Maior Rigidez Arterial Prediz Doença Renal Crônica no Estudo de Coorte ELSA-Brasil / Higher Arterial Stiffness Predicts Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults: The ELSA-Brasil Cohort Study

Resumo Fundamento A rigidez arterial pode afetar diretamente os rins, que são perfundidos passivamente por alto fluxo. No entanto, determinar se a relação entre rigidez arterial e função renal depende das condições de diabetes e hipertensão é uma questão controversa. Objetivo Investigar a relação entre a rigidez arterial, por velocidade da onda de pulso carotídea-femoral (VOPcf), e a incidência de doença renal crônica (DRC) em indivíduos e verificar se essa associação está presente em indivíduos sem hipertensão e diabetes. Métodos Estudo longitudinal com 11.647 participantes do ELSA-Brasil acompanhados por quatro anos (2008/10-2012/14). A VOPcf basal foi agrupada por quartil, de acordo com pontos de corte específicos com relação a sexo. A presença de DRC foi verificada pela taxa de filtração glomerular (TFGe-CKD-EPI) < 60 ml/min/1,73 m2 e/ou relação albumina/creatinina ≥ 30 mg/g. Modelos de regressão logística foram executados para toda a coorte e uma subamostra livre de hipertensão e diabetes no início do estudo, após ajuste para idade, sexo, raça, escolaridade, tabagismo, relação colesterol/HDL, índice de massa corporal, diabetes, uso de anti-hipertensivos, pressão arterial sistólica, frequência cardíaca e doenças cardiovasculares. A significância estatística foi fixada em 5%. Resultados A chance de DRC foi de 42% (IC de 95%: 1,05;1,92) maior entre indivíduos no quartil superior da VOPcf. Entre os participantes normotensos e não diabéticos, os indivíduos do 2º, 3º e 4º quartis da VOPcf apresentaram maiores chances de desenvolver DRC, quando comparados aos do quartil inferior, sendo a magnitude dessa associação maior para aqueles do quartil superior (OR: 1,81 IC de 95%: 1,14;2,86). Conclusão A maior VOPcf aumentou as chances de DRC, e sugere que esse efeito é ainda maior em indivíduos sem diabetes e hipertensão.

Abstract Background Arterial stiffening can directly affect the kidneys, which are passively perfused by a high flow. However, whether the relation between arterial stiffness and renal function depends on diabetes and hypertension conditions, is a matter of debate. Objective To investigate the relationship between arterial stiffening by carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence in individuals and verify whether this association is present in individuals without hypertension and diabetes. Methods A longitudinal study of 11,647 participants of the ELSA-Brasil followed up for four years (2008/10-2012/14). Baseline cfPWV was grouped per quartile, according to sex-specific cut-offs. Presence of CKD was ascertained by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR-CKD-EPI) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g. Logistic regression models were run for the whole cohort and a subsample free from hypertension and diabetes at baseline, after adjustment for age, sex, race, schooling, smoking, cholesterol/HDL ratio, body mass index, diabetes, use of antihypertensive, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiovascular disease. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results The chance of CKD was 42% (CI 95%: 1.05;1.92) greater among individuals in the upper quartile of cfPWV. Among normotensive, non-diabetic participants, individuals in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles of cfPWV presented greater chances of developing CKD, as compared to those in the lower quartile, and the magnitude of this association was the greatest for those in the upper quartile (OR: 1.81 CI 95%: 1.14;2.86). Conclusion Higher cfPWV increased the chances of CKD and suggests that this effect is even greater in individuals without diabetes and hypertension.

Neonatal Tetanus: demographics, clinical management and outcomes of A Study of 7 Cases in Afghanistan

This study aims to study the demographics, treatment and outcome of neonatal tetanus patients managed at Nangarhar Regional Hospital Afghanistan from June 2019-January 2021. Seventeen neonates were studied. All presented with fever, poor sucking and limb stiffness, with a history of unsterile delivery and uncertain maternal tetanus immunity status. Low-resource settings continue to report high mortality from neonatal tetanus, due to lack of sophisticated management modalities like neuromuscular blockade and invasive ventilation [20-23].The age group of mothers 21-25 of admitted neonates shows high frequency i.e 42.85%. Education of mother of admitted neonates was Primary education i.e 57.14%. 71.42 % (5) mothers not vaccinated. The vaccination awareness should be implemented in community by organising various awareness camp town wise. Government should implement the education mandatory and free for below poverty class and females.

Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in the Management of Arterial Stiffness and Target Organ Damage in Patients with Hypertension

Abstract Background Arterial stiffness and hypertension are strong predictors of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are first-line antihypertensive agents in reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Objective The objective of this study was to compare the effects of ACEI and ARB in reducing arterial stiffness and preventing target organ damage in patients with hypertension. Methods This observational study included 654 participants who attend routine consultations at an outpatient hypertension clinic in 2 university hospitals. Patients were interviewed, and they underwent central and peripheral blood pressure measurements. Doppler echocardiography, carotid ultrasound, biochemical tests, and anthropometric parameters were carried out. Shapiro-Wilk, chi-square, and Fisher's exact test were used. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results A total of 659 participants were evaluated in the study (398 from the ARB group and 256 from the ACEI group). Age, body mass index (BMI), central and peripheral blood pressure measurements, pulse wave velocity (PWV), left ventricular mass index, and carotid intima-media thickness did not show differences between the groups (p > 0.05). After linear regression analysis, the ACEI group had lower values of total vascular resistance (TVR) (p = 0.003) and augmentation pressure (p = 0.008), when compared to the ARB group. Conclusion This study showed that the ACEI group had a greater reduction in augmentation pressure and PWV. There were no differences between the groups regarding the improvement of outcomes related to central arterial pressure, PWV, and cardiac and vascular target organ damage.

A correlation study of arterial stiffness, cardiac autonomic neuropathy and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Objectives: Micro and macrovasculopathy are common complications of undertreated or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. One of the underlying factors of macrovasculopathy is arterial stiffness, which may lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Understandably, diabetic micro and macrovasculopathy affect vital functions, which may affect the well-being of the individual. However, few studies have attempted to determine arterial stiffness, cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and lipid profile separately in South Asian population and examined its associations with T2DM. Moreover, there is a need to understand the mechanistic links among cardiovascular risk factors. This forms the basis of the present study. Materials and Methods: T2DM patients of 53–62 years and age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects were recruited in the cross-sectional and observational study (n = 30 each, eight women). Anthropometric measurements, physiological parameters such as resting heart rate, peripheral blood pressure (PBP), central blood pressure (CBP), augmentation index% (AIx%), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and lead II ECG for analysis of heart rate variability parameters were recorded after obtaining the consent of the study participants. The lipid profile and fasting blood glucose were also analysed. Results: Peripheral systolic blood pressure was significantly higher (P = 0.05) in T2DM patients. Dyslipidaemia was evident in T2DM patients. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was also significantly higher in T2DM patients. Correlation analysis revealed a positive association between AIx% with PBP and CBP as well as between AIP index and central systolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels. AIP index was found to be negatively associated with HF (nu). Serum TG, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and AIP index have emerged as significant independent predictors of T2DM vasculopathy by multiple regression analysis. Conclusion: In the present study, atherogenic dyslipidaemia was observed in T2DM patients in combination with increased serum levels of TG, VLDL-C and decreased serum levels of HDL-C. Moreover, AIP index, a predictor cardiovascular risk, was found to be significantly higher in T2DM patients. Dyslipidaemia was found to be associated with dysregulation of autonomic nervous system in those patients. A positive association between noninvasive, surrogate markers of arterial stiffness with PBP and CBP indicates that enhanced arterial stiffness may elevate systemic arterial pressure. Therefore, early screening of T2DM patients for the estimation of serum lipid profile, arterial stiffness and cardiac autonomic neuropathy may be performed to unravel diabetic vasculopathy.

Sclerostin and TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis: can they be important in the patients with glomerulonephritis?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Sclerostin is a protein produced by osteocytes, kidneys, and vascular cells and has many effects on kidney and vascular structures. Soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis is a proinflammatory cytokine that may cause glomerular and tubular injury and increase sclerostin expression. This study aimed to investigate serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels in patients with glomerulonephritis and the effects they may be associated with. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 93 patients, 63 of whom were glomerulonephritis and 30 were healthy controls. Serum sclerostin, soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis, and 24-h urinary protein excretion were measured, and pulse wave velocity was calculated for arterial stiffness. RESULTS: Serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis were higher in glomerulonephritis patients than in the control group, and serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels were correlated with both proteinuria and pulse wave velocity. In addition, in the regression analysis, serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels were found to be independent predictors of proteinuria in patients with glomerulonephritis. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis are elevated in glomerulonephritis patients, and these two markers correlate with arterial stiffness and proteinuria in these patients. Considering the effects of sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis in patients with glomerulonephritis, we think these mechanisms will be the target of both diagnosis and new therapies.

