bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF RENAL DENERVATION ON 24H BLOOD PRESSURE PATTERN
Authors: Ponsa Lara , Fasano Chiara , Rabbia Franco , Rossato Denis , Pappaccogli Marco , Bertello Chiara , Veglio Franco 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Endovascular renal denervation (DRN) is a therapeutic approach for resistant arterial hypertension (RH). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of RDN on 24h blood pressure.

Design and method:
A retrospective evaluation of ABPM data at baseline and after 6 months from RDN in patients undergoing DRN between 01/01/2011 and 31/12/2021 in the Arterial Hypertension Center of Turin. Mean 24h, Daytime, Nighttime BP and HR values and short term 24h, daytime and nigthtime BP and HR varability parameters (standard deviation, dipping and coefficient of variation) were calculated.

Results:
The series included 14 subjects, of which 8 (57%) were female and with an average age 54±10 years. The number of antihypertensive drugs before renal denervation was 5.7±1.0. At baseline office BP was 188/113±22±18 mmHg and ABPM 24h BP was 150/92±21±16 mmHg. Patients were considered as responders if a reduction of least 10 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (PAS) at 24h Blood Pressure Monitoring at six months from RDN was obtained. From a safety point of view, there were no short-term or long-term complications. The responders at six months were 66%. Non-responders showed an increased blood pressure variability compared to responders at baseline and only one was dipper. The responders had a statistically significant redution of SD24h after DRN, an increased average nocturnal blood pressure drop and a lower pressure variability. While in non-responders no redution in SDnight, SDday and coefficient of variation was found, by contrast all of them become dippers because mean daytime SBP increase.

Conclusions:
In conclusion, pressure variability (SD24h and coefficient of variation) is globally reduced in the denerved patients, this trend is particularly present in responders. The non-responders have an increased BP variability at baseline without decreasing after DRN. These results suggest that, when effective, DRN can reduce both BP levels and BP variability, thus may have an important effect in reducing cardiovascular risk.
IT'S TIME FOR NEW INSIGHTS INTO RENOVASCULAR HYPERTENSION AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL
Authors: Duric Ljiljana Fodor 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Ischemic nephropathy underlying atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) gradually induces a decrease in tissue perfusion, ultimately resulting in pronounced tissue hypoxia and inflammatory kidney injury.
Administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has emerged in preclinical studies as a potential choice to repair the renal microcirculation, attenuate inflammatory injury, and restore kidney function.
Recent data in humans suggest that the infusion of autologous MSC can be safely performed in subjects with ARAS, leading to increased tissue oxygenation when the MSC are infused into a single renal artery.

Design and method:
Design and Method:In this open-label, single center, study perspective, will be enrolled adult patients with significant ARAS estimated by renal artery Doppler ultrasound velocity acceleration (average peak systolic velocity >300 cm/s) and magnetic resonance/computed tomography angiography with evident atherosclerotic stenosis (>60% lumen occlusion), and hypertension (systolic hypertension >155 mmHg and/or the use of at least two BP drugs) and/or with declining kidney function. The intervention group (n=5) will received a single infusion of MSC (2.5 × 105 cells/kg) plus standardized medical treatment; the medical treatment only group (n=5) included subjects matched for age, kidney function, and stenosis severity. We will measured cortical and medullary volumes, perfusion, and RBF using multidetector computed tomography. Tissue oxygenation will be assessed by blood oxygen level–dependent MRI and GFR by iothalamate clearance. We plan to determine the levels of the following laboratory parameters: vascular endothelial growth factor,inflammatory cytokines,Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and TGF at the baseline, three and six months after MSC infusion. The determination of NGALwill provide valuable insights into the safety of MSC infusion for the patient.

