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Western corn rootworm is one of the most dangerous pests of maize, and both the larvae and the imagoes thereof may cause significant damage to the plants. The options of controlling these pests have recently become highly limited, thus creating a great demand for new control methods complying with sustainable plant protection. These requirements are met by the natural enemies of these pests, such as entomopathogenic nematodes (e.g. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Gerritsen, 1994). The objective of this study was to determine whether the viability and larvicide effect of a single injection into the soil of 2 billion nematodes using various amounts of water (50, 100 or 200 L/hectare) was maintained even with the lower quantities. Our studies proved that the entomopathogenic nematodes retain their viability and larvicide effect when applied using 50 L/ha of water. The efficacy of the biological agent did not differ from that of Force 1.5G, a product containing Tefluthrin as active ingredient, which was used as positive control.

The article discusses the use of biostimulant microalgae, known for their bioactive compounds. Understanding the positive impacts of biostimulants is essential for future applications. Research conducted in the Department of Plant Sciences at the Széchenyi István University has revealed that algae produce plant hormones and possess beneficial properties that influence the water, soil and plant systems. The effects of microalgae on various ornamental plants are being studied with a focus on improving root and general plant development. The methodology involves testing different algae extracts in ornamental plants in controlled environments. Data collection includes measuring plant height, leaf and bud numbers, chlorophyll content and other plant parameters through laboratory and destructive tests. The results indicate positive changes in plant parameters after treatments with biostimulant microalgae. In conclusion, biostimulant microalgae offer a promising and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals in the cultivation of ornamental plants. Continued research and innovation in this field is crucial to realise the full potential of biostimulants in sustainable agriculture.

Background: High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell support is recommended in the treatment of eligible multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of steady-state versus chemotherapy-based stem cell mobilization in our Hungarian patient population., Methods: The subjects were 210 MM patients who underwent stem cell mobilization procedure between 2018 and 2022. Solo granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was administered in 104 cases, while 106 patients received chemotherapy which was followed by G-CSF administration. We evaluated the ratio of successful mobilizations, the amount of collected stem cells, the incidence of infections and cost-effectivity in the two groups., Results: In the steady-state group, there was a significantly higher need for plerixafor (45% vs. 13%, P < 0.001), unsuccessful stem cell mobilization was more frequent (11% vs. 3%, P = 0.024) and the mean amount of collected stem cells was lower (6.9 vs. 9.8 × 10 6 , P < 0.001) than in the chemotherapy group. However, infections were less frequent (4% vs. 27%, P < 0.001) and the number of days spent in hospital was significantly lower (6 vs. 14 days, P < 0.001). Plerixafor was more frequently administered in those who had received lenalidomide or daratumumab than in those who had been treated with other regimens (41% vs. 23%, P = 0.007 and 78% vs. 23%, P < 0.001, respectively)., Conclusions: Steady-state mobilization is a safe method; however, the higher rate of plerixafor administration and unsuccessful attempts may question its superiority to chemomobilization., Competing Interests: None of the authors had any conflict of interest., (Copyright 2024, Obajed Al-Ali et al.)

Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Natural autoantibodies (nAAb) are involved in innate immunity, as well as autoimmunity, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. There have not been any studies assessing the effects of biologics on nAAbs in RA and AS, also in relation to vascular pathophysiology. Fifty-three anti-TNF-treated RA and AS patients were included in a 12-month follow-up study. Anti-citrate synthase (CS) and anti-topoisomerase I fragment 4 (TOPO-F4) IgM and IgG levels were determined by ELISA. Ultrasonography was performed to assess brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT), and arterial pulse-wave velocity (PWV). Other variables were also evaluated at baseline and 6 and 12 months after treatment initiation. Anti-TNF therapy improved FMD in RA and PWV in AS and stabilized ccIMT. TNF inhibition increased anti-CS IgM and IgG, and possibly also anti-TOPO-F4 IgG levels. Various correlation analyses revealed that nAAbs might be independently involved in autoimmunity as well as changes in inflammation and vascular pathology over time in biologic-treated patients ( p < 0.05). We also found associations between anti-TOPO-F4 IgG and anti-Hsp60 IgG ( p < 0.05). Baseline nAAb levels or nAAb level changes might determine changes in CRP, disease activity, FMD, PWV, and ccIMT over time ( p < 0.05). The interplay between arthritis and inflammatory atherosclerosis, as well as the effects of anti-TNF biologics on these pathologies, might independently involve nAAbs.

