bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LONG-TERM CHANGES IN ARTERIAL STIFFNESS AFTER COVID-19
Authors: Bondar Svetlana , Granger Benjamin , Konradi Alexandra 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
To assess if COVID-19 is associated with increase in arterial stiffness using a long-term follow-up study.

Design and method:
53 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2021 and 53 age and sex-matched subjects from a proportional cohort were examined. COVID-19 convalescents were evaluated twice; the first visit was 10-16 months after hospitalization, followed by a second visit 6 months after (n=44). The VaSera device (Fukuda Denshi, Japan) was used to measure vascular age, cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and ankle brachial index (ABI).

Results:
Groups did not differ by gender, smoking status, presence of hypertension or diabetes, but the control group and the second visit group differ by age (Table 1). There was no difference between the control group and COVID-19 group in vascular age and CAVI, however, there was a difference between the control group and the second visit in ABI (p=0.002). To assess the effect of COVID-19 on arterial stiffness; age, arterial hypertension, diabetes, smoking status, and systolic blood pressure were considered during analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (Table 2). Patients in the control group and COVID-19 group did not differ in vascular age and CAVI after adjustment, but there was a trend toward increasing statistical significance at different visits. Patients in the control group and COVID-19 group differed in ABI, with statistical significance increasing at the later visit.

Conclusions:
There is an elevation in ABI in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to those not affected by COVID-19. This effect becomes more pronounced over time. No statistical significance was observed for vascular age and CAVI, although an upward trend was noted. Longer follow-up is needed to provide accurate conclusions as to whether these parameters may increase after COVID-19.
ENDOVASCULAR RADIOFREQUENCY RENAL DENERVATION IN DIFFICULT TO TREAT ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE
Authors: Grasselli Chiara , Guiducci Vincenzo , Pignatelli Gianluca , Negro Aurelio , Ghirarduzzi Angelo 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
To assess safety and effectiveness of catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) for reduction of blood pressure (BP) in patients with difficult to treat arterial hypertension.

Design and method:
Thirtyfive patients selected with difficult to treat arterial hypertension, underwent RDN. Secondary forms of hypertension were excluded, and an appropriate renal artery anatomy was confirmed in all patients. Every patient underwent follow-up at 30 days, and then every 12 months, consisting in clinical examination, office BP measurements, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and biochemical analysis. At 12 months tansthoracic echocardiography and renal duplex sonography were performed.

Results:
The median value of systolic clinic BP decreased from 161 mmHg (25th-75th percentiles 158 - 191) at baseline to 144 mmHg (25th-75th percentiles 136 - 153) at follow up (p= 0.012), and the median value of diastolic clinic BP decreased from 102 mmHg (25th-75th percentiles 94 - 122) at baseline to 90 mmHg (25th-75th percentiles 78 - 99) at follow-up (p= 0.012). The number of medications changed from 5 (range 2-8) at baseline to 3.3 (range 0-6) at follow up. A significant decrease of left ventricular mass index from a median of 160 g/m2 (25th-75th percentiles 147 - 151) at baseline to 126 g/m2 (25th-75th percentiles 107 - 151) at follow-up (p= 0.043) was detected. The renal function did not demonstrate significant changes, however plasma renin activity and HOMA index were significantly reduced. No periprocedural or long term complications were observed.

Conclusions:
Our data confirm that RDN may constitute an effective and safe therapeutic choice for the treatment of difficult to treat hypertension.
ROLE OF <BETA>2-MICROGLOBULIN IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIORENAL SYNDROME IN COMORBID PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Dunaieva Inna 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
This study was aimed at evaluating the role of β2-M in the development of renal complications in patients with AH with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Design and method:
90 patients with AH (men/women – 48/42) and 20 control subjects were examined. All patients with AH aged 54.37±1.18. During a thorough examination and follow-up of patients, they were classified into 3 groups: patients with AH – group 1 – 31 people; group 2 – AH in combination with T2DM – 31 people; group 3 – patients with AH, T2DM, and obesity (OB) – 28 people.β2-M in the development of renal complications in patients with AH with type 2 diabetes mellitus. β2-M in the development of renal complications in patients with AH with type 2 diabetes mellitus. β2-M levels in the patients’ serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a Labline-90 analyzer (Austria) and a commercial test system manufactured by Orgentiec (ELISA, Germany) according to the instructions provided with the kit.