Results:
Study perspective

Conclusions:
Conclusion: We hypothesize that this study perspective will provide evidence regarding the safety of intra-arterial infusion of autologous MSCs in patients with ARAS. MSC infusion without revascularization of the main renal artery is associated with increased renal tissue oxygenation and cortical blood flow as well.
THE EFFECT OF URIC ACID ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Yusupova Khafiza , Abdullaeva Guzal , Khamidullaeva Gulnoz 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
To analyze the effect of uric acid on cognitive functions in patients with essential hypertension

Design and method:
The study included 111 male and female patients with I–III AH degree (ESC/ESH, 2018). The average age of the patients was 54.6±10.8 years, the average duration of AH was 8.8±5.52 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the level of uric acid: group 1 - with elevated uric acid levels (6 mg/dl and more) n=48, 2nd group – with normal uric acid levels, n=59. The level of uric acid in blood serum was measured using the enzymatic method on a Daytona TM biochemical analyzer from Rendox (UK). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MOCA).

Results:
Analysis of cognitive functions in hypertensive patients taking into account the level of uric acid revealed that according to the MOCA scale, cognitive impairment was more pronounced in 1st group of patients compared to the group of patients whose uric acid level was normal: 23.4±3,02 points versus 24.7±2,79 points, respectively (p=0.023). The delayed reproduction function was significantly worse in first group of patients compared to the group with normal uric acid levels: 2.6±1.17 points versus 3.08±1.23 points, respectively (p=0.04). It should be noted that there is a tendency towards anxiety disorders also in the group with elevated uric acid levels than in the group with normal uric acid levels: 7.06±3.73 points versus 5.57±3.98 points, respectively (p=0.05).

Conclusions:
Analysis of the distribution of patients with and without cognitive impairment in the groups of patients with elevated and normal levels of uric acid showed that the number of patients with cognitive impairment significantly prevailed by almost 1.8 times in the group with uric acid levels exceeding normative values, amounting to 64. 6% versus 35.4% of patients, respectively (χ2= 8.16, p=0.004).
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SEX HORMONES ON CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: A META-ANALYSIS AND SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Wang Wenting , Yu Jing 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Sex hormones play different roles in cardiovascular risk of male and female patients. Especially for postmenopausal women, sex hormone disorder is the main reason for their increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study mainly explores the effects of different sex hormone levels on cardiovascular diseases in men and postmenopausal women.

Design and method:
This study included 16 studies with 404,474 patients, including 387,361 male patients and 17,113 female patients. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95%CI results of studies on sex hormones and cardiovascular disease risk in the included literature were extracted as research data. The main outcome events are: cardiovascular disease (CVD), heart failure (HF), cardiovascular death, major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) and all-cause death. This paper mainly researches the effects of sex hormones on cardiovascular risk and the differences of cardiovascular events between men and women.

Results:
1. DHT is a protective factor of cardiovascular risk in male patients, HR = 0.83, 95% CI (0.72, 0.96).
2. For postmenopausal women, SHBG and cFT are the risk factors of CVD in postmenopausal women, with HR 95%CI of 1.06(1.01,1.11) and 1.11 (1.04, 1.19) respectively.
3. DHEA and TT is a risk factor for heart failure in postmenopausal women, which can increase the risk by 17% (HR = 1.17, 95% CI (1.09, 1.24)) and HR = 1.07, 95% CI (1.03, 1.12), while the SHBG and DHEA had no significant effect on the occurrence of chronic heart failure.

Conclusions:
DHT is a protective factor of cardiovascular disease risk in men, and the increase of androgen level is an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women.
HIGHER FATTY LIVER INDEX VALUES AT SIMILAR BLOOD PRESSURE CLASSIFICATION INDICATE HIGH INSULIN RESISTANCE AND POTENTIAL INFLAMMATION
Authors: Takahashi Atsuhiko , Ohiwa Kojo , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Tani Shigemasa 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The relationship between fatty liver, which is visceral fat accumulation, and insulin resistance and inflammation as seen in hypertension classification is not clear. The Fatty Liver Index (FLI) is an established score for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), which is associated with a risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. FLI is derived from a formula based on body mass index, waist circumference, and triglyceride and gamma-glutamyltransferase values.

