CGMS System Research Articles

Pigeonpea hybrid breeding in India

The constantly increasing gap in the demand to supply for pigeon pea has been a matter of concern to pigeon pea researchers in India to increase productivity and production. The entomophily abet cross-pollination behavior of pigeon pea is a desirable crop to develop and establish the hybrid system to exploit the commercial heterosis. Keeping this in view, pigeon pea research was directed towards a new initiative on hybrid pigeon pea breeding at ICRISAT, Hyderabad immediately after the identification of a male sterile line in 1974. Which in turn led to the development of a new GMS hybrid called ICPH 8 in 1991 for cultivation in the central zone. Then five GMS hybrids (PPH 4, CoPH 1, CoPH 2, AKPH 4101, and AKPH 2022) in the early maturing group were released by the state and central varietal release committee. Nevertheless, the GMS-based hybrids did not yield much success due to difficulty in the production of commercial F1 seed. Trifurcation of All India Coordinated Pulses Improvement (AICPIP) and further strengthening of AICPRP on pigeon pea led to the development of national level strategic and basic research vis-àvis provided testing platform for varieties and hybrids. The advertent GMS system led to the development of a stable and economically viable CGMS system in pigeon pea after 26 years of its first GMS initiative. The first CGMS line GT 288A and its maintainer B line was registered by Pulse Research Station, SDAU, GAU, SK Nagar, Gujarat in 2000. Consequently, in 2006 the first CMS hybrid GTH 1 was developed by SDAU, Gujarat, and released by CVRC for cultivation in the central zone. Thirty-nine CGMS lines have been registered with ICAR-NBPGR and four CMS-based hybrids (ICPH 2671, ICPH 2740, IPH 15-03, and IPH 09-5) are released for cultivation. It is to endorse that the joint efforts of the ICAR-NARS and ICRISAT led to the establishment of the hybrid system in pigeon pea by sharing the materials and technology. Nonetheless, supplying quality hybrid seed is a mammoth task to reap the true potential of hybrid technology in pigeon pea.

Genetics of fertility restoration for the A1 cytoplasmic genic male sterility system in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)

With the objective to investigate the inheritance pattern of fertility restoration of A1cytoplasm in multi-environments, six crosses were developed by crossing two A1 cytoplasm-based male sterile lines (A-lines) with three diverse restorers (R-lines). The parents, 6 F2s and 6 BC1s were evaluated in the rainy season at Delhi and summer season at Delhi and Dharwad. Four crosses viz.,576A1×PPMI 1012, 411A1× PPMI 1012, 576A1× ICMR 06111 and 411A1× ICMR 06111 showed a segregation ratio of fertile: semi-fertile: sterile as 9:3:4 and 1:1:2 in F2 and BC1 generations, respectively, based on pollen fertility and seed set percent data, indicating digenic supplementary gene action. In the other two crosses, i.e., 576A1× HTP 94/54 and 411A1× HTP 94/54, different digenic ratios of 9:7 and 1:3 of fertile and sterile plants were observed in F2 and BC1 generations, respectively, indicating complementary interaction of two genes. The deviation of expected ratios in the summer season at Delhi resulted due to excess sterile plants, as influenced by modifiers and environmental conditions that prevailed during the dry season. Thus, in the present investigation, fertility restoration of A1-based CGMS system was observed to be governed by two major genes. Still, with different types of epistatic interactions, digenic inheritance of A1 cytoplasm suggests that test of allelism and genetic mapping of fertility restorer genes can be taken up in the future.

