Arterial stiffness is associated with prehypertension in both non-hypertensives and treated hypertensives-A matched case control study.

BACKGROUND: Prehypertension (PHT) is a cardiovascular health risk defined by blood pressure (BP). Arterial stiffness (AS) provides beyond brachial BP inference on vascular ageing and pulse wave analysis (PWA) can measure it non-invasively.We compared association between AS and PHT using age and gender matched case-controls. METHODS: This is a sub analysis of previous PWA studies of hypertensives and non-hypertensives. Using oscillometric PWA by Mobil-o-Graph (IEM, Stolberg, Germany), parameters of AS (augmentation pressure and index, reflection magnitude, aortic pulse wave velocity, pulse pressure amplification), brachial hemodynamics (BH), and central hemodynamics (CH; aortic BP, cardiac output related parameters, stroke work) were derived. Age and gender matched case controls were compared as: 1) Nonhypertensives with BP at prehypertensive level (PHT) versus normotensives (NT) (n = 217 each), 2) Under treatment hypertensives with BP at prehypertensive level (PHT-T) versus untreated, nonhypertensives with BP at prehypertensive level (PHT-UT) (n = 74 each). RESULTS: PHTs had higher AS, BH and CH than NTs, with statistical significance for all but few parameters. PHT-T had comparable BH but higher AS, CH than PHT-UT with significance for few parameters. CONCLUSION: Pulse wave analysis derived arterial stiffness is associated with prehypertension compared to normal, after age and gender matching. In hypertensives, arterial stiffness is significantly higher despite being treated to prehypertension level as compared to control. It hints arterial stiffness to be better parameter than brachial BP to study prehypertension.

Exploring the relationship between flumethrin resistance and Anaplasma marginale infection in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks of cattle.

The study explores the relationship between flumethrin resistance and Anaplasma marginale infection in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus of cattle in South Gujarat, India. Adult Immersion Test (AIT) was used to assess flumethrin resistance and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm A. marginale infection. Species-specific PCR resulted in the amplification of 576 bp of msp5 gene of A. marginale in 17.69% (49/277) groups of ticks, and subsequent digestion with EcoRI cleaved it into two distinct segments. Navsari district, noted level Ι resistance [resistance factors (RF) = 1.78-3.34], and A. marginale prevalence was 16.67, 15.38, 23.08, 15.38, and 11.76% in Navsari, Jalalpore, Gandevi, Chikhli, and Vansda sub-districts, respectively. Similarly, Vyara and Dolvan sub-districts of Tapi observed level Ι resistance (RF = 1-3.63), with A. marginale positivity of 21.43 and 22.22%, while Valod and Songhad demonstrated susceptibility, with 14.29 and 12.50% of A. marginale, respectively. Moving to Surat, the Mahuva, Bardoli, Mandvi, Palsana, and Kamrej sub-districts observed the level Ι resistance (RF = 1.94-2.89), coupled with 14.29, 17.65, 20, 20, and 21.43% of A. marginale, respectively. Lastly, in Valsad district, Dharampur, Kaparada, Valsad, and Umbergaon noted level Ι resistance (RF = 1.67-1.81), and corresponding A. marginale positivity rates of 18.18, 19.23, 15.00, and 20.00%. The scatter plot unveiled a significant moderate positive correlation between RF and A. marginale positivity% (p = 0.0362), characterized by a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.4963. The covariance (1.1814) highlighted fluctuations, while the coefficient of determination (r2) (0.2463) clarified that 24.63% of the variability in A. marginale positivity% could be attributed to the RF.

