bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes comparison between robotic and conventional mitral valve surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pratita J , Ardaya R , Pritazahra A , Rahman F H F 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery has emerged as a popular minimal invasive cardiac surgery approach, as it provides several advantages compared to conventional and other minimally invasive approaches. Mitral valve surgeries, including repair and replacement, are currently the most common cardiac surgeries performed with a robotic approach. However, there are concerns that surgeon's learning curve and prolonged operation time associated with this approach could compromise the surgical outcomes, hence the low acceptance of the technique in the clinical setting. In addition, despite various studies comparing robotic and conventional mitral surgery, it remains unclear whether the former would give comparable, if not better, outcomes.

Purpose
This study aims to compare the outcomes of robotic and conventional sternotomy mitral valve surgeries.

Methods
A comprehensive literature search was performed through Pubmed, CENTRAL, and ScienceDirect for studies comparing robotic and sternotomy approach for mitral valve repair and replacement. Studies were screened with our eligibility criteria, and their quality was examined using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The primary outcome analysed in this study was the perioperative mortality.

Results
Twelve studies involving 4300 patients (2223 experienced robotic surgery) were included. Pooled analysis showed that patients who underwent robotic surgery had a significant decrease in perioperative mortality compared to those who underwent sternotomy surgery (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.18, 0.60, p=0.0003, I2=0%). Moreover, ICU length of stay was also shorter in the robotic group (MD −13.67, 95% CI −20.04, −7.29, p&lt;0.0001, I2=93%). Re-operation risk due to bleeding was not significantly different between both groups (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.79, 1.62, p=0.51, I2=0%). Egger's test result showed no evidence of small-study effects (p=0.83), and the funnel plot appeared symmetrical, meaning there was no publication bias.

Conclusion
Results from our meta-analysis refute the current concerns limiting the acceptance of robotic approach in mitral valve surgeries, showing significantly lower perioperative mortality and ICU length of stay, as well as a comparable re-operation risk due to bleeding with the conventional approach.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
20 years outcomes after hybrid coronary revascularization
Authors: Gadelkarim I , Verevkin A , Von Aspern K , Deshmukh N , Holzhey D , Saeed D , Davierwala P , Misfeld M , Borger M A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) is a Heart Team directed strategy for selected patients with mutlivessel coronary artery disease. However, data on long-term results are lacking.

Purpose
To analyse long-term outcomes after HCR over a 20-year period.

Methods
Between 1996 and 2020, a total of 2667 consecutive patients underwent minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) at our institution, and 177 of these were planned HCR cases. Planned HCR consisted of a MIDCAB procedure to the left anterior descending (LAD) artery preceded or followed by percutaneous intervention (PCI) of non-LAD lesions. We excluded patients who underwent prior cardiac surgery and patients with emergency indications for revascularization (either surgical or transcatheter). Short- and long-term results for the entire cohort were analysed and a propensity score-matched comparison was performed between MIDCAB-first and PCI-first revascularization strategies.

Results
The mean age of all patients was 67 (±12) years with 37% suffering from diabetes (n=67). The median time-interval between MIDCAB and PCI was 22 days (IQR 5–53). Thirty-day mortality was 3.9% for the entire cohort. A total of 9 patients (5.0%) underwent early target vessel revascularization; 4 patients (2.2%) involving the LAD following the MIDCAB procedure and 5 patients (2.8%) involving non-LAD vessels following PCI. The rate of incomplete revascularization following completion of HCR was 25.4% (n=45). Long-term survival was 53.5% at 15 years and 30.4% at 20 years and the rate of repeat revascularization with PCI or surgery was 15.8% (n=28). The propensity matched sub-analysis of MIDCAB- versus PCI-first strategy showed no significant differences with regard to short- and long-term outcomes. Age (HR: 1.01, 95% CI 0.98–1.04, p=0.042) and incomplete revascularization (HR: 2.60, 95% CI 1.26–5.34; p=0.01) were independent risk factors for follow-up mortality.

Conclusions
Hybrid coronary revascularization as a less invasive strategy for selected patients is associated with acceptable 20-year survival. However, repeat revascularization rates are substantial.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
The importance of frontal QRS-T angle for predicting reverse dipper status in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients
Authors: Karakayali M , Artac I , Omar T , Rencuzogullari I , Karabag Y , Hamideyin S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The frontal QRS-T angle (fQRS-T angle) in electrocardiography is a new measure of myocardial repolarization, in which a higher fQRS-T angle is linked with worse cardiac outcomes. Reverse dipper hypertension is also linked to poor cardiac outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the fQRS-T angle and reverse dipper status in individuals newly diagnosed with hypertension who did not have left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Methods
The investigation recruited 171 hypertensive individuals without LVH who underwent 24h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Based on the findings of 24h ABPM, the study population was categorized into the following three groups: patients with dipper hypertension, with non-dipper hypertension, and with reverse dipper hypertension. The frontal QRS-T angle was measured using 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG).