Background: We retrospectively analyzed serum level of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) as a pulmonary inflammatory biomarker in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in association with disease severity and outcome., Methods: Ninety-nine (40 critically ill, 40 severe and 19 mild) COVID-19 patients and as controls 25 age- and sex-matched non-COVID-19 bacterial sepsis subjects were included. Serum HE4 was measured by an immunoassay (Architect ® i1000SR, Abbott) in the baseline samples of all study participants obtained at intensive care unit (ICU) admission or during outpatient clinic visit and follow-up sera were available in case of 30 COVID-19 subjects with life-threating conditions. Associations were studied between serum HE4, routinely available laboratory parameters, clinical characteristics, and disease progression., Results: Baseline HE4 level was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in critically ill (524.7 [300.1-1153.0] pmol/L) than severe COVID-19 subjects (157.4 [85.2-336.9] pmol/L) and in mild SARS-CoV-2 infection (46.7 [39.1-57.2] pmol/L). Similarly increased HE4 concentrations were found in bacterial sepsis (1118.0 [418.3-1953.0] pmol/L, P = 0.056) compared to critically ill COVID-19 individuals. Serum HE4 levels significantly correlated with age, SOFA-score, inflammation-dependent biomarkers, and the degree of lung manifestation evaluated by chest CT examination in ICU COVID-19 individuals. Based on ROC-AUC curve analysis, baseline HE4 independently indicated the severity of COVID-19 with an AUC value of 0.816 (95% CI [0.723-0.908]; P < 0.0001), while binary logistic regression test found HE4 as an independent prognostic parameter for death (OR: 10.618 [2.331-48.354]; P = 0.002). Furthermore, COVID-19 non-survivors showed much higher baseline HE4 levels without a substantial change under treatment vs. survivors (P < 0.0001). Finally, pre-treatment HE4 level of ≥ 331.7 pmol/L effectively predicted a larger risk for mortality (Log-Rank P < 0.0001) due to severe COVID-19 pneumonia., Conclusion: Elevated serum HE4 level at ICU admission highly correlates with COVID-19 severity and predicts disease outcome., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objectives: Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, and perpetuated synovial angiogenesis have been associated with RA. In our study we evaluated angiogenic factors in relation to vascular inflammation and function, and clinical markers in RA patients undergoing 1-year tofacitinib therapy., Methods: Thirty RA patients treated with either 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily tofacitinib were included in a 12-month follow-up study. Eventually, 26 patients completed the study and were included in data analysis. Levels of various angiogenic cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), growth factors [VEGF, basic fibroblast (bFGF), epidermal (EGF), placental (PlGF)], cathepsin K (CathK), CXC chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), galectin-3 (Gal-3) and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were determined at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months after initiating tofacitinib treatment. In order to assess flow-mediated vasodilation, common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT) and carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity, ultrasonography was performed. Synovial and aortic inflammation was also assessed by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT., Results: One-year tofacitinib therapy significantly decreased IL-6, VEGF, bFGF, EGF, PlGF and CathK, while it increased Gal-3 production (P < 0.05). bFGF, PlGF and NT-proBNP levels were higher, while platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) levels were lower in RF-seropositive patients (P < 0.05). TNF-α, bFGF and PlGF correlated with post-treatment synovial inflammation, while aortic inflammation was rather dependent on IL-6 and PECAM-1 as determined by PET/CT (P < 0.05). In the correlation analyses, NT-proBNP, CXCL8 and Cath variables correlated with ccIMT (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Decreasing production of bFGF, PlGF or IL-6 by 1-year tofacitinib therapy potentially inhibits synovial and aortic inflammation. Although NT-proBNP, CXCL8 and CathK were associated with ccIMT, their role in RA-associated atherosclerosis needs to be further evaluated., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology.)