Acaricidal activity of paste of methanolic extract of leaf of Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus hybrid, Saraca asoca and Murraya koenigii against the bovine ticks in in-vitro condition.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the acaricidal activity of a paste made from freeze-dried methanolic extracts of air-dried leaf powders of Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus hybrid, Saraca asoca, and Murraya koenigii against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus on cellulose paper. The extracts were tested in both single form (100% and 50% concentration) and dual combination (prepared by mixing equal proportions of the extracts in 100% concentration). The results showed a direct proportional relationship (p < 0.05) between the concentration of the extracts and the mortality percentage at 72 h post-treatment, as well as the inhibition of oviposition (I.O.) percentage. The highest mortality rate of 98.75 ± 1.25% and I.O. of 44.47 ± 0.87% was observed with the A. indica extract at 100% concentration, followed by E. hybrid, S. asoca, and M. koenigii. The combination of A. indica and E. hybrid extracts had a mortality rate of 87.5 ± 5.59% and I.O. of 42.91 ± 0.44%, followed by the combinations of S. asoca: E. hybrid, A. indica: S. asoca, E. hybrid: M. koenigii, and A. indica: M. koenigii. The extracts of A. indica and E. hybrid demonstrated the highest mortality and inhibition of oviposition percentages compared to the other extracts in both single and dual combinations. These extracts required 72 h to reach their maximum mortality.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the rapid detection of Anaplasma marginale in cattle based on major surface protein 5 gene.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Timely intervention is needed to minimize the economic losses of vector-borne bovine anaplasmosis which can be possible by the isothermal amplification assay. METHODS: Anaplasma marginale in the cattle of south Gujarat, India was detected in the PCR and LAMP by amplifying the fragment of msp5 gene. The PCR product was digested with EcoRI, and sequenced to confirm its pathogen specific detection. RESULTS: Species specific PCR observed a band of 457 bp of msp5 DNA following 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Positive LAMP reaction turned into yellow colour while negative sample depicted original pink colour. A detection limit of PCR and LAMP was up to 10-6 and 10-8 of the original genomic DNA of A. marginale, respectively. A single cut site of EcoRI was observed in the PCR product. Current msp5 DNA sequences of A. marginale (MW538962 and MW538961) showed 100% homology with the published sequences. Monophyletic lineage type relationship was observed with high bootstrap proportion among the msp5 DNA sequences of A. marginale in the phylogram. Prevalence rate of A. marginale was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the PCR [43/280 (15.36%)] and LAMP [62/280 (22.14%)] than the microscopic technique [17/280 (6.07%)]. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values at 95% CI for LAMP assay with respect to PCR were 93.02%, 90.72%, 64.52% and 98.62%, respectively. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Thus LAMP can be a practical alternative to the PCR for the diagnosis of A. marginale infection in the cattle even in field condition.

Correlation between Measures of Obesity and Vascular Ageing in Type 2 Diabetics of Rural Regions of West India with Low Prevailing Obesity: A Pulse Wave Analysis Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Obesity and vascular ageing are two facets of type 2 diabetes (T2Ds) to study. The former can be studied by qualitative body fat analysis using bio-electrical impedance (BIA) and later with blood pressure by pulse wave analysis (PWA). We studied the association between BIA and PWA parameters in T2Ds. Methodology: One hundred and fifty-six T2Ds on treatment were evaluated for BIA (Omron Karada Scan, China) and PWA (IEM, Stolberg, Germany). BIA parameters (weight, BMI, total body fat, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, skeletal muscle mass) and PWA parameters (arterial stiffness, brachial haemodynamics, aortic blood pressures, central haemodynamics) were studied. Comparison, correlation, risk association, and predictions were done with a p-value < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: The mean age was 57.7 years, while the mean BMI was 22.8 kg/m2. The prevalence of hypertension was 50%, while the prevalence of glycaemic control was 10%. The correlation between BIA and PWA parameters in >75% instants was weak and insignificant (especially for aortic parameters and central haemodynamics). Female gender, BMI < 22.5 kg/m2, VF< 10, and low/normal TBF were associated with comparatively high PWA parameters, but inconsistently. High BMI or VF did not impose a significant Odds risk of high aortic pulse wave velocity or central pulse pressure. Visceral fat and aortic pulse wave velocities were not significantly predicted by blood pressure, BMI, and heart rate. Conclusion: Among rural type 2 diabetics with a mean BMI of 22.8 kg/m2 and poor glycaemic control, there is largely a lack of association between obesity and vascular aging, suggesting differences in time course and pathology of the two entities in type 2 diabetics. Further studies are recommended.

A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study of Cardiac Autonomic Status by Five Minute Heart Rate Variability among Type 2 Diabetics, Hypertensives and Normotensive-Nondiabetics.

