Black Kidney Research Articles

Evaluation of biological traits, morphometric characteristics, feeding preferences, and infestation potential of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus fab.) on various pulse crops

The pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.), is a major invasive pest of stored legume seeds in Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate the biology, morphometrics, feeding potential, and seed damage caused by the beetle on different pulses under laboratory conditions in 2023. The insect laid the highest number of eggs on Vigna unguiculata (8.53±0.95), followed by V. radiata (7.55±0.78), V. mungo (6.66±0.75), Phaseolus vulgaris (6.61±0.63), and Cicer arietinum (5.02±0.37). The mean egg incubation periods were recorded as follows: black gram (5.60±0.54), cowpeas (5.50±0.21), chickpea (4.00±0.72), green gram (4.00±0.37), and kidney bean (0.00±0.00) days, respectively. The egg hatching rates were (39.30%) green gram, (36.10%) cowpeas, (19.50%) chickpea, (5.10%) black gram, and (0.00%) for kidney beans. Notably, while (23.30%) of the eggs were laid on kidney beans, none hatched, and no adults emerged due to the smooth surface of the seed coat. The larvae and pupae development period lasted (24-27) days on black gram, (23-25) days on white gram, (19-21) days on cowpeas, and (18-20) days on green gram. Adult females survived for (14-15) days on cowpeas, (10-15) days on green gram, (12-14) days on black gram, and (10-11) days on chickpea. The mean fecundity was recorded at (6.12±3.17) eggs when two males fertilized one female and (8.73±4.22) eggs when one male fertilized two females. Cowpea seeds were identified as the preferred food source for C. maculatus compared to other pulses. Therefore, effective control of this pest is crucial to protect legume crops.

344.8: Results from the COBIT-UK Study: Comparative outcomes of black and caucasian kidney transplant recipients in the United Kingdom.

344.8: Results from the COBIT-UK Study: Comparative outcomes of black and caucasian kidney transplant recipients in the United Kingdom.

Discussion.

Discussion.

DETERMINATION OF DFG IN A BLACK AFRICAN POPULATION WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN 2023: COMPARISON OF THE PERFORMANCE OF 11 ESTIMATION EQUATIONS

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is a public health problem. To date, several equations have been proposed for its diagnosis, but these remain relatively approximate. In Africa, in the absence of specific recommendations, these formulas are used with the consequent risk of diagnostic bias, whereas in recent years, studies carried out in Africa have questioned the relevance of the ethno-racial factor used in certain equations in a healthy population. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate 11 equations currently in use in black African chronic kidney disease patients. Material and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study involving 183 chronically ill renal patients in whom GFR was measured by iohexol plasma clearance used as a reference and estimated by 11 current equations. The performance of the current equations was determined by calculating the median bias, interquartile range and accuracy at P30 in comparison with the reference method. Results: EKFC equations showed the best bias and accuracy at 30%. The 2021 CKD epi equations have not proven their performance in our African population of chronic kidney disease subjects. The use of cystatin as a biomarker added value to each type of equation. Unfortunately, the 30% accuracies of all equations remain below 75% in the chronic kidney disease population. Conclusion: The equation best suited in 2023 to our sick black African population is the EKFC equation and its variants. Although it remains the best-performing, the 30% accuracy remains below 75%.

Effect of Processing Methods on Antinutritional Factors (Oxalate, Phytate, and Tannin) and Their Interaction with Minerals (Calcium, Iron, and Zinc) in Red, White, and Black Kidney Beans.