Results:
β2-M level in patients with AH was 3.09±1.08, in patients with AH and T2DM it was 3.10±0.97, in patients with AH+T2DM+obesity it was 3.14±0.84, in healthy subjects it was 1.98±0.52. p<0.001.
Therefore, a significant increase (p<0.001) in the concentration of β2-M in the blood serum was noted in patients of different groups compared with the control group. An increase in β2-M concentration allowed us to confirm the presence of tubular renal dysfunction, which was not diagnosed by conventional methods. All examined patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the β2-M level (Table 1). Our data prove the role of β2-M as an independent biomarker of renal dysfunction, as well as the development of early cardiovascular complications.

Conclusions:
β2-microglobulin is an early independent biomarker of renal dysfunction, namely, renal tubular dysfunction in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is advisable to determine β2-microglobulin in the diagnosis and prognosis of early manifestations of cardiorenal syndrome.
AGE AND BLOOD PRESSURE DEPENDENCY OF THREE DIFFERENT METHODS TO MEASURE PULSE WAVE VELOCITY
Authors: Da Silva Marco Antonio Vieira , Owen Jacqueline , Cosenso-martin Luciana N , Vilela-martin Jose F 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
evaluate how much age and blood pressure (BP) explains carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), estimated PWV by Mobil-o-Graph, and an equation derived from the Reference Values for Arterial Stiffness Collaboration.

Design and method:
We included individuals with at least one risk factor, elevated BP (> 139 or 89 mmHg), previous hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking, body obesity (BMI > 29.9 kg/m2), abdominal waist risk (waist circumference male > 102 cm in female > 88 cm). All individuals have taken three accurate BP (OBP) measurements using a Microlife BP A200 AFIB, and three sequential measurements of cf-PWV using a Complior Analyze device. We calculated the average from them. Also, they record 24 hours of brachial pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring using the Mobil-O-Graph device. Also, we calculated PWV by utilizing age and mean OBP (MBP) from Eq. (1) derived by the Reference Values for Arterial Stiffness Collaboration. We used five multilevel regression models to determine how much cf-PWV, ba-PWV, and e-PWV depend on age and BP. We used the Forkman test to compare the coefficient of determination (R2).

Results:
Table 1 shows the main clinical characteristics of the sample. Table 2 demonstrates the results of R2 for cf-PWV, ba-PWV and e-PWV. All PWV is significantly determined by age than BP; p < 0.001.
Age determines 88.4% of ba-PWV, 72.8% of e-PWV, and 21.9% of cf-PWV; p < 0.001. There is no difference in R2 for model 1 between ba-PWV and e-PWV; p = 0.14. Likely, in model 4, there are no differences for cf_PWV and e-PWV comparisons, p = 1.0. Age and BP determined 93.6% of ba-PWV and 94% of e-PWV; p = 0.97 even though they explain only 21.9% of cf-PWV, p < 0.001 for comparisons with e-PWV and ba-PWV.

Conclusions:
Age and BP explain equally almost the overall variance of e-PWV and ba-PWV. However, cf-PWV is significantly less dependent on age and BP than them.
IS THERE A CORRELATION BETWEEN OVERNIGHT WEIGHT LOSS AND NIGHTTIME BLOOD PRESSURE DIPPING? A SINGLE CENTER, OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: Pruijm Menno , Borges Alex , Corre Tanguy 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Everyone loses weight at night. This nocturnal weight loss (NWL) is due to respiration, metabolism and perspiration (sweating). NWL varies largely between persons, principally due to variations in nocturnal sweating, which is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Like nocturnal sweating, decrease in blood pressure at night (dipping) is influenced by the SNS. Whether NWL correlates with blood pressure (BP) dipping, and possibly identifies non-dippers is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess whether there is a correlation between nocturnal weight loss and the degree of blood pressure dipping.

