Pressure Patterns Research Articles

A HIGHER BLOOD PRESSURE DURING EARLY PREGNANCY IN WOMEN WITH PREECLAMPSIA PREDICTS CHRONIC HYPERTENSION

Objective: Preeclampsia affects 2-8% of pregnancies and although it resolves after delivery, women still face a 2- to 6- fold higher risk of chronic hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Early identification of these high-risk women and personalized interventions will mitigate these risks. However, reliable predictors of chronic hypertension after preeclampsia are lacking. We aimed to analyze blood pressure patterns during pregnancy in women with preeclampsia in relation to chronic hypertension 1-3 years postpartum. Design and method: This study combines data from the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort and the Follow-up After Preeclampsia Outpatient Clinic cohort, two prospective cohorts embedded in patient care. Women with preeclampsia who were treated at the Erasmus Medical Center between 2010 and 2022 and had follow-up visits 1 and/or 3 years after pregnancy were included. Maternal characteristics, pregnancy outcomes and blood pressure measurements from the first trimester of pregnancy up to the first week postpartum were obtained from electronic health records and study databases. Chronic hypertension was defined as blood pressure >140/>90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive drugs at one or both follow-up visits. We used linear mixed regression models for analysis of blood pressure patterns throughout pregnancy. Additionally, we analyzed postpartum antihypertensive drug use utilizing standardized Defined Daily Doses. Results: Chronic hypertension was present in 39 of 72 patients included (54.2%). A significantly higher blood pressure was observed between week 8 and 24 of pregnancy in women with chronic hypertension at follow-up, with the largest difference in systolic blood pressure at week 18: 131 mmHg vs. 117 mmHg. While postpartum blood pressure patterns were comparable among groups, women with chronic hypertension at follow-up used higher doses of antihypertensive drugs during the first 5 days after delivery (mean difference 1.44 dose, p<0.001). Conclusions: Women that develop chronic hypertension within 3 years after a pregnancy complicated with preeclampsia have higher blood pressures and a distinctive blood pressure pattern up to 24 weeks of gestation, compared to women who do not develop chronic hypertension. The patterns presented in this study are promising predictors of chronic hypertension and warrant further validation.

THE PRONOSTIC VALUE OF NOCTURNAL BLOOD PRESSURE IN UNTREATED ADULT HYPERTENSIVES FROM ALGERIAN POPULATION

Objective: The aim of our work is to study the prevalence of nocturnal blood pressure patterns in our Algerian population of untreated adult hypertensives and its impact on target organ damages. Design and method: We recruited 304 untreated adult hypertensives. All our patients underwent 24-hour ABPM, and the following target organe damages assessment: ACR (urinary albumin/creatinine), echocardiography, fundoscopy, and carotid ultrasound. Our patients were classified according to nocturnal blood pressure into two groups: nocturnal hypertensive (NH: BP> or = 120/70) and nocturnal normotensive (NN: BP<120/70). We carried a descriptive study of hypertension prototypes, followed by an analytic study in search of predictors of target organ damages (cardiac, renal and vascular). Results: The mean age was 46±12 years, with 82% males. The prevalence of patterns according to nocturnal blood pressure were: NH (n=250; 82.2%) vs NN (n=54; 17.3%). In the bivariate analysis, there was a significant difference between two groups for the following damages: cardiac (HN=52% vs NN=34.6; P=0.01), renal (HN=27.5% vs NN=12.8%; P=0.02) and vascular (HN=25% vs NN=2%; P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, indexed LV mass was correlated with waist circumference (B=0.34, P=0.01) and diurnal systolic BP (SBP) (B=1.37; P<0.001). ACR was correlated with glycemia (B=0.33; P=0.002) and nocturnal SBP (B=0.64; P=0.01). Intima-media thickness was correlated with age (B=0.009, P<0.001) and nocturnal SBP (B=0.004, P<0.001). On logistic regression, cardiac damage was correlated with age (OR=1.05; P=0.02), BMI (OR=1.21; P=0.02) and diurnal SBP (OR=1.08; P=0.003). Renal damage was correlated with glycated hemoglobin (OR=1.6; P=0.04). Vascular damage was correlated with age (OR=1.3; P<0.001) and nocturnal diastolic BP (DBP) (OR=1.07; P=0.002). Conclusions: The nocturnal hypertension are prevalent in our population. nocturnal hypertension is a predictor of renal and vascular damages. In contrast, diurnal hypertension is a predictor of cardiac damage. These results confirm the literature data on the prognostic value of nocturnal blood pressure. We suggest an active screening for nocturnal hypertension by using ABPM in the hypertensive population with high cardiovascular risk.

