ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of the study was to correlate the histological changes in cotyledon and embryonic axis in aged seeds of soybean genotypes with the physiological changes and storability. Methodology: Ten genotypes with differing, storability as predicted by accelerated ageing test, were selected and various physiological parameters viz., germination per cent, seedling length and dry weight, seedling vigour, mobilization efficiency were studied over a period of ten months at bi-monthly interval. These were correlated with histological changes like cell arrangement and cell membrane integrity in cotyledon and embryonic axis of seed. The findings were further supported by electrical conductivity test. Results: Good storer/performer (DSB 21) maintained comparatively better cell membrane integrity in both cotyledon and embryonic axis at the end of ten months of storage when compared to poor storer/performer (MAUS 61). Interpretation: Maintenance of cell membrane integrity in good storer genotype, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy, as result of better tolerance mechanism for biochemical degradation, is the main reason for higher physiological performance of all the good storer/performers genotypes during storage.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of ocular cysticercosis and to demonstrate the changing trends in localisation of ocular cysticercosis along with a brief review of literature. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of histology proven ocular cysticercosis cases seen over a period of 20 years (1981 through 2000) was done. The pathology record forms were reviewed for demographics, clinical features with specific reference to the location of cysts in four subgroups: subconjunctival; intraocular orbit and eyelid. The distribution of cases in four five-year periods namely group A: 1981-1985, group B: 1986-1990, group C: 1991-1995 and group D: 1996-2000 and the changing trends in the location of cysts was evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen cysts from 118 patients aged 4-72 (mean 17.1) years were submitted to the pathology service of S D Eye Hospital, Hyderabad. Male to female ratio was 1: 1.2. Total number of cases in groups A, B, C and D were 33, 41, 16 and 25 respectively. Location of cysts was subconjunctival - 74 (62.7%); intraocular-31 (26.3%); orbital-8 (7%) and lid-5 (4%). In last 20 years, significant decrease (P =0.0001) was noted in subconjunctival cases (85% vs. 28%) with a significant rise (P =0.0001) in intraocular cysticercosis (6% vs. 60%). CONCLUSIONS: Frequency of surgically excised ocular cysticercosis remained constant over last two decades with an increasing manifestation of intravitreal cysticercosis in the recent years. This could imply either improved diagnostic modalities, available expertise in vitreo-retinal surgery or ineffective medical treatment for intraocular parasitic infection. The relative decrease in extraocular cysticercosis is probably due to the increased preference and success with medical management.