bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual symmetries of dense isotopically and chirally asymmetric QCD
Authors: Klimenko K. G. , Zhokhov R. N. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn the present paper, the dual symmetries of dense quark matter phase diagram found in some massless three- and two-color NJL models in the mean field approximation have been shown to exist at a more fundamental level as dual transformations of fields and chemical potentials leaving the Lagrangian invariant. As a result, the corresponding dual symmetries of the full phase diagram can be shown without any approximation. And it has been shown not only in the NJL models, but also in framework of two- and three-color massless QCD itself. This is quite interesting, since one might say that it is not very common to show something completely non-perturbatively in QCD.
Synergistic Effects of Bismuth Oxide on the Radiation Attenuation Characteristics of Borosilicate Glasses
Authors: Al Huwayz Maryam , Almuqrin Aljawhara H. , Alharbi F. F. , Sayyed M. I. , Albarzan B. 
Published: November 2024

This work explores Bi2O3-doped borosilicate glasses’ synthesis and radiation shielding characterization, and their applicability as radiation shields. The glasses are prepared via melt quenching in the composition series of 60B2O3-(22-x) SiO2−10CaO-(8+x)Bi2O3 (where x = 4,8,12 and 16 mol%). The produced glasses’ radiation shielding properties, such as the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), the transmission factor (TF), and the effective atomic number (Zeff), were examined, and the effect of Bi2O3 on the samples’ radiation shielding performance was explored. The glass sample with 24 mol% Bi2O3 exhibited notable efficiency in shielding against gamma radiation. This is evidenced by the favourable change in the MAC, TF, and Zeff with increasing Bi2O3 content. We examined the relation between the glass thickness and the TF, with the results revealing that the 0.6 cm thickness glass possesses the highest TF compared to a thickness of 1.2 cm, indicating that at the thickness of 1.2 cm, the glass material attenuates better compared to 0.6 cm. The relation between the glasses’ density and their half value layer was also examined.
Independence of Lipoprotein(a) and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol–Mediated Cardiovascular Risk: A Participant-Level Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bhatia Harpreet S. , Wandel Simon , Willeit Peter , Lesogor Anastasia , Bailey Keith , Ridker Paul M. , Nestel Paul , Simes John , Tonkin Andrew , Schwartz Gregory G. , Colhoun Helen , Wanner Christoph , Tsimikas Sotirios 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels are independently associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, the relationship between Lp(a) level, LDL-C level, and ASCVD risk at different thresholds is not well defined.

METHODS:
A participant-level meta-analysis of 27 658 participants enrolled in 6 placebo-controlled statin trials was performed to assess the association of LDL-C and Lp(a) levels with risk of fatal or nonfatal coronary heart disease events, stroke, or any coronary or carotid revascularization (ASCVD). The multivariable-adjusted association between baseline Lp(a) level and ASCVD risk was modeled continuously using generalized additive models, and the association between baseline LDL-C level and ASCVD risk by baseline Lp(a) level by Cox proportional hazards models with random effects. The joint association between Lp(a) level and statin-achieved LDL-C level with ASCVD risk was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS:
Compared with an Lp(a) level of 5 mg/dL, increasing levels of Lp(a) were log-linearly associated with ASCVD risk in statin- and placebo-treated patients. Among statin-treated individuals, those with Lp(a) level >50 mg/dL (≈125 nmol/L) had increased risk across all quartiles of achieved LDL-C level and absolute change in LDL-C level. Even among those with the lowest quartile of achieved LDL-C level (3.1–77.0 mg/dL), those with Lp(a) level >50 mg/dL had greater ASCVD risk (hazard ratio, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.06–1.79]) than those with Lp(a) level ≤50 mg/dL. The greatest risk was observed with both Lp(a) level >50 mg/dL and LDL-C level in the fourth quartile (hazard ratio, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.46–2.48]).