THE INFLUENCE OF EXTREME DIPPING PRESSURE ON LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY IN GENERAL POPULATION

Objective: Extreme dipping pressure, characterized by a nighttime decrease of over 20% compared to daytime levels, lacks consensus regarding its influence on cardiac structure and function. Particularly in the general population, there's limited research on this common blood pressure pattern. This study aims to investigate the relationship between extreme dipping pressure and cardiac structure and function in a general population. Design and method: We conducted 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in 673 individuals without hypertension to assess blood pressure patterns. We analyzed the association between extreme dipping pressure and left cardiac structure, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and left ventricular diastolic function. Results: Using a criterion of a nighttime decrease of over 20% in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure, extreme dipping pressure was observed in 15.8% (107/673) of the general population. LVH prevalence in this study was 18.9% (127/673), with extreme dipping, non-dipping, and dipping patterns observed in 12.6%, 39.4%, and 48.0%, respectively, in the LVH group. In the non-LVH group, these patterns were observed in 16.5%, 47.8%, and 35.7%, respectively. A significant difference in distribution between different blood pressure patterns existed between the LVH and non-LVH groups (p=0.19). Univariate analysis indicated that, compared to the non-dipping pattern, extreme dipping was a protective factor for LVH occurrence (p=0.045, OR 0.173, 95%CI 0.031-0.959). Even after adjusting for factors such as gender, age, BMI, left ventricular size, interventricular septum thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, and overall blood pressure, extreme dipping remained a protective factor for LVH occurrence (p=0.019, OR 0.187, 95%CI 0.046-0.756). Conclusions: Our study indicates that extreme dipping pressure is relatively common in the general population and is closely associated with LVH occurrence. In the general population, extreme dipping independently reduces the occurrence of LVH.

MASKED HYPERTENSION IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION-ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE – AN UNDERESTIMATED RISK?

Objective: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and hypertension are major cardiovascular risk factors sharing a bi-directional relationship. Although nearly half of MASLD patients are suffering from arterial hypertension, data on the prevalence of different hypertension phenotypes (e.g. masked hypertension) in this patient population are scarce. Masked hypertension, which is defined by normal office blood pressure but elevated blood pressure in the ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure measurement (24-h-ABPM), often remains undetected, although it has a comparable risk for adverse cardiovascular events as sustained hypertension. Therefore, the identification of this hypertension phenotype in MASLD patients seems highly relevant. Design and method: To analyze the prevalence of masked hypertension and to improve hypertension management in MASLD patients we integrated a 24-h-ABPM-based hypertension screening and control program among MASLD patients in our outpatient liver department. A total of 226 MASLD patients were recruited during regular follow-up visits and recording of office blood pressure and 24-h-ABPM measurements were performed according to a standardized protocol. Results: For the final analysis, 218 data sets were evaluated. The median age of the included 218 patients was 51 years, 48.2% were female. 101 (46.3%) MASLD patients had prior history of hypertension. At the time of ABPM 93 (92.1%) of these patients received antihypertensive treatment. Masked hypertension was identified in 46 (21.1%) MASLD patients, 20 (43.5%) of whom were receiving antihypertensive treatment (masked uncontrolled hypertension). Interestingly, 14 (30.4%) MASLD patients with masked hypertension had isolated nocturnal masked hypertension. Furthermore, a non-dipping blood pressure pattern was recognized in 28 (60.9%) MASLD patients with masked hypertension. Conclusions: Due to the high rates of masked hypertension and abnormal nocturnal blood pressure dipping, which both represent important risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events, the establishment of hypertension screening and management programs in this high-risk population seems urgently needed. Controlled hypertension reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in this vulnerable population and, due to the strong link between MASLD and hypertension, possibly also slow the progression of MASLD to advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Characterizing patterns of selection pressure on mammalian antiviral immune response

