Effects of autonomic nervous system activation on endothelial function in response to acute exercise in hypertensive individuals: study protocol for a randomized double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension has a direct association with endothelial dysfunction and major cardiovascular events. There is evidence showing the benefits of aerobic exercise on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in hypertensive individuals but little is known about the effect of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activation on FMD of the brachial artery in response to different types of exercise in this specific population. This study aims to examine the effects of ANS activation on FMD of the brachial artery in response to exercise in hypertensive individuals following a session of different types of exercise including aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE), or combined exercise (CE). METHODS: Thirty-nine hypertensive volunteers aged 35 to 55 years will be randomly assigned to two exercise sessions: AE (40 min on a cycle ergometer at 60% of HR reserve), RE (4 lower limb sets with 12 repetitions at 60% 1-RM for 40 min), or CE (RE for 20 min + AE for 20 min). Each exercise group will be randomized to receive either an α1-adrenergic blocker (doxazosin 0.05 mg/kg-1) or placebo. Ultrasound measurement of FMD is performed 10 min before and 10, 40, and 70 min after exercise. ANS activation is monitored using a Finometer and measurements are taken during 10 min before each FMD assessment. Arterial stiffness is assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) analysis using a Complior device. DISCUSSION: We expect to demonstrate the effect of ANS activation on FMD of the brachial artery in hypertensive individuals in response to different types of exercise. This study may give some insight on how to improve exercise prescription for hypertension management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov and ID "NCT04371757". Registered on May 1, 2020.

Additional Improvement of Respiratory Technique on Vascular Function in Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women Following Yoga or Stretching Video Classes: The YOGINI Study.

Background: Hypertension remains highly prevalent in postmenopausal women, along with vascular dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. In such context, regular exercises, yoga practice, and slow breathing have been recommended to treat hypertension. However, the effects of the multiple components of yoga, including the respiratory techniques involved in the practice, on hypertension and on vascular and endothelial function have never been evaluated. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the additional effects of respiratory technique on vascular function and oxidative stress profile in hypertensive postmenopausal women (HPMWs) following yoga or stretching video classes. Study Design: Hypertensive postmenopausal women were recruited and randomized for 12 weeks, twice a week, of supervised yoga or stretching video classes of 75 min for 12 weeks associated or not with respiratory technique. Baseline and post-intervention measurements included pulse wave velocity (PWV), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and oxidative stress parameters. Hypertensive postmenopausal women (59 ± 0.7 years) who ended the protocol were distributed into three groups: (1) control group (yoga or stretching, C, n = 14); (2) yoga + respiratory technique (Y+, n = 10); (3) stretching + respiratory technique (S+, n = 9). Results: Diastolic blood pressure and FMD [baseline: C: 6.94 ± 1.97%, Y+: 7.05 ± 1.65%, and S+: 3.54 ± 2.01% vs. post: C: 16.59 ± 3.46% (p = 0.006), Y+: 13.72 ± 2.81% (p = 0.005), and S+: 11.79 ± 0.99% (p = 0.0001)] have significantly increased in all groups when baseline and post-practice values were compared. However, resting heart rate and PWV [baseline: Y+: 10.44 ± 3.69 and S+: 9.50 ± 0.53 m/s vs. post: Y+: 9.45 ± 0.39 (p = 0.003) and S+: 8.02 ± 0.47 m/s (p = 0.003)] decreased significantly only in the Y+ and S+ groups (baseline vs. post). Systemic antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase) increased in all groups, and hydrogen peroxide and lipoperoxidation reduced in Y+ and S+ (baseline vs. post). Conclusions: Twelve weeks of yoga or stretching video classes promoted positive changes in several outcomes generally regarded as cardiovascular risk factors in HPMWs, and these changes were even more pronounced by the association with respiratory technique.