Background: Diabetes and hypertension are known to co-exist frequently as adverse cardiovascular risk factors. Both can produce cardiac autonomic neuropathythat can be measured by ECG RR interval-based heart rate variability (HRV). We compared 5 minutes HRV in four groups based on diabetes and hypertension. Methodology: A cross sectional study was done on 203 participants divided into four groups- diabetics, hypertensives, diabetic-hypertensives and normotensive-nondiabetics. They were evaluated for current disease control and five minutes HRV was done in supine condition following standard protocols by Variowin HR Software. HRV parameters of time domain, frequency domain and Poincare plot were compared between groups and associated with gender, glycaemic control and blood pressure control. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Three diseasedgroups had mean age in mid-fifties, mean duration of disease > 6 years, comparable BMI, poor glycaemic and blood pressure control. As compared to normal groups, three diseased groups exhibit reduced HRV with respect to all three domains of HRV with varying statistical significance. Among diseased groups, HRV was associated with blood pressure control better than glycaemic control but not with gender. LF /HF ratio was the most consistent HRV parameter showing statistical significance in tests. Conclusion: HRV is reduced in both diabetics more than hypertensives; related to blood pressure control more than glycaemic control. It points altered cardiac autonomic balance, and possibility of cardiovascular risk and early detection of it with timely intervention. It also calls for investigation of same for reinforcement of our observations and further exploration.

Prevalence and correlates of vibration perception threshold based diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Gujarati urban population: A cross sectional study.

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is common microvascular complication with lack of data from many regions. Vibration perception threshold (VPT) is an objective tool to screen vibration-based neuropathy both quantitatively and qualitatively. We studied prevalence that correlates VPT in diabetic sample population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 100 under treatment urban type 2 diabetics. Using bioesthesiometer, we tested VPT from sole of lower limbs of each participant. VPT >25 was considered as DPN. VPT was further correlated to determinants using t test, chi square, and multiple linear regressions. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Mean age was 57, mean duration was 9.42 years, 40% were good glycemic, 28% were symptomatic for neuropathy, half subjects had co-existing hypertension and positive family history. VPT >25 was prevalent in 38% participants and mild, moderate, severe grades of DPN were present in 10%, 20%, 38%, respectively. VPT was associated with all three measures of glycemic control both quantitatively and qualitatively imposing significant odds risk (3.45, 2.63, 3.63 for HbA1C, FPG, 2hPG, respectively). Presence of symptoms, duration, and family history were significant predictors of VPT, whereas age, gender, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and glycemic control were not. Conclusion: In chronic type 2 diabetics from a city Gujarat, we report 38% prevalence of DPN, related to symptoms, duration, family history, and all measures of glycemic triad. Unrelated to age and gender, VPT is superior to symptoms to detect DPN and it should be used optimally to insinuate timely preventive measures.

Impact of diabetic retinopathy on pulse wave analysis-derived arterial stiffness and hemodynamic parameters: A cross-sectional study from Gujarat, India.

PURPOSE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is known to produce diabetic retinopathy (DR). Pulse wave analysis (PWA) provides arterial stiffness (AS) and central hemodynamic (CH) parameters. We studied the effect of DR on AS and CH parameters in type 2 diabetics (T2D). METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study on 47 T2Ds attending a private ophthalmology clinic screened for DR by optical coherence tomography angiography and divided into NDR (non-DR), NPDR (non-proliferative DR), and PDR (proliferative DR). Mobil-o-graph (IEM, Germany) based oscillometric PWA yielded AS and CH parameters. They were further compared between groups stratified by DR with P value set at 0.05. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age 62, mean diabetes duration 9 years, high mean BMI, and high prevalence of physical inactivity, hypertension, and poor diseases control. Significant differences were lacking in NPDR, NDR, and PDR in rate pressure product (mean 112.71 vs 116.06 vs 119.57), central pulse pressure (mean 46.50 vs 43.09 vs 42.72), stroke work (mean 153.36 vs 132.36 vs 146.08), augmentation index (mean 29.43 vs 33.14 vs 31.64), and aortic pulse wave velocity (mean 10.06 vs 9.08 vs 9.06). There was no clear pattern of distribution of most parameters among the three subgroups. CONCLUSION: We found a lack of association between DR and cardiovascular ageing studied by AS and hemodynamic parameters. It suggests a possible difference in risk factors for both of these aftermaths of T2DM and calls for further prospective studies with a large sample size.