Characterizing patterns of selection pressure on mammalian antiviral immune response

Investigation of pressure distribution in an Archimedes Screw Turbine with head below one meter using CFD

In the shift from fossil fuel-based energy, the imperative of tapping into water resources as a renewable energy reservoir is underscored. This study delves into the potential of low-head water for small-scale power generation, specifically focusing on the Archimedes turbine designed for operation in such conditions. The primary objective is meticulously examining pressure characteristics at varying heads (0.7 m, 0.8 m, 0.9 m, and 1 m) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). These parameters play a crucial role in defining the turbine's performance landscape. Data analysis reveals a notable reduction in the Archimedes turbine's efficiency as the head diminishes. Interestingly, the double-screw Archimedes turbine demonstrates optimal performance at higher flow rates, particularly at a volumetric flow rate of 0.025 m3/s. Despite the peak performance at a 1-meter head, discernible pressure patterns suggest sufficient kinetic energy within lower head flows (down to 0.7 meters) to facilitate turbine rotation. This study contributes to a more rigorous understanding of the Archimedes turbine's performance under varied head conditions, emphasizing the potential for practical power generation at lower head levels.

The association between blood pressure variability and renal damage in patients with primary aldosteronism.

This research examines the association between blood pressure variability (BPV) and renal damage in a cohort of 129 primary aldosteronism (PA) patients, employing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for comparative analysis with individuals diagnosed with essential hypertension (EH). The study reveals that PA patients exhibited significantly elevated levels of cystatin C and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio (UACR). Additionally, a higher prevalence of non-dipping blood pressure patterns in PA patients suggests an increased risk of circadian blood pressure regulation disturbances. Notably, while most BPV indices were comparable between the two groups, the standard deviation of 24-h weighted diastolic blood pressure was markedly lower in the PA cohort, distinguishing it as a unique variable. Through multiple linear regression analysis, the duration of hypertension, angiotensin II concentrations, and daytime systolic blood pressure standard deviation emerged as significant determinants of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in PA patients. Furthermore, UACR was significantly influenced by variables including the 24-h weighted standard deviation (wSD) of systolic BP, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, nocturnal systolic BP peaks, aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR), and total cholesterol, with the most pronounced association observed with the 24-h wSD of systolic BP (β=0.383).The study also found significant correlations between the 24-h wSD of systolic BP, ARR, HbA1c, serum potassium levels, and 24-h urinary microalbumin, underscoring the critical role of the 24-h wSD of systolic BP (β=0.267). These findings underscore the imperative of an integrated management strategy for PA, addressing the intricate interconnections among metabolic abnormalities, blood pressure variability, and renal health outcomes.

An examination of wearable technology in the field biomedical engineering: A review

A wearable device is a piece of technology that can be worn on the body, designed to be portable, lightweight and equipped with various sensors or features for specific functions. As a game-changer in the field of biomedical engineering, wearable technology provides innovative approaches to illness management, individualized healthcare and health monitoring. This review looks at wearable technology as it stands in the field of biomedical engineering, emphasizing its uses, difficulties and potential. The research examines a wide variety of wearable wireless biosensors, sensor patches, wristwatches, wearable face masks and multi-sensor smart clothing, emphasizing their potential to measure physiological parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate and sleep patterns. This study demonstrates the need for intelligent wearable devices for high-quality signal capture, processing and continuous monitoring of critical parameters. The creation of smart wearables that meet the specified design standards enables the creator of a wearable with reduced power consumption that can be used to monitor the health of patients. This study offers a thorough analysis of wearable technology's present state, obstacles and potential applications in the field of biomedical engineering. It will be of great use to investigators, medical professionals and developers of technology.

