Selenium treatment alters the accumulation of osmolytes in arsenic-stressed rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Arsenic (As), one of the major pollutants in the soil, is an important environmental concern as its consumption can cause adverse health symptoms in living organisms. Its contamination of rice grown over As-contaminated areas is a serious concern in South Asian countries. Selenium (Se) has been reported to influence various osmolytes under metal stress in plants. The present study reports the role of Se in mitigating As stress in rice by modulating osmolyte metabolism. Rice plants grown in As-amended soil (2.5-10 mg kg-1) in pots were treated with sodium selenate (0.5-1.0 mg Se kg-1 soil) in glass house conditions and leaf samples were collected at 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS). As-treated rice leaves displayed a reduction in relative water content (RWC) and dry weight than control with a maximum reduction of 1.68- and 2.47-fold in RWC and 1.95- and 1.69-fold in dry weight in As10 treatment at 60 and 90 DAS, respectively. Free amino acids (1.38-2.26-fold), proline (3.88-3.93-fold), glycine betaine (GB) (1.27-1.72-fold), choline (1.67-3.1-fold), total soluble sugars (1.29-1.61-fold), and reducing sugars (1.67-2.19-fold) increased in As-treated rice leaves as compared to control at both stages. As stress increased the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), putrescine content, and glutamate decarboxylase activity whereas diamine oxidase and polyamine oxidase activities declined by 1.69-1.88-fold and 1.52-1.86-fold, respectively. Se alone or in combination with As improved plant growth, RWC, GB, choline, putrescine, and sugars; lowered proline and GABA; and showed a reverse trend of enzyme activities related to their metabolism than respective As treatments. As stress resulted in a higher accumulation of osmolytes to combat its stress which was further modulated by the Se application. Hence, the current investigation suggested the role of osmoprotectants in Se-induced amelioration of As toxicity in rice plants.

Interactive effects of selenium and arsenic on phenolic constituents and antioxidant activity in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Arsenic (As) is a heavy toxic metalloid found in air, water and soil that adversely affects the plant growth by inducing oxidative stress in plants. Its contamination of rice is a serious problem throughout the world. Selenium (Se) is a beneficial micronutrient for plants that acts as an antioxidant at low doses and protect the plants against number of environmental stresses either by modulating the primary metabolic pathways or regulating the production of phenolic compounds. In the present investigation, effect of Se on different phenolics, enzymes related to their metabolism and antioxidative potential were studied in As stressed rice leaves. Rice plants were grown in pots containing sodium arsenate (2-10 mg As(V) kg-1 soil) and sodium selenate (0.5-1 mg Se kg-1 soil), both alone and in combination and leaf samples were analyzed for various biochemical parameters. Phenolic constituents increased in rice leaves with As(V) treatment from 2 to 5 mg kg-1 soil and leaves exposed to As(V) @ 5 mg kg-1 soil exhibited 1.7, 1.9 and 2.5 fold increase in total phenolics, o-dihydroxyphenols and flavonols, respectively at grain filling stage. Binary application of Se + As improved various phenolic constituents, FRAP, reducing power and antioxidant activities as compared to control. PAL, TAL and PPO activities increased from 1.3 to 4.6 fold in combined As + Se treatment at both the stages. Anthocyanin contents showed a decline (10.8 fold) with increasing As doses and its content improved at both the stages with maximum increase of 3.76 fold with As5+Se1 combination. Binary application of As + Se improved gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, 3-hydroxy benzoic acid and kaempferol contents than control whereas catechin and coumaric acid showed the reverse trend. Application of Se can modulate phenolic constituents in leaf and grains of rice Cv PR126 due to As stress that helped plants to adapt to excess As and resulted in improved plant growth.