Design and method:
We proposed the study to patients who were scheduled for 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in our department. The day of the ABPM, participants received a high-precision scale (Seca®, model 877) and a transpiration-oriented questionnaire that they completed at home. Participants measured their body weight with the scale before going to bed and again the following morning. Voided urine during the night was collected in a recipient and weighed separately.

Results:
We included 39 people in our study (aged 53±14, 46% women, 85% with arterial hypertension, eGFR 88±25 ml/min/1.73m2). Mean and median NWL were respectively 367±183g and 300g (min-max 100-850g), for a room temperature of 22°C (min-max 20-23). There was no statistically significant correlation between NWL and dipping of systolic (Spearman's r = -0.1240, p=0.45) or diastolic BP (r = -0.1054, p=0.52). No correlation was found between dipping and night-time sweating as estimated with the questionnaire (r = -0.0154, p = 0.93). NWL was positively associated with mean arterial blood pressure (r = 0.35, p= 0.028), alcohol consumption (r = 0.34, p=0.033) and body height (r = 0.3601, p=0.024). In multivariable analysis including these variables, only alcohol consumption remained associated with NWL.

Conclusions:
There was no correlation between nocturnal weight loss and systolic or diastolic dipping in our sample. Therefore, NWL cannot be used as a screening test for dipping. Alcohol consumption is the strongest predictor of nightly weight loss.
SURVEY ON DETERMINATION OF ALBUMINURIA BY FAMILY PHYSICIANS
Authors: Jelakovic Bojan , Lang Valerija Bralic , Fucek Mirjana , Jelakovic Ana , Josipovic Josipa , Domislovic Marija , Capak Krunoslav , Bubas Marija 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Albuminuria is an established marker of cardiovascular (CV) risk which has a role in pathogenesis of cardio-renal diseases, and it is questioned whether it should also be a therapy target. In all relevant guidelines it is listed as a routine laboratory method for all patients with hypertension and increased CV risk regardless they have diabetes or not. Croatian Hypertension League successfully negotiated with Croatian National Health Insurance company, and since last February determination of albumin-to-creatinine ratio - ACR is reimbursed for all patients with hypertension, and not only hospital specialist, but also family physicians (FP) are allowed to use this method. We announced this important novelty through our newsletters, website and media. The aim was to analyze how this method was implemented by family physicians in regular work.

Design and method:
A digital structured questionnaire was prepared and placed at the website of the Croatian Hypertension League. Using our regular monthly newsletter, we have invited FP, members of the League to participate in this survey. So far, 135 FP participated (83.7% women) from all parts of Croatia.

Results:
All physicians believe that determination of ACR is very important. Before this survey, 34% have not heard about this possibility, and from those who were informed 31% have not yet started. The most important reason was incapability of local laboratory (51%) followed by the answer that they have not had proper patient for these analyses (17.8%). When asked whether their laboratory provide them with values of estimated glomerular filtration rate, 51% answered negatively.

Conclusions:
Croatian Hypertension League made a big step forward enabling determination of ACR for all hypertensive patients by all physicians. However, there are still several gaps which should be eliminated. One is increasing awareness of FP and encouraging them to determine ACR more frequently, and the other one is to convince medical biochemistries to allow regular determination of ACR in all laboratories, but also of reporting eGFR. Survey, like this are very important and could be helpful in reaching final success, and we will use results for evidence-based negotiation with Croatian Biochemistry Chamber.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSTIC OF PREECLAMPSIA
Authors: Valdes Daniela , Andersen Louise B. , Christesen Henrik , Jorgensen Jan Stener , Nonn Olivia , Kräker Kristin , Müller Dominik N. , Dechend Ralf , Herse Florian 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Preeclampsia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy and still lacking an early prediction. Oxylipins, auto- and paracrine signaling molecules derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are implicated in the pathogenesis. We performed oxylipin profiling and developed a novel prediction model for preeclampsia.

