KNOWLEDGE OF MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS OF HEART DISEASE AMONG PATIENTS WITH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading killer diseases of people around the world. The purpose of this study was to examine the CVD risk factor and perception among individuals with high CVD risk.Methods: An observational study was conducted for 6 months in the Department of General Medicine of a Multi-Specialty Hospital. Patients who were hypertensive, diabetic, and dyslipidemia with/without comorbid disease were included. Patients who are seriously ill, mentally retarded, physical disabilities, history of CVD, etc., were excluded. CVD risk assessment was done using Framingham risk score, and knowledge assessment was done using knowledge questionnaire on CVD risk. Patient counseling was given to the patients based on their risk and knowledge level and also to improve knowledge about CVD risk and therapeutic goals for the control of blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid profile, and smoking cessation.Results: A total of 100 patients were included in this study comprising 46 males and 54 female. Male has more risk than female. The factors, viz., age, smoking habits, high cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus showed a greater risk in CVD. Knowledge levels assessed in those patients are 28% patients having poor knowledge, 30% patients having fair knowledge, and 42% patients having good knowledge.Conclusion: The study concluded that the participants showed poor knowledge in CVD, which could turn into insufficient preventative behaviors and suboptimal patient outcomes. Pharmacist implementation is needed to assess CVD risk and to improve the health-related quality of life.Keywords: Cardiovascular disease risk, Framingham risk score, Knowledge questionnaire

Transpiration difference under high evaporative demand in chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) may be explained by differences in the water transport pathway in the root cylinder

Terminal drought substantially reduces chickpea yield. Reducing water use at vegetative stage by reducing transpiration under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD), i.e. under dry/ hot conditions, contributes to drought adaptation. We hypothesized that this trait could relate to differences in a genotype’s dependence on root water transport pathways and hydraulics. • Transpiration rate responses in conservative and profligate chickpea genotypes were evaluated under increasing VPD in the presence/absence of apoplastic and cell-to-cell transport inhibitors. • Conservative genotypes ICC 4958 and ICC 8058 restricted transpiration under high VPD compared to the profligate genotypes ICC 14799 and ICC 867. Profligate genotypes were more affected by aquaporin inhibition of the cell-to-cell pathway than conservative genotypes, as measured by the root hydraulic conductance and transpiration under high VPD. Aquaporin inhibitor treatment also led to a larger reduction in root hydraulic conductivity in profligate than in conservative genotypes. In contrast, blockage of the apoplastic pathway in roots decreased transpiration more in conservative than in profligate genotypes. Interestingly, conservative genotypes had high early vigour, whereas profligate genotypes had low early vigour. • In conclusion, profligate genotypes depend more on the cell-to-cell pathway, which might explain their higher root hydraulic conductivity, whereas water-saving by restricting transpiration led to higher dependence on the apoplastic pathway. This opens the possibility to screen for conservative or profligate chickpea phenotypes using inhibitors, itself opening to the search of the genetic basis of these differences

Evaluation of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.)] Reference Genes in Various Tissues and under Abiotic Stress Conditions for Quantitative Real-Time PCR Data Normalization

Accurate and reliable gene expression data from qPCR depends on stable reference gene expression for potential gene functional analyses. In this study, 15 reference genes were selected and analyzed in various sample sets including abiotic stress treatments (salt, cold, water stress, heat, and abscisic acid) and tissues (leaves, roots, seedlings, panicle, and mature seeds). Statistical tools, including geNorm, NormFinder and RefFinder, were utilized to assess the suitability of reference genes based on their stability rankings for various sample groups. For abiotic stress, PP2A and CYP were identified as the most stable genes. In contrast, EIF4α was the most stable in the tissue sample set, followed by PP2A; PP2A was the most stable in all the sample set, followed by EIF4α. GAPDH, and UBC1 were the least stably expressed in the tissue and all the sample sets. These results also indicated that the use of two candidate reference genes would be sufficient for the optimization of normalization studies. To further verify the suitability of these genes for use as reference genes, SbHSF5 and SbHSF13 gene expression levels were normalized using the most and least stable sorghum reference genes in root and water stressed-leaf tissues of five sorghum varieties. This is the first systematic study of the selection of the most stable reference genes for qPCR-related assays in Sorghum bicolor that will potentially benefit future gene expression studies in sorghum and other closely related species