Results
The fQRS-T angle in individuals with reverse dipper hypertension was substantially greater than in patients with and without dipper hypertension (510±280 vs. 280±220 vs. 390±250 respectively, p&lt;0.001). The fQRS-T angle (OR: 1.040, 95% CI: 1.016–1.066; p=0.001) was independently associated with reverse dipper hypertension according to multivariate analysis. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the fQRS-T angle to predict reverse dipper hypertension was 33.5° with 76% sensitivity and 71% specificity.

Conclusion
This study showed that an increased fQRS-T angle was a predictor of reverse hypertension in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients without LVH.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Elevated platelet reactivity in patients with uncontrolled hypertension: the effect of CHA2DS2-VASc score
Authors: Marketou M , Spatharaki P , Nioti E , Kalomoirakis P , Karagounis T , Alifrangie A , Zervakis S , Fragkiadakis K , Plevritaki A , Anastasiou I , Androulakis N , Kalpadaki C , Kochiadakis G 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Hypertension is associated with vascular and endothelial dysfunction that may result in a greater propensity for reactive platelets to cause thrombosis.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate multiple platelet activation pathways in hypertensive patients with different level of blood pressure control and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods
Thirty nine uncontrolled (office BP &gt;140/90 mmHg and ambulatory daytime BP &gt;135/85 mmHg, 27 males, aged 58±9 years) and 32 well controlled (office BP &lt;140/80 mmHg and ambulatory daytime BP &lt;135/85 mmHg, 21 males, aged 58±8 years) essential hypertensive patients were included in the study. Twenty four healthy individuals (12 males, aged 53±10 years) were served as control group. Blood samples were obtained before and 48 hours after the procedure and platelet aggregation was tested in platelet rich plasma after activation with arachidonic acid (AA), adenosine diphosphate ADP), collagen (Col), epinephrine (Epi) and ristocetin (Risto), by using AggRAM Platelet Aggregation Analyzer.

Results
Hypertensive patients showed elevated platelet reactivity in all platelet activation pathways compared to normotensive group (AA: 88.8±6.8% versus 79.5±7.3%, ADP: 86.8±9.1% versus 71.5±7.7%, Col: 86.5±5.7% versus 73.9±6.7%, Epi: 92.6±5.4% versus 80.5±5.7%, Risto: 93.8±6.8% versus 79.9±6.3%, p&lt;0.05 for all). Col, Epi and Risto platelet activation pathway showed a statistically significant increase in patients with uncontrolled hypertension compared to the group with well controlled hypertension (AA: 88.8±6.1% versus 89.1±4.1%, ADP: 89.8±4.1% versus 87.5±4.7%, Col: 87.5±4.7% versus 81.9±6.7%, Epi: 93.6±4.4% versus 80.1±5.7%, Risto: 94.8±3.8% versus 80.9±4.3%,). Notably, strong correlations were found between the Col platelet pathway activation and Risto platelet pathway activation and CHA2DS2-VASc score (r=0.57, p&lt;0.001 and r=0.61, p&lt;0.001, respectively) in hypertensive patients.

Conclusions
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension showed elevated platelet reactivity. Patients with high CHA2DS2-VASc even without atrial fibrillation carry also a higher risk of thrombosis as indicated by the increased platelet aggregation under certain pathways of activation.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Longitudinal constancy of vascular ageing phenotypes in middle-aged Japanese employees
Authors: Tomiyama H , Shiina K , Nakano H , Fujiii S , Takahasi T , Matsumoto C , Yamashina A , Chikamori T 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Recently, the concept of healthy vascular aging (HVA) and early vascular aging (EVA) phenotypes was proposed.

Purpose
We examined following issues; constancy of the vascular phenotypes over time; validity of assuming that constancy of the vascular phenotypes reflects the progression rate of structural arterial stiffening; and associations of vascular phenotype constancy with cardiovascular risk factors/their treatment, and the heart rate (HR).

Methods
Data on the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measured annually over a 16-year period in 4682 middle-aged Japanese employees were analyzed.

Results
Of all subjects, 30% showed constancy of the vascular phenotype during the study period. The estimated marginal mean of baPWV values and the slope of the annual increase of the baPWV were higher in the constant EVA group (EVA-EVA) than in the constant HVA group (HVA-HVA) (Figure 1). Elevated serum HbA1c levels, medication for hypertension, and high HR were significantly associated with constancy of the EVA phenotype, whereas a low HR was significantly associated with constancy of the HVA phenotype.