General translation of cellular to shellular polyhedral structures using reciprocity

Shell-based cellular (shellular) funicular structures (SFSs) are single-layer 2-manifold efficient structures with anticlastic curvature, designed in the context of graphic statics. This research proposes a comprehensive methodology for designing these efficient structures in the context of graphic statics. Due to the significant challenges in the process of designing these structures, and the ease of using 3D graphic statics in designing cellular funicular structures, this article proposes a general technique to translate any cellular funicular structure (CFS) to a shellular version (SFS). To address this transition, this study presents an integrated methodology coupled with a computational algorithm. This technique proposes a new tetrahedralization method using the reciprocal relationship between the force and the form diagrams, generalizing the translation technique. As a result, the research explores a spectrum of shellular funicular structures, under pure compression or tension states. Diverse design techniques are introduced, enabling the creation and manipulation of these structures through their three-dimensional spatial connectivity graphs, termed “labyrinths”. A comparison between the structural performance of cellular and shellular funicular structures with similar volume density is performed displaying that for the same boundary condition, a shellular specimen can tolerate forces three times more than a cellular structure. To emphasize the practical utility of this design methodology, the study delves into its application at micro and meso scales. Specifically, it showcases the utilization of the shellular technique in the design of the midsole structure of a sneaker. This innovative approach draws inspiration from the pressure patterns exerted by the soles of the feet, emphasizing the adaptability and versatility of the proposed design technique. The results display that shellular funicular structures, with their lightweight and efficient nature, demonstrate superior structural capacity compared to their cellular counterparts and are applicable across micro, meso, and macro scales.

Mitochondrial DNA-Activated cGAS-STING Signaling in Environmental Dry Eye.

The cGAS-STING pathway has been shown to be an important mediator of inflammation. There is emerging evidence of the importance of this signaling cascade in a variety of inflammatory diseases settings. Here, we present evidence that the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage-mediated cGAS-STING pathway plays an important role in the induction of inflammation in environmental dry eye (DE). RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to assess the induction of the cGAS-STING pathway and inflammatory cytokines in environmental DE mouse model, primary human corneal epithelial cells (pHCECs), and patients with DE. RNA sequencing was used to determine mRNA expression patterns of high osmotic pressure (HOP)-stimulated pHCECs. mtDNA was detected with electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescent staining. mtDNA was isolated and transfected into pHCECs for evaluating the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. The expression levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, IRF3, and IFNβ were significantly increased in an environmental DE model and HOP-stimulated pHCECs. The STING inhibitor decreased the expression of inflammatory factors in DE. An upregulation of STING-mediated immune responses and IRF3 expression mediated by TBK1 were observed in the HOP group. HOP stimulation induced mitochondrial oxidative damage and the leakage of mtDNA into the cytoplasm. Then, mtDNA activated the cGAS-STING pathway and induced intracytoplasmic STING translocated to the Golgi apparatus. Finally, we also found activated cGAS-STING signaling in the human conjunctival blot cell of patients with DE. Our findings suggest that the cGAS-STING pathway is activated by recognizing cytoplasmic mtDNA leading to STING translocation, further exacerbating the development of inflammation in environmental DE.

Blood Pressure Pattern among Young Adults Using Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in South-South Nigeria

Blood Pressure Pattern among Young Adults Using Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in South-South Nigeria

A method for automated masking and plantar pressure analysis using segmented computed tomography scans

BackgroundPlantar pressure, a common gait and foot biomechanics measurement, is typically analyzed using proprietary commercial software packages. Regional plantar pressure analysis is often reported in terms of underlying bony geometry, and recent advances in image processing and accessibility have made computed tomography, radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, or other imaging methods more popular for incorporating bone analyses in biomechanics. Research QuestionCan a computed tomography-based regional mask provide comparable regional analysis to commercial plantar pressure software and can the increased flexibility of an in-house method obtain additional insight from common measurements? MethodsA plantar pressure analysis method was developed based on bony geometry from computed tomography scans to calculate peak pressure, pressure time integral incorporating sub-peak values, force time integral, pressure gradient, and pressure gradient angle. Static and dynamic plantar pressure were acquired for 4 subjects (male, 65 ± 2.4 years). Plantar pressure variables were calculated using commercial and computed tomography-based systems. ResultsDynamic peak pressure, pressure time integral, and force-time integral computed using the bone-based software was 5 % (9kPa), 7 % (0.3kPa-s) and 13 % (0.3 N-s) different than the commercial software on average. Region masks of the metatarsals and toes differed between commercial and computed tomography-based software due to subject-specific bone geometry and toe shape. Pressure time integral values incorporating sub-peak pressure were higher and demonstrated higher relative hindfoot values compared to those without. Removing step-on frames to static pressure analysis decreased forefoot pressures. Regional maps of peak pressure and maximum pressure gradient demonstrate different peak locations. SignificanceComputed tomography-based regional masks are comparable to commercial masks. Inclusion of static step-on frames and sub-peak pressures may change regional plantar pressure patterns. Differences in location of maximum pressure gradient and peak pressure may be useful for assessing subject specific injury risk.

