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The seasonal blood pressure variability (BPV) is known to demonstrate a typical winter peak. Recently, more attention is paid to the opposite situation: the summer BP levels being higher than those in winter. This phenomenon is called inverse BPV. The present article summarizes recent data on this topic. The data of the HOMED-BP project, as well as the results of the original prospective study in 770 hypertensive patients from two Russian Federation regions (mean follow-up duration 6.4 years), were used. According to the preliminary knowledge, the prevalence of inverse BPV in hypertensive patients is relatively high (15-25%). This phenomenon is more typical for treated patients, particularly for those on combination therapy, and is associated with beta-blocker intake. Higher duration of hypertension and higher levels of some risk factors (smoking) characterize the patients with inverse BPV. According to the HOMED-BP data, patients with inverse BPV had the highest overall cardiovascular risk (hazard ratio in comparison with the reference group of “minimal” “normal” BPV was 3.07; p=0.004). In summary, inverse BPV is a potentially unfavorable BP phenotype. However, its reproducibility and prospective value deserve further investigation. The absolute magnitude of seasonal BPV in these patients, calculated using different BP measurement methods, warrants special attention.

Aim. To study the main relationships of the white coat effect (WCE) levels in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) with bronchial asthma (BA) who treated with AH and BA drugs in routine clinical practice.Material and Methods. We analyzed the prospective cohort study data of AH patients, some of them had BA without exacerbation. We have formed two groups of patients:1 - control group, patients with AH without BA, the second - with AH + BA. The study consisted of three visits (first visit, 6 months and 12 months visits) and data collection period (30.1±7.6 months of follow-up). The following procedures were performed at the first and 12 month visits: clinical blood pressure (BP) measurements (sitting and standing), 24-hour monitoring ambulatory (ABPM), spirometry, clinical and biochemical blood tests, BA control questionnaires (ACQ) and quality of life (QL) questionnaire (GWBQ), at the second visit clinical BP measurement was performed and, if necessary, the drug dose was corrected.Results. The study included 125 patients, 28 men, 97 women. The first group of AH patients without BA included 85 people, the second (AH + BA) - 40. In AH patients without BA with ischemic heart disease, arterial revascularization, regular alcohol intake and smoking we identified the association with the lower WCE levels. In AH+BA patients with diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal diseases, higher education was identified WCE decrease. In AH patients without asthma we found inverse relationships WCE levels with respiratory function parameters, the nighttime BP decrease, heart rate and the difference between standing and sitting BP levels, and correlations with the EchoCG variables (the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) indices), with age, AH duration and body mass index (BMI). In patients with AH + BA we found inverse correlations between WCE levels and some EchoCG variables, the difference between standing and sitting BP levels, and correlations with body weight, BMI.Conclusion. Thereby, in AH patients without BA with ischemic heart disease, revascularization, regular alcohol intake, smoking we identified the association with the lower WCE levels. This patients WCE indices had inverse correlations with height, respiratory function parameters, the BP nighttime decrease, the difference between standing and sitting BP levels and direct relationships with EchoCG variables of LVH, age, AH duration and BMI. In AH + BA patients with diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, higher education we found relationships with lesser WCE manifestation. WCE levels in this group had inverse correlations with some EchoCG indicators, the standing and sitting BP difference and direct relations with weight and BMI.

