scholarly journals No Evidence of Causal Effects of Blood Pressure on Cognition in the Population at Large

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
Suzanne C. Swagerman ◽  
Elsje van Bergen ◽  
Kees-Jan Kan ◽  
Marinka M. G. Koenis ◽  
Hilleke E. Hulshoff Pol ◽  
...  

The large body of literature on the association between blood pressure (BP) and cognitive functioning has yielded mixed results, possibly due to the presence of non-linear effects across age, or because BP affects specific brain areas differently, impacting more on some cognitive skills than on others. If a robust association was detected among BP and specific cognitive tasks, the causal nature of reported associations between BP and cognition could be investigated in twin data, which allow a test of alternative explanations, including genetic pleiotropy. The present study first examines the association between BP and cognition in a sample of 1,140 participants with an age range between 10 and 86 years. Linear and quadratic effects of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) on cognitive functioning were examined for 17 tests across five functions. Associations were corrected for effects of sex and linear and quadratic effects of age. Second, to test a causal model, data from 123 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs were analyzed to test whether cognitive functioning of the twins with the higher BP was different from that of the co-twins with lower BP. Associations between BP and cognitive functioning were absent for the majority of the cognitive tests, with the exception of a lower speed of emotion identification and verbal reasoning in subjects with high diastolic BP. In the MZ twin pair analyses, no effects of BP on cognition were found. We conclude that in the population at large, BP level is not associated with cognitive functioning in a clinically meaningful way.

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 415
Author(s):  
Bruno Peres de Menezes ◽  
Laurena Silva Rodrigues ◽  
José De Brito Lourenço Júnior ◽  
André Guimarães Maciel e Silva ◽  
Stefano Juliano Tavares de Andrade ◽  
...  

This study aimed to assess the potential use of increasing levels of murumuru cake (Astrocaryum murumuru var. murumuru, M art.) (MC) in sheep diets as a replacement for Mombasa grass (Panicum maximum Jacq). Metabolic tests were performed with 20 castrated male sheep at Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Belém, Pará, during 26 days. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design, with five diets and four replications. MC0: 100% grass; MC10: 10% MC and 90% grass; MC20: 20% MC and 80% grass; MC40: 40% MC and 60% grass; and MC60: 60% MC and 40% grass. The intake and the coefficient of apparent digestibility of dry matter (DMI and CDDM), organic matter (OMI and CDOM), crude protein (CPI and CDCP), neutral detergent fiber (NDFI and CDNDF), acid detergent fiber (ADFI and CDADF), ether extract (EEI and CDEE), cellulose (CELI and CDCEL), hemicellulose (HEMI and CDHEM), and nitrogen balance (NB) of experimental diets were determined. The intake of mineral material (MMI) and lignin (LIGI) were also determined. The DMI, OMI, MMI, CPI, NDFI, and ADFI displayed a decreasing linear effect with the replacement of Mombasa grass by MC in the diet. The EEI and the LIGI presented quadratic effects according to the replacement levels of MC in the diet. The CDDM, CDOM, and CDHEM displayed increasing linear effects, between MC0 and MC60. The CDEE, CDNDF, CDADF, and CDCEL displayed a quadratic effect, with optimum replacement levels of 56.65%, 41%, 31.33%, and 27.46%, respectively. The nitrogen balance presented a negative linear effect in the range of 0% to 60% of murumuru cake. One can conclude that murumuru cake is an alternative to the dietary supplementation of ruminants in replacing the Mombasa grass because it provides an increase in the digestibility of nutrients for sheep. However, a limited replacement level must be implemented, considering that from 27.46%, 31.33%, 41%, and 56.65% replacement, a decline occurs in the CDCEL, CDADF, CDNDF, and CDEE, respectively, although a negative nitrogen balance does not occur.


2021 ◽  
pp. 113-118
Author(s):  
V. A. Melnik

Objective: to assess the constitutional features of the age dynamics of secondary sexual characteristics and functional parameters of city schoolchildren in the age range of 7–17 years.Materials and methods. The objects of the study were schoolchildren aged 7–17. The stages of the expression of secondary sexual characteristics were determined visually according to the scheme by J.M. Tanner. The functional parameters of the examined schoolchildren were assessed using the methods of dynamometry, spirometry; blood pressure and heart rates, as well as the time of simple sensorimotor reactions were measured.Results. As a result of the performed studies, it has been found that representatives of the hypersomnic types are ahead of other types to reveal the first stages of secondary sexual characteristics. Schoolchildren with the leptosomic morphotypes due to higher rates of their development have reached the definitive stages by the same age as those with the hypersomnic variants. The intensity of age-related changes in functional parameters (strength qualities, circulatory and respiratory systems, nervous system) in the studied objects depends on their body type.Conclusion. The stage and rate of puberty, as well as the development of functional parameters in city schoolchildren depends on their somatotype.


