Target BP Research Articles

6-OR: Blood Pressure as Predictor of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)/Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD) According to Glucose Tolerance Status (GTS): Implications for Updated Guidelines

Despite recent tightening of cutoffs for hypertension (HT) in major global guidelines, guidelines, especially according to GTS, remain debatable. We analyzed data from a nationwide claims database on 293,396 participants without prior CAD or CVD from 2008-16. Multivariate Cox regression model identified risks of CAD and CVD events. Hazard ratios (HRs) were compared among 5 levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (≤119, 120-129, 130-139, 140-149, ≥150) according to GTS [i.e., normal glucose tolerance (NGT), prediabetes (pre-DM), diabetes (DM)]. During the study period, 1099 CAD and 1990 CVD events occurred. Those with SBP levels ≥120 mmHg had a significantly higher risk of incident CAD/CVD than those with lower levels. The incidence of CAD and CVD did not differ significantly between NGT and pre-DM in those with SBP ≤119 whereas HRs for incident CAD for DM was almost 2.7, which was similar to NGT and pre-DM with SBP ≥150 mmHg (Table). Compared with NGT and SBP ≤119 mmHg, the HR for incident CAD among DM and SBP ≥150 mmHg was 5.91 (4.22-8.26), while SBP ≥150 mmHg significantly increased the risk of CVD about 4 fold regardless of GTS. These results based on a large database implied the need for even lower BP targets regardless of GTS. The impact of BP was stronger in DM in preventing CAD. Disclosure M.H. Yamada: None. K. Fujihara: None. Y. Yaguchi: None. T. Osawa: None. M. Kitazawa: None. Y. Matsubayashi: None. M. Iwanaga: None. T. Yamada: None. N. Yamanaka: None. H. Seida: None. W. Ogawa: Research Support; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co.KG, Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Kowa Company, Ltd., Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co. Ltd., Novo Nordisk Inc., Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. Other Relationship; Self; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. H. Sone: Research Support; Self; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., Novartis AG, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Funding 18K17897

P0790RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE ACCORDING TO BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORIES IN DIABETIC PATIENTS : A POPULATION-BASED STUDY

Abstract Background and Aims American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in diabetes patients remain unclear. We aimed to examine the effects of BP categories defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines in diabetes patients on the risk of CVD and CKD. Method In this population-based cohort study we analyzed data from the National Health Information Database in Korea during 2009-2017. The BP categories were defined as per the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines: level 1 (systolic <120 mmHg and diastolic <80 mmHg), level 2 (systolic 120-129 mmHg and diastolic <80 mmHg), level 3 (systolic 130-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89 mmHg), and level 4 (systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg). We obtained the risk of CVD, CKD, cerebrovascular disease and CVD mortality. Results Overall, 490,352 diabetes patients (men 313,752 [64·0%], women 176,599 [36·0%]) were included in the analysis. Over a mean follow-up of 5 years, 6,508 CVD events occurred. Compared to people with BP levels 1, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD in people with BP levels 2, 3, and 4 were 1·07 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0·98-1·16), 1·12 (95% CI, 1·04-1·20) and 1·17 (95% CI, 1·08-1·26), respectively. There were also increased risks of CKD [1·18 (95% CI, 1·12-1·24) and 1·22 (95% CI, 1·15-1·29)], cerebrovascular disease [1·21 (95% CI, 1·14-1·29) and 1·52 (95% CI, 1·42-1·63)], and CVD mortality [1·31 (95% CI, 1·09-1·56) and 1·91 (95% CI, 1·58-2·32)] among subjects with BP levels 3 and 4 compared with those with BP level 1. Moreover, among people not taking antihypertensive medications, there were higher risks of CVD, CKD, cerebrovascular disease, and CVD mortality in those with BP levels 3 and 4 than in those with BP level 1. The risks of CVD, CKD, cerebrovascular disease, and CVD mortality significantly increased in patients with a systolic BP of 130 mmHg and diastolic BP of 80 mmHg. These findings provide evidence supporting the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines for BP targets in diabetes patients. Conclusion The risks of CVD, CKD, cerebrovascular disease, and CVD mortality significantly increased in patients with a systolic BP of 130 mmHg and diastolic BP of 80 mmHg. These findings provide evidence supporting the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines for BP targets in diabetes patients.

Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering on the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation.

It remains uncertain whether intensive control of blood pressure (BP) results in a lower risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with hypertension. Using data from SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), which enrolled participants with hypertension at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, we examined whether intensive BP lowering (target systolic BP [SBP] <120 mm Hg), compared with standard BP lowering (target SBP<140 mm Hg), results in a lower risk of AF. This analysis included 8022 participants (4003 randomized to the intensive arm and 4019 to standard BP arm) who were free of AF at the time of enrollment and with available baseline and follow-up electrocardiographic data. AF was ascertained from standard 12-lead electrocardiograms recorded at biannual study examinations and an exit visit. During up to 5.2 years of follow-up and a total of 28 322 person-years, 206 incident AF cases occurred; 88 in the intensive BP-lowering arm and 118 in the standard BP-lowering arm. Intensive BP lowering was associated with a 26% lower risk of developing new AF (hazard ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.56-0.98]; P=0.037). This effect was consistent among prespecified subgroups of SPRINT participants stratified by age, sex, race, SBP tertiles, prior cardiovascular disease, and prior chronic kidney disease when interactions between treatment effect and these subgroups were assessed using Hommel adjusted P values. In conclusion, intensive treatment to a target of SBP <120 mm Hg in patients with hypertension at high risk of cardiovascular disease has the potential to reduce the risk of AF. Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01206062.

Attended versus unattended automated office blood pressure measurement in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.

: The main advantage of automated office (AO)BP in hypertension screening is that it eliminates white-coat effect seen in routine office practice, with readings similar to awake ambulatory (A)BP. Recent studies examining the possible equivalence between AOBP recorded with and without research staff present have reported attended systolic AOBP to be 5.8 mmHg higher. Moreover, attended automated SBP readings in 27 211 patients in clinical practice were 25 mmHg higher than awake ABP. These data are consistent with the presence of staff increasing AOBP. In research studies, all types of office BP measurement at target SBP less than 130 mmHg were generally lower than awake ABP, whereas, in clinical practice, attended automated office BP was slightly higher than awake ABP. However, AOBP may still be preferred, if target BP is to be similar to 24-h ABP. Further research is needed to determine the optimum technique for recording office BP at target.

Hypertension in working age population: influence of gender and education

Introduction Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a major cause of premature death. Study of age/gender-related and social aspects of the disease, and the assessment of the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment are essential elements of the epidemiological monitoring of hypertension and support a reasonable approach to planning further therapeutic and preventive interventions.Objective Assess the prevalence of hypertension in the working-age population, examine the relationship between hypertension patterns and level of education of respondents taking into account age, gender, and the main aspects of lifestyle.Materials and Methods The study included industrial workers who underwent a routine medical examination in September-November 2015. A total of 2432 subjects (59% males and 41% of females) were surveyed. The study design is cross-sectional, analytic. Methods used: anonymous questionnaire surveys using the WHO STEPS questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, BP measurement. Questions about hypertension included awareness of the presence of the disease and the administration of antihypertensive drugs. Hypertension was diagnosed with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mm Hg, or in the case of the administration of antihypertensive drugs. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by the percentage of patients who had reached the target BP values (&lt;140/90 mm Hg), including treated with antihypertensive drugs. The control of hypertension was judged by the percentage of patients with the target BP levels among all respondents with hypertension.Results Hypertension was diagnosed in 40% of the study subjects. The disease was more prevalent in males (odds ratio (OR) = 1.21), overweight, and obese patients (OR = 2.5) and less prevalent in subjects with higher education (OR = 0.6). No significant association of lifestyle (smoking, alcohol abuse, eating fruits and vegetables, physical activity) with the prevalence of hypertension was revealed. 76% of respondents with hypertension knew about their disease (51% among those who did not take antihypertensive drugs). Awareness was higher in patients with severe hypertension (OR = 2.5), overweight and obese patients (OR = 1.96), and respondents with higher education (OR = 1.55), being significantly lower in males (OR = 0.44). 50% of respondents with hypertension (52% of those with severe hypertension) took antihypertensive drugs with males twice less often than females (OR = 0.49). The target BP levels were detected in 39% of patients taking antihypertensive drugs, less frequently in males (OR = 0.63) and overweight patients (OR = 0.48), and significantly more frequently in patients with higher education (OR = 2.28), regardless their lifestyle.Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension in working patients was 40%. Males were more likely to suffer hypertension and less aware of their disease. The target blood pressure levels were less frequently observed in males during the treatment. On the other hand, patients with higher education had a lower prevalence of hypertension, significantly higher awareness of the disease and efficacy of the treatment than those who had secondary or primary school education. Overall, the study confirmed that the sample of industrial workers could be a reliable source for monitoring hypertension. The significant gender differences and an independent protective effect of the level of education were identified in the epidemiology of hypertension, which should be taken into account in further studies.