Plant vigour QTLs co-map with an earlier reported QTL hotspot for drought tolerance while water saving QTLs map in other regions of the chickpea genome

Background Terminal drought stress leads to substantial annual yield losses in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Adaptation to water limitation is a matter of matching water supply to water demand by the crop. Therefore, harnessing the genetics of traits contributing to plant water use, i.e. transpiration rate and canopy development dynamics, is important to design crop ideotypes suited to a varying range of water limited environments. With an aim of identifying genomic regions for plant vigour (growth and canopy size) and canopy conductance traits, 232 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between ICC 4958 and ICC 1882, were phenotyped at vegetative stage under well-watered conditions using a high throughput phenotyping platform (LeasyScan). Results Twenty one major quantitative trait loci (M-QTLs) were identified for plant vigour and canopy conductance traits using an ultra-high density bin map. Plant vigour traits had 13 M-QTLs on CaLG04, with favourable alleles from high vigour parent ICC 4958. Most of them co-mapped with a previously fine mapped major drought tolerance “QTL-hotspot” region on CaLG04. One M-QTL was found for canopy conductance on CaLG03 with the ultra-high density bin map. Comparative analysis of the QTLs found across different density genetic maps revealed that QTL size reduced considerably and % of phenotypic variation increased as marker density increased. Conclusion Earlier reported drought tolerance hotspot is a vigour locus. The fact that canopy conductance traits, i.e. the other important determinant of plant water use, mapped on CaLG03 provides an opportunity to manipulate these loci to tailor recombinants having low/high transpiration rate and plant vigour, fitted to specific drought stress scenarios in chickpea

Chickpea Genotypes Contrasting for Vigor and Canopy Conductance Also Differ in Their Dependence on Different Water Transport Pathways

Lower plant transpiration rate (TR) under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) conditions and early plant vigor are proposed as major traits influencing the rate of crop water use and possibly the fitness of chickpea lines to specific terminal drought conditions—this being the major constraint limiting chickpea productivity. The physiological mechanisms underlying difference in TR under high VPD and vigor are still unresolved, and so is the link between vigor and TR. Lower TR is hypothesized to relate to hydraulic conductance differences. Experiments were conducted in both soil (Vertisol) and hydroponic culture. The assessment of the TR response to increasing VPD showed that high vigor genotypes had TR restriction under high VPD, and this was confirmed in the early vigor parent and progeny genotype (ICC 4958 and RIL 211) having lower TR than the late vigor parent and progeny genotype (ICC 1882 and RIL 022). Inhibition of water transport pathways [apoplast and symplast (aquaporins)] in intact plants led to a lower transpiration inhibition in the early vigor/low TR genotypes than in the late vigor/high TR genotypes. De-rooted shoot treatment with an aquaporin inhibitor led to a lower transpiration inhibition in the early vigor/low TR genotypes than in the late vigor/high TR genotypes. Early vigor genotypes had lower root hydraulic conductivity than late vigor/high TR genotypes. Under inhibited conditions (apoplast, symplast), root hydraulic conductivity was reduced more in the late vigor/high TR genotypes than in the early vigor/low TR genotypes. We interpret that early vigor/low TR genotypes have a lower involvement of aquaporins in water transport pathways and may also have a smaller apoplastic pathway than high TR genotypes, which could explain the transpiration restriction under high VPD and would be helpful to conserve soil water under high evaporative demand. These findings open an opportunity for breeding to tailor genotypes with different “dosage” of these traits toward adaptation to varying drought-prone environments

