Recent Transits of the Super-Earth Exoplanet GJ 1214b

We report recent ground-based photometry of the transiting super-Earth exoplanet GJ1214b at several wavelengths, including the infrared near 1.25 microns (J-band). We observed a J-band transit with the FLAMINGOS infrared imager and the 2.1-meter telescope on Kitt Peak, and we observed several optical transits using a 0.5-meter telescope on Kitt Peak and the 0.36-meter Universidad de Monterrey Observatory telescope. Our high-precision J-band observations exploit the brightness of the M-dwarf host star at this infrared wavelength as compared to the optical, as well as being significantly less affected by stellar activity and limb darkening. We fit the J-band transit to obtain an independent determination of the planetary and stellar radii. Our radius for the planet (2.61^+0.30_-0.11 Earth radii) is in excellent agreement with the discovery value reported by Charbonneau et al. based on optical data. We demonstrate that the planetary radius is insensitive to degeneracies in the fitting process. We use all of our observations to improve the transit ephemeris, finding P=1.5804043 +/- 0.0000005 days, and T0=2454964.94390 +/- 0.00006 BJD.Comment: Accepted for ApJ Letters, 7 pages, 3 Figures, 2 Table

Recent Transits of the Super-Earth Exoplanet GJ 1214B

We report recent ground-based photometry of the transiting super-Earth exoplanet GJ1214b at several wavelengths, including the infrared near 1.25 microns (J-band). We observed a J-band transit with the FLAMINGOS infrared imager and the 2.1-meter telescope on Kitt Peak, and we observed several optical transits using a 0.5-meter telescope on Kitt Peak and the 0.36-meter Universidad de Monterrey Observatory telescope. Our high-precision J-band observations exploit the brightness of the M-dwarf host star at this infrared wavelength as compared to the optical, as well as being significantly less affected by stellar activity and limb darkening. We fit the J-band transit to obtain an independent determination of the planetary and stellar radii. Our radius for the planet (2.61 +0.30 / -0.11 Earth radii) is in excellent agreement with the discovery value reported by Charbonneau et al. based on optical data. We demonstrate that the planetary radius is insensitive to degeneracies in the fitting process. We use all of our observations to improve the transit ephemeris, finding P=1.5804043 +/- 0.0000005 days, and T0=2454964.94390 +/- 0.00006 BJD

Extrasolar Planet Transits Observed at Kitt Peak National Observatory

We obtained J-, H- and JH-band photometry of known extrasolar planet transiting systems at the 2.1-m Kitt Peak National Observatory Telescope using the FLAMINGOS infrared camera between October 2008 and October 2011. From the derived lightcurves we have extracted the mid-transit times, transit depths and transit durations for these events. The precise mid-transit times obtained help improve the orbital periods and also constrain transit-time variations of the systems. For most cases the published system parameters successfully accounted for our observed lightcurves, but in some instances we derive improved planetary radii and orbital periods. We complemented our 2.1-m infrared observations using CCD z'-band and B-band photometry (plus two Hydrogen Alpha filter observations) obtained with the Kitt Peak Visitor's Center telescope, and with four H-band transits observed in October 2007 with the NSO's 1.6-m McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope. The principal highlights of our results are: 1) our ensemble of J-band planetary radii agree with optical radii, with the best-fit relation being: (Rp/R*)J = 0.0017 + 0.979 (Rp/R*)optical, 2) We observe star spot crossings during the transit of WASP-11/HAT-P-10, 3) we detect star spot crossings by HAT-P-11b (Kepler-3b), thus confirming that the magnetic evolution of the stellar active regions can be monitored even after the Kepler mission has ended, and 4) we confirm a grazing transit for HAT-P-27/WASP-40. In total we present 57 individual transits of 32 known exoplanet systems.Comment: 33 pages, 6 figures, accepted in Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacifi

Original Articles National Lipid Association recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia: Part 1 -executive summary E M B A R G O E D