Introduction: The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAAS) has been implicated in the regulation of the cardiovascular system and linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Little information has become available on the effects of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition on RAAS. Here we studied the effects of 12-month tofacitinib treatment on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2 production and ACE/ACE2 ratios in RA along with numerous other biomarkers., Patients and Methods: Thirty RA patients were treated with tofacitinib in this prospective study. Serum ACE concentrations were assessed by ELISA. ACE2 activity was determined by a specific quenched fluorescent substrate. ACE/ACE2 ratios were calculated. We also determined common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT), brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (cfPWV) by ultrasound. C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPA) were also determined. All measurements were performed at baseline, as well as after 6 and 12 months of tofacitinib treatment., Results: After the dropout of 4 patients, 26 completed the study. Tofacitinib treatment increased ACE levels after 6 and 12 months, while ACE2 activity only transiently increased at 6 months. The ACE/ACE2 ratio increased after 1 year of therapy ( p < 0.05). Logistic regression analyses identified correlations between ACE, ACE2 or ACE/ACE2 ratios and RF at various time points. Baseline disease duration also correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) ( p < 0.05). One-year changes of ACE or ACE2 were determined by tofacitinib treatment plus ACPA or RF, respectively ( p < 0.05)., Conclusion: JAK inhibition increases serum ACE and ACE/ACE2 ratio in RA. Baseline inflammation (ESR), disease duration and ACPA, as well as RF levels at various time points can be coupled to the regulation of ACE/ACE2 ratio. The effect of tofacitinib on RAAS provides a plausible explanation for the cardiovascular effects of JAK inhibition in RA., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Kacsándi, Fagyas, Horváth, Végh, Pusztai, Czókolyová, Soós, Szabó, Hamar, Pethő, Bodnár, Kerekes, Hodosi, Szamosi, Szűcs, Papp and Szekanecz.)

The investigation of arterial stiffening is a promising approach to estimating cardiovascular risk. Despite the widespread use of different methods, the dynamic nature of measured and calculated stiffness parameters is marginally investigated. We aimed to determine the stability of large artery elasticity parameters assessed via commonly used, ultrasound-based and oscillometric methods in relation to peripheral resistance modulation. A human experimental environment was composed, and fifteen young males were investigated at rest after extremity heating and external compression. Functional vascular parameters were monitored in each session, and several arterial stiffness parameters were analysed. The distensibility coefficient (DC) did not show significant changes during heat provocation and extremity compression, while DC's stability seemed to be acceptable. The same stability of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was detected with ultrasound measurement (5.43 ± 0.79, 5.32 ± 0.86 and 5.28 ± 0.77, with p = 0.38, p = 0.27 and p = 0.76, respectively) with excellent intersession variability (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90, 0.88 and 0.91, respectively). However, the oscillometric PWV (oPWV) did change significantly between the heating and outer compression phase of the study (7.46 ± 1.37, 7.10 ± 1.18 and 7.60 ± 1.21, with p = 0.05, p = 0.68 and p < 0.001, respectively), the alteration of which is closely related to wave reflection, represented by the changes in reflection time. Our results indicate the good stability of directly measured elastic parameters such as DC and PWV, despite the extreme modulation of peripheral resistance. However, the oscillometric, indirectly detected PWV might be altered by physical interventions, which depend on wave reflection. The effective modulation of wave reflection was characterized by changes in the augmentation index, detected using both oscillometry and applanation tonometry. Thus, the environment during oscillometric measurement should be rigorously standardized. Furthermore, our results suggest the dynamic nature of the reflection point, rather than being a fixed anatomical point, proposed previously as aortic bifurcation.

Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest We wish to submit the invited Commentary to Eur J Intern Med. We have no conflicts of interest whatsoever.

