Effects of applied cadmium on its accumulation, dry matter production and net photosynthesis in okra and amelioration of cadmium toxicity through lime application

Aim: Vegetables grown in cadmium contaminated soils accumulate cadmium in their tissues and are risky for consumption. The aim of the study was to get an insight into the effect of different levels of cadmium in soil, on accumulation in different plant parts of okra and its effect on overall growth, biomass production and photosynthesis rate so that suitable management option is explored to produce safe vegetable in cadmium contaminated soils. Methodology: The study was conducted in replicated pots with three soil pH (5.46, 6.54 and 7.45) attained through addition of CaCO3 as main treatment and four Cd levels viz., 0, 3, 6 and 9 mg kg-1 of soil as sub-treatment. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) was taken as the test crop. The experiment was conducted in a net house. Results: The Cd concentrations were minimum in fruits (0.54, 0.31 and 0.14 mg kg-1) and higher in leaves at acidic pH (5.5), while in soil limed to slightly acidic (6.5) and alkaline pH (7.5) roots retained maximum Cd among plant parts. Net photosynthesis and biomass production decreased significantly with higher Cd doses at acidic pH (5.5). The rate of decline in net photosynthesis was lesser at higher soil pH. The transfer factors decreased with increase in soil pH. The DTPA extractable soil Cd decreased from 8.5 to 2% when soil pH increased rendering the Cd less available for plant uptake. Interpretation: Liming can be an effective ameliorative measure to mitigate Cd toxicity in acidic soils and can ensure safe consumption. Lowest accumulation of cadmium in fruit part suggests okra to be a potential vegetable crop for Cd polluted soils.

Effect of supplementation of dermal fibroblasts conditioned medium on expansion of keratinocytes through enhancing attachment.

In the present study in vitro expansion of human keratinocytes by supplementing dermal fibroblasts conditioned medium (DFCM) has been reported. Effect of two different DFCM acquired by culturing fibroblasts in keratinocyte-specific medium (defined keratinocytes serum free medium, DFCM-DKSFM) and fibroblast-specific serum free medium (F12: DMEM nutrient mix, DFCM-FD) have been compared. Growth kinetics of keratinocytes in terms of efficiency of cell attachment, expansion index, apparent specific growth rate and growth potential at the end of culture was evaluated in culture supplemented with DFCM-DKSFM and DFCM-FD in comparison with control i.e. DKSFM only. Results indicated that supplementation of DFCM caused significant increase in keratinocyte attachment. Efficiency of keratinocyte attachment in culture supplemented with DFCM-DKSFM was significantly higher compared to those cultured in DFCM-FD and DKSFM. In addition, the expansion index of keratinocytes in cultures supplemented with DFCM-DKSFM and DFCM-FD were 3.7 and 2.2 times higher than that of control condition even though the apparent growth rate and proliferative potential was found significantly lower. These results suggested that supplementation of DFCM enhanced expansion of keratinocyte by increasing efficiency of cell attachment, and DFCM-DKSFM provided suitable condition for in vitro expansion of keratinocytes compared to DFCM-FD and control condition.

Management of long standing post burn deformities of hand.

A study of 50 cases of long standing post burn deformities of hand in respect to their type of deformities, their operative correction, reconstruction and subsequent recovery had been carried out during the period from January 1979 to May 1986. Contractures were mainly due to shortage of skin and soft tissue; joint deformities developed secondary to that. Purpose of this study was to provide the patient with a good functioning hand. Of them 19 cases required skin grafting and 31 cases required different types of skin flap like groin flap in 13, abdominal flap in 12 and transposition flap in 3,Z-plasty in 2 and buttock flap in one case for resurfacing the raw area which was created following release of contracture of skin and soft tissue. Six patients required capsulotomy and collateral ligament excision, 2 required excision arthroplasty and one patient required excision of lower end of ulna along with a flap cover. Deformities corrected at an earlier date showed better functional recovery than those which were treated at a much later date. In this series, 3 children required secondary correction of their contracted flap due to their growing age, 3 adult patients developed contracture to the grafted skin for not using splint or having any physiotherapy, 2 patients had little extension deformities even after correction flap cover of hyperextension deformity, 2 patients with excision arthroplasty had weak grip and 3 patients were not followed up. Rest had good results. Extensive physiotherapy, proper splinting and regular follow-up at least for 3 to 5 years after operation are the secrets of better functional recovery.