Effect of Menopause on Arterial Stiffness and Central Hemodynamics: A Pulse Wave Analysis-Based Cross-sectional Study from Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: Menopause, a cardiovascular risk in mid-life women, is studied in terms of blood pressure mostly. Arterial stiffness (AS) and central hemodynamics (CH) are direct surrogates measured by pulse wave analysis (PWA) with no study from our region. OBJECTIVE: We studied AS, CH in relation to menopause using PWA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 134 middle-aged females divided into groups with or without menopause. Oscillometric PWA done by Mobil-o-Graph (IEM, Germany) gave - AS like augmentation pressure, augmentation index at heart rate (HR) 75, aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), and total AS pulse pressure amplification; CH like aortic blood pressure, cardiac output and related parameters, peripheral resistance, stroke work, prevalent brachial/central hypertension, and raised central pulse pressure. They were further compared between groups, in relation to body mass index (BMI) and by multiple regressions with P < 0.05 as statistical significance. RESULTS: Postmenopausal women were significantly elder, physically inactive with comparable BMI and showed higher AS (only aPWV was significantly different) and CH. BMI was unrelated to AS or CH in postmenopausal group. Age (except for aPWV), BMI, and HR (except for AIx@75) were insignificant predictors, while systolic blood pressure (SBP) in premenopausal and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in postmenopausal group was major AS predictors. Age, HR, and BMI were insignificant predictors, while SBP more than DBP was significant predictors of CH. CONCLUSIONS: In obese, predominantly sedentary midlife Gujarati women, menopause negatively affects AS and hemodynamics, central more than peripheral. Menopause accelerates cardiovascular aging, independent of BMI, and age that calls for further studies.

Assessment of Arterial Stiffness, Brachial Haemodynamics, and Central Haemodynamics in Diabetic Hypertensives: A Pulse Wave Analysis-Based Case-Control Study from an Urban Area of West India.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension (HTN) and diabetes frequently coexist, imposing significant cardiovascular risk that is normally studied in terms of brachial blood pressure (bBP). Direct and superior parameters like central haemodynamics and arterial stiffness are studied scarcely. Pulse wave analysis (PWA) offers a non-invasive measurement of the same that we studied in diabetic hypertensives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a case-control study on 333 treated diabetic hypertensive cases and 333 euglycaemic normotensive controls. Oscillometric PWA was performed by Mobil-o-Graph (IEM, Aachen, Germany). Parameters were further analysed in relation to gender, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), glycaemic control, blood pressure control, and disease duration (cut-off 5 years). Multiple linear regressions were done to find significant associations. RESULTS: Cases had significantly higher brachial haemodynamics (blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and rate pressure product); arterial stiffness measures (augmentation pressure, augmentation index, pulse wave velocity, total arterial stiffness, and pulse pressure amplification), and central haemodynamics (central blood pressure, cardiac output, stroke work) than controls. In the case group, female gender, BMI ≥23, and uncontrolled blood pressures were significant factors that affected the results while other factors such as glycaemic control, physical activity, and duration did not. HR was significantly associated with study parameters. Brachial pressures were not significantly associated with corresponding aortic pressures. CONCLUSION: Diabetic hypertensives had adverse profile of cardiovascular parameters beyond bBP, related to female gender, and HTN and its control, more than that of diabetes. This baseline work suggests further study on these potential parameters.

Heart rate variability is reduced in normal pregnancy irrespective of trimester: A cross-sectional study from Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is associated with profound cardiovascular adaptation with altered cardiac autonomic balance. It can be studied by heart rate variability (HRV) which indicates beat to beat RR interval variation on ECG. OBJECTIVE: We studied 5 min HRV in normal pregnant females divided by trimesters, compared to matched control. METHODOLOGY: We recruited 89 normal pregnant females and 30 age matched controls. Five minutes resting HRV was measured by Variowin HR, software-based instrument, by standard protocols to yield time-domain, frequency domain, and Poincare plot parameters. They were further compared between groups for difference. RESULTS: Case groups (three based on trimesters) and control group were comparable. There was reduced HRV in case than control group, with statistical significance for all, more for frequency domain than time-domain or Poincare plot parameters. There was no pattern of HRV trend across three trimesters, but mostly second trimester was associated with major decline. Primipara revealed significantly reduced HRV than multipara, but anemia or working status was not significantly associated with HRV in case group. CONCLUSION: There is global HRV reduction in normal pregnancy across all trimesters, associated with primiparity. This indicates pregnancy as a significant risk with reference to altered cardiac balance and use of HRV as a good tool to assess the same.