Abstract WP390: Regional Differences in Blood Pressure Management After Acute Stroke in International Randomized Controlled Trials

Background and Aims: Epidemiological studies show significant variations in hypertension management within and between countries. The level of regional variation in early blood pressure (BP) management after acute stroke is uncertain. Methods: Data are from the Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study (ENCHANTED), a partial-factorial, international randomized controlled trial (RCT) of thrombolysis-eligible acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with systolic BP (SBP &gt;150 mmHg) assigned to intensive (target SBP 130-140 mmHg) vs. guideline-recommended (SBP &lt;180 mmHg) treatment; and INTERACT2, an international RCT of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (&lt;6 hours) with elevated SBP randomized to intensive (target SBP &lt;140 mmHg) or guideline-recommended (SBP &lt;180 mmHg) treatment. BP management was compared between five participating regions of these RCTs: west (Europe/Australia/US), China, other Asia (South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), India (India and Pakistan), and South America (Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia). Results: There were 2196 AIS (38% women, mean age 67[12] years) and 2829 acute ICH (37% women, mean age 63[13] years) patients in these analyzes. Commonly used intravenous BP lowering agents are labetalol, nitroglycerin, and topical Nitrates in western countries; mannitol, urapidil, and sodium nitroprusside in China; nicardipine in other Asian countries; and sodium nitroprusside and labetalol in South America. Western patients were more likely to receive BP lowering treatment in the first 24 hours and treated with multiple agents, and had larger magnitude of SBP reduction and greater SBP variability. BP control parameters over 2-7 days were comparable between regions. Conclusion: Regional variations in early BP management in acute stroke translated into differences in magnitude of SBP reduction and SBP variability in patients.

Physician and patient perspectives on hypertension management and factors associated with lifestyle modifications in Japan: results from an online survey

We conducted a survey to examine the gaps between Japanese physician and patient perspectives on hypertension management and to investigate important factors that may help solve the “hypertension paradox” in Japan. Web-based surveys of patients and physicians were conducted in Japan between October 19 and 31, 2017. The data collected included physician and patient perspectives on hypertension education, adherence to lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medication, and reasons for treatment adherence/nonadherence. Factors relating to specific patient behaviors (e.g., monitoring their home blood pressure [BP] daily) were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of the 541 physicians and 881 patients included in the analyses, both groups recognized that the extent of lifestyle changes was insufficient. Approximately 80% of physicians reported that they fully or sufficiently provided education to patients about reasons for hypertension treatment and its associated risks, target BP levels, and lifestyle modifications. Only 40–50% of patients considered those topics having been fully or sufficiently discussed. Logistic regression analyses revealed that positive lifestyle modifications (daily home BP monitoring, salt intake <6 g/day, and daily aerobic exercise for ≥30 min) were positively associated with receiving feedback from physicians about specific lifestyle modifications and patient motivation for maintaining their target BP. In conclusion, perception of the amount of education provided by physicians on hypertension management was lower in patients than in physicians. In addition to effective regular follow-up regarding lifestyle modifications, patient motivation by physicians is an important factor for improving lifestyle modifications and achieving effective hypertension management in Japan.