The article addresses the state of the air transport network in the Arctic zone of Eastern Siberia based on the evaluation of the following components: the state of the existing airport network and its geographic location; the existing route network and flight frequency of airlines serving the Arctic regions; the aviation mobility of the population, passenger and cargo traffic of air transport in the Arctic regions; and the structure of the aircraft fleet of airlines operating in the Arctic regions. The study showed that the density of the airport network in the Arctic zone of Eastern Siberia is extremely low and amounts to 0.01 airports per 1000 km2 or 0.18 airports per 1000 inhabitants. For comparison, the density of the airport network in Alaska, with account for private airports, is 0.26 airports per 1000 km2 or 1.06 airports per 1000 inhabitants. The analysis of the route network showed that most of the Arctic zone airports have only one route, connecting the airport with the transit hub, with flights performed 1–2 times a week. The underdevelopment of the route network is caused by the low air mobility of the population in the Arctic zone due to the low population density, the high cost of air transportation, and the high operating costs of airports in the North. To develop the system of air transport in the Arctic zone of Russia, the following programs were proposed: a priority program to subsidize aircraft leasing for local and regional transportation in the Arctic zone and territories of the Far North; a program to subsidize federal state-owned enterprises (FSOEs) that service the airport infrastructure; a program to improve the transport accessibility and price affordability with regard to local and regional air transportation; and a program for IT implementation in aviation activities.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Low vaccination coverage among these patients is due to insufficient knowledge about vaccine efficiency and its regular annual use. This work aimed to study the repeated 6-month changes in hemagglutinin antibody titers (AT) for 3 years in patients with cardiac pathology in a comparative study of influenza preventive vaccination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of ATs obtained based on the hemagglutination-inhibition test (HAI) was performed in 235 of 817 participants in a prospective follow-up. Blood sampling was performed at baseline, before the vaccination, and 6 months after, and at the same term in unvaccinated patients in the 2012–2013 and 2014–2015 seasons, respectively. The seropositive and seronegative responses to vaccination or acute respiratory or influenza infection were used, according to the reference values of seroconversion and seroprotection and the fact of seroconversion. Multiple regression analysis with a logarithmic scale was used to assess the vaccine effectiveness indices. RESULTS : With vaccination coverage of at least 40% against seasonal influenza within 3 years, the trends of a decrease in seropositive and an increase in seronegative responses in the vaccination group and its reverse nature in the comparison group were determined by traditional analysis. Using logarithmic calculation, an increase in HAI AT seroconversion was revealed over a 3-year follow-up period. It was characterized by a homogeneous serological response at annual vaccination and heterogeneous with a higher serological response in cases without vaccination (p = 0.002 for H1N1 and p = 0.005 for H3N2, respectively). This trend can be determined by a higher and more stable prevaccination level of HAI AT than the same residual level of AT among unvaccinated patients. CONCLUSION : During long-term cardiac studies, the logarithmic calculation in interpreting the results of HAI AT overcomes the limitations of the traditional analysis of assessing the efficiency of the annual influenza vaccine. Further serological programs are required to better understand the role of routine seasonal influenza vaccination in preventing morbidity and mortality of patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Diagnosis of the blood pressure (BP) phenotype is the most important indication for its ambulatory measurement because BP phenotype is associated with cardiovascular complications and death. The study of BP phenotypes is important for patients with hypertension (HT) and comorbidity, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The combination of HT with these lower airway diseases (LAD) leads to the mutual influence of pathologies creates difficulties in the drugs choice and may affect BP phenotype in HT patients.Aim. To compare in the prospective investigation various characteristics of BP phenotype in HT patients considering LAD (asthma or COPD).Material and methods. The prospective cohort study of ambulatory patients with HT (n=156) was carried out. The part of these patients had asthma or COPD (n=69). The clinical measurements and 24-hour BP monitoring, spirometry, clinical and biochemical blood tests, standard examination were performed, initially and after 12 months. BP phenotype were determined by the ratio of clinical BP and ambulatory BP considering their threshold values. Standard statistical methods and multivariate analysis were used.Results. Patients with LAD had 2 times more often prognostically unfavorable phenotypes: ineffective antihypertensive therapy (AHT) 37.3% vs 15.7% and masked AHT inefficiency 7.5% vs 4.5%; white coat HT on treatment (WCH) and effective AHT were less common(29.9% vs 42.7%; 25.5% vs 37.1%, respectively, p 148 mm Hg (b=2.733, p=0.040), LAD (b=1.015, p=0.011), serum total cholesterol (b=0.350, p=0.043), degree of nighttime diastolic BP decrease (for 13.1-18.0% b=-2.130, p=0.004; for 18.1-24.0% b=-2.509, p=0.001). The factors associated with masked AHT inefficiency in comparison to effective AHT were heart rate in orthostasis >87 beats/min(b=3,512, p=0.006) and SBP in orthostasis 141-148 mm Hg (b=3.405, p=0.004).Conclusion. The prevalence of prognostically unfavorable BP phenotypes (ineffective AHT and masked AHT inefficiency) is two times higher in HT patients with LAD. The first is associated with LAD presence, sex, and serum cholesterol; both phenotypes interrelated with hemodynamic parameters including degree of nighttime diastolic BP decrease. We found no association between AHT and LAD therapy with the BP phenotypes in this study. However, larger works in this area are required, including analysis of outcomes in long-term prospective studies.

