Foliar application of nanoceria attenuated cadmium stress in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Foliar application of nanoparticles (NPs) as a means for ameliorating abiotic stress is increasingly employed in crop production. In this study, the potential of CeO₂-NPs as stress suppressants for cadmium (Cd)-stressed okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants was investigated, using two cycles of foliar application of CeO₂-NPs at 200, 400, and 600 mg/l. Compared to untreated stressed plants, Cd-stressed plants treated with CeO₂-NPs presented higher pigments (chlorophyll a and carotenoids). In contrast, foliar applications did not alter Cd root uptake and leaf bioaccumulation. Foliar CeO₂-NPs application modulated stress enzymes (APX, SOD, and GPx) in both roots and leaves of Cd-stressed plants, and led to decreases in Cd toxicity in plant's tissues. In addition, foliar application of CeO₂-NPs in Cd-stressed okra plants decreased fruit Cd contents, and improved fruit mineral elements and bioactive compounds. The infrared spectroscopic analysis of fruit tissues showed that foliar-applied CeO₂-NPs treatments did not induce chemical changes but induced conformational changes in fruit macromolecules. Additionally, CeO₂-NPs applications did not alter the eating quality indicator (Mg/K ratio) of okra fruits. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that foliar application of CeO₂-NPs has the potential to ameliorate Cd toxicity in tissues and improve fruits of okra plants.

EXPERIENCE WITH MANAGING OPEN ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

BACKGROUND

Achilles tendon injuries are very important injuries because the tendon transmits body weight to the ground. The complications of the management of Achilles tendon injuries are several and every method used in the repair is aimed at minimization or outright prevention of these.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the pattern, management and outcome.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective study of patients with open Achilles tendon injuries managed at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua, Nigeria over a period of 5 years. The data obtained included the demographics, clinical features, management options and outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients were managed during the period under review comprising 28 males and 24 females with a male/female ratio of 1.16:1. The age range was3 - 70 years with a mean of 37.5+SD 13.58 years while the most affected age groups were the teenagers and the young adults with 33(63.5%) patients. Road traffic accident was the commonest cause, especially due to motorcycle accidents in 25(48%) patients. The other causes were due to machete cut in 11(21%), glass cut in 6(11.5%), broken bottles in 4(7.7%), broken toilet seat in 3(5.7%) and others in 3(5.7%). All the cases were unilateral; the injuries involved the right side in 32(61.5%) patients and the left in 20(38.5%) patients. The injuries were lacerations in 32(61.5%) patients, partial avulsion in 8(15.4%), crush injury in 7(13.5%) and complete avulsion in 5(9.6%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Open Achilles tendon injuries are not uncommon in our environment; the knowledge of the possible causes and early appropriate management will reduce complications.