Association of brachial and central hemodynamic parameters to eGFR and proteinuria in Gujarati diabetics with mild-to-moderate nephropathy.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant risk factor for nephropathy and cardiovascular morbidity. Pulse wave analysis (PWA) gives direct inference of brachial hemodynamics (BH) and central hemodynamics (CH). We studied relation of them with diabetic nephropathy (DN) among type-2 diabetics (T2D). METHODS: We studied oscillometric PWA by a cross-sectional study in 160 T2Ds. Using Mobil-o-Graph (IEM, Germany), we derived BH (blood pressure, pulse pressure index, rate pressure product) and CH (aortic pressure, cardiac index, stroke volume index, stroke work). They were further compared and associated with DN in terms of creatinine, proteinuria, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESULTS: There were 89 males, mean age 56 years, mean duration 4.8 years, 80% hypertensive predominantly using ACE inhibitors, poor glycemic blood pressure (BP) control, mainly mild-to-moderate DN, mean eGFR 88.2, 34% prevalence of proteinuria. Arterial stiffness was high with female disadvantage. BH and CH parameters were not different with or without DN using proteinuria or eGFR (60 cutoff) criteria. BH, CH correlated insignificantly with creatinine and eGFR. Female disadvantage, correlation with bSBP and aSBP were only significant results. CONCLUSIONS: BH and CH are not related to eGFR and proteinuria in predominantly hypertensive, Gujarati diabetics with mild-to-moderate nephropathy suggesting need of other cardiovascular parameters.

Dry preservation of Toxocara vitulorum by plastination technique.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The most widely adopted technique to preserve the gross specimen of the parasite is immersions and storage in liquid preservatives. The present study aimed to describe the dry method of the preservation of Toxocara vitulorum using plastination technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acetone dehydrated parasites were incubated at -20°C for 1 month in five different plastination solutions, prepared by mixing melamine and turpentine oil with clove oil (MTCl)/chloroform (MTC)/isopropanol (MTI)/benzene (MTB)/xylene (MTX) in 1:1:1 ratio to infiltrate the polymer. Technical personnel was asked to assign weekly score for dryness, stickiness, shrinkage, glossiness, flexibility, and odor of the prepared model on a 5-point scale. RESULTS: Overall, the plastinated parasites were dry, non-sticky, glossy, odorless, chemical-free, harmless, to some extent flexible, with detectable morphological structure including natural form but lost their natural color, and cuticle became translucent. A varying level of shrinkage was noted in all types of plastinated model, but it was least in MTCl model. One month post-plastination, the mean evaluation score for glossiness was maximum in the parasite plastinated in MTCl solution (4.50±0.17), followed by MTC (3.72±0.32), MTX (3.56±0.38), MTB (2.83±0.37), and MTI (2.31±0.33). Likewise, for flexibility, the score was maximum in the parasite plastinated in MTCl solution (4.36±0.16), followed by MTB (3.11±0.14), MTC (2.94±0.41), MTX (2.75±0.41), and MTI (1.97±0.28). The degree of dryness, stickiness, and odor of the prepared model varies non-significantly (p>0.05) with the polymer mixtures. Maximum shrinkage percentage in terms of length and width was 4.24% and 50%, respectively, in the parasites plastinated in MTB solution. Shrinkage percentage was minimal (1.81% in length and 25% in width) in the MTCl plastinated parasites. Shrinkage percentage in terms of dimension was statistically non-significant among the different polymer solutions. Plastinated models withstand the process of microbial decomposition. There were 5 and 11 odd points in favor of plastination and formalin preservation technique, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prepared T. vitulorum model in MTCl can be used as an adjunct to the parasite preserve in 10% formalin solution. The plastination technique can be used as an alternative method of liquid preservation.

