bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INCREASED PULSE WAVE VELOCITY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN BRAZILIAN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
Authors: Cruz Giannandréa D. , Oliveira Kallita Brito , Barroso Weimar K. Sebba , Batista Sandro Rodrigues , Vitorino Priscila V.O. 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
The increase in pulse wave velocity (PWV) reflects arterial stiffness and indicates an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several factors have been associated with increased PWV in different populations and some of them are poorly studied or have controversial results. The objective of this study was to identify the sociodemographic, laboratory and blood pressure factors associated with the increase in PWV in participants of the I Brazilian Registry of Hypertension (I RBH).

Design and method:
Cross-sectional, multicenter and national study with data taken from the baseline of the I RBH. Participants with central blood pressure measured were nalyses. A questionnaire was applied with demographic data, personal medical history, lifestyle and biochemical tests. The PWV value considered as changed was > or = 10 m/s. Statistical nalyses were performed using Stata 15, comparisons established with chi-square and correlations with Spearman or Pearson tests, p < 0.05 adopted.

Results:
44 participants were evaluated: 62.5% women, 63.8 ± 14.4 years, PWV 9.5 ± 2.2 m/s and 40.7% had PWV > or = 10 m/s. Higher frequency of altered PWV was presented in those aged > or = 60 years (62.8%) and with > or = three cardiovascular risk facts (p < 0.001). Age (r = 0.907), central systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.223), peripheral SBP (r = 0.237) and HDL (r = 0.240) were correlated with PWV.

Conclusions:
We identified a higher frequency of PWV > or = 10m/s in patients with 60 years or more, patients with three or more risk factors and a positive correlation of age, PASc, PASp and HDL with PWV in hypertensive patients of the I RBH.
DIABETIC STATUS AND NIGHT-TIME SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE PREDICT EARLY MYOCARDIAL DAMAGE IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2 PATIENTS AS THIS IS DEPICTED BY GALECTIN-3 LEVELS
Authors: Nikolaidou Barbara , Anyfanti Panagiota , Gavriilaki Eleni , Dolgyras Panagiotis , Koravou Evaggelia , Lazaridis Antonios , Vakalopoulos Nikolaos , Malliora Anastasia , Triantafyllou Areti , Douma Stella , Gkaliagkousi Eugenia 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Long standing Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) shows a high frequency of cardiovascular events. However, it is not known if newly diagnosed patients with T2DM present early signs of cardiovascular dysfunction. On the other hand, galectin has been introduced as a novel biomarker of myocardial fibrosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate levels of galectin-3 in patients with a very recent diagnosis of T2DM without established cardiovascular disease. In addition, hemodynamic parameters as well as their possible correlation with galactin-3 levels were studied.

Design and method:
Patients with a recent diagnosis of T2DM (<6 months) and non-T2DM volunteers were studied. A thorough medical history with emphasis on hypertension and relevant comorbidities, somatometric measurements and blood tests was obtained from all participants. Serum levels of galectin-3 were determined by ELISA. Myocardial function and hemodynamic profile were noninvasively assessed with impedance cardiography. Furthermore, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk (ASCVD) was calculated.

Results:
We studied 135 subjects, 79 T2DM patients with a median disease duration of 1 month (IR: 5) and 56 controls matched by age, sex and hypertension. T2DM patients had significantly higher values of galectin-3 (90 ± 88ng/dl vs 32.92 ± 6.32ng/dl, p < 0.001), Cardiac Output (CO), ASCVD Risk compared to controls. Galectin-3 was associated with T2DM (p < 0.001), fasting glucose (p < 0.001), glycosylated hemoglobin (p < 0.001). Furthermore, galectin-3 was associated with CO (p = 0.023), nighttime systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.03) and ASCVD Risk (p = 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, T2DM (Beta: 0.406, p < 0.001) and nighttime SBP (Beta: 0.196, p = 0.028), were identified as independent predictors of galectin-3, after adjustment for age, sex, Body Mass Index and CO.

