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Metabolic mechanisms underlying the heterogeneity of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) event (MACE) risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) remain unclear. We hypothesized that circulating metabolites reflecting mitochondrial dysfunction predict incident MACE in T2D. Targeted mass-spectrometry profiling of 60 metabolites was performed on baseline plasma samples from the Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin (TECOS; discovery cohort) and Exenatide Study of Cardiovascular Event Lowering (EXSCEL; validation cohort) biomarker substudy cohorts. A principal components analysis metabolite factor comprising medium-chain acylcarnitines (MCACs) was associated with MACE in TECOS and validated in EXSCEL, with higher levels associated with higher MACE risk. Meta-analysis showed that long-chain acylcarnitines (LCACs) and dicarboxylacylcarnitines were also associated with MACE. Metabolites remained associated with MACE in multivariate models and favorably changed with exenatide therapy. A third cohort (Cardiac Catheterization Genetics [CATHGEN]) with T2D was assessed to determine whether these metabolites improved discriminative capability of multivariate models for MACE. Nine metabolites (MCACs and LCACs and 1 dicarboxylacylcarnitine) were associated with time to MACE in the CATHGEN cohort. Addition of these metabolites to clinical models minimally improved the discriminative capability for MACE but did significantly down reclassify risk. Thus, metabolites reporting on dysregulated mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation are present in higher levels in individuals with T2D who experience subsequent MACE. These biomarkers may improve CV risk prediction models, be therapy responsive, and highlight emerging risk mechanisms.

Background: Although appropriate noninvasive cardiac tests (NICTs) after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) provide useful prognostic information, inappropriate use leads to inefficient expenditure of existing healthcare resources. By using the Alberta Contemporary Acute Coronary Syndrome Patient Invasive Treatment Strategies (COAPT) Registry, we evaluated the use and costs of NICTs among patients discharged within 1 year after ACS. Methods: All patients discharged from the hospital with a primary diagnosis of ACS in Alberta between 2004/2005 and 2015/2016 were included. Frequency of NICTs (stress tests [± imaging] and nonstress imaging tests) was determined from linked provincial databases. Costs were obtained from the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Medical Procedure List. Results: Of 55,516 patients with ACS, 30,760 had at least 1 NICT (55.4%), with 13,505 (24.3%) having > 1 NICT performed within 1 year. Temporal trends of NICT increased over time (stress tests: P trend < 0.001; nonstress imaging tests: P trend < 0.001). NICT most commonly occurred within the first 4 months after hospital discharge (stress tests at 2 months; nonstress imaging tests at 3-4 months). In 2015/2016, the total estimated costs of NICT were $1.35M, a 22.4% increase from 2004/2005 (1.10M) (P < 0.001), whereas a decrease in incidence of ACS over the same time period was noted (P = 0.008). Conclusions: Rates of NICT 1 year after ACS are high and increasing over time. Estimated costs of NICT appear to be escalating out of proportion to the ACS growth. Further investigation is warranted because it is speculative whether the increase in NICT and costs results in clinical benefit after ACS. Résumé: Contexte: Bien que les différents examens cardiaques non effractifs (ECNE) effectués après un syndrome coronarien aigu (SCA) fournissent des renseignements utiles au pronostic, leur emploi dans des situations inappropriées entraîne un gaspillage des ressources en santé. À l’aide du registre COAPT (Contemporary Acute Coronary Syndrome Patient Invasive Treatment Strategies) de l’Alberta, nous