The purpose of this study was to assess how different processing techniques affected mineral compositions, antinutritional factors, and their interactions in red, white, and black kidney beans consumed in Ethiopia. Mineral contents were found to be 41-44, 58-78, and 112-126 mg Ca/100 g in the raw, soaked, and cooked samples, respectively. Iron content in the raw, soaked and cooked samples were found to be 2.77-2.97, 1.94-2.20 and 2.87-3.28 mg Fe/100 g, respectively, showing 26-30% loss on soaking followed by 33-48% increase on cooking. While Zn content in the raw, soaked and cooked samples were found to be 2.47-3.26, 3.34-4.68 and 2.83-3.31 mg Zn/100 g, respectively, showing 35-43% increase on soaking followed by 15-29% decrease on cooking. In the case of antinutrients, both treatments showed incredible decrements. Phytate in the raw samples was 178-179 mg/100 g and showed a 12-16% decrement on soaking and a 37-38% decrement up on cooking, oxalate was 1.5-1.8 mg/100 g in the raw samples and showed a 4.4-13% decrement during treatments, and tannin in the raw samples was 102-160 mg/100 g and showed a 23-30% decrement on soaking, followed by 21-41% during cooking. Phytate : Ca and oxalate : Ca molar ratios in soaked and cooked samples were within the critical values in the raw samples. In contrast, phytate : Zn and Ca × phytate : Zn in all treatments were found to be within the critical value, confirming the good bioavailability of zinc in all the samples, while phytate : Fe was found over the critical value, showing its poor availability.

EPH55 Adherence and Persistence with SGLT-2 Inhibitors Among White and Black Diabetic Kidney Disease Patients: Real-World Evidence from a Large US Claims Database

To compare adherence and persistence with sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) between White and Black diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients in a US claims database.

Age associations with tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics in stable Black and White kidney transplant recipients: Implications for health inequities.

Tacrolimus (TAC) and mycophenolic acid (MPA) provide maintenance immunosuppression and is dosed empirically in elderly kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) resulting in health inequities. Limited immunosuppressive pharmacokinetics are available comparing adult ages. This secondary analysis compared TAC and MPA pharmacokinetics and adverse effects (AEs) among young, middle-aged, and elderly Black and White KTRs. The 12-h TAC and MPA pharmacokinetics with AE evaluation were conducted in 67 stableKTRs greater than or equal to 6 months post-transplant. TAC regimens were adjusted to target troughs. MPA regimens were adjusted using clinical response. Participants were: young: less than or equal to 40 years; middle age: greater than 40 to 60 years, and elderly greater than 60 years. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis determined area under the concentration-time curve 0-12 h (AUC0-12h ), clearance (CL), and CL/body mass index (BMI) with 0-h troughs. MPA enterohepatic recirculation (EHR), MPA-AUC6-12h /MPA-AUC0-12h , and MPA glucuronide (MPAG)-AUC0-12h /MPA-AUC0-12h were determined. Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted using SAS version 9.4. No group differences were noted for estimated glomerular filtration rate, MPA, and TAC doses. EHR was reduced in elderly with decreased MPA-AUC6-12h /MPA-AUC0-12h (p=0.049) and increased MPAG-AUC0-12h /MPA-AUC0-12h (p=0.036). MPA troughs (p=0.045) were reduced in the elderly. TAC CL/BMI (p=0.043) was reduced in the elderly. For therapeutic MPA AUC0-12h : 30-60 mg·h/L, 34.3% KTRs achieved this target with 55.2% greater than the therapeutic range. 77.6% KTR were in the TAC AUC0-12h target: 100-190 ng·h/mL and 19.4% were below this range with no age relationship. In 44% young, 26% middle-age and 7.8% elderly subjects achieved target AUC0-12h for both medications (p=0.036). Neurologic AEs were manifested in the elderly (p=0.014). Immunosuppressive pharmacokinetics demonstrated age-related differences with reduced TAC CL/BMI and MPA EHR and increased neurologic AE in the elderly. This immunosuppressive regimen may require age-adjusted individualization to optimize allograft function.

Testing the Differential Access Hypothesis That Black Kidney Transplant Candidates Perceive Social Network Access to Fewer Potential Living Donors Than White Candidates.