Conclusions:
Galectin-3 is elevated in patients with early stage T2DM even in the absence of established cardiovascular disease, and is independently correlated with T2DM and nighttime SBP. In this group of patients galectin may be used as a biomarker of early myocardial damage. Nighttime SBP emerge as an important mediator in early target organ damage in cardiovascular diseases.
SERUM HEPATOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR CONCENTRATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH BLOOD PRESSURE IN SUBJECTS WITH PREHYPERTENSION
Authors: Prlic Margareta Fistrek , Kos Jelena , Fucek Mirjana , Knezevic Tamara , Ivkovic Vanja , Jelakovic Ana , Josipovic Josipa , Simicevic Livija , Jelakovic Bojan 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic factor that regulates cellular processes such as cell survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Serum HGF concentration is associated with systolic blood pressure (BP) and is higher in hypertensive than in normotensive individuals, especially if complications of arterial hypertension are developed. Our aim was to determine the association of serum HGF concentration in subjects with prehypertension.

Design and method:
Data from 612 subjects (57,8% women, average age 41 years) was nalysed. After clinical examination, fasting blood and urine samples were drawn. HGF was measured using a commercial test. BP was measured according to the ESC/ESH guidelines. Based on BP values, subjects were divided into two groups: OBP - subjects with optimal blood pressure (BP < 120/80 mmHg, N = 295), and PHT (subjects with BP 120/80–140/90 mmHg N = 317).

Results:
Subjects with PHT were significantly older and had higher values of body mass index, waist circumference, serum total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and fasting glucose levels (all p < 0.001). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in PHT group (4.3% vs. 30.4%, p < 0,001). Serum HGF concentrations were higher in PHT subjects, but the difference was not significant (270.8 vs. 277.9 pg/ml, p = 0.651). Serum HGF concentration showed a significant positive correlation to systolic and diastolic BP in PHT (r = 0,226, p < 0,05 and r = 0,232, p < 0,01, respectively), but not in OBP group (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:
Serum HGF is associated with BP in prehypertensive subjects, but not in subjects with optimal BP. In our cohort, the correlation is more pronounced for diastolic blood pressure.
UTILITY OF IRISIN AND APELIN IN PREDICTION OF HEART FAILURE PHENOTYPES IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS
Authors: Berezin Alexander , Fushtey Ivan , Berezin Alexander 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
The aim of the study was to investigate whether serum levels of both irisin and apelin predict HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design and method:
One hundred and eight HF patients with T2DM having HFpEF (n = 58), HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF, n = 22), HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, n = 28) aged from 41 to 62 years and 20 non-HF patients with T2DM. Healthy control group was consisted of 25 individuals matched with age and sex. All patients gave voluntary written informed consent to participate in the study. We polled at baseline demographic and anthropometric information, data for hemodynamic performances by B-mode echocardiography, Doppler and TDI, and the levels of biomarkers including irisin, apelin, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) by ELISA.

Results:
Using ROC curve we revealed that cut-off points for irisin and apelin that distinguished HFpEF from HFrEF/HFmrEF were (6.50 ng/mL; AUC = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.85 - 10.66 ng/mL and 4.12 ng/mL, AUC = 0.72; 95% CI = 3.90–5.75 ng/mL, respectively). Then we divided all patients with HF having elevation of NT-proBNP > 750 pmol/mL into three subgroups depending on the biomarkers’ levels. Patients from subgroup A had both irisin and apelin levels higher cut-off points, individuals from group B had higher concentration of one of two biomarkers, and patients from subgroup C demonstrated levels of both peptides lower cut-off points. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that discriminative value of irisin and apelin to predict HFpEF in subgroup B (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.26–3.14; P = 0.001) were substantially higher compared with subgroups A and C (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.00–1.05; P = 0.64 and OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.89–1.01; P = 0.62, respectively). Adding irisin and apelin to NT-proBNP as independent variables to the predictive model sufficiently improved discriminative ability of whole model for HFpEF.

