Circulation
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Endocarditis-inducing streptococci form multilayered biofilms in complex with aggregated platelets on injured heart valves, but the host factors that interconnect and entrap these bacteria-platelet aggregates to promote vegetation formation were unclear. ⋯ Neutrophil extracellular traps promote and expand vegetation formation through enhancing and entrapping bacteria-platelet aggregates on the injured heart valves.
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Minimally elevated serum cardiac troponin reflects myocardial injury and is associated with increased mortality, even absent coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to investigate the relationship between low-level troponin elevation and impaired coronary flow reserve (CFR), an integrated measure of coronary vasomotor function, and to assess their contributions to adverse outcomes in patients without overt CAD. ⋯ In patients without overt CAD, impaired CFR was independently associated with minimally elevated troponin and major adverse cardiovascular events. Impaired CFR, here reflecting microvascular dysfunction, modified the effect of a positive troponin on adverse outcomes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Drug-coated balloon versus standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the treatment of superficial femoral and popliteal peripheral artery disease: 12-month results from the IN.PACT SFA randomized trial.
Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have shown promise in improving the outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease. We compared a paclitaxel-coated balloon with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the treatment of symptomatic superficial femoral and popliteal artery disease. ⋯ http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifiers: NCT01175850 and NCT01566461.
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Clinical Trial Observational Study
Use and outcomes associated with bridging during anticoagulation interruptions in patients with atrial fibrillation: findings from the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (ORBIT-AF).
Temporary interruption of oral anticoagulation for procedures is often required, and some propose using bridging anticoagulation. However, the use and outcomes of bridging during oral anticoagulation interruptions in clinical practice are unknown. ⋯ http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01165710.