bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DINAMICS OF ARTERIAL STIFFNESS USING CAVI INDEX DEPENDS ON ADDED STATIN TO FIXED COMBINATION ANTIHYPERTENSIVE THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Rekovets Oksana , Sirenko Yuriy , Torbas Olena , Kushnir Svitlana , Botsyuk Yuriy , Primak Galina 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Aim of this study was to evaluate dynamics of arterial stiffness using cardio-vascular index (CAVI), of the fixed triple combination of valsartan / amlodipine / hydrochlorothiazide and a double fixed combination of valsartan / amlodipine in the treatment of patients with arterial hypertension II-III degree depends on added statin therapy.

Design and method:
The study included patients with moderate and severe arterial hypertension without diabetes. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group (n = 59) was assigned a fixed combination of Val/Amlo/HCT of Val/Amlo plus statins. Patients in the second group (n = 40) received fixed combination Val/Amlo/HCT or Val/Amlo without statins. After 6 months of treatment there was control of therapy.

Results:
The study included 99 patients with moderate and severe hypertension. The average age of patients 1-st group - 58.05 ± 1.28 (37–75) years, 2-d group – 50,05 ± 2.30 (24–76) years. Office SBP/DBP at the beginning 1-st group - 162.25 ± 1.53/97.36 ± 1.20 mm Hg and 160.85 ± 2.18/100.30 ± 1.64 mm Hg in 2-nd group. The office heart rate was 70.07 ± 1.14 bpm and 71.90 ± 1.71 bpm respectively. At baseline, 24-h ambulatory SBP/DBP baseline in 1-st group was – 141,21 ± 1.10 /85,63 ± 1.11 mm Hg and - 141,80 ± 1.32 /86,65 ± 1.33 mm Hg in 2-nd group. Decrease office blood pressure (SBP/DBP) in 1-st group was 35,69/16,52 mm Hg (p < 0,05) and in 2-nd group – 35,32/21,77 mm Hg (p < 0,05). There was increase the stiffness of the arterial wall in terms of cardio-vascular index CAVI in 2-d group without added statin. CAVI on the right/left site changed from 7.73 ± 0.26/7.62 ± 0.29 units to 8.63 ± 0.32/8.62 ± 0.32 units after treatment (p < 0,05). Cardio-vascular index (CAVI) in 1-st group with added statin was not changed. CAVI on the right/left site changed from 8.32 ± 0.16/8.33 ± 0.19 units to 8.44 ± 0.16/8.24 ± 0.15 units after treatment (p > 0,05).

Conclusions:
The added of statin to fixed combination antihypertensive therapy prevented the progression of arterial stiffness in patients with arterial hypertension.
ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF METHYLGLYOXAL ELEVATES BLOOD PRESSURE, BUT NOT ARTERIAL STIFFNESS, IN MICE
Authors: Bruggen Myrthe van der , Giudici Alessandro , Pencheva Margarita , Vangrieken Philippe , Parikh Shaiv , Bitsch Nicole , Leenders Peter , Berends Eline , Foulquier Sébastien , Delhaas Tammo , Reesink Koen , Spronck Bart , Schalkwijk Casper 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Methylglyoxal (MGO), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, is associated with diabetes and other age-related diseases such as hypertension. In these diseases, MGO may accelerate arterial stiffening. In the present study, we investigated the effect of elevated plasma MGO concentrations on arterial stiffness measured in- and ex vivo.

Design and method:
Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated to control (n = 22) and treatment (n = 22) groups. Treatment started at age 10 weeks and consisted of 50 mM MGO in the drinking water for 13 weeks. Blood pressure (tail-cuff) and tonometric carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) were recorded after 0, 5, and 11 weeks. After 15 weeks, mice were euthanised and their left common carotid arteries (CCAs) harvested for ex vivo bi-axial biomechanical testing. First, CCAs were stretched to in vivo length and exposed to quasi-static pressure inflation from 0–200 mmHg. Second, a 5 Hz pulsatile pressure of 120/80 mmHg was applied, to enable calculation of single-point PWV (Bramwell-Hill). Third, a structural axial stiffness coefficient was determined by performing quasi-static axial stretch sweeps at constant pressures of 60/100/140/200 mmHg. Finally, a four-fibre family strain energy function was fitted to the dataset to allow for calculation of material stiffness variables.