Using a 3D printer in cardiac valve surgery: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The use of the 3D printer in complex cardiac surgery planning. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the use and benefits of 3D printing in heart valve surgery through a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: This systematic review was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and registered in the Prospero (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) database under the number CRD42017059034. We used the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and Lilacs. We included articles about the keywords "Heart Valves", "Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation", "Heart Valve Prosthesis", "Printing, Three-Dimensional", and related entry terms. Two reviewers independently conducted data extraction and a third reviewer solved disagreements. All tables used for data extraction are available at a separate website. We used the Cochrane Collaboration tool to assess the risk of bias of the studies included. RESULTS: We identified 301 articles and 13 case reports and case series that met the inclusion criteria. Our studies included 34 patients aged from 3 months to 94 years. CONCLUSIONS: Up to the present time, there are no studies including a considerable number of patients. A 3D-printed model produced based on the patient enables the surgeon to plan the surgical procedure and choose the best material, size, format, and thickness to be used. This planning leads to reduced surgery time, exposure, and consequently, lower risk of infection.

Choice of tube extremity for emission of the lowest radiation dose in pediatric patients.

AIMS: To compare the dosage of radiation the thyroid and gonad glands receive in pediatric patients undergoing chest X-rays, in distinct positions, towards the goal of developing of an X-ray tube positioning protocol. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Institute of Cardiology/University Foundation of Cardiology of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil from June 2014 to September 2016. Patients were divided into two groups. One group was positioned with the thyroid gland facing the anode end of an X-ray tube, and in the other group the thyroid gland faced the cathode end. Radiographs were evaluated by five observers, following criteria recommended by the Commission of the European Communities (CEC). RESULTS: Forty-eight pediatric patients, with a mean age of 2.0 ±â€¯1.3 years, participated in this study. Based on the evaluation of 48 images, it was determined that the thyroid and gonad glands facing the cathode were exposed to 13.3 ±â€¯3.1 µGy and 13.5 ±â€¯4.1 µGy of radiation, respectively (p = 0.008). Additionally, the thyroid and gonad glands facing the anode were exposed to 11.7 ±â€¯3.1 µGy and 12.7 ±â€¯3.1 µGy of radiation, respectively (p = 0.007). The mean input dose in the center of the chest was 20.8 ±â€¯9.6 µGy in both positions. DISCUSSION: The proximity of the thyroid gland to the cathode end of the X-ray tube appears to be related to the dosage of ionizing radiation. Adverse effects associated with exposure to ionizing radiation could be minimized by positioning the thyroid gland to the anodic end of the X-ray tube. CONCLUSION: Patients should be placed facing the anode end of the X-ray tube when taking thoracic X-rays, in order to reduce radiation exposure to the thyroid and gonad glands.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02925936.

Using a 3D printer in cardiac valve surgery: a systematic review

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: The use of the 3D printer in complex cardiac surgery planning. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the use and benefits of 3D printing in heart valve surgery through a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: This systematic review was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and registered in the Prospero (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) database under the number CRD42017059034. We used the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and Lilacs. We included articles about the keywords "Heart Valves", "Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation", "Heart Valve Prosthesis", "Printing, Three-Dimensional", and related entry terms. Two reviewers independently conducted data extraction and a third reviewer solved disagreements. All tables used for data extraction are available at a separate website. We used the Cochrane Collaboration tool to assess the risk of bias of the studies included. RESULTS: We identified 301 articles and 13 case reports and case series that met the inclusion criteria. Our studies included 34 patients aged from 3 months to 94 years. CONCLUSIONS: Up to the present time, there are no studies including a considerable number of patients. A 3D-printed model produced based on the patient enables the surgeon to plan the surgical procedure and choose the best material, size, format, and thickness to be used. This planning leads to reduced surgery time, exposure, and consequently, lower risk of infection.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A impressora 3D é utilizada como coadjuvante no planejamento de cirurgias de cardiopatias complexas. OBJETIVOS: Analisar o uso e os benefícios da impressão 3D em cirurgias de válvula cardíaca por meio de revisão sistemática da literatura. MÉTODOS: Esta revisão sistemática foi conduzida de acordo com os itens do Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews e registrada no banco de dados Prospero (Registro Prospectivo Internacional de Revisão Sistemática) sob o número CRD42017059034. Foram utilizados os seguintes bancos de dados: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science e Lilacs. Incluídos artigos com os termos de busca "Heart Valves", "Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation", "Heart Valve Prosthesis", "Printing, Three-Dimensional" e termos relacionados. Dois revisores independentes conduziram a extração dos dados e um terceiro (revisor) solucionou as discordâncias. Todas as tabelas usadas para a extração de dados estão disponibilizadas em site próprio. A ferramenta Cochraine Collaboration foi utilizada para avaliar o risco de viés na inclusão de estudos. RESULTADOS: Identificados 301 artigos e 13 relatos de casos e séries de casos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. A amostra envolveu 34 pacientes, com idade de 3 meses a 94 anos. CONCLUSÃO: Até o presente momento, não há estudos que contemplem um número considerável de pacientes. A impressão de um modelo 3D produzida a partir do protótipo do paciente permitirá ao cirurgião planejar a cirurgia, bem como escolher o melhor material, tamanho, formato e espessura da válvula a ser utilizada. Esse planejamento reduz o tempo de cirurgia, a exposição e, consequentemente, a redução do risco de infecção.