Efeitos do Treinamento Intervalado de Alta Intensidade sobre a Pressão Arterial Central: Uma Revisão Sistemática e Metanálise / Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Central Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Resumo A pressão arterial central (PAc) é considerada um preditor independente de lesão de órgão, eventos cardiovasculares e mortalidade por todas as causas. Evidências mostram que o treino intervalado de alta intensidade (HIIT) é superior ao treino contínuo de intensidade moderada (MICT) na melhoria da aptidão cardiorrespiratória e da função vascular. No entanto, os efeitos dessas modalidades de treino aeróbico sobre a PAc não foram propriamente revisados. Esta metanálise tem como objetivo investigar os efeitos do HIIT versus MICT sobre a PAc.Conduzimos uma metanálise de ensaios controlados randomizados que compararam HIIT versus MICT sobre a PAc. Os desfechos primários foram Pressão Arterial Sistólica (PAS) central (PASc) e Pressão Arterial Diastólica central (PADc). A PAS periférica (PASp), a PAD periférica (PADp), a Velocidade de Onda de Pulso (VOP) e a captação máxima de oxigênio (VO2max) foram analisadas como desfechos secundários. A metanálise das diferenças médias (DM) foi conduzida usando modelos de efeitos aleatórios.Nosso estudo incluiu 163 pacientes recrutados em seis ensaios. Encontramos que HIIT foi superior ao MICT em reduzir PASc (DM = -3,12 mmHg, IC95% -4,75 - 1,50, p = 0,0002) e PAS (DM = -2,67 mmHg, IC95% -5,18 - -0,16, p = 0,04) e aumentar VO2max (DM = 2,49 mL/Kg/min, IC95% 1,25 - 3,73, p = 0,001). No entanto, não foram relatadas diferenças quanto à PADc, PAD ou VOP. O HIIT foi superior ao MICT em reduzir PASc, sugerindo seu potencial papel como uma terapia não farmacológica para a pressão arterial elevada.

Abstract Central blood pressure (cBP) is considered an independent predictor of organ damage, cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Evidence has shown that high intensity interval training (HIIT) is superior to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and vascular function. However, the effects of these aerobic training modalities on cBP have not yet been properly reviewed.This meta-analysis aims to investigate to effects of HIIT versus MICT on cBP.We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared HIIT versus MICT on cBP. Primary outcomes were measures of central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and central diastolic blood pressure (cDBP). Peripheral systolic blood pressure (pSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (pDBP), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were analyzed as second outcomes. Meta-analysis of mean differences (MD) was conducted using the random effects model.Our study included 163 patients enrolled in six trials. We found that HIIT was superior to MICT in reducing the cSBP (MD = -3.12 mmHg, 95% CI: -4.75 to -1.50, p = 0.0002) and SBP (MD = -2.67 mmHg, 95% CI: -5.18 to -0.16, p = 0.04), and increasing VO2max(MD = 2.49 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 1.25 to 3.73, p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were reported for cDBP, DBP and PWV.HIIT was superior to MICT in reducing the cSBP, which suggests its potential role as a non-pharmacological therapy for high blood pressure.

Four weeks of exercise regimen for sedentary workers with rounded shoulder posture: a randomized controlled study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Rounded shoulder (RS) posture causes neck and shoulder pathologies. Mechanical correction taping (MCT) is often incorporated into postural corrective therapies; however, its effects on muscle stiffness are unclear. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of MCT with different tape fabrics, along with exercise, on upper trapezius and pectoralis minor muscle stiffness and the posture of sedentary workers. DESIGN AND SETTING: A randomized controlled study was performed at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey. METHODS: The study included 39 workers with RS posture. Two intervention groups (performance tape: PT and classic tape: CT) were taped twice a week and administered a home exercise program for 4 weeks. The control (C) group performed only home exercises. RS was measured using an acromion-testing table (AT), stiffness using shear wave elastography ultrasound, and shoulder angle (SA) using a smartphone application at baseline and 4 weeks. Time and group interactions were determined using 3 × 2 mixed analysis of variance. RESULTS: Intragroup analyses revealed a significant main effect of time on AT distance (η2 = 0.445) and SA (η2 = 0.325) in the PT and C groups (P < 0.05) and left upper trapezius stiffness (η2 = 0.287) in the CT and C groups (P < 0.05). In the post hoc analyses, no difference was noted between the groups from baseline to 4 weeks (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Scapular MCT added to postural exercises did not show any difference between the intervention groups and controls in terms of muscle stiffness and posture in sedentary workers.

Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis in obese patients with three noninvasive methods: Arterial stiffness, carotid intima-media thickness, and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction

ABSTRACT Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with obesity who had cardiovascular disease risk indicators such as arterial stiffness, which is evaluated using pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction such as endocan, ADAMTS97, and ADAMTS9. Subjects and methods: Sixty obese subjects, including 23 subjects with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40, 37 subjects with BMI ≥ 30 but < 40, and 60 age-and sex-matched control subjects, were included in our study. Serum endocan, ADAMTS97, and ADAMTS9 levels as well as PWV and CIMT measurements of the subjects in the obese and control groups were performed. Results: In the obesity group, PWV levels were significantly higher than they were in the control group and endocan levels were significantly lower than they were in the control group. When we compared the obese group with BMI ≥ 40 and the control group, the BMI ≥ 40 group had significantly higher PWV and CIMT levels than the control group had, whereas endocan, ADAMTS7, and ADAMTS9 levels were similar to those of the control group. When we compared the obese group with BMI ≥ 30 < 40 to the control group, endocan levels were lower in the group with BMI ≥ 30 < 40, and PWV and CIMT levels were similar to the control group. Conclusions: We found that arterial stiffness and CIMT increased in obese patients with BMI ≥ 40 and that increased arterial stiffness was associated with age, systolic blood pressure, and HBA1C. In addition, we found that the endocan levels were lower in obese patients than they were in nonobese control individuals.

Anthropometric measurements and their association with endothelial function and arterial stiffness of eutrophic individuals and with overweight

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the association of anthropometric measurements with endothelial function and arterial stiffness of eutrophic individuals and with overweight. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with individuals with body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 kg/m² and < 30 kg/m², low to intermediate global cardiovascular risk scores, and aged ≥ 18 and < 60 years. We assessed the sociodemographic data, anthropometric variables (body weight, height, circumferences of the waist [WC], neck [NC], hip [HC], sagittal abdominal diameter [SAD], [BMI], waist-to-hip ratio [WHR], and waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]), biochemical parameters (lipid profile and nitric oxide), endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD], by ultrasound), and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity [PWV] and the amplification index [AIx@75] by oscillometry). Thirty-six individuals were included, 18 eutrophic and 18 with overweight, with a mean age of 37.5 ± 10.2 years, mostly at low cardiovascular risk (86.1%), female (80.6%), single (52.8%), employed with formal contracts (44.4%), and with over twelve years of education (88.9%). Results: The PWV presented positive and moderate correlation with the WC (r = 0.584; P = 0.001), WHR (r = 0.513; P = 0.001), and WHtR (r = 0.590; P = 0.001), and positive and low correlation with the NC (r = 0.372; P = 0.013) and SAD (r = 0.356; P = 0.033). Moreover, no anthropometric parameter presented a correlation with the AIx@75 or the FMD percentage in the total sample. Conclusion: Our findings show that in eutrophic individuals and with overweight the WC, WHR, WHtR, SAD, and NC were positively correlated with the PWV but not to the endothelial function in the overall sample. These are hypothesis-generating findings and they should be replicated in other studies.

Escore SAGE em Normotensos e Pré-Hipertensos: Uma Prova de Conceito / SAGE Score in Normotensive and Pre-Hypertensive Patients: A Proof of Concept

Resumo Fundamento O SAGE foi desenvolvido para identificar hipertensos com chance de velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) aumentada. Até o momento, as publicações do escore foram em hipertensos. Objetivo Verificar a capacidade do SAGE de identificar os normotensos ou pré-hipertensos com chance de aumento da VOP. Métodos Transversal retrospectivo, incluiu exames de normotensos e pré-hipertensos que realizaram a medida central da pressão arterial e apresentavam os parâmetros para o cálculo do escore. Para cada pontuação do escore, foi analisada a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo utilizando como ponto de corte para o diagnóstico positivo VOP ≥ 10m/s, ≥9,08 m/s (percentil 75) e ≥7,30 m/s (percentil 50). Um valor de p<0,05 foi adotado como estatisticamente significante. Resultados A amostra foi de 100 participantes normotensos ou pré-hipertensos, com média (DP) de 52,64 (14,94) anos e VOP mediana de 7,30 m/s (6,03 - 9,08). O SAGE apresentou correlação com idade (r=0,938, p<0,001), glicemia (r=0,366, p<0,001) e taxa de filtração de glomerular (r=-0,658, p<0,001). A área sob a curva ROC foi de 0,968 (p<0,001) para VOP≥10 m/s, 0,977 (p<0,001) para VOP≥9,08 m/s e 0,967 (p<0,001) para VOP≥7,30 m/s. O escore 7 apresentou especificidade de 95,40% e sensibilidade de 100% para VOP≥10 m/s. O ponto de corte seria cinco para VOP≥9,08 m/s (s=96,00%, e= 94,70%), e dois para VOP≥7,30 m/s. Conclusão O SAGE foi capaz de identificar indivíduos com maior chance de apresentar rigidez arterial, utilizando diferentes pontos de corte de VOP. Entretanto, o desenvolvimento de um escore específico para normontensos e pré-hipertensos faz-se necessário.

