The Obesity Paradox Exists for Perioperative Complications and Mortality Following Lower Extremity Arterial Bypass Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The obesity paradox refers to a phenomenon by which obese individuals experience lower risk of mortality and even protective associations from chronic disease sequelae when compared to the non-obese and underweight population. Prior literature has demonstrated an obesity paradox after cardiac and other surgical procedures. However, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and perioperative complications for patients undergoing major open lower extremity arterial revascularization is unclear. METHODS: We queried the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) for individuals receiving unilateral infrainguinal bypass between 2003 and 2020. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship of BMI categories [underweight (<18.5), non-obese (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Class 1 obesity (30-34.9), Class 2 obesity (35-39.9) and Class 3 obesity (>40)] with 30-day mortality, surgical site infection (SSI) and adverse cardiovascular events. We adjusted the models for key patient demographics, comorbidities, technical and perioperative characteristics. RESULTS: From 2003-2020, 60,588 arterial bypass procedures met inclusion criteria for analysis. Upon multivariable logistic regression with the non-obese category as reference group, odds of 30-day mortality were significantly decreased among the overweight [OR: 0.64, (95% CI: 0.53-0.78)], Class 1 obese [OR: 0.65, (95 % CI: 0.52-0.81)], Class 2 obese [OR: 0.66, (95 % CI: 0.48-0.90)] and Class 3 obese [OR: 0.61, (95 % CI: 0.39-0.97)] patient categories. Conversely, odds of 30-day mortality were increased in the underweight patient group [OR: 1.58, (95% CI: 1.16-2.13)]. Furthermore, a BMI-dependent positive association was present with odds of SSI with patients in Class 3 obesity having the highest odds [OR: 2.10, (95% CI: 1.60-2.76)]. Finally, among the adverse cardiovascular event outcomes assessed, only myocardial infarction (MI) demonstrated decreased odds among overweight [OR: 0.82, (95 % CI: 0.71-0.96)], Class 1 obese [OR: 0.78, (95 % CI: 0.65-0.93)] and Class 2 obese [OR: 0.66, (95 % CI: 0.51-0.86)] patient populations. Odds of MI among the underweight and Class 3 obesity groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The obesity paradox is evident in patients undergoing lower extremity bypass procedures, particularly with odds of 30-day mortality and myocardial infarction. Our findings suggest that having higher BMI (overweight and Class 1-3 obesity) is not associated with increased mortality and should not be interpreted as a contraindication for lower extremity arterial bypass surgery. However, these patients should be under vigilant surveillance for SSI. Finally, patients that are underweight have a significantly increased odds of 30-day mortality and may be more suitable candidates for endovascular therapy.

Associations of Abdominal Muscle Density and Area and Incident Cardiovascular Disease, Coronary Heart Disease, and Stroke: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Muscle density is inversely associated with all-cause mortality, but associations with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are not well understood. This study evaluated the association between muscle density and muscle area and incident total CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke in diverse men and women. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adult participants (N=1869) in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Ancillary Body Composition Study underwent computer tomography scans of the L2-L4 region of the abdomen. Muscle was quantified by density (Hounsfield units) and area in cm2. Sex-stratified Cox proportional hazard models assessed associations between incident total CVD, incident CHD, and incident stroke across sex-specific percentiles of muscle area and density, which were entered simultaneously into the model. Mean age for men and women at baseline were 64.1 and 65.1 years, respectively, and median follow-up time was 10.3 years. For men, associations between muscle density and incident CVD were inverse but not significant in fully adjusted models (P trend=0.15). However, there was an inverse association between density and CHD (P trend=0.02; HR, 0.26 for 95th versus 10th percentile), and no association with stroke (P trend=0.78). Conversely, for men, there was a strong positive association between muscle area and incident CVD (HR, 4.19 for 95th versus 10th percentile; P trend<0.001). Associations were stronger for CHD (HR, 6.18 for 95th versus 10th percentile; P trend<0.001), and null for stroke (P trend=0.67). Associations for women were mostly null. CONCLUSIONS: For men, abdominal muscle density is associated with lower CHD risk, whereas greater muscle area is associated with markedly increased risk of CHD.