Assessment of the clinical efficacy of telemonitoring and distant counseling in patients with uncontrolled hypertension

The aim of the study was to investigate the mathematical correlation of the clinical efficacy of blood pressure telemonitoring and distant counseling (BPTM) in patients in uncontrolled hypertension (HTN). Telehealth tools are widely used in HTN management. However clinical efficacy of such interventions assessed mainly in groups investigated without its populational and attributable impact. Materials and methods. The total of 240 patients were included, then randomized in 2:1 manner to BPTM group (n=160, median age 47 y.o.) and control group (n=80, median age 49 y.o). The user - friendly and secure telehealth software was provided with mobile application (patients) and desktop (doctors) platforms which allowed storage and analysis of self-BP monitoring data and remote consultations. A three - month surveillance was designed with mandatory baseline and final face - to - face visits with the assessment of office systolic BP (oSBP). Mathematical evaluation was based on target SBP rates achieved in comparator groups and included the absolute efficacies (AE), the attributable efficacy (AtE), the relative efficacy (RE) and the population attributable efficacy (PAtE). Results. BPTM group characterized by larger decrease in SBP level compared with controls (-16.8±2.9 mm Hg versus -7.9±3.9 mm Hg; p.

Russian Trial ALGORITHM: Implementation of Combined Antihypertensive and Hypolipidemic Treatment for Clinical Efficacy Achievement in Routine Clinical Practice

Aim. To study the clinical outcomes (achievement of target blood pressure [BP]) and tolerability of antihypertensive and hypolipidemic therapy with fixed combinations of indapamide/perindopril, amlodipine/perindopril, amlodipine/indapamide/perindopril and rosuvastatin in patients with hypertension and high/very high cardiovascular risk in real clinical practice.Material and methods. The study included 16,788 patients from 104 cities of the Russian Federation. The duration of observation was 12 weeks. All patients had three monitoring visits. BP level was measured twice during the visits: the arithmetic mean of the obtained parameters was calculated. The results of the study were analyzed and presented by descriptive statistics.Results. The average age of the patients was 60.6±10.2 years; 42.2% of the patients were men and 57.8% women. Patients who demonstrated systolicdiastolic hypertension (BP&gt;140/90 mm Hg) at the initial visit accounted for 73.9% (n=12,413) of the total number of participants. The average level of systolic BP at the inclusion into the study was 162.94±13.07 mm Hg, the level of diastolic BP was 93.43±8.61 mm Hg. As expected, the Russian population consists of over 90% of patients with very high (57%; n=9,586) and high (35.9%; n=6,022) additional cardiovascular risk. Despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of patients with hypertension had a high and very high additional risk, more than a third of patients received monotherapy to control their BP level (36.8%; n=6,182), while 13.8% of patients (n=2,321) had never received antihypertensive therapy before. According to the results of therapy with combination drugs based on perindopril, 92.7% of patients managed to reach the target BP levels of &lt;140/90 mm Hg. After treatment the average level of systolic BP decreased from 162.94±13.07 mm Hg to 127.80±7.56 mm Hg, and the level of diastolic BP – from 93.43±8.61 mm Hg to 78.54±5.59. Adherence to the treatment in more than 97% of cases was recognized as very high and high. Only 10 adverse events were recorded on a large sample of patients during 12 weeks of treatment.Conclusion. In the Russian population, 73.9% of patients with hypertension and high/very high risk do not achieve the target BP levels. Application of combined therapy based on fixed combinations with perindopril allows achieving effective BP control in 93% of patients with hypertension having high and very high risk during 12 weeks with good tolerability of treatment.