Efficacy of hybrid seed production through natural pollinators employing male sterility: Case study of ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L.] CGMS system

Potential of natural pollinators and manually assisted pollination for producing F1 hybrid seeds of ridge gourd hybrid ‘KRH 1’ was evaluated under open field condition for two seasons by growing male sterile line (KAU-LA-MS-101) and monoecious male fertile line (LA-102) in alternate rows. Investigation was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, India. Species diversity of the pollinators, peak foraging time of the pollinators, number of floral visits by pollinating bees and number of bees visiting a flower during stigma receptivity were recorded. Nectary glands of male and female flowers of KAU-LA-MS-101 and LA 102 were measured. Seed yield and seed quality related traits were also recorded following standard protocol. Male sterile plants produce small male flowers with tiny nectary glands when compared to that of LA- 102, but female flowers of male sterile line have larger nectary glands. Stingless bee (Tetragonula sp.), was the pollinator observed in the field during anthesis time with peak activity after 5.30 pm. Number of fruits, number of seeds per fruit and average seed weight were significantly different between male sterile line and monoecious male fertile line LA-102. Pollination efficiency of bees found to be high when compared to manual hands in terms of quality of seeds produced from male sterile plants. However manual hands proved to be better for inducing more number of seeds per fruit. Total seed yield per plant depends on the total number of fruits developed and pollination by bees induces the development of more flowers to maturity, thereby ensuring competitive seed yield. Seed yield per plant exhibited significant positive correlation with seed length, shoot length, root length, fresh weight, vigour index I and germination velocity index. Present investigation revealed the potential of male sterile line developed in ridge gourd for hybrid seed production. Alternate planting of fertility restorer line with the MS line and allowing open pollination with the assistance of bees will reduce the labour charge involved in hybrid seed production and quality seed can be made available at a competitive rate.

Validation of Molecular Markers Genetically Linked to S-Cytoplasm and Restoration-of-fertility (Rf) Loci in Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Existence of CGMS system in hot pepper is due to the rearrangements in the mitochondrial genome and is largely used in economized and pure F 1 hybrid seed production around the world. The orf456, a new ORF present at flanking region of the coxII gene at the 3’ end, was distinguished male sterile cytoplasm in hot peppers along with atp6-2gene. In the current study, eighteen pepper genotypes (nine each of A and corresponding B lines) of varied origin were used to validate with two male sterile cytoplasm (S-cytoplasm) specific sequence characterised amplified region (SCAR) markers viz., atp6-2 (875 bp) and orf456 (456 bp) and one restoration-of-fertility (Rf) locus specific marker, CRF (550 bp). The results clearly showed that the presence of CMS-S-cytoplasm and absence of restoration-of-fertility (Rf) gene in the pepper genotypes studied and is comparable with the phenotypic data. In view of the outcomes it has been reasoned that the accessible S and Rf markers available in the public domain are reproducible and can be promptly utilized for marker assisted selection (MAS) in hot pepper crop improvement program.

Validation of Molecular Markers Genetically Linked to S-Cytoplasm and Restoration-of-fertility (Rf) Loci in Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Existence of CGMS system in hot pepper is due to the rearrangements in the mitochondrial genome and is largely used in economized and pure F 1 hybrid seed production around the world. The orf456, a new ORF present at flanking region of the coxII gene at the 3’ end, was distinguished male sterile cytoplasm in hot peppers along with atp6-2gene. In the current study, eighteen pepper genotypes (nine each of A and corresponding B lines) of varied origin were used to validate with two male sterile cytoplasm (S-cytoplasm) specific sequence characterised amplified region (SCAR) markers viz., atp6-2 (875 bp) and orf456 (456 bp) and one restoration-of-fertility (Rf) locus specific marker, CRF (550 bp). The results clearly showed that the presence of CMS-S-cytoplasm and absence of restoration-of-fertility (Rf) gene in the pepper genotypes studied and is comparable with the phenotypic data. In view of the outcomes it has been reasoned that the accessible S and Rf markers available in the public domain are reproducible and can be promptly utilized for marker assisted selection (MAS) in hot pepper crop improvement program.

CONTRIBUCIÓN AL ESTUDIO FITOQUÍMICO DEL ZUMO DE Colignonia parviflora SUBSP. BIUMBELLATA (SAQTA)

En el presente trabajo se investigó las raíces de Colignonia parviflora subsp. biumbellata, fue adquirida en la ciudad de Chinchero, a 3780 msnm. Fueron identificados 24 componentes químicos entre ésteres metílicos, monoterpeno, sesquiterpenos, fenilpropanos y alcoholes alifáticos en el aceite esencial de la raíz. La identificación fue a través de la comparación de los espectros de masas con el banco de datos del sistema de CG-EM (NIST 14) y por el análisis de sus espectros de masas obtenidos por cromatografía gaseosa acoplada a espectrómetro de masas. En la fase apolar del zumo de la raíz fueron identificados sus ácidos grasos mayoritarios y los metabolitos secundarios β-sitosterol, estigmasterol, estigmasta-7- en-3-ol, estigmasta-7,22-dien-3-ol, el éster metílico del ácido ferúlico y el ácido oleánico.