Association of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitor Usage Patterns with Midterm Amputation-Free Survival after Lower Extremity Bypass for Peripheral Arterial Disease.

BACKGROUND: Different renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASI) usage patterns exist among patients undergoing lower extremity bypass (LEB) for peripheral arterial disease. We studied the association of RAASI usage patterns with LEB outcomes to determine which pattern is associated with improved survival after LEB. METHODS: We evaluated peripheral arterial disease patients who underwent LEB between January 2014 and December 2018 in the Vascular Quality Initiative-Medicare matched database. Study cohorts included no RAASI use, preoperative RAASI use only, postoperative RAASI use only, and continuous RAASI use both preoperatively and postoperatively. Logistic and Cox regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. Primary outcome was 2-year amputation-free survival (AFS). RESULTS: Of 19,012 patients included, 1,574 (8.3%) were on RAASIs preoperatively only, 1,051 (5.5%) postoperatively only, and 8,484 (45.2%) continuously. Compared to no RAASI use, isolated preoperative RAASI use was associated with 2.8-fold increased odds of 30-day mortality (adjusted Odds Ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.15-3.51; P < 0.001) whereas continuous RAASI use had 56% lower odds of 30-day mortality (adjusted Odds Ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.34-0.58; P < 0.001). Two-year AFS was 63.2% for no RAASI use and 60.4%, 66.2%, and 73.4% for preoperative, postoperative, and continuous RAASI use, respectively (P < 0.001). While no RAASI use and postoperative RAASI use had comparable adjusted risks of 2-year major amputation or death (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR], 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83-1.06; P = 0.312), this risk was 14% higher for preoperative RAASI use only (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.26; P = 0.006) and 23% lower for continuous RAASI use (aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.72-0.82; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Isolated preoperative RAASI use was associated with worse 30-day mortality and 2-year AFS, while continuous RAASI use was associated with improved 30-day mortality and 2-year AFS. Optimum survival benefit may be derived from continuous RAAS inhibition in the preoperative and postoperative periods.

Role of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibition in Patients Undergoing Carotid Revascularization.

Background Previous data suggest that using renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASIs) improves survival in patients with cardiovascular diseases. We sought to investigate the association of different patterns of use of RAASIs on perioperative and 1-year outcomes following carotid revascularization. Methods and Results We investigated patients undergoing carotid revascularization, either with carotid endarterectomy or transfemoral carotid artery stenting, in the VQI (Vascular Quality Initiative) VISION (Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network) data set between 2003 and 2018. We divided our cohort into 3 groups: (1) no history of RAASI intake, (2) preoperative intake only, and (3) continuous pre- and postoperative intake. The final cohort included 73 174 patients; 44.4% had no intake, 50% had continuous intake, and 5.6% had only preoperative intake. Compared with continuous intake, preoperative and no intake were associated with higher odds of postoperative stroke (odds ratio [OR], 1.7 [95% CI, 1.5-1.9]; P<0.001; OR, 1.1 [95% CI, 1.03-1.2]; P=0.010); death (OR, 4.8 [95% CI, 3.8-6.1]; P<0.001; OR, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.6-2.2]; P<0.001); and stroke/death (OR, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.8-2.3]; P<0.001; OR, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.1-1.3]; P<0.001), respectively. At 1 year, preoperative and no intake were associated with higher odds of stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 1.4 [95% CI, 1.3-1.6]; P<0.001; HR, 1.15, [95% CI, 1.08-1.2]; P<0.001); death (HR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.5-1.9]; P<0.001; HR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.2-1.4]; P<0.001); and stroke/death (HR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.4-1.7]; P<0.001; HR, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.17-1.3]; P<0.001), respectively. Conclusions Compared with subjects discontinuing or never starting RAASIs, use of RAASIs before and after carotid revascularization was associated with a short-term stroke and mortality benefit. Future clinical trials examining prescribing patterns of RAASIs should aim to clarify the timing and potential to maximize the protective effects of RAASIs in high-risk vascular patients.