2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 261-65
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sajid Hussain ◽  
Qasim Raza ◽  
Muhammad Omer Aamir ◽  
Nadia Murtaza ◽  
Sadia Naureen ◽  
...  

Objective: To determine the effect of subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin on blood pressure in predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Study Design: Case-series descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Peshawar, from Mar 2016 to Sep 2016. Methodology: A total of 100 cases were enrolled. Inclusion criteria was patients of 18 to 60 years of both gender & estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 having Hb <10g/dL and pre-dialysis while Exclusion Criteria was pregnancy or lactation, BP more than 140/90 mmHg, patients on Haemodialysis and worsening renal function. Baseline BP, body weight and eGFR of anaemic chronic kidney disease patients were recorded prior to EPO Alpha therapy. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) i.e. EPO Alpha (50-100 Units/kg thrice or once weekly) was administered subcutaneously. Subsequent blood pressure, body weight and eGFR monitoring was done after 2 and 4 weeks post EPO Alpha injection. Results: Mean age range was 46.71 years with range of 20-60 years, 73 (73%) were male while 27 (27%) werefemales. Mean ± SD for other quantitative variables like eGFR was 23.12 ± 5.28, Hb levels (g/dL) was 8.62 ± 0.85,Weight (kg) was 56.66 ± 6.62 and duration of CKD was 9.87 ± 4.02. Frequency of Hypertension (post EPO) was 2(2%) and p-value was 0.453. Conclusion: We concluded that the frequency of hypertension in pre-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPo) subcutaneously (SC) in low doses, is very low, so rhEPo can be used subcutaneously......................


1993 ◽  
Vol 138 (6) ◽  
pp. 353-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mernll F. Elias ◽  
Philip A Wolf ◽  
Ralph B. D'Agostino ◽  
Janet Cobb ◽  
Lon R. White

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Conen ◽  
Stefanie Aeschbacher ◽  
Lutgarde Thijs ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
José Boggia ◽  
...  

Introduction: Mean daytime ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) values are considered to be lower than conventional BP (CBP) values, but data on this relation among younger individuals <50 years are scarce. To address this issue, we performed a collaborative analysis in a large group of participants representing a wide age range. Methods: CBP and 24-hour ABP were measured in 9550 individuals not taking BP lowering treatment from 13 population based cohorts. We compared the individual differences between daytime ABP and CBP according to 10-year age categories. Age-specific prevalences of white-coat hypertension and masked hypertension were calculated based on guideline-recommended thresholds. Results: Among individuals aged 18-30, 30-40 and 40-50 years, mean daytime systolic and diastolic ABP were significantly higher than the corresponding CBP (6.0, 5.2 and 4.7 mmHg for systolic BP; 2.5, 2.7 and 1.7 mmHg for diastolic BP, all p<0.0001) (Figure). Systolic and diastolic BP indices were similar in participants aged 50-60 years (p=0.20 and 0.11, respectively). In individuals aged 60-70 and ≥70 years, CBP was significantly higher than daytime ABP (5.0 and 13.0 mmHg for systolic BP; 2.0 and 4.2 mmHg for diastolic BP, all p<0.0001) (Figure). Accordingly, the prevalence of white coat hypertension exponentially increased from 2.2% to 19.5% from those aged 18-30 years to those aged ≥70 years, with some variation between men and women (prevalence 8.0% versus 6.1%, p=0.0003). Masked hypertension was more prevalent among men (21.1% versus 11.4%, p<0.0001). The age-specific prevalence of masked hypertension was 18.2%, 27.3%, 27.8%, 20.1% 13.6% and 10.2% in men, and 9.0%, 9.9%, 12.2%, 11.9%, 14.7% and 12.1% in women. Conclusions: In this large collaborative analysis we found that the relation between daytime ABP and CBP strongly varies by age. These findings may have important implications for the diagnosis of hypertension and its subtypes in clinical practice.


