Multiomics-assisted characterization of rice-Yellow Stem Borer interaction provides genomic and mechanistic insights into stem borer resistance in rice

KEY MESSAGE

By deploying a multi-omics approach, we unraveled the mechanisms that might help rice to combat Yellow Stem Borer infestation, thus providing insights and scope for developing YSB resistant rice varieties. Yellow Stem Borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a major pest of rice, that can lead to 20-60% loss in rice production. Effective management of YSB infestation is challenged by the non-availability of adequate sources of resistance and poor understanding of resistance mechanisms, thus necessitating studies for generating resources to breed YSB resistant rice and to understand rice-YSB interaction. In this study, by using bulk-segregant analysis in combination with next-generation sequencing, Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) intervals in five rice chromosomes were mapped that could be associated with YSB resistance at the vegetative phase in a resistant rice line named SM92. Further, multiple SNP markers that showed significant association with YSB resistance in rice chromosomes 1, 5, 10, and 12 were developed. RNA-sequencing of the susceptible and resistant lines revealed several genes present in the candidate QTL intervals to be differentially regulated upon YSB infestation. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed a putative candidate gene that was predicted to encode an alpha-amylase inhibitor. Analysis of the transcriptome and metabolite profiles further revealed a possible link between phenylpropanoid metabolism and YSB resistance. Taken together, our study provides deeper insights into rice-YSB interaction and enhances the understanding of YSB resistance mechanism. Importantly, a promising breeding line and markers for YSB resistance have been developed that can potentially aid in marker-assisted breeding of YSB resistance among elite rice cultivars.

Combined strategy employing MutMap and RNA-seq reveals genomic regions and genes associated with complete panicle exsertion in rice

Complete panicle exsertion (CPE) in rice is an important determinant of yield and a desirable trait in breeding. However, the genetic basis of CPE in rice still remains to be completely characterized. An ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutant line of an elite cultivar Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204), displaying stable and consistent CPE, was identified and named as CPE-110. MutMap and RNA-seq were deployed for unraveling the genomic regions, genes, and markers associated with CPE. Two major genomic intervals, on chromosome 8 (25668481-25750456) and on chromosome 11 (20147154-20190400), were identified to be linked to CPE through MutMap. A non-synonymous SNP (G/A; Chr8:25683828) in the gene LOC_Os08g40570 encoding pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate oxidase with the SNP index 1 was converted to Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker. This SNP (KASP 8-1) exhibited significant association with CPE and further validated through assay in the F2 mapping population, released varieties and CPE exhibiting BPT 5204 mutant lines. RNA-seq of the flag leaves at the booting stage, 1100 genes were upregulated and 1305 downregulated differentially in CPE-110 and BPT 5204. Metabolic pathway analysis indicated an enrichment of genes involved in photosynthesis, glyoxylate, dicarboxylate, porphyrin, pyruvate, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and carbon metabolism. Further molecular and functional studies of the candidate genes could reveal the mechanistic aspects of CPE.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-023-01412-1.

Xanthomonas indica sp. nov., a Novel Member of Non-Pathogenic Xanthomonas Community from Healthy Rice Seeds

Xanthomonas is a major group of pathogenic bacteria infecting staple food crops like rice. Increasingly it is being recognized that non-pathogenic Xanthomonas (NPX) are also important members of a healthy plant microbiome. However, the vast majority of the species described in this genus are of pathogenic nature, and only a few NPX species have been reported till now. Genomic and taxonogenomic analysis of NPX is needed for the management of this important group of bacteria. In this study, two yellow-pigmented bacterial isolates were obtained from healthy rice seeds in Punjab, India. The isolates designated PPL560^T and PPL568 were identified as members of the genus Xanthomonas based on biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis retrieved from the whole-genome sequences. Isolates formed a distinct monophyletic lineage with Xanthomonas sontii and Xanthomonas sacchari as the closest relatives in the phylogenetic tree based on core gene content shared by the representative species of the genus Xanthomonas. Pairwise ortho Average Nucleotide Identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values calculated against other species of Xanthomonas were below their respective cut-offs. In planta studies revealed that PPL560^T and PPL568 are non-pathogenic to rice plants upon leaf clip inoculation. The absence of type III secretion system-related genes and effectors further supported their non-pathogenic status. Herein, we propose Xanthomonas indica sp. nov. as novel species of the genus Xanthomonas with PPL560^T = MTCC 13185 = CFBP 9039 = ICMP 24394 as its type strain and PPL568 as another constituent member.

