bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of fungi as biological control strategies for nematode management in horticultural crops
Authors: Rahman Mati Ur , Zhong Xiaomin , Uzair Muhammad , Fan Ben 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPlant-parasitic nematodes are a major problem for horticultural production, causing significant economic losses. Chemical nematicides are a common nematode control strategy but can negatively impact the environment and human health. In this review, we provide an overview of the use of fungi for the biological control of plant-parasitic nematodes in horticultural crops. Fungal bio-control represents an alternative, environmentally friendly strategy for managing nematodes. The use of fungi for the bio-control of nematodes has gained increasing attention due to the potential benefits of selectivity, sustainability, and long-term control. Here, we discuss the different types of fungi used for nematode management, the mechanisms of their action, the advantages and limitations of using fungi for bio-control, and the factors affecting their efficacy. Additionally, we provide several case studies of fungal bio-control against root-knot, cyst, and lesion nematodes in horticultural crops. The review concludes with a discussion of future directions and research recommendations for implementing fungal bio-control in horticultural crops.
Gender differences in patients with corona virus disease-2019 presenting with psychiatric disturbances: a multicentre study
Authors: Maher Rabab , Shousha Hend Ibrahim , Madbouly Nagwan , Afify Shimaa , Moussa Suaad Sayed , Asem Noha , Abdelazeem Amr , Youssif Eslam Mohamed , Harhira Khalid Yousef , Elmorsy Hazem , Elgarem Hassan , Hassany Mohamed , Eysa Basem , El-Kassas Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The coronavirus disease known as COVID-19 (2019) pandemic may increase the likelihood of psychological symptoms that can reach the level of psychiatric disorders.

Aim
We aimed to study psychiatric morbidity in patients with COVID-19 concerning gender differences and disease severity in the acute phase of infection and after 6 months.

Methods
This is a multicenter follow-up study registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04459403). Patients were recruited consecutively from three quarantine hospitals in Egypt. Data were collected through a questionnaire built using Google Forms including the Arabic versions of General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS). Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were assessed after 6 months.

Results
The study questionnaire was offered to 400 patients and 199 patients agreed to fill it. BDI and TAMS were higher in mild than moderate and severe COVID-19 (14, 8, 8, P-value = 0.009, 17, 13.5, 14, P-value = 0.04, respectively). Females showed a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and insomnia due to anxiety than males. Education level, marital status, previous psychiatric illness, and severity of COVID-19 independently affected depression. Marital status, family history of psychiatric illness, and chronic medical illness independently affected anxiety. On 6-month follow-up, BDI significantly decreased in males but not females. TMAS showed no significant changes, but the severity of anxiety was still higher in females. PTSD was more frequent in females (26 (37.1%) versus 4 (9.5%), respectively, P-value = 0.02).

Conclusion
The prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety were higher in females than male participants, suggesting that females are more affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Potential sources of inaccuracy in the Apple watch series 4 energy expenditure estimation algorithm during wheelchair propulsion
Authors: Danielsson Marius Lyng , Doshmanziari Roya , Brurok Berit , Wouda Matthijs Ferdinand , Baumgart Julia Kathrin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The Apple Watch (AW) was the first smartwatch to provide wheelchair user (WCU) specific information on energy expenditure (EE), but was found to be inaccurate (i.e., it underestimated) and imprecise (i.e., the underestimation was variable). Insight is therefore needed into where these inaccuracies/imprecisions originate. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate how much of the variation in AW EE is explained by heart rate (HR), in addition to other factors such as body mass and height, sex, age, physical activity level and disability.

Methods
Forty participants (20 WCU, 20 non-disabled) performed three 4-min treadmill wheelchair propulsion stages at different speed-incline combinations, on three separate days, while wearing an AW series 4 (setting: “outdoor push walking pace”). Linear mixed model analyses investigated how much of the variation in AW EE (kcal·min−1) is explained by the fixed effects AW HR (beats·min−1), body mass and height, sex, age, physical activity level and disability. Participant-ID was included as random-intercept effect. The same mixed model analyses were conducted for criterion EE and HR. Marginal R2 (R2m; fixed effects only) and conditional R2 (R2c; fixed and random effects) values were computed. An R2m close to zero indicates that the fixed effects alone do not explain much variation.