Author(s):  
Thomas Gepts ◽  
Ann M Nguyen ◽  
Charles Cleland ◽  
Winfred Wu ◽  
Hang Pham-Singer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite the large body of literature evaluating interventions to improve hypertension management, few studies have addressed seasonal variation in blood pressure (BP) control. This underreported phenomenon has implications for interpreting study findings and informing clinical care. We share a methodology that accounts for BP seasonality, presented through a case study – HealthyHearts NYC, an intervention aimed at increasing adherence to the Million Hearts BP control evidence-based guidelines in primary care practices. Methods We used a randomized stepped-wedge design (n = 257 practices). Each intervention included 13 visits from practice facilitators trained in improving practice-level BP control over 12 months. Two models were used to assess the intervention effect–one that did not account for seasonality (Model 1) and one that did (Model 2). Model 2 was a re-specification of Model 1 to include our proposed two fixed-effects terms to address BP seasonality. Results Model 1 showed a significant negative association between the intervention and BP control (IRR=0.98, 95% CI=0.96-0.99, p=<.05). In contrast, Model 2, which did address seasonality, showed no intervention effect on BP control (IRR = 0.99, 95% CI=0.97-1.01, p=.19). Conclusions These findings reveal that analyses that do not account for BP seasonality may not present an accurate picture of intervention effects. In our case study, accounting for BP seasonality turned a negative association into a null association. We recommend that when evaluating BP control, studies compare outcome measures across similar seasons and that the measurement period last long enough to account for seasonal effects. Trial Registration Number NCT02646488


Author(s):  
Alice Medalia ◽  
Tiffany Herlands ◽  
Alice Saperstein ◽  
Nadine Revheim

Individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and affective disorders, often experience cognitive deficits that make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. For example, they may have difficulty with attention, memory, processing speed, and problem solving, and this may interfere with functioning at work, school, and in social situations. Cognitive remediation is an evidence-based behavioral treatment for people who are experiencing cognitive impairments that interfere with role functioning. This edition contains all the information needed to set up a cognitive remediation program so clients can strengthen the cognitive skills needed for everyday functioning. The program described is called Neuropsychological and Educational Approach to Remediation (NEAR), which is an evidence-based approach to cognitive remediation that uses carefully crafted instructional techniques that reflect an understanding of how people learn best. The goals of NEAR are to provide a positive learning experience, to promote independent learning, and to promote optimal cognitive functioning in daily life. This second edition of the popular 2009 therapist’s guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to implement NEAR techniques with patients to improve their cognitive functioning and quality of life. Guidelines are provided for setting up and running a successful cognitive remediation program. Therapists learn how to choose appropriate cognitive exercises, recruit and work with clients, perform intake interviews, and create treatment plans. This guide comes complete with all the tools necessary for facilitating treatment, including program evaluation forms and client handouts.


2016 ◽  
Vol 134 (4) ◽  
pp. 330-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Pucci ◽  
Guilherme Machado ◽  
Edcarlo Solera ◽  
Fernanda Cenovicz ◽  
Christian Arruda ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Increased life expectancy among people with Down syndrome (DS) has introduced new environmental factors that may affect blood pressure (BP) and/or lead to obesity in this population. The aim here was to investigate BP levels and body mass index (BMI) in adults with DS, correlating these data with the patients' sex and age. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional observational study conducted in special schools in Curitiba (PR), Brazil. METHODS: 97 adult patients were included. BP was measured in accordance with the established guidelines. BMI was calculated by dividing the weight by the height squared (kg/m2). RESULTS: Sex had no influence on BMI; nor did systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP (DBP). The age range was from 18 to 56 years. No correlation was observed between increasing age and greater BMI or BP. Eighty-six individuals (88.7%) presented normal BP, eleven (11.3%) prehypertension and none hypertension. Twenty patients (20.4%) presented BP lower than 90 × 60 mmHg. BMI ranged from 18 to 48 kg/m2 (mean of 28.8 ± 3.92 kg/m2): 21.9% had normal weight; 40.7% were overweight; and 25.3% had obesity class I, 9.9% class II and 2.2% class III. Higher BMI was associated with significantly greater SBP and DBP (P = 0.0175 and P = 0.0015). CONCLUSION: Sex and age did not influence SBP, DBP or BMI in Brazilian adults with DS. Higher BMI was associated with greater BP (both systolic and diastolic).


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