Abstract Background The SAGE score was developed to detect individuals at risk for increased pulse wave velocity (PWV). So far, studies have been focused on hypertensive patients. Objective To assess the ability of the score to detect non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients at risk for increased PWV. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional study of analysis of central blood pressure data and calculation of the SAGE score of non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients. Each score point was analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, using the cut-off point for positive diagnosis a PVW ≥ 10m/s, ≥9.08 m/s (75thpercentile) and ≥7.30 m/s (50thpercentile). A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The sample was composed of 100 normotensive and pre-hypertensive individuals, with mean age of 52.64 ± 14.94 years and median PWV of 7.30 m/s (6.03 - 9.08). The SAGE score was correlated with age (r=0.938, p<0.001), glycemia (r=0.366, p<0.001) and glomerular filtration rate (r=-0.658, p<0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.968 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 10 m/s, 0.977 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 9.08 m/s and 0.967 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 7.30 m/s. The score 7 showed a specificity of 95.40% and sensitivity of 100% for PWV≥10 m/s. The cut-off point would be of five for a PWV≥9.08 m/s (sensitivity =96.00%, specificity = 94.70%), and two for a PWV ≥ 7.30 m/s. Conclusion The SAGE score could identify individuals at higher risk of arterial stiffness, using different PWV cutoff points. However, the development of a specific score for normotensive and pre-hypertensive subjects is needed.

Association of coronary artery calcium with heart rate variability in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health - ELSA-Brasil

Current data shows that the autonomic and vascular systems can influence each other. However, only a few studies have addressed this association in the general population. We aimed to investigate whether heart rate variability (HRV) was associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC) in a cross-sectional analysis of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). We examined baseline data from 3138 participants (aged 35 to 74 years) without previous cardiovascular disease who underwent CAC score assessment and had validated HRV recordings. Prevalent CAC was defined as a CAC score>0, and HRV analyses were performed over 5-min segments. We detected CAC score>0 in 765 (24.4%) participants. Subgroup analyses in older participants (≥49 years) adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical variables revealed that CAC score>0 was associated with lower values of standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) (odds ratio [OR]=1.32; 95%CI: 1.05,1.65), root mean square of successive differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD) (OR=1.28; 95%CI: 1.02,1.61), and low frequency (LF) (OR=1.53, 95%CI: 1.21,1.92). Interaction analysis between HRV indices and sex in age-stratified groups revealed significant effect modification: women showed increased OR for prevalent CAC in the younger group, while for men, the associations were in the older group. In conclusion, participants aged ≥49 years with low SDNN, RMSSD, and LF values were more likely to present prevalent CAC, suggesting a complex interaction between these markers in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, our results suggested that the relationship between CAC and HRV might be sex- and age-related.

Association between air quality index and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in Beijing / 环境与职业医学

Background Few studies have investigated the association between air pollution and arterial stiffness in Chinese population, and the findings are inconsistent. The problem of multicollinearity exists when modeling multiple air pollutants simultaneously. Objective To investigate potential association between air quality index (AQI) and population brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in Beijing. Methods This study retrieved medical examination data of 2971 participants from the Beijing Health Management Cohort, who were under 60 years old and not yet retired, from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. The most recent medical examination data available were utilized for this analysis. AQI data from 35 air pollution monitoring sites in Beijing and meteorological data (including atmospheric pressure, air temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity) from 16 meteorological monitoring stations from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019 were collected. An average AQI exposure level for 365 d before the date of physical examination for each participant was computed using inverse distance weighting. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between AQI and baPWV in Beijing, after adjusting for confounding variables including age, gender, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, atmospheric pressure, temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, medication history of diabetes, medication history of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, education, smoking status, drinking status, and physical activity intensity. Subgroup analysis was performed by age, sex, presence of diabetes, and presence of hypertension. Results AQI demonstrated an overall decreasing trend during the study period and was lower in the northern regions and higher in the southern regions of Beijing. After adjusting the confounding variables, each 10 unit increase in AQI was associated with 6.18 (95%CI: 1.25, 11.10) cm·s−1 increase in baPWV in all participants, 8.05 (95%CI: 2.32, 13.79) cm·s−1 increase in the participants <50 years, 15.82 (95%CI: 8.33, 23.31) cm·s−1 increase in the female group, 10.10 (95%CI: 4.66, 15.55) cm·s−1 increase in the participants without diabetes, and 9.41 (95%CI: 4.21, 14.62) cm·s−1 increase in the participants without hypertension. However, there was no statistically significant association observed between AQI and baPWV in the age group ≥50 years, the male group, the diabetic group, and the hypertensive group (P>0.05). Conclusion An increase in long-term AQI levels is associated with an elevation in the degree of arterial stiffness. Individuals under 50 years old, females, without hypertension or diabetes are susceptible populations to arterial stiffness when being exposed to air pollution. Improving air quality may contribute to prevent arterial stiffness.