Exploring the molecular basis of resistance to Botrytis cinerea in chickpea genotypes through biochemical and morphological markers.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop around the globe and a valuable source of protein in the human diet. However, it is highly susceptible to various plant pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which can cause significant damage from the seedling phase until harvest, leading to reduced yields and affecting its production. Botrytis cinerea can cause significant damage to chickpea crops, especially under high humidity and moisture conditions. This fungus can cause grey mould disease, which can lead to wilting, stem and pod rot, and reduced yields. Chickpea plants have developed specific barriers to counteract the harmful effects of this fungus. These barriers include biochemical and structural defences. In this study, the defence responses against B. cinerea were measured by the quantification of biochemical metabolites such as antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, glutathione (GSH), H2O2, ascorbic acid (AA) and total phenol in the leaf samples of chickpea genotypes (one accession of wild Cicer species, viz. Cicer pinnatifidum188 identified with high level of resistance to Botrytis grey mould (BGM) and a cultivar, Cicer arietinumPBG5 susceptible to BGM grown in the greenhouse). Seedlings of both the genotypes were inoculated with (1 × 104 spore mL-1) inoculum of isolate 24, race 510 of B. cinerea and samples were collected after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-inoculation (dpi). The enhanced enzymatic activity was observed in the pathogen-inoculated leaf samples as compared to uninoculated (healthy control). Among inoculated genotypes, the resistant one exhibited a significant change in enzymatic activity, total phenolic content, MDA, proline, GSH, H2O2, and AA, compared to the susceptible genotype. The study also examined the isozyme pattern of antioxidant enzymes at various stages of B. cinerea inoculation. Results from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that BGM had a more significant impact on susceptible genotypes compared to resistant ones when compared to the control (un-inoculated). In addition, SEM and FTIR spectroscopy analyses confirmed the greater severity of BGM on susceptible genotypes compared to their resistant counterparts. Our results suggest the role of antioxidant enzymes and other metabolites as defence tools and biochemical markers to understand compatible and non-compatible plant-pathogen interactions better. The present investigation will assist future plant breeding programs aimed at developing resistant varieties.

Morphological, ultrastructural and molecular variations in susceptible and resistant genotypes of chickpea infected with Botrytis grey mould.

Biotic stress due to fungal infection is detrimental to the growth and development of chickpea. In our study, two chickpea genotypes viz Cicer pinnatifidum (resistant) and PBG5 (susceptible) were inoculated with (1 × 104 spore mL-1) of nectrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea at seedling stage. These seedlings were evaluated for morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular differences after 3, 5 and 7 days post inoculation (dpi). Visual symptoms were recorded in terms of water-soaked lesions, rotten pods and twigs with fungal colonies. Light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the differences in number of stomata, hyphal network and extent of topographical damage in resistant (C. pinnatifidum) and susceptible (PBG5) genotypes, which were validated by stomatal index studies done by using fluorescence microscopy in the infection process of B. cinerea in leaves of both chickpea genotypes. In case of control (water inoculated) samples, there were differences in PCR analysis done using five primers for screening the genetic variations between two genotypes. The presence of a Botrytis responsive gene (LrWRKY) of size ~300 bp was observed in uninoculated resistant genotype which might have a role in resistance against Botrytis grey mould. The present investigation provides information about the variation in the infection process of B. cinerea in two genotypes which can be further exploited to develop robust and effective strategies to manage grey mould disease.

Terahertz radiation detection with a cantilever-based photoacoustic sensor.

We report the photoacoustic (PA) response in the terahertz (THz) range by employing a detection process actuated with a silicon cantilever pressure sensor and a carbon-based radiation absorber. The detection relies on the mechanical response of the cantilever, when the volume of the carrier gas inside the PA cell expands with the heat produced by the radiation absorber. The detector interferometrically monitors the movement of the cantilever sensor to generate the PA signal. We selected the absorber material with the highest THz responsivity for detailed studies at 1.4 THz (214 µm wavelength). The observed responsivities of two different radiation absorbers are nearly the same at 1.4 THz and agree within 10% with responsivity values at 0.633 µm wavelength. The results demonstrate the potential of covering with a single PA detector a broad spectral range with approximately constant responsivity, large dynamic range, and high damage threshold.

Vulnerability for Respiratory Infections in Asthma Patients: A Systematic Review.

