bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL COURSE OF COVID-19 DEPENDING ON PRESENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL
Authors: Kuryata Olexandr , Frolova Yevheniia , Stadnyk Olexandr , Semenov Viktor 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
Hypertension (HTN) is suggested to be associated with higher susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as with the worse prognosis of COVID-19. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the presence of HTN and blood pressure (BP) control are associated with the severity of COVID-19.

Design and method:
To the study were included 260 patients with confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 was confirmed using nasopharyngeal PCR swab. The diagnosis of HTN was confirmed from the medical records of the patient or if the patient had a history of treatment with antihypertensive drugs. The patients were divided into two groups: no HTN (n = 97) and HTN (n = 163).

Results:
The median age of patients with HTN was significantly higher than of patients without HTN (65.0 [57.5;73.0] vs 52.0 [43.0;66.0], p<0.01). The percentage of lung injury was higher in patients without hypertension, as well as the percentage of patients with lung injury above 50% (p = 0.01 and p<0.01). Medians of hemoglobin did not differ significantly between groups, but the percentage of patients with anemia was significantly higher among patients with HTN (p<0.01). Medians of chloride and sodium levels were significantly higher in the patients without HTN (p<0.01). Total cholesterol level was significantly higher in the patients without HTN (p = 0.01).

Conclusions:
In the presented study presence of hypertension was not associated with a more severe course of COVID-19.
ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND COVID-19: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Latsabidze Nino 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
The aim of this study was in patients who had COVID-19 to rate the frequency of newly verified or worsened existing hypertension

Design and method:
The retrospective study was done, which lasted from April 2021 to May 2022, 78 patients (29 males, 49 females) who have had COVID-19 were analyzed at the Emergency department in our clinic. In order to be categorized as a COVID patient, a positive PCR test at a single point in time was required. According to the accepted definitions of COVID-19 and its manifestations in respect to time from a positive PCR test, the patients were divided into two groups: acute COVID patients (PCR test positive < 30 days ago) and post-acute COVID patients (PCR test positive > 30 days ago). Patients’ age, history, BMI, laboratory values, and antihypertensive therapy were recorded

Results:
Out of 78 patients studied, 16(12.48 %) had either newly verified (9) or worsened existing (7) arterial hypertension. Among those, the median time from a verified SARS-CoV-2 infection to onset of symptoms was 90 days. Compared to the rest of the study population, patients presenting with arterial hypertension had significantly higher systolic (median 160 vs. 128 mmHg, p = 0.004) and diastolic (median 97 vs 80 mmHg, p = 0.02) blood pressure and were non-significantly younger (median 49 vs 57 years, p = 0.067).

Conclusions:
Arterial hypertension following COVID-19, either newly verified or worsened existing, is a relatively common (12.04% of our patient pool) occurrence and more effort should be directed into evaluating patients’ blood pressure values following COVID-19 in order to make a timely diagnosis and start proper treatment early.
THE IMPACT OF ON-ADMISSION SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE READING ON THE SEVERITY AND CLINICAL OUTCOME OF HYPERTENSIVE COVID-19 HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS AT JABRA ISOLATION CENTRE/SUDAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY (2021)
Authors: Beheiry Hind M. , Alhaj Waleed M. , Jaber Mohammed H. , Mohamed Hazim H. , Almahie Mohannad A. , Ahmed Amjad M. , Almadhoun Wadi , Hilali Mahmoud 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
Covid-19 is characterized by higher rates of morbidity and mortality; when accompanied with hypertension and diabetes mellitus comorbidities. The incidence of hypertension among patients with Covid-19 ranged from 15%-20% to 30%-35%.
To investigate the effect of on-admission SBP reading on the severity and the clinical outcome of hypertensive hospitalized patients with COVI-19.

Design and method:
A retrospective hospital-based study conducted in 2022 based on 2021 records at Jabra Isolation Centre/Sudan. Using the FMOH triage Protocol Checklist for Acute Respiratory Sickness at health institutions designed on 2020, onset of COVID-19; the severity was measured. The clinical outcome, record-based, was either death, discharged with residual complications or fully recovered.

