The chloroplast genome sequences of Ipomoea alba and I. obscura (Convolvulaceae): genome comparison and phylogenetic analysis.

Ipomoea species have diverse uses as ornamentals, food, and medicine. However, their genomic information is limited; I. alba and I. obscura were sequenced and assembled. Their chloroplast genomes were 161,353 bp and 159,691 bp, respectively. Both genomes exhibited a quadripartite structure, consisting of a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions, which are separated by the large single-copy (LSC) and small single-copy (SSC) regions. The overall GC content was 37.5% for both genomes. A total of 104 and 93 simple sequence repeats, 50 large repeats, and 30 and 22 short tandem repeats were identified in the two chloroplast genomes, respectively. G and T were more preferred than C and A at the third base position based on the Parity Rule 2 plot analysis, and the neutrality plot revealed correlation coefficients of 0.126 and 0.105, indicating the influence of natural selection in shaping the codon usage bias in most protein-coding genes (CDS). Genome comparative analyses using 31 selected Ipomoea taxa from Thailand showed that their chloroplast genomes are rather conserved, but the presence of expansion or contraction of the IR region was identified in some of these Ipomoea taxa. A total of five highly divergent regions were identified, including the CDS genes accD, ndhA, and ndhF, as well as the intergenic spacer regions psbI-atpA and rpl32-ccsA. Phylogenetic analysis based on both the complete chloroplast genome sequence and CDS datasets of 31 Ipomoea taxa showed that I. alba is resolved as a group member for series (ser.) Quamoclit, which contains seven other taxa, including I. hederacea, I. imperati, I. indica, I. nil, I. purpurea, I. quamoclit, and I. × sloteri, while I. obscura is grouped with I. tiliifolia, both of which are under ser. Obscura, and is closely related to I. biflora of ser. Pes-tigridis. Divergence time estimation using the complete chloroplast genome sequence dataset indicated that the mean age of the divergence for Ipomoeeae, Argyreiinae, and Astripomoeinae, was approximately 29.99 Mya, 19.81 Mya, and 13.40 Mya, respectively. The node indicating the divergence of I. alba from the other members of Ipomoea was around 10.06 Mya, and the split between I. obscura and I. tiliifolia is thought to have happened around 17.13 Mya. The split between the I. obscura accessions from Thailand and Taiwan is thought to have taken place around 0.86 Mya.

(What's the story) morning glory? MRI findings in morning glory disc anomaly.

PURPOSE: Morning glory disc anomaly (MGDA) is a rare congenital ophthalmologic disorder. Historically it has been diagnosed fundoscopically, with little in the literature regarding its imaging findings. The purpose of this study is to further characterize the orbital and associated intracranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of MGDA in our tertiary pediatric center. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of fundoscopically-diagnosed cases of MGDA, that had been referred for MRI. All MRI studies were scrutinized for orbital and other intracranial abnormalities known to occur in association with MGDA. RESULTS: 18 of 19 cases of MGDA showed three characteristic MRI findings: funnel-shaped morphology of the posterior optic disc, abnormal soft tissue associated with the retrobulbar optic nerve, and effacement of adjacent subarachnoid spaces. The ipsilateral (intraorbital) optic nerve was larger in one patient and smaller in six. The ipsilateral optic chiasm was larger in two patients and smaller in one. CONCLUSION: This study represents a comprehensive radiological-led investigation into MGDA. It describes the most frequently-encountered MRI findings in MGDA and emphasizes the importance of MRI in this cohort, i.e., in distinguishing MGDA from other posterior globe abnormalities, in assessing the visual pathway, and in screening for associated intracranial abnormalities - skull base/cerebral, vascular, and facial. It hypothesizes neurocristopathy as an underlying cause of MGDA and its associations. Caliber abnormalities of the ipsilateral optic nerve and chiasm are a frequent finding in MGDA. Optic pathway enlargement should not be labeled "glioma". (239/250).

Morning Glory Anomaly With Serous Macular Detachment.