Application of ultrasonic shear wave elastography to the assessment of skin lesion in patients with systemic sclerosis / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the value of shear wave elastography (SWE) in skin assessment of Systemic sclerosis (SSc).Methods:A total of 58 SSc patients admitted to Peking University Third Hospital from May 2021 to October 2022 and 41 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Skin shear wave elastography (SWE) was performed at 17 sites defined in modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) measurement, and shear wave velocity values were recorded to evaluate skin hardness. SPSS 22.0 software was used to analyze the skin hardness of SSc patients and healthy controls, and the correlation between skin hardness of SSc patients and clinical data was analyzed. A logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of skin hardness at different sites of SSc patients, and to further select the most practical measurement site.Results:The SWE value of SSc patients was significantly higher than that of healthy control group ( P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between SWE and mRSS in the measurement of bilateral fingers, bilateral dorsal hands, bilateral forearms, fore-chest, abdomen, bilateral thighs, and bilateral dorsal feet. Skin stiffness measured by SWE was significantly correlated with SSc disease activity score (EScSG-DAI), ( r=0.71, P<0.001), disease injury score (SCTC-DI), (P=0.55, P=0.005) and functional score (HAQ-DI), ( r=0.46, P=0.003). Reducing the number of measurement sites to 12 (bilateral fingers, bilateral hands, bilateral forearms, bilateral upper arms, forehead, fore-chest, bilateral dorsum of feet) performs as well as all 17 measurement sites simultaneously in assessing disease activity. Conclusion:SWE is a good evaluation tool to reflect the skin lesions of SSc, which is of great value for the diagnosis and evaluation of the disease. We can further standardize the measurement sites and select the most appropriate evaluation strategy, so as to achieve better clinical application.

Sound touch elastography linear combined with ultrasound score for staging liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To study the value of sound touch elastography (STE) linear combined with ultrasound score (US) in the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) liver fibrosis, and to investigate whether their combination can improve the diagnostic efficiency of subdividing the degree of CHB liver fibrosis. Furthermore, a comparison with STE linear combined with the serological model was performed to seek the optimal linear combination model.Methods:A total of 313 subjects were enrolled from September 2018 to December 2021 in Shenzhen Third People′s Hospital Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University, including 259 patients with CHB who had completed liver biopsy and 54 healthy volunteers. CHB patients were divided into liver fibrosis group (F1-F4 group) according to METAVIR classification standard, and healthy volunteers were used as the control group. All subjects underwent liver ultrasound examination, STE and blood biochemical indexes of liver function. The US was performed according to the liver ultrasound examination, and the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was measured by STE, aspartate aminotransferase and platelet ratio index (APRI) was calculated by blood biochemical index. Fisher discriminant analysis was used to establish the linear combination (LC) diagnostic marker of US and LSM, and the linear combination (LC2) diagnostic marker of LSM and APRI, successively. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlations between US, LSM, APRI, LC2, LC and pathological results. The ROC curves of US, LSM, APRI, LC2 and LC for diagnosing CHB liver fibrosis were plotted, and the diagnostic efficiency of above diagnostic markers was evaluated according to the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and area under the ROC curve (AUC).Results:The formula for the linear combination of US and LSM was LC=0.986 0×US+ 0.166 7×LSM, and LC was highly positively correlated with pathological findings ( rs=0.851, P<0.001), higher than US, LSM, LC2 and APRI ( rs=0.825, 0.775, 0.802, 0.586, all P<0.001). LC showed the best diagnostic efficiency. The AUCs for diagnosing ≥F1, ≥F2, ≥F3 liver fibrosis and =F4 cirrhosis were 0.945, 0.911, 0.954, 0.955, respectively, which superior to the AUCs of US (0.913, 0.879, 0.934 and 0.916, respectively), the AUCs of LSM (0.860, 0.871, 0.934 and 0.952, respectively) and the AUCs of LC2(0.899, 0.883, 0.941, 0.946, respectively). Compared with US, the AUC of LC diagnosis of ≥F1, ≥F2, ≥F3 liver fibrosis and =F4 cirrhosis increased by 3.2%, 3.2%, 2.0% and 3.9%, respectively, with all significant differences ( P<0.05). Compared with LSM, the AUC of LC increased by 8.5%, 4.0%, 2.0% and 0.3%, respectively, with significant difference ( P<0.05) except for stage =F4 cirrhosis.Compared with LC2, the AUC of LC increased by 4.6%, 2.8%, 1.3% and 0.9%, respectively, and there were significant differences in the diagnosis of ≥F1 and ≥F2 liver fibrosis ( P<0.05). Moreover, the overall efficiency of LC2 was not significantly improved than LSM, the difference was not significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:US, LSM, LC2 and LC can be used to diagnose the degree of CHB liver fibrosis, but LC is better than US or LSM and LC2 alone, especially in the subdivision of mild liver fibrosis, which is a promising new diagnostic marker to subdivide the degree of CHB liver fibrosis.