Results:
317 patients were enrolled; 205 (65%) were males, 135 (42.6%) were hypertensive of which 67 (49.7%) were hypertensive diabetic. The deaths were 183 (57.7%); of which 76 (41.5%) were hypertensive. The mean on-admission SBP of hypertensive was 139 ± 24.4 mmHg; of hypertensive non-diabetic was 91± 8.8mmHg; and of hypertensive diabetic was 139±27 mmHg. Using on-admission SBP: 72 (53.3%) of hypertensive (135) were critical, 47 (34.8%) were severe and 16 (11.9%) were moderate/mild. There was no significant association between age of hypertensive and severity. There was significant association between severity and outcome P (0.047). There was no significant difference between SBP on-admission and categories of severity nor outcome. There was significant difference in death between the age groups of hypertensive Chiq square 0.86; highest with age >60 years.

Conclusions:
The mean on-admission SBP of the hypertensive diabetic was higher than of the hypertensive non-diabetic. There was significant association between the severity and outcome; but no significant difference between SBP on-admission and categories of severity nor outcome. The total deaths were 57.7% of which 41.5% were hypertensive and highest with age >60 years. The on-admission SBP did not have significant difference with the categories of severity nor the clinical outcome.
HYPERTENSION AND RISK FACTOR TO MORTALITY IN CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)
Authors: Oliveira Monica Amorim de , Haddad Andréa , Godomiczer Alessandra , Garcia Thaisa Rodrigues , Sten Camila , Moisés Flavia Pedro , Ferraz Cristiane Comarck , Costa Eduardo 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
the aim of this study is to assess whether hypertension was considered a risk factor for mortality in in adult patients with COVID-19 hospitalized for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Design and method:
Retrospective study with analysis of electronic medical records of adult patients admitted for mild and moderate COVID-19 and related acute respiratory distress syndrome in a single quaternary private hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Consecutive patients aged 18 years and older with COVID-19 confirmed by a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing.
ll data were collected in spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel version 365 (Microsoft Corp., Redmon – WA – USA) and the statistical analysis was performed using SAS Guide 4.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary – NV – USA).

Results:
Two hundred and two patients were were consecutively admitted for mild or moderate COVID-19 related ARDS and were included in this study. The mean age of the studied population was 69.1 ± 14.8 years. Of these, 130 patients (64.4%) were male. The mean BMI was 29.9 ± 6 kg/m2.
Hypertension was present in 134 patients, corresponding to 67% of the studied population. 35.8% of patients had diabetes and 10.45% dyslipidemia.
Among hypertensive patients, 58 (74%) died, with a relative risk of 1.45 (CI 0.96-2.2)

Conclusions:
The studies presented systemic arterial hypertension as the most common chronic disease in subjects diagnosed with covid-19. Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for adverse outcomes in subjects with covid-19. The results found in this study suggest that hypertension is associated with an increased risk of developing the severe form of covid-19, and increased mortality. Future studies should include the analysis of individual variables that may influence the outcome of systemic arterial hypertension subjects infected by SARS-CoV-2, such as genetic factors, race/ethnicity, occupation, lifestyle habits, in addition to the evaluation of educational level and diagnosis of the socioeconomic and environmental situation.
SYSTEMATIC LONG COVID SYMPTOMS ASSESSMENT IN HYPERTENSIVE AND NON-HYPERTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS DURING THE 12-MONTHS FOLLOW-UP AFTER HOSPITAL DISCHARGE
Authors: Honchar Oleksii 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
To study the impact of hypertension on the dynamics of physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms during the 12-months follow-up after hospitalization for COVID-19.

Design and method:
212 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 (50% hypertensive, 53% female, mean age 53,4±13,6 years) underwent comprehensive questionnaire survey evaluating physical (CAT, CCQ and mMRC dyspnea scales for respiratory and EFTER-COVID for other related symptoms), emotional (HADS) and cognitive well-being (Memory, Thinking and Communication subscale of SBQ-LC questionnaire, MTC-SBQ-LC) that was performed pre-discharge and repeated after 1, 3, and 12 months.

Results:
Despite being older (57,8±11,8 vs 50,7±13,9, p<0,001) and having higher BMI (31,7±5,3 vs 27,4±4,4 kg/m2, p<0,001), hypertensive patrticipants had similar baseline summary scores of symptoms severity but slightly higher mMRC dyspnea score (2,7±1,1 vs 2,3±1,1, p = 0,023), and no significant difference in trends of summary scores have been detected by ANOVA (see graphic abstract). Non-hypertensive subjects had worse baseline limitation of everyday activity, cough and sputum production by respective CAT and CCQ sections that were characterized by better dynamics during follow-up. The residual level of respiratory-related symptoms at 12 months was higher in hypertensive cohort (CAT score 8,1±5,1 vs 5,8±5,0, p = 0,003, CCQ score 7,5±6,1 vs 4,5±5,1, p<0,001, mMRC dyspnea score 1,57±0,63 vs 1,27±0,54, p<0,001), most likely due to more frequent concomitant obesity and diastolic dysfunction.
The most striking data was obtained in the MTC-SBQ-LC: yonger and healthier non-hypertensive participants displayed similar trends of most cognitive symptoms to the hypertensive cohort, but had persistently worse brain fog, difficulties in understanding others’ speech, planning, concentrating, and word-finding, that resulted in significantly higher summary score at 12 months after discharge (1,71±2,36 vs 0,96±1,30, p = 0,010).
No differences were detected in anxiety and depression levels as assessed by HADS.