Asthma is a non-communicable and long-term condition affecting children and adults. The air passages in the lungs become narrow due to inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the small airways. Symptoms of asthma are intermittent and include cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma is very often underdiagnosed and under-treated in many regions, especially in developing countries. While many studies show that viral infections can precipitate asthmatic attacks, very few studies have been conducted to see if history or current asthmatic attack increases the risk of viral infections. Our study aims to determine the predisposition of asthmatics to develop various viral infections and susceptibility toward certain viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infections. We performed a literature review of both published and unpublished articles. We included case reports, case series, reviews, clinical trials, cohort, and case-control studies, written only in English. Commentaries, letters to editors, and book chapters were excluded. Our initial search yielded 948 articles, of which 826 were rejected either because they were irrelevant or because they did not meet our inclusion criteria. We finally screened 122 abstracts and identified 24 relevant articles. People with a history of asthma have an abnormal innate immune response, making them potentially slower in clearing the infection and susceptible to both infections and virus-induced cell cytotoxicity. Also, in these studies, deficiencies in the interferon alpha response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells have been observed in asthmatics, both adults and children. Asthmatics with a viral infection usually present with an acute exacerbation of asthma, represented by dyspnea and cough, with other prodromal symptoms including vomiting and general malaise. The review includes an update on the relevance of dysregulated immune pathways in causing viral infections in asthmatic populations. It focuses on the evidence to suggest that people with asthma are at increased risk of viral infection, and viral infections in turn are known to precipitate and worsen the asthmatic status, making this a vicious cycle. The authors also suggest that further studies be undertaken to elucidate the pathophysiology and identify the critical therapeutic steps to break this vicious cycle and improve the quality of life for people with asthma.

Devastating salt-wasting crisis in a four-month-old male child with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, highlighting the essence of neonatal screening.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare condition usually referred to as a group of genetic disorders resulting due to a deficiency of steroid enzymes required by adrenal glands to produce cortisol and mineralocorticoid hormones. It has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and is further categorized into two types-Classic and Non-Classic. Non-Classic CAH is a more common milder form that presents late after puberty. Classic CAH, although more severe, is rare and detected at birth and is associated with the life-threatening adrenal crisis in both sexes and virilization of the external genitalia in females (46, XX) patients, whereas in males, no overt abnormality of the external genitalia is present. We present a case of a four-month-old male child with the classic form of CAH who was brought with complaints of loose stools, projectile non bilious vomiting, decreased urine output, and failure to feed for 3 days. The child had a clinical presentation of salt wasting with hypoglycemia and hyperpigmentation of his genitalia. The USG findings revealed increased anteroposterior diameter of renal pelvis indicative of a growth in the suprarenal area. 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) was found to be elevated confirming the diagnosis. He was treated with hydrocortisone with gradual improvement in his glucose and electrolytes. The patient was discharged home on replacement therapy consisting of oral prednisolone and fludrocortisone acetate and followed up as outpatient with significant improvement in the clinical findings. The fact that the child was not screened for CAH at birth led to the critical consequences of the disease in this case. To prevent life-threatening adrenal crisis and help perform appropriate sex assignments for affected female patients, newborn screening (NBS) programs for the classical form of CAH should be made mandatory even in low- and middle-income countries.

Nanocomposite of MgFe2O4 and Mn3O4 as Polyphenol Oxidase Mimic for Sensing of Polyphenols.

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) mimics have advantage of detection and remediation of polyphenols. This work demonstrates rapid and sensitive colorimetric detection of phenolic compounds using nanocomposite of magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) and manganese oxide (Mn3O4) nanoparticles as PPO mimic. The catalytic properties of MgFe2O4 and Mn3O4 displayed synergistic effect in the nanocomposite. The synthesized nanocomposite and nanoparticles were fully characterized using various analytical techniques. The ratio of MgFe2O4 and Mn3O4 in the nanocomposite was optimized. Catechol and resorcinol were taken as model polyphenols. The best PPO-activity was shown by MgFe2O4@Mn3O4 nanocomposite with of w/w ratio 1:2. The results correlated with its higher surface area. Reaction parameters viz. pH, temperature, contact time, substrate concentration, and nanoparticles dose were studied. The synthesized MgFe2O4@Mn3O4 nanocomposite was used for the detection of catechol in the linear range of 0.1-0.8 mM with the detection limit of 0.20 mM, and resorcinol in the range of 0.01-0.08 mM with the detection limit of 0.03 mM. The estimated total phenolic content of green and black tea correlated well with the conventional method. These results authenticate promising future potential of MgFe2O4@Mn3O4 nanocomposite as PPO-mimic.