Results:
Plasma MGO levels at 15 weeks in the treatment group were 2.2-fold higher than the control group (879 ± 274 nM vs. 399 ± 45 nM, mean ± standard deviation, p < 0.001). After 11 weeks, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were elevated in the treatment group (systolic 110 ± 3 vs 105 ± 7 mmHg, p = 0.015, diastolic 85 ± 3 vs 80 ± 7 mmHg, p = 0.019). No differences in carotid-to-femoral PWV were observed at any time point (Figure). Ex vivo PWVs were not significantly different; neither were the axial stiffness coefficients. CCAs from treated mice showed a non-significant smaller inner radius and thickness than controls. Material stiffness, as assessed by constitutive modelling at a reference pressure of 100 mmHg, did not show any difference between groups.

Conclusions:
Higher plasma MGO levels are associated with an increase in blood pressure, but not an increase in arterial stiffness.
ESTIMATION OF MEAN SALT INTAKE IN LITHUANIA BY 24-HOUR URINARY SODIUM EXCRETION
Authors: Zakauskiene Urte , Macioniene Ernesta , Sukackiene Diana , Bratcikoviene Nomeda , Banys Valdas , Zabuliene Lina , Miglinas Marius 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
High salt intake is associated with increased arterial blood pressure, high risk of other preventable cardiovascular diseases, reduced life expectancy and higher mortality. WHO strongly recommends to take less than 5 g of salt per day.
The aim of this study was to evaluate mean salt intake by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and correlations with arterial blood pressure in Lithuanian population.

Design and method:
1034 participants of age 18–69 years were invited to participate in the study and collect 24-hour urine using random sample design. Their blood pressure (BP) was measured 3 times. Arterial hypertension was defined as systolic or diastolic BP > 140/90 mmHg. 146 participants were excluded due to incomplete or inaccurate urine collection and 24 h urinary creatinine excretion outside 2 standard deviations of the sex-specific distribution.

Results:
888 participants were included in a final analysis. An average age of participants was 47,4 years and 52,48% were women. Mean calculated salt intake in Lithuania was 10 ± 5,3 g/d. Only 12,5% of subjects consumed WHO recommended salt amount. Results varied between groups: mean salt consumption in males was 11,7 ± 5,8 g/d vs. in females 8,4 ± 4,1 g/d (p < 0,001). 35,1% of participants has hypertension. Female participants had lower mean BP (systolic 119,1 mmHg vs. 129,7 mmHg, diastolic 75,7 mmHg vs. 80,4 mmHg). Sodium excretion and male sex had significant impact on systolic blood pressure in the multiple linear regression model.

Conclusions:
Salt consumption in Lithuania extremely exceeds recommended amount. Females use less salt and have lower blood pressure.
POSTEXERCISE HYPOTENSION IN AFRICAN AND ASIAN POPULATIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS
Authors: Bersaoui Marina , Bisai Ashwin , Toelsie Jerry , Goessler Karla , Baldew Se-Sergio , Cornelissen Veronique 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Hypertension is the global leading risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, with the highest prevalence in Asian and African populations. Post-exercise hypotension (PEH) defined as a sustained reduction in blood pressure (BP) after a single bout of exercise is an important physiological phenomenon in BP management. However, little is known about PEH in non-Caucasian populations.
Therefore, we aim to systematically summarize the effects of a single bout of aerobic exercise on BP in non-Caucasian populations.

Design and method:
We searched the MEDLINE database identifying randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of a single bout of aerobic exercise on BP in African or Asian populations published in a peer reviewed journal up to August 2021. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate random effect sizes within 95% of confidence intervals.

Results:
We identified 10 aerobic exercise trials in individuals of Asian origin (n = 156; mean age: 27.05 years: 72% male) and 11 aerobic exercise trials involving individuals of African origin (n = 112; mean age: 41.37 years; 62% male). Non-significant reductions in office BP at 30 minutes (-1.18 [-9.98, 7.62]/-1.29 [-7.32, 4.74] mmHg) and 60 minutes postexercise (-1.80 [-9.98, 7.62]/ -1.28 [-6.03, 3.46] mmHg) were observed in the African group. Similar to the African group, non-significant reductions in office BP at 30 minutes (-2.17 [-6.78, 2.43] / -0.82 [-2.41, 0.77] mmHg) postexercise were observed in the Asian group. No effect was found on 24h-systolic BP postexercise, but 24h-diastolic BP reduced significantly (-1.89 [-3.47, -0.31] mmHg) in the African group.