Diretrizes brasileiras de hipertensão arterial: realidade da enfermagem em hospital especializado / Brazilian guidelines for arterial hypertension: the reality of nursing in a specialty hospital

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento sobre a técnica da verificação da pressão arterial nos profissionais de enfermagem em uma instituição de saúde. Identificar a relação entre a qualificação profissional e o desenvolvimento correto da técnica. MÉTODOS: O pesquisador aplicou um questionário aos profissionais de enfermagem durante a verificação da pressão arterial dos pacientes, questões estas relativas às V Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão Arterial. RESULTADOS: Dos profissionais de enfermagem, técnicos e auxiliares, 8,41 %, atingiram o ponto de corte estipulado como adequado de acertos (80%). Houve relação direta entre a qualificação profissional e a quantidade de acertos. CONCLUSÃO: As V Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão Arterial não são seguidas em sua plenitude pelos profissionais de enfermagem. A ampla divulgação das diretrizes, a implementação de programas de capacitação e a monitoração da técnica devem ser incentivadas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate knowledge about the technique of blood pressure measurement among nursing professionals in a health care institution. To identify the relationship between professional qualification and the proper development of technique. METHODS: The researcher applied a questionnaire to nursing professionals during the verification of arterial pressure of patients. These questions related to the Brazilian Guidelines on Arterial Hypertension V. RESULTS: Of the nursing professionals, technicians and assistants, 8.41% attained the cutoff point stipulated as adequate correct answers (80%). There was a direct relationship between professional qualification and the number of correct answers. CONCLUSION: Brazilian Guidelines on Arterial Hypertension V were not followed in their entirety by nursing professionals. A wide dissemination of guidelines, the implementation of training programs and monitoring of the technique should be encouraged.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el conocimiento sobre la técnica de la verificación de la presión arterial en los profesionales de enfermería en una institución de salud. Identificar la relación entre la calificación profesional y el desarrollo correcto de la técnica. MÉTODOS: El investigador aplicó un cuestionario a los profesionales de enfermería durante la verificación de la presión arterial de los pacientes, preguntas que fueron relativas a las V Directrices Brasileras de Hipertensión Arterial. RESULTADOS: De los profesionales de enfermería, técnicos y auxiliares, el 8,41 %, alcanzaron el punto de corte estipulado como adecuado de aciertos (80%). Hubo relación directa entre la calificación profesional y la cantidad de aciertos. CONCLUSIÓN: Las V Directrices Brasileras de Hipertensión Arterial no son seguidas en su plenitud por los profesionales de enfermería. La amplia difusión de las directrices, la implementación de programas de capacitación y el monitoramiento de la técnica deben ser incentivadas.