CONCLUSIONS:
These findings demonstrate the independent and additive nature of Lp(a) and LDL-C levels for ASCVD risk, and that LDL-C lowering does not fully offset Lp(a)-mediated risk.
Sestrin2 Attenuates Myocardial Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Cardiac Dysfunction During Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Li Xuan , Wang Zhen , Mouton Alan J. , Omoto Ana C. M. , da Silva Alexandre A. , do Carmo Jussara M. , Li Ji , Hall John E. 
Published: November 2024

Background
Sesn2 (Sestrin2) is a stress‐induced protein that provides protective effects during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury, while endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may be a pivotal mediator of I/R injury. The goal of this study was to determine whether Sesn2‐mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling regulates ER stress during myocardial I/R.

Methods and Results

In vivo cardiac I/R was induced by ligation and subsequent release of the left anterior descending coronary artery in wild‐type (WT) and cardiac‐specific Sesn2 knockout (Sesn2

cKO

) mice. At 6 hours and 24 hours after reperfusion, cardiac function was evaluated, and heart samples were collected for analysis. I/R induced cardiac ER stress and upregulated Sesn2 mRNA and protein levels. Inhibiting ER stress with 4‐phenylbutyric acid reduced infarct size by 37.5%, improved cardiac systolic function, and mitigated myocardial cell apoptosis post‐I/R. Hearts from Sesn2

cKO

mice displayed increased susceptibility to ER stress during I/R compared with WT. Notably, cardiac mTOR signaling was further increased in Sesn2

cKO

hearts compared with WT hearts during I/R. In mice with cardiac Sesn2 deficiency, compared with WT, ER lumen was significantly expanded after tunicamycin‐induced ER stress, as assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition of mTOR signaling with rapamycin improved cardiac function after tunicamycin treatment and significantly attenuated the unfolded protein response and apoptosis in WT and Sesn2

cKO

mice.

Conclusions
Sesn2 attenuates cardiac ER stress post‐I/R injury via regulation of mTOR signaling. Thus, modulation of the mTOR pathway by Sesn2 could be a critical factor for maintaining cardiac ER homeostasis control during myocardial I/R injury.
Lipoprotein (a) Testing in Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in 5 Large US Health Systems
Authors: Shah Nishant P. , Mulder Hillary , Lydon Elizabeth , Chiswell Karen , Hu Xingdi , Lampron Zachary , Cohen Lauren , Patel Manesh R. , Taubes Susan , Song Wenliang , Mulukutla Suresh R. , Saeed Anum , Morin Daniel P. , Bradley Steven M. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Pagidipati Neha J. 
Published: November 2024

Background
Lipoprotein (a) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, lipoprotein (a) testing remains variable and it is unclear what factors influence testing and if testing changes clinical management.

Methods and Results

A retrospective study using electronic medical record data from 5 health systems identified an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease cohort divided into those with and without a lipoprotein (a) test between 2019 and 2021. Baseline characteristics and lipid‐lowering therapy patterns were assessed. Multivariable regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with lipoprotein (a) testing. Among 595 684 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, only 2587 (0.4%) were tested for lipoprotein (a). Those who were older or Black individuals were less likely to have lipoprotein (a) testing, while those with familial hypercholesterolemia, ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack, peripheral artery disease, prior lipid‐lowering therapy, or low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥130 mg/dL were more likely to be tested. Those with a lipoprotein (a) test, regardless of the lipoprotein (a) value, were more frequently initiated on any statin therapy (30.3% versus 10.6%,
P
< 0.001), ezetimibe (7.65% versus 0.8%,
P
< 0.001), or proprotein convertase substilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (6.7% versus 0.3%,
P
< 0.001) compared with those without a test. Those with an elevated lipoprotein (a) level more frequently initiated ezetimibe (11.5% versus 5.9%,
P
< 0.001) or proprotein convertase substilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (10.9% versus 4.8%,
P
< 0.001).