The new international guidelines on hypertension management have been issued in the past few years. The AHA (2017) and ESH (2018) Guidelines are similar in many key aspects. However, they differ substantially in the area of blood pressure (BP) measurement methodology. In this article, we aim to explain the ESC Guidelines position, specifically the conservative BP thresholds and a wider use of ambulatory BP measurement methods. In our opinion, the main reason behind this position is the introduction and a relatively widespread use of automatic office BP measurement (AOBP). On one hand, this method has questioned the results of the SPRINT trial – the key evidence source for the AHA Guidelines. On the other hand, AOBP has challenged the concept of “traditional office BP measurement”. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the current multiplicity of BP measurement methods and respective threshold values recommended for each method. It is essential to perform the office BP measurement correctly and thoroughly. Throughout all stages of the hypertensive patient management (diagnosis, antihypertensive treatment choice, and long-term observation), the use of out-of-clinic BP measurement is strongly advisable.

Aim. To study the seasonal indicators of quality of life and control of bronchial asthma in hypertensive patients with bronchial asthma, observed by a cardiologist of the state outpatient institution.Material and methods. Data from a prospective cohort study of hypertensive patients, some of which had bronchial asthma without exacerbation, were analyzed. Patients who were observed by a cardiologist at a state outpatient clinic took part in the study. There were other concomitant diseases that occurred in the participants, in addition to hypertension and bronchial asthma. Two groups of patients were formed: the control group (n=85) included patients with hypertension only, the main group (n=40) included hypertension and bronchial asthma. Patients had 3 visits: initial one, and after 6 and 12 months and then data on outcomes (30.1Ѓ}7.6 months of follow-up) were collected. The first and third visits included clinical measurements of blood pressure (BP), 24-hour BP monitoring, spirometry, clinical and biochemical blood tests, a standard survey, survey with questionnaires evaluating the control of bronchial asthma (Asthma Control Questionnaire; ACQ) and the patients quality of life (General Well-Being Questionnaire; GWBQ). The second visit included clinical BP and ACQ and GWBQ questionnaires. A comparison of the average indicators from the total number of observations carried out in winter, spring, summer and autumn periods has been performed.Results. Hypertensive patients with/without bronchial asthma (n=125; 28 men, 97 women, average age 62.6Ѓ}8.8 years, duration of hypertension – 11.6Ѓ}8.6, duration of bronchial asthma – 9.3Ѓ}11.9 years) took part in the study. Outpatient BP levels throughout the study period were maintained at target values in both groups. It was shown that seasonal BP levels do not differ in the compared groups, except for winter indicators: winter daytime systolic BP levels were higher in the main group (p=0.03). Seasonal fluctuations in BP were not detected in the control group, however, they were present in the patients of the main group: winter daytime levels of diastolic BP and average daily levels of diastolic BP and systolic BP were higher than summer ones, and winter daytime systolic BP values (p1.5), in summer and autumn – partially controlled (total score ≤1.5). During the analysis of various factors associated with the combined primary endpoint (death, transient ischemic attack, angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias, arterial revascularization), relationships with quality of life indicators were revealed: negative connections – with indicators characterizing positive psychological health, mood at visit, positive correlations – with psychological abilities.Conclusion: Seasonal fluctuations in ambulatory BP levels were not found in the control group and were found in the main group. The quality of life indicators for patients of the main group were significantly worse than in the control group for all components in all seasons. The control of asthma changed in different seasons in accordance with the ACQ total score: uncontrolled bronchial asthma occurred in winter and spring, partially controlled – in summer and autumn. Correlations of the combined primary endpoint with quality of life indicators were found after analyzing various factors.

