Assessing the Accuracy of Estimated Lipoprotein(a) Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a)-Free Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol.

Background Accurate measurement of the cholesterol within lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]-C) and its contribution to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has important implications for risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as well as in familial hypercholesterolemia. A method for estimating Lp(a)-C from particle number using fixed conversion factors has been proposed (Lp[a]-C from particle number divided by 2.4 for Lp(a) mass, multiplied by 30% for Lp[a]-C).

Clinicians for CARE: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Support Caregivers of Patients With Heart Disease.

Background Caregivers provide critical support for patients with chronic diseases, including heart disease, but often experience caregiver stress that negatively impacts their health, quality of life, and patient outcomes. We aimed to inform health care teams on an evidence-based approach to supporting the caregivers of patients with heart disease. Methods and Results We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials written in English that evaluated interventions to support caregivers of patients with heart disease.

Rivaroxaban thromboprophylaxis for gastric/gastroesophageal junction tumors versus other tumors: A post hoc analysis of the randomized CASSINI trial.

Background: Prophylactic anticoagulation with rivaroxaban significantly reduced the risk of cancer-associated thrombosis during the intervention period in the CASSINI trial. Direct oral anticoagulants may increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) tract bleeding in patients with an in situ GI tract cancer or lesion.

Objective: This post hoc analysis characterized the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in patients with and without gastric/gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) tumors.

Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network: Summary of Findings and Network Outcomes.

The Go Red for Women movement was initiated by the American Heart Association (AHA) in the early 2000s to raise awareness concerning cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women. In 2016, the AHA funded 5 research centers across the United States to advance our knowledge of the risks and presentation of CVD that are specific to women. This report highlights the findings of the centers, showing how insufficient sleep, sedentariness, and pregnancy-related complications may increase CVD risk in women, as well as presentation and factors associated with myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in women.

Transition From an Open to Closed Staffing Model in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Improves Clinical Outcomes.

Background Several studies have shown improved outcomes in closed compared with open medical and surgical intensive care units. However, very little is known about the ideal organizational structure in the modern cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). Methods and Results We retrospectively reviewed consecutive unique admissions (n=3996) to our tertiary care CICU from September 2013 to October 2017.

Circulating Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 and Incident Heart Failure: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Background Serum levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are reflective of endothelial activation. Although VCAM-1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), the prospective association of VCAM-1 with development of clinically overt heart failure (HF) across ejection fraction categories is unclear. Methods and Results In MESA (the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), we evaluated the association of VCAM-1 at examination 2 (2002-2004) with incident HF (HFpEF and HF with reduced ejection fraction) after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors.

Feasibility and acceptability of a remotely-delivered behavioural health coaching intervention to limit gestational weight gain.

Introduction: Gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum weight retention (PPWR) are significant, potentially modifiable, contributors to women's future weight and health trajectories. There is a need for feasible and patient-centered (i.e.

Association of Genotypes With Measures of Microvascular and Endothelial Function, and Blood Pressure in MESA.

Background high-risk genotypes are associated with increased risk for hypertension-attributed kidney disease among Black adults in the United States. Biopsy studies show differences in kidney vasculature by status; less is known about the variants' associations with systemic vascular and endothelial function. Whether risk variants are associated with blood pressure (BP) is also uncertain.

Evolocumab, a PCSK9-Monoclonal Antibody, Rapidly Reverses Coronary Artery Endothelial Dysfunction in People Living With HIV and People With Dyslipidemia.

Background PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) is well recognized for its important role in cholesterol metabolism. Elevated levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and inhibition with PCSK9 antibodies (PCSK9i) lowers cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. PCSK9 levels are also elevated in people living with HIV (PLWH) and those with dyslipidemia.

Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate and Risk of Incident Heart Failure and Other Cardiovascular Events: the ARIC Study.

Background Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a second messenger regulated through natriuretic peptide and nitric oxide pathways. Stimulation of cGMP signaling is a potential therapeutic strategy for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We hypothesized that plasma cGMP levels would be associated with lower risk for incident HFpEF, any HF, ASCVD, and coronary heart disease (CHD).

Associations Between the Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Pathway and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: MESA.

Background cGMP mediates numerous cardioprotective functions and is a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. Preclinical studies suggest that plasma cGMP is reflective of natriuretic peptide stimulation. Epidemiologic associations between cGMP and natriuretic peptide, as well as cardiovascular disease risk factors, are unknown.

Intravascular Stem Cell Bioreactor for Prevention of Adverse Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction.

Background Prevention of adverse remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) is an important goal of stem cell therapy. Clinical trial results vary, however, and poor cell retention and survival after delivery likely limit the opportunity to exert beneficial effects. To overcome these limitations, we built an implantable intravascular bioreactor (IBR) designed to protect contained cells from washout, dilution, and immune attack while allowing sustained release of beneficial paracrine factors.

Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction Is Associated With Elevated Serum PCSK9 Levels in People With HIV Independent of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol.

Background HIV + people are at increased risk of coronary artery disease, but the responsible mechanisms are incompletely understood. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 ( PCSK 9) is traditionally recognized for its importance in cholesterol metabolism; however, recent data suggest an additional, low-density lipoprotein receptor-independent adverse effect on endothelial cell inflammation and function. We tested the hypotheses that PCSK 9 levels are increased and that abnormal coronary endothelial function is related to PCSK 9 serum levels in HIV + individuals.

Serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) protein in human colostrum.

Proteins of the serum amyloid A (SAA) family have been remarkably conserved in evolution. Their biologic function(s) are not fully defined but they are likely to be a part of primordial host defense. We have detected a ∼ 12-kDa protein reacting with antibodies against serum amyloid A (SAA) in human colostrum by western blotting.