The interaction between laser beams and backscattering object surfaces lies at the fundamental working principle of any Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) system. Optical properties of surfaces such as concrete, metals, wood, etc., which are commonly encountered in structural health monitoring of buildings and structures, constitute an important category of systematic and random TLS errors. This paper presents an approach for considering the random errors caused by object surfaces. Two surface properties are considered: roughness and reflectance. The effects on TLS measurements are modeled stepwise in form of a so-called synthetic variance-covariance matrix (SVCM) based on the elementary error theory. A line of work is continued for the TLS stochastic model by introducing a new approach for determining variances and covariances in the SVCM. Real measurements of cast stone façade elements of a tall building are used to validate this approach and show that the quality of the estimation can be improved with the appropriate SVCM., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this article., (© 2023 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with changes in lipid, arginine and NO metabolism with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, on arginine and methionine metabolism in correlation with inflammation, functional and pathological vascular changes during one-year treatment of patients with RA., Materials and Methods: Thirty RA patients with active disease were treated with either 5 mg bid or 10 mg bid tofacitinib for 12 months. We determined DAS28, CRP, IgM rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) levels. We assessed brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse-wave velocity (PWV) by ultrasound at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. We also determined plasma L-arginine, L-citrulline, L-ornithine, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), asymmetric (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), L-N-monomethyl-arginine (L-NMMA), cysteine, homocysteine, and methionine levels at these time points., Results: Twenty-six patients (13 on each arm) completed the study. CRP, ESR and DAS28 decreased significantly during one-year treatment with tofacitinib. Arginine and ADMA showed a negative univariate correlation with CRP but not with FMD, PWV or IMT. Tofacitinib at 10 mg bid significantly increased L-arginine, L-ornithine, iNOS and methionine levels after 12 months. ADMA and SDMA levels did not change in our study. Methionine showed negative correlation with FMD at baseline and positive correlation with PWV after 12 months. No change was observed in FMD and PWV but a significant increase was measured in IMT at 6 and 12 months. Multivariate analysis indicated variable correlations of L-arginine, L-citrulline, ADMA, L-NMMA, homocysteine and methionine with DAS28, CRP, ESR and RF but not with anti-CCP after one-year treatment. With respect to vascular pathophysiology, only PWV and methionine correlated with each other., Conclusion: One-year tofacitinib treatment suppressed systemic inflammation and improved functional status in RA. FMD, PWV have not been affected by one-year tofacitinib treatment., while IMT increased further despite treatment. Increased arginine and methionine might contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of tofacitinib. Increased arginine availability with no changing ADMA may protect FMD and PWV from deterioration. The increase of IMT in the anti-inflammatory environment cannot be explained by arginine or methionine metabolism in this study., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Soós, Hamar, Pusztai, Czókolyová, Végh, Szamosi, Pethő, Gulyás, Kerekes, Szántó, Szűcs, Christians, Klawitter, Seres and Szekanecz.)

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity, mortality and metabolic syndrome are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A recent trial has suggested increased risk of major CV events (MACE) upon the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor tofacitinib compared with anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) therapy. In our study, we evaluated lipids and other metabolic markers in relation to vascular function and clinical markers in RA patients undergoing one-year tofacitinib therapy. Patients and methods: Thirty RA patients treated with either 5 mg or 10 mg bid tofacitinib were included in a 12-month follow-up study. Various lipids, paraoxonase (PON1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and adipokine levels, such as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, adipsin and chemerin were determined. In order to assess flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and arterial pulse-wave velocity (PWV) ultrasonography were performed. Assessments were carried out at baseline, and 6 and 12 months after initiating treatment. Results: One-year tofacitinib therapy significantly increased TC, HDL, LDL, APOA, APOB, leptin, adipsin and TSP-1, while significantly decreasing Lp(a), chemerin, PON1 and MPO levels. TG, lipid indices (TC/HDL and LDL/HDL), adiponectin and resistin showed no significant changes. Numerous associations were found between lipids, adipokines, clinical markers and IMT, FMD and PWV (p < 0.05). Regression analysis suggested, among others, association of BMI with CRP and PWV (p < 0.05). Adipokines variably correlated with age, BMI, CRP, CCP, FMD, IMT and PWV, while MPO, PON1 and TSP-1 variably correlated with age, disease duration, BMI, RF and PWV (p < 0.05). Conclusions: JAK inhibition by tofacitinib exerts balanced effects on lipids and other metabolic markers in RA. Various correlations may exist between metabolic, clinical parameters and vascular pathophysiology during tofacitinib treatment. Complex assessment of lipids, metabolic factors together with clinical parameters and vascular pathophysiology may be utilized in clinical practice to determine and monitor the CV status of patients in relation with clinical response to JAK inhibition.