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of Aquaporin genes in pearl millet [ Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br.] genotypes contrasting in their transpiration response to high vapour pressure deficits

Pearl millet is a crop of the semi-arid tropics having high degree of genetic diversity and variable tolerance to drought stress. To investigate drought tolerance mechanism that possibly accounts for differences in drought tolerance, four recombinant inbred lines from a high resolution cross (HRC) were selected for variability in their transpiration rate (Tr) response to vapour pressure deficit (VPD) conditions. The differential Tr response of the genotypes to increased VPD conditions was used to classify the genotypes as sensitive or insensitive to high VPD. Aquaporin (AQP) genes PgPIP1;1, PgPIP1;2, PgPIP2;1, PgPIP2;3, PgPIP2;6, PgTIP1;1 and PgTIP2;2 were cloned. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the cloned PgAQPs were evolutionarily closer to maize AQPs than to rice. PgAQP genes, including PgPIP1;1 and PgPIP2;6 in root tissue showed a significant expression pattern with higher expression in VPD-insensitive genotypes than VPD-sensitive genotypes under low VPD conditions (1.2 kPa) i.e when there is no high evaporative demand from the atmosphere. PgAQP genes (PgPIP2;1 in leaf and root tissues; PgPIP1;2 and PgTIP2;2 in leaf and PgPIP2;6 in root) followed a diurnal rhythm in leaves and roots that have either higher or lower expression levels at different time intervals. Under high VPD conditions (4.21 kPa), PgPIP2;3 showed higher transcript abundance in VPD-insensitive genotypes, and PgPIP2;1 in VPD-sensitive genotypes, while rest of the PgAQPs showed differential expression. Our current hypothesis is that these differences in the expression of AQP genes under different VPDs suggests a role of the AQPs in tuning the water transport pathways with variation between genotypes

Role of pearl millet aquaporin genes in abiotic stress response

Pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucumL.), a crop of semi-arid tropics, has remarkable tolerance to a wide range of abiotic stresses, including high degree of genetic diversity for drought stress tolerance. To investigate the molecular mechanisms that possibly account for differences in drought tolerance, four recombinant inbred lines from a high resolution cross (HRC) were selected for their variability in transpiration rate (Tr) response to vapour pressure deficit (VPD) conditions. The expression of PgAQPs in contrasting genotypes varied during the day, generally decreasing in the afternoon regardless of the VPD conditions. However, under high VPD conditions (4.21kPa), both root and leaf tissues of the VPD-insensitive genotypes had higher transcript abundance than the VPD-sensitive genotypes. Three PIP2 subfamily genes (PIP2;1, PIP2;3 and PIP2;6) particularly PIP2;6 gene, showed an increase in transcript abundance under high VPD conditions. Transgenic tobacco plants constitutively expressing PgPIP2;6 gene were developed for functional validation studies in homozygous T2 transgenic tobacco plants. The transgenic plants showed better tolerance under drought stress, VPD and salinity compared to wild type plants as seen from biochemical, physiological and molecular studies. The transgenic plants also showed increased soluble sugar, membrane stability, reduced electrolyte leakage and other photosynthetic parameters as compared to the wild type (WT). Taken together, our studies suggest that, PgPIP2;6gene can be deployed to engineer stress tolerant transgenic crops for sustained growth and productivity under unfavourable conditions

Adapting crops for semi-arid-tropical (SAT) agricultural systems: progress in TE research