Relationship between changes in late-life blood pressure and the risk of frailty and mortality among older population in China: a cohort study based on CLHLS.

The evidence regarding the effects of blood pressure changes on older individuals remains inconclusive, and the impact of frailty throughout the life course is not known. We investigated the associations of different change patterns of blood pressure during 3-year intervals with frailty and mortality. Participants included 7335 persons from 2008 to 2014 of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Change in blood pressure was calculated as the difference between follow-up and baseline. Frailty was evaluated using a 40-item frailty index. Mortality status was ascertained up to December 31, 2014. The mean age of participants was 82.6 ± 10.7 years. The optimal blood pressure level (SBP, 130-150 mmHg; DBP, 70-90 mmHg) was associated with the lowest risk of frailty while decreasing follow-up SBP and DBP were significantly correlated with frailty. Lower baseline blood pressure levels (SBP < 130 mmHg; DBP < 70 mmHg) were associated with decreased mortality risk when participants increased their blood pressure to optimal levels during follow-up SBP and DBP (0.78, 0.63-0.98), compared to maintaining a steady low SBP (< 130 mmHg) and DBP (< 70 mmHg). For those with DBP around 70-90 mmHg, decreasing follow-up DBP (< 70 mmHg) was associated with higher mortality (1.23, 1.07-1.42) compared to maintaining stable follow-up DBP (70-90 mmHg). These results remain significant after adjusting for frailty. Optimal blood pressure levels were associated with the lowest risk of frailty. The association between lower blood pressure and increased mortality risk persisted even after accounting for frailty. We used a nationally representative longitudinal cohort study by using 2008-2014 of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity in China. Change in blood pressure was calculated as the difference between follow-up and baseline. We investigated the associations of different change patterns of blood pressure during 3-year intervals with frailty and mortality.

Association Between Intraprocedural Drops in Blood Pressure and Infarct Growth Rate Patterns After Acute Large-vessel Occlusions (S34.003)

Association Between Intraprocedural Drops in Blood Pressure and Infarct Growth Rate Patterns After Acute Large-vessel Occlusions (S34.003)

Correlation Study on Voiding in Underfill of Large Quantity Ball Grid Array Chip Using Machine Learning

Abstract This paper investigates voiding issues in the underfilling process of ball grid array (BGA) chip packages under various parameter settings such as chip conveyor speed, valve pressure, temperature, and dispense pattern complicate. The study identifies valve pressure as the primary cause of voiding in large quantity BGA chips, achieving 88.9% in accuracy, supported with the deformation of the valve nozzle. Additionally, the findings reveal that racing effects occurs due to asymmetry of the solder ball array arrangement with percentage difference between the TSAM BGA chips experiments and its simulation counterparts in the range of 0.089–3.65%.

Centrifuge model tests of h-type anti-slide pile reinforced slope under different rainfall duration

The h-type anti-slide pile (h-pile) plays a crucial role in mitigating soil-rock mixture slope (SRMS) instability. Despite its significance, the limited availability of research outcomes has constrained the practical application of h-piles for SRMS reinforcement. This study employs three centrifuge model tests to investigate the behavior and performance of h-pile-reinforced SRMS under rainfall conditions. We systematically describe the response of earth pressure on the pile side and behind the pile, bending moment along the pile, and pore water pressure at the slope toe and pile side. This elucidates the evolution of soil arching for h-piles under rainfall conditions. The results reveal that rainfall duration influences the distribution pattern of earth pressure on the pile side, while the distribution pattern of bending moment for the h-pile remains unaffected. Additionally, the soil arching pattern between piles demonstrates joint arching, involving the combined action of frictional arching and end-bearing arching. The evolution process of soil arching between piles under rainfall conditions gradually dissipates from bottom to top and from far to near.