Results
Although criterion HR explained a significant amount of variation in criterion EE (R2m: 0.44, R2c: 0.92, p < 0.001), AW HR explained little variation in AW EE (R2m: 0.06, R2c: 0.86, p < 0.001). In contrast, body mass and sex explained a significant amount of variation in AW EE (R2m: 0.74, R2c: 0.79, p < 0.001). No further improvements in fit were achieved by adding body height, age, physical activity level or disability to the AW EE model (R2m: 0.75, R2c: 0.79, p = 0.659).

Conclusion
Our results remain inconclusive on whether AW heart rate is used as factor to adjust for exercise intensity in the black box AW EE estimation algorithms. In contrast, body mass explained much of the variation in AW EE, indicating that the AW EE estimation algorithm is very reliant on this factor. Future investigations should explore better individualization of EE estimation algorithms.
Leveraging Mobile Health to Improve Capecitabine Adherence Among Women With Breast Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Graetz Ilana , Hernandez Samuel , Arshad Sara , Byers Kristina , Meisel Jane , Sadigh Gelareh , Sakach Elizabeth A. , Gogineni Keerthi , Torres Mylin A. 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Oral capecitabine improves convenience compared to intravenous therapies but presents monitoring challenges. We conducted a randomized pilot trial to evaluate a mobile health intervention to remotely monitor capecitabine adherence and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among women with breast cancer. METHODS Patients with breast cancer prescribed capecitabine, an oral chemotherapy with a complex, cyclical regimen, were randomly assigned to enhanced usual care (EUC) or PRO arm. Participants were asked to use a smart pill bottle to measure adherence (timing and dose) and complete baseline and 90-day follow-up surveys. PRO participants received text messages for missed or incorrect doses and weekly text-based symptom assessments, and their oncologists received alerts for severe symptoms or missed doses. We compared nonadherence (<80%) and changes from enrollment to follow-up on reported physical and mental health quality-of-life scores and number of severe symptoms by study arm. RESULTS Overall, 32 women were randomly assigned (17 EUC and 15 PRO): 28 (87.5%) received the intervention and 24 (78.1%) completed the follow-up survey. Among participants who received the intervention, PRO participants responded to 83.3% of symptom questions; 7.7% of PRO participants were nonadherent compared with 40.0% of EUC participants ( P = .049). Among those who completed the follow-up survey, 12.5% of PRO participants had reductions in their mental health composite scores compared with 69.2% of EUC participants ( P = .011); 10% of PRO participants had more severe symptoms at follow-up compared with 57.1% of EUC participants ( P = .019). CONCLUSION A mobile health intervention using text message reminders and symptom assessments improved medication adherence and mental health quality-of-life scores and lowered symptom burden of patients with breast cancer prescribed capecitabine. Future work should evaluate the longer-term impacts of this intervention.
Real-World Outcomes of Immunotherapy for Melanoma Brain Metastases in New Zealand
Authors: Walsh Niamh , Stephens Rosalie , Tan Alvin , Durandt Vanessa , McLachlan Jennifer , Jordan Jody , Gregory Kate , Sutton Sean , Barrow Catherine , Wong Annie N.M. 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Melanoma brain metastases (BMs) are associated with poor survival. Combination immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with anti-PD1 and anti–CTLA-4 are the international standard-of-care treatment. Most landmark clinical trials excluded real-world patients with symptomatic disease, poor performance status (PS), and steroid use. Despite the high incidence of melanoma in New Zealand (NZ), the only publicly funded systemic treatment is anti-PD1 monotherapy. The real-world outcomes for BMs after ICIs in NZ are unknown. METHODOLOGY Medical records of patients with melanoma BMs in seven cancer centers across NZ between September 1, 2016, and September 1, 2020, were evaluated. Clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment, intracranial (IC) tumor response rates, IC progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS) are reported. RESULTS One hundred and forty-four patients received at least one dose of ICI. One hundred and thirty-three (93%) patients received anti-PD1 monotherapy. Almost a quarter of patients had poor baseline PS, 56% were symptomatic, and 33% had corticosteroids. Patients also received local therapies: 61 (42%) patients underwent surgery, 42 (29%) received whole brain radiation, and 47 (33%) received stereotactic radiation. The median OS was 15 months, and a third of patients were alive at 2 years. The toxicity of ICIs was at 28% and 15% for Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 1-2 and 3-4 events, respectively. Of the patients who are still alive, 76% of patients remained symptomatic neurologically at last follow-up. CONCLUSION Most patients in this NZ real-world study were symptomatic and received anti-PD1 monotherapy. Approximately one-third of treated patients are alive at 2 years, but most patients remained symptomatic. This highlights the need for more effective treatment and prospective management of their neurologic rehabilitation needs.
Long-Read Sequencing Solves Complex Structure of CYP21A2 in a Large 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Cohort
Authors: Wang Ruifang , Luo Xiaomei , Sun Yu , Liang Lili , Mao Aiping , Lu Deyun , Zhang Kaichuang , Yang Yi , Sun Yuning , Sun Manqing , Han Lianshu , Zhang Huiwen , Gu Xuefan , Qiu Wenjuan , Yu Yongguo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Context
Genetic testing for 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is always challenging. The current approaches of short-read sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) are insufficient for the detection of chimeric genes or complicated variants from multiple copies. Recently developed long-read sequencing (LRS) can solve this problem.