Many studies of Black-White disparities in living donor kidney transplantation hypothesize that they were partially due to Black-White differences in candidate social network access to healthy, willing donors. This differential access hypothesis has not been tested using directly measured social network data. Do black kidney transplant candidates have perceived lower social network access to health and/or willing living donors than white candidates? A cross-sectional survey that measured the social network members was collected in 2015. Black-White differences in patient counts of perceived healthy and/or willing potential donors in social networks, and individual network members' probability of being perceived healthy and/or willing, were compared using logistic and negative binomial regression models. The survey included 66 kidney transplant candidates reporting on 1474 social network members at a large Southeastern US transplant center in 2015. Black and White patients had similar access to perceived healthy, likely potential donors (86% vs 87% had 1 or more, P = .92; 5.91 vs 4.13 mean counts, P = .20) and perceived healthy, agreed potential donors (56% vs 48%, P = .54; 1.77 vs 1.74, P = .97). Black patients' network members were individually more likely to be perceived healthy and likely potential donors (26% vs 21%, P = .04), and White patients' network members were more likely to have agreed (13% vs 9%, P = .03), but these differences were statistically insignificant in demographically adjusted models. Black and White transplant candidates perceived access to similar numbers of potential donors in their social networks. This result does not support the differential access hypothesis.

WCN23-0663 Blood pressure circadian rhythm in a black chronic kidney disease population

WCN23-0663 Blood pressure circadian rhythm in a black chronic kidney disease population

A glycemic diet improves the understanding of glycemic control in diabetes patients during their follow-up.

A glycemic diet improves the understanding of glycemic control in diabetes patients during their follow-up.

Comparison of P-glycoprotein function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells ex vivo in stable Black and White male and female kidney transplant recipients.

Kidney allograft survival remains poorer in Black compared to White recipients due to racial differences in calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) pharmacology. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ABC efflux transporter expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), modulates CNI pharmacokinetics and intracellular pharmacology. This study investigated P-gp function in PBMC ex vivo at 0 (trough), 4, 8, and 12 h in stable Black and White male and female kidney transplant recipients (n=67) receiving tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid. Tacrolimus doses were adjusted to troughs of 4-10ng/ml. P-gp function was quantified with flow cytometric measurement of cyclosporine (CYA; 2.5μM)-reversible efflux of P-gp substrate, 3,3'-Diethyloxacarbocyanine iodide by determining the percentage change of mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) with CYA (% ΔMFI). The composite parameter of area under the concentration versus time (AUC)0-12h % ΔMFI estimated P-gp function. Data analysis examined race, sex, and race-sex associations to P-gp function. A secondary aim analyzed ABCB1 genotypes: 1236C>T (rs1128503), 2677G>T/A (rs2032582), 3435C>T (rs1045642), and P-gp function. P-gp function (% ΔMFI) was higher in White patients at troughs (p=0.031) compared to Black counterparts with similar trends at 4 and 8h. Reduced AUC0-12h % ΔMFI was noted in Black recipients (N=32) compared with Whites (N=35, p=0.029) with notable pairwise adjusted differences between Black and White women (p=0.021). Higher AUC0-12h % ΔMFI was associated with ABCB1 2677 TT compared to GG variants (p=0.035). The AUC0-12h % ΔMFI was greater in White than Black subjects. P-gp function was higher at troughs in White subjects and differed between race-sex groups. P-gp function in PBMC may influence intracellular tacrolimus exposure and inter-relating pharmacodynamic responses which may support race and sex pharmacologic differences.

Understanding the differences in heat-induced gel properties of twelve legume proteins: A comparative study