Oral Nifidepine versus IV labetalol in severe preeclampsia: A randomized control trial

Objective:To compare oral Nifidepine and IV labetalol in terms of rapidity of BP control in severe preeclampsia.Methods:All patients coming to Services Hospital from March 2017 to February 2019 with diagnosis of severe preeclampsia ≥ 24 weeks gestation were randomized to either receive Nifidepine or Labetalol. Primary outcome measure was time taken to control BP and number of doses required. Secondary outcome measures were side effects of drugs, APGAR score, NICU admission and perinatal mortality.Results:Two hundred four patients were included in trial with 102 patients in each group. Labetalol took 22.6± 13.5minutes and Nifidepine took 22.09± 11.7 minutes to achieve target BP (p>0.05). Labetalol required 2.3± 1.58 doses and Nifidepine 2.2± 1.58 doses to control BP ( p>0.05). No maternal side effects were seen in 86 (84.31%) and 92(90.19%) patients in both groups (p>0.05). Mean gestational age at birth was 34.8 ±2.73weeks in Labetalol and 35.2±2.48 weeks in Nifidepine group (p>0.05). In labetalol group, 43 (42.15%) babies had APGAR Score < 7/10 and 23(22.54%) babies required admission to NICU while in Nifidepine group 42 (41.17%) babies had Apgar score < 7/10 & 30(29.4%) babies were admitted to NICU(p>0.05). There were 21(20.5%) perinatal deaths in labetalol Group-And 19(18.6%) in Nifidepine group (p>0.05)Conclusion:Oral Nifidepine and IV labetalol are equally efficacious in controlling BP in patients with severe pre eclampsia without any significant side effects.

Как повысить эффективность комбинированной терапии артериальной гипертензии у больных с сопутствующей хронической обструктивной болезнью легких?

Aim: to conduct a comparative assessment of the hypotensive effect, as well as the effect on endothelial function, oxidative stress, and pulmonary artery pressure of chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide as part of combined antihypertensive therapy in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) in combination with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Patients and Methods: the prospective study included 66 patients divided into two groups. As the main antihypertensive therapy, group 1 was prescribed with a combination of azilsartan medoxomil 40 mg and chlortalidone 12.5 mg as a fixed combination of Edarbi® CLO. Group 2 received a free combination of azilsartan medoxomil 40 mg (Edarbi®) and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg. All patients underwent 24-hour blood pressure monitoring: (ABPM), echodopplercardiography, endothelium-dependent vasodilation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide metabolites, and endothelin-1 levels at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Results: target blood pressure values (&lt;130/80 mm Hg) were achieved in 91% of patients in group 1, and 51.5% in group 2 after 1 month of the study. After 6 months of treatment, all patients in both groups reached the target BP values, but in group 2, the dose of hydrochlorothiazide had to be increased to 25 mg. According to the ABPM data, after 6 months of treatment, group 1 showed a decrease in the morning surge in SBP by 7.0±2.1% and DBP by 10±7.3%. There was also an increase in the number of patients with the daily profile of «dipper» type to 78.8%. In group 2, there was a decrease in the morning surge in SBP by 6.3±5.9% and DBP by 4.8±4.6% after 6 months of treatment. There was an increase in the number of patients with the daily profile of «dipper» type to 36.4%. After 6 months of treatment, there was more pronounced improvement in laboratory parameters of group 1 characterizing endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Statistically significant results were obtained for conjugated trienes, NO2, S, Imax, and endothelin-1 when comparing groups 1 and 2.Conclusion: treatment of AH in patients with concomitant COPD in the form of a fixed combination of azilsartan medoxomil and chlorthalidone versus free combination of azilsartan medoxomil with hydrochlorothiazide has a more pronounced antihypertensive effect, positively affecting the daily BP profile, pulmonary artery pressure, endothelial function and lipid peroxidation processes after 6 months of treatment.KEYWORDS: arterial hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, endothelial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, azilsartan medoxomil, chlorthalidone.FOR CITATION: Grigorieva N.Yu., Samolyuk M.O., Sheshina T.V. et al. How to improve the effectiveness of combination therapy of arterial hypertension in patients with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Russian Medical Inquiry. 2020;4(7):418–424. DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2020-4-7-418-424.

