory domain in response to Ca2+/CaM and H2O2.
NEURAL INFLAMMATION CONTRIBUTES TO VOLTAGE-GATED POTASSIUM CHANNELS DYSFUNCTION IN LUMBAR DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA IN CHRONIC HEART FAILURE RATS
Authors: Wang Hanjun 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Skeletal muscle afferent sensitization causes excessive sympatho-excitation and exercise intolerance during physical activity in the chronic heart failure (CHF) state. Our recent study reported that downregulated voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels in lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) contribute to muscle afferent sensitization in CHF rats. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying downregulated Kv channels in CHF remain unknown. We hypothesized that chronic macrophage activation contributes to Kv channels dysfunction in the lumbar DRGs in CHF.

Design and method:
Myocardial infarction (MI) was produced by left coronary artery ligation in rats. Molecular experiments were carried out to assess macrophage activation, cytokines and Kv channel expression in L4-L6 DRGs post MI. In vitro co-culture of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-pretreated RAW264.7 (activated M1 macrophage) with 50B11 DRG neurons were performed. Patch clamp experiments were performed to assess Kv channel activity in acutely isolated muscle afferent DRG neurons. Chronic oral administration of minocycline (Mino, 20 mg/kg/day) was used to suppress macrophage activation in L4-L6 DRGs.

Results:
Compared to sham rats, male MI rats exhibited a robust increase in the number of Iba1-positive macrophages and the protein expression of Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8, a pro-inflammatory macrophage marker) in L4-L6 DRGs at 8 weeks post MI, which was largely prevented by Mino (Figure 1). SEM showed macrophage infiltration into lumbar DRGs 8 weeks post MI. PCR data suggested that the mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL1beta and IL6 in lumbar DRGs were significantly elevated in male rats at 8-weeks post MI compared to sham rats. Protein expression of Kv channels including Kv1.4, 3.4, 4.2 and 4.3, was significantly downregulated in male rat L4-L6 DRGs at 8 weeks post MI. This was largely attenuated by Mino. Patch clamp data demonstrated decreased Ito current in isolated male rat muscle afferent DRG neurons 8 weeks post MI, also attenuated by Mino. Moreover, LPS-pretreated BV2 cells or RAW264.7 (LPS was washed out 4 hours after exposure, co-cultured with 50B11 DRG neurons significantly downregulated several Kv isoforms in DRG neurons.

Conclusions:
Macrophage activation contributes to Kv channels dysfunction in lumbar DRGs in CHF male rats.
CD80 AND CD86 MASKING ON ANTIGEN-PRESENTING CELLS EXHIBITED PROTECTION FROM MYOCARDIAL NECROSIS AND ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION INJURY: A PRECLINICAL VALIDATION
Authors: Verma Vipin Kumar , Mutneja Ekta , Bhatia Jagriti , Arya D S 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Myocardial Ischemia due to coronary obstruction after a critical threshold level, resulting in myocardial damage as a consequence of myocardial cell death. However, reperfusion itself causes the generation of oxygen free radicals, disturbed cation homeostasis, and depletion of cellular energy due to the involvement of molecular signaling. Abatacept, a recombinant fusion protein that inhibits the activation of T-cells through binding with CD80 and CD86 receptors of antigen-presenting cells and prevents major inflammatory responses. This study identifies the anti-inflammatory potential of abatacept by minimizing the immune-cell activation, and infiltration at myocardium during injury.

Design and method:
This study was conducted in two parts on male Wistar rats. Firstly, abatacept was administered at 2.5, 5 & 10 mg/kg; s.c. for 21 days and evaluated in the Isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial necrosis model of rats, in which ISO was injection subcutaneously on 20th and 21st day at 85 mg/kg dose, after an interval of 24 h post last ISO injection, the rat was sacrificed after hemodynamic measurement and the optimal dose of Abatacept was calculated through biochemical (oxidant-antioxidant / cardiac injury marker), histopathological and molecular investigations. Secondly, after abatacept administration at optimal dose for 21 days, the rats were anesthetized and Ischemia-Reperfusion injury was induced through LAD coronary artery ligation for 60 min and re-opening for 60 min. The effect of abatacept was based on hemodynamic, biochemical, and molecular investigation of inflammation, apoptosis, and necroptosis signaling pathway-related proteins.