Design and method:
We measured eighty-one free circulating oxylipins derived from linoleic-, eicosapentaenoic-, docosahexaenoic- and arachidonic acids by Triple-Quad-Tandem mass spectrometry in serum collected at gestational week (GW) 7-12 in a cohort study (total, 90 cases, 608 matched controls) before clinical onset of maternal syndrome. The later arising preeclampsia phenotype was heterogeneous with predominantly mild, late-onset disease. Using a machine learning regression-decision tree approach, prediction models incorporated clinical data, angiogenic markers and oxylipins, compared with a model including only standard clinical variables in combination with sFlt-1 and PlGF, bio markers used to diagnose PE late in pregnancy.

Results:
A regression tree approach for predicting preeclampsia in first trimester including X (number) specific oxylipins demonstrated good predictive capacity in early pregnancy with sensitivity 71, specificity 99 and AUC 87.

Conclusions:
Placentally derived PUFA metabolites (oxylipins) substantially add to the known clinical and biochemical predictive parameters for preeclampsia. A regression-tree based approach including known clinical and biochemical parameters, blood pressure and key oxylipins is a promising tool for predicting preeclampsia already in the first trimester.
FEATURES OF MYOCARDIAL DEFORMATION PROPERTIES IN RELATION TO LEFT VENTRICULAR REMODELING TYPES IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Bekmetova Sevara , Abdullaeva Guzal , Khamidullaeva Gulnoz , Yusupova Khafiza 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
to determine the features of myocardial deformation properties in relation to left ventricular (LV) remodeling types in patients with arterial hypertension (AH).

Design and method:
The study included 62 patients of both sexes, with I–III degrees AH (ESC/ESH, 2018), who are undergoing outpatient treatment at the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Cardiology. The average age of patients was 53.1 ± 11.3 years, and the average duration of AH was 6.7 ± 6.5 years. Speckle-tracking EchoCG was performed to obtain an objective and quantitative assessment of global and regional myocardial function using SIEMENS's ACUSON x700 PV 2.0 system. Deformation properties of the LV myocardium were analyzed using the TOMTEC-ARENA Software system (TTA2.40.00). Among parameters for assessing longitudinal deformation of the LV we selected: global longitudinal strain -GLS (%); Strain Rate-SR (s-1). To study the segmental LV contractility, we analyzed the apical 4-chamber, 3-chamber, and 2-chamber section, the LV section along the short axis at the level of the mitral valve cusps, papillary muscles, and apex. Results are presented as M±SD.

Results:
The examined patient sample revealed three groups of LV geometric models: group I, n=27 (45.3%) patients with normal geometry; group II, n=27 (45.3%) patients with concentric remodeling; group III, n=8 (12.9%) patients with concentric hypertrophy. The absolute GLS values of the LV were: in group I - 20.0 ± 2.95%, in group II - 15.2 ± 2.99%, and in group III - 13.5 ± 1.87%. Inter-group analysis revealed that in the group with normal geometry, myocardial deformation properties of the LV were not impaired compared to II and III groups, as indicated by the GLS value within the normal range in group I patients (p < 0.001). The lowest values of LV deformation were found in the group with concentric geometry, possibly influenced by factors such as the degree of hypertrophy, the presence of fibrosis in the myocardium, and diastolic dysfunction of the LV.

Conclusions:
Thus, in patients with AH and the presence of concentric hypertrophy, significant impairments in myocardial deformation properties of the LV are formed.
ENGAGEMENT AND ATTRITION IN A TELEHEALTH SERVICE FOR HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS. A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE
Authors: Ionov Mikhail , Yudina Yulia , Sagynbaeva Ay -Churek , Konradi Alexandra 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
To investigate engagement with blood pressure telemonitoring and counselling (BPTM) in patients with hypertension (HTN) and its predictors.