Selenium alleviates physiological traits, nutrient uptake and nitrogen metabolism in rice under arsenate stress.

A green house experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of soil application of selenium (Se) in modulating metabolic changes in rice under arsenic (As) stress. Rice plants were grown over soil amended with sodium arsenate (25, 50 and 100 µM kg-1 soil) with or without sodium selenate @ 0.5 and 1 mg kg-1 soil in a complete randomized experimental design, and photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient uptake and nitrogen metabolism in rice leaves were estimated at tillering and grain filling stages. Se treatments significantly improved the toxic effects of As on plant height, leaf dry weight and grain yield. Arsenate treatment reduced uptake of Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Mn, Fe and Zn and lowered chlorophyll, carotenoids and activities of enzymes of nitrogen metabolism (nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthase and glutamate synthase) in rice leaves at both the stages in a dose-dependent fashion. Se application along with As improved photosynthesis, nutrient uptake and arsenate-induced effects on activities of enzymes of nitrogen metabolism with maximum impact shown by As50 + Se1 combination. Application of Se can modulate photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient uptake and alterations in nitrogen metabolism in rice Cv PR126 due to As stress that helped plants to adapt to excess As and resulted in improved plant growth.

Optical power detector with broad spectral coverage, high detectivity, and large dynamic range.

Optical power measurements are needed in practically all technologies based on light. Here, we report a general-purpose optical power detector based on the photoacoustic effect. Optical power incident on the detector's black absorber produces an acoustic signal, which is further converted into an electrical signal using a silicon-cantilever pressure transducer. We demonstrate an exceptionally large spectral coverage from ultraviolet to far infrared, with the possibility for further extension to the terahertz region. The linear dynamic range of the detector reaches 80 dB, ranging from a noise-equivalent power of 6 n W/H z to 600 mW (independent of signal averaging time).

Gambling behaviors during COVID-19: a narrative review.

The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered the world into unforeseen circumstances, prompting the authorities to impose restrictions and cut back various events including many gambling avenues. Professional sports have been postponed, land casinos are closed, and social distancing has shut home games down. The present narrative overview has addressed the following changes in gambling behavior since the start of the pandemic: - a) Change in the number of gamblers and intensity of gambling b) differences among various types of gambling modalities (land-based, horse betting, casino, online). and transitioning between them. c) Psychosocial effects on gamblers owing to the shutdown of gambling avenues in the early phase of COVID-19 lockdown. It alludes to several survey studies conducted so far in Northern Europe (Sweden, UK, Italy), North America (Canada, USA), and Australia on the potential impact of the SARS-Cov2 pandemic on gambling figures. Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scale is used by most of the studies to demonstrate the severity among gamblers i.e., low-risk, high-risk, and problem gamblers respectively. The majority of studies are based on self-reported questionnaires, few tracked data from online gambling operators, and one study used revenue-based taxation of land-based and online gambling as its information source. The decline in the overall gambling activity attributable to the situational changes was predominant in a majority of surveys. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling is diverse - possibly causing a reduction in current or future problems in some, but also promoting increased problematic gambling in others.

Evaluation of Serum Electrolyte Levels in Patients With Anemia.

INTRODUCTION: Anemia is one of the most prevalent diseases globally. Various diseases have linked anemia with electrolyte disturbance. However, the local data are limited. In this study, we will determine the prevalence of electrolyte imbalance in anemic patients. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from January 2021 to July 2021. A total of 500 anemic patients were enrolled in the study after informed consent. Another 500 non-anemic patients were enrolled as the control group. Blood was taken from both groups and send for assessment of electrolytes. RESULTS: Sodium levels were significantly lower in anemic patients compared to non-anemic patients (131.42 ± 0.82 meq/L vs. 135.57 ± 0.42 meq/L; p-value: <0.0001). Potassium levels were significantly higher in anemic patients compared to non-anemic participants (4.37 ± 0.12 meq/L vs. 4.09 ± 0.11 meq/L; p-value: <0.0001). Chloride levels were significantly higher in participants with anemia compared to non-anemic participants (103.92 ± 0.46 meq/L vs. 100.99 ± 0.41 meq/L). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that sodium levels and potassium levels are impacted in patients with anemia compared to patients without anemia. Close monitoring of serum electrolytes is suggested in patients with anemia to avoid complications and life-threatening conditions.