The morning glory (MG) disc anomaly is a congenital excavation of the posterior globe involving the optic disc, with a distinct appearance reminiscent of the MG flower. Various intracranial and ocular associations with MG have been documented. Conditions such as trans-sphenoidal encephalocele and hypoplasia of the intracranial vasculature have been observed in association with this anomaly. In this report, we present a case of MG optic disc anomaly accompanied by serous macular detachment.

Congenital Optic Disc Anomalies: Insights from Multimodal Imaging.

In this comprehensive review, we delve into the significance of multimodal imaging in diagnosing and managing complications of congenital optic disc anomalies. While the fundus examination is the gold standard tool in the diagnosis of these pathologies, spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) could shed light on the pathogenesis and treatment. Moreover, this review seeks to offer a comprehensive insight into the multimodal approach of these rare congenital pathologies. In conclusion, congenital anomalies of the optic nerve represent a major challenge for ophthalmologists. Further research could be useful to clarify the pathophysiology of these diseases and define a correct and more specific treatment approach.

Near extinct Argyreia versicolor and rare Argyreia mekongensis are dependent on carpenter bee pollinators.

Argyreia versicolor and Argyreia mekongensis are extremely rare plant species. The former had not been seen for nearly 100 years until two individuals were found in Thailand in 2018, and only a handful of populations are known for the latter. The aims of this study were to examine the breeding systems of A. versicolor and A. mekongensis using pollination experiments and to determine their potential pollinators via floral observations. Our controlled pollination experiments uncovered the self-incompatibility of both species. Pollinator censuses indicated that females of two carpenter bee species, Xylocopa aestuans and Xylocopa latipes, were the predominant floral visitors for both Argyreia species. Our observations confirmed a harmonious match between the floral shape of both Argyreia species and the body sizes of these pollinators, ensuring effective pollen transfer and validating their role as putative pollinators. In line with the high frequency of pollinator visits observed, our controlled pollination experiments found no evidence of pollen limitation under field conditions. The findings of this study hold significance for the conservation of these endangered species, yet the situation is dire for A. versicolor, with one of the two individuals under study recently lost. Hence, it is crucial to intensify monitoring efforts for the species, aiming to identify additional individuals for potential inclusion in an ex-situ conservation program. Simultaneously, safeguarding the habitat of these plant species and their pollinators will be critical.

Optical Coherence Tomography in a Morning Glory Disc Anomaly with a Peripapillary Choroidal Neovascular Membrane.

The purpose of this case report is to describe the optical coherence tomography (OCT) features of a peripapillary choroidal neovascular membrane (PPCNVM) in an eye with morning glory disc anomaly (MGDA). A PPCNVM appears as a hyper-reflective mass in the peripapillary area. It should be distinguished from peripapillary hyper-reflective ovoid mass-like structures, which are markers of axoplasmic flow stasis. This case report describes the distinguishing features between the two. The presence of intraretinal cystic spaces are indicative of an active PPCNVM. In conclusion, MGDA can be associated with PPCNVM and OCT can be used in its detection.

[Embryonic development and congenital diseases of the orbit]. / Embryologische Entwicklung und angeborene Erkrankungen des Auges.

Many neuroradiologists focus primarily on the central nervous system and give little attention to other regions like the eye/orbit. It is easy to be deceived by the pitfall called satisfaction of search (also abbreviated SOS), despite most congenital eye diseases being easily recognized if one is aware of them. In this article, the most common congenital orbital abnormalities are described, and their basic prenatal causes are summarized.