Target BP Goals in Children/Adolescents

Target BP Goals in Children/Adolescents

Гендерные особенности клинического течения и исходов острого коронарного синдрома с подъемом сегмента ST

The aim of the research is to study clinical, hemodynamic, affective disorders in ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (STEACS); to identify gender risk factors affecting the outcomes. Material and methods. The study included 90 males and 90 females with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. All patients underwent echocardiography, coronary angiography (CAG), and a set of laboratory examinations. Spielberger test, CES-D scales, Morisky-Green test, and Montreal Cognitive Function Scale were uses to study psycho-emotional status of 75 males and females. The treatment was carried out in accordance with current clinical protocols, clinical guidelines and standards. The prognosis was assessed in a year. The results were processed using nonparametric statistics methods. Results. It was revealed that the females, included in the study, were older than males; they more often suffered from coronary artery disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, constitutive obesity (before the index event); they more regularly underwent antihypertensive therapy; they more often reached target BP values. There were no differences in features of coronary anatomy, frequency of invasive treatment, but females were significantly more likely to undergo thrombolytic therapy. Males smoked more often; asked for medical help earlier from the onset of anginal syndrome; they were more susceptible to dilatation of the left ventricular cavity. Females more often than males had high and medium level of personal anxiety, as well as high level of situational anxiety. Predictors of worsening prognosis in females are 4-vascular lesion of coronary bed, cardiogenic shock upon admission, decreased hemoglobin, dilatation of the left atrium, decreased cognitive functions, smoking. In males the predictors are: 3-vascular damage, cardiogenic shock, renal failure. Conclusion. It was found that in STEACS there are differences between males and females in several clinical, anatomical and functional characteristics. Risk factors for an unfavorable prognosis are gender specific. The revealed facts can be useful in individualized treatment, rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs.

A Novel Approach for Business Process Model Matching Using Genetic Algorithms

This paper formulates the process model matching problem as an optimization problem and presents a heuristic approach based on genetic algorithms for computing a good enough alignment. An alignment is a set of not overlapping correspondences (i.e., pairs) between two process models(i.e., BP) and each correspondence is a pair of two sets of activities that represent the same behavior. The first set belongs to a source BP and the second set to a target BP. The proposed approach computes the solution by searching, over all possible alignments, the one that maximizes the intra-pairs cohesion while minimizing inter-pairs coupling. Cohesion of pairs and coupling between them is assessed using a proposed heuristic that combines syntactic and semantic similarity metrics. The proposed approach was evaluated on three well-known datasets. The results of the experiment showed that the approach has the potential to match business process models effectively.

Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in Singapore.

Despite reductions in hypertension prevalence and improvements in control rates in recent years, almost one-third of all deaths in Singapore are due to cardiovascular disease and that proportion is growing. Ischemic heart disease is the most common cause of cardiovascular death, ahead of stroke. Local data suggest that awareness and support for home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is good, but there are reservations about the accuracy of HBPM devices and physicians cited a lack of time and resources to educate patients about HBPM. In addition, there was a knowledge gap around use of HBPM for evaluating treatment response. This is consistent with the emphasis of using HBPM for the diagnosis, rather than monitoring, of hypertension in the Singapore hypertension guidelines. In the absence of specific HBPM thresholds and targets, it is suggested that HOPE Asia Network consensus documents provide the most locally relevant guidance of the use of HBPM. Calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers are the most commonly used antihypertensive agents in Singapore, and monotherapy was relatively uncommon (24%) of patients. Overall, more needs to be done in detecting and managing hypertension in Singapore to address rates of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease mortality. Use of HBPM needs to be encouraged to improve adherence to treatment and optimize BP targets according to Asian perspectives and data.

Interaction of Blood Pressure Lowering and Alteplase Dose in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Results of the Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study