Association of abdominal muscle area and density with glucose regulation: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA).

AIMS: Previous characterisation of body composition as a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk factor has largely focused on adiposity, but less is known about the independent role of skeletal muscle. We examined associations between abdominal muscle and measures of glucose regulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of 1,891 adults enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Multivariable regression assessed associations between abdominal muscle area and density (measured by computed tomography) with fasting glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and prevalent T2DM (fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL or medication use). RESULTS: In minimally adjusted models (age, sex, race/ethnicity, income), a 1-SD increment in abdominal muscle area was associated with higher HOMA-IR (ß = 0.20 ± SE 0.03; 95%CI: 0.15, 0.25; P < 0.01) and odds of T2DM (OR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.18, 1.84; P < 0.01), while higher density was associated with lower fasting glucose (-4.49 ± 0.90; -6.26, -2.72; P < 0.01), HOMA-IR (-0.16 ± 0.02; -0.20, -0.12; P < 0.01), and odds of T2DM (0.64; 0.52, 0.77; P < 0.01). All associations persisted after adjustment for comorbidities and health behaviours. However, after controlling for height, BMI, and visceral adiposity, increasing muscle area became negatively associated with fasting glucose (-2.23 ± 1.01; -4.22, -0.24; P = 0.03), while density became positively associated with HOMA-IR (0.09 ± 0.02; 0.05, 0.13; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing muscle density was associated with salutary markers of glucose regulation, but associations inverted with further adjustment for body size and visceral adiposity. Conversely, after full adjustment, increasing muscle area was associated with lower fasting glucose, suggesting some patients may benefit from muscle-building interventions.

Health insurance status and type associated with varying levels of glycemic control in the US: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA).

AIMS: To investigate associations of health insurance with measures of glucose metabolism, and whether associations vary by diabetes status or insurance type. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Cohort a priori stratified by age <65 (N = 3,665) and ≥65 years (N = 2,924). Multivariable linear and logistic regression assessed associations between insurance and fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, and prevalent diabetes, controlling for relevant confounders, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, and education. RESULTS: In participants <65, compared to uninsured, having any insurance was associated with lower fasting glucose in participants with diabetes (Mean Difference = -20.4 mg/dL, P = 0.01), but not in participants without diabetes. Compared to Private insurance, uninsured participants had higher fasting glucose (Mean Difference = 3.8 mg/dL, P = 0.03), while participants with Medicaid had higher HOMA-IR (Mean Difference = 3.5 mg/dL, P < 0.01). In participants ≥65, compared to Private insurance, uninsured participants (Mean Difference = 7.5 mg/dL, P = 0.02), and participants with Medicaid only (Mean Difference = 19.9 mg/dL, P < 0.01) or Medicare + Medicaid (Mean Difference = 5.2 mg/dL, P = 0.03) had higher fasting glucose. CONCLUSIONS: In this large multiethnic cohort, having any insurance was associated with significantly lower fasting glucose for individuals with diabetes. Levels of fasting glucose and insulin resistance varied across different insurance types.

Occupational standing and change in the Ankle-Brachial Index: the Jackson Heart Study.

BACKGROUND: A growing interest in reducing occupational sitting has resulted in public health efforts to encourage intermittent standing in workplaces. However, concerns have been raised that standing for prolonged periods may expose individuals to new health hazards, including lower limb atherosclerosis. These concerns have yet to be corroborated or refuted. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between occupational standing and adverse changes in the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). METHODS: We studied 2121 participants from the Jackson Heart Study, a single-site community-based study of African-Americans residing in Jackson, MS. Occupational standing ('never/seldom', 'sometimes', 'often/always') was self-reported at baseline (2000-2004). ABI was measured at baseline and again at follow-up (2009-2013). RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 8 years, 247 participants (11.6%) exhibited a significant decline in ABI (eg, ABI decline >0.15). In multivariable-adjusted models, higher occupational standing was not significantly associated with ABI decline (occupational standing sometimes vs never/seldom: OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.67, 1.66; occupational standing often/always vs never/seldom: OR 1.22; 95% CI 0.77, 1.94). Similarly, higher occupational standing was not associated with low ABI at follow-up reflective of peripheral artery disease (ABI <0.90) or high ABI at follow-up reflective of incompressible vessels (ABI >1.40). CONCLUSIONS: In this community-based study of African-Americans, we found no evidence that occupational standing is deleteriously associated with adverse changes in ABI over a median follow-up of 8.0 years. These findings do not provide evidence implicating occupational standing as a risk factor for lower limb atherosclerosis.