Síndrome de Morning Glory / Morning Glory Syndrome

Introducción: la anomalía congénita del disco óptico conocida como "morning glory" (MG) es un desarrollo anómalo del nervio óptico, caracterizado por una cavidad amplia en forma de embudo del disco en el punto donde salen las fibras del nervio de la retina. Su presentación más frecuente es unilateral. La mayoría de los casos son aislados y no se asocian con anomalías sistémicas. Objetivo: se presenta el caso de un niño de 1 año con MG y los hallazgos imagenológicos. Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 1 año con sospecha de patología visual; en el estudio se realizó resonancia magnética cerebral (RM) en la que se identificó excavación en forma de embudo de la papila del globo ocular izquierdo, alteración en la morfología del quiasma óptico con desplazamiento inferior asimétrico y engrosamiento del infundíbulo y del tallo hipofisiario. Discusión: el diagnóstico de MG es clínico, las imágenes aportan información adicional sobre anomalías oculares, craneofaciales y vasculares asociadas. En este caso además de la lesión ocular había anomalías de estructuras de línea media como el infundíbulo y el tallo hipofisiario, además de engrosamiento quiasmático. Conclusión: la valoración por imágenes en fundamental, no solo para describir la alteración del nervio óptico, si no para identificar y describir anomalías asociadas para realizar manejo integral del paciente.

Introduction: the congenital optic disc anomaly known as morning glory disc anomaly (MGDA) is an alteration of normal optic nerve development, characterized by an enlarged funnel-shaped cavity of the optic disc, the point in the eye where the optic nerve fibers leave the retina. The anomaly is typically unilateral. Most are isolated cases with no associated systemic anomalies. Objective: a case is presented in a one-year-old boy with MGDA and the corresponding imaging findings. Case reports: we present the case of a one-year-old male patient with suspected visual impairment. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a papillary funnel-shaped excavation in the left eye, alteration in the morphology and inferior asymmetric displacement of the optic chiasm and thickening of the pituitary infundibular stalk. Discussion: MGDA is diagnosed clinically, however, imaging provides additional information regarding the associated ocular, craniofacial and vascular abnormalities. In this case, in addition to the ocular lesion there were abnormalities of midline structures, such as, the pituitary infundibular stalk, as well as, optic chiasm thickening. Conclusion: imaging is fundamental, not only to describe the anatomic alteration of the optic nerve, but also to identify related abnormalities in order to provide patients a comprehensive management

Multimodal imaging of morning glory syndrome with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous.

Morning glory syndrome (MGS) and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) are congenital abnormity, which may be related to the increased incidence of systemic abnormalities and retinal detachment，diagnosed by ultrasound, identified by CT, MRI, and with the confirmation of fundus examination.

Imaging Criteria for the Diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: Supportive or Mandatory?

We present the case of a 54-year-old male, without any significant medical history, who insidiously developed speech disturbances and walking difficulties, accompanied by backward falls. The symptoms progressively worsened over time. The patient was initially diagnosed with Parkinson's disease; however, he failed to respond to standard therapy with Levodopa. He came to our attention for worsening postural instability and binocular diplopia. A neurological exam was highly suggestive of a Parkinson-plus disease, most likely progressive supranuclear gaze palsy. Brain MRI was performed and revealed moderate midbrain atrophy with the characteristic "hummingbird" and "Mickey mouse" signs. An increased MR parkinsonism index was also noted. Based on all clinical and paraclinical data, a diagnosis of probable progressive supranuclear palsy was established. We review the main imaging features of this disease and their current role in diagnosis.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Aquaporins in Japanese Morning Glory (Ipomoea nil).

The aquaporin (AQP) family, also called water channels or major intrinsic proteins, facilitate water transport. AQPs also transport low-molecular-weight solutes, including boric acid, glycerol, urea, and ammonia. Since plants are sessile, water homeostasis is crucial. Therefore, plants have developed diverse AQP variants at higher expression levels than animals. For example, 35 and 33 AQPs have been identified in Arabidopsis and rice, respectively. In the present study, we identified AQPs in morning glory (Ipomoea nil), which has been widely used as a model plant in research on flowering and floral morphology. The importance of AQPs in the opening of morning glory flowers has been reported. In the morning glory genome, 44 AQPs were identified, and their characteristics were analyzed. A phylogenetic analysis revealed five AQP subfamilies in morning glory: plasma membrane-intrinsic proteins (PIPs), tonoplast-intrinsic proteins (TIPs), nodulin 26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs), small basic intrinsic proteins (SIPs), and X-intrinsic proteins (XIPs). Further, transport substrates of morning glory AQPs were estimated based on their homology to the known AQPs in other plant species and their corresponding amino acid motifs that possess permeability pores. It was expected that PIPs are likely to transport water, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen peroxide; TIPs are likely transport water, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, urea, and boric acid; NIPs are likely transport water, boric acid, ammonia, glycerol, and formamide; and XIPs are likely to transport water, hydrogen peroxide, and glycerol. Overall, these results suggest that AQPs are involved in water and nutrient transport in Japanese morning glory. An in silico gene expression analysis suggested the importance of AQPs in flower opening, water or nutrient uptakes from the soil to roots, and photosynthesis in morning glory. Our findings provide fundamental information that enables further study into the importance of AQPs in morning glory, including their roles in flower opening and other physiological events.