Conclusions
In middle-aged Japanese employees with the HVA/EVA phenotype at the study baseline, while the phenotype changed over time in most subjects, HVA/EVA phenotype constancy in the remaining subjects reliably reflected a low/high rate of progression of structural arterial stiffening. Hypertension and abnormal glucose metabolism were associated with constancy of the EVA phenotype, but treatment for these conditions failed to improve the phenotype. Low/high HR was a robust marker of the presence/constancy of the HVA/EVA phenotype.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Omron Health CareTeijin Pharma
Isolated diastolic hypertension is not a benign situation regarding hypertension mediated organ damage in patients with first diagnosed and never treated essential hypertension
Authors: Triantafyllidi H , Birmpa D , Benas D , Fambri A , Schoinas A , Thymis I , Kostelli G , Ikonomidis I 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) usually remains untreated as it is considered benign compared to isolated systolic or combined systolic/diastolic hypertension. Hypertension mediated organ damage (HMOD) needs to be assessed in each individual hypertensive patient in order to estimate cardiovascular risk. We aimed to investigate the HMOD differences between first diagnosed and never treated patients with IDH compared to normotensive subjects.

Methods
From 550 first diagnosed and never-treated hypertensive and non-diabetic patients, we studied 81 patients with IDH (mean age = 49±9, 63% males, 26% smokers) and 53 normotensives (mean age = 51±13, 30% males, 28% smokers). Office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24h ABPM), CV risk factors [smoking, obesity (BMI), hyperlipidemia and HMOD [aortic stiffness (PWV), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (EEa), cardiac mass (LVMI) and cardiac hypertrophy (LVH), coronary arteries microcirculation (CFR), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) were estimated in each hypertensive patient as well as normotensive subject.

Results
IDH patients had similar age, BMI, lipid profile, central systolic BP and smoking habit, and increased systolic (139±12 vs. 133±18, p=0.03), diastolic (89±9 vs. 84±9 mmHg, p=0.02) and mean office BP (106±9 vs. 82±9 mmHg, p&lt;0.001) as well as 24h systolic (125±3 vs. 119±6 mmHg, p&lt;0.001) and diastolic ABPM (84±4 vs. 73±4 mmHg, p&lt;0.001) compared to normotensives. Regarding HMOD, IDH patients had LVH in 7/81 (9%). Increased LVMI (79±18 vs. 69±18 g/m2, p=0.01) and IMT (0.9±0.2 vs. 0.8±0.1 mm, p=0.01) but similar PWV, E/Ea and CFR were found compared to normotensives. In multiple regression analysis (age and weight were used as independent variables), LVMI was independently related to office systolic (Beta=0.26, p=0.02) and diastolic BP (Beta=0.28, p=0.01) as well as central diastolic BP (r=0.38, p=0.04) while no relationship was found between LVMI and 24h ABPM.

Conclusions
The presence of HMOD in IDH in first diagnosed and never treated patients with arterial hypertension underscores the need for antihypertensive treatment (life style changes and medication). As HMOD may regress with successful antihypertensive treatment, there is still time for physicians to reduce future CV events in those patients.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Sympathetic nervous system activity and unattended blood pressure measurement
Authors: Manta E , Andrikou I , Dimitriadis K , Drogkaris S , Siafi E , Filippou C , Tatakis F , Thomopoulos C , Konstantinidis D , Tsioufis K 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Sympathetic nervous system activation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology and variability of hypertension. It has been hypothesized that measurement of unattended blood pressure (BP) may provide additional information to conventionally attended BP measurement, as it can lead to the limitation of the white coat effect.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relationship of sympathetic nervous system activation and BP measurement variations with and without medical supervision.

Methods
We studied 103 untreated hypertensive patients, who underwent muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) estimation by microneurography. Both unattended (patient alone in the room, an oscillometric device programmed to perform 3 BP measurements at 1-minute intervals, after 5 minutes of rest) and attended BP measurements were conducted in all participants, with the same device, on the same day of MSNA recording in random order. Patients were divided into two groups based on the difference between attended and unattended BP. In group A, patients had unattended BP greater than attended BP (n=31) and in group B, patients had unattended BP lower than attended BP (n=72). The two groups were compared regarding the median value of MSNA recordings in our population (median MSNA = 63 bursts per 100 heartbeats).

Results
The two groups did not differ as regards both attended SBP levels (group A: 142.3±15.4 mmHg, group B: 145.6±13.7 mmHg, p=0.29) and attended DBP levels (group A: 89.2±9.8 mmHg, group B: 91.2±11.5 mmHg, p=0.25). A difference was observed concerning unattended SBP levels (group A: 152±16.3 mmHg, group B: 142.5±13.8 mmHg, p=0.03) and unattended DBP levels (group A: 94.4±10.3 mmHg, group B: 85.2±11.8 mmHg, p&lt;0.01). Higher levels of MSNA were recorded in patients in group A when compared to group B, although this difference was not statistically significant (66.8±15.6 vs. 61.6±14.8 bursts per 100 heartbeats, p=0.11). Higher percentage of patients in group A had MSNA levels greater than the median value of MSNA compared to group B (68% vs 46% respectively).