Role of the FnIII domain associated with a cell wall-degrading enzyme cellobiosidase of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

Cellobiosidase (CbsA) is an important secreted virulence factor of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), which causes bacterial blight of rice. CbsA is one of several cell wall-degrading enzymes secreted by Xoo via the type II secretion system (T2SS). CbsA is considered a fundamental virulence factor for vascular pathogenesis. CbsA has an N-terminal glycosyl hydrolase domain and a C-terminal fibronectin type III (FnIII) domain. Interestingly, the secreted form of CbsA lacks the FnIII domain during in planta growth. Here we show that the presence of the FnIII domain inhibits the enzyme activity of CbsA on polysaccharide substrates like carboxymethylcellulose. The FnIII domain is required for the interaction of CbsA with SecB chaperone, and this interaction is crucial for the stability and efficient transport of CbsA across the inner membrane. Deletion of the FnIII domain reduced virulence similar to ΔcbsA Xoo, which corroborates the importance of the FnIII domain in CbsA. Our work elucidates a hitherto unknown function of the FnIII domain in enabling the virulence-promoting activity of CbsA.

Suppression of XopQ-XopX-induced immune responses of rice by the type III effector XopG

Effectors that suppress effector-triggered immunity (ETI) are an essential part of the arms race in the co-evolution of bacterial pathogens and their host plants. Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae uses multiple type III secretion system (T3SS) secreted effectors such as XopU, XopV, XopP, XopG, and AvrBs2 to suppress rice immune responses that are induced by the interaction of two other effectors, XopQ and XopX. Here we show that each of these five suppressors can interact individually with both XopQ and XopX. One of the suppressors, XopG, is a predicted metallopeptidase that appears to have been introduced into X. oryzae pv. oryzae by horizontal gene transfer. XopQ and XopX interact with each other in the nucleus while interaction with XopG sequesters them in the cytoplasm. The XopG E76A and XopG E85A mutants are defective in interaction with XopQ and XopX, and are also defective in suppression of XopQ-XopX-mediated immune responses. Both mutations individually affect the virulence-promoting ability of XopG. These results indicate that XopG is important for X. oryzae pv. oryzae virulence and provide insights into the mechanisms by which this protein suppresses ETI in rice.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Exoribonuclease R Is Required for Complete Virulence in Rice, Optimal Motility, and Growth Under Stress

Exoribonuclease R (RNase R) is a 3' hydrolytic exoribonuclease that can degrade structured RNA. Mutation in RNase R affects virulence of certain human pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine whether RNase R is necessary for virulence of the phytopathogen that causes bacterial blight in rice, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). In silico analysis has indicated that RNase R is highly conserved among various xanthomonads. Amino acid sequence alignment of Xoo RNase R with RNase R from various taxa indicated that Xoo RNase R clustered with RNase R of order Xanthomonadales. To study its role in virulence, we generated a gene disruption mutant of Xoo RNase R. The Xoo rnr^- mutant is moderately virulence deficient, and the complementing strain (rnr^-/pHM1::rnr) rescued the virulence deficiency of the mutant. We investigated swimming and swarming motilities in both nutrient-deficient minimal media and nutrient-optimal media. We observed that RNase R mutation has adversely affected the swimming and swarming motilities of Xoo in optimal media. However, in nutrient-deficient media only swimming motility was noticeably affected. Growth curves in optimal media at suboptimal temperature (15°C cold stress) indicate that the Xoo rnr^- mutant grows more slowly than the Xoo wild type and complementing strain (rnr^-/pHM1::rnr). Given these findings, we report for the first time that RNase R function is necessary for complete virulence of Xoo in rice. It is also important for motility of Xoo in media and for growth of Xoo at suboptimal temperature.

Arms and ammunitions: effectors at the interface of rice and it's pathogens and pests

The plant immune system has evolved to resist attack by pathogens and pests. However, successful phytopathogens deliver effector proteins into plant cells where they hijack the host cellular machinery to suppress the plant immune responses and promote infection. This manipulation of the host cellular pathways is done by the pathogen using various enzymatic activities, protein- DNA or protein- protein interactions. Rice is one the major economically important crops and its yield is affected by several pathogens and pests. In this review, we summarize the various effectors at the plant- pathogen/ pest interface for the major pathogens and pests of rice, specifically, on the mode of action and target genes of the effector proteins. We then compare this across the major rice pathogens and pests in a bid to understand probable conserved pathways which are under attack from pathogens and pests in rice. This analysis highlights conserved patterns of effector action, as well as unique host pathways targeted by the pathogens and pests.