Mediastinal high-grade vasculogenic mesenchymal tumour with seminoma: a case report and literature review.

Germ cell tumours with somatic-type solid malignancy (GCT-STM) are a rare disease of the mediastinum. Recently, a cohort of vasculogenic mesenchymal tumour (VMT)-nonseminoma cases with different prognoses were recognized and reported. Here, we report a case of mediastinal high-grade VMT with a seminoma. A 16-year-old male had a fever, chest tightness and fatigue. Chest CT showed a 7.5 cm×5.3 cm solid mass in the right anterior mediastinum. The serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were within the normal range. Tumorectomy was performed. The tumour was irregular, and no capsule was found. The cut surface was greyish white and greyish brown with medium consistency. There were foci of bleeding and necrosis. Microscopic histology showed prominent vascular proliferation, which was lined by mildly atypical endothelial cells in a cellular stroma with significant cytologic atypia. The vascular spectrum varied from crevice-like or antler-like thin- to thick-walled vessels. Beyond the tumour area, inside the remnant thymus tissues, there were small clusters of polygonal tumour cells with clear cytoplasm, distinct cell membranes, and round to polygonal nuclei with prominent nucleoli that were positive for Oct4, PLAP, SALL4 and CD117. The patient did not receive any treatments pre- or postoperation, and his condition was stable without progression after 14 months of follow-up evaluation. Here, we added a new entity of GCT-STM of the mediastinum composed of VMT and seminoma. A better understanding of the pathological features of GCT-VMT could help pathologists improve their awareness of these rare diseases.

Frontonasal Dysplasia: A Diagnostic Challenge with Fetal MRI in Twin Pregnancy.

Callosal agenesis is a complex condition with disruption in the steps such as cellular proliferation, migration, axonal growth, guidance, or glial patterning at the midline. Agenesis of the corpus callosum (AgCC) is associated with diverse midline craniofacial malformations affecting the frontal-cranial and midface skeleton. Diagnosing midline abnormalities prenatally can be challenging, especially in twin pregnancies, due to poor resolution of skull base structures on fetal MRI, basal cephalocele could be mistaken for fluid in the nasopharynx, motion limitation, and fetal positioning. Our case highlights the importance of evaluation for other associated midline anomalies when there is callosal agenesis.

Morning glory disc anomaly and its implications in moyamoya arteriopathy: a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: Morning glory disc anomaly (MGDA), a congenital abnormality of the optic nerve, may be associated with moyamoya arteriopathy, a cerebrovascular abnormality. In this study, the authors aimed to define the temporal evolution of cerebrovascular arteriopathy in patients with MGDA to characterize a rational strategy for screening and management over time. METHODS: The records of pediatric neurosurgical patients at two academic institutions were retrospectively reviewed to identify cases of cerebral arteriopathy and MGDA, including radiographic and clinical records documenting patient outcomes of medical and surgical management. RESULTS: Thirteen cases of moyamoya syndrome (MMS) associated with MGDA were identified in 13 children aged 0.6-17 years. The pattern of arteriopathy resembled that of non-MGDA MMS, with predominantly anterior circulation involvement. The arteriopathy lateralized with the MGDA, although 3 patients also had contralateral involvement. The overall group was followed for a median of 3.2 years. Radiological biomarkers of cerebral ischemia were applied to guide surgical decisions, and more than half of the patients (7 of 13) had evidence of stroke or progression on serial imaging. Nine patients underwent revascularization surgery, and 4 were managed medically. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral arteriopathy observed in association with MGDA resembles MMS seen in patients without MGDA and is dynamic, with progression observed over months to years and an associated risk of cerebral ischemia that indicates a role for surgical revascularization. Radiological biomarkers may augment clinical data to identify candidates for revascularization surgery.