Short Physical Performance Battery and Incident Cardiovascular Events Among Older Women.

Background The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is an inexpensive, reliable, and easy-to-implement measure of lower-extremity physical function. Strong evidence links SPPB scores with all-cause mortality, but little is known about its relationship with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods and Results Women (n=5043, mean age=79±7) with no history of myocardial infarction or stroke completed 3 timed assessments-standing balance, strength (5 chair stands), and usual gait speed (4 m walk)-yielding an SPPB score from 0 (worst) to 12 (best). Women were followed for CVD events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or CVD death) up to 6 years. Hazard ratios were estimated for women with Very Low (0-3), Low (4-6), Moderate (7-9), and High (10-12) SPPB scores using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for demographic, behavioral, and health-related variables including objective measurements of physical activity, blood pressure, lipids, and glucose levels. Restricted cubic splines tested linearity of associations. With 361 CVD cases, crude incidence rates/1000 person-years were 41.0, 24.3, 16.1, and 8.6 for Very Low, Low, Moderate, and High SPPB categories, respectively. Corresponding fully adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) were 2.28 (1.50-3.48), 1.70 (1.23-2.36) 1.49 (1.12-1.98), and 1.00 (referent); P-trend <0.001. The dose-response relationship was linear (linear P<0.001; nonlinear P>0.38). Conclusions Results suggest SPPB may provide a measure of cardiovascular health in older adults beyond that captured by traditional risk factors. Because of its high test-retest reliability and low administrative burden, the SPPB should be a routine part of office-based CVD risk assessment.

Muscle area and density and risk of all-cause mortality: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Lean muscle plays critical roles in physical functioning and metabolism. However, little is known regarding associations between muscle and mortality in adults. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to evaluate associations between abdominal muscle quantity (area) and quality (density) with risk of all-cause mortality in a diverse cohort free of cardiovascular disease. DESIGN: Data were taken from the Abdominal Body Composition, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular Disease ancillary study of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis prospective cohort study. Participants were adults (45-85 years) free of extant cardiovascular disease, and of Hispanic, African American, Chinese, or Caucasian descent. Of the original 6814 MESA participants, a random, representative sample (n = 1974) participated in the ancillary body composition study. Abdominal muscle area and density were measured from computed tomography scans spanning L2-L4. Muscle density was measured as attenuation in Hounsfield units, and area was quantified as cm2. Gender-stratified cox proportional hazard models assessed the risk of all-cause mortality across gender-specific quartiles of muscle area and density adjusting for confounders, with area and density entered simultaneously. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean age for men (n = 946) and women (n = 955) was 61.5 and 62.5 years and median follow-up time was 10.6 and 10.9 years, respectively. Muscle density was inversely associated with mortality, with the highest quartile of density showing a 73% reduction in risk for men (HR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.14-0.51; p-trend<0.001) and 57% reduction for women (HR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.18-1.01; p-trend = 0.04) compared to the lowest quartile when adjusting for mortality risk factors, lifestyle, BMI and visceral fat. There was no association between muscle area and all-cause mortality for men (p-trend = 0.58) or women (p-trend = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Greater abdominal muscle density, but not muscle area, is associated with markedly lower risk of all-cause mortality across a decade of follow up. Muscle quality may be a powerful predictor of mortality in community dwelling adults.

Relation of Plasma Renin Activity to Subclinical Peripheral and Coronary Artery Disease (from the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis).

