Lipophilic profiling of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench seedlings vis-à-vis Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) larvae reveals involvement of biomarkers in sorghum-stem borer interactions

95-108Lipophilic metabolites play important role in the developmental process of insects, however, still there is no clarity on their involvement in plant resistance. Therefore, we carried out the lipophilic profile of host sorghum genotype seedlings and the Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) larvae, to understand the role and contribution of certain lipophilic metabolites in sorghum plant defense against the dreaded pest, spotted stem borer, C. partellus. There were variations in the form of presence or absence, along with significant differences in lipophilic metabolites across sorghum genotypes and the C. partellus larvae. The significantly higher contents of myristic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eicosanoic acid and behenic acid in resistant sorghum genotypes; and linolenic acid, methyl 3-methoxytetradecanoate, myristic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, lathosterol and squalene in C. partellus larvae were significantly lower than those fed on susceptible genotype, indicating their role in insect-plant biochemical disruptions. Myristic acid, methyl 3-methoxy-tetradecanoate, stearic acid, squalene, fucosterol, hexacontane, tetrapentacontane, palmitic acid, l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexa-decanoate, 2-pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl, lignoceric acid and stigmasterol in sorghum seedlings contributed to 60 to 100% variability in various biological and resistance parameters of C. partellus. However, myristic acid, linoleic acid, margaric acid, methyl 14-methylhexadecanoate, methyl 3-methoxytetradecanoate, stearic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, eicosanoic acid, gamma-ergostenol, cholesterol, lathosterol, squalene, 1-triacontanol and n-pentadecanol in C. partellus larvae contributed to 64 to 100% variability in various biological and resistance parameters of C. partellus. The myristic acid, methyl 3-methoxytetradecanoate, palmitic acid, stearic acid and squalene present in both host plant and the test insect, contributed significantly to explain variability in resistance against C. partellus, thus could be used as biomarkers for sorghum-stem borer interactions

Biochemical defense in maize against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants

54-63Biochemical defense against herbivores is one of the most important components of plant resistance to insects. Here, we studied the constitutive and induced biochemical defense through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in response to damage by the spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in six maize genotypes including resistance and susceptible checks. The levels of total sugars, total soluble protein and starch were significantly lower, while total phenol and total antioxidant higher in resistant than susceptible maize genotypes both under damaged and healthy plant conditions. The activity of antioxidant enzymes like AO, CAT, APX, PAL and TAL were significantly higher in resistant than susceptible genotype, Basi Local, which further increased in response to damage by C. partellus. The nonenzymatic antioxidant scavenging activity of FRAP was also significantly higher in resistant maize genotypes, which further increased upon damage by C. partellus. Total antioxidant activity increased from 22.2 to 96.3% across test maize genotypes in response to damage by C. partellus, wherein maximum increase was recorded in CML 345. These findings clearly demonstrate that both constitutive and induced biochemical compounds through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense systems impart resistance against C. partellus in CPM 8, CPM 13, CPM 15, CPM 18 and CML 345, thus could be used in insect resistance breeding program. These studies could also be useful for detailed understanding on metabolic pathways regulating biochemical defense and up- and down-regulation of associated genes in plant defense against biotic stresses

Biochemical defense in maize against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants

Biochemical defense against herbivores is one of the most important components of plant resistance to insects. Here, we studied the constitutive and induced biochemical defense through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in response to damage by the spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in six maize genotypes including resistance and susceptible checks. The levels of total sugars, total soluble protein and starch were significantly lower, while total phenol and total antioxidant higher in resistant than susceptible maize genotypes both under damaged and healthy plant conditions. The activity of antioxidant enzymes like AO, CAT, APX, PAL and TAL were significantly higher in resistant than susceptible genotype, Basi Local, which further increased in response to damage by C. partellus. The nonenzymatic antioxidant scavenging activity of FRAP was also significantly higher in resistant maize genotypes, which further increased upon damage by C. partellus. Total antioxidant activity increased from 22.2 to 96.3% across test maize genotypes in response to damage by C. partellus, wherein maximum increase was recorded in CML 345. These findings clearly demonstrate that both constitutive and induced biochemical compounds through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense systems impart resistance against C. partellus in CPM 8, CPM 13, CPM 15, CPM 18 and CML 345, thus could be used in insect resistance breeding program. These studies could also be useful for detailed understanding on metabolic pathways regulating biochemical defense and up- and down-regulation of associated genes in plant defense against biotic stresses

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Lipophilic metabolite profiling of maize and sorghum seeds and seedlings, and their pest spotted stem borer larvae: A standardized GC-MS based approach

