Citations

Importance Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of premature death worldwide. Assessing the LDL-C–related burden is critical for guiding prevention and treatment strategies. Objectives To estimate the global, regional, and national burden of ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke attributable to elevated LDL-C (relative to 35-54 mg/dL) from 1990 to 2023 and to quantify the contributions of population growth, aging, risk-deleted burden, and exposure changes to burden trends. Design, Setting, and Population This comparative risk assessment, part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, estimated population-level LDL-C exposure and associated health loss in 204 countries and territories. Mean LDL-C levels were estimated using spatiotemporal gaussian process regression based on 806 studies across 161 countries. Relative risks were derived from meta-analyses of 38 randomized clinical trials. Population-attributable fractions for deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were estimated by age and sex for adults aged 25 years or older from 1990 to 2023, with 95% uncertainty intervals. Exposure Population-level LDL-C concentrations. Main Outcomes and Measures Population-attributable fractions, counts, and rates (all ages and age standardized per 100 000) of LDL-C–attributable deaths and DALYs from ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke, with uncertainty intervals. Results In 2023, elevated LDL-C accounted for 3.6 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval, 2.2-5.4 million; 6.0% of global mortality) and 90.7 million DALYs (95% uncertainty interval, 58.9-123.3 million; 3.2% of DALYs). Although global all-ages rates remained stable, age-standardized death and DALY rates decreased by 45.6% and 39.5%, respectively, since 1990. In 2023, age-standardized LDL-C–attributable DALY rates were highest in Eastern Europe and lowest in high-income Asia-Pacific. One-third of the global LDL-C burden occurred in India and China. Population growth and aging drove the increasing burden, with notable regional disparities in LDL-C exposure and risk-deleted DALY rates shifting toward middle-sociodemographic settings. Conclusions and Relevance Despite declining age-standardized rates, the absolute LDL-C burden has increased since 1990 due to demographic changes and has shifted toward middle-sociodemographic countries. Measurement and surveillance gaps persist. Strengthened prevention, diagnosis, and treatment access strategies are essential to mitigate the health burden of LDL-C.

ABSTRACT Purpose We studied histologic Ewing sarcoma (ES) tumor response at local control surgery to explore associations between histologic response and chemotherapy practice changes over time and confirm its prognostic significance in the modern era. Methods We reviewed clinical data for 126 patients with ES treated at Mayo Clinic from 1977 to 2022, analyzing the percentage necrosis as a prognostic factor across chemotherapy regimens (including modern interval‐compressed VDC‐IE). Results In the historical cohort, 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with ≤5% versus greater than 5% viable tumor were 76% versus 59% ( p = 0.01) and 83% versus 62% ( p = 0.01). Review of 104 specimens by two pathologists identified the percentage remaining viable tumor as more reproducible than the percentage necrosis and/or fibrosis. On multivariable analysis of patients with localized disease ( n = 87), pelvic tumors and greater than 5% viable tumor remained independent risk factors for poor survival (EFS: hazard ratio [HR] 3.1, p < 0.01; OS: HR 2.1, p = 0.048). The modern cohort consisted of 22 patients. No patients with tumor size less than 8 cm at diagnosis and 100% necrosis after surgery had events; four of seven with tumors greater than 8 cm had events despite 100% necrosis. Conclusions Our results validate the historical threshold of greater than 5% viable tumor with older chemotherapy regimens but not with modern interval‐compressed VDC‐IE. In addition, inter‐rater reliability for the percentage viable is more reproducible than the percentage necrosis. Although numbers are small, tumors less than 8 cm with no viable tumor appear to be a favorable subgroup and suggest risk stratification using a combination of tumor size and any viable tumor should be evaluated in ES.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are among the most common drug targets, with numerous agonists and antagonists approved for clinical use. More recently, it has been appreciated that drugs can also modulate the action of natural agonists of these receptors, thus providing unique clinical advantages. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a small molecule positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of secretin action at the class B G protein-coupled secretin receptor. This phenyl(trifluoromethyl)-pyrimidine can occupy the secretin receptor without stimulating its internalization, yet priming it to enhance both the potency and efficacy of the action of natural secretin. This is also shown to exhibit its effects on cells expressing low numbers of these receptors, without enhancing the effects of other structurally related hormones acting at other class B GPCRs. The mechanism responsible for this PAM effect is the slowing of the off-rate of receptor-bound secretin. This compound can serve as a lead to the development of other drugs that enhance the action of natural endogenous secretin and can be utilized to explore the potential therapeutic utility of such compounds.