Influence of the course of type 1 diabetes on the left ventricular myocardial geometry and intracardiac hemodynamic.

The aim of the study was to examine changes in left ventricle (LV) geometry and to evaluate the systolic and diastolic function of LV in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) depending on the course of the disease. Materials and methods. 63 patients with T1DM were examined. The mean age was 31.5 (24.0, 39.0) years, the duration of the disease was 11.0 (5.0, 18.0) years. Laboratory tests: C-peptide, HbA1c, blood creatinine, first morning urinary albumin excretion (UAE), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) according to the formula CKD-EPI were made . Long-term monitoring of blood glucose levels during 6 days was conducted by using the CGMS system. Transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging were used. Patients were divided into groups: Group 1 – HbA1c≤7.0% (n = 21), Group 2 – HbA1c> 7.0% (n = 42). 10 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were included. Results. Patients with DM 1 had significantly higher indices of the LV mass index (LVMI), LV posterior wall thickness, interventricular septal excursion and left ventricular posterior wall excursion (p <0.05). Hypoglycemic episodes lead to thickening of the interventricular septum and LV posterior wall thickness, increase of LV end-systolic volume, decrease of ejection fraction, and prolongation of isovolumteric relaxation time (p <0.05). Diastolic dysfunction with impaired relaxation (grade I) was 18 in patients with DM 1 (28.57%) without significant differences between the 1 - st and 2 - nd groups. Concentric remodeling of LV occurs in 16 (76.2%) patients of group 1 and in 27 (64.29%) of group 2. Eccentric hypertrophy of LV is determined in 1 (4.76%) patient of group 1 and in 5 (11.9%) of group 2, respectively, and only in 9.52% patients with T1DM. Conclusions. Patients with DM 1 have signs of structural and geometric reconstruction and diastolic dysfunction. Hypoglycemia is a significant factor leading to the formation of LV hypertrophy, as well as to decrease both of diastolic and systolic function of the myocardium.

Multicentre randomized controlled trial with sensor-augmented pump vs multiple daily injections in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes in China: Time to reach target glucose

AimSensor-augmented pump (SAP) technology, which combines continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM), has been available for several years in China. In this study, the time required to reach predefined glycaemic targets with SAP vs multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy was compared in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MethodsAdults (aged 18–65 years) with T2DM treated with insulin and admitted to hospital for glucose management were randomized to either SAP (Medtronic MiniMed™ Paradigm™ 722 system) or MDI with blinded CGM (Medtronic MiniMed CGMS System Gold™) for a 2-week period. Glycaemic targets were defined as three preprandial measurements between 80 and 130mg/dL (4.4 and 7.2mmol/L) and three 2-h postprandial measurements between 80 and 180mg/dL (4.4 and 10.0mmol/L) within the same day. ResultsWhen data from 81 patients (40 SAP, 41 MDI) were analysed, 21 patients using SAP therapy, compared with six using MDI therapy, achieved their glycaemic targets within 3 days, and their time to reach their glucose targets was significantly shorter (3.7±1.1 vs 6.3±3.1 days for MDI; P<0.001), while three MDI patients failed to reach glycaemic targets within 14 days. SAP vs MDI patients experienced significantly less hypoglycaemia [sensor glucose<50mg/dL (2.8mmol/L): 0.04% vs 0.32%, respectively; P<0.05] and significantly less hyperglycaemia [sensor glucose>180mg/dL (10mmol/L): 21.56% vs 35.03%, respectively; P<0.05]. ConclusionSAP vs MDI therapy in hospitalized patients with T2DM significantly reduced the time required to achieve glycaemic targets, and such systems may be a cost-effective way to improve glucose control and reduce hospital stays in T2DM patients.