Conclusions:
Except for a small, though statistically significant effect on 24h-DBP in the African group, a single bout of aerobic exercise does not seem to cause clinically relevant PEH in the African and Asian populations. It should be acknowledged that the available studies on PEH applying aerobic exercise are limited and there is a lack of data on PEH following isometric and resistance exercise in these populations. This systematic review and meta-analysis is a call for more research on exercise therapy in non-Caucasians.
NEURODEGENERATION, MICROVASCULAR DYSFUNCTION AND THEIR INTERACTION: ASSOCIATIONS WITH COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE – THE MAASTRICHT STUDY
Authors: Heide Frank van der , Henry Ronald , Houben Alfons , Kroon Abraham , Kallen Carla van der , Dagnelie Pieter , Schram Miranda , Eussen Simone , Berendschot Tos , Schouten Jan , Webers Carroll , Greevenbroek Marleen Van , Wesselius Anke , Koster Annemarie , Savelberg Hans , Schaper Nicolaas , Schalkwijk Casper , Boxtel Martin van , Kohler Seb , Stehouwer Coen 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
The main objective was to investigate whether there was an interaction between retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, an index of neurodegeneration, and retinal venular diameter, an index of microvascular dysfunction, in the associations of RNFL thickness and retinal venular diameter with global cognitive performance, an index of cognitive function.

Design and method:
We used cross-sectional data from The Maastricht Study (n = 1,785 participants, 47.8% men, mean age 59 years, and 24.5% with type 2 diabetes [oversampled by design]) and tested for an interaction between RNFL thickness and retinal venular diameter in the non-linear associations of RNFL thickness and retinal venular diameter with global cognitive performance. RNFL thickness was defined as low (lowest quartile) and high (highest three quartiles combined). Retinal venular diameter was defined as wide (highest quartile) and narrow (lowest three quartiles combined). All associations were adjusted for potential confounders (demographic variables and cardiovascular risk factors). In addition, we tested for interaction by hypertension.

Results:
The association of RNFL thickness with global cognitive performance was modified by retinal venular diameter (Pinteraction = 0.02) and the association of retinal venular diameter with global cognitive performance was modified by RNFL thickness (Pinteraction = 0.02). After full adjustment, low versus high RNFL thickness was associated with lower global cognitive performance in individuals with, but not in individuals without, a wide retinal venular diameter (beta, [95% confidence interval] low versus high RNFL thickness, -0.26 [-0.43; -0.08] versus -0.03 [-0.14; 0.08], respectively); and wide versus narrow retinal venular diameter was associated with lower global cognitive performance in individuals with, but not in individuals without, a low RNFL thickness (-0.27 [-0.47; -0.06] versus 0.01 [-0.11; 0.12], respectively). Hypertension modified the above associations. In stratified analyses, the above associations were stronger in individuals with, versus without, hypertension.

Conclusions:
In summary, the present population-based study found an interaction between neurodegeneration, estimated from RNFL thickness, and microvascular dysfunction, estimated from retinal venular diameter, in the associations of RNFL thickness and retinal venular diameter with global cognitive performance. Hence, the interaction between neurodegeneration and microvascular dysfunction may contribute to the pathobiology of cognitive dysfunction.
THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON CENTRAL VASCULAR FUNCTION IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE NORMOTENSIVE ADULTS: INTERIM ANALYSIS OF LONGITUDINAL BEFORE-AND-AFTER STUDY SPANNING 14 WEEKS
Authors: Podrug Mario , Koren Pjero , Stijanovic Ana , Russo Andrea , Pezelj Luka , Mudnic Ivana , Boban Mladen , Jeroncic Ana 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Physical activity is a relevant modifier of cardiovascular risk and is recommended to control BP levels in obese hypertensive patients. This study is aimed at assessing its effect on central vascular function (CVF), a potential preventive target known to impact high-flow end-organs, in overweight and obese normotensive participants.