Conclusions:
Hypertensive patients that had been hospitalized for COVID-19 displayed similar trends of resolving physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms throughout the 12-month follow-up but had higher levels of residual respiratory-related symptoms and dyspnoea compared to the non-hypertensive participants, whereas the latter were characterized by significantly higher level of cognitive dysfunction as assessed by the dedicated SBQ-LC subscale.
SUBCLINICAL TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS. A PROSPECTIVE PRELIMINARY STUDY
Authors: Rosin Elena , Franzin Angelica , Burrei Giulia , Sabba’ Giulia Elena , Biasotto Andrea , Morellini Sarah , Giontella Alice , Tagetti Angela , Cattazzo Filippo , Marcon Denise , Piona Claudia , Maffeis Claudio , Bortolotti Stefano , Minuz Pietro , Fava Cristiano 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
Early atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular damage and death in patients with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Some vascular indexes can help to identify and stratify patients before clinical events. This study aims to evaluate the trend over time of some markers of subclinical vascular damage to identify possible associations with anthropometric parameters, blood pressure (BP) and metabolic variables.

Design and method:
Fifty-six patients with T1DM (mean age: 17.5±2.5 years; mean duration of diabetes: 8.9±4.0 years) were assessed in two occasions (mean follow-up time: 2.7±0.9 years). Peripheral systolic and diastolic BP (pSBP, pDBP), central systolic and diastolic BP (cSBP, cDBP) and Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) were measured by the SphygmoCorXCEL. Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT) and the carotid Distensibility Coefficient (cCD) were assessed by ultrasound connected with an image acquisition and analysis system (CardiovascularSuite). Biochemical and anthropometric data were also recorded.

Results:
At follow-up, PWV and BP values increased significantly while cDC further decreased with the 80.4% of patients that presented a pathological cDC (lower than 40x10 -3 KPa or the 5th percentile). BP values at baseline correlated with all vascular indexes at follow-up: in particular, cSBP was associated with cDC (r = -0.46, p< 0.001), cIMT (r = 0.39, p = 0.004) and PWV (r = 0.32, p = 0.01). These associations remained significant even after adjustment for metabolic (including glycated hemoglobin) and anthropometric parameters. Moreover, baseline arterial stiffness significantly correlated with BP values at follow-up: particularly cDC and PWV were associated with cDBP (r = -0.354, p = 0.009 and r = 0.40, p = 0.002; respectively) even after multiple adjustments. Regarding metabolic parameters, non-HDL-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio correlated with both cDC (r = -0.36, p = 0.007) and PWV (r = 0.30, p = 0.03).

Conclusions:
The most important finding of this study is the strict and independent association between BP parameters, especially cSBP at baseline, and indexes of vascular damage at follow-up, even after multiple adjustments. Indeed, cDC at baseline is also associated with increased cDBP at follow-up. Our data support the hypothesis of a vicious cycle between BP and arterial stiffness, which may worsen both parameters over time.
FAR-INFRARED IRRADIATION INHIBITS CELL PROLIFERATION IN BASAL AND PDGF-STIMULATED RAT VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS THROUGH REGULATION AMPK/MTOR/P70S6K SIGNALING AXIS
Authors: Hwang Yun-Jin , Cho Du-Hyong 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
Far-infrared (FIR) rays are invisible electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 3-1000 um, which elicits molecular vibrations in water and other organic molecules in cells and tissues, thereby FIR rays may have various biological effects. Aberrant proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is associated with the development of diverse vascular diseases including atherosclerosis. Although FIR irradiation is reported to inhibit cell proliferation in various types of cells, effect of FIR irradiation on VSMC proliferation and the underlying mechanism remain elusive. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which FIR irradiation inhibited VSMC proliferation.