This study aimed to investigate the rheological and textural properties of heat-induced gels from twelve legume protein isolates at pH 3.0 and 7.0, including black kidney bean (BKPI), speckled kidney bean (SKPI), panda bean (PDPI), cowpea (CPPI), mung bean (MPI), adzuki bean (API), rice bean (RPI), black soybean (BPI), soybean (SPI), chickpea (CPI), broad bean (BRPI) and pea (PPI). SDS-PAGE revealed that 7S globulin was prominent protein in BKPI, SKPI, PDPI, CPPI, MPI, API and RPI, the main protein fraction of CPI was 11S globulin, and BPI, SPI, BRPI and PPI contained both 7S and 11S globulins as major components. Based on the gel’s Power Law constant (K’) and hardness, twelve legume proteins were divided into three categories with high, medium and low gel strength. BKPI, SKPI and PDPI with Phaseolin being the major protein fraction showed high gel strength regardless of pH. Electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds were the most important intermolecular forces in the formation of legume protein gel networks, of which gel strength at pH 3.0 and pH 7.0 was significantly affected by electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds, respectively. Moreover, gel strength was also remarkably negatively influenced by the non-network proteins. SEM observation indicated that the microstructure of gels at pH 7.0 was denser and more homogeneous than that at pH 3.0, leading to better water holding capacity. These findings would be of great importance for understanding the differences in legume protein gels, and also laid the scientific support for expanding applications of legume proteins in gel-based foods.

Localization of the Neuropeptide Arginine Vasotocin and Its Receptor in the Osmoregulatory Organs of Black Porgy, Acanthopagrus schlegelii: Gills, Kidneys, and Intestines.

The neurohypophysial hormone arginine vasotocin (avt) and its receptor (avtr) regulates ions in the osmoregulatory organs of euryhaline black porgy (Acanthopagrus schlegelii). The localization of avt and avtr transcripts in the osmoregulatory organs has yet to be demonstrated. Thus, in the present study, we performed an in situ hybridization analysis to determine the localization of avt and avtr in the gills, kidneys, and intestines of the black porgy. The avt and avtr transcripts were identified in the filament and lamellae region of the gills in the black porgy. However, the basal membrane of the filament contained more avt and avtr transcripts. Fluorescence double tagging analysis revealed that avt and avtr mRNAs were partially co-localized with α-Nka-ir cells in the gill filament. The proximal tubules, distal tubules, and collecting duct of the kidney all had positive hybridization signals for the avt and avtr transcripts. Unlike the α-Nka immunoreactive cells, the avt and avtr transcripts were found on the basolateral surface of the distal convoluted tubule and in the entire cells of the proximal convoluted tubules of the black porgy kidney. In the intestine, the avt and avtr transcripts were found in the basolateral membrane of the enterocytes. Collectively, this study provides a summary of evidence suggesting that the neuropeptides avt and avtr with α-Nka-ir cells may have functions in the gills, kidneys, and intestines via ionocytes.

Cellular composition of the black scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus, L 1758) blood and head kidney under short-time acute exposure to hypoxia.

In the present work, we studied the effect of short-term acute hypoxia on the cellular composition of the blood and the head kidney of the black scorpionfish. Dissolved oxygen concentration was decreased from 8.5-8.7mg O2 l-1 (normoxia) to 3-5mg O2 l-1 (relative normoxia), 1-3mg O2 l-1 (moderate hypoxia), and 0-1mg O2 l-1 (acute hypoxia) within 1.5-2h by bubbling of water with N2. Exposure period was 4h, water temperature was adjusted to 14-16°C, and photoperiod was 12h (light). Short-time acute hypoxia induced a rapid release of blast and immature cells from the head kidney into the circulating blood of the black scorpionfish, which was associated with reduction in erythropoietic reserves in 2.5 times. The number of immature erythroid cells (pronormoblasts, basophilic and polychromatophilic normoblasts) significantly increased in blood, and the simultaneously relative decrease of the number of abnormal red blood cell (RBC) and the increase of the number of RBC ghosts (lysed RBCs) in circulating blood were observed. The significant correlation between methemoglobin concentration and the number of RBC ghosts was shown (R2 = 0.640 or r = 0.800). Hypoxia induced RBC swelling on 5-6% compared to control. The number of RBC ghosts in the blood is likely involved in the stimulation of erythropoietin production under hypoxia.