Experimental studies support a link between activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis is uncertain. Among 1,699 individuals without prevalent CVD from the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, we measured plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone. Using multivariable logistic regression with restricted cubic splines, we assessed continuous log-transformed PRA and aldosterone associations with the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores (Agatston) with adjustment for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, kidney function, and inflammatory biomarkers. In fully adjusted models mutually adjusting for PRA and aldosterone, higher PRA was associated with an ABI <1.0 (p overall <0.001, p nonlinear = 0.02) and CAC Agatston score >300 (p overall = 0.02, p nonlinear = 0.22), while aldosterone was not associated with either outcome. For example, compared to the 10th percentile (0.16 ng/ml/hr) of PRA, the 90th percentile (2.68 ng/ml/hr) had 3.6 times (OR 3.62; 95% CI: 2.13 to 6.13) and 1.7 times higher odds (odds ratio 1.67; 95% confidence interval: 1.13 to 2.48) of ABI <1.0 and CAC >300, respectively. These associations persisted after adjustment for levels of C-reactive protein, Interleukin-6, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha. There were no significant differences in these associations by race/ethnicity or antihypertensive medication status. In conclusion, in a multiethnic cohort of community-living adults without prevalent clinical CVD, PRA was associated with greater burden of subclinical peripheral artery and coronary artery disease. These findings provide additional evidence that PRA may have deleterious effects on cardiovascular health through an atherosclerotic pathway.

Associations of abdominal muscle area and density with coronary artery calcium volume and density: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Due to the opposing cardiovascular risk profiles of CAC volume and density, we tested the hypothesis that increased abdominal muscle area (AMA) and density (AMD) were significantly associated with lower coronary arterial calcium (CAC) volume and higher CAC density. METHODS: Using data from 787 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, Ancillary Body Composition Study, we analyzed abdominal and chest computed tomography (CT) scans. Abdominal scans were scored for muscle area, muscle density (attenuation) and visceral and subcutaneous fat. Chest scans were scored for CAC volume and Agatston values, which were used to derive CAC density scores. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age and BMI of the participants was 67.8 (9.0) years and 27.9 (4.8) kg/m2, respectively. Forty-one percent were female, 46% were Caucasian, 60% had hypertension, 17% had diabetes, and 46% had dyslipidemia. AMA was positively associated with CAC volume (p < .001) and inversely associated with CAC density (p < .001). Conversely, AMD was inversely associated with CAC volume and positively associated with CAC density in minimally adjusted models (p < .001), but not significant in confounder adjusted models. CONCLUSION: AMA and AMD had differing associations with CAC volume and density, with AMA significantly associated with a higher risk CAC profile (high volume, low density) and AMD not significantly associated with CAC volume or density. Future research needs to account for the unique components of both muscle composition and CAC.

Burden of Peripheral Artery Disease on Mortality and Incident Cardiovascular Events.

Using data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (United States, 2000-2015), 6,527 racially/ethnically diverse adults (mean age, 62 (standard deviation, 10) years) free of known cardiovascular (CVD) had ankle brachial index (ABI) assessment of their bilateral dorsalis pedis/posterior tibial arteries (4 vessels total) and were followed for total mortality and incident CVD events/mortality. Individuals were classified into categories of 0-, 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-vessel peripheral artery disease (PAD) (ABI of ≤0.9). There were 1,202 deaths (18%), 656 incident CVD events (10%), and 282 CVD deaths (4.3%). Of the 6,527 individuals, 5,711 (87.5%) had 0-, 460 (7.0%) had 1-, 218 (3.3%) had 2-, 69 (1.1%) had 3-, and 69 (1.1%) had 4-vessel PAD, respectively. In multivariable Cox models, higher number of vessels with PAD was associated with higher risk of mortality (P for trend <0.001), CVD events (P for trend = 0.002), and CVD mortality (P for trend = 0.001). Compared with individuals who had 0-vessel disease, hazard ratios for mortality were 1.29 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.59) for 1-, 1.45 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.86) for 2-, 1.58 (95% CI: 1.13, 2.21) for 3-, and 2.15 (95% CI: 1.58, 2.94) for 4-vessel disease. A similar pattern was seen for CVD events/mortality. These results suggest the importance of accounting for ABI values of all 4 leg arteries in clinical practice and research.