COMPLEX ASSESSMENT OF COMPENSATION IN DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 1 ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING

Objective: to give complex assessment of compensation in diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM 1) using the continuous glucose monitoring system. Material and methods. The study included 162 patients with DM 1 who were examined using the complex of methods: questionnaire survey, clinical and anamnestic analysis, laboratory investigation of glycohemoglobin level, and continuous glucose monitoring using a CGMS system. Results. The data analysis has showed that only 23% examined patients have adequate control of DM 1. The quality of DM 1 control did not depend on age, DM 1 duration and body mass index (BMI). The highest glycemia variability depended on the total daily dose of injected short action insulin. We have found a high risk for development of hypoglycemia episodes independently of DM 1 quality control. Conclusion. In order to prescribe correct treatment for patients with DM 1, besides the main target criteria of compensation, it is very important to determine the hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia risk indices as well as clinical hypoglycemic reactions for the assessment of DM 1 compensation.

Molecular markers linked to fertility restorer gene in A2 cytoplasm male sterility of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan

In pigeonpea the cytoplasmic-genetic male sterility (CMS) system is considered to be a feasible approach for the development of hybrids. Identification of CMS lines and their putative restorers using molecular markers in the early stage of growth is an important and economical in long duration pigeonpea. Based on phenotyping, the 120 plants of F 2 designated as fertile and sterile. Both visual and pollen staining phenotyping unequivocally exhibited 85 fertile: 35 sterile plants in F 2 population. The segregation of F 2 for fertility restoration of A 2 cytoplasm indicated 3F:1S segregation indicating dominant monogenic control of fertility restoration. Bulk segregant analysis revealed that 10 of the 139 polymorphic decamer RAPD markers produced precisely distinct bands subjective to fertility restorer DNA bulk while, none of the SSR was found polymorphic between bulks. Two of them viz ; OPC 7 617 (GTC CCG ACG A) and OPK 3 860 (CCA GCT TAG G) evinced clear and unambiguous bands for fertility restorations in F 2 population at 0.5 and 1.0 cM, respectively. They could be exploited as a precise selection tool for seminal but stubborn character like restoration of fertility in male sterile lines that has germane significance in otherwise immensely important heterosis breeding in pigeonpea. Key Words C. cajan, C. scarabaeoides, CGMS system, RAPD, SSR

Investigating inheritance patterns of a spontaneous mutant in pigeonpea and its future implications for CGMS based hybrid breeding

Despite concerted breeding efforts directed towards genetic improvement of pigeonpea, huge gap exists between its potential and actual yields. Recently, in order to stabilize pigeonpea yield the CGMS- based system has been established in pigeonpea. Maintenance of the genetic purity of parental lines and hybrids, however, remains one the greatest challenges associated with CGMS-based system. In the context, identification of some markers clearly discriminating the parental lines and hybrids would be of immense importance. With this view, here we report the discovery of a spontaneous mutant phenotype that would act as potential visual marker in the CGMS based hybrid breeding programmes. Moreover, the nature of inheritance for the mutant phenotype was also examined. All the F1s derived from a bi-parental cross (mutant × normal) were normal with lanceolate leaves and normal flower morphology while the F2 and backcross generations segregated in ratio of 3:1 and 1:1, respectively indicating monogenic recessive inheritance of the gene(s) under investigation. More importantly, existence of a single gene affecting both traits would facilitate rapid introgression of these morphological markers into genetic backgrounds of different A-lines which will help in differentiating the CGMS-hybrids from their parental lines (A-lines). It is envisaged that these morphological markers would greatly assist pigeonpea breeders in maintaining the genetic purity while dealing with CGMS system in pigeonpea.