Abstract: Various organizations and agencies have issued recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia. Although many commonalities exist among them, material differences are present as well. The leadership of the National Lipid Association (NLA) convened an Expert Panel to develop a consensus set of recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia in clinical medicine. The current Executive Summary highlights the major conclusions in Part 1 of the recommendations report of the NLA Expert Panel and includes: (1) background and conceptual framework for formulation of the NLA Expert Panel recommendations; (2) screening and classification of lipoprotein lipid levels in adults; (3) targets for intervention in dyslipidemia management; (4) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk assessment and treatment goals based on risk category; (5) atherogenic cholesterol-non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-as the primary targets of therapy; and (6) lifestyle and drug therapies intended to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with dyslipidemia. Ó 2014 National Lipid Association. All rights reserved. Various organizations and agencies have issued recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia. The current Executive Summary highlights the major conclusions in Part 1 of the recommendations report of the NLA Expert Panel. The Executive Summary does not include a comprehensive reference list, but citations have been included for several key publications. The full report will include additional details on the rationale for the recommendations and citations to published research considered in the panel's deliberations. A presentation containing the main elements of these recommendations was made available to the public and other organizations involved with the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) to solicit input during an open comment period. Comments and suggestions were received from many members of the NLA as well as other individuals and organizations and were collated for consideration and adjudication by the panel in formulating the final set of recommendations contained herein. Part 1 of the NLA Expert Panel Recommendations for Patient-Centered Management of Dyslipidemia, will cover: Background and conceptual framework for formulation of the NLA Expert Panel recommendations; Screening and classification of lipoprotein lipid levels in adults; Targets for intervention in dyslipidemia management; ASCVD risk assessment and treatment goals based on risk category; Atherogenic cholesterol-non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-as the primary targets of therapy; and Lifestyle and drug therapies intended to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with dyslipidemia

Original Articles National Lipid Association recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia: Part 1 -executive summary

Abstract: Various organizations and agencies have issued recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia. Although many commonalities exist among them, material differences are present as well. The leadership of the National Lipid Association (NLA) convened an Expert Panel to develop a consensus set of recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia in clinical medicine. The current Executive Summary highlights the major conclusions in Part 1 of the recommendations report of the NLA Expert Panel and includes: (1) background and conceptual framework for formulation of the NLA Expert Panel recommendations; (2) screening and classification of lipoprotein lipid levels in adults; (3) targets for intervention in dyslipidemia management; (4) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk assessment and treatment goals based on risk category; (5) atherogenic cholesterol-non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-as the primary targets of therapy; and (6) lifestyle and drug therapies intended to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with dyslipidemia. Ó 2014 National Lipid Association. All rights reserved. Various organizations and agencies have issued recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia. The current Executive Summary highlights the major conclusions in Part 1 of the recommendations report of the NLA Expert Panel. The Executive Summary does not include a comprehensive reference list, but citations have been included for several key publications. The full report will include additional details on the rationale for the recommendations and citations to published research considered in the panel's deliberations. A presentation containing the main elements of these recommendations was made available to the public and other organizations involved with the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) to solicit input during an open comment period. Comments and suggestions were received from many members of the NLA as well as other individuals and organizations and were collated for consideration and adjudication by the panel in formulating the final set of recommendations contained herein. Part 1 of the NLA Expert Panel Recommendations for Patient-Centered Management of Dyslipidemia, will cover: Background and conceptual framework for formulation of the NLA Expert Panel recommendations; Screening and classification of lipoprotein lipid levels in adults; Targets for intervention in dyslipidemia management; ASCVD risk assessment and treatment goals based on risk category; Atherogenic cholesterol-non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-as the primary targets of therapy; and Lifestyle and drug therapies intended to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with dyslipidemia

Original Articles National Lipid Association recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia: Part 1 -executive summary

Abstract: Various organizations and agencies have issued recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia. Although many commonalities exist among them, material differences are present as well. The leadership of the National Lipid Association (NLA) convened an Expert Panel to develop a consensus set of recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia in clinical medicine. The current Executive Summary highlights the major conclusions in Part 1 of the recommendations report of the NLA Expert Panel and includes: (1) background and conceptual framework for formulation of the NLA Expert Panel recommendations; (2) screening and classification of lipoprotein lipid levels in adults; (3) targets for intervention in dyslipidemia management; (4) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk assessment and treatment goals based on risk category; (5) atherogenic cholesterol-non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-as the primary targets of therapy; and (6) lifestyle and drug therapies intended to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with dyslipidemia. Ó 2014 National Lipid Association. All rights reserved. Various organizations and agencies have issued recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia. The current Executive Summary highlights the major conclusions in Part 1 of the recommendations report of the NLA Expert Panel. The Executive Summary does not include a comprehensive reference list, but citations have been included for several key publications. The full report will include additional details on the rationale for the recommendations and citations to published research considered in the panel's deliberations. A presentation containing the main elements of these recommendations was made available to the public and other organizations involved with the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) to solicit input during an open comment period. Comments and suggestions were received from many members of the NLA as well as other individuals and organizations and were collated for consideration and adjudication by the panel in formulating the final set of recommendations contained herein. Part 1 of the NLA Expert Panel Recommendations for Patient-Centered Management of Dyslipidemia, will cover: Background and conceptual framework for formulation of the NLA Expert Panel recommendations; Screening and classification of lipoprotein lipid levels in adults; Targets for intervention in dyslipidemia management; ASCVD risk assessment and treatment goals based on risk category; Atherogenic cholesterol-non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-as the primary targets of therapy; and Lifestyle and drug therapies intended to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with dyslipidemia