ABSTRACT Background Diagnostic interpretation of kidney allograft biopsies using the Banff classification remains variable, but the determinants of this variability are not fully defined. We performed a global, fully digital multi-reader study to identify the principal drivers of disagreement in Banff-based assessment. Methods Thirty-six kidney transplant biopsies were independently scored by 67 renal pathologists on a standardized digital platform. Readers assessed Banff lesions on hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid–Schiff, and Jones’ silver stains; final diagnostic categories were assigned using prespecified Banff-based decision rules. Interobserver agreement was quantified with Gwet’s agreement coefficient (AC) statistics. Determinants of diagnostic agreement were evaluated using pairwise mixed-effects logistic regression, and reader similarity was examined by principal component analysis (PCA) with post hoc molecular annotation. Results Agreement for final diagnostic categories was moderate (Gwet’s AC1, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.47–0.63). Lesion-level agreement varied substantially, with lowest agreement for selected threshold-dependent inflammatory or semi-quantitative lesions, including interstitial inflammation in areas of IFTA, peritubular capillaritis and arteriolar hyalinosis. Diagnostic concordance differed markedly across biopsies, indicating strong case-level heterogeneity. In pairwise models, differences in active inflammatory and vascular lesion scoring were the strongest correlates of diagnostic disagreement; reader experience and geography contributed minimally. Principal component analysis showed reader variation was organized along two dominant axes: a rejection-calling threshold axis linked mainly to tubulointerstitial inflammatory injury, and a T cell-mediated (TCMR/TI) and antibody-mediated/microvascular (AMR/MVI) inflammation-oriented phenotypic classification axis. Conclusion Interobserver variation in Banff-based kidney transplant biopsy assessment is structured rather than random and driven mainly by how readers threshold and integrate key inflammatory lesion compartments rather than experience or geographic location.

Abstract Objective The upper frequency limit of human brain activity remains unknown. Using ultrahigh sampling rate (≥20 kHz) intracranial microelectroencephalography, this study aimed to systematically explore and quantitatively characterize brain field oscillations beyond the established high‐frequency oscillation range (>2 kHz), and to determine their relationship to epileptogenic tissue. Methods We analyzed intracranial electroencephalographic recordings from 15 patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy, comprising 466 microcontacts and 434 macrocontacts implanted in mesiotemporal structures across four international epilepsy centers. A custom spectrogram‐based detector optimized for ultrahigh frequencies was developed to identify ultrafast oscillations (UFOs; >2 kHz). UFO rates were assessed in epileptic (successfully resected) and nonepileptic hippocampi and compared with established electrophysiological biomarkers, including interictal epileptiform discharges, ripples, and fast ripples. Statistical comparisons were performed using mixed‐effects models to account for intersubject and interelectrode variability. Results We identified a previously undescribed class of short‐duration oscillatory events spanning 2–8 kHz. UFOs occurred at significantly higher rates in epileptic compared with nonepileptic mesiotemporal regions, with the strongest differentiation observed in the 2–3‐kHz band. Two distinct UFO phenotypes were consistently observed: (1) spindlelike, narrow‐band oscillations and (2) sharp‐onset, rapidly decaying bursts. Both forms were prevalent within epileptic hippocampi but were exceedingly rare in nonepileptic structures. UFOs exhibited pronounced temporal intermittency and spatial focality and frequently arose independently of ripples, fast ripples, and very high‐frequency oscillations, indicating that they represent a distinct electrophysiological phenomenon. Macrocontacts detected UFOs only exceptionally, highlighting the necessity of microelectrode recordings to capture activity in this ultrahigh‐frequency regime. Significance These findings substantially extend the known frequency range of human brain field activity and identify ultrafast oscillations as a novel biomarker of neuronal hyperexcitability. UFOs likely reflect pathological microcircuit dynamics inaccessible to conventional clinical recordings and provide new insights into the organization and pathophysiology of epileptogenic networks.