Total Sitting Time and Sitting Pattern in Postmenopausal Women Differ by Hispanic Ethnicity and are Associated With Cardiometabolic Risk Biomarkers.

Background Sedentary behavior is pervasive, especially in older adults, and is associated with cardiometabolic disease and mortality. Relationships between cardiometabolic biomarkers and sitting time are unexplored in older women, as are possible ethnic differences. Methods and Results Ethnic differences in sitting behavior and associations with cardiometabolic risk were explored in overweight/obese postmenopausal women (n=518; mean±SD age 63±6 years; mean body mass index 31.4±4.8 kg/m2). Accelerometer data were processed using validated machine-learned algorithms to measure total daily sitting time and mean sitting bout duration (an indicator of sitting behavior pattern). Multivariable linear regression was used to compare sitting among Hispanic women (n=102) and non-Hispanic women (n=416) and tested associations with cardiometabolic risk biomarkers. Hispanic women sat, on average, 50.3 minutes less/day than non-Hispanic women (P<0.001) and had shorter (3.6 minutes less, P=0.02) mean sitting bout duration. Among all women, longer total sitting time was deleteriously associated with fasting insulin and triglyceride concentrations, insulin resistance, body mass index and waist circumference; longer mean sitting bout duration was deleteriously associated with fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, insulin resistance, body mass index and waist circumference. Exploratory interaction analysis showed that the association between mean sitting bout duration and fasting glucose concentration was significantly stronger among Hispanic women than non-Hispanic women (P-interaction=0.03). Conclusions Ethnic differences in 2 objectively measured parameters of sitting behavior, as well as detrimental associations between parameters and cardiometabolic biomarkers were observed in overweight/obese older women. The detrimental association between mean sitting bout duration and fasting glucose may be greater in Hispanic women than in non-Hispanic women. Corroboration in larger studies is warranted.

Sedentary time and peripheral artery disease: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

BACKGROUND: Experimental evidence suggests that sedentary time (ST) may contribute to cardiovascular disease by eliciting detrimental hemodynamic changes in the lower limbs. However, little is known about objectively measured ST and lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: We included 7,609 Hispanic/Latinos (ages 45-74) from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. PAD was measured using the ankle brachial index (≤0.9). ST was measured using accelerometry. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess associations of quartiles of ST and PAD, and then used the same logistic models with restricted cubic splines to investigate continuous nonlinear associations of ST and PAD. Models were sequentially adjusted for traditional PAD risk factors, leg pain, and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). RESULTS: Median ST was 12.2 h/d, and 5.4% of individuals had PAD. In fully adjusted restricted cubic splines models accounting for traditional PAD risk factors, leg pain, and MVPA, ST had a significant overall (P = .048) and nonlinear (P = .024) association with PAD. A threshold effect was seen such that time spent above median ST was associated with higher odds of PAD. That is, compared to median ST, 1, 2, and 3 hours above median ST were associated with a PAD odds ratio of 1.16 (95% CI = 1.02-1.31), 1.44 (1.06-1.94), and 1.80 (1.11-2.90), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among Hispanic/Latino adults, ST was associated with higher odds of PAD, independent of leg pain, MVPA, and traditional PAD risk factors. Notably, we observed a threshold effect such that these associations were only observed at the highest levels of ST.