Progression of bilateral morning glory syndrome associated with unilateral persistent fetal vasculture: A case report of long term follow-up in an infant.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of Bilateral Morning Glory Syndrome (MGS) associated with Unilateral Persistent Fetal Vasculature (PFV) in a 3-day old neonate. OBSERVATIONS: A 3-day-old neonate was found bilateral retinal abnormalities due to neonatal eye screening. Dilated fundus exam showed bilateral optic disc dysplasia with the persistent hyaloid vessels in right eye at first. With the progress of the disease, optic disc was enlarged with central umbilication which with a similar anomalous radiating peripapillary vascular appearance, the persistent hyaloid vessels in vitreous cavity of right eye gradually disappear, a large amount of exudation can be seen in the posterior pole retina with macular movement in both eyes. Bilateral vitrectomy was performed in this case, then the condition of the neonate's both eyes is stable until 1 year old. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This is a rare case that showing the development of MGS and PFV and the relationship between these two diseases. In addition, we completely observed the whole process of the change of the persistent hyaloid vessels in the vitreous cavity of a case of MGS associated with PFV.

Multimodal imaging in differential diagnosis between papilledema and choroidal neovascularization associated with morning glory syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe the role of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to help in differential diagnosis between papilledema and a rare case of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with Morning Glory Syndrome (MGS). METHODS: Observational case report. RESULTS: A 22-year old man was referred to Eye clinic from Neurological unit with a diagnosis of papilledema in right eye. OCTA scans on the optic disc revealed a dense radial peripapillary vascular network while two polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) were present in peripapillary region at the edge of staphyloma in corrispondence of choriocapillary layer. Therefore, the patient underwent three-monthly intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. One and six months after loading phase, the PCVs showed no clinical activity at structural spectral domain-OCT and OCTA. CONCLUSION: This case revealed the crucial role of OCTA as an efficace diagnostic technique in discriminating papilledema from MGS complicated by CNV, allowing to make differential diagnosis, useful in ophthalmological and neurological clinical practice.

How and Where Periglandula Fungus Interacts with Different Parts of Ipomoea asarifolia.

Periglandula is a fungal genus that is associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae. They produce medicinally important constituents called ergot alkaloids, which are stored in their host plants. Previously, the fungi were reported to mainly interact with young leaves and seeds of Convolvulaceae species. However, knowledge about how ergot alkaloid-producing fungi interact with their host plants is still lacking. Therefore, we investigated the interaction of Periglandula fungus with different plant parts of Ipomoea asarifolia, using molecular, histochemical, anatomical and micromorphological techniques. Our findings confirm the presence of Periglandula ipomoeae on six out of the eight plant parts examined (young folded leaves, mature leaves, flower buds, mature flowers, young seeds and mature seeds). The fungus was mostly distributed along external plant surfaces, and particularly on areas that were relatively unexposed. Our results suggest that the density of fungal mycelium varies depending on glandular trichome density and the growth stage of the host plant. Detection of the fungus in the flowers of its host plant, for the first time, fills a missing link in understanding how vertical transmission of Periglandula species occurs.

Morning glory disc anomaly associated with moyamoya disease and pituitary stalk duplication.

Purpose: We report a case of a 10-year-old with Moring glory disc anomaly (MGDA) associated with Moyamoya disease and pituitary stalk duplication. Observations: A 10-year-old Asian child presented with decreased vision in the right eye and bilateral nystagmus. Both dilated fundus exam and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbit confirmed MGDA of the right eye. MRI of the brain demonstrated duplication of the pituitary stalk. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain revealed bilateral severe narrowing (greater on the right side) of the distal supraclinoid internal carotid arteries with bilateral reconstitution at the carotid terminus and prominent collaterals, suggestive of Moyamoya disease. Conclusions: Patients with MGDA should undergo neuroimaging due to the associated central