Genetic analysis of fertility restoration under CGMS system in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using three-way test-cross method

We studied the genetics of fertility restoration by producing three-way test cross (TWTC) hybrids involved different combinations of restorers, maintainers and partial restorers of rice. Pollen and spikelet fertility of 16 TWTC hybrids were studied. Six TWTC involving restorer/restorer combinations as male parents produced progenies with fertility levels ranging from complete to zero. No specific ratio of segregation was observed. The crosses involving maintainer/maintainer combinations as male parents showed fully fertile and partial fertile/sterile plants in their progenies. These could be due to nonallelic gene interactions for fertility restoration between the two restorer or maintainer parents, or due to the influence of some modifying genes in the nuclear genome. TWTC involving partial restorer / restorer and partial restorer/partial restorer as the male parents also produced fully fertile and partial fertile/sterile plants suggesting the complex genetics of fertility restoration in rice. There were no previous results depicting the complementation effects of maintainers for fertility restoration.

Identification of heterotic hybrids and good combiner parents in leaf variants CGMS system in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajanL.)

Hybrids involving four diversified A2 cytoplasm based male sterile (CMS) lines viz., oval leaf, sesamum leaf, obcordifoliate leaf and small leaf, were selected and crossed with twelve diverse fertility restorer lines of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and these lines with hybrids were evaluated for the estimation of heterosis, GCA and SCA effects and variances in Lines x Tester analysis. Among the four CMS lines obcordifoliate leaf CMS line and three restorers AKPR178 (M), AKPR-364 and AKPR-192 were found good general combiners for yield and yield contributing traits. Hybrids viz., Obcordifoliate leaf × AKPR-178 (M), Obcordifoliate leaf × AKPR-344 and Obcordifoliate leaf × AKPR-210 exhibited highest significant economic heterosis and SCA effects over two checks PKV-TARA and AKT-8811. Obcordifoliate leaf was found best leaf type for hybrids.

Utility of Informative SSR Markers in the Molecular Characterization of Cytoplasmic Genetic Male Sterility-Based Hybrid and its Parents in Pigeonpea

Pigeonpea is one of the most important pulse crops in the semi-arid tropical region, which is prone to several climatic uncertainties like unpredictable temperature, frequent drought and inconsistent rainfall. Additionally, during crop cycle pigeonpea also encounters a wide range of other biotic and abiotic constraints, ultimately leading to its fluctuating production and stagnant productivity. However, recently developed CGMS system has shown noteworthy impacts in enhancing pigeonpea productivity through exploitation of hybrid vigour. At present, A2-cytoplasm derived CGMS system has been well established in pigeonpea. Nevertheless, the commercial success of CGMS system relies largely on the continuous supply of genetically pure seeds of hybrids and corresponding parental lines. Traditionally, the genetic purity of seeds is guaranteed through conducting grow out test (GoT). In this context, DNA marker assays offer several advantages over conventional GoT especially in terms of time, space and money. Given its locus-specific and co-dominant nature, SSR or microsatellite marker is particularly suited for hybridity testing and purity assessment. Here we report a set of robust SSR markers, which could act as reliable molecular kit for ensuring the genetic purity of the CGMS-hybrid ‘IPH 09-5’ and its parental lines ‘PA 163A’ (A-or Male sterile-line) and ‘AK 261322’ (R- or Restorer-line).

Возможности комплексной терапии пациентов c метаболическим синдромом на ранних стадиях его развития