Conclusions
Lipoprotein (a) testing in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is infrequent, with evidence of disparities among older or Black individuals. Testing for lipoprotein (a), regardless of level, is associated with greater initiation of any lipid‐lowering therapy, while elevated lipoprotein (a) is associated with greater initiation of nonstatin lipid‐lowering therapy. There is a critical need for multidisciplinary and inclusive approaches to raise awareness for lipoprotein (a) testing, and its implications on management.
Determination of Genotype and Phenotypes in Pediatric Patients With Biventricular Noncompaction
Authors: Hirono Keiichi , Hata Yukiko , Imamura Teruhiko , Tsuboi Kaori , Takarada Shinya , Okabe Mako , Nakaoka Hideyuki , Ibuki Keijiro , Ozawa Sayaka , Ichimata Shojiro , Nishida Naoki , Iwasaki Hidenori , Urata Susumu , Okada Seigo , Hiratsuji Tomoya , Sakaguchi Heima , Takigiku Kiyohiro , Nakazawa Makoto , Nishihara Eiki , Harada Masako , Matsuo Osamu , Yasuda Kenji , Yoshida Yoko , Namiki Hidemasa , Yasuda Kazushi , Ifuku Toshinobu , Urayama Kotaro , Oka Hideharu , Ogino Kayo , Kato Akio , Kan Nobuhiko , Seki Shunji , Seki Mitsuru , Odanaka Yutaka , Iwashima Satoru , Yoshida Shuichiro , Miyata Toyohisa , Miyamoto Tomoyuki , Watanabe Ken , Kuwabara Naoki , Inuzuka Ryo , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Sakazaki Hisanori , Muneuchi Jun , Kogaki Shigetoyo , Numano Fujito , Kido Sachiko , Nii Masaki , Hoshino Shinsuke , Ishida Hidekazu , Maeda Jun , Hayabuchi Yasunobu , Otsubo Yoshikazu , Ikeda Kazuyuki , Tsukano Shinya , Watanabe Makoto , Momoi Nobuo , Fujii Takanari , Fujioka Tao , Fujino Mitsuhiro , Uchiyama Hiroki , Baba Shigehito , Horigome Hitoshi , Honda Takashi , Suzuki Kazutaka , Ichida Fukiko 
Published: November 2024

Background
Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a hereditary type of cardiomyopathy characterized by prominent trabeculations. Detailed characteristics of biventricular noncompaction (BiVNC) remain unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics and genetic landscape of BiVNC.

Methods and Results

We recruited children with left ventricular noncompaction from Japanese multi‐institutional centers from 2013 to 2021. Left ventricular noncompaction was classified as BiVNC, congenital heart disease, arrhythmia, dilated cardiomyopathy, or normal function. In these patients, cardiomyopathy‐associated genes were screened. A total of 234 patients (127 male; mean age, 4 months [range, 0–6.6 years]) were enrolled in this study, of whom 25 had BiVNC; 55, normal function; 84, dilated cardiomyopathy; 38, congenital heart disease; and 32, arrhythmia. BiVNC was diagnosed during the perinatal period in 10 patients, in whom the prevalence was higher than that in other patients. A total of 14 patients in the group with BiVNC had congenital heart disease, but not necessarily right heart lesions. Left ventricular dyskinesis was frequently observed in the lateral wall (24%) and apex (28%). Eleven pathogenic variants were found in 11 patients with BiVNC (44.0%). The group with BiVNC had a higher ratio of mitochondrial and developmental gene variants than the other groups. Among all groups, the group with BiVNC had the worst survival rate (
P
=0.0009).

Conclusions
Pediatric patients with BiVNC had a high rate of ventricular dyskinesis and poor outcome. A comprehensive and careful screening for disease‐causing genes and phenotype may help identify specific patients with left ventricular noncompaction and mortality‐related cardiac phenotypes.
Intraosseous and Intravenous Epinephrine Administration Routes in Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Survival and Neurologic Outcomes
Authors: Yang Cheng‐Han , Ng Chip‐Jin , Huang Hsiu‐Ling , Chien Liang‐Tien , Wang Ming‐Fang , Chen Chen‐Bin , Tsai Li‐Heng , Huang Chien‐Hsiung , Tseng Hsiao‐Jung , Chien Cheng‐Yu 
Published: November 2024

Background
The rate of survival after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest varies depending on the timeliness and effectiveness of prehospital interventions. This study was conducted to compare out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest outcomes between intravenous and intraosseous routes and between upper and lower extremity routes for drug administration.