National Lipid Association Recommendations for Patient-Centered Management of Dyslipidemia: Part 2

An Expert Panel convened by the National Lipid Association previously developed a consensus set of recommendations for the patient-centered management of dyslipidemia in clinical medicine (part 1). These were guided by the principle that reducing elevated levels of atherogenic cholesterol (non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) reduces the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This document represents a continuation of the National Lipid Association recommendations developed by a diverse panel of experts who examined the evidence base and provided recommendations regarding the following topics: (1) lifestyle therapies; (2) groups with special considerations, including children and adolescents, women, older patients, certain ethnic and racial groups, patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and patients with residual risk despite statin and lifestyle therapies; and (3) strategies to improve patient outcomes by increasing adherence and using team-based collaborative care.This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by National Lipid Association and published by Elsevier. It can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-clinical-lipidology/Keywords: Clinical recommendations, Residual risk, Elderly, Team-based care, Dyslipidemia, Human immunodeficiency virus, Lifestyle therapies, Adherence, Children, Rheumatoid arthriti

Albiglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Harmony Outcomes): a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists differ in chemical structure, duration of action, and in their effects on clinical outcomes. The cardiovascular effects of once-weekly albiglutide in type 2 diabetes are unknown. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of albiglutide in preventing cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Methods: We did a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 610 sites across 28 countries. We randomly assigned patients aged 40 years and older with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (at a 1:1 ratio) to groups that either received a subcutaneous injection of albiglutide (30–50 mg, based on glycaemic response and tolerability) or of a matched volume of placebo once a week, in addition to their standard care. Investigators used an interactive voice or web response system to obtain treatment assignment, and patients and all study investigators were masked to their treatment allocation. We hypothesised that albiglutide would be non-inferior to placebo for the primary outcome of the first occurrence of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, which was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. If non-inferiority was confirmed by an upper limit of the 95% CI for a hazard ratio of less than 1·30, closed testing for superiority was prespecified. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02465515. Findings: Patients were screened between July 1, 2015, and Nov 24, 2016. 10 793 patients were screened and 9463 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to groups: 4731 patients were assigned to receive albiglutide and 4732 patients to receive placebo. On Nov 8, 2017, it was determined that 611 primary endpoints and a median follow-up of at least 1·5 years had accrued, and participants returned for a final visit and discontinuation from study treatment; the last patient visit was on March 12, 2018. These 9463 patients, the intention-to-treat population, were evaluated for a median duration of 1·6 years and were assessed for the primary outcome. The primary composite outcome occurred in 338 (7%) of 4731 patients at an incidence rate of 4·6 events per 100 person-years in the albiglutide group and in 428 (9%) of 4732 patients at an incidence rate of 5·9 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·78, 95% CI 0·68–0·90), which indicated that albiglutide was superior to placebo (p<0·0001 for non-inferiority; p=0·0006 for superiority). The incidence of acute pancreatitis (ten patients in the albiglutide group and seven patients in the placebo group), pancreatic cancer (six patients in the albiglutide group and five patients in the placebo group), medullary thyroid carcinoma (zero patients in both groups), and other serious adverse events did not differ between the two groups. There were three (<1%) deaths in the placebo group that were assessed by investigators, who were masked to study drug assignment, to be treatment-related and two (<1%) deaths in the albiglutide group. Interpretation: In patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, albiglutide was superior to placebo with respect to major adverse cardiovascular events. Evidence-based glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists should therefore be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. Funding: GlaxoSmithKline