Immunopotentiation mechanism of a mannose-modified peptide fragment containing a dominant antigenic epitope of Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus (MSRV) glycoprotein after coupling to nanocarrier

Micropterus salmoides rhabavirus (MSRV) is an important pathogen that threatens the aquaculture of bass farming worldwide, and the efficacy of vaccines developed against this pathogen still needs to be improved. In order to further enhance the immune efficacy of existing vaccines, a mannose-modified nanovector vaccine SWCNTs-M-G2 was constructed by screening for peptide fragments encoding highly immunogenic antigenic epitopes (G2) and mannose modifications. Mannose receptor (MR) is abundantly expressed on the surface of Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and plays a role in recognizing pathogens and presenting antigens. In this study, the effect of mannosylated modification on the immunopotentiation of highly immunogenic peptide fragments was investigated by using the characteristics of MR-specific recognition of mannose and APCs surface. In vitro macrophage assays showed that SWCNTs-M-G2 was efficiently phagocytosed and taken up by largemouth black bass head kidney macrophages, and effectively stimulated macrophage activation and upregulated the secretion of macrophage cytokines IL-1β, IL-8 and IL-12. In vivo, SWCNTs-M-G2 was also shown to be better taken up by immune organs such as spleen and head kidney, and induced increased expression of IL-1β, IL-8 and IL-12 in the immune organs of Micropterus salmoides, and promoted the expression of TCR and CD4 molecules in specific immune cells. Meanwhile, in vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that SWCNTs-M-G2 could be in the immune organ of fish for a longer period of time, contributing to the efficient uptake of antigens. Finally, the challenge test showed that SWCNTs-M-G2 could mediate the production of specific antibodies at a higher level than the unmodified carrier vaccine SWCNTs-G2 and showed a higher relative immune protection rate.

Measuring kidney function: the voice of Africa

Measuring kidney function: the voice of Africa

QTL mapping and identification of genes associated with the resistance to Acanthoscelides obtectus in cultivated common bean using a high-density genetic linkage map

BackgroundCommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important agricultural product with large nutritional value, and the insect pest Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) seriously affects its product quality and commodity quality during storage. Few researches on genes of bruchid resistance have investigated in common bean cultivars.ResultsIn this study, a bruchid-resistant cultivar black kidney bean and a highly susceptible accession Longyundou3 from different gene banks were crossed to construct a recombinant inbred line population. The genetic analysis indicated a quantitative inheritance of the bruchid resistance trait controlled by polygenes. A high-density genetic map of a total map distance of 1283.68 cM with an average interval of 0.61 cM between each marker was constructed using an F6 population of 157 recombinant inbred lines. The map has 3106 bin markers, containing 2,234,769 SNPs. Using the high-density genetic map, a new quantitative trait locus for the resistance to Acanthoscelides obtectus was identified on chromosome 6. New molecular markers based on the candidate region were developed, and this locus was further delimited to an interval of 122.3 kb between SSR markers I6–4 and I6–16 using an F2 population. This region comprised five genes. Phvul.006G003700, which encodes a bifunctional inhibitor, may be a potential candidate gene for bruchid resistance. Sequencing analysis of candidate gene identified a 5 bp insertion-deletion in promoter of gene Phvul.006G003700 between two parents. Expression analysis of candidate gene revealed that the expression level of Phvul.006G003700 in bruchid-resistant parent was markedly higher than that in bruchid-susceptible parent both in dry seeds and leaves.ConclusionsA high-density genetic linkage map was constructed utilizing whole-genome resequencing and one new QTL for bruchid resistance was identified on chromosome 6 in common bean cultivar. Phvul.006G003700 (encoding a bifunctional inhibitor) may be a potential candidate gene. These results may form the basis for further research to reveal the bruchid resistance molecular mechanism of common bean.