Investigation of arterial stiffness and its influencing factors in prediabetic population / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the level of arterial stiffness and its influencing factors in prediabetic population.Methods:From June 2021 to June 2022, 207 prediabetes patients were prospectively and randomly recruited from the physical examination center and outpatient clinic of Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University to be the prediabetic group and 130 healthy volunteers at the same time with the same gender and age as the healthy controls. The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), brachial-radial PWV, and femoral-ankle PWV were measured by an automatic ultrasonic arterial stiffness measurement technology. The common carotid artery wall intima-media thickness (IMT) and left heart function were routinely evaluated. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the subjects′ smoking, drinking, diet, staying up late, exercise and other living habits. Comparison between groups and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to analyze the relevant data.Results:The carotid-femoral PWV and common carotid artery wall IMT in prediabetic group were significantly higher than those in healthy controls [(7.10±2.00)m/s vs (6.26±1.14)m/s, (0.57±0.11)mm vs (0.51±0.08)mm; both P<0.001], but there were no significant differences in the brachial-radial PWV and femoral-ankle PWV between the two groups (both P>0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that prediabetes was an independent influencing factor in carotid-femoral PWV after adjusting for confounding factors ( P<0.001), in addition, age ( P<0.001), diastolic blood pressure ( P<0.001), staying up late ( P=0.011) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P=0.022) were also the independent influencing factors of carotid-femoral PWV. Conclusions:Compared with healthy people, the stiffness of aorta is significantly increased in prediabetic people, but there is no significant change in the stiffness of peripheral arteries. Prediabetes, age, diastolic blood pressure, staying up late and low density lipoprotein cholesterol are independent influencing factors of carotid-femoral PWV.

Liver and spleen stiffness measurements in patients with BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms and their clinical significance / 中国基层医药