Objective: To develop recommendations for cardiovascular risk (CVR) management in gout, vasculitis, systemic sclerosis (SSc), myositis, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)., Methods: Following European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) standardised procedures, a multidisciplinary task force formulated recommendations for CVR prediction and management based on systematic literature reviews and expert opinion., Results: Four overarching principles emphasising the need of regular screening and management of modifiable CVR factors and patient education were endorsed. Nineteen recommendations (eleven for gout, vasculitis, SSc, MCTD, myositis, SS; eight for SLE, APS) were developed covering three topics: (1) CVR prediction tools; (2) interventions on traditional CVR factors and (3) interventions on disease-related CVR factors. Several statements relied on expert opinion because high-quality evidence was lacking. Use of generic CVR prediction tools is recommended due to lack of validated rheumatic diseases-specific tools. Diuretics should be avoided in gout and beta-blockers in SSc, and a blood pressure target <130/80 mm Hg should be considered in SLE. Lipid management should follow general population guidelines, and antiplatelet use in SLE, APS and large-vessel vasculitis should follow prior EULAR recommendations. A serum uric acid level <0.36 mmol/L (<6 mg/dL) in gout, and disease activity control and glucocorticoid dose minimisation in SLE and vasculitis, are recommended. Hydroxychloroquine is recommended in SLE because it may also reduce CVR, while no particular immunosuppressive treatment in SLE or urate-lowering therapy in gout has been associated with CVR lowering., Conclusion: These recommendations can guide clinical practice and future research for improving CVR management in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases., Competing Interests: Competing interests: GCD, DV, EH, LB, SB, DTB, NB, GK, FM, CM, MR-C, KS, SS, VPvH, GJM, MMW and MN have nothing to declare. FA: research grants from BMS, Celgene, Novartis and Sandoz and consulting fees from AbbVie, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer and Sanofi-Aventis, all unrelated to this manuscript; INB: grant from GSK paid to institution, consulting fees from Astra Zeneca, GSK, Eli lilly, UC, MSD paid to institution, support for attending meetings and/or travel from GSK, participation on a data safety monitoring board/or advisory board from Aurinia, Astra Zeneca and ILTOO paid to institution, all unrelated to this manuscript; MÁG-G: grants/research support from AbbVie, MSD, Jansen and Roche paid to institution and personal consulting fees/participation in company sponsored speakers bureau from AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Celgene, MSD, Novartis, SOBI and Sanofi, all unrelated to this manuscript; SJ: grants from BMS paid to institution, personal consulting fees from Astra Zeneca, and personal fees from Danish Medicolegal Council, all unrelated to this manuscript; NS: grants paid to institution from Astrazeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim and Roche Diagnostics, personal consulting fees from Afimmune, Amgen, Astrazeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli-Lilly, Hanmi Pharamceuticals, MSD, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer and Sanofi, all unrelated to this manuscript; ES: grant from Merck and honoraria from Janssen, all unrelated to this manuscript; ZS: research grants from Pfizer paid to institution and personal consulting fees from Pfizer, MSD, Lilly, Novartis, Roche, Gedeon Richter, Boehringer Ingelheim, Abbvie, all unrelated to this manuscript; A-KT: speakers fee from Berlin Chemie Menarini, Novarti and personal fees and non-financial support from AstraZeneca and Grünenthal, all unrelated to this manuscript; AT: consulting fees from Magenta Therapeutics and personal fees from Novartis and Idorsia for participation on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board, all unrelated to this manuscript; AV: personal consulting fees from Astra Zeneca and GS, all unrelated to this manuscript; MGT: research grants from Genesis, GSK, MSD, Pfizer and UCB paid to institution, and personal consulting fees from Genesis, GSK and Novartis, all unrelated to this manuscript., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)