avons évalué l’emploi des ECNE et les coûts qui y sont associés chez les patients qui ont reçu leur congé de l’hôpital dans l’année suivant un SCA. Méthodologie: Tous les patients qui ont reçu leur congé de l’hôpital après un diagnostic primaire de SCA en Alberta entre 2004-2005 et 2015-2016 ont été inclus. La fréquence des ECNE (épreuves d’effort [avec ou sans examen d’imagerie] et examens d’imagerie au repos) a été déterminée à partir des bases de données provinciales couplées. Les coûts ont été établis à partir de la liste des actes médicaux du régime d’assurance-maladie de l’Alberta. Résultats: Des 55 516 patients ayant présenté un SCA, 30 760 ont subi au moins un ECNE (55,4 %) dans l’année qui a suivi l’événement; 13 505 (24,3 %) d’entre eux ont subi plus d’un ECNE. Les tendances temporelles en matière d’ECNE affichent une hausse (épreuves d’effort : p tendance < 0,001; examens d’imagerie au repos : p tendance < 0,001). Les ECNE ont généralement été effectués au cours des 4 premiers mois après la sortie de l’hôpital (épreuves d’effort, dans les 2 mois; examens d’imagerie au repos, dans les 3 à 4 mois). Le coût total des ECNE effectués en 2015-2016 a été évalué à 1,35 M$, soit une hausse de 22,4 % par rapport à 2004-2005 (1,10 M$) (p < 0,001), tandis que l’incidence des SCA a diminué au cours de la même période (p = 0,008). Conclusions: Les taux d’ECNE effectués dans l’année suivant un SCA sont élevés et augmentent au fil du temps. Le coût estimatif de ces ECNE semble s’accroître de façon disproportionnée par rapport à la croissance des SCA. Une enquête plus approfondie s’impose; à l’heure actuelle, on ne peut que spéculer quant aux bienfaits cliniques qui découlent de l’augmentation des ECNE effectués après un SCA et des coûts qu’ils engendrent.

Background There are limited data to inform policy mandating primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) volume benchmarks for catheterization laboratories in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Methods and Results This prospective state‐wide registry included ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients with symptoms of

Background Postoperative clinical outcomes associated with the preoperative continuation or discontinuation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) before cardiac surgery remain unclear. Methods and Results In a single‐center, open‐label, randomized, registry‐based clinical trial, patients undergoing nonemergent cardiac surgery were assigned to ACEI/ARB continuation or discontinuation 2 days before surgery. Among the 584 patients screened, 261 met study criteria and 126 (48.3%) patients were enrolled. In total,121 patients (96% adherence; 60 to continuation and 61 to ACEI/ARB discontinuation) underwent surgery and completed the study protocol, and follow‐up was 100% complete. Postoperative intravenous vasopressor use (78.3% versus 75.4%, P=0.703), vasodilator use (71.7% versus 80.3%, P=0.265), vasoplegic shock (31.7% versus 27.9%, P=0.648), median duration of vasopressor (10 versus 5 hours, P=0.494), and vasodilator requirements (10 versus 9 hours, P=0.469) were not significantly different between the continuation and discontinuation arms. No differences were observed in the incidence of acute kidney injury (1.7% versus 1.6%, P=0.991), stroke (no events, mortality (1.7% versus 1.6%, P=0.991), median duration of mechanical ventilation (6 versus 6 hours, P=0.680), and median intensive care unit length of stay (43 versus 27 hours, P=0.420) between the treatment arms. Conclusions A randomized study evaluating the routine continuation or discontinuation of ACEIs or ARBs before cardiac surgery was feasible, and treatment assignment was not associated with differences in postoperative physiological or clinical outcomes. These preliminary findings suggest that preoperative ACEI/ARB management strategies did not affect the postoperative course of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02096406.