Objective: To determine the extent to which the effects of intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering are modified by doses of alteplase in thrombolysis-eligible acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Methods: Prespecified analyses of the Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study for patients enrolled in both arms: (i) low-dose (0.6 mg/kg body weight) or standard-dose (0.9 mg/kg) alteplase and (ii) intensive (target systolic BP [SBP] 130–140 mm Hg) or guideline-recommended (target SBP <180 mm Hg) BP management. The primary outcome was functional recovery, measured by a shift in scores on modified Rankin scale at 90 days. The safety outcome was any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Results: There were 925 participants (mean age 67 years, 39% female, 77% Asian) randomized to both arms: 242 randomly assigned to guideline/standard-dose (GS); 234 to guideline/low-dose (GL); 227 to intensive/standard-dose (IS); and 222 to intensive/low-dose (IL). Overall, average SBP levels within 24 h were lower in the low-dose compared to standard-dose alteplase group (146 and 144 vs. 151 and 150 mm Hg, for GS and GL vs. IS and IL, respectively, p < 0.0001). There was no heterogeneity of the effects of BP lowering (intensive vs. guideline) on functional recovery between standard-dose (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59–1.12) and low-dose alteplase (1.06, 0.77–1.47; p = 0.25 for interaction). Similar results were observed for ICH (p = 0.50 for interaction). Conclusions: In thrombolysis-treated patients with predominantly mild-to-moderate severity AIS, intensive BP lowering neither improve functional recovery, either with low- or standard-dose intravenous alteplase, nor beneficially interact with low-dose alteplase in reducing ICH. Trial Registration: The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01422616).

Efficacy of fixed dose of triple combination of perindopril-indapamide-amlodipine in obese patients with moderate-to-severe arterial hypertension: an open-label 6-month study

Background: Arterial hypertension (AH) remains the most common cardiovascular (CV) risk factor worldwide.&#x0D; Methods: Seventy five moderate-to-severe hypertensive patients with abdominal obesity aged from 48 to 66 years (45/30 men and women respectively) were selected from the entire cohort (n = 375) according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into two subgroups depending on the arm of antihypertensive therapy lines. The first subgroup of patients (n = 36) received a non-fixed combination of oral antihypertensive agents: perindopril (4–8 mg daily), indapamide (1.25–2.5 mg daily) and amlodopine (5–10 mg daily). The second subgroup of patients (n=39) received fixed-dosed combination of these antihypertensive agents aforementioned in the ranged doses (4 mg/1.25mg/5 mg; 4 mg/1.25mg/10 mg; 8 mg/2.5 mg/5 mg; 8 mg/2.5mg/10 mg) in the same manner. The examinations of the clinical status, office, and ambulatory blood pressure values were carried out at baseline in 3 and 6 months after study entry.&#x0D; Results: The frequencies of BP target levels after treatment were higher in the fixed-dose combination group than in the non-fixed combination (at 3 months: 80% versus 58%, p&lt;0.05 and at 6 months: 85% versus 53%, p&lt;0.05). The adherence to triple fixed-dose combination was also higher in comparison with one to non-fixed combination (at 3 months: 82% versus 64%, p&lt;0.05 and at 6 months: 87% versus 61%, p&lt;0.05). It has been established that low-dose of perindopril/indapamide/amlodopine (4mg/1.25/10mg and 8mg/2.5/5mg) were used frequently in fixed-dose combination cohort of patients than in non-fixed combination (15% versus 0%, P&lt;0.05, and 33% versus 19%, p&lt;0.05, respectively). At the same time, maximum doses of these agents (8mg/2.5mg/10mg) were required for achieving target BP levels in a significantly lower proportion of patients receiving fixed-dose combination as compared to patients receiving non-fixed combination (52% versus 81%, p&lt;0.05). Additionally, the triple fixed-dose combination has proved to be better in restoring ambulatory blood pressure monitoring profile than non-fixed combination.&#x0D; Conclusion: Achievement of target blood pressure levels in patients with uncontrolled arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity was possible at lower doses of perindopril, indapamide, and amlodipine when used as a fixed-dose combination rather than non-fixed (free) combination.&#x0D;

Combined membrane filtration and 265 nm UV irradiation for effective removal of cell free antibiotic resistance genes from feed water and concentrate