Design and method:
Patients with uncontrolled HTN (office systolic (S) BP >140 mm Hg) were recruited consecutively in a large reference center. Only patients who were motivated and willing to participate were included. The telehealth system consisted of a home BP telemonitoring service and an on-demand text chat with the patient's attending physician. The BPTM continued for 3 months with mandatory baseline and follow-up visits, as well as completion of the HYPE (HYpertension imPact quEstionnaire) to assess quality of life. Patients who did not report BP readings for 2 weeks + after 2 alerts were termed ’quit’. Others comprised the ’continued’ group.

Results:
A total of 92 patients were included in the final analysis (median age 43 years, 69 men, 49 at low-intermediate CVD risk). At baseline, median office SBP was 155 mm Hg (150;162) and office diastolic (DBP) was 95 mm Hg (90;102). Over the 3 months, SBP and DBP decreased significantly (-16 and -11 mm Hg, respectively; p <0.001 for both). There was a greater reduction in SBP at home (-8 mm Hg from 1 week to 3 months, p <0.001). A total of 43 patients continued BPTM and 48 patients discontinued BP telemonitoring (85% of them after 1 month). The groups were well matched for age, sex, and baseline BP. The δSBP did not differ between the two groups, nor did the median number of questions (3 consultations/patient). Higher baseline office SBP (β = 0.03, p = 0.043) and male sex (β = 1.15, p = 0.041) were predictors of high engagement with the telehealth service after adjustment for other covariates. Quality of life at 3 months was higher in the ’continuing’ patients. (δ+8 points HYPE).

Conclusions:
Telemonitoring and remote counseling are effective in patients with HTN. Even when patients are motivated to use telehealth, more than half of them discontinue during the first months, predominantly female patients with mild uncontrolled HTN. Patients who continue BPTM experience a higher quality of life.
INTEREST FOR HEALTH APPLICATIONS FOR SMARTPHONES IS DETERMINED WITH SOCIOECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL STATUS
Authors: Alagic Marieta , Abramovic Inga , Andelic Ana Marija , Horvat Petra , Ivankovic Iva , Zdilar Ana Marija , Domislovic Marija , Glavic Mihaela Marinovic , Jelakovic Bojan 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate viewpoints on the usage of health applications for smartphones and to determine which application patients would consider most useful.

Design and method:
This study included 1780 participants (random sample of general adult population in Croatia included in the ’Epidemiology of Hypertension in Croatia -2’ project). They completed a questionnaire which included questions about smartphone possession, opinion on health applications, monthly income and duration of education. Participants were then divided into two groups based on whether they considered usage of the health applications useful. Those who deemed them useful were further questioned about their opinion on three types of applications: reminder, keeping a blood pressure log, daily and weekly advice.

Results:
Out of 1780 participants, 1101 (61.9%) own a smartphone; 437 (24.6%) consider smartphone health applications not useful; 668 (37.5%) consider smartphone health applications useful. The prevalence of finding health applications useful varies by average monthly income: 24.8%, 41.9%, and 57.3% for the group with income < €467, with income €467–€667, and with income > €667, respectively. The prevalence of finding health applications useful varies by education duration: 15.7%, 38.4% and 53.3% in the group with < 8 years of education, in the group with 8–12 years, and in the group with > 12 years of education, respectively. Out of 668 participants who consider health applications useful, 215 (32.2%) would use an application for keeping blood pressure log; 295 (44.2%) would use a reminder application; 355 (53.1%) would use an application which offers daily and weekly advice.

Conclusions:
Our results show that interest in health applications is higher among those with higher monthly income and longer education. The biggest interest is shown for the application which would offer advice. However, the prevalence of smartphone possession may limit the utilization of health applications as part of the new healthcare approach.