Background. Early diagnostics of masked hypertension (MH) is one of the key problems in modern cardiology due to the association of this blood pressure (BP) phenotype with doubled cardiovascular risk in comparison with normotension (NT). The current hypertension guidelines list numerous conditions, when the ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) is desirable in patients with normal office BP. However this list does not represent clearly defined, agreed and approved indications for ABPM as a diagnostic tool for MH.Aim. To develop a method of MH diagnostics for the use in routine clinical practice based on the comparing characteristics of patients with reproducible MH vs NT.Material and methods. The patients were selected from two trials that used ABPM (n=1778). The selection criteria included age 40-79 years, office BPResults. In total, 153 patients with reproducible (both winter and summer) BP phenotype were included: 127 with MH, and 26 with NT (mean age 49.1Ѓ}7.8 years, 36.1% males). In multivariate analysis, reproducible MH was associated with body mass index (β2.097; pConclusions. MH is often found in patients with normal and optimal office BP and without “hypertension” diagnosis. The method described in the article helps to detect MH with high probability and define the individual indications for ABPM. The MH phenomenon in the category of patients warrants further investigation.

Contains fulltext : 286841.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Resistant hypertension is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The endothelin pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, but it is currently not targeted therapeutically, thereby leaving this relevant pathophysiological pathway unopposed with currently available drugs. The aim of the study was to assess the blood pressure lowering efficacy of the dual endothelin antagonist aprocitentan in patients with resistant hypertension. METHODS: PRECISION was a multicentre, blinded, randomised, parallel-group, phase 3 study, which was done in hospitals or research centres in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. Patients were eligible for randomisation if their sitting systolic blood pressure was 140 mm Hg or higher despite taking standardised background therapy consisting of three antihypertensive drugs, including a diuretic. The study consisted of three sequential parts: part 1 was the 4-week double-blind, randomised, and placebo-controlled part, in which patients received aprocitentan 12·5 mg, aprocitentan 25 mg, or placebo in a 1:1:1 ratio; part 2 was a 32-week single (patient)-blind part, in which all patients received aprocitentan 25 mg; and part 3 was a 12-week double-blind, randomised, and placebo-controlled withdrawal part, in which patients were re-randomised to aprocitentan 25 mg or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. The primary and key secondary endpoints were changes in unattended office systolic blood pressure from baseline to week 4 and from withdrawal baseline to week 40, respectively. Secondary endpoints included 24-h ambulatory blood pressure changes. The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03541174. FINDINGS: The PRECISION study was done from June 18, 2018, to April 25, 2022. 1965 individuals were screened and 730 were randomly assigned. Of these 730 patients, 704 (96%) completed part 1 of the study; of these, 613 (87%) completed part 2 and, of these, 577 (94%) completed part 3 of the study. The least square mean (SE) change in office systolic blood pressure at 4 weeks was -15·3 (SE 0·9) mm Hg for aprocitentan 12·5 mg, -15·2 (0·9) mm Hg for aprocitentan 25 mg, and -11·5 (0·9) mm Hg for placebo, for a difference versus placebo of -3·8 (1·3) mm Hg (97·5% CI -6·8 to -0·8, p=0·0042) and -3·7 (1·3) mm Hg (-6·7 to -0·8; p=0·0046), respectively. The respective difference for 24 h ambulatory systolic blood pressure was -4·2 mm Hg (95% CI -6·2 to -2·1) and -5·9 mm Hg (-7·9 to -3·8). After 4 weeks of withdrawal, office systolic blood pressure significantly increased with placebo versus aprocitentan (5·8 mm Hg, 95% CI 3·7 to 7·9, p

Modern business processes are characterized by a large number of random factors that can affect the characteristics of internal and external processes. The created models use the method of calculating output parameters as an operation with random characteristics of factors that affect the final results. The processes and factors of the project are divided into permanent and random. Random processes are characterized by individual distributions and characteristics. The mathematical model of a business project is formed by a program that performs operations with the characteristics of random factors and risk factors that form the business project. The generated model allows you to calculate financial flows and balances at all stages of the project implementation, and determines various indicators of its effectiveness. To optimize these indicators, it is planned to introduce anti-risk measures. The model allows you to optimize the number of such activities, taking into account their cost and the degree of impact on the project performance indicators. Using the proposed method of analyzing business projects allows you to take into account possible random factors and risk factors and make the most optimal management decisions.

