Comparative anatomy of invasive and non-invasive species in the family Asteraceae in Nigeria

Comparative anatomical studies were conducted on two invasive species (Chromolaena odorata and Tithonia diversifolia) and two non-invasive species (Ageratum conyzoides and Aspilia africana) in the family Asteraceae in Nigeria. The aims are to study the anatomical characters of the invasive species and the noninvasive species with a view to report the anatomical characters in the invasive species responsible for invasiveness and also to correlate these characters with the functions they perform in the invasive species. The foliar and stem micromorphological study of the invasive and non-invasive species were undertaken using Light Microscope (LM). The occurrence of vessels in the pillar of the abundant sclerenchyma tissues are important component of the skeletal system in the invasive species. The prominent tiles of parenchymatous cells for effective conduction of water and nutrients; the occurrence of various vessel types: short and long together with wide and narrow vessels for water conservation and reduced vulnerability of stem to cavitations; the long but coiled trichomes for effective light piping; high stomata sizes with low stomatal index to reduce excessive evaporation that might lead to desiccation and severe disruption of photosynthetic function; all these among others are the characters reported for the invasive species and they are responsible for their aggressiveness and xerophytic nature.Keywords: Micromorphology, sclerenchyma, characters, aggressive, foliar, stem

Environmental enrichment and social isolation mediate neuroplasticity of medium spiny neurons through the GSK3 pathway

Resilience and vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders are linked to molecular changes underlying excitability that are still poorly understood. Here, we identify glycogen-synthase kinase 3b (GSK3b) and voltage-gated Na+ channel Nav1.6 as regulators of neuroplasticity induced by environmentally enriched (EC) or isolated (IC) conditions\u2014models for resilience and vulnerability. Transcriptomic studies in the nucleus accumbens from EC and IC rats predicted low levels of GSK3b and SCN8A mRNA as a protective phenotype associated with reduced excitability in medium spiny neurons (MSNs). In vivo genetic manipulations demonstrate that GSK3b and Nav1.6 are molecular determinants of MSN excitability and that silencing of GSK3b prevents maladaptive plasticity of IC MSNs. In vitro studies reveal direct interaction of GSK3b with Nav1.6 and phosphorylation at Nav1.6T1936 by GSK3b. A GSK3b-Nav1.6T1936 competing peptide reduces MSNs excitability in IC, but not EC rats. These results identify GSK3b regulation of Nav1.6 as a biosignature ofMSNs maladaptive plasticity

Use of foliar and stem anatomical characters in the identification of Ludwigia (Linn.) species in Nigeria

Foliar and stem anatomical characters that could be used for the identification of nine species of Ludwigia L. viz., Ludwigia abyssinica A. Rich., L. adscendens subsp. diffusa (Forssk)., L. decurrens variety A Walter., L. decurrens variety B Walter., L. erecta (Linn.) Hara, L. hyssopifolia (G.Don) Exell., L. leptocarpa (Nutt.), L. octovalvis variety brevisepala (Jacq.) Raven and L. octovalvis variety linearis (Jacq.) Raven in Nigeria are reported. This is envisaged to facilitate the management of these Ludwigia species; most importantly the invasive species and also to reduce the fluctuations in their taxonomic classifications. Fresh leaves and matured stem of these nine (9) species of Ludwigia from South-western Nigeria were subjected to anatomical study under Light Microscope. The occurrence of hypoamphistomatic stomata and several other stomata types such as anomocytic, staurocytic, anisocytic, cyclocytic and laterocytic in these advanced species of Ludwigia could be responsible for their invasiveness in the environments. Similarly, the mean vessel diameter in Ludwigia species studied represents invasive character; the species with higher mean vessel diameter are likely to be more invasive in their habits. Baseline information on the stem anatomy of the Ludwigia species has been provided; in addition, diagnostic characters for easy identification and classification of the taxa are also reported. The leaf and stem anatomical characters in the Ludwigia species are constant despite their environmental plasticity.Keywords: Ludwigia, epidermal, stomata, morphology, diagnostic, invasive.

Outcomes after perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with proximal femoral fractures: an international cohort study

Objectives Studies have demonstrated high rates of mortality in people with proximal femoral fracture and SARS-CoV-2, but there is limited published data on the factors that influence mortality for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions. This study aims to report the 30-day mortality associated with perioperative infection of patients undergoing surgery for proximal femoral fractures and to examine the factors that influence mortality in a multivariate analysis. Setting Prospective, international, multicentre, observational cohort study. Participants Patients undergoing any operation for a proximal femoral fracture from 1 February to 30 April 2020 and with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection (either 7 days prior or 30-day postoperative). Primary outcome 30-day mortality. Multivariate modelling was performed to identify factors associated with 30-day mortality. Results This study reports included 1063 patients from 174 hospitals in 19 countries. Overall 30-day mortality was 29.4% (313/1063). In an adjusted model, 30-day mortality was associated with male gender (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.13, p80 years (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.31, p=0.013), preoperative diagnosis of dementia (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.16, p=0.005), kidney disease (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.55, p=0.005) and congestive heart failure (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.48, p=0.025). Mortality at 30 days was lower in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.6 (0.42 to 0.85), p=0.004). There was no difference in mortality in patients with an increase to delay in surgery (p=0.220) or type of anaesthetic given (p=0.787). Conclusions Patients undergoing surgery for a proximal femoral fracture with a perioperative infection of SARS-CoV-2 have a high rate of mortality. This study would support the need for providing these patients with individualised medical and anaesthetic care, including medical optimisation before theatre. Careful preoperative counselling is needed for those with a proximal femoral fracture and SARS-CoV-2, especially those in the highest risk groups. Trial registration number NCT0432364