Design and method:
We performed cell proliferation and viability assay, inhibitor studies, transfection of dominant negative (dn)-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) alpha 1 gene, and western blot analyses. We also conducted confocal microscopic image analyses and ex vivo studies using isolated rat aortas.

Results:
FIR irradiation for 30 min decreased VSMC proliferation with no alteration in cell viability, which was accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) at Ser2448 (p-mTOR-Ser2448) and p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) at Thr389 (p-p70S6K-Thr389). Furthermore, FIR irradiation increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) at Thr172 (p-AMPK-Thr172). Pre-treatment with compound C, a specific AMPK inhibitor, or ectopic expression of dn-AMPK alpha 1 gene, significantly reversed FIR irradiation-decreased VSMC proliferation, p-mTOR-Ser2448, and p-p70S6K-Thr389. However, hyperthermal stimulus (39 degrees) did not change VSMC proliferation and AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K phosphorylation. Similar to in vitro results, FIR irradiation increased p-AMPK-Thr172, and decreased p-mTOR-Ser2448 and p-p70S6K-Thr389 in isolated rat aortas. Finally, FIR irradiation attenuated platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated VSMC proliferation by increasing p-AMPK-Thr172, and decreasing p-mTOR-Ser2448 and p-p70S6K-Thr389 in PDGF-induced in vitro atherosclerosis model.

Conclusions:
We demonstrate that FIR irradiation decreases VSMC proliferation, at least in part, by regulating AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K signaling axis. These observations suggest that FIR ray therapy can be used to treat arterial narrowing diseases including atherosclerosis and in-stent restenosis.
HYPERTENSION AWARENESS, TREATMENT, AND CONTROL IN AUSTRALIA. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Wang Xia , Yu Jie , Schutte Alta 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
Research from the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration indicated that the hypertension control rates in Australia are lagging behind other high-income countries, and a call to action to improve blood pressure (BP) control has been published. To understand the size of the problem, we will systematically examine contemporary evidence of hypertension awareness, treatment and control rates in Australia.

Design and method:
We performed a systematic literature search of reports of hypertension awareness, treatment and control rates in Australia. We undertook an individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA) shared by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration. Where possible, data were pooled for meta-analysis by random effects meta-analysis.

Results:
In our meta-analysis based on aggregated data from 23 studies, the pooled proportion of hypertension awareness, treatment and control rates in Australia was 61% (95% confidence interval: 47%–74%), 58% (53%-63%), 40% (33%-47%), respectively. The National Health Survey data (n = 61799) shows a higher proportion of hypertension among males than females was observed until the 7th decade of life, and among those with lower socioeconomic status in Australia. The proportion of hypertensive subjects who were on 1, 2, and 3 or more types of antihypertensives was 44.4%(43.5%-45.2%), 18.4% (17.7%-19.0%), 7.7%(7.3%-8.2%), respectively. Our IPDMA was of 12598 (26.3%, n = 57104) hypertensive subjects, among whom 7227 (57.4%) were on antihypertensives and 58.6% had uncontrolled hypertension (SBP equal to or greater than 140 mmHg or DBP equal to or greater than 90 mmHg, n = 4238). The proportion of uncontrolled hypertension was higher among males (62.7%) than females (55.5%, p<0.0001).

Conclusions:
The hypertension burden in Australia is substantial, with a significant proportion of people with high BP who were unaware, untreated and uncontrolled. There is a lack of high-quality studies to identify barriers and enablers for hypertension treatment and control in Australia. These results will be key to informing the actions of the National Hypertension Taskforce that the Federal Minister of Health newly established.
HYPERTENSION SUSCEPTIBILITY IN AFRICAN MIGRANTS: SOLVING THE PUZZLE THROUGH TRANSCONTINENTAL PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY DESIGN. THE RODAM-PROS STUDY
Authors: Linden Eva L. van der , Beune Erik , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Henneman Peter , Born Bert-Jan van den , Agyemang Charles 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
Sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrants are disproportionately affected by hypertension, compared to the European-host population. Underlying reasons for the increased hypertension prevalence are still unclear, but suggest that rapid changes in lifestyle and environment after migration, in combination with genetic factors, might be responsible. The aim of the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrant prospective (RODAM-Pros) cohort study is to identify key changes in environmental exposures and epigenetic modifications driving the high prevalence of hypertension among African migrants.