Central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness by oscillometric pulse-wave analysis in treated Gujarati euglycemic hypertensives: A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is the most prevalent noncommunicable disorder, studied in terms of brachial blood pressure. Direct parameters like central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness, though superior, are not studied much. The same can be studied by pulse-wave analysis (PWA) and we did that in euglycemic treated hypertensives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in 258 treated euglycemic hypertensives and 258 matched controls. Oscillometric PWA was accomplished by Mobil-O-Graph (IEM, Germany). Parameters were further analyzed for the effect of gender, physical activity, body mass index (BMI) (cutoff 23), blood pressure control, and duration (cutoff 5 years). Multiple linear regressions were used to find significant predictors. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: Cases had significantly higher brachial arterial parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, rate pressure product), arterial stiffness (augmentation pressure, augmentation index, pulse-wave velocity, total arterial stiffness, pulse pressure amplification), and central hemodynamics (central blood pressure, cardiac output, stroke work) compared to age, gender, and BMI-matched controls. In the case group, female gender, BMI ≥ 23, and uncontrolled blood pressure were significant factors affecting results. Heart rate and pulse pressure were major predictors of study parameters. Central pressure parameters were not predicted significantly by corresponding brachial pressure parameters. CONCLUSION: PWA revealed the adverse profile of arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics in treated Gujarati hypertensives, associated with female gender, BMI, and blood pressure control, predicted mainly by heart rate and pulse pressure, independent of brachial blood pressure. It indicates both potential and further study of these parameters.

Central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness in Gujarati diabetics not receiving any antihypertensive: A case-control study based on oscillometric pulse wave analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a modern epidemic imposing significant cardiovascular risk. Immediate and discrete parameters such as arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics are studied scarcely. Pulse wave analysis (PWA) offers noninvasive measurement of the same and we performed that in diabetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a case-control study on 148 treated diabetic not on antihypertensive and 148 nondiabetic normotensive controls. Oscillometric PWA was performed by Mobil-O-Graph (IEM). Parameters were further analyzed for effect of gender, physical activity, body mass index (BMI; cut-off 23), glycemic control, and disease duration (cut-off 4 years). Multiple linear regressions were used to find significant predictors. P <0.05 was taken as statistical significance. RESULTS: Cases had significantly raised brachial hemodynamics (blood pressure, heart rate, rate pressure product), arterial stiffness (augmentation pressure, augmentation index, pulse wave velocity, total arterial stiffness, pulse pressure amplification), and central hemodynamics (central blood pressure, cardiac output, stroke work) than controls. In the case group, female gender, BMI ≥ 23, and physical inactivity were the significant factors affecting results (arterial stiffness more than central hemodynamics); glycemic control and duration were not. Heart rate was the major predictor of study parameters. Brachial pressure parameters were not significant predictors of corresponding central pressure parameters. CONCLUSION: Gujarati diabetics not using any antihypertensive had adverse profile of beyond brachial blood pressure discrete cardiovascular parameters, independent of duration and glycemic control, related to gender, BMI, and physical activity, indicating vascular progeria in the absence of hypertension. This baseline study suggests further work on these potential parameters.

Abnormal sympathetic functioning is linked to familial hypertension in nonathletic young males.

BACKGROUND: Sympathetic overactivity mediates abnormal cardiovascular outcome that is affected by stress, lack of physical activity (PA), and familial hypertension (HTN). It can be assessed by blood pressure-based sympathetic function tests. OBJECTIVE: We studied sympathetic function tests in young nonathletic males in relation to measures of obesity, PA, and familial HTN. METHODOLOGY: We recruited 100 males (mean age: 19 years) and measured body mass index (BMI) and body composition parameters by tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance such as total body fat, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and skeletal muscle mass. Using instrument cardiac autonomic neuropathy system of Recorders and Medicare System Company, India, blood pressures (supine, standing, and post hand grip) were recorded and studied quantitatively and qualitatively. RESULTS: Physically active and inactive individuals (n = 50 each) had comparable age, BMI, measures of obesity, and sympathetic function tests. However, individuals with familial HTN (n = 37) showed significantly higher obesity measures and blood pressures (supine: systolic blood pressure [SBP] - 133 vs. 115 and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] - 79 vs. 76; standing: SBP - 136 vs. 122 and DBP - 80 vs. 76; post hand grip: SBP - 136 vs. 125 and DBP - 86 vs. 81). Qualitatively, postural hypotension was seen in only two individuals, while worst grading was in post hand grip test significantly and more so in physically inactive group (30%, 28%, and 42% vs. 16%, 20%, and 64%) and individuals with positive familial HTN (32%, 38%, and 30% vs. 17%, 13%, and 70%). CONCLUSION: Familial HTN, but not physical inactivity, affects sympathetic functioning in nonathletic young male medical personnel. It asks for other lifestyle modifications for better cardiovascular health as primary prevention.

