bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PROGRESSION OF HYPERTENSION-MEDIATED ORGAN DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
Authors: Siafi Eirini , Andrikou Ioannis , Konstantinidis Dimitrios , Kakouri Niki , Tatakis Fotis , Fragoulis Christos , Iliakis Panagiotis , Manta Eleni , Drogkaris Sotirios , Liatakis Ioannis , Sakalidis Athanasios , Filippou Christina , Kouremeti Maria , Zammanis Ioannis , Grigoriou Kalliopi , Tsoumpou Ioanna , Charalampous Georgios , Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Thomopoulos Costas , Tsioufis Konstantinos 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main cause of chronic liver disease and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death. Fatty liver index (FLI) is a validated marker of NAFLD and can be used as a screening measure of hepatic steatosis. The purpose of the study was to compare the progression of hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) in hypertensive patients with and without NAFLD.

Design and method:
Hypertensive patients (n = 60) without a history of cardiovascular disease participated in the study (mean age, 52 years; males, 55%; baseline clinic BP, 145/92 mmHg) and were followed for one year. In the baseline visit, FLI was calculated, and patients were divided into two groups by FLI below 60 or 60 or above (i.e., high-risk of NAFLD). All patients underwent clinic and 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements, echocardiographic examination, nailfold capillaroscopy, pulse wave velocity, and urinary albumin excretion assessment (albumin to creatinine ratio, [ACR]). Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was also calculated using the Devereux formula.

Results:
In baseline visit, patients with FLI > or = 60 (n = 32) compared to the control group had higher values of ACR (26.5±57mg/g vs. 9.6±6.3 mg/g, p = 0.02) and lower values of capillary densities (75±18cap/mm2 vs. 86±12cap/mm2, p = 0.002), whereas there was no relative difference in PWV and LVMI. At the end of follow-up, patients with FLI > or = 60 had higher values of ACR (12.6±11.9 mg/g vs. 6.8±5.3 mg/g p = 0.025), PWV (9.9±2m/sec vs. 8.8±1.3 m/sec, p = 0.02), LVMI (81.4±13.2 g/m2 vs. 72.5±13.2 g/m2, p = 0.02) but lower number of capillaries (65.1±8.8 cap/mm2 vs. 79.6±7.5 cap/mm2, p<0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that FLI > or = 60 was an independent determinant of follow-up ACR, PWV, LVMI, and the number of capillaries.

Conclusions:
Increased FLI may adversely modify the progression of HMOD in hypertension.
PREVALENCE, COMORBIDITIES AND CONTROL OF HYPERTENSION IN A WEST AFRICAN PERI-URBAN POPULATION
Authors: Malik Koussoh Simone , Amangoua Annita , Meless David , Ake Michèle , Guinan Jean - Claude , Oga Serges , Adoubi Anicet , Ndindin Claude 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
In sub-Saharan Africa, hypertension has become a major public health problem that contributes to the increase in premature deaths in this region. The objective of this survey was to investigate comorbidities and determine the level of hypertension control in hypertensive patients in a West African population

Design and method:
This cross-sectional survey concerned adults aged 18 and over and was conducted in a peri-urban population in West Africa (Côte d’Ivoire). Sociodemographic data (age, sex, marital status, education level, occupation) were collected. A history of diabetes and hypertension was sought. Lifestyle data (tobacco and alcohol consumption) and some cardiovascular risk factors were collected. Blood pressure was measured with an OMRON M6 electronic blood pressure monitor in the sitting position after 5 minutes of rest. Capillary blood glucose was measured with a glucometer in fasting participants. Weight was measured by a scale and catch on the identity document. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg and/or antihypertensive treatment during

Results:
Three hundred and eighty (380) people were surveyed, 39.8% were men and 60.2% women. The average age was 40.4 ± 13.8 years. The 35-44 age group represented more than a quarter of the population. The mean systolic blood pressure was 128.6 ± 25.3 mmHg. The mean diastolic blood pressure was 80.6 ± 13.7 mmHg. The prevalence of hypertension was 39.2%, more than half of the population were women. Hypertension affected 41.6% of men and 58.4% of women; women were more hypertensive than men (p = 0.03). Among those with known hypertension, 31.6% had controlled blood pressure. The prevalence of diabetes was approximately 10%. Nine percent (9%) of individuals had both hypertension and obesity and less than two percent had the comorbidity hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