170-176In order to better understand the biochemical interactions and to identify new biomarkers for plant resistance against insects, we proposed a suitable lipophilic profiling method for insects and their host plants. The critical components of GC-MS based analysis are: sample amount, extraction, derivatization, temperature gradient, run time, and identification of peaks. For lipophilic metabolite profiling of maize and sorghum, and their insect pest, spotted stem borer larvae, we recommend 100 mg sample weight for seeds and insect samples (whole insect body), and 200 mg for seedlings. Maize and sorghum seeds required less time for fat extraction in comparison to their seedlings and the pest fed on these seedlings. GC-MS was standardized for better separation and intensity of peaks using different temperature gradients in the range of 180-300 C. A total of 48 lipophilic compounds encompassing various classes based on their functional groups such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols, hydrocarbons, sterols and terpenoids, vitamin derivative, etc. were separated in the seedlings (30), seeds (14), and the pest (26) in the retention time range of 3.22 to 29.41 min. This method could be useful to study nutritional aspects of different field crops in relation to various stresses apart from the analysis of lipophilic compounds for better understanding of insect-plant interactions. </span

Physicochemical mechanisms of resistance in sorghum to <em>Chilo partellus</em> (Swinhoe)

29-38Variation in nutritional components and amounts of secondary metabolites not only affects the growth, development and survival of insect herbivores but also indirectly influences expression of host plant resistance to insects. In this study, we examined the role of different biochemical and morphological factors in sorghum as host plant defense against the spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). The genotypes  IS 2205 and IS 2123  suffered lower deadheart incidence, and exhibited deleterious effects on development and survival of C. partellus, followed by ICSV 700, ICSV 708 and ICSV 25066 than the susceptible check, Swarna. The anthocyanin pigmentation in sorghum seedlings and C. partellus deadhearts were found significantly and negatively correlated with the larval period (r = −0.60** to −0.88**), while positively correlated with the larval and pupal weights, and larval survival and adult emergence (r = 0.58* to 0.95**). Conversely, the numbers of C. partellus exit holes in the stalk, larvae recovered, number of tunnels and stem tunneling length were significantly and positively correlated (*, ** = P ≤0.05 and 0.01, respectively) with the larval period (r = 0.72** to 0.89**), but significantly and negatively correlated with larval and pupal weights, larval survival and adult emergence (r = −0.54* to −0.84**). Although there was significant variation in morphological traits and biochemical composition of the sorghum genotypes, there was no direct link to expression of resistance to this insect, but for a few cases. The significant and negative association of total carotenoid, p-coumaric acid, zinc and iron contents with growth, development and survival of C. partellus, and damage parameters (r = −0.48* to −0.72**), indicated their role in expression of resistance to C. partellus in sorghum. However, the interaction among different biochemical compounds and the morphological traits, rather than a particular biochemical constituent played a greater role in host plant defense against C. partellus

Deep Vein Thrombosis after Coronary Angiography

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a rare but potentially serious complication of coronary angiography (CAG), incidence being just 0.05%. Only a few clinical cases of DVT after diagnostic transfemoral catheterization have been reported. Here, we describe the case of a 54-year-old woman who developed significant DVT after CAG without venous thromboembolism (VTE) and, which was treated with anticoagulants

Extensive vascular calcification

Calciphylaxis denotes the presence of cutaneous gangrene secondary to the ischemic necrosis caused by vascular calcification. This is seen in patients with end stage renal disease, especially those using the renal replacement therapy. We recently encountered an elderly patient with long standing type 2 diabetes who presented with diabetic foot disease. The evaluation revealed extensive vascular calcifications along with diabetic nephropathy. In this report, we present the case details along with the interesting aspects of the calciphylaxis

Profile of infections in renal transplant recipients from India

Background: Infectious disorders are a major cause of concern in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) leading to considerable morbidity and mortality. We studied the profile and outcomes of infectious disorders in a cohort of RTR. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, observational study, we evaluated all RTR who presented with the features of infection. We also included asymptomatic patients with microbiological evidence of infection. We excluded patients with acute rejection, drug toxicity, and malignancy. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. Results: The study population (n = 45, 35 male and 10 female) had a mean age of 35.5 ± 10.4 years and follow-up after transplant was 2.1 ± 1.7 years. Urinary tract infection (UTI, n = 15) is the most common infection followed by tuberculosis (TB, n = 8), cytomegalovirus (n = 6), candidiasis (n = 7), and hepatitis (n = 11). Miscellaneous infections such as cryptosporidiosis and pneumocystis were seen in 10 patients. Simultaneous infections with two organisms were seen in 7 patients. Four patients succumbed to multiorgan dysfunction following sepsis, another 4 patients developed chronic graft dysfunction, while the remaining 35 RTR had a good graft function. Conclusion: Infectious complications are very common in the posttransplant period including UTI and TB. Further large scale studies are required to identify the potential risk factors leading to infections in RTR