Design and method:
The multicentre RODAM-Pros study included non-migrant Ghanaians residing in rural and urban Ghana, Ghanaians who migrated and are residing in Amsterdam (the Netherlands), and European-Dutch population who participated in baseline (2011-2015) and follow-up data collection (2019-2021). Data were collected on anthropometrics, blood pressure, biological samples, sociodemographic, health, lifestyle and environmental factors. Moreover, ∼1300 participants were included for DNA methylation analysis (Infinium® 850K DNA Methylation BeadChip) to assess methylation loci associated with incident hypertension in a nested case-control study.

Results:
In the follow-up data collection, 2165 Ghanaian participants (n = 638 from rural Ghana, n = 608 from urban Ghana, and n = 919 Ghanaian migrants in Amsterdam) and 2098 European-Dutch participants were included. The participation rates were 90.8 % in rural Ghana, 95.3% in urban Ghana, 52.7% among Amsterdam-Ghanaian and 67.2% among European-Dutch. Preliminary results show unstandardised prevalence rates of hypertension at follow-up of 43.3% in rural Ghana, 48.7% in urban Ghana, 60.1% in Amsterdam-Ghanaians, and 25.8% in European-Dutch. Unstandardised 5-year hypertension incidence rates were 18.5% in rural Ghana, 17.7% in urban Ghana, 14.1% in Amsterdam-Ghanaians, and 8.5% in European-Dutch.

Conclusions:
The preliminary findings show significant differences in hypertension prevalence and incidence rates among Ghanaians living in Ghana and in Europe. Future analysis are aimed to identify epigenetic and environmental determinants responsible for the increased prevalence of hypertension in SSA migrants. The findings from the RODAM-Pros study will be valuable for designing effective prevention and clinical management strategies to prevent the burden of hypertension and related complications, both in SSA and SSA migrants in Europe.
LINKAGE BETWEEN BLOOD PRESSURE, BODY MASS INDEX AND ANTHROPOMETRIC, METABOLIC, HORMONAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Semianiv Marianna , Sydorchuk Larysa , Biletsky Semen , Petrynych Oksana , Kazantseva Tatyana , Repchuk Yuliya , Semianiv Ihor , Sokolenko Alina , Yarynych Yuliya , Voroniuk Ksenia , Dzhuriak Valentina 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in clinical and laboratory parameters and to analyze the linkage between blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI) and anthropometric, metabolic, hormonal parameters in patients with essential arterial hypertension (EAH).

Design and method:
100 subjects with EAH and target-organ damaging (2nd stage), moderate, high, very high cardiovascular risk were involved in the case-control study. There were 70.84% females, 29.16% males, the mean age 57.86±7,81 yo. The control group consisted of 60 healthy individuals, that did not differ by sex and age (p>0.05). Pearson's ⇙2-test was used to establish the linkage between the parameters, in the case of categorical variables; ANOVA variance analysis, if one of the variables is categorical and the other is numerical (interval), in the case of abnormal array distribution – non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis's test.

Results:
The development and course of EAH is characterized by clinical, hemodynamic and metabolic disorders that are nonlinearly exacerbated with the severity of hypertension. ANOVA analysis showed that BP is directly related to age (F = 7.46; p<0.001), body weight (F = 4.32; p = 0.048), height (F = 5.60; p = 0.04), waist circumference (F = 7.61; p = 0.043), as well as Waist-Hip Ratio (⇙2 = 6.75; p = 0.004), glucose concentration (⇙2 = 9.41; p = 0.003), vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (⇙2 = 6.08; p = 0.043 and ⇙2 = 19.34; p = 0.013), respectively. Body mass index (BMI) is expected to be strongly associated with BP (⇙2 = 40.06; p<0.001), Waist-Hip Ratio (⇙2 = 12.13; p = 0.007), blood glucose and vitamin D (⇙2 = 19.11; p<0.001 and ⇙2 = 16.12; p = 0.001), bordering on heredity for cardiovascular diseases (⇙2 = 7.72; p = 0.052).

Conclusions:
Blood pressure is directly related to age, body weight, height, WC (F = 4.32-7.46; p<0.048-0.001), as well as Waist-Hip Ratio, glucose level, vitamin D and PTH (⇙2 = 6.08-19.34; p = 0.043-0.003). BMI is strongly associated with WC (⇙2 = 40.06; p<0.001), Waist-Hip Ratio (⇙2 = 12.13; p = 0.007), blood glucose and vitamin D concentration (⇙2 = 19.11; p<0.001; ⇙2 = 16.12; p = 0.001).