Results:
Improved hemodynamics at different time intervals during ischemia and reperfusion was observed after abatacept administration. The maintained enzyme levels of anti-oxidants v/s oxidants along with cardiac injury markers correlate with the histopathology findings. The inhibition of CD28 T-cell activation abates the release of inflammatory markers and related signaling pathways proteins showing the efficacy of Abatacept. On Investigation, expression of Nrf-2, Hsp27, and Hsp 70 thereby showing efficacy of Abatacept in cardiovascular models.

Conclusions:
Abatacept was found potent drug because of its co-stimulation inhibitor activity, and hence, it inhibits inflammation, oxidation, and apoptosis in models of myocardial infarction and could be beneficial for humans after designated clinical trials.
THE ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE LEVEL ON THE QUANTITY OF ENDOTHELIAL CELL PRECURSOR PROGENITOR CELLS IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD IN PATIENTS AFTER ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME
Authors: Tereshchenko Nataliia , Kovalchuk Yuliia , Shumakov Valentyn , Malynovska Iryna 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
To identify the correlation between the restoration of physical exercise tolerance (PET) level and the quantity of endothelial cell precursors (PCE) in peripheral blood of patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Design and method:
Ninety male patients were examined, including 79 (87.8±6.8%) with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction, of which 65 (82.3±8.4%) had STEMI and 14 (17.7±8.4%) had NSTEMI, and 11 (12±6.8%) with unstable angina. Among the comorbidities, hypertension was present in all patients (100±4.1%), diabetes mellitus in 23 (25.6±9.0%), obesity in 25 (27.8±9.3%), and overweight in 29 (32.2±9.7%). Grade II heart failure was observed in 65 patients (72.2±9.3%). The average age of the examined patients was (56.5±10.5) years. Coronary angiography revealed atherosclerotic involvement of one vessel in 23 patients (25.6±9.0%), two vessels in 26 (28.9±9.4%), and three vessels in 41 (45.6±10.3%). Hemodynamically significant three-vessel involvement was found in 24 patients (26.7±9.1%), two-vessel involvement in 31 (34.4±9.8%), and one-vessel involvement in 35 (38.9±10.1%). All patients underwent exercise testing using the graded exercise method, assessment of intracardiac hemodynamics using two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, coronary angiography, biochemical and general clinical blood tests, and quantification of PCE levels in peripheral blood. The results are presented as the mean value with standard deviation or frequency with a 95% confidence interval.

Results:
The obtained data indicate that there is an associative relationship between better restoration of PET levels after acute coronary syndrome and the restoration of endothelial function in patients with a favorable course of the post-infarction period during repeated examination, compared to patients whose PET levels did not exceed 50 watts (low PET). This is evidenced by a statistically significant higher number of PCE after physical exercise in the group with a favorable course and high PET (Group A) compared to the group with an unfavorable course and low PET (Group B).

Conclusions:
Studying the response in terms of changes in PCE quantity in response to physical exercise can help determine the progression of systemic endothelial dysfunction, which affects the patient's prognosis. Decreased PCE during physical exercise.
LEFT ATRIAL VOLUME, PREDICTIVE FACTOR OF THE REDUCTION OF GLS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENT
Authors: Bendiab Nabila Tale B , Ghalmi Abdallah , Khedim Nesrine 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Dilatation of the left atrium (LA) is usually found in high blood pressure without any valve damage. This dilatation is one of the prognostic markers and may be a reflection of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. It can be used as one of the factors of morbi cardiovascular mortality.
Diastolic dysfunction is acknowledged to be the predominant pathophysiological mechanism in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Design and method:
This work consists in carrying out in a series of 200 hypertensive patients (aged 25 to 75 years) an echocardiographic study, including the LVEF, the calculation of the indexed left ventricular mass as well as the relative parietal thickness, the calculation of the volume of the left atrium and the analysis of the diastolic function and finally the study of the longitudinal deformation of the LV. Excluded from this study were patients with secondary hypertension, leaky or stenotic valve disease, arrhythmia, history of coronary insufficiency

Results:
Of the 200 hypertensive patients, 28 patients had a high LA volume, of which 27 patients had high filling pressures.
Of the 28 patients with high LA volume 18 patients (64.2%) had low GLS.
Patients with high LA volume are twice as likely to have low GLS as other patients. There is a statistically very significant relationship between lower GLS, increased left atrium volume, and increased left ventricular filling pressures in hypertensive patients. These results suggest that the increase in filling pressures is closely associated with atrioventricular interaction in patients with hypertension, with a perfect correlation with achievement of longitudinal systolic and diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusions:
The evaluation of LA size and function provides a powerful and dynamic morphophysiological marker of cardiovascular disease status that can be used longitudinally to quantify the extent of structural and functional remodeling.