In hypertensive patients, blood pressure variability (BPV) and comorbidity are associated with prognosis. However, there have been no complex prospective studies of BPV in patients with hypertension and chronic lower airway diseases (CLAD). Aim. To investigate specific features of different BPV types and their prognostic value in hypertensive patients with and without CLAD in a prospective study. Material and methods. This prospective cohort study included hypertensive patients, approximately half of whom had asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Clinic blood pressure (BP) measurements, ambulatory and home BP monitoring (ABPM, HBPM), spirometry, clinical blood analysis and blood chemistry, and a standard questionnaire and physical examination were performed at baseline and 12 months later. Clinical BP measurements and HBPM were also repeated 6 months after the baseline visit. At 12 months from the last study visit, we collected the information about cardiovascular complications and deaths. Statistical methods included ANOVA and survival analysis. The BPV indices were calculated as SD for different time periods, ARV (average real variability), and VIM (variation independent of mean). The inter-group comparisons were adjusted for age and sex. The assessment of intra-visit and long-term BPV was based on clinical BP measurement. The assessment of 24-hour BPV and mid-term BPV was based on ABPM and HBPM, respectively. Results. The BPV levels, assessed by ABPM and HBPM, were higher in patients with CLAD. There were no long-term BPV differences between two groups, in according to clinical BP data. Higher levels of daytime BPV were associated with orthostatic systolic BP, baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). An increase in nighttime BPV was associated with COPD, serum creatinine, FEV1 after β2-agonist inhalation, and GFR. In the CLAD group, the cumulative survival was lower, while the total risk was higher. The following endpoint predictors were identified: supraventricular arrhythmias, SD of nighttime diastolic BP, blood leukocyte count and nocturnal BP fall (Wald Chi-Square 14.780- 4.257; p

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to discuss the phenomenon of students’ clip thinking, its roots and ways of handling the problem in a higher education establishment. The research reflects concerns of domestic and foreign scholars and educational professionals about the students having the mosaic worldview devoid of logical reasoning rather than the integral picture of the world. Methodology: The methodological basis of the study is the data of the general and special scientific methodology. Dialectics has determined the reasoning. The philosophical principle of the universal connection of objects and phenomena of objective reality, the principle of determinism and systematicity are taken as a basis as well. Result: The research has sparked the students’ interest in the problem of clip thinking under study, the reasons for its occurrence, and ways to handle it. Although most students have a clear idea of the term “clip thinking”, and, therefore, succeed in analysing the reasons for its development, few of them are able to practise what they intuitively (and correctly) regard as appropriate. As seen from the research, all the students involved in the experiment need a closer communication with the university professors and a greater engagement in the academic and extra-curricular activities in order to develop integral thinking, imagination, memory, oratorical skills and many others essential for future professionals. Application: The research can be useful to university and school professionals, scholars and students.

Background. Seasonal variability of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality emphasizes the need for the development of new preventive approaches. One of them could be early diagnostics of the unfavorable blood pressure (BP) phenotypes.Aim. To evaluate markers of the masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUH) phenotype in winter and summer in ambulatory treated hypertensive patients.Material and methods. We selected patients from the database (n=477; Ivanovo and Saratov residents) according to the following criteria: regular antihypertensive treatment (AHT), clinical BP

Background. The seasonal variability of blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality motivates researchers to search for the new approaches of the antihypertensive treatment (AHT) efficacy assessment, including the analysis of interrelation between clinic and ambulatory BP, i.e. BP phenotypes.Aim. To evaluate the prevalence of BP phenotypes in treated hypertensive outpatients both in winter and summer.Material and methods. Hypertensive patients under regular AHT with available data of clinic BP and 24-hour BP monitoring both in winter and summer seasons (n=477) were selected from a outpatient database with clinic BP 60%) in this region. In contrast, the cohort of relatively older patients with longer hypertension history examined in a relatively warmer region revealed significantly higher rate of masked uncontrolled hypertension in summer (50.2%) while prevalence of all other phenotypes – in winter.