BackgroundThe effectiveness of radial access (RA) in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been predominantly established in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) with limited exploration of this issue in the early postfibrinolytic patient. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of RA versus femoral (FA) access in STEMI undergoing either a pharmacoinvasive (PI) strategy or pPCI. Methods and ResultsWithin STrategic Reperfusion Early After Myocardial Infarction (STREAM), we evaluated the relationship between arterial access site and primary outcome (30‐day composite of death, shock, congestive heart failure, or reinfarction) and major bleeding according to the treatment strategy received. A total of 1820 STEMI patients were included: 895 PI (49.2%; rescue PCI [n=379; 42.3%], scheduled PCI [n=516; 57.7%]) and 925 pPCI (50.8%). Irrespective of treatment strategy, there was comparable utilization of either access site (FA: PI 53.4% and pPCI 57.6%). FA STEMI patients were younger, had lower presenting systolic blood pressure, lesser Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction risk, and more ∑ST‐elevation at baseline. The primary composite endpoint occurred in 8.9% RA versus 15.7% FA patients (P

Background Whether prehospital point‐of‐care (POC) troponin further accelerates the time to diagnosis in patients with chest pain (CP) is unknown. We conducted a randomized trial of POC‐Troponin testing in the ambulance. Methods and Results Patients with chest pain presenting by ambulance were randomized to usual care (UC) or POC‐Troponin; ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients or those with noncardiovascular symptoms were excluded. Pre‐hospital high‐sensitivity troponin was analyzed on a POC device and available to the paramedic and emergency department (ED) staff. The final diagnosis was centrally adjudicated. The primary endpoint was time from first medical contact to discharge from ED or admission to hospital. We randomized 601 patients in 19 months; 296 to UC and 305 to POC‐Troponin. After ambulance arrival, the first troponin was available in 38 minutes in POC‐Troponin and 139 minutes in UC. In POC‐Troponin, the troponin was >0.01 ng/mL in 17.4% and >0.03 ng/mL in 9.8%. Patients spent a median of 9.0 hours from first medical contact to final disposition, and 165 (27.4%) were admitted to the hospital. The primary endpoint was shorter in patients randomized to POC‐Troponin (median 8.8 hours [6.2–10.8] compared to UC (median 9.1 hours [6.7–11.2]; P=0.05). There was no difference in the secondary endpoint of repeat ED visits, hospitalizations, or death in the next 30 days. Conclusions In this broad population of patients with CP, ambulance POC‐Troponin accelerated the time to final disposition. Enhanced and more cost‐effective early ED discharge of the majority of patients with CP calling 911 is an unrealized opportunity. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT01634425.

BACKGROUND: In patients with ST-segment--elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is the preferred revascularization option. Little is known about the efficacy and safety of a pharmacoinvasive approach for patients with cardiogenic shock presenting to a non-PCI hospital with prolonged interhospital transport times. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of geographically extensive ST-segment--elevation myocardial infarction network (2006-2021), 426 patients with cardiogenic shock and ST-segment--elevation myocardial infarction presented to a non--PCI-capable hospital and underwent reperfusion therapy (53.8% pharmacoinvasive and 46.2% pPCI). The primary clinical outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality, renal failure requiring dialysis, cardiac arrest, or mechanical circulatory support, and the primary safety outcome was major bleeding defined as an intracranial hemorrhage or bleeding that required transfusion was compared in an inverse probability weighted model. The electrocardiographic reperfusion outcome of interest was the worst residual ST-segment--elevation. RESULTS: Patients with pharmacoinvasive treatment had longer median interhospital transport (3 hours versus 1 hour) and shorter median symptom-onset-to-reperfusion (125 minute-to-needle versus 419 minute-to-balloon) times. ST-segment resolution ≥50% on the postfibrinolysis ECG was 56.6%. Postcatheterization, worst lead residual ST-segment--elevation <1 mm (57.3% versus 46.3%; P=0.01) was higher in the pharmacoinvasive compared with the pPCI cohort, but no differences were observed in the worst lead ST-segment--elevation resolution ≥50% (77.4% versus 81.8%; P=0.57). The primary clinical end point was lower in the pharmacoinvasive cohort (35.2% versus 57.0%; inverse probability weighted odds ratio, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.26-0.72]; P<0.01) compared with patients who received pPCI. An interaction between interhospital transfer time and reperfusion strategy with all-cause mortality was observed, favoring a pharmacoinvasive approach with transfer times >60 minutes. The