Objective
To investigate the clinical utility of LRS in precision diagnosis of 21-OHD.

Methods
In the cohort of 832 patients with 21-OHD, the current approaches provided the precise molecular diagnosis for 81.7% (680/832) of cases. LRS was performed to solve the remaining 144 cases with complex chimeric variants and 8 cases with variants from multiple copies. Clinical manifestations in patients with continuous deletions of CYP21A2 extending to TNXB (namely CAH-X) were further evaluated.

Results
Using LRS in combination with previous genetic test results, a total of 16.9% (281/1664) CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 or TNXA/TNXB chimeric alleles were identified in 832 patients, with CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 accounting for 10.4% and TNXA/TNXB for 6.5%. The top 3 common chimeras were CYP21 CH-1, TNX CH-1, and TNX CH-2, accounting for 77.2% (217/281) of all chimeric alleles. The 8 patients with variants on multiple copies of CYP21A2 were accurately identified with LRS. The prevalence of CAH-X in our cohort was 12.1%, and a high frequency of connective tissue-related symptoms was observed in CAH-X patients.

Conclusion
LRS can detect all types of CYP21A2 variants, including complex chimeras and pathogenic variants on multiple copies in patients with 21-OHD, which could be utilized as a first-tier routine test for the precision diagnosis and categorization of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
A Germline ZFX Missense Variant in a Patient With Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Guan Bin , Agarwal Sunita K , Welch James M , Jha Smita , Weinstein Lee S , Simonds William F 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
A 51-year-old woman with a history of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) with prior parathyroidectomy, osteoporosis, and learning disability was referred for hypercalcemia discovered after a fall. Family history was negative for PHPT, pituitary, enteropancreatic neuroendocrine, or jaw tumors. Dysmorphic facies, multiple cutaneous melanocytic nevi, café au lait macules, long fingers, and scoliosis were observed. Laboratory evaluation showed an elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) level, hypercalcemia, and hypophosphatemia, all consistent with PHPT. Preoperative imaging revealed a right inferior candidate parathyroid lesion. The patient underwent right inferior parathyroidectomy with normalization of PTH, calcium, and phosphorus. Genetic testing showed a likely pathogenic de novo heterozygous germline missense variant p.R764W in the ZFX gene that encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor previously shown to harbor somatic missense variants in a subset of sporadic parathyroid tumors. Germline variants in ZFX have been reported in patients with an X-linked intellectual disability syndrome with an increased risk for congenital anomalies and PHPT. Further research may determine if genetic testing for ZFX could be of potential benefit for patients with PHPT and developmental anomalies, even in the absence of a family history of parathyroid disease.
Sporadic Parathyroid Carcinoma Treated With Lenvatinib, Exhibiting a Novel Somatic MEN1 Mutation
Authors: Ito Yu , Imaizumi Toshinori , Daido Hisashi , Kato Takehiro , Yabe Daisuke 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is extremely rare and is primarily treated surgically. Chemotherapy is an option for advanced stages, but no standard regimen exists. Emerging research suggests the efficacy of multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors (MTKIs) for PC, targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). A 61-year-old Japanese woman presented with a neck mass, diagnosed as PC with pleural and lumbar metastases. After parathyroidectomy and radiation for lumbar metastasis, immunohistochemistry showed VEGFR overexpression, leading to targeted therapy with MTKIs. Despite no actionable mutations on cancer genomic panel test, a novel MEN1 somatic mutation (NM_130801: exon2: c.332delG: p.G111fs*8) was identified, which may affect VEGFR2 expression and tumor epigenetics. Although severe hand-foot syndrome necessitated dose reductions and treatment interruptions, sorafenib treatment managed hypercalcemia with evocalcet and denosumab. Lenvatinib, as second-line therapy, was effective against pleural metastases but caused thrombocytopenia and hematuria, leading to discontinuation and uncontrolled recurrence and metastasis progression. Our case highlights the need for further research on genomic profiling, molecular targets, and therapy response in PC.