Interaction of the Xanthomonas effectors XopQ and XopX results in induction of rice immune responses

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae uses several type III secretion system (T3SS) secreted effectors, namely XopN, XopQ, XopX and XopZ, to suppress rice immune responses that are induced following treatment with cell wall degrading enzymes. Here we show that a T3SS secreted effector XopX interacts with two of the eight rice 14-3-3 proteins. Mutants of XopX that are defective in 14-3-3 binding are also defective in suppression of immune responses, suggesting that interaction with 14-3-3 proteins is required for suppression of host innate immunity. However, Agrobacterium-mediated delivery of both XopQ and XopX into rice cells results in induction of rice immune responses. These immune responses are not observed when either protein is individually delivered into rice cells. XopQ-XopX-induced rice immune responses are not observed with a XopX mutant that is defective in 14-3-3 binding. Yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and co-immunoprecipitation assays indicate that XopQ and XopX interact with each other. A screen for Xanthomonas effectors that can suppress XopQ-XopX-induced rice immune responses led to the identification of five effectors, namely XopU, XopV, XopP, XopG and AvrBs2, that could individually suppress these immune responses. These results suggest a complex interplay of Xanthomonas T3SS effectors in suppression of both pathogen-triggered immunity and effector-triggered immunity to promote virulence on rice.

Ectopic Expression of a Cell-Wall-Degrading Enzyme-Induced OsAP2/ERF152 Leads to Resistance against Bacterial and Fungal Infection in Arabidopsis

Pathogen secreted cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) induce plant innate immune responses. The expression of rice transcription factor APETALA2/ethylene response factor-152 (OsAP2/ERF152) is enhanced in leaves upon treatment with different CWDEs and upon wounding. Ectopic expression of OsAP2/ERF152 in Arabidopsis leads to induction of immune responses such as callose deposition and upregulation of both salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid/ethylene-responsive defense genes. Arabidopsis transgenics expressing OsAP2/ERF152 exhibited resistance to infections caused by both bacterial and fungal pathogens (Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, respectively). Ectopic expression of OsAP2/ERF152 results in transient activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases 3/6 (MPK3/6), which could be leading to the induction of a broad range immunity in Arabidopsis.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae XopQ protein suppresses rice immune responses through interaction with two 14-3-3 proteins but its phospho-null mutant induces rice immune responses and interacts with another 14-3-3 protein

Many bacterial phytopathogens employ effectors secreted through the type-III secretion system to suppress plant innate immune responses. The Xanthomonas type-III secreted non-TAL effector protein Xanthomonas outer protein Q (XopQ) exhibits homology to nucleoside hydrolases. Previous work indicated that mutations which affect the biochemical activity of XopQ fail to affect its ability to suppress rice innate immune responses, suggesting that the effector might be acting through some other pathway or mechanism. In this study, we show that XopQ interacts in yeast and in planta with two rice 14-3-3 proteins, Gf14f and Gf14g. A serine to alanine mutation (S65A) of a 14-3-3 interaction motif in XopQ abolishes the ability of XopQ to interact with the two 14-3-3 proteins and to suppress innate immunity. Surprisingly, the S65A mutant gains the ability to interact with a third 14-3-3 protein that is a negative regulator of innate immunity. The XopQS65A mutant is an inducer of rice immune responses and this property is dominant over the wild-type function of XopQ. Taken together, these results suggest that XopQ targets the rice 14-3-3 mediated immune response pathway and that its differential phosphorylation might enable interaction with alternative 14-3-3 proteins.

Overexpression of a cell wall damage induced transcription factor, OsWRKY42, leads to enhanced callose deposition and tolerance to salt stress but does not enhance tolerance to bacterial infection

BACKGROUND

Members of the WRKY gene family play important roles in regulating plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Treatment with either one of the two different cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs), LipaseA and CellulaseA, induces immune responses and enhances the expression of OsWRKY42 in rice. However, the role of OsWRKY42 in CWDE induced immune responses is not known.