This paper deals with the combination therapy of patients in the early stages of development of the metabolic syndrome (MS) according to the results of the survey and the 6-month treatment of 54 patients aged 20 to 55 years with a BMI ≥25 kg / m2 and signs of abdominal obesity. In the control group 15 of the surveyed persons with a BMI &amp;#60; 25,0 kg/m2 at age 20 to 50 years were included . According to the classification proposed in the recommendations of the experts of GFCF for the diagnosis and treatment of MS (2009), MS source in the group of patients with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was determined in 94.2% of cases. In this study the authors used laboratory examination, including general and biochemical blood tests to determine the level of glycated hemoglobin (Hb A1c), the concentration of magnesium and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum levels of C-peptide immuno-reactive insulin (IRI) to the calculation of indices: HOMO IR, characterizing insulin resistance (IR) and Caro, which characterizes the degree of impairment of glucose uptake. The instrumental methods were measurement of blood pressure by auscultatory method, ECG, echocardiography, ultrasound of the abdomen, CGMS-monitoring of blood glucose levels. According to the obtained data in the studied group of patients with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 statistically significant increase in blood pressure, severe insulin resistance with compensatory hyper-insulinemia, elevated levels of Hb A1c were identified. It is established that the formation of overweight in 68.5% of cases is accompanied by hypomagnesemia and activation of oxidative stress&amp;#34;. It was confirmed by statistically significant increase in MDA content. Number of newly diagnosed diseases - hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes type 2, NAFLD, patients with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was significantly higher than the con-trol, which confirms the dominant influence of overweight as a risk factor for CVD formation with impaired metabolism of glucose and lipids. To study the stages of development of MS in both groups of patients oral glu-cose tolerance test (PGT) was conducted. According to the obtained results, the patients of the studied group were divided into 3 subgroups (without carbohydrate metabolism, with IGT, with newly diagnosed type 2 diabe-tes). In the 1st subgroup concentrations of insulin and C-peptide at 30 min of the test was higher than in other subgroups and the control group, but this concentration was decreased to 120 minute test. In the 2nd subgroup of these indicators for 30 minutes were significantly lower and grew to 120 minute test. In the subgroup with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, this concentration of insulin and C-peptide at 30 min of the test was lower than in the control group, but the concentration was increased to 120 minute test. Monitoring blood glucose lev-els using the CGMS system helped to identify: in the 1st subgroup intermittent episodes of hyperglycemia to 5.5% daily time; significant episodes of hyperglycemia in the 3rd subgroup – 19% of the time during the day. Therefore, the first stage of correction of hyper-insulinemia and IR were: changing the receiving regime of low-calorie food and incretin mimetics appointment - exenatide. At the same time, the patients in the treatment group received drugs magnesium – Magnesium Orotate (if hypomagnesemia) and antioxidants – coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E. After 24 weeks of therapy, clinical examination demonstrated the effectiveness of treat-ment: BMI statistically significantly decreased by 8.5%, IL by 43.3%, normalization of the level of glycated hemoglobin and reduced levels of atherogenic lipids, as well as the achievement of target values of blood pressure on average for the study group were identified. Restoring the sensitivity of insulin receptors was accompanied by an increase in the level of magnesium in the blood by 47.5% and a simultaneous decrease in activity of oxidative system by 42.7%. The obtained results suggest the usefulness of the use of incretin mimetics drugs with antioxidant activity and therapy by preparations of magnesium in the prevention and treatment of MS in the early stages of development.

Winter wheat yield forecasting in Ukraine based on Earth observation, meteorological data and biophysical models

Ukraine is one of the most developed agriculture countries and one of the biggest crop producers in the world. Timely and accurate crop yield forecasts for Ukraine at regional level become a key element in providing support to policy makers in food security. In this paper, feasibility and relative efficiency of using moderate resolution satellite data to winter wheat forecasting in Ukraine at oblast level is assessed. Oblast is a sub-national administrative unit that corresponds to the NUTS2 level of the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) of the European Union. NDVI values were derived from the MODIS sensor at the 250m spatial resolution. For each oblast NDVI values were averaged for a cropland map (Rainfed croplands class) derived from the ESA GlobCover map, and were used as predictors in the regression models. Using a leave-one-out cross-validation procedure, the best time for making reliable yield forecasts in terms of root mean square error was identified. For most oblasts, NDVI values taken in April–May provided the minimum RMSE value when comparing to the official statistics, thus enabling forecasts 2–3 months prior to harvest. The NDVI-based approach was compared to the following approaches: empirical model based on meteorological observations (with forecasts in April–May that provide minimum RMSE value) and WOFOST crop growth simulation model implemented in the CGMS system (with forecasts in June that provide minimum RMSE value). All three approaches were run to produce winter wheat yield forecasts for independent datasets for 2010 and 2011, i.e. on data that were not used within model calibration process. The most accurate predictions for 2010 were achieved using the CGMS system with the RMSE value of 0.3tha−1 in June and 0.4tha−1 in April, while performance of three approaches for 2011 was almost the same (0.5–0.6tha−1 in April). Both NDVI-based approach and CGMS system overestimated winter wheat yield comparing to official statistics in 2010, and underestimated it in 2011. Therefore, we can conclude that performance of empirical NDVI-based regression model was similar to meteorological and CGMS models when producing winter wheat yield forecasts at oblast level in Ukraine 2–3 months prior to harvest, while providing minimum requirements to input datasets.