Aims Reliable assessment of joint stiffness is essential for studying arthrofibrosis in preclinical animal models. This study presents a new dedicated biomechanics device for measuring knee stiffness in mouse, rat, and rabbit models of arthrofibrosis, with the aim of validating its performance and comparing it to a previously validated device. Methods The new system integrates a torque load cell, stepper motor, and absolute encoder in a through-hole, unified configuration for precise continuous torque-angle measurement, with custom limb brackets ensuring species-specific alignment at the joint’s centre of rotation. To validate this device and compare it to a previously validated device, arthrofibrosis was induced using established models of extra-articular immobilization in mice and intra-articular violation with immobilization in rats and rabbits, followed by defined remobilization periods. Torque-angle curves were recorded ex vivo across species-specific torque ranges, and measurement variability between the new and a previous validated device was statistically compared using Brown-Forsythe’s test. Results The onset of hyperextension in contralateral limbs occurred at mean angles of 152.4° (mice), 154.4° (rats), and 152.8° (rabbits), and at maximum torque, mean flexion angles were 79.2°, 87.3°, and 140.5°, respectively. No significant differences in measurement variability were observed between devices across all species. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that our new device provides reproducible torque-angle data while maintaining the statistical robustness of the previous device and offering improved mechanical design and operational standardization. By enabling standardized, cross-species joint stiffness quantification, this platform improves cross-study comparability and strengthens the translational reliability of preclinical arthrofibrosis research. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2026;15(6):716–725.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pediatric large-volume brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) carry a substantial lifelong hemorrhage risk, neurological symptoms, and treatment morbidity. Single-session stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is often unsuitable due to constraints on dose-volume toxicity. Volume-staged SRS (VS-SRS) enables sequential dosing of large nidus volumes, potentially enhancing safety while maintaining efficacy. Evidence in children remains limited. We aimed to evaluate outcomes of VS-SRS for large AVMs in pediatric patients. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort was assembled from 21 centers, including patients aged younger than 21 years treated with VS-SRS for AVMs >10 cm 3 . Clinical and radiological end points included obliteration, hemorrhage, and permanent symptomatic radiation-induced changes (RIC). RESULTS: A total of 103 patients were included (median age 14 years; IQR, 12-17). The median nidus volume at first stage was 18.2 cm 3 (IQR, 12.3-25.6). Median prescription dose per stage was 17 Gy (IQR, 16-18). The median clinical follow-up from the first stage was 57.5 months (IQR, 25-138). Obliteration occurred in 42 of 103 patients (40.8%), with actuarial rates of 6.9% (95% CI: 2.8-14) at 3 years and 29% (95% CI: 20-39) at 5 years. Hemorrhage occurred in 17 of 103 patients (16.5%) during follow-up, and permanent RIC was observed in 9 of 103 patients (8.7%). CONCLUSION: VS-SRS is a reasonably safe, selected option for pediatric large-volume AVMs when microsurgical or endovascular cure is not feasible or prudent. Delivering ≥17 Gy per stage while limiting each treatment volume to <15 cm 3 supports durable nidus control with acceptable toxicity. VS-SRS represents a key modality in multidisciplinary management of this historically difficult-to-treat population.

OBJECTIVE Ruptured, large pediatric arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) pose a significant management challenge due to high rerupture risk and the morbidity of conventional treatments. Volume-staged stereotactic radiosurgery (VS-SRS) has emerged as an alternative; however, evidence for its use in this specific population is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of VS-SRS for ruptured, large AVMs in a dedicated pediatric cohort. METHODS This international, multicenter, retrospective cohort study from 21 centers analyzed outcomes for 42 pediatric patients (age < 18 years) with previously ruptured, large AVMs treated with VS-SRS. The primary outcome was complete AVM obliteration, and secondary outcomes included post-SRS hemorrhage, radiation-induced changes (RICs), and favorable outcome. Favorable outcome in this study was defined as obliteration without post-SRS hemorrhage or permanent RIC. RESULTS At the initial SRS, the median patient age was 14.5 years, and the median AVM volume was 15.0 cm 3 ; most AVMs were high grade (Spetzler-Martin grades IV and V). With a median follow-up of 41.5 months, complete AVM obliteration was achieved in 21 patients (50.0%). The cumulative obliteration rate was 37% at 5 years and 56% at 10 years. Patients with a nidus volume of ≤ 10 cm 3 had significantly higher cumulative obliteration rates than those with a nidus volume > 10 cm 3 (log-rank test, p = 0.021). Similarly, patients treated with a prescription dose > 17 Gy showed significantly higher cumulative obliteration rates compared to those treated with a dose ≤ 17 Gy (log-rank test, p = 0.012). The cumulative 5-year incidences of hemorrhage and RICs following VS-SRS were 19% and 7%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, only larger total AVM volume was an independent predictor of a lower likelihood of favorable outcome (hazard ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.80–0.99; p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS In this multicenter pediatric cohort, VS-SRS for ruptured, large AVMs provides a reasonable chance of long-term obliteration, but generally acceptable risks of post-SRS hemorrhage and RICs exist. VS-SRS should be considered as an option for pediatric patients with large, ruptured AVMs.

Abstract Background Vorasidenib is Food and Drug Administration‐approved for treatment of grade 2 isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)–mutant gliomas and has demonstrated a benefit in progression‐free survival compared to a placebo. This study assessed the cost‐effectiveness of this treatment strategy compared to standard treatment: observation or chemoradiation (CRT). Methods The authors used an integrated Markov model to compare quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALY) gained and cost‐effectiveness of patients with IDH‐mutated low‐grade glioma (LGG) treated with vorasidenib, observation, or CRT. Outcomes were expressed as incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per QALY gained. Treatment is considered cost‐effective if it meets the commonly accepted willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $100,000 per QALY gained. Results Based on model parameters, vorasidenib demonstrated an ICER of $356,756 per QALY when compared to CRT. When compared to observation, vorasidenib demonstrated an improved ICER of $215,191 per QALY. On one‐way sensitivity analysis compared to observation, median cost of vorasidenib and median overall survival were most likely to affect ICER with only marginal changes on analysis of other model factors. For ICER to become ≤$100,000 compared to observation, the cost of vorasidenib would need to drop to below $14,072 monthly or have a median survival gain of at least 11.9 years. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that vorasidenib was favored in none of 5000 Monte Carlo iterations. Conclusion Using the best available data, the current price of vorasidenib does not meet commonly accepted cost‐effectiveness thresholds in treatment of IDH‐mutated LGGs.