Objective:To measure liver and spleen stiffness in patients with BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms and analyze their clinical significance.Methods:Fifteen healthy volunteers and 27 patients with BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms underwent liver and spleen thickness measurements using FibroScan 502 Touch medical device between June 2018 and June 2020 in Hebei Petro China Central Hospital and they were included in this study. Liver and spleen stiffness was correlated with clinical laboraty indicators.Results:Liver stiffness, spleen stiffness, and the difference between spleen stiffness and liver stiffness in patients with BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms were significantly greater than those in healthy controls [(6.34 ± 2.22) kPa vs. (5.07 ± 1.27) kPa; (26.00 ± 10.66) kPa vs. (13.61 ± 5.64) kPa; (19.65 ± 10.37) kPa vs. (8.54 ± 5.33) kPa, t = -2.01, -4.30, -4.06, all P < 0.05]. Platelet count was negatively correlated with liver and spleen stiffness ( r = -0.39, -0.42). White blood cell count was negatively correlated with the difference between spleen stiffness and liver stiffness ( r = -0.40, P < 0.05). The uric acid level was negatively correlated with liver stiffness ( r = -0.54, P < 0.05), but it was positively correlated with spleen thickness ( r = 0.41, P < 0.05). The percentage of B lymphocytes among lymphocytes was negatively correlated with spleen stiffness and the difference between spleen stiffness and liver stiffness ( r= -0.56, -0.56, both P < 0.05). The percentage of diseased megakaryocytes was positively correlated with spleen stiffness ( r = 0.40, P < 0.05). The percentage of sideroblasts was negatively correlated with liver stiffness ( r = -0.44, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Spleen stiffness and liver stiffness are closely related to clinical indicators in patients with BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms, including white blood cell count, platelet count, uric acid level, percentage of B lymphocytes, diseased megakaryocytes and sideroblasts. Dynamic monitoring of liver and spleen stiffnesses or in combination with bone marrow examination in future can help evaluate the condition of patients with BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Study of arterial stiffness and its related factors in different gender and age groups / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate gender differences in arterial velocity pulse index(AVI), which is an indicator of vascular stiffness, across various age groups.Additionally, the study will also examine the risk factors associated with AVI.Methods:This cross-sectional study enrolled 4311 patients with an average age of 57.8±12.8 years at Jiading Branch of Shanghai First People's Hospital between August 2020 and September 2021.Patients were divided into three groups based on age: young(<45 years old, n=755), middle-aged(45-59 years old, n=1260), and elderly(≥60 years old, n=2 296). The AVI of the subject was obtained using the cuff oscillation wave method.The subject's AVI was acquired using the cuff oscillation wave.High AVI, indicating arteriosclerosis, was defined as AVI≥33.The subjects were then divided into two groups: the high AVI group(122 cases)and the normal AVI group(4 189 cases).Results:The ankle-brachial index(AVI)was found to be 12.8±3.7, 17.5±5.7, and 19.8±6.5 in the young, middle-aged, and elderly groups, respectively.The study revealed that AVI increased with age( Ftrend=767.819, P<0.01). Additionally, the incidence of high AVI in middle-aged women was found to be(2.8% or 20/722), which was higher than that in men 0.9%(5/538)in the same age group.This difference was statistically significant( χ2=5.371, P<0.05). The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicate that being overweight, having a higher height, and a pulse rate greater than 80 BPM are protective factors in preventing a high incidence of AVI.The odds ratios( OR)with 95% confidence intervals( CI)for these factors were 0.468(0.317-0.690), 0.926(0.895-0.958), and 0.143(1.026-2.432), respectively, all with a P-value less than 0.01.On the other hand, old age, systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, and diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher were identified as risk factors for AVI.The ORs with 95% CIs for these factors were 2.119(1.322-3.396), 6.652(4.136-10.699), and 1.580(1.026-2.432), respectively, all with a P- value less than 0.05l. Conclusions:Arterial stiffness, as measured by the ankle-brachial index(ABI), tends to increase with age.In middle-aged subjects, women have a higher incidence of high ABI than men.Independent risk factors for high ABI include age and increased blood pressure, while factors such as overweight and height may affect the measured value of ABI.

Design of variable stiffness insole based on diabetics plantar pressure during gait period / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of plantar pressure of diabetic patients during gait cycle, and to design a offloading insole with variable stiffness. MethodsThe plantar pressure experiment was carried out and a database including 157 subjects was established. The differences of plantar pressure distribution were analyzed among diabetic patients with and without peripheral neuropathy, and healthy people. The insole pressure area was divided, and porous units were filled in different insole areas according to the pressure gradient. The fed-calf-insole finite element model of diabetic patients was constructed. The simulation analysis of different insole schemes was carried out under the conditions of push-off, footheel-strike and dynamic neutrality posture, and to explore the most reasonable insole stiffness design. ResultsCompared with the healthy group, the percentage of peak pressure and high pressure in the left and right heel areas of diabetic neuropathy patients showed a decreasing trend, in which the left peak pressure was significantly reduced by 11% (P = 0.026) and the percentage of high pressure was significantly reduced by 9.8% (P = 0.02). When the porous elements of 2.5 MPa and 1.9 MPa were used in the high pressure area of the insole metatarsal and high pressure area of the heel, the peak plantar pressure of footheel-strike, dynamic neutral and push-off was reduced by 42.4%, 27.4% and 26.4%, and the peak stress of the soft tissue was reduced by 49.8%, 43.6% and 25.1%, respectively. ConclusionThere is a higher risk of ulcer in the metatarsal region than in the heel region for diabetic patients. The variable stiffness insoles based on the optimization of plantar pressure and internal stress under multi-posture can effectively reduce the peak pressure of plantar and peak stress of soft tissue during walking, which provides a reference for the design of variable stiffness insoles.