Background: GLORIA-AF (Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) is a prospective, global registry program describing antithrombotic t...

Recently, more and more attention has been paid to the chronotherapy of arterial hypertension (HT). This method provides an opportunity to improve the treatment efficacy by non-traditional regimes of antihypertensive drug intake. The new findings concerning a high prognostic value of the night-time blood pressure (BP) and night BP fall stimulate the interest in chronotherapy of HT. This method is very easy to use, and the evidences of its high efficacy are growing. The advantages and limitations of two potential chronotherapy approaches are discussed in detail. MAPEC was the largest project which investigated the possibility of cardiovascular complications risk reduction by normalizing the circadian rhythm of BP due to the bed-time administration of antihypertensive drugs. The authors obtained impressive results – more than a double reduction of cardiovascular complications risk in the chronotherapy group. However, the study had serious limitations: ethnically homogeneous population, the lack of independent verification of endpoints and adverse events, and inconvenience of 48-hour BP monitoring. The currently available scientific information concerning advantages of HT chronotherapy needs further confirmation in the carefully designed multi-centre prospective studies. According to the authors’ opinion, illustrated by their original data, the relatively small and short studies are still important. Such trials allow using more nuanced methodological approaches, such as a double blind or cross-over design and comparison of the pharmacokinetics of antihypertensive drugs in the morning and evening administration.

Introduction: In flu A(H1N1pdm09)-associated pneumonias cardiac complications: an acute heart failure (AHF) and fatal arrythmia (FA) became an important problem. Aims and Objectives: The main purpose of the study was the analysis of AHF and FA frequency and role in flu A(H1N1pdm09)- associated pneumonias. Methods: 99 patients with severe pneumonias were examined. The ethiological verification of the diagnose was performed using polymeraze chain reaction (100% positive result - RNA virus A(H1N1pdm09). Imaging verification was based on the presence of lung consolidation/ ground glass opacity on CT-scans. All the patients recieved oseltamivir, antibiotics, additional oxygen or respiratory support and fluid resuscitation. Results: On the whole investigated group 24,2% patients died. The fatal arrythmia (mostly, ventricular tachicardia/ ventricular fibrillation) occurred in 8,0% of patients and resulted in death. The third tone, as a primary marker of AHF was found in 31,1%. Among patients who had the third tone revealed, 16 died (51,6%), 15 patients survived. The multiple regression analysis showed the main predictors of FA were the extended QTcF interval (>500 msec): RR=2,56 [1,27; 5,15] and the low level of SpO2 during oxygen therapy/ respiratory support ( Conclusion: The one third of patients died of flu A(H1N1pdm09)-associated pneumonias had the fatal arrythmia. The appearance of the third tone was a strong predictor of mortality in those patients. These complications can be explained by the development of miocarditis. Hovewer, this problem demands further studying.

Author(s): Deodhar, Atul; Gensler, Lianne S; Sieper, Joachim; Clark, Michael; Calderon, Cesar; Wang, Yuhua; Zhou, Yiying; Leu, Jocelyn H; Campbell, Kim; Sweet, Kristen; Harrison, Diane D; Hsia, Elizabeth C; van der Heijde, Desiree | Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in 3 randomized, placebo-controlled studies in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). Studies 1 and 2 included patients with radiographic axial SpA (anti-tumor necrosis factor [anti-TNF]-naive patients and patients with inadequate response or intolerance to anti-TNF, respectively); study 3 patients had nonradiographic axial SpA.MethodsIn all 3 studies, patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive subcutaneous ustekinumab at 45 mg or 90 mg or placebo up to 24 weeks, after which placebo-treated patients were rerandomized to receive ustekinumab at 45 mg or 90 mg. The primary end point in studies 1 and 2 was the proportion of patients who met the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society criteria for 40% improvement in disease activity (achieved an ASAS40 response). The primary end point in study 3 was the proportion of patients who achieved an ASAS20 response. Other disease activity and safety measures were also evaluated. A week 24 analysis of study 1 was preplanned to determine continuation of studies 2 and 3.ResultsFor study 1, the primary and major secondary end points were not met, and the study was discontinued. As a result, studies 2 and 3 were prematurely discontinued before they were fully enrolled. For all 3 studies, neither ustekinumab dose group demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement over placebo on key efficacy end points. The proportion of patients experiencing adverse events in the ustekinumab groups was consistent with that in previous studies.ConclusionIn these 3 placebo-controlled trials, efficacy of ustekinumab in the treatment of axial SpA was not demonstrated. The safety profile was consistent with that of studies in other indications.