Methods and Results
We retrospectively analyzed data (collected using the Utstein template) from 1220 patients who had experienced out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest in Taiwan's Taoyuan City between January 2021 and August 2023. The patients were stratified into intravenous and intraosseous groups by treatment approach and upper and lower extremity access groups by access site. The study outcomes were survival to discharge, favorable neurologic outcomes (Cerebral Performance Category score 1 or 2), and survival for >2 hours. The study groups were statistically compared before and after propensity score matching. Significant pre–propensity score matching differences were observed between intravenous and intraosseous groups, and the aforementioned study outcomes were better in the intravenous group than in the intraosseous group. However, the between‐group differences became nonsignificant after propensity score matching. Furthermore, lower extremity access and delayed epinephrine administration were associated with worse outcomes. Survival rates fell below 12.6% when time to treatment exceeded 15 minutes, particularly in the cases of intraosseous access and lower extremity access.

Conclusions
This study highlights the benefits of early intervention and upper extremity access for drug administration in patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. Intraosseous access may serve as a viable alternative to intravenous access. Timely administration of essential drugs during resuscitation can improve clinical outcomes and thus has implications for emergency medical service training.
The Struggle You Can’t See
Authors: Lierman Ash 
Published: November 2024

This book offers a comprehensive review of current research on the higher education experiences of neurodivergent undergraduate students and those with invisible disabilities. Grounded in principles of social justice and equity, this work draws from design thinking, the neurodiversity model, and Universal Design for Learning, to explore the context of higher education in relation to neurodivergent and disabled students.
The author discusses findings from literature on the experiences of students with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, psychiatric disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and disabling chronic physical illnesses. The inclusion of students with chronic illnesses is particularly timely, given the rising prevalence of long COVID symptoms and other lasting health impacts among university-aged individuals. Moreover Ash Lierman, who has extensive experience of serving students marginalized students, gives voice to this community, thus providing both a synthesis of existing research, and highlighting the needs and challenges of the students themselves.
The Struggle You Can’t See serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to understand and support this underserved population, offering insights for transformational change in higher education.
Inter-reader agreement of LI-RADS treatment response algorithm among three readers with different seniorities for hepatocellular carcinoma after locoregional therapy
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Asayo Himeko , Wang Wei , Xu Hui , Yang Dawei , Xu Lixue , Yang Siwei , Yang Zhenghan 
Published: November 2024

Background The accurate evaluation of tumor response after locoregional therapy is crucial for adjusting therapeutic strategy and guiding individualized follow-up. Purpose To determine the inter-reader agreement of the LR-TR algorithm for hepatocellular carcinoma treated with locoregional therapy among radiologists with different seniority. Material and Methods A total of 275 treated observations on 249 MRI scans from 99 patients were retrospectively collected. Three readers of different seniorities (senior, intermediate, and junior with 10, 6, and 2 years of experience in hepatic imaging, respectively) analyzed the presence or absence of features (arterial-phase hyperenhancement and washout) and evaluated LR-TR category. Results There were substantial inter-reader agreements for overall LR-TR categorization (kappa = 0.704), LR-TR viable (kappa = 0.715), and LR-TR non-viable (kappa = 0.737), but fair inter-reader agreement for LR-TR equivocal (kappa = 0.231) among three readers. The inter-reader agreement was substantial for arterial-phase hyperenhancement (kappa = 0.725), but moderate for washout (kappa = 0.443) among three readers. The inter-reader agreements between two readers were substantial for overall LR-TR categorization (kappa = 0.734, 0.727, 0.652), LR-TR viable (kappa = 0.719, 0.752, 0.678), and LR-TR non-viable (kappa = 0.758, 0.760, 0.694), which were at the same level as the inter-reader agreements among three readers. In addition, the inter-reader agreements between two readers were substantial for arterial-phase hyperenhancement (kappa = 0.733, 0.766, 0.678), but moderate for washout (kappa = 0.473, 0.422, 0.446), which were at the same level as the inter-reader agreements among three readers. Conclusion LR-TR algorithm demonstrated overall substantial inter-reader agreement among radiologists with different seniority.
Abnormal electromyographical trigeminal activation through stimulation of the offending artery (Z-L response): An intraoperative tool during microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Montano Nicola , D’Alessandris Quintino Giorgio , Grilli Fulvio , Di Domenico Michele , Martinelli Renata , Burattini Benedetta , Izzo Alessandro , D’Ercole Manuela , Olivi Alessandro 
Published: November 2024