incidence of the primary safety outcome was 10.1% in the pharmacoinvasive arm versus 18.7% in pPCI (adjusted odds ratio, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.14-1.09]; P=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ST-segment--elevation myocardial infarction presenting with cardiogenic shock and prolonged interhospital transport times, a pharmacoinvasive approach was associated with improved electrocardiographic reperfusion and a lower rate of death, dialysis, or mechanical circulatory support without an increase in major bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Selecting high-risk patients with heart failure with potentially modifiable cardiovascular events is a priority. Our objective was to evaluate NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) changes during a 30-day screening to establish (1) the frequency and direction of changes; (2) whether a relationship exists between changes in NT-proBNP and the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization; and (3) whether changes in NTproBNP relate to vericiguat's clinical benefit. METHODS: VICTORIA (A Study of Vericiguat in Participants With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction) randomized 5050 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and a recent worsening heart failure event. We studied 3821 patients who had NT-proBNP measured during screening and at randomization. RESULTS: Sixteen hundred exhibited a >20% reduction, 1412 had =20% change, and 809 showed a >20% rise in NT-proBNP levels. As compared with the primary composite outcome of 28.4/100 patient-years (497 events; 31.1%) in patients with a >20% decline in NT-proBNP, those with >20% during screening had worse outcomes; 48.8/100 patient-years (359 events; 44.4%); adjusted hazard ratio, 1.61 (95% CI, 1.39-1.85). Those patients with a =20% change in NT-proBNP had intermediate outcomes; 39.2/100 patient-years (564 events; 39.9%); adjusted hazard ratio, 1.33 (95% CI, 1.17-1.51). No relationship existed between NT-proBNP changes during screening and vericiguat's effect on cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial differences occurred in the rates of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization, especially in patients with a >20% change in NT-proBNP levels during screening interval. Sequential NT-proBNP levels add important prognostic information meriting consideration in future heart failure trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) has been tested as a possible strategy for mitigating reperfusion injury in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). However, surrogate outcomes have shown inconsistent effects with lack of clinical correlation.Methods: We performed a registry-based randomised study of patients with STEMI allocated to RIC (4 cycles of blood pressure cuff inflation to 200 mm Hg for 5 min of ischaemia followed by 5 min of reperfusion) or standard of care (SOC) during PPCI. We examined the associations of RIC on core laboratory measurements of myocardial perfusion, infarct size (IS), left ventricular (LV) performance and clinical outcomes.Results: A total of 252 patients were enrolled. The median age was 61 (IQR: 55-70) years and 72.8% were male. Sum ST segment deviation resolution ≥50% was similar between RIC and SOC (65.2% vs 55.7%, p=0.269). In those with 3-day cardiovascular MRI (n=88), no difference in median (25th, 75th percentiles) IS (14.9% (4.5%, 23.1%) vs 16.1% (3.3%, 22.0%), p=0.980), LV dimensions (LV end-diastolic volume index: 78.7 (71.1, 91.2) mL/m2 vs 79.9 (71.2, 88.8) mL/m2, p=0.630; LV end-systolic volume index: 48.8 (35.7, 51.4) mL/m2 vs 37.9 (31.8, 47.5) mL/m2, p=0.551) or ejection fraction (50.0% (41.0%-55.0%) vs 50.0% (43.0%-56.0%), p=0.554) was demonstrated. Similar results were observed with 90-day cardiovascular MRI. At 1 year, the clinical composite of death, congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock and recurrent myocardial infarction was similar in RIC and SOC (21.7% vs 13.3%, p=0.110).Conclusions: In a contemporary registry-based randomised study of patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI, adjunctive therapy with RIC did not improve myocardial perfusion, reduce IS or alter LV performance. Consequently, there was no difference in clinical outcomes within 1 year.Trial Registration Number: NCT03930589. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Phenotypic heterogeneity among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is ill defined. We used cluster analysis machine-learning algorithms to identify phenotypes among trial participants with T2DM and ASCVD.Research Design and Methods: We used data from the Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin (TECOS) study (n = 14,671), a cardiovascular outcome safety trial comparing sitagliptin with placebo in patients with T2DM and ASCVD (median follow-up 3.0 years). Cluster analysis using 40 baseline variables was conducted, with associations between clusters and the primary composite outcome (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for unstable angina) assessed by Cox proportional hazards models. We replicated the results using the Exenatide Study of Cardiovascular Event Lowering (EXSCEL) trial.Results: Four distinct phenotypes were identified: cluster I included Caucasian men with a high prevalence of coronary artery disease; cluster II included Asian patients with a low BMI; cluster III included women with noncoronary ASCVD disease; and cluster IV included patients with heart failure and kidney dysfunction. The primary outcome occurred, respectively, in 11.6%, 8.6%, 10.3%, and 16.8% of patients in clusters I to IV. The crude difference in cardiovascular risk for the highest versus lowest risk cluster (cluster IV vs. II) was statistically significant (hazard ratio 2.74 [95% CI 2.29-3.29]). Similar phenotypes and outcomes were identified in EXSCEL.Conclusions: In patients with T2DM and ASCVD, cluster analysis identified four clinically distinct groups. Further cardiovascular phenotyping is warranted to inform patient care and optimize clinical trial designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background--Using a comprehensive ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction registry, we evaluated the relationships of baseline Q waves, time from symptom onset, and reperfusion strategy with in-hospital clinical outcomes. Methods and Results--Consecutive ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients from a defined health region were classified by the presence of baseline Q waves and additionally into primary percutaneous coronary intervention, fibrinolysis, or no reperfusion. ECGs were collected at baseline, after reperfusion, and analyzed for the presence of Q waves using Selvester criteria. Among 2290 ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients, 36.9% had Q waves on their baseline ECG. Patients with Q waves were older (median age, 59 versus 57), were more often male (82.0% versus 75.4%), had higher heart rate (80 versus 72), had higher Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score (129 versus 127), and were with longer time to reperfusion (42 minutes longer). They had higher composite end points (16.3% versus 10.0%), consistent across times from symptom onset to presentation (15.4% versus 9.9% =3 hours; 18.5% versus 8.9% >3 to =6 hours; 15.9% versus 11.3% >6 hours; Q and no Q, respectively). Baseline Q waves, but not time to reperfusion, were associated with an increased odds of the in-hospital composite end point of death, congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and reinfarction (adjusted odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.30; P=0.003). Type of reperfusion did not modify the association of baseline Q waves and in-hospital outcomes (P interaction=0.918). Conclusions--The presence of baseline Q waves, rather than time to treatment, was significantly associated with adverse in-hospital events in real-world patients, regardless of reperfusion strategy used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Uncertainty exists concerning the relative merits of pharmacological versus mechanical coronary reperfusion in patients presenting early with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with extensive myocardium at risk. Accordingly, we investigated whether the extent of baseline ST-segment shift was related to the response of either reperfusion modality in patients with STEMI presenting within 3 h of symptoms.Methods: We analysed baseline ECGs from 1859 patients enrolled in the STrategic Reperfusion Early After Myocardial Infarction (STREAM) trial. The sum of ST-segment elevation (∑STE) and ST-segment deviation (∑STD) was categorised into quartiles and associations with the primary endpoint (30-day death/shock/congestive heart failure/re-myocardial infarction) for each reperfusion strategy (early fibrinolysis vs primary percutaneous coronary intervention) were explored.Results: Overall, there was a progressive rise in the 30-day primary endpoint according to quartiles of baseline ∑STE (10.3% (0-5 mm), 12.4% (5.5-8.5 mm), 12.1% (9-13.5 mm), 17.6% (> 14.0 mm), p = 0.008) and ∑STD (9.0% (0-9 mm), 13.5% (9.5-14 mm), 14.7% (14.5-20 mm), 15.3% (> 20 mm), p = 0.019). Both ∑STE and ∑STD were associated with the primary endpoint (∑STE: p = 0.071; ∑STD: p = 0.024). However, there was no interaction between quartiles of baseline ∑STE or ∑STD and efficacy of either reperfusion strategy on the 30-day clinical outcomes (∑STE: p (interaction) = 0.696; ∑STD: p (interaction) = 0.542).Conclusions: These data demonstrate an association between ∑STE or ∑STD on the baseline ECG and clinical events at 30 days following reperfusion therapy in STEMI. More importantly, the response to different reperfusion strategies was not influenced by the extent of jeopardised myocardium.Trial Registration Number: NCT00623623; Post-results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We evaluated the prespecified endpoint, aborted myocardial infarction (AbMI), according to the use of a pharmacoinvasive (PI) strategy versus primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in 1754 