Design and method:
A cross-sectional study enrolling consecutive individuals was conducted at a health checkup center in Japan from January 2022 to November 2022. A total of 3553 men (mean Age 50.6), excluding those with diabetes mellitus and those undergoing treatment for inflammatory diseases, were included in the study, and divided according to the Classification of hypertension in the ESH guideline.
Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were divided into two groups by FLI (<26 (group L) and > or = 26 (group H)) and compared by Mann-Whitney U test. The cutoff value for fatty liver by FLI was determined by prior abdominal ultrasonography, and was set at 26(sensitivity 0.82, specificity 0.72).

Results:
Results of single regression analysis with FLI showed significant correlations in systolic blood pressure(r=0.31, p < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure(r=0.36, p < 0.0001), HOMA-IR(r=0.36, p < 0.0001), and CRP(r=0.08, p < 0.0001). Optimal blood pressure(n=1783, mean FLI; 23.1, mean HOMA-IR; 1.28, mean CRP; 0.098mg/dL), Normal blood pressure(n=807, 33.9, 1.61, 0.14), High-normal blood pressure(n=535, 37.8, 1.90, 0.12), Grade 1 hypertension(n=124, 44.8, 2.0, 0.14), Grade 2 hypertension(n=53, 49.0, 1.71, 0.09), Grade 3 hypertension(n=18, 54.6, 2.89, 0.22), Isolated systolic hypertension(n=118, 36.2, 1.59, 0.09), Isolated diastolic hypertension(n=115, 44.1, 1.94, 0.12). HOMA-IR and CRP of H group were significantly higher than L group (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Higher FLI values at similar blood pressure levels may indicate high insulin resistance and potential inflammation, suggesting the need for strict management.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PERCEIVED STRESS AND VASCULAR ELASTICITY: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY FROM SOUTH-WESTERN SWEDEN
Authors: Szalo Gabor , Hellgren Margareta , Lindblad Ulf , Daka Bledar 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The association between perceived stress and arterial stiffness has yet to be fully explored. This study aims to determine the associations between perceived mental stress and arterial elasticity.

Design and method:
Our observational study was based on the Vara- Skövde Cohort. Between 2012 and 2014, a total of 1327 individuals were examined for risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. Known hypertension, missing information on mental stress and artery elasticity were exclusion criteria. In total, 785 individuals (men=379) were included. Body height, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured, while data on medical history and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity were collected through validated questionnaires. Perceived stress was evaluated with the PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale), which contains ten questions with 0 - 4 points per item and focuses on the perceived stress in the last month. Small artery elasticity (C2) was estimated using an applanations tonometer (Pulsewave CR-2000, Hypertension Diagnostics Inc.) over the arteria radialis. Logistic regression was used in our analyses. In model 1, we adjusted for age, sex, systolic blood pressure and heart rate. In model 2, we adjusted for the variables in model 1 plus waist-hip ratio, LDL-cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. In model 3, we included model 2 plus lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity.

Results:
The mean age was 54.5 (±10) years. There were no significant sex differences in the association between stress and vascular elasticity (interaction test p=0.371). In the fully adjusted model in logistic regression, a one-point rise in PSS-10 correlated with having an elasticity index in the lowest quartile of C2 by 5% in the entire study population (OR=1.05, CI: 1.009- 1.093, p= 0.015). Correspondingly, one quartile higher PSS-10 was associated with a 25% elevated risk of having a cardiovascular elasticity in the lowest quartile of C2 (OR=1.25, CI: 1.03- 1.52, p= 0.021).

Conclusions:
Increased perceived stress was associated with decreased vascular elasticity in this cohort.
DOGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH FEWER HYPERTENSION DIAGNOSES, BUT CATS ARE NOT
Authors: Schoenenberger Andreas , Radovanovic Dragana , Muggli Franco , Bianchetti Mario , Gallino Augusto , Parati Gianfranco , Suter Paolo , Schoenenberger-berzins Renate 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Previous studies on pet ownership and the risk of arterial hypertension have provided conflicting results. Most of these previous studies were not prospective, exhibited relevant selection bias, and were unable to differentiate between different pets or control for relevant contributing factors such as physical activity.