Increasing the efficiency of water conversion into biomass (TE) is in focus for improvement of crop productivity under water- limited environments. The last ID conference highlighted that stomatal regulation under high vapor pressure can increase TE, which represented a new opportunity for crop improvement. While increasing TE leads to enhanced crop production under drought stress, managing water to assure its availability for the grain filling period is necessary. Particularly, we will focus on traits that alter the crop water-use profile during the season (e.g. canopy size and development), increase TE (e.g. canopy conductivity and structure), or achieve both. For these water-use related traits, the range of genetic variability has been explored and this allowed designing crops suitable for either agro-systems intensification or resilience. Yet, the interactions of physiological processes responsible for plant water use with environments are not fully understood and this talk will provide an update on these aspects. We will also show how the crop and socio-economic models are used to quantify the benefits and evaluate the trade-offs associated with different crop water-use strategies in semi-arid tropics agro-ecologies. Results indicate that variation in water-use related traits is frequently associated with grain versusstover production trade-offs. Therefore, the economic value of a particular technology intervention depends on the nature and type of commodity demand within the specific agro-system. We will discuss the possibilities of enhancing the crop value in the systems with high demand for staple food grains ormore complex dual purpose (food and fodder) crop production systems

LeasyScan: 3D scanning of crop canopy plus seamless monitoring of water use to harness the genetics of key traits for drought adaptation

With the genomics revolution in full swing, relevant phenotyping is now a main bottleneck. New imaging technologies provide opportunities for easier, faster and more informative phenotyping of many plant parameters. However, it is critical that the development of automated phenotyping be driven by a clear framing of target phenotypes rather than by a technological push, especially for complex constraints. Previous studies on drought adaptation shows the importance of water availability during the grain filling period, which depends on traits controlling the plant water budget at earlier stages. We will then discuss “cause” and “consequence” in phenotypes. Drawing on this, a phenotyping platform (LeasyScan) was developed to target canopy development and conductance traits. Based on a novel 3D scanning technique to capture leaf area development continuously and a scanner-to-plant concept to increase imaging throughput, LeasyScan is also equipped with 1488 analytical scales to measure transpiration seamlessly. Examples of the first applications are presented: (i) to compare the leaf area development pattern of pearl millet breeding material targeted to different agro-ecological zones, (ii) for the mapping of QTLs for vigour traits in chickpea, shown to co-map with an earlier reported “drought tolerance” QTL; (iii) for the mapping of leaf area development in pearl millet; (iv) for assessing the transpiration response to high vapour pressure deficit in different crops. This new platform has the potential to phenotype traits controlling plant water use at a high rate and precision, opening the opportunity to harness their genetics towards breeding improved varieties

Pearl Millet Aquaporin Gene PgPIP2;6 Improves Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Transgenic Tobacco

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br.] is an important cereal crop of the semiarid tropics, which can withstand prolonged drought and heat stress. Considering an active involvement of the aquaporin (AQP) genes in water transport and desiccation tolerance besides several basic functions, their potential role in abiotic stress tolerance was systematically characterized and functionally validated. A total of 34 AQP genes from P. glaucum were identified and categorized into four subfamilies, viz., plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs), nodulin-26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs), and small basic intrinsic proteins (SIPs). Sequence analysis revealed that PgAQPs have conserved characters of AQP genes with a closer relationship to sorghum. The PgAQPs were expressed differentially under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and progressive drought stresses where the PgPIP2;6 gene showed significant expression under high VPD and drought stress. Transgenic tobacco plants were developed by heterologous expression of the PgPIP2;6 gene and functionally characterized under different abiotic stresses to further unravel their role. Transgenic tobacco plants in the T2 generations displayed restricted transpiration and low root exudation rates in low- and high-VPD conditions. Under progressive drought stress, wild-type (WT) plants showed a quick or faster decline of soil moisture than transgenics. While under heat stress, PgPIP2;6 transgenics showed better adaptation to heat (40C) with high canopy temperature depression (CTD) and low transpiration; under low-temperature stress, they displayed lower transpiration than their non-transgenic counterparts. Cumulatively, lower transpiration rate (Tr), low root exudation rate, declined transpiration, elevated CTD, and lower transpiration indicate that PgPIP2;6 plays a role under abiotic stress tolerance. Since the PgPIP2;6 transgenic plants exhibited better adaptation against major abiotic stresses such as drought, high VPD, heat, and cold stresses by virtue of enhanced transpiration efficiency, it has the potential to engineer abiotic stress tolerance for sustained growth and productivity of crops