patients randomised within 3 h of symptom onset in the STrategic Reperfusion Early After Myocardial infarction (STREAM) trial. Methods Based on sequential ECG's and biomarkers, AbMI was defined as ST-elevation resolution =50% (90 min posttenecteplase (TNK) in the PI arm or 30 min postprimary PCI) with minimal biomarker rise. Results In the PI arm 11.1% (n=99) had AbMI versus 6.9% (n=59) in primary PCI arm ( p<0.01). In a multivariable model, AbMI patients overall had less baseline SST-deviation, fewer baseline Q-waves and shorter total ischaemic times. PI AbMI patients had faster time to TNK (90 vs 100 min, p=0.015): total ischaemic time was 100 min longer in primary PCI AbMI patients and no difference in ischaemic time existed between AbMI and non-AbMI patients within this group. Although no significant interaction between treatment and AbMI on the composite endpoint of death/shock/congestive heart failure/recurrent MI occurred (p=0.292), PI AbMI patients had a lower incidence in this endpoint than non- AbMI patients (5.1 vs 12%, p=0.038); this was not evident in primary PCI patients. Forty-five patients (ie, 2.5%) had masquerading MI with minimal biomarker elevation and no evolution in baseline ST-elevation. Conclusions A PI strategy of early fibrinolysis more frequently aborts MI than primary PCI. Such PI patients had more favourable outcomes as compared with non- AbMIs. Diligent review of ECG evolution in STEMI distinguishes AbMI from infarct masquerade. Clinical Trials.gov ID NCT00623623. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The relationship of metabolic syndrome and its individual components (obesity, hypertension, glucose intolerance, high triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) with 1-year mortality in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS) patients is not known. Methods The association of metabolic syndrome (and its individual components) with all-cause mortality within 1 year was assessed in NSTE ACS patients enrolled in the EARLY ACS trial. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CIs are reported. Results Of 9,406 patients, 2,596 (27.6%) had metabolic syndrome. Compared with those without metabolic syndrome, patients with this syndrome were younger, were more often female, and had a higher prevalence of comorbid conditions and higher-risk presenting features. Metabolic syndrome was not associated with increased 1-year mortality (HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.97-1.47; P = .09). The risk of 1-year mortality varied across the individual components: high-density lipoprotein <40 mg/dL (men)/<50 mg/dL (women; or dyslipidemia) was associated with higher risk (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.15-2.02), and triglycerides >150 mg/dL (or dyslipidemia) was associated with lower risk (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54-0.81), whereas the other components (ie, body mass index >30 kg/m², fasting plasma glucose >100 mg/dL or diabetes, systolic blood pressure >130 mm Hg or diastolic >85 mm Hg [or hypertension]) were associated with neutral risk of this event. Conclusions The individual components of metabolic syndrome had varying associations with 1-year mortality, and as an integrated diagnosis, metabolic syndrome was not significantly associated with 1-year mortality. Thus, patient case-mix of the studied NSTE ACS population may influence the observed relationship of metabolic syndrome with subsequent cardiovascular events. # [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate quantitative relationships between baseline Q-wave width and 90-day outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background Baseline Q-waves are useful in predicting clinical outcomes after MI. Methods 3589 STEMI patients were assessed from a multi-centre study. Results 1156 patients of the overall cohort had pathologic Q-waves. The 90-day mortality and the composite of mortality, congestive heart failure (CHF), or cardiogenic shock (p < 0.001 for both outcomes) rose as Q-wave width increased. After adapting a threshold ≥ 40 ms for inferior and ≥ 20 ms for lateral/apical MI in all patients (n = 3065) with any measureable Q-wave we found hazard ratios (HR) for mortality (HR: 2.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.54-3.85), p < 0.001) and the composite (HR: 2.32, 95% CI (1.70-3.16), p < 0.001). This improved reclassification of patients experiencing the composite endpoint versus the conventional definition (net reclassification index (NRI): 0.23, 95% CI (0.09-0.36), p < 0.001) and universal MI definition (NRI: 0.15, 95% CI (0.02-0.29), p = 0.027). Conclusions The width of the baseline Q-wave in STEMI adds prognostic value in predicting 90-day clinical outcomes. A threshold of ≥ 40 ms in inferior and ≥ 20 ms for lateral/apical MI enhances prognostic insight beyond current criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Baseline Q waves may provide additional value compared with time from the onset of symptoms in predicting outcomes for patients with ST-segment elevation. We evaluated whether baseline Q