Skeletal muscle area and density are associated with lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol levels: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Loss of muscle mass with age may be a key player in metabolic dysregulation. We examined the associations between abdominal muscle area and density with lipids and lipoproteins. METHODS: One thousand eight hundred and sixty eight adults completed health history and physical activity questionnaires, provided venous blood samples for lipids and inflammatory biomarkers, and underwent computed tomography to quantify body composition. Associations between muscle area and density with multiple lipid measures were assessed with multivariable linear and logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age and body mass index of participants was 65 years and 28 kg/m2, respectively, and 50% were female. After adjustment for demographics, cardiovascular disease risk factors, lipid-lowering medications, physical activity, sedentary behavior, inflammatory biomarkers, and central obesity, a 1-standard deviation increase in total abdominal, stability, and locomotor muscle areas was associated with a 13%, 11%, and 8% lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, respectively (P < .05). With similar adjustment, a 1-standard deviation increase in total abdominal and stability muscle area was associated with a 13% and 12% lower total cholesterol level, respectively (P < .01). Compared to the lowest quartiles of total, stability, and locomotor muscle area, those in the higher quartiles of muscle area had over a 40% reduction in the odds of triglyceride levels greater than 150 mg/dL (P < .05). Total abdominal muscle density was positively associated with total cholesterol (P < .05) but was not associated with the other lipid outcomes. CONCLUSION: Maintaining adequate skeletal muscle mass with age may decrease specific lipid levels related to hyperlipidemia and development of cardiometabolic disease.

The Relationships among Self-Designated Disadvantage, Socioeconomic Disadvantage, and Academic Performance in Medical School: A Multi-Institutional Study.

As medical schools seek to address the growing disparity between the socioeconomic makeup of their students and the general population, it is important to understand the academic trajectory of disadvantaged students. We used a locally-developed multicomponent socioeconomic disadvantage (SED) measure and the self-designated disadvantaged (SDA) question ["yes" (+) or "no" (-)] from the American Medical College Application Service application to examine academic performance of students from three disadvantaged categories (high SED/SDA+, high SED/SDA-, and low SED/SDA+); with low SED/SDA-as the reference group across five California schools. Compared with reference, the DA+ subgroups scored lower on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge examinations and received fewer clerkship Honors. After adjustment for academic metrics and sociodemographic variables, high SED subgroups performed similarly to reference, but performance gaps for low SED/SDA+ students persisted. Medical schools must better understand the institutional and other drivers of academic success in disadvantaged students.

Life's Simple 7 and Peripheral Artery Disease: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: In 2010, the American Heart Association initiated Life's Simple 7 with the goal of significantly improving cardiovascular health by the year 2020. The association of Life's Simple 7 with risk of peripheral artery disease has not been thoroughly explored. METHODS: Racially diverse individuals from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (2000-2012) were followed for incident peripheral artery disease (ankle brachial index ≤0.90) and decline in ankle brachial index (≥0.15) over approximately 10 years of follow-up. Cox and logistic regression were used to assess associations of individual Life's Simple 7 components (score 0-2) and overall Life's Simple 7 score (score 0-14) with incident peripheral artery disease and ankle brachial index decline, respectively, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and income. Analyses were performed in 2016-2018. RESULTS: Of 5,529 participants, 251 (4.5%) developed incident peripheral artery disease; 419 (9.8%) of 4,267 participants experienced a decline in ankle brachial index. Each point higher for the overall Life's Simple 7 score was associated with a 17% lower rate of incident peripheral artery disease (hazard ratio=0.83, 95% CI=0.78, 0.88, p<0.001). Additionally, each point higher in overall Life's Simple 7 was associated with a 0.94-fold lower odds of decline in ankle brachial index (OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.87, 0.97, p=0.003). Four components (smoking, physical activity, glucose, and blood pressure) were associated with incident peripheral artery disease and two (smoking and glucose) with decline in ankle brachial index. CONCLUSIONS: Better cardiovascular health as measured by Life's Simple 7 is associated with lower incidence of peripheral artery disease and less decline in ankle brachial index. Use of the Life's Simple 7 to target modifiable health behaviors may aid in decreasing the population burden of peripheral artery disease-related morbidity and mortality.