Conclusions:
Multidirectional changes in the levels of irisin and apelin in T2DM patients had better predictive value for HFpEF that simultaneous increase and decrease in the circulating levels of these peptides.
BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT IN PUBLIC SPACES (KIOSK): SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF SOLUTIONS AND APPLICATION
Authors: Menti Ariadni , Kyriakoulis Konstantinos , Ntineri Angeliki , Kollias Anastasios , Stergiou George S. 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Kiosk-type blood pressure (BP) measuring devices developed for public spaces are available in several countries and might be useful in improving hypertension awareness and management. A systematic review of the evidence on their implementation, accuracy, and usefulness was performed.

Design and method:
A systematic search of PubMed studies involving kiosk BP measurements until Sep. 2021 was performed.

Results:
Of 271 articles initially identified, 42 were selected and analysed. Kiosks are automated BP devices equipped with a single solid wide-range upper-arm cuff, mostly portable (~90%) and few station-type. Kiosk BP devices are used in healthcare settings (doctors’ office or waiting room, hospital, pharmacy) and in non-healthcare settings (shopping centre/market, department store, community centre, grocery store, church, workplace, senior centre), offering unsupervised self-BP measurement. Kiosk BP measurement is well-accepted by users and healthcare professionals (10 studies) and is useful for hypertension screening (10 studies, 7 uncontrolled) and long-term monitoring of treated hypertensives, and may reduce doctors’ visit time. Limitations include patients’ doubts on their accuracy, lack of awareness about the method, and user preference for other BP measurement methods. Fifteen studies compared kiosk versus office or out-of-office BP measurements, but had several methodological issues including lack of standard protocol, small sample size, and variable and thus questionable results. Among 72 kiosk BP devices available on the market, only 10 (13.9%) by 4 manufacturers have a published successful validation study using an established protocol (A&D, Japan; InBody, S Korea; Omron, Japan; Pharma-Smart, USA).

Conclusions:
The published evidence on kiosk BP measurement is promising but limited. Further research is needed to investigate the potential of the method in hypertension screening and management and its optimal implementation in clinical practice.
MASKED ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN MIDDLE-AGE PATIENTS AND THE ELDERLY. PREVALENCE, CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AND SOME LONG-TERM RISK TRENDS
Authors: Snincak Marian , Pella Jozef , Hrabcakova Petra , Kolesar Kamil 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
To assess frequency of masked hypertension (MAH) in middle-aged patients and in the elderly, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CV RF) with special aspects to pts with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and long-term prognosis trends of subjects with MAH.

Design and method:
A screening study that included 314 consecutive patients aged 35–74 years with normal in-office blood pressure (BP) in hypertension centre. Participants were performed to identify cardiovascular risk factors, underwent following 24-hours blood pressure monitoring to verify the MAH diagnosis, too. Patients with confirmed MAH were periodically clinically monitored for an average of 5.5 years (3.5–7 yrs).

Results:
MAH was detected in the age category of 45–54 years, in 24.2 % and 9.9 % women, 55–64 years, in 19.4% men and 8.1 % women. Middle-aged and elderly men with MAH frequently identified CV RF compared to evenly aged women - family history of CV diseases, higher rate of smoking and dyslipidemia, lower physical activity prevailed. From a patients with the diagnosis of T2D, a total 44.3% presented normal in-office BP and the pts with the diagnosed MAH were older (63.9 vs. 54.7 years; p < 0.001), also with earlier diagnosis of T2D, higher rate of smokers (26.4 % vs. 1.9%; p = 0.002), and higher levels of HbA1c (10.7 % vs. 9.9%; p = 0.006), creatinine (0.73 vs. 0.65 mg/dl; p = 0.040), and microalbuminuria (139.4 vs. 27.4 mcg/mg; p < 0.001). Patients with MAH at the beginning of the study had long-term risk of progression to sustained office hypertension in 37.9 %, increased frequency of developing T2D 9.3 % and in the two oldest cohorts we observed a trend for a lower cognitive score on the MMSE.