waves superseded time from symptom onset as a prognostic marker of one-year mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. Our study was derived from data from patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 hours in the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes trial Methods: Q waves on the baseline electrocardiogram were evaluated by a blinded core laboratory. We assessed the associations between baseline Q waves and time from symptom onset to percutaneous coronary intervention with peak biomarkers, ST-segment resolution on the discharge electrocardiogram, and one-year all-cause and vascular mortality. Results: Of 4341 patients with ST-segment elevation, 46% had baseline Q waves. Compared to those without Q waves, those with baseline Q waves were older, more frequently male, had higher heart rates, more advanced Killip class and had a longer time between the onset of symptoms and percutaneous coronary intervention. They also had higher one-year all-cause mortality than patients without baseline Q waves (baseline Q waves: 4.9%; no baseline Q waves: 2.8%; hazard ratio [HR] 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-2.45, p < 0.001). Complete ST-segment resolution was greatest and all-cause mortality lowest among those with symptom onset three hours or less before percutaneous coronary intervention and no baseline Q waves. After multivariable adjustment, baseline Q waves, but not time from symptom onset, were associated with a significant increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10-2.01, p = 0.046) and vascular mortality (adjusted HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.09-2.28, p = 0.02). Interpretation: The presence of baseline Q waves provides useful additional prognostic insight into the clinical outcome of patients with ST-segment elevation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study combined the kernel smoothing procedure and a nonparametric differential item functioning statistic--Cochran's Z--to statistically test the difference between the kernel-smoothed item response functions for reference and focal groups. Simulation studies were conducted to investigate the Type I error and power of the proposed kernel-smoothed Cochran's Z. For the purpose of comparison, the Type I error and power rates with no correction and with regression correction were also include in the simulation. The results of this study suggest the Type I error and power performance of Cochran's Z improved when kernel smoothing was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to describe how the attribute hierarchy method (AHM) can be used to evaluate differential group performance at the cognitive attribute level. The AHM is a psychometric method for classifying examinees' test item responses into a set of attribute-mastery patterns associated with different components in a cognitive model of task performance. Attribute probabilities, computed using a neural network, can be estimated on each attribute for each examinee thereby providing specific information about the examinee's attribute-mastery level. These probabilities can also be compared across groups. We describe a four-step procedure for estimating and interpreting group differences using the AHM. We also provide an example using student response data from a sample of algebra items on the SAT to illustrate our pattern recognition approach for studying group differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dietary strategies in heart failure (HF) are focused on sodium and fluid restriction to minimize the risk for acute volume overload episodes. However, the importance of dietary factors beyond sodium intake in the prognosis of the disease is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of macro- and micronutrients intake on 1-y mortality in patients with HF. Methods: A secondary analysis of 203 patients with chronic HF enrolled in a randomized trial of sodium reduction was completed. Patients with a complete 3-d food record at baseline were included in this analysis (N = 118); both control and intervention arms were combined. Three-d mean dietary intake was estimated. Cox multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between dietary factors and 1-y mortality. Results: Among the 118 included patients, 54% were men, median (25th-75th percentiles) age 66 y (52-75 y), median ejection fraction 45% (30%-60%), and ischemic etiology present in 49% of patients. The association with 1-y mortality was significant for both polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]. 0.51-0.86 for intake as percentage of daily energy) and saturated fatty acids (SFA; adjusted HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03-1.30 for intake as percentage of daily energy). Median of intake as percentage of daily energy was 5.3% for PUFAs and 8.2% for SFAs. Conclusions: Intake of PUFAs and SFAs was independently associated with 1 -y all-cause mortality in patients with chronic HF. Limiting dietary SFA and increasing PUFA intake may be advisable in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]