The efficacy of therapy with DPP-4 inhibitors combined with insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Recently, researchers started to pay increasingly more attention to the role of gastrointestinal hormones in regulation of insulin secretion, i.e. glucosehomeostasis. To-day, there are two approaches to the treatment of DM based on the use of GLP-1 effects. One takes advantage of DPP-4 inhibitorsthe other is combination of these agents with various drugs necessitated by heterogeneity of pathophysiological factors responsible for the developmentof DM2. The latter approach ensures multiple therapeutic effects on DM2 and its complications. Many on-going studies are focused on the use ofcombination of DPP-4 inhibitors and insulin. Vildagliptin (Galvus, Novartis Pharma, Switzerland) is presently the sole DPP-4 inhibitor approvedfor application with insulin in Russia.Aim. To estimate the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitor combined with long-acting insulin in the treatment of DM2. Materials and methods. The study group included 18 patients (2 men and 16 women) with DM2 treated with long-acting insulin (glargine, humulinNPH) for at least 3 months at a mean daily dose of 31.96?4.95 U. The age of the patients averaged 59.9?2.84 years (46-75), DM2 duration8.9?1.18 years (2-15). Parameters of comprehensive glycemic control (FG, PPG, HbA1c, LMWH - low-molecular weight heparins CGM-continuousglucose monitoring) were measured using a CGMS system in the beginning and end of the study. Functional activity of pancreatic betbeta-cells and insulinresistance (HOMA-IR), lipid metabolism, and anthropometric characteristics were estimated. Results. Combined therapy resulted in positive dynamics of carbohydrate metabolism within 12 weeks after onset. The functional activity of pancreaticbetbeta-cells significantly (by 157.96 U) improved by the end of the study. Changes of HOMA-IR were insignificant. CGM showed that prescription ofvildagliptin to the patients who failed to reach compensation of DM2 with long-acting insulin alone significantly improved glycemic control. Variabilityof glycemia remained unaltered during the entire period. Conclusion. Combined therapy of DM2 patients with vildagliptin and long-acting insulin for 12 weeks improved parameters of carbohydrate metabolismwithout hypoglycemic episodes changes, in fluctuation amplitude and body weight. The functional activity of pancreatic betbeta-cells was likewiseimproved.

Analysis of Hemodialysis-Associated Hypoglycemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

Adequate glycemic control is important for patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are reported as a useful method for glucose monitoring in patients under maintenance HD. The object of this study was to describe glucose profiles and hypoglycemia associated with HD in diabetes patients using a CGM system. We recruited nine medically stable patients with type 2 diabetes under maintenance HD. CGMS System Gold (Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, CA) was applied to the subjects for 144 h. During the period, HD using glucose-containing dialysate was performed every other day. Various glucose profiles were calculated from the CGM readings and compared between the day on and the day off dialysis. Mean ± SD for age, duration of diabetes, and hemoglobin A1c were 67 ± 9 years, 24 ± 9 years, and 8.6 ± 1.2%, respectively. Hemoglobin A1c was correlated with mean glucose (ρ = 0.780, P < 0.05) and with area under the curve for glucose above 180 mg/dL (ρ = 0.797, P<0.05). Although there was no difference for mean amplitude of glycemic excursion between the day on and off HD, hypoglycemia occurred predominantly with day on HD. In the subjects who maintained antidiabetes agents with day on HD, glucose levels decreased with initiation of HD, causing significantly lower glucose levels compared to those during the equivalent time of the following day without HD. According to the CGM system, glucose variability was not affected by HD. However, in spite of glucose-containing dialysate, HD seemed to increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Subcutaneous glucose measurements and glucose regulation (?)