Gastrointestinal Manifestation of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients.

INTRODUCTION: During the initial phase of the pandemic, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were less frequent but during the later stages, GI manifestations have become more frequent. This study aims to explore the prevalence of GI symptoms in COVID-19 patients, and also focuses on the frequency of these symptoms. METHODS: This longitudinal study was conducted in a COVID-19 unit of a tertiary care hospital, Pakistan. Data of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection between June 2021 and July 2021 was included in the study. A total of 412 participants were enrolled in the study via consecutive convenient non-probability sampling. Participants' symptoms and demographics were noted in a self-structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS: A total of 261 (63.3%) participants had a minimum of one GI symptom. The most common symptom was anorexia (43.9%), followed by diarrhea (24.7%) and nausea/vomiting (17.9%). CONCLUSION:  Our study indicates high frequency of COVID-19 patients reporting GI symptoms. Anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting were commonly reported symptoms. Therefore, COVID 19 testing should be considered with patients presenting with GI symptoms.

Sleep Quality in the Indian Adult Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures such as stay-at-home orders were implemented for all non-essential workers. The consequent disruption in the defined daily work routine has impacted both the quality and duration of sleep. Our aim was to evaluate the quality of sleep in the Indian adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The data were collected between April 17, 2020 and May 24, 2020, and participants were invited openly through social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram). Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Questionnaire. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 808 participants (mean age 30.85 years, 56.7% female). The mean sleep score of the study population was 6.78 ± 3.19 on the PSQI, with a majority (57.2%) of respondents showing 'poor' sleep quality (>5 on PSQI). The mean sleep duration of the study population was found to be 6.9 ± 1.4 h, and sleep latency was 42.64 ± 51.6 min. The PSQI scores were comparable for age, gender, and work status and were not significant. However, a significant association between self-reported mental health and quality of sleep was found (p<0.05). Participants who reported a deterioration in mental health were more likely to have poor sleep quality than those who reported an improvement in their mental health. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that poor sleep quality is widely prevalent among the the general population in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fracture Nonunions and Delayed Unions Treated With Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy: A Clinical Series.

The incidence of nonunion of fractures has been steadily rising owing to improved life expectancy following severe injuries along with rising cases of polytrauma. Once a nonunion is established, the chances of spontaneous healing are deemed to be quite low. Fracture nonunion continues to be a challenge in clinical practice with nonunions having a considerable impact on patient's quality of life causing both functional and psychosocial disability. Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy is being projected as a viable and non-interventional alternative to surgical management of nonunions and delayed unions. LIPUS therapy is being widely recommended as a standalone treatment option for the treatment of established nonunions and delayed unions as it is believed to promote healing in all phases of fracture healing viz., inflammatory, intramembranous ossification, chondrogenesis, endochondral ossification and remodelling. In the current scenario of varying results and unclear clinical role of LIPUS therapy, we present a prospective case series of fracture nonunions and delayed unions treated with LIPUS therapy at a large District General Hospital.

Photoacoustic characteristics of carbon-based infrared absorbers.

We present an experimental comparison of photoacoustic responsivities of common highly absorbing carbon-based materials. The comparison was carried out with parameters relevant for photoacoustic power detectors and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy: we covered a broad wavelength range from the visible red to far infrared (633 nm to 25 µm) and the regime of low acoustic frequencies (< 1 kHz). The investigated materials include a candle soot-based coating, a black paint coating and two different carbon nanotube coatings. Of these, the low-cost soot absorber produced clearly the highest photoacoustic response over the entire measurement range.