Design and method:
We enrolled normotensive overweight and obese (classes 1–3) participants who joined lifestyle modification programme at a local gym. The programme includes two 7-week cycles of 1-hour mixed cardio and strength training, 5 sessions/week. CVF parameters (arterial stiffness and hemodynamics) were measured with the SphygmoCor XCEL device at 4 timepoints: baseline and after 3, 7, and 14 weeks of training; on a day when participants had not exercised for at least 24 hours. We used the Friedman test for repeated measures in data analysis.

Results:
An interim analysis included 15 participants (median BMI 33, range 27–43). Their median age was 35 years (25–49) and were predominantly women (n = 11). We observed a significant improvement after initiation of physical activity in all assessed parameters of CVF (P < 0.05 for all). The greatest improvement was observed at 3 weeks, which continued to 7 weeks but to a lesser extent. At 14 weeks, parameter values deteriorated, likely due to 8 participants not adhering to the 8–14 week schedule, but values were still significantly better than baseline. The median improvement at 7 weeks included a 0.5 m/s reduction in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, a 9% reduction in central augmentation index corrected for changes in HR, and a 5 and 6 mmHg reduction in cSBP and cDBP, respectively. The median weight lost from baseline was 1.8, 2.4 and 5.8 kg at 3, 7, and 14-weeks respectively.

Conclusions:
Physical activity induced non-trivial improvement in CVF in people at increased risk of CVD. While training was accompanied with weight loss, this likely did not affect CVF outcomes as median body mass loss up to 7 weeks was small (2.8%) and direction of the effect on CVF at week 14 was aligned with exercising, not weight loss.
METABOLICALLY HEALTHY OBESITY IN A YOUNG POPULATION ASSISTED BY THE FAMILY HEALTH STRATEGY
Authors: Fernandes Ana Cristina Tenório C. , Monteiro Daniela Fiuza G. , Grune Christina , Cervasio Ana Rachel Bucar , Tostes Felipe Rey C. , Velho Junior Ivan Costa , Klen Mariana Stutz , Da Silva Guimarães Karine , De Souza Mello Tomás , Borges Rodrigo Eugenio Vinuto , Mazzoli Ana , Muxfeldt Elizabeth Silaid 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
To evaluate the prevalence and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors associated with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) in a young population assisted by a Family Health Care unit in a large urban center.

Design and method:
A cross-sectional population study for CV risk assessment in adults aged 20–50 years old from a Family Health Care unit. Demographic, anthropometric data and CV risk factors were recorded. All underwent office blood pressure (BP) measurements, laboratory evaluation (lipid and glycidic profile). Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 and MHO are those who have less than 3 of the following criteria for metabolic syndrome: office BP higher or equal to 130 x 85 mmHg, hypertension, fasting blood sugar higher or equal to 100 mg/dL, HDL < 40 mg/dL (men) and 50 mg/dL (women), triglycerides > 150 mg/dL and waist circumference > 102 cm (men) and > 88 cm (women).

Results:
A total of 632 individuals were evaluated (60% female; mean age 37 ± 9 years). The prevalence of obesity was 26%, of which 73% were classified as MHO.
Obeses are older, with a higher prevalence of physical inactivity (51% vs 41%, p = 0.03), hypertension (44% vs 19%, p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (50% vs 36%, p = 0.002), and diabetes (7% vs 2%, p = 0.001) with higher systolic OBP.
MHO compared to unhealthy ones are significantly younger and smoke less. Despite being obese, they have lower BMI (33.6 vs 35.2 kg/m2, p = 0.02) and abdominal circumference (102 vs 110 cm, p = 0.03), with lower diastolic BP.

Conclusions:
MHO was more prevalent in this young population and seems to have a lower CV risk, however it is not clear whether these younger and less obese individuals are only at an earlier stage of the disease. Perhaps the CV diseases onset is postponed for a few years. Even so, these individuals should not be excluded from public health policies as a form of primary prevention
THE EFFECT OF DIETERY CHANGES ON WEIGHT AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN MIDDLE AGE PATIENTS WITH OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY AND HIGH NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE
Authors: Molchanova Olga 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
To evaluate the effects of dietary weight loss intervention in middle age with high normal blood pressure and overweight/obesity.