Long-term Evolution of Hypophosphatemia and Osteomalacia in a Patient With Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Zomorodian Alireza , Maalouf Naim M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Multiple myeloma commonly manifests with symptoms arising from the involvement of various organs, particularly the bone and kidneys. In this report, we detail the case of a 44-year-old man who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma associated with reduced bone density. He exhibited clinical findings of osteomalacia due to Fanconi syndrome (characterized clinically by bone pain and proximal weakness and biochemically by elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, hypophosphatemia, hypouricemia, and glucosuria). With phosphate replacement, there was a notable improvement in bone pain, osteomalacia, and bone mineral density. Nevertheless, the patient continued to experience renal wasting of phosphate, uric acid, and glucose despite achieving remission from multiple myeloma for nearly 2 years. Our case highlights several important clinical features of myeloma-associated Fanconi syndrome, including the need to recognize this complication to appropriately treat the underlying bone disease while avoiding osteoclast inhibitors and the long-term persistence of the proximal renal tubulopathy despite achieving remission from myeloma and correction of osteomalacia.
Hyperthyroidism Due to Functioning Metastatic Bone Lesions of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Treated With Lenvatinib
Authors: Kobayashi Tomoko , Iwama Shintaro , Suzuki Koji , Arima Hiroshi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
A 71-year-old woman was diagnosed with unresectable metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and thyrotoxicosis. She was negative for the presence of thyroxine receptor antibody and thyroid-stimulating antibody. Whole-body scintigraphy revealed increased 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake in metastatic bone lesions but not in the thyroid nodule. Since radioactive iodine therapy was not applicable because the canalis vertebralis had been invaded, treatment with lenvatinib was initiated, along with methimazole and potassium iodide. The serum level of thyroid hormone decreased. The patient developed hypothyroidism, which continued after the methimazole was stopped, suggesting that lenvatinib suppressed the hyperthyroidism. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with functioning bone lesions of metastatic FTC in whom hyperthyroidism was controlled by lenvatinib without radioactive iodine therapy.
Multicenter Prospective Randomized Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Stellate Ganglion Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Sympathetic Blockade in Chronic Upper Extremity Pain
Authors: Kim Jeongsoo , Cha Joon , Choi Sheung Nyoung , Heo Gang , Yoo Yongjae , Moon Jee Youn 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a type of sympathetic block used to relieve pain in the face and upper extremities. However, its effectiveness can be limited by the presence of Kuntz fibers that bypass the stellate ganglion. Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) offers an alternative in such cases. We hypothesized that ultrasound (US)-guided TPVB would provide a higher success rate of upper extremity sympathetic blockade than US-guided SGB. Therefore, this prospective randomized study aimed to compare the technical success rates between US-guided TPVB and US-guided SGB and assess clinical outcomes in alleviating upper extremity pain.