Sir: Andrea Stoszkova et al. [1] conclude, based on a correlation coefficient of 0.69 comparing subcutaneous glucose values (Guardian RT) and blood glucose values (Central Laboratory) in 15 patients, that subcutaneous devices should not be used in critically ill patients. However, Holzinger et al. [2] in the August issue report a good correlation between subcutaneous and arterial glucose values, even in critically ill patients treated with norepinephrine. We also evaluated the accuracy and feasibility of a comparable continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring system (CGMS System Gold, Medtronic Minimed) and found a correlation coefficient of 0.87 with the point-of-care blood gas/glucose analyzer ABL 715 (Radiometer Medical, Copenhagen, Denmark), which we validated in ICU patients previously [3]. We drew 786 arterial blood samples from 60 consecutive ICU patients, of whom 37 patients received vaso-active medication (only norepinephrine) and 13 patients were treated with steroids. Blood glucose ranged from 2.2 to 20.1 mmol/l. In the Clarke error grid (Fig. 1), 85.1% of measurements were in zone A (clinically accurate, leading to correct and safe treatment decisions), 13.2% were in zone B (clinically acceptable), 0.13% were in zone C, and 1.5% were in zone D. Zone D means failure-to-detect (high or low blood glucose) errors, resulting in failure to treat either low or high blood glucose results appropriately. The readings in zone D were found in nine patients, of whom eight were treated with vasopressors. One could argue that—with a correlation coefficient of 0.87 and 98.3% of glucose values in the clinically acceptable zones—rejection of s.c. glucose determination in the ICU seems premature. Fig. 1 Clarke error-grid analysis On the other hand, looking more precisely at zone D of the Clarke error grid (Fig. 1), a difference of nearly 4 mmol/l in the lower glucose zone (reference 2.8 mmol/l versus s.c. sensor 6.5 mmol/l) observed in one patient could have severe consequences in this individual patient, if this results in an inappropriate rise in insulin dose. Unlike other diagnostic procedures, which usually are interpreted in conjunction with additional findings, a single glucose measurement has direct consequences for treatment, with potentially detrimental effects. In other words, tight glucose regulation in ICU patients using a subcutaneous device may lead to more severe adverse events than the zone interpretation of the error grid suggests. The fact that we now have safe computerized protocols, which give excellent glucose regulation with a very low chance of hypoglycemic events [4], adds to the feeling that for glucose regulation in critically ill patients only the best point-of-care glucose analyzer and protocol should be used [5]. In an era where the beneficial effect of tight glucose regulation is questioned we cannot afford the introduction of treatment-related morbidity.

Effect of targeting normal fasting glucose levels with basal insulin glargine on glycaemic variability and risk of hypoglycaemia: a randomized, controlled study in patients with early Type 2 diabetes

The purpose of this sub-study of the Outcome Reduction with Initial Glargine Intervention (ORIGIN) trial was to determine efficacy and safety of targeting normal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels in patients with early Type 2 diabetes treated with insulin glargine in comparison with standard care. Participants were randomly allocated to insulin or standard care. Insulin was titrated to reach FPG <or= 5.3 mmol/l. Two years after randomization in a small subset (43 glargine, 32 standard care), continuous glucose measurement (CGMS System Gold), including a test meal, was performed. Sixteen volunteers with normal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) served as control subjects. Objectives were glycaemic variability, standard deviation (sd), mean amplitude of glucose excursion (MAGE) with postprandial glucose excursion after the test meal, time spent < 3.0 mmol/l interstitial glucose. Participants allocated to insulin and standard care had FPG levels of 5.3 and 6.1 mmol/l (P = 0.019) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) 5.7% and 5.9%, respectively (P < 0.025). Time (min/24 h) spent at low glucose levels was not significantly different between groups (30.6 +/- 83.8 min control subjects, 33.7 +/- 75.1 min insulin, 10.6 +/- 50.6 min standard care). Standard deviation and MAGE were similar for glargine and standard care, but significantly higher than in control subjects. If FPG was < 5.3 mmol/l, the postprandial glucose excursion was in the range seen in control subjects. Treatment to target of FPG < 5.3 mmol/l with insulin glargine was not associated with significantly increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Strict control of FPG with insulin glargine was effective to control postprandial glucose excursion, but had no significant effect on sd and MAGE.