In this paper the authors describe necessary conditions of optimality for continuous multicriteria optimization problems. It is proved that the existence of effective solutions requires that the gradients of individual criteria were linearly dependent. The set of solutions is given by system of equations. It is shown that for finding necessary and sufficient conditions for multicriteria optimization problems, it is necessary to switch to the single-criterion optimization problem with the objective function, which is the convolution of individual criteria. These results are consistent with non-linear optimization problems with equality constraints. An example can be the study of optimal solutions obtained by the method of the main criterion for Pareto optimality.

Aim. To determine the value of different blood pressure (BP) measurement methods for arterial hypertension (HT) chronotherapy efficacy assessment. Material and methods. Two similar open, randomized, cross-over studies (morning vs evening intake) were carried out. Duration of the initial wash-out period was 2 weeks; duration of both treatment courses — 3 weeks; the interval between courses — 1 week. Only patients with stable HT (mean day-time BP>135/85 mm Hg) were included. Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) was carried out prior to treatment and at the end of both treatment courses. The patients performed home BP monitoring (HBPM) throughout the study. Pharmacokinetics of verapamil (n=14, mean daily dose — 240.0±16.3 mg) was studied to assess compliance with verapamil therapy. In ramipril trial (n=30) its mean daily dose was 8.9±0.7 mg. The following main ABPM variables were analyzed: ABPM means and variability, maximal and minimal values, nocturnal BP fall, parameters of Fourier transformation and smoothness index. The morning and evening BP means and morning BP surge (morning – evening BP) were assessed by HBPM. Student’s t-value and Mahalanobis distance were used to evaluate individual value of each variable (“morning” vs “evening” effect). This analysis was first done separately for each trial. After that, combined data were analyzed. Results. Overall antihypertensive effect was more intense with morning ramipril (p

Aim. To compare influence of amlodipine and spirapril on ambulatory blood pressure profile, including antihypertensive effect smoothness in patients with arterial hypertension (HT).Methods. 39 patients (aged 53,7±10,0 y.o.) with HT were included in the open, randomized, cross-over study, 30 patients completed study. The duration of every therapies was 4 weeks, initial control period and wash-out period between therapies lasted 1 week. The initial daily dose of amlodipine was 5 mg, standard dose of spirapril (6 mg/daily) was not changed during the trial. After 1-2 weeks of treatment amlodipine dose was increased up to 10 mg/daily as well as dihydrochlorothiazide was added, if necessary. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed initially and at the end of both therapies.Results. Both drugs demonstrated good antihypertensive effect according to ABPM data. Decrease of systolic/diastolic blood pressure was 11,2±1,8/7,6±1,2 mm Hg in amlodipine therapy and 10,0±1,8/7,1±1,2 in spirapril therapy (pConclusion. Amlodipine has prominent as well as smooth antihypertensive effect, that gives it advantages in the long-term antihypertensive therapy.

Aim. To study effect of antihypertensive drugs on quality of life (QoL) of patients with stable arterial hypertension (HT).Material and methods. Results of some studies with similar design involving totally 170 patients with HT, aged 57,2±8,8 y.o., were analyzed. HT duration was 11,2±8,3 years. Patients received antihypertensive monotherapy with diltiazem, amlodipine, enalapril, lisinopril, metoprolol and telmisartan during 1-3 months. 24-hour blood pressure (BP) monitoring, QoL was performed before and after treatment.Results. All antihypertensive drugs significantly reduced systolic and diastolic BP and did not affect QoL. ACE inhibitors similarly improved QoL.Conclusion. Antihypertensive drugs (diltiazem, amlodipine, enalapril, lisinnopril, metoprolol, telmisartan) do not worsen QoL of patients with HT.