Design and method:
We report findings from the Swiss Longitudinal Cohort study (SWICOS), a prospective population-based study. Socio-demographic factors, pet ownership, physical activity, depression, and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. Hypertension diagnosis was defined as known hypertension according to medical records and/or a prescription for antihypertensive drugs. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associations of potential influential factors and a diagnosis of hypertension.

Results:
Among 474 participants of the SWICOS cohort, 96 participants (20%) had a diagnosis of hypertension. Prevalence of hypertension was 12% among dog owners, significantly lower than the 26% among non-owners (p=0.002), whereas in cat owners prevalence was similar (39% vs. 45%, p=0.30). In the multivariate logistic model controlled for factors that showed significant associations with hypertension in univariate analysis (i.e., age, sex, body mass index, education, physical activity, and depression), dog ownership remained independently associated with fewer diagnoses of hypertension (OR 0.44, 95%CI 0.21-0.94, p=0.034), whereas walking time per week (p=0.61) or depression (p=0.18) were not.

Conclusions:
In this prospective population-based cohort, dog ownership was independently associated with a lower prevalence of hypertension, whereas cat ownership was not. The factors contributing to lower hypertension prevalence in dog owners are unclear, but presumably are not related to higher physical activity or to a better emotional stability.
PREVALENCE, AWARENESS AND TREATMENT OF RISK FACTORS AMONG DOCUMENTED AND UNDOCUMENTED CHINESE IMMIGRANTS
Authors: Pellegrino Alessio , Calabrese Maria , Vacirca Irene , Boddi Maria , Modesti Pietro Amedeo 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Cardio-metabolic diseases are highly prevalent among ethnic minority groups in Europe. However, information on health needs of undocumented immigrants, especially regarding risk factors, are lacking. The aim of this study was to examine prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia in a large cohort of undocumented and documented (registered with National Health Service, NHS) Chinese immigrants living in Italy.

Design and method:
Population-based, cross-sectional study. Chinese first-generation immigrants living in Prato, underwent blood pressure (BP) measurement, blood tests (fasting glucose, FG, and total cholesterol, TC), and anthropometric measurements. Hypertension was diagnosed for BP>140/90 mmHg at two visits, and/or BP-lowering medication use; type 2 diabetes for FG>126 mg/dL at two visits, and/or glucose lowering drugs use; hypercholesterolemia for TC>240 mg/dL and/or statins use. Undocumented and documented migrants were compared via logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, central obesity, and educational level.

Results:
A large proportion of investigated Chinese immigrants (3435) were undocumented (1766, 51% with 1669, 49% registered with NHS). At logistic regression analysis, prevalence of hypertension was similar between the two groups, while prevalence of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia was higher among undocumented migrants, despite having a younger age and a lower prevalence of central obesity. Registration to NHS was associated with a higher awareness and prevalence of treated subjects for hypertension and diabetes. More precisely, registered migrants were 6 times more treated for type 2 diabetes than undocumented migrants. A small minority of subjects were treated with statins independently from NHS registration.

Conclusions:
Undocumented migrants seem to represent a large proportion of the Chinese migrant population living in Italy; undocumented migrants had lower levels of awareness and rate of treatment for hypertension and type 2 diabetes than migrants registered in the NHS. Acute treatment for stroke and myocardial infarction is guaranteed to all subjects regardless of NHS registration in Italy as in the majority of European countries. Health policies targeting this hard-to-reach population must be improved.
SECOND DERIVATIVE OF THE FINGER PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPHY PREDICTS THE RISK OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HYPERTENSION IN MIDDLE-AGED MALE POPULATION
Authors: Otsuka Toshiaki , Kodani Eitaro , Kato Katsuhito , Jinnouchi Hiroshige , Kawada Tomoyuki 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Increase in arterial stiffness deteriorates blood pressure (BP) control. Therefore, increased arterial stiffness is thought to be a risk factor for incident hypertension. We reported that indices of arterial stiffness obtained from second derivative of the finger photoplethysmography (SDPTG) is cross-sectionally associated with several cardiovascular risk factors including BP and future cardiovascular risk. The aim of the present study is to test whether indices obtained from SDPTG predict future development of hypertension in middle-aged male population.