Influence of selenite and selenate on growth, leaf physiology and antioxidant defense system in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

BACKGROUND: Selenium (Se) induced oxidative stress as well as synthesis of non-specific selenoproteins has been attributed to its toxicity in plants. Selenium toxicity can affect growth, chlorophyll and protein synthesis and crop yield. This study reveals the effects of different sources (sodium selenite and sodium selenate) and levels (2 and 4 mg Se kg-1 soil) of Se on its uptake, leaf physiology, antioxidant defense system, isoenzymic patterns and mitochondrial activity in wheat cultivar PBW621 at tillering and ear-initiation stages. RESULTS: Higher Se accumulation in leaves of wheat plants was observed in selenate than control and selenite treatments. Selenium tolerance index, chlorophyll, photosynthetic efficiency, mitochondrial reduction test, electron transport system activity, lipid peroxidation, proline and glutathione in Se-treated wheat plants decreased significantly as compared to control. Significant increase in hydrogen peroxide and activities of antioxidant enzymes, namely catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase in leaves was due to the presence of Se-induced oxidative stress in wheat plants. CONCLUSION: Wheat cultivar PBW621 could adapt to applied selenite concentrations by developing antioxidant defense system but selenate treated plants could exhibit toxicity tolerance up to 2 mg kg-1 and died at high concentrations due to damage to tissue development and function. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Electro optic sensor for high precision absolute distance measurement using multiwavelength interferometry.

A prototype multi-wavelength interferometric, phase shifting distance sensor based on linear electro optic effect has been demonstrated in this work to improve the measurement speed of a commercial four-wavelength interferometer. Experimental results revealed the phase modulation ability of the sensor, preserving equivalent efficiency for nanometer-scale absolute distance measurement similar to present piezoelectricity driven mechanical phase modulation. The electro optic sensor working under free beam propagation can significantly overcome the limitations experienced by mechanical phase modulation technique such as the restricted value for the modulating frequency and as well the high driving voltage requirement.

Physical characteristics and nutritional composition of some new soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) genotypes.

Soybean is a major source of high quality protein and oil and soybean seed quality is often determined by seed nutritional and antinutritional parameters. The objective of this study was to investigate the physical characteristics and nutritional composition of some new soybean genotypes. Hundred seed weight and volume of soybean genotypes ranged from 8.7 to 11.1 g and 8.1 to 12.0 ml respectively, whereas, percent water absorption and percent volume expansion values ranged from 94.3 to 119.5% and 70.8 to 159.5% respectively. The genotypes contained % crude protein (39.4-44.4), oil (14.0-18.7), starch (4.3-6.7), total soluble sugars (5.6-7.9), reducing sugars (0.21-0.33) and sucrose (5.6-11.8). The free fatty acid and triglyceride content ranged from 31-71 mg 100 g(-1) oil and 90.1-93.9 g 100 g(-1) oil respectively. The antinutritional components determined include: mg g(-1) TIA (41.5-85.0), phytate (2.3-5.6), total phenols (1.0-1.5), flavonols (0.20-0.34) and ortho-dihydroxy phenols (0.10-0.21). A significant variation for the 11S/7S ratio was observed among the 8 soybean genotypes and the values ranged from 0.70 ('SL 768' and 'SL 869') to 2.4 ('SL 794').

Positional effects on soybean seed composition during storage.

This investigation was conducted in order to determine the degree of biochemical changes during natural ageing of soybean seeds borne on different positions on stem axis. Biochemical analysis of field grown soybean seeds revealed significant differences in their oil and protein contents as a function of nodal positions. Both oil and protein content decreased after 180 days of storage (DOS) at all the nodal positions. Proportions of membrane lipids in seeds were less in basal as compared to apical positions and their proportion in stored seeds also decreased with increasing storage periods. The content of starch, total soluble sugars and reducing sugars in seeds decreased during storage for 180 days but it didn't show positional variations in their contents. The extent of lipid peroxidation increased during storage was associated with the corresponding decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes viz catalase and peroxidase in seeds. Seeds at basal positions showed higher rate of lipid peroxidation and lower peroxidase activity as compared to apical positions. Results suggest that soybean seeds collected from basal positions showed higher deteriorative changes during storage in comparison to apical positions that might be related to higher lipid content in seeds from basal portion of soybean stem axis as compared to apical portion.