The Impact of Surgeons on the Likelihood of Mastectomy in Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the impact of individual surgeons and institutions on the use of mastectomy or breast conserving surgery (BCS) among elderly women with breast cancer. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Current literature characterizes patient clinical and demographic factors that increase likelihood of mastectomy use. However, the impact of the individual provider or institution is not well understood, and could provide key insights to biases in the decision-making process. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 29,358 women 65 years or older derived from the SEER-Medicare linked database with localized breast cancer diagnosed from 2000 to 2009. Multilevel, multivariable logistic models were employed, with odds ratios (ORs) used to describe the impact of demographic or clinical covariates, and the median OR (MOR) used to describe the relative impact of the surgeon and institution. RESULTS: Six thousand five hundred ninety-four women (22.4%) underwent mastectomy. Unadjusted rates of mastectomy ranged from 0% in the bottom quintile of surgeons to 58.0% in the top quintile. On multivariable analysis, the individual surgeon (MOR 1.97) had a greater impact on mastectomy than did the institution (MOR 1.71) or all other clinical and demographic variables except tumor size (OR 3.06) and nodal status (OR 2.95). Surgeons with more years in practice, or those with a lower case volume were more likely to perform mastectomy (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The individual surgeon influences the likelihood of mastectomy for the treatment of localized breast cancer. Further research should focus on physician-related biases that influence this decision to ensure patient autonomy.

Outcomes of "one-day" vs "two-day" injection protocols using Tc-99m tilmanocept for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer.

No prior studies have compared Tc-99m tilmanocept (TcTM) one-day and two-day injection protocols for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in breast cancer (BC). We retrospectively identified patients with clinically node-negative BC undergoing SLN biopsy at our institution. Patients received a single, intradermal peritumoral injection of TcTM on day of surgery or day prior to surgery in addition to an intraoperative injection of isosulfan blue dye. Univariable and multivariable Poisson regression count models were constructed to assess the effects of injection timing, radiologist, patient and surgeon characteristics on the number of removed SLNs. A total of 617 patients underwent SLN biopsy with TcTM and blue dye. Sixty-seven (10.9%) patients were injected with the two-day protocol. Patients in the one-day protocol had a mean of 3.0 (standard deviation (SD) 1.9) SLNs removed compared with 2.7 (SD 1.4) SLNs in the two-day protocol, P-value = .13. On multivariable analysis, patient age and operating surgeon significantly affected the number of removed SLNs; however, the injection timing and the nuclear radiologist did not influence the number of removed SLNs. The performance of Tc-99m tilmanocept did not differ significantly between one-day and two-day injection protocols. These results are similar to other radiotracers used for SLN biopsy in BC.

Process of Care in Breast Reconstruction and the Impact of a Dual-Trained Surgeon.

BACKGROUND: For postmastectomy reconstruction, the most common model in the United States is a two-team approach, consisting of breast and plastic surgeon. In other countries, a single-surgeon approach trained in both plastic and oncologic surgery is well described. We hypothesized that a dual-trained breast and plastic surgeon would decrease the postoperative care burden for the patient without compromising outcomes and serve as a model for team-centered breast reconstruction care. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing mastectomy with immediate expander reconstruction from January 2013 to October 2014. Patient data up to 1 year postoperatively was recorded. Patients were stratified by treatment to "single-surgeon" or "two-surgeon" team. Demographic and operative data were recorded. Google Maps was used to calculate travel distance. A standard of mean cost of travel per mile and mean hourly wage for San Diego County was used. The primary outcome was the total number of postoperative clinic visits. In addition, factors predictive of postoperative clinic visits were evaluated. RESULTS: During the study period, 147 patients were included in analysis (69, single-surgeon; 78, two-surgeon). The mean cost of travel per mile was US $59.2 cents and mean hourly wage for San Diego County was US $25.49. For the 1-year follow-up period, patients with the single surgeon had a mean (SD) of 9.3 (3.72) postoperative visits compared with 15.6 (3.96) for patients in the two-surgeon team (P < 0.0001).There were no statistical differences between groups in the rate of complications. In the final model, treatment team, bilateral mastectomies, and complications (operative and nonoperative) were significant predictors of the total number of postoperative visits. Patients in the two-surgeon team spent an additional 11.13 hours and 216 miles commuting and in clinic. In total, the additional 6.3 clinic visits for patients in the two-surgeon team resulted in an average of US $695.33 additional dollars spent on travel and lost wages. CONCLUSIONS: Single-surgeon patients required fewer postoperative visits. Fewer postoperative clinic visits may have significant socioeconomic and psychological benefits to patients. Given these results, we believe that streamlining care into an integrated multidisciplinary model would be beneficial.