Design and method:
SDPTG was measured in 902 non-hypertensive men (mean age 44±6 years) at an annual medical checkup in a Japanese company. The development of hypertension was followed for a maximum of 4 years. Two indices of arterial stiffness (b/a, an index of large arterial stiffness; d/a, an index of structural and functional properties of the systemic arterial tree including the peripheral circulation) were calculated from the SDPTG waveforms. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine whether b/a and d/a were independent predictors of future development of hypertension.

Results:
During a follow up period, 124 subjects developed hypertension, defined as systolic/diastolic BP >=140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medications. The hazard ratio for future development of hypertension was significantly increased in the lowest quartile of d/a compared with the highest quartile (2.86, 95%CI 1.59–5.15, p=0.001) after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. However, b/a did not show significant hazard ratios for future development of hypertension.

Conclusions:
The d/a, but not b/a, could predict the risk of future development of hypertension in this study population. The measurement of d/a may be useful for identify high-risk subjects for future development of hypertension.
ASSESSMENT OF THE NORRISK 2 AND THE SCORE2-DIABETES RISK ALGORITHMS IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION – ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENTS
Authors: Olsen Eirik , Halvorsen Lene , Brobak Karl Marius , Aune Arleen , Rognstad Stine , Bergland Ola , Solbu Marit , Gerdts Eva , H⊘ieggen Aud , Kjeldsen Sverre E , Rostrup Morten , Larstorp Anne Cecilie K , Mo Rune , S⊘raas Camilla L 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
NORRISK 2 is a Nordic risk assessment tool used for 10-year prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or death. It is based on a 10-year follow up of a large population-based cohort and is widely used in clinical practice. The SCORE2-Diabetes algorithm was recently developed by the European Society of Cardiology, and also predicts 10-year risk of CVD or death, specific for patients with diabetes. We aimed to investigate how the NORRISK 2 and SCORE2-Diabetes risk scores differed in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design and method:
We included patients with T2DM (n=239) from a national cross-sectional study of 1156 patients treated with >= 2 antihypertensive agents. Due to the set restrictions in NORRISK 2 and SCORE2-Diabetes, patients aged 45-69 years with systolic blood pressure >=120 mmHg and <=160 mmHg, total cholesterol 4-8 mmol/l, HDL-cholesterol <=4 mmol/l, and without target organ damage (urinary albumin/creatinine-ratio >300mg/mmol, estimated glomerulus filtration rate <45ml/min/1.73m2) or previous CVD were eligible for risk assessment. Forty-seven patients fulfilled these criteria and had both SCORE2-Diabetes and NORRISK 2 risk scores calculated. Patients were stratified into three age groups according to NORRISK 2, which recommends antihypertensive drug treatment if 10-year risk for CVD is >5% at age 45-54 years, >10% at age 55-64 and >15% at age >=65 years.

Results:
SCORE2-Diabetes calculated 59% higher risk for 10-year CVD than the NORRISK 2 in the youngest patients aged 45-54 years (Table 1). In patients aged 55-64 years SCORE2-Diabetes estimated 22% higher risk than the NORRISK 2, and among patients >=65 years SCORE-2 Diabetes estimated 6% higher risk than NORRISK 2.

Conclusions:
Our data suggest that NORRISK 2 estimates a lower 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease than the SCORE2-Diabetes risk assessment tool in patients with hypertension and type-2 diabetes mellitus, especially in patients <65 years. Furthermore, our data indicate that only a low proportion of hypertensive patients with diabetes are eligible for assessment with the current risk algorithms and that the Nordic and European diabetes risk algorithms are insufficiently coordinated for patients in hypertension.