Background There are currently no intraoperative neurophysiological tools to assess the effectiveness of trigeminal nerve decompression during microvascular decompression surgery for drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia. In microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm, an abnormal electromyographic activation of facial muscles after stimulation of the offending vessel was identified and named ‘Z-L response’. Methods We adapted a neurophysiological protocol to elicit a Z-L response during microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia and applied it to a prospective series of 18 surgical patients. Results Patients had suffered from trigeminal neuralgia for a median 9-year timeframe, and median preoperative Barrow Neurological Institute pain score was 4.5. Through monopolar stimulation, using rising amplitudes starting from 0.1 mA, we confirmed intraoperatively the true culprit vessel before decompression. In 4/18 cases, multiple offending vessels were identified (22 conflicts overall). After decompression, a significant increase in activation threshold (p < 0.0001) confirmed the effectiveness of the maneuver; in 10 cases, Z-L response was abolished. Using this technique, we obtained excellent or good outcome (Barrow Neurological Institute 1–3) in all patients, with a significant reduction in postoperative Barrow Neurological Institute score as compared with preoperative one (median Barrow Neurological Institute 1; p = 0.0002). Conclusion we provide the first evidence on the applicability and clinical usefulness of Z-L response during microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia.
Effects of Losartan and Fisetin on Microfracture-Mediated Cartilage Repair of Ankle Cartilage in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Stake Ingrid K. , Gao Xueqin , Huard Matthieu , Fukase Naomasa , Ruzbarsky Joseph J. , Ravuri Sudheer , Layne Jonathan E. , Philippon Marc J. , Clanton Thomas O. , Huard Johnny 
Published: November 2024

Background: Microfracture is one surgical treatment strategy for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) but results in fibrocartilage repair tissue, which has inferior mechanical properties to native hyaline cartilage. Biological regulation of microfracture has been suggested to improve the quality of cartilage repair in patients. Purpose: To determine if administration of losartan, fisetin, or losartan and fisetin combined can enhance microfracture-mediated cartilage repair of OLTs in a rabbit model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Four-month-old female rabbits were divided into the following groups (8 rabbits per group): microfracture only (microfracture), microfracture plus losartan (losartan), microfracture plus fisetin (fisetin), and microfracture plus losartan and fisetin (losartan+fisetin). A 2.7-mm osteochondral defect and 4 microfracture holes were created in the talar dome cartilage. The rabbits were administered losartan (10 mg/kg/day), fisetin (20 mg/kg/day), or losartan and fisetin orally until euthanized 12 weeks after surgery. Gross evaluation, micro–computed tomography, histology, and immunohistochemistry evaluations of the osteochondral defects were performed as well as quantitative polymerase chain reaction of capsule tissue and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of serum. Results: The losartan and fisetin groups had increased International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society macroscopic scores with improved cartilage repair and enhanced subchondral bone healing compared with the microfracture group. However, the losartan+fisetin group did not show a synergistic effect. O’Driscoll histology scores were higher in the losartan and fisetin groups compared with the microfracture group, while the losartan+fisetin group had a lower score than the losartan, fisetin, and microfracture groups. Collagen type 2 staining revealed organized chondrocytes in the losartan and fisetin groups, but the losartan+fisetin group did not show improvement when compared with other groups. Fisetin treatment decreased catalase and transforming growth factor-β1–activated kinase 1 expression in capsular tissue. Conclusion: Concomitant microfracture and biological regulation, using oral administration of either losartan or fisetin, may improve cartilage healing of OLTs; however, losartan and fisetin combined in the current drug administration regimen does not appear to provide synergistic effects. Clinical Relevance: Oral intake of losartan or fisetin may result in beneficial effects on microfracture-mediated cartilage repair of OLTs.