Non-dipping blood pressure pattern is associated with cardiovascular events in a 21-year follow-up study.

Non-dipping blood pressure (BP) pattern is a predictor for cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality. We evaluated dipping status change and its association with incidence of non-fatal CV events in middle-aged subjects. The OPERA study was carried out during the years 1991-1993, with a follow-up study 21.7 years later. In this study, we included 452 participants with 24-h ambulatory BP measurements (ABPM) available in both surveys. The study population was divided into four groups according to the dipping pattern change: dipping-dipping (n = 152/33.6%), dipping-non-dipping (n = 198/43.8%), non-dipping-dipping (n = 20/4.4%), and non-dipping-non-dipping (n = 82/18.1%). Sixty-five participants experienced a CV event (14.4%) during the 21.7 (SD 0.8) years of follow-up. The incidence of events was highest (28%) in the non-dipping-non-dipping group, and lowest (6.6%) in the dipping-dipping group (p < 0.001). In Cox regression analyses the covariates were age, sex, total cholesterol, hypertension and use of antihypertensive medication, systolic office BP and ambulatory mean or nighttime systolic BP, as well as the change in the variables during the follow-up period. After adjustments, the association of the non-dipping-non-dipping pattern with CV events compared with the dipping-dipping pattern remained significant (HR 4.01; 95% CI 1.89-8.67, p < 0.001). In summary, non-dipping-non-dipping pattern was associated with non-fatal CV events in the long term, and the effect was independent of the conventional risk factors including office and ambulatory BP levels.

Early 20th century Southern Hemisphere cooling

Abstract. Global surface air temperature increased by ca. 0.5 °C from the 1900s to the mid-1940s, also known as Early 20th Century Warming (ETCW). However, the ETCW started from a particularly cold phase, peaking in 1908–1911. The cold phase was global but more pronounced in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere and most pronounced in the Southern Ocean, raising the question of whether uncertainties in the data might play a role. Here we analyse this period based on reanalysis data and reconstructions, complemented with newly digitised ship data from 1903–1916, as well as land observations. The cooling is seen consistently in different data sets, though with some differences. Results suggest that the cooling was related to a La-Niña-like pattern in the Pacific, a cold tropical and subtropical South Atlantic, a cold extratropical South Pacific, and cool southern midlatitude land areas. The Southern Annular Mode was positive, with a strengthened Amundsen–Bellingshausen seas low, although the spread of the data products is considerable. All results point to a real climatic phenomenon as the cause of this anomaly and not a data artefact. Atmospheric model simulations are able to reproduce temperature and pressure patterns, consistent with a real and perhaps ocean-forced signal. Together with two volcanic eruptions just before and after the 1908–1911 period, the early 1900s provided a cold start into the ETCW.

Blood Pressure Pattern and Prevalence of Hypertension amongst Apparently Healthy Primary School Pupils in Abuja, Nigeria.

The objective of this study was to determine the blood pressure (BP) pattern and prevalence of hypertension amongst apparently healthy primary school pupils in Abuja. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out on apparently healthy primary school children aged 6-12 years. BP was measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer according to standard guidelines. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and analysis of variance were used to determine the relationship between BP and various variables where applicable. P = 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 1011 pupils recruited for the study, 457 (42.2%) were male. The mean systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) increased significantly with age from 94.5 mmHg to 101.0 mmHg and from 61.5 mmHg to 65.3 mmHg from 6 to 12 years for SBP and DBP, respectively (P < 0.05). The prevalence of high BP was 9.1%. Age was the only predictor of SBP (β = -0.629, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.115, -0.142), while age, height and body mass index (BMI) were the predictors of DBP (β = -0.686, 95% CI of -1.152, -0.221; β = 0.490, 95% CI of 0.172, 0.809; β = 1.753, 95% CI of 0.374, 3.160) for age, height and BMI, respectively, at P < 0.05. The predictors of SBP and DBP as shown in this study support the recommendations by various reports for taking body size into consideration in developing reference values for various populations. Age and body size are important determinants of BP in children. Its measurement should be encouraged in schools.

Dynamic plantar pressure patterns in children with CP related foot deformities

Dynamic plantar pressure patterns in children with CP related foot deformities