Conclusions
In the present study, we found that the majority of patients who exhibit higher BP during the unattended measurement also record high MSNA values, suggesting a more stimulated sympathetic nervous system. On the contrary, most of the patients who can calm down during the unattended measurement exhibit lower levels of MSNA. More patients are needed to fully determine the clinical significance of this observation.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Inter-field strength agreement of left atrial assessment at 1.5T and 3T
Authors: Alfuhied A , Ayton S , Gulsin G S , Parke K S , Wormleighton J V , Moss A , Graham-Brown M P M , Arnold J R , McCann G P , Singh A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The agreement of left atrial (LA) volumetric and strain parameters between 1.5 and 3-tesla cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is not known. We aimed to investigate inter-field strength agreement of LA measurements in healthy volunteers scanned at both field strengths on the same day.

Methods
22 healthy volunteers were prospectively recruited and randomized to undergo scanning at either 1.5T or 3T first, immediately crossing over to the other field strength and scanned by the same radiographer. Steady-state free precession cines were analyzed blinded using Medis Suite. LA volumes and LA emptying fraction (LAEF) were calculated using the biplane area length method. LA strain (LAS) was assessed on 4- and 2-chamber and average values were calculated for LA reservoir, conduit, and booster pump function. Data were compared with paired t-tests and agreement was assessed by Bland-Altman plots and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results
The median age was 32.5 (IQR 27.5, 42.5) and 45% were male. Key results are shown in the table and figure. There were no significant differences in the LA volumetric or strain mean values between 1.5T and 3T, although Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated a slightly positive bias at 1.5T for LAVmax, LAEF and LAS parameters. The inter-field strength agreement was excellent for LA volumes, reservoir and conduit strain (ICC &gt;0.85, p&lt;0.001), whilst LAEF showed good agreement (ICC=0.77, p=0.001). LAS at booster pump showed poor agreement, with the lowest ICC. The limits of agreement on Bland-Altman analysis were comparable for LAEF and LAS at reservoir.

Conclusion
There was excellent inter-field strength agreement for LA volumes, reservoir and conduit strain, suggesting that measurements can be used interchangeably between field strengths. Booster pump LAS had poor agreement, which is likely due to the fact that this measurement is less reproducible than volumes and reservoir/conduit LAS.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
High-normal blood pressure in midlife is a stronger predictor for development of hypertension in women than in men
Authors: Ohldieck A E , Kringeland E , Midtbo H , Tell G S , Gerdts E 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Identification of modifiable risk factors in midlife may optimize prevention of hypertension. Sex differences in the multifactorial development of hypertension is not well understood.

Purpose
To explore the associations of health factors in midlife, with incident hypertension 26 years later, in women and men.

Methods
In the community-based Hordaland Health Study (HUSK) 1025 women and 703 men were examined at age 42 years (baseline) and re-examined after 6 and 26 years. Patients with hypertension at baseline were excluded. Attended blood pressure (BP) was measured in triplets. High-normal BP was identified as BP 130–139/85–89 mmHg. Incident hypertension was identified as BP ≥140/90 mmHg or patient reported use of antihypertensive drugs on the last study visit. The association of health factors at baseline and changes during midlife, with incident hypertension at follow-up were explored in sex specific multivariable logistic regression analyses. Models were adjusted for baseline body mass index (BMI), high-normal BP, heart rate, physical activity, daily smoking, education, serum cholesterol, and serum triglycerides. Results are presented as odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p-values.

Results
At baseline, average BP was 119/73 mmHg in women and 126/76 mmHg in men (p&lt;0.001). A high-normal BP was found in 26% of women and 47% of men (p&lt;0.001). After 26 years of follow-up, 39% of women and 45% of men had developed hypertension (p&lt;0.05). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, high-normal BP at baseline, was the strongest predictor of incident hypertension in both sexes, but significantly stronger in women (OR 4.8, 95% CI 3.4–6.9) than in men (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5–2.8), p&lt;0.01 for sex interaction (Table 1). Increase in BMI from first to second study visit was significantly associated with incident hypertension in both sexes (both p&lt;0.01). And an increase in serum triglycerides from first to second visit was significant only in women (p&lt;0.05).

Conclusions
High-normal BP in midlife was a particularly strong risk factor for development of hypertension later in life and significantly stronger in women. An increase in BMI in midlife was associated with incident hypertension but did not differ between sexes. Awareness of sex differences in modifiable health factors in midlife enable improved prevention of hypertension.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): University of Bergen