RESULTS

Expression of the rice transcription factor OsWRKY42 is induced upon treatment of rice leaves with CWDEs, wounding and salt. Overexpression of OsWRKY42 leads to enhanced callose deposition in rice and Arabidopsis but this does not enhance tolerance to bacterial infection. Upon treatment with NaCl, Arabidopsis transgenic plants expressing OsWRKY42 exhibited high levels of anthocyanin and displayed enhanced tolerance to salt stress. Treatment with either cellulase or salt induced the expression of several genes involved in JA biosynthesis and response in Arabidopsis. Ectopic expression of OsWRKY42 results in reduced expression of cell wall damage and salt stress induced jasmonic acid biosynthesis and response genes. OsWRKY42 expressing Arabidopsis lines exhibited enhanced tolerance to methyl jasmonate mediated growth inhibition.

CONCLUSION

The results presented here suggest that OsWRKY42 regulates plant responses to either cell wall damage or salinity stress by acting as a negative regulator of jasmonic acid mediated responses.

Multilocation field trials for risk assessment of a combination fungicide Fluopicolide + Propamocarb in tomato

Dissipation kinetics of two systemic fungicides, namely fluopicolide and propamocarb used as a combination formulation (Infinito 68.75 SC), were studied on tomato at four different locations by the All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues to recommend their pre-harvest interval (PHI) and to propose the maximum residue limits (MRL) for the two fungicides based on chronic hazard exposure assessment. The combination fungicide was sprayed thrice at the recommended dosage of 93.75 g a.i./ha fluopicolide and 937.50 g a.i./ha propamocarb as well as at double the recommended dosage of 187.50 g a.i./ha fluopicolide and 1875.0 g a.i./ha propamocarb on tomato crops and the residues were monitored periodically by GC-MS. The fungicides dissipated to below the limit of quantification (LOQ) within 10 to 15 days, with a half-life of 2-4 days for fluopicolide and 1-2 days for propamocarb. Taking into consideration the MRLs of codex and calculations made using the method of MRL fixation of the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) as well as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) calculator, MRL of 5 mg/kg is proposed for fluopicolide and 15 mg/kg for propamocarb, following critical exposure of the commodity considering PHI of 1 day.

Studies on synthetic LuxR solo hybrids

A sub-group of LuxR family of proteins that plays important roles in quorum sensing, a process of cell-cell communication, is widespread in proteobacteria. These proteins have a typical modular structure consisting of N-ter autoinducer binding and C-ter helix-turn-helix (HTH) DNA binding domains. The autoinducer binding domain recognizes signaling molecules which are most often N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) but could also be other novel and yet unidentified molecules. In this study we carried out a series of specific domain swapping and promoter activation experiments as a first step to engineer synthetic signaling modules, taking advantage of the modularity and the versatile/diverse signal specificities of LuxR proteins. In our experiments the N-ter domains from different LuxR homologs were either interchanged or placed in tandem followed by a C-ter domain. The rational design of the hybrid proteins was supported by a structure-based homology modeling studies of three members of the LuxR family (i.e., LasR, RhlR, and OryR being chosen for their unique ligand binding specificities) and of selected chimeras. Our results reveal that these LuxR homologs were able to activate promoter elements that were not their usual targets; we also show that hybrid LuxR proteins retained the ability to recognize the signal specific for their N- ter autoinducer binding domain. However, the activity of hybrid LuxR proteins containing two AHL binding domains in tandem appears to depend on the organization and nature of the introduced domains. This study represents advances in the understanding of the modularity of LuxR proteins and provides additional possibilities to use hybrid proteins in both basic and applied synthetic biology based research.

Isolation and characterization of methane utilizing bacteria from wetland paddy ecosystem