Design and method:
Men and women aged 25–54 was from working population were observed within the prospective epidemiological study: in subjects with BMI more than 25 kg/m2and BP 130–139/85–89 mm Hg. Was found a strong correlation of systolic BP and BMI was revealed: p = 0.0001 in women and p = 0.0045 in men. The same was true for diastolic BP: p = 0.0001 in women and p = 0.0001 in men. Two groups were formed and followed for 3 years: Intervention and Control groups consisted of 455 subjects (203 and 252 respectively). Dietician’s consultations were used in intervention group.

Results:
An increase of BMI by 1 kg/m2was associated with increase of systolic BP in women and men (by 1.3 and 0.7 mmHg respectively), (p < 0.05). For diastolic BP increase of BMI by 1 kg/m2was associated with increase in men and women (by 0.7 and 0.9 mm Hg respectively). In stepwise regression analysis body mass explains 27% of systolic BP variability and 11% of diastolic BP variability in men. In women it was 19% and 17% respectively. Last follow up visit attended more than 76% of the participants. After 3 years of intervention a weight loss was noted in the intervention group on an average at 1.17 kg in women (p < 0.05) and 0.63 kg (p < 0.05) in men. In controls body weight increased in women and in men (at 3.08 and 2.89 kg respectively) (all p < 0.05). BP decreased in the intervention group - 3.27 for systolic BP and – 2.09 mm Hg for diastolic BP in women; - 1.92 and – 1.91 mm Hg in men respectively. In control group BP increased: 2.97 mm Hg systolic BP and 1.29 mm Hg for diastolic Bp in women and 2.56 mm Hg and 2.39 mm Hg in men respectively (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions:
Dietary approach to weight loss is effective tool in middle age men and women with high normal BP and overweight/obesity for prevention of hypertension.
AQUAPORIN-3 AND HEPARANASE GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS MAY MODULATE ANGIOGENESIS INFLUENCING THE RISK OF HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS IN WOMEN
Authors: Da Silva Ines Vieira , Santos Ana Carolina , Matos Andreia , Ferreira Joana , Da Silva Alda Pereira , Soveral Graça , Bicho Maria Clara , Rebelo Irene , Bicho Manuel 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy complication triggered by oxidative stress and hypoxia, compromises mother and baby health and changes mother’s blood vessels increasing the risk for hypertension(HT). Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) is a water/H2O2/glycerol channel with implications in redox signaling. Heparanase (HPSE) has a role in extracellular matrix remodeling during angiogenesis. So far, no relation between AQP3 and HPSE genetic polymorphisms in PE subjects has been addressed. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association of AQP3(rs2231231) and HPSE(rs4693608) polymorphisms with the development of hypertensive disorders in women.

Design and method:
We investigated the distribution of AQP3 and HPSE genetic variations in a cohort of 150 normotensive (NT) or PE women, along with intermediate phenotype and anthropometric parameters. In a prospective study, women were reclassified 2–16 years after being PE or NT during pregnancy as NT or HT and genetic associations were reevaluated. Data was analyzed using SPSS software, P-values < 0.05 were statistically significant.

Results:
No differences were found in the distribution of the studied polymorphisms in PE. Allele A of AQP3 was more prevalent in HT after pregnancy(P = 0.014) and correlated with subjects with increased systolic(P = 0.017) and diastolic(P = 0.008) blood pressures. Moreover, allele A was considered the allele of risk, associated with a 3.53-fold higher risk(P = 0.018) to develop HT after pregnancy. In this cohort, serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) higher levels correlated with PE (P = 0.000) and HT (P = 0.024) and were associated with HT after a NT pregnancy(P = 0.000). Although HPSE did not correlate with PE or HT, Allele A carriers were associated with increased Apolipoprotein A(ApoA;P = 0.027), uric acid(P = 0.027) and MPO(P = 0.005) in PE. In HPSE, PE subjects with allele G correlated with increased number of leucocytes(P = 0.048) while the presence of allele A was associated with decreased serum uric acid(P = 0.028). When the 4 groups were reevaluated, allele A of HPSE was associated with decreased blood glucose levels(P = 0.05) and increased pulse pressure(P = 0.003) and uric acid(P = 0.05) in women that had PE. Allele G was more frequent with lower levels of leucocytes(P = 0.024) in women that had PE and later HT.

Conclusions:
The AQP3 polymorphism is a promising biomarker for HT. HPSE polymorphism predicts PE-associated variations in the intermediate phenotype.