Use of Machine Learning Consensus Clustering to Identify Distinct Subtypes of Black Kidney Transplant Recipients and Associated Outcomes

Among kidney transplant recipients, Black patients continue to have worse graft function and reduced patient and graft survival. Better understanding of different phenotypes and subgroups of Black kidney transplant recipients may help the transplant community to identify individualized strategies to improve outcomes among these vulnerable groups. To cluster Black kidney transplant recipients in the US using an unsupervised machine learning approach. This cohort study performed consensus cluster analysis based on recipient-, donor-, and transplant-related characteristics in Black kidney transplant recipients in the US from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing database. Each cluster's key characteristics were identified using the standardized mean difference, and subsequently the posttransplant outcomes were compared among the clusters. Data were analyzed from June 9 to July 17, 2021. Machine learning consensus clustering approach. Death-censored graft failure, patient death within 3 years after kidney transplant, and allograft rejection within 1 year after kidney transplant. Consensus cluster analysis was performed for 22 687 Black kidney transplant recipients (mean [SD] age, 51.4 [12.6] years; 13 635 men [60%]), and 4 distinct clusters that best represented their clinical characteristics were identified. Cluster 1 was characterized by highly sensitized recipients of deceased donor kidney retransplants; cluster 2, by recipients of living donor kidney transplants with no or short prior dialysis; cluster 3, by young recipients with hypertension and without diabetes who received young deceased donor transplants with low kidney donor profile index scores; and cluster 4, by older recipients with diabetes who received kidneys from older donors with high kidney donor profile index scores and extended criteria donors. Cluster 2 had the most favorable outcomes in terms of death-censored graft failure, patient death, and allograft rejection. Compared with cluster 2, all other clusters had a higher risk of death-censored graft failure and death. Higher risk for rejection was found in clusters 1 and 3, but not cluster 4. In this cohort study using an unsupervised machine learning approach, the identification of clinically distinct clusters among Black kidney transplant recipients underscores the need for individualized care strategies to improve outcomes among vulnerable patient groups.

We need more kidneys: Living donation, BMI, and Black mortality from renal disease

Renal disease is an endemic problem within the United States, with about 10% of the population afflicted with kidney problems that range from minor to life-threatening. Black Americans are especially affected by kidney disease, with a high proportion of those affected needing a kidney transplant. While kidney transplants are very common, a shortage of donated kidneys exists, causing many people to turn to directed living donation, through which family members or friends volunteer to donate a healthy kidney to a specific person. This essay examines racial bias in the evaluation of living donors, especially the bias associated with body mass index. The requirement for a “normal weight” prevents many African American volunteers from donating, leading to a higher mortality rate than necessary for Black kidney transplant patients.

Perceived Susceptibility to Chronic Kidney Disease and Hypertension Self-Management among Black and White Live Kidney Donors.

Despite the societal benefits of live kidney donation, Black donors may be more likely than White donors to develop hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease after donation. Among live kidney donors diagnosed with post-donation HTN, little is known about potential racial/ethnic differences in HTN self-care behaviors and perceived susceptibility to developing kidney disease. We ascertained electronic medical records and phone survey data from live donors enrolled in the multi-center Wellness and Health Outcomes of LivE Donors (WHOLE-Donor) Hypertension Care Study between May 2013 and April 2020. Using multivariable logistic regression models performed January through June 2021, we examined potential associations of donor race/ethnicity with perceived susceptibility to kidney disease and self-care behaviors (ie, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System measure assessing self-reported actions to control high blood pressure). The study included 318 US-based live kidney donors who developed post-donation HTN (57.6% female; 78.9% White; 18.6% Black; and mean age 46.7 years at donation). Black donors were equally as likely as White donors to report being moderately or strongly concerned about developing kidney disease (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 1.27, 95%CI: .66, 2.14, P=.57). Donors with diabetes were more likely than those without diabetes (aOR: 2.43, 95%CI: 1.03, 5.01, P=.04), while donors aged >50 years were less likely than younger donors (aOR: .39, 95%CI: .18, .85, P=.02) to report being moderately or strongly concerned about kidney disease. Overall, 87% of donors reported taking at least one action to help control blood pressure, with no significant differences by sociodemographic factors. We found no substantial differences in perceived susceptibility to kidney disease among Black and White donors, despite published evidence that Black donors may experience greater risk of developing kidney disease than White donors. Behavioral interventions to enhance knowledge about future disease risk, attitudes, and self-care strategies among living kidney donors may be beneficial.