Methylotrophic bacteria which are known to utilize C1 compounds including methane. Research during past few decades increased the interest in finding out novel genera of methane degrading bacteria to efficiently utilize methane to decrease global warming effect. Moreover, evaluation of certain known plant growth promoting strains for their methane degrading potential may open up a new direction for multiple utility of such cultures. In this study, efficient methylotrophic cultures were isolated from wetland paddy fields of Gujarat. From the overall morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization studies, the isolates were identified and designated as Bacillus aerius AAU M 8; Rhizobium sp. AAU M 10; B. subtilis AAU M 14; Paenibacillus illinoisensis AAU M 17 and B. megaterium AAU M 29. Gene specific PCR analysis of the isolates, P. illinoisensis, B. aerius, Rhizobium sp. and B. subtilis showed presence of pmoA gene encoding α subunit particulate methane monooxygenase cluster. B. megaterium, P. illinoisensis, Rhizobium sp. and Methylobacterium extrorquens showed presence of mmoX gene encoding α subunit of the hydroxylase component of the soluble methane monooxygenase cluster. P. illinoisensis and Rhizobium sp. showed presence mxaF gene encoding α subunit region of methanol dehydrogenase gene cluster showing that both isolates are efficient utilizers of methane. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time report showing presence of methane degradation enzymes and genes within the known PGPB group of organisms from wet land paddy agro-ecosystem, which is considered as one of the leading methane producer.

Bacterial LuxR solos have evolved to respond to different molecules including signals from plants

A future challenge will be understanding the extensive communication that most likely takes place in bacterial interspecies and interkingdom signaling between plants and bacteria. A major bacterial inter-cellular signaling system in Gram-negative bacteria is LuxI/R quorum sensing (QS) based on the production (via the LuxI-family proteins) and detection (via the LuxR-family proteins) of N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) signaling molecules. LuxR proteins which have the same modular structure of QS LuxRs but are devoid of a cognate LuxI AHL synthase are called solos. LuxR solos have been shown to be responsible to respond to exogenous AHLs produced by neighboring cells as well endogenously produced AHLs. It is now also evident that some LuxR proteins have evolved from the ability to binding AHLs and respond to other molecules/signals. For example, recent research has shown that a sub-family of LuxR solos responds to small molecules produced by plants. This indicates the presence of a uni-directional interkingdom signaling system occurring from plants to bacteria. In addition LuxR solos have now been also implicated to respond to endogenously produced signals which are not AHLs. In this Mini Review article we will discuss current trends and implications of the role of LuxR solos in bacterial responses to other signals using proteins related to AHL QS systems.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent and -independent pathways regulate hypoxic inhibition of transepithelial Na+ transport across human airway epithelial cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pulmonary transepithelial Na(+) transport is reduced by hypoxia, but in the airway the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the role of AMPK and ROS in the hypoxic regulation of apical amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channels and basolateral Na(+) K(+) ATPase activity.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

H441 human airway epithelial cells were used to examine the effects of hypoxia on Na(+) transport, AMP : ATP ratio and AMPK activity. Lentiviral constructs were used to modify cellular AMPK abundance and activity; pharmacological agents were used to modify cellular ROS.

KEY RESULTS

AMPK was activated by exposure to 3% or 0.2% O(2) for 60 min in cells grown in submerged culture or when fluid (0.1 mL·cm(-2) ) was added to the apical surface of cells grown at the air-liquid interface. Only 0.2% O(2) activated AMPK in cells grown at the air-liquid interface. AMPK activation was associated with elevation of cellular AMP:ATP ratio and activity of the upstream kinase LKB1. Hypoxia inhibited basolateral ouabain-sensitive I(sc) (I(ouabain) ) and apical amiloride-sensitive Na(+) conductance (G(Na+) ). Modification of AMPK activity prevented the effect of hypoxia on I(ouabain) (Na(+) K(+) ATPase) but not apical G(Na+) . Scavenging of superoxide and inhibition of NADPH oxidase prevented the effect of hypoxia on apical G(Na+) (epithelial Na(+) channels).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Hypoxia activates AMPK-dependent and -independent pathways in airway epithelial cells. Importantly, these pathways differentially regulate apical Na(+) channels and basolateral Na(+) K(+) ATPase activity to decrease transepithelial Na(+) transport. Luminal fluid potentiated the effect of hypoxia and activated AMPK, which could have important consequences in lung disease conditions.