METHODS:
Patients aged 19 to 85 years diagnosed with chronic upper extremity pain (complex regional pain syndrome and neuropathic pain) were randomly assigned to either the US-guided TPVB group, where they received a 10 mL injection of 1% mepivacaine in the T2 paravertebral space, or the US-guided SGB group, where they received a 5 mL injection of 1% mepivacaine at the C6 level. The primary outcome was the success rate (%) of sympathetic blockade, which was predefined as the difference in temperature change between affected and unaffected hands 20 minutes after the procedure (ΔT difference) of ≥ 1.5°C. Secondary outcomes included comparisons of the ΔT difference (°C), differences in peak systolic velocities (cm/s) of the ipsilateral brachial artery at 20 minutes, and pain intensity at baseline and 20 minutes, 1 week, and 4 weeks after the procedure using an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score.

RESULTS:
The TPVB group (N = 22/35, 62.9%) showed a higher success rate than the SGB group (N = 13/34, 38.2%; P = .041) in achieving the primary outcome of sympathetic blockade at 20 minutes. The difference in success rates between the 2 groups was 24.6 % (95% confidence interval [CI], −9.0% to 58.2%). The ΔT difference was significantly higher in TPVB than in SGB (2.0°C ±1.5 and 1.1°C ±1.3, respectively; P = .008). The peak systolic velocities at 20 minutes increased in TPVB (P = .005), which was not observed in SGB (P = .325). Pain intensity decreased in both groups 20 minutes after injection (P < .001 in each group), and the TPVB group showed a lower 11-point NRS pain score compared to the SGB group (4.3 ± 2.2 and 5.4 ± 2.4, respectively; P = .038). Pain intensity scores increased to preintervention levels in both groups at 1 week and 4 weeks after the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS:
US-guided TPVB had a higher success rate of upper extremity sympathetic blockade than US-guided SGB, with more pronounced immediate postprocedural pain relief.
Macrophages allocate before apoptosis initiation and produce reactive oxygen species during interdigital phagocytosis
Authors: Hernández-García David , García-Meléndrez Celina , Hernández-Martínez Rocío , Collazo-Navarrete Omar , Covarrubias Luis 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
During programmed cell death (PCD), it is commonly accepted that macrophages are recruited by apoptotic cells to complete cell degradation. Interdigital cell death, a classical model of PCD, contributes to digit individualization in limbs of mammals and other vertebrates. Here, we show that macrophages are present in interdigits before significant cell death occurs and remain after apoptosis inhibition. The typical interdigital phagocytic activity was not observed after a partial depletion of macrophages and was markedly reduced by engulfment/phagosome maturation inhibition, as detected by its association with high lysosomal activity. β-galactosidase activity in this region was also coupled with phagocytosis, against its relationship with cellular senescence. Interdigital phagocytosis correlated with high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), common in embryo regions carrying abundant cell death, suggesting that macrophages are the major source of ROS. ROS generation was dependent on NADPH oxidases and blood vessel integrity, but not directly associated with lysosomal activity. Therefore, macrophages prepattern regions where abundant cell death is going to occur, and high lysosomal activity and the generation of ROS by an oxidative burst-like phenomenon are activities of phagocytosis.