Conclusions:
MAH is common finding in patients especially in the age category of 45–54 and 55–64 years, in males, smokers ith unfavourable risk profile, and it is also common in diabetics. MAH is associated with progression to sustained office hypertension, increased frequency of developing T2D and in the oldest cohort, patients may show decreased cognitive function compared to patients with normotension.
USE OF ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES TO IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE CUFF SHAPES FOR BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT: NORMATIVE DATA FOR ADULTS
Authors: Palatini Paolo , Fania Claudio , Ermolao Andrea , Battista Francesca , Saladini Francesca 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Published evidence has shown that tronco-conical cuffs improve BP measurement accuracy in obese subjects. However, the exact shape of these cuffs according to arm size has not been established. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anthropometric characteristics of the upper arm in a large population in order to identify the appropriate shape of the cuff according to arm size.

Design and method:
Anthropometric characteristics were assessed in 729 adults with middle arm circumference ranging from 16 to 55 cm. Upper arm length and proximal, middle, and distal circumferences were measured to calculate the slant angle of the upper-arm truncated cone. Subjects were divided into 6 classes of upper arm middle circumference, and the upper arm slant angle was calculated within each class.

Results:
In all subjects the upper arm showed a tronco-conical shape with a slant angle ranging from 80.4 to 89.2. The conical shape of the arm progressively increased with increasing arm circumference (r = 0.61,p < 0.0001). Independent predictors of the conical shape were arm circumference (p < 0.0001) and length (negative relationship, p < 0.0001). Women had a slightly more pronounced conical shape of the arm than men. In a two-way ANOVA, a significant effect of both arm size (p < 0.001) and sex (p = 0.001) was found on the conical shape of the arm. However, the decrease in the slant angle across the arm size classes showed a similar trend in men and women, and in the two-way ANOVA there was no interactive effect between arm size and gender (p = 0.11). On the basis of the slant angle calculated in each arm-size class, we identified appropriate dimensions for bladders that would fit the arm within a given circumference range. The upper arm slant angle and the proximal-distal circumference difference for the 4 cuff sizes (small adult, adult, large adult, and extra-large adult) recommended by the American Heart Association were also provided.

Conclusions:
To properly fit the upper arm, cuffs should have a tronco-conical shape especially in obese individuals. This study provides reference data for appropriate proximal and distal circumferences of bladders according to arm size.
PLEASE TRY THIS AT HOME: STANDARDIZED BLOOD PRESSURE SELF-MEASUREMENT - WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE AND FEASIBILITY STUDY
Authors: Neuhauser Hannelore , Weihrauch Tim , Lemcke Johannes , Julia Büschges , Kirstaedter Margitta , Kintscher Ulrich , Allen Jennifer , Schmich Patrick , Maier Birga 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Clinical and epidemiological research needs standardized resting blood pressure (BP) measurements, as even small mean differences of a few mmHg between treatment groups or populations have prognostic or public health relevance. Standardization of sitting and arm position, cuff choice and resting time are usually ensured by trained study staff. The MeinBlutdruck study investigates willingness to participate and feasibility of standardized blood pressure self-measurements at home.

Design and method:
1) Willingness to self-measure BP with mailed devices: interview of 6,469 adults embedded in a nationwide telephone interview survey, on their willingness to measure their blood pressure on three days in the morning and in the evening with mailed devices and video and written instructions. 2) Barriers to participation: qualitative interviews (n = 20). 3) Explanatory video 4) Feasibility: self-measurements with mailed devices (n = 200) with accompanying online-interviews.

Results:
Willingness to participate was affirmed by 38% of 6,469 respondents and, after adjustment for sociodemographic, health and ehavioural aspects, was associated with higher educational attainment (highest to lowest educational attainment (OR:2.06 [95% CI:1.60–2.66] and absence of chronic disease (OR:0.58 [95% CI:0.47- 0.73]), but not with self-reported hypertension (OR = 0.83 [95% CI:0.66- 1.06]). The qualitative interviews showed that the time for standardized measurements due to resting time and multiple measurements was considered long. The focus of the video was on the motivation to participate and on conveying a standardized calm measurement situation. First results of the feasibility study (n = 96) were: 14% of the devices were not returned 4 weeks after sending (n = 13), 4% were damaged and data was lost (n = 4), and 20% of the collected blood pressure measurement data did not correspond to the standardization specifications with 2 measurements in the morning and 2 in the evening on 3 days (n = 19). Standardized blood pressure measurement data could be collected from 62% of those willing to participate.