Bacterial LuxR solos have evolved to respond to different molecules including signals from plants

A future challenge will be understanding the extensive communication that most likely takes place in bacterial interspecies and interkingdom signaling between plants and bacteria. A major bacterial inter-cellular signaling system in Gram-negative bacteria is LuxI/R quorum sensing (QS) based on the production (via the LuxI-family proteins) and detection (via the LuxR-family proteins) of N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) signaling molecules. LuxR proteins which have the same modular structure of QS LuxRs but are devoid of a cognate LuxI AHL synthase are called solos. LuxR solos have been shown to be responsible to respond to exogenous AHLs produced by neighboring cells as well endogenously produced AHLs. It is now also evident that some LuxR proteins have evolved from the ability to binding AHLs and respond to other molecules/signals. For example, recent research has shown that a sub-family of LuxR solos responds to small molecules produced by plants. This indicates the presence of a uni-directional interkingdom signaling system occurring from plants to bacteria. In addition LuxR solos have now been also implicated to respond to endogenously produced signals which are not AHLs. In this Mini Review article we will discuss current trends and implications of the role of LuxR solos in bacterial responses to other signals using proteins related to AHL QS systems.

Unusual presentation of advanced Coats' disease

The authors report the case of a 19-month-old boy with advanced Coats' disease whose presenting manifestation was turbid, lipoproteinaceous fluid filling the anterior chamber. The possible sites of origin and routes of migration of the turbid fluid into the anterior chamber are discussed.

Renal subcapsular abscess

Renal subcapsular abscess is reported with description of findings by conventional radiography, computerized axial tomography, arteriography, and ultrasonography. The latter was especially helpful in permitting delineation of the lesion, and in facilitating its aspiration and resolution.

An investigation of the structural changes occurring in a cetostearyl alcohol/cetrimide/water gel after prolonged low temperature (4 degrees C) storage

Structural changes in a ternary gel prepared using the mixed emulsifier system of cetrimide and cetostearyl alcohol after prolonged low temperature (4 degrees C) storage have been studied using freeze-etch transmission electron microscopy and other techniques. The system changed from an opaque smooth gel of high viscosity, low conductivity and low free water, to a pearlescent milky lotion of low viscosity, high conductivity and high free water. Subsequent equilibration of the thinned system to room temperature (25 degrees C) over 48 h produced an opaque granular gel of similar consistency, but slightly higher conductivity and higher free water than the initial sample. Microscopical examination by both differential interference contrast and freeze-etch electron microscopy showed the system changed from one consisting of a liquid crystalline network localized around cetostearyl alcohol particles, to a system consisting of large waxy plates coexisting with some residual liquid crystalline network. A supportive mechanism for the thinning of the ternary gel at prolonged low temperature storage has been inferred by comparing data with that produced by other workers studying the fusion of phospholipid membranes considered to be morphologically similar to the liquid crystalline network observed in this ternary gel.

The effect of temperature on the conductivity of gels and emulsions prepared from cetrimide and cetostearyl alcohol

The conductivity of gels and emulsions containing cetrimide, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin and water has been studied over the temperature range +35 to -10 degrees C. All samples froze at temperatures below -5 degrees C and exhibited hysteresis on rewarming to room temperature with an initial increase in conductivity up to 15 degrees C followed by a decrease to 25 degrees C. The amount of hysteresis was dependent on the cetostearyl alcohol content and appeared to be related to changes in the microstructure of the liquid crystalline network.

The "blue toe" syndrome with renal atheroembolism and failure

The occurrence of atheromatous embolization following cardiac catheterization and coronary artery bypass surgery is described. It was manifested initially by bluish discolored toes inciting suspicion of vasospasm and then by progressive renal failure. The diagnosis was confirmed by renal biopsy. The syndrome of multiple atheromatous or cholesterol emboli is probably more common than previously reported because of its masquerade of other illnesses and failure of consideration of diagnosis.

Reflectance measurements on gels and emulsions containing cetrimide and cetostearyl alcohol--a preliminary investigation

Various light scattering properties-the reflectivity, contrast ratio and scattering index of a series of gels and emulsions containing cetrimide, cetostearyl alcohol, water and liquid paraffin have been examined using reflectance measurements made at 560 nm using a four-filter, tristimulus colorimeter. The scattering properties of both systems were dependent on the total interfacial surface area of either the dispersed unreacted cetostearyl alcohol and/or the dispersed droplets of liquid paraffin, and hence increased with increasing concentration of both ingredients. For the emulsion containing liquid paraffin, the scattering properties increased linearly with the concentration of liquid paraffin but with the ternary gel system the scattering properties were not directly related to cetostearyl alcohol concentration. This was confirmed by microscopy as due to the changes in the size of the dispersed unreacted cetostearyl alcohol. The results illustrate the potential of this simple, reproducible non-destructive technique in the study of the structure of such systems.