Aim. To estimate an efficiency of influenza vaccination in patients with circulatory system diseases diseases (CSD) under 3-year follow-up in outpatient clinics. Methods. The efficiency of influenza vaccination was investigated in CSD patients followed up at 2Ivanovo outpatient clinics and 2Saratov ones. The investigation enrolled 817 people, including 367 patients who consented to Grippol Plus influenza vaccination and 450 who refused. Results. During 36-month follow-up after being included in the study the vaccinated group showed a significantly fewer influenza and acute respiratory viral infections than the non-vaccinated group (28 and 442; р

Aim. To compare enalapril (E) and diltiazem (D) efficacy in menopausal women with arterial hypertension (AH) using three methods of blood pressure (BP) measurement.Material and methods. There was a cross-over randomised study with E and D included 22 menopausal women with AH. E was given at a daily dose of 5-20 mg and D – at a daily dose of 180-360 mg. At baseline and at the end of each treatment period ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was carried out. Self blood pressure measurement (SBPM) was performed during all study period. To assess a steadiness of antihypertensive effect we calculated smoothness index and trough-to-peak ratio based on ABPM data.Results. Ambulatory 24-h systolic BP and diastolic BP were decreased in the E group (-15.2/-9.6 mm Hg) and in the D group (-10.9/-6.0 mm Hg). E demonstrated a greater antihypertensive effect on SBPM results in the evening. Values of smoothness index on E treatment were slightly higher than on D treatment (0.86±0.15/0.64±0.13 vs 0.67±0.17/0.62±0.15). Trough-to-peak ratio was inconclusive in this study.Conclusions. Results of the study have shown some advantages of antihypertensive therapy with E compared with these of D in slow release formulation (both drugs at a single daily dose) in menopausal women. A sustained antihypertensive effect without negative influence on circadian BP profile allows to consider E as one of perspective agents for the AH treatment in this type of patients.

This article describes method of automated quality monitoring of the produced fabric. The monitoring system consists of a web camera and micro computer, which allows to determine the geometric dimensions of the spacing between the transverse threads of the fabric. The management of these sizes provides the possibility to control the density of the finished fabric. The described system allows to automate the control of fabric quality. Considered algorithm calculating the distance between the transverse threads based on the microcomputer Raspberry pi and the Python programming language.

Objective:The aim of our study was to determine relationships between psychological status and blood pressure variability (BPV) during 24-hours (BPV24), daytime (BPVd), nighttime (BPVn) and work period (BPVw) in patients with arterial hypertension (AH).Design and method:We analyzed ambulatory blood

Introduction: One of the most important parts of severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) treatment is the proper hospitalization place choice. The new qSOFA score for sepsis evaluation could be an important instrument to prognose the ICU stay and mortality. Aim. The aim was to investigate clinical value of qSOFA score in patients with severe CAP to determine proper hospitalization place. Methods: 112 patients with severe CAP were examined in 3 training clinical hospitals in Chita in 2015-2016 years. The severity of CAP was assessed using Russian Respiratory Society (RRS) scale according to ERS recommendations. The qSOFA score was performed in all patients on admission retrospectively. For statistical analysis the x 2 criteria, Fisher criteria and the odds ratio (OR) were used. Results: Of all considered patients 76 (group I) had qSOFA points less than 2. 36 patients (group II) had qSOFA score points 2 or more. In the group I 46 patients (60,5%) had to transfer to ICU in the first 24 hr. In the group II 34 patients (94,4%) were transferred to ICU. The differences between ICU admission frequency were significantly different in the considered groups (x 2 =13,77, p Table1. qSOFA score points in severe CAP. Conclusion: . New qSOFA score could be used not only in accessing sepsis to prognose clinical outcomes but also to choose a place of hospitalization in severe CAP.

The issue of maintaining of climatic parameters in a particular area is discussed in this paper. The mathematical model which used for calculating energy losses is shown. This module calculates the required minimum expenditure of energy to maintain climatic conditions. The paper shows the effect of using the simplex method.