Molecular Assessment of Anaplasma marginale in Bovine and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Tick of Endemic Tribal Belt of Coastal South Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: This study described the detection, prevalence and phylogeny of Anaplasma marginale in the bovine (cattle and buffaloes) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick belonged to the tribal area of coastal South Gujarat, India, by amplifying 576 bp of major surface protein (msp) 5 gene using custom designed primers in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The PCR detection limit was up to 20 parasites/µl of blood in sensitivity experiment, and observed 100% specificity against Trypanosoma evansi, Babesia bigemina and Theileria annulata. Prevalence rate of the A. marginale in the bovine (n = 211)) was 18.48% and 6.64% (p < 0.05) as per the PCR and Giemsa stained blood smear, respectively. Febrile animals (35%) observed significantly (p < 0.05) higher incidence rate than the non-febrile (14.62%). The amplified msp5 had single cut site for the EcoR1 enzyme, upon digestion yielded two fragments of 365 and 211 bp on 1.0% agarose gel. The current sequence (KC811329) showed 100% homology and 1064 total score with the published nucleotide sequences of msp5 of A. marginale in the NCBI-BLAST study. Monophyletic relationship was observed with high bootstrap proportion (> 76% in Neighbor-Joining/ Maximum Likelihood) between the current and published nucleotide sequences in the phylogeny. Twenty out of 39 A. marginale infected bovine recorded R. (B.) microplus on their body surface, out of which 18 had detected the infection. The rickettsia was in 55%, 65% and 25% of anterior half, posterior half and egg of tick, respectively. CONCLUSION: The test detected A. marginale in a carrier, pre-symptomatic and symptomatic vertebrate hosts (cattle and buffalo) and different body parts of the starved R. (B.) microplus including its egg. The current genotype could be an explanation for the frequent outbreaks of bovine anaplasmosis in the targeted areas.

Pulse wave analyzed cardiovascular parameters in young first degree relatives of hypertensives.

BACKGROUND: First-degree relatives (FDRs) of hypertensive (HT) are predisposed to hypertension (HTN) which accelerates cardiovascular aging. Same can be studied noninvasively by pulse wave analysis (PWA), encompassing central hemodynamics such as central blood pressure (cBP), cardiac output, and stroke work (SW) and vascular stiffness parameters such as pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index at HR 75 (AIx@75). We studied PWA-derived cardiovascular parameters in FDRs of HT compared to controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a case-control study in 119 FDRs of HT and 119 matched controls. Oscillometric PWA was performed by Mobil-o-Graph (IEM, Germany) and cardiovascular parameters were compared. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Groups were comparable with gender, age, height, weight, body mass index, and physical activity. FDRs of HT had significantly higher brachial and cBPs, SW (101.41 ± 25.44 vs. 88.31 ± 20.25, P = 0.001), rate pressure product-119.40 ± 25.34 vs. 108.34 ± 18.17, P < 0.0001), PWV (5.22 ± 0.46, P < 0.0001), and AIx@75 (31.48 ± 9.01 vs. 27.95 ± 9.4, P = 0.002) than control. Dependent study variables correlated with brachial blood pressure more in magnitude and significance level than age or anthropometric variables. PWA results of FDR with maternal inheritance did not differ significantly from those with paternal inheritance. CONCLUSION: PWA reveals early cardiovascular aging in young FDRs of HTs. It clues to future cardiovascular disease including HTN itself, need for primary prevention, and further study for consolidation of these results.