Conclusions:
The first preliminary results suggest that a standardized blood pressure self-measurement under home conditions is possible, however, response and adherence to the measurement protocol are much lower compared to blood pressure measurement in a study center.
DIFFERENCES OF BLOOD PRESSURE MEASURED AT CLINIC VERSUS AT HOME IN THE MORNING AND IN THE EVENING IN EUROPE AND ASIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Miao Huanhuan , Yang Shijie , Zhang Yuqing 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Although the comparison of clinic blood pressure (BP) and home BP has been investigated, the differences between clinic BP and home morning/evening BP were poorly explored. Thus, we perform the systematic review to determine the quantitative differences of BP measured at clinic versus at home in the morning and in the evening in Europe and Asia.

Design and method:
PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases were searched up to October 2021. Studies that compared clinic BP with home morning and (or) home evening BP with detailed BP values in European and Asian populations were included. Random effect model was applied to pool the differences between clinic BP and home morning/evening BP.

Results:
Thirty-five studies, for a total of 49432 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Mean clinic systolic BP (SBP) values were significantly higher than home morning SBP values by 3.79 mmHg (95% CI, 2.77–4.80). The differences were much larger in Europe [(6.53 mmHg (95% CI, 4.10–8.97)] than in Asia [(2.70 mmHg (95% CI, 1.74–3.66)], and region was a significant predictor for the differences. Mean clinic SBP values were also significantly higher than home evening SBP values by 6.59 mmHg (95% CI, 4.98–8.21). The differences were much smaller in Europe [5.85 mmHg (95% CI, 3.24–8.45)] than in Asia [7.13 mmHg (95% CI, 4.92–9.35)], while age and clinic SBP might contribute to it.

Conclusions:
The difference between clinic and home morning SBP was much larger in European than Asian populations, whereas the difference between clinic and home evening SBP was the opposite. The differing characteristics of region, ethnic, age and clinic BP might explain the diversities.
EFFECTS OF TRANSCUTANEOUS PERIPHERAL NERVE ELECTROSTIMULATION DEVICE FOR BLOOD PRESSURE CORRECTION
Authors: Mamontov Oleg , Kozlenok Andrey , Brodsakaya Inna S. , Malakhov Konstantin , Shlyakhto Eugene 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Currently the therapy of arterial hypertension (AH) is mainly based on antihypertensive medicines. The medical transcutaneous peripheral nerve electrostimulator “ABP-051’’ (“Shvabe’’& “INFERUM’’, Russia) allows to influence the level of blood pressure (BP) in a non-drug way, but its effectiveness was tested only by comparing discrete blood pressure measurements.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the course use of the stimulator “ABP-051’’ on the circadian blood pressure profile (CBPP), reconstructed according to three-day BP-monitoring in patients with hypertension.

Design and method:
Patients: the study included 62 patients with hypertension: AH patients with regular antihypertensive therapy, who were andomised into 2 groups: the main group of 52 patients who were treated by the “ABP-051’’ and 10 patients in control group with sham stimulation.
Methods: all patients underwent a study of the dynamics of the level and profile of blood pressure by means assessment of CBPP (the method of non-sinusoidal variability) based on the reconstruction of three-day BP monitoring.

Results:
It was found that stimulation therapy is not accompanied by side effects and does not lead to significant fluctuations in blood pressure after a single procedure. During the course of therapy, a significant decrease in blood pressure and circadian profile indicators was observed in 66% of patients (fig.1). The average decrease in systolic blood pressure is -8.3 ± 7.7 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure is 5.8 ± 3.8 mm Hg. The effect of the course treatment was observed by the end of the 2-week stimulation cycle and in most patients persisted for 2 weeks after its completion. In general, positive effects on the blood pressure profile were observed in 90% of patients, whereas there were no changes in the control group.

Conclusions:
The course use of “ABP-051’’ is safe and in 90% of patients with hypertension contributes to decrease of BP and/or the improvement of the circadian blood pressure profile.