The removal of cell free DNA (plasmids) carrying antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was investigated at bench-scale using ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes commonly applied in water reuse applications. The removal of the plasmid spiked to ultrapure water was determined using a direct qPCR method. More than 99% plasmid removal was achieved by membranes with 1 kDa molecular weight cut off (MWCO). Membranes with lower MWCO showed complete removal under the specific experimental conditions, reaching a maximum log reduction value above 6.6. The concentrate from membrane filtration was further subjected to UV-LED irradiation at 265 nm. The required fluence for 1 log damage was 73 mJ/cm2 for the 267 target bp segment and 23 mJ/cm2 for the 601 target bp segment, respectively. With these two DNA segments, the inactivation rate per segment length was higher for the larger segment, in accordance with a higher pyrimidine and TT content, compared with the smaller fragment. Target DNA was not detectable anymore when using 100 and 300 mJ/cm2 for the 601 and 267 bp segments respectively. The results indicate that membrane filtration, combined with UV-LED treatment of the concentrate, can be an effective measure to remove and inactivate ARGs from water to prevent their release to the environment.

DNA Quality and Quantity Analysis of Camellia sinensis Through Processing from Fresh Leaves to a Green Tea Extract

Abstract Background: Although there has been some success using DNA barcoding to authenticate raw natural health product (NHP) botanical ingredients, there are many gaps in our understanding of DNA degradation, which may explain low PCR and sequencing success in processed NHPs. Objective: In this study, we measured multiple DNA variables after each step in the processing of a green tea extract in order to document DNA quality and quantity. Methods: We sampled plant material after each step of green tea extract processing: five steps at a Chinese tea farm (n = 10) and five at an NHP processing facility (n = 3). We hypothesized that processing treatments degrade and remove DNA from NHPs, reflected by decreasing quantities of extractable genomic DNA (gDNA), an increasing proportion of small DNA fragments in genomic extracts, and decreasing quantitative PCR (QPCR) efficiency [higher cycle threshold (Ct) values]. DNA from end-production green tea extract was sequenced in order to try to validate material as the botanical of interest. Results: We saw a 41.1% decrease in mean extractable gDNA through farm processing (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and a 99.7% decrease through facility processing (P &amp;lt; 0.05). There was a 26.3% decrease in mean DNA fragment size through farm processing (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and an 82.0% decrease through facility processing (P &amp;lt; 0.05). QPCR efficiency was reduced through processing, marked by significant increases in Ct values with 100 base pair (bp) and 200 bp PCR targets (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and an inability to amplify 300 bp targets when using DNA template from end-production green tea extract. Conclusions: Although there was significant degradation and removal of DNA through processing, sufficiently intact DNA was able to be recovered from highly processed green tea extract for further sequencing and identification. Highlights: This work addresses a key gap in the understanding of DNA degradation through processing and provides useful information to consider when designing molecular diagnostic techniques for NHP identification.

Rapid treatment of moderate to severe hypertension using a novel protocol in a single-centre, before and after interventional study.

Rapid treatment to target in hypertension may have beneficial effects on long-term outcomes. This has led to a new recommendation in the 2018 European hypertension guidelines for patients with grade II/III hypertension to be treated to target within three months. However, whether it is feasible and safe to quickly manage treatment-naïve grade II/III hypertension to target was unclear. We examined this using a single-centre before and after interventional study, treating newly diagnosed, never-treated, grade II/III hypertensive patients with a daytime average systolic ABP ≥ 150 mmHg to target within 18 weeks. The proportion at office target BP at 18 weeks was determined, together with office and ambulatory BP change from baseline to after the intervention. The protocol was designed to maximise medication adherence, including a low threshold for treatment adaptation. Safety was evaluated through close monitoring of adverse events and protocol discontinuation. Fifty-five participants were enrolled with 54 completing the protocol. 69 ± 12.3% were at office target BP at their final visit, despite a high average starting BP of 175/103 mmHg, as a consequence of significant reductions in both office and ambulatory BP. Of those at office target BP, 51% were above target on ambulatory measurement. Adherence testing demonstrated that 92% of participants were adherent to treatment at their final visit. Therefore we conclude thatthe accelerated management of treatment-naïve grade II/III hypertension is feasible and safe to implement in routine practice and there is no evidence to suggest it causes harm. Further large-scale randomised studies of rapid, adaptive treatment, including a cost-effectiveness analysis, are required.