Conclusions:
In this African population, less than half of the hypertensive individuals had their blood pressure controlled. The focus should be on awareness to avoid complications
SERUM N-TERMINAL PRO-B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE LEVEL IS NEGATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH VASCULAR REACTIVITY INDEX BY DIGITAL THERMAL MONITORING IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION
Authors: Yang Chiu-Fen , Wang Hui-Sheng , Wang Ji-Hung , Hsu Bang-Gee 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) participates in the coordination of endothelial regeneration/hypertrophy and the accompanying angiogenesis. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with increased mortality in patients on hypertension. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) level and endothelial dysfunction in patients with hypertension

Design and method:
The present cross-sectional, single-center study included 90 hypertension patients. An electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used to measure NT-pro-BNP levels. The endothelial function and vascular reactivity index (VRI) were measured using digital thermal monitoring (DTM) test (VENDYS). In this study, VRI < 1.0 was used as the poor vascular reactivity, 1.0 < VRI < 2.0 was used as the intermediate vascular reactivity, and VRI > 2.0 was used as the good vascular reactivity.

Results:
Eight hypertensive patients (8.9%) were categorized as poor vascular reactivity (VRI < 1.0), 39 hypertensive patients (43.3%) were categorized as intermediate vascular reactivity (1.0 < VRI < 2.0), and 43 hypertensive patients had good vascular reactivity. Older age (p = 0.012) and higher serum NT-pro-BNP level (p < 0.001) was associated with poor vascular reactivity. Advanced age (r = -0.221, p = 0.036) and logarithmically transformed serum level of NT-pro-BNP (log-NT-pro-BNP, r = -0.505, p < 0.001) was negatively associated with VRI values in hypertensive patients. After multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis noted that serum log-NT-pro-BNP level (adjusted R2 change = 0.246, p < 0.001) was significantly and independently associated with VRI values in hypertensive patients.

Conclusions:
Serum log-NT-pro-BNP levels were negative associated with VRI and associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with hypertension.
CARDIOPULMONARY STATUS AND RIGHT VENTRICLE FUNCTIONALITY IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED OR NOT FOR SARS-COV-2 INFECTION
Authors: Kariori Maria , Fragoulis Christos , Chrysochoou Christina , Tsioufis Panagiotis , Grigoriou Kalliopi , Papakonstantinou Panteleimon , Mageiras Nikolaos , Manta Eleni , Nikolopoulou Lefki , Siafi Eirini , Mantzouranis Emmanouil , Tatakis Fotios , Konstantinidis Dimitrios , Thomopoulos Costas , Tsioufis Konstantinos 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
There is little data concerning the impact of SARS-Cov-2 infection on the cardiopulmonary status and right ventricle (RV) function of patients with arterial hypertension (HTN). The purpose of our study was to investigate whether hospitalization for COVID19 affects the functional status of hypertensive patients, using cardiopulmonary test and echocardiographic parameters, 3 months after the infection onset.

Design and method:
All subjects underwent cardiorespiratory exercise using Bruce or modified Bruce protocol where all cardiorespiratory parameters were evaluated. Echocardiographic parameters including right ventricle longitudinal strain were analyzed using an offline program. Subjects with history of HTN were divided into two groups according to hospitalization for Covid-19 infection. Group I included 34 subjects who were hospitalized for Sars-Cov-2 infection and Group II included 28 subjects without need for hospitalization.

Results:
Out of total population of 198 patients with COVID19 infection, 62 subjects had a hypertension history (mean age: 61±10 years, 58.1 % males, history of coronary artery disease: 16.1%) and they were evaluated 3 months after the symptoms’ onset. Hospitalized patients were older (63±8 vs. 52±11 years, p<0.001). Analysis of cardiopulmonary test parameters, oxygen consumption (ml/kg/min) both maximum (21±4 vs. 23.5±4, p: 0.01) and during the 1st minute of recovery (15.5±2 vs. 21±25, p: 0.02), VO2_AT (17±4 vs. 27.5±32) and PETCO2 (39±4 vs. 38±19 mmHg, p: 0.03) were impaired comparing to non-hospitalized subjects. Out of echocardiographic parameters, diameter of left atrium (mm), differed significantly between two groups (41±6 vs.38±5 p: 0.02). The absolute mean value of right ventricle strain (RVLS, (%): 13±8 vs. 23±3, p:0.04) was impaired to hospitalized despite a similar left ventricle ejection fraction between two groups. Using linear regression analysis adjusted for age, gender and hospitalization, hospitalization (p: 0.001) proved to be independent predictive factor for RVLS in hypertensive patients.

Conclusions:
To conclude our study highlighted negative impact of hospitalization for Sars-Cov-2 infection in the capacity for exercise and in right ventricle functionality, implying the severity of disease as a negative independent predictive factor in hypertensive patients.
DO RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM INHIBITORS HAVE ANY EFFECT ON THE SEVERITY OF COVID-19 IN HYPERTENSIVE SUBJECTS?
Authors: Nieto Javier , Abellán-Alemán José , Sánchez-Macarro Maravillas , Velasco-Soria Ángeles , Crespo-Sabaris Rafael , García-Romanos Fernando , Fuentes-Jiménez Francisco J. , Iturralde-Iriso Jesús , Valls-Roca Francisco , Díaz-Vera Alcibiades S. , Sobrino-Martínez Javier , Gómez-Marcos Manuel A. 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
An increase in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) type 2 levels would stimulate the infection by SARS-Cov-2. On the other hand, the inhibition of the effect of angiotensin II could decrease the inflammatory and oxidative response related to the severity of the disease. Our purpose is to assess the effect of renin-angiotensin inhibitors (RASi) on the severity of COVID-19 in a primary care population of hypertensives.

Design and method:
Multicenter, observational, cross-sectional, retrospective and analytical study. The subjects were enrolled by a random sampling from 10 autonomous regions in Spain, among patients over 18 years-old with treated hypertension and COVID-19 (PCR positive), within the framework of primary health care (119 physicians). Patients were treated 6 months prior data collection (May 2021–February 2022) in the third wave. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted by age, sex, smoking, and obesity was performed to assess the relationship of COVID-19 severity with anti-hypertensive therapy.

Results:
1372 patients were enrolled, mean age 67.1±13.6 years, women 50.8%, smoking 12.5%, obesity 43.9%, diabetes 27.5%, controlled arterial hypertension 55.9% (office BP <140 /90). The severity of COVID-19 was: mild-asymptomatic 971 (70.8%), hospital admission 401 (29.2%), ICU admission 74 (5.4%) and death 48 (Fatality rate, 4%). 64.3% of patients were treated with RASi alone or as add-on therapy during COVID-19. Comparing the progression of COVID-19 between those patients who required hospitalisation versus mild-asymptomatic, we found statistically significant differences (Figure 1): RASi vs Diuretics(D)+Calcium channel blockers(CCB)+RASi (OR = 0.36; 95%CI: 0.22-0.57; p<0.001) and D+RASi vs D (OR = 0.49; 95%CI: 0.28-0.93; p<0.05). RASi alone or in combination vs other anti-hypertensives only showed a non-significant trend for fewer hospitalizations (OR = 0.87; 95%CI: 0.68-1.12; p = 0.274). There were no differences between survivors vs non-survivors treated with RASi: 63.2% vs 58.3% (p = 0.496).

Conclusions:
RASi do not worsen the severity of COVID-19 among hypertensive patients. Regarding its possible protective effect on the progression of the disease, the results are not conclusive, although there could be a trend in this sense, especially when RASi are compared with some antihypertensive combinations.
ROLE OF THE T (-344) C POLYMORPHISM OF ALDOSTERONE SYNTHASE GENE CYP11B2 IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIORENAL SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Vasilkova Volha , Savasteeva Irina , Borovets Yana , Mokhort Tatsiana 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
To evaluate the role of the T (-344)C polymorphism of CYP11B2 gene in the development of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) in diabetes mellitus (DM).

Design and method:
We examined 270 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes aged over 25 years. Control group included 60 healthy patients the same age. Renal function was assessed based on the levels of serum creatinine, cystatin C, eGFR, which was calculated according to the CKD-EPI formula, and albuminuria, which was assessed as albumin/creatinine ratio. All patients underwent molecular genetic analysis using deoxyribonucleic acid isolated from whole venous blood.

Results:
The frequency of carriage of the TT polymorphism of the CYP11B2 gene was significantly higher (47%) in the group of patients with DM than in the control group (26%). Carriers of the TT genotype had significantly high levels of homocysteine (10.5 [8.3;15.1] μmol/L) and FGF-23 (3.22 [0.77;7.60] pmol/L) as in DM group and in the control group (8.3 [7.54;10.9] μmol/l and 2.4 [2.19;2.6] pmol/l, respectively) than carriers of the CC genotype. The TT genotype was associated with the risk of developing CRS manifestations such as left ventricular hypertrophy (odds ratio (OR) 2.64; 95% CI (0.93–4.19), chronic heart failure (OR 4.26; 95% CI (2.26 - 8.06), subclinical atherosclerosis (OR 4.04; 95% CI (1.89 - 8.58), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR 10.77; 95% CI (3.56 - 32.61), and the CT genotype (OR 3.28; 95% CI (1.02 – 10.59) with CKD risk.

Conclusions:
There are pathogenetic association between the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, cardiovascular complications and a decrease renal function. Further research is needed for a deep understanding of the complex pathogenetic mechanisms of the development and progression of cardiovascular and renal pathology.
THE PREVALENCE AND INFLUENCE OF DIABETES ON THE COURSE OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Semianiv Ihor , Todoriko Liliia , Semianiv Marianna , Suholitky Yuriy 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
Objective of the study is establish prevalence and influence of diabetes on the course of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Design and method:
Our study is based on an analysis of statistical data obtained from a retrospective study of 762 case histories and cases of MDR-TB in the register of tuberculosis patients in different regions of Ukraine and Grodno region of the Republic of Belarus for 2016-2020.

Results:
The retrospective analysis showed that in the patients included in the study, diabetes mellitus was detected in 28 cases (31.2%) simultaneously with the pulmonary tuberculosis; in 60 cases (68.8%) diabetes mellitus developed before tuberculosis and was the background for the manifestation of tuberculosis infection, with the average duration of the disease was 6.4 ± 1.2 years. Most patients had type 2 – 64 diabetes mellitus (72.7%). According to the severity of diabetes, patients were distributed as follows: moderate severity – 48 patients (54.5%), severe – 8 patients (9.1%) mild – 30 (36.4%).
Depending on the form of diabetes compensation, the distribution was the following: compensated – 27 patients (30.7%), subcompensated – 49 patients (55.7%) and decompensated diabetes – 12 patients (13.6%). Most patients had type 2 – 64 diabetes mellitus (72.7%). According to the severity of diabetes, patients were distributed as follows: moderate severity – 48 patients (54.5%), severe – 8 patients (9.1%) mild – 30 (36.4%).
According to the results of a clinical study of blood in both groups to the same extent recorded acceleration of ESR, anemia, leukocytosis, lymphopenia. On admission to the hospital, blood sugar averaged 10.6 ± 1.1 mmol / l in group 1 versus 3.7 ± 0.8 mmol / l. control groups.

Conclusions:
There is a clear tendency to increase the combined pathology and chemoresistance in the structure of the incidence of tuberculosis, the proportion of recurrences of tuberculosis in the presence of diabetes mellitus.
TYPE 2 DIABETES IN YOUNG ADULTS: PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTOR CONTROL IN A TERTIARY DIABETES CENTRE
Authors: Currie Gemma , Saeed Fatima 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is increasing in younger adults. Diagnosis at young age translates into increased lifetime complications risk and number of years of life lost. Despite this, clinical guidelines advocate risk-factor management based on 10-year rather than lifetime risk, and there are no specific treatment targets for young adults as this group is under-represented in outcome studies. We reviewed prescribing; risk-factor management; glycaemic control; and follow-up arrangements in people with T2DM aged 18-30 living in North-East Glasgow.

Design and method:
We used the Scottish Care Information – Diabetes Collaboration (Sci-Diabetes) registry to identify all individuals with T2DM aged 18-30 years and collected data from online medical records.

Results:
We identified a cohort of 74 (70% female) individuals. Mean age at diagnosis was 23 years. Social deprivation was high (mean SIMD 1.7). Mean HbA1c was 60.4 (range 32 – 119) mmol/mol with 35 (47%) requiring more than 1 glucose-lowering medication and 7 were (9%) insulin-treated. Mean BMI was 35kg/m2 and 55 (74%) individuals were clinically obese. Dietetic review was documented in 30 (45%), GLP-1 analogues were prescribed to 18 (24%). Blood pressure (mean 125/82; range 100-168/60-101) mmHg was above target in 16 (22%) individuals. Only 8 (10%) and 4 (5%) people were on anti-hypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs respectively. Pregnancy advice had been given in 39 (75%) of female patients. Seventeen (22%) individuals were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions:
Follow-up and risk-factor control are inconsistent in this high-risk group. Service innovation is urgently required to ensure young adults with T2DM are offered appropriate and accessible follow-up in order to minimise cardiovascular risk in later life.
DIABETES IMPAIRS PERIVASCULAR ADIPOSE TISSUE (PVAT)-MEDIATED VASCULAR RESPONSES IN RAT MESENTERIC AND ILIAC ARTERIES
Authors: López Edwyn Omar Cruz , Stolk Daniël G. , Danser A.H. Jan 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
To study the role of PVAT in vascular function of blood vessels from hypertensive and diabetic rats.

Design and method:
Mesenteric and iliac artery rings were isolated ± PVAT from Sprague Dawley (SD), and diabetic and non-diabetic TGR (mREN2)27 (REN2) rats. Vascular activity was measured in organ baths by constructing concentration-response curves to endothelin (ET-1) or acetylcholine (ACh). To assess the involvement of NO and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) pathways, ACh effects were studied with the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME and/or the EDH inhibitors apamine+TRAM-34. ET-1 effects were additionally studied in the presence of the endothelin type A and type B receptor (ETAR, ETBR) blockers BQ123 and BQ788. Constrictor data are expressed as a % of the response to 100 mmol/L K+, and dilator effects as a % of the preconstriction to the thromboxane A2 agonist U46619.

Results:
With PVAT, ET-1 constricted SD and REN2 iliac arteries identically (Emax 126±28 and 119±48, pEC50 7.68±0.29 and 7.59±0.35). BQ788 potentiated constriction, while BQ123 prevented it. Without PVAT, BQ788 had potentiating effect, while BQ123 exerted blockade. Indicating that acute ETBR stimulation results in PVAT-dependent vasodilation. DM reduced the effect of ET-1 in PVAT+ vessels (Emax 78±56, pEC50 6.36±2.59). Yet, PVAT removal restored the ET-1 effect to normal, while BQ788 was still without effect, and BQ123 exerted its usual blockade. This indicates that in DM, PVAT continuously releases relaxant factors that counteract ET-1-mediated effects, even without ETBR stimulation. ACh relaxed PVAT+ SD and REN2 mesenteric arteries identically (Emax 85±15 and 81±16, pEC50 5.70±0.79 and 6.43±0.61), additionally L-NAME blocked was comparable, while EDH blockade had no effect. PVAT removal did not alter ACh responses, and L-NAME and EDH inhibition yielded an identical degree of blockade, with additive effects. This indicates that PVAT counteracts EDH-mediated responses. DM did not alter the response to ACh, but under DM conditions, EDH inhibition yielded blockade in the presence of PVAT, this effect was additive to that of L-NAME. Thus, DM diminishes the anti-EDH effects of PVAT.

Conclusions:
PVAT releases both relaxant and contractile factors that affect vascular reactivity, and DM impairs PVAT function.
THE CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH NORMOTENSION IN PHEOCHROMOCYTOMAS AND PARAGANGLIOMAS
Authors: Zhao Lin , Zhang Ting , Fan Hua , Liu Yecheng , Zhou Xianliang , Zhu Huadong 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
The predominant symptom of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) is variable hypertension (HTN); however, not all patients with PPGLs develop HTN. Studies of the clinical characteristics of normotensive patients and which patients are more likely to develop HTN in PPGLs are rare. This study was performed to identify the clinical features to better understand this clinical entity.

Design and method:
All consecutive adult patients with PPGLs were retrospectively enrolled from January 2018 to June 2020. The clinical characteristics of the patients were investigated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the variables.

Results:
There were 203 patients in the analysis, including 115 patients with normotension. Fewer patients with normotensive PPGLs had diabetes (p<0.001) and clinical symptoms (p<0.001). The 24-h urinary epinephrine (p = 0.002) and 24-h urinary norepinephrine (24hU-NE) concentrations (p<0.001) were lower, and tumor diameter (p<0.001) was smaller in patients with normotensive PPGLs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes and 24hU-NE concentration were independent and negative risk factors for normotensive PPGLs. The area under the curve of 24hU-NE concentration and diabetes for predicting normotensive PPGLs was 0.788 and 0.634, respectively. Combining diabetes and 24hU-NE concentration into one model, the area under the curve of the model for predicting normotensive PPGLs was 0.817.

Conclusions:
Normal blood pressure couldn’t exclude PPGLs. Identifying the clinical characteristics of normotensive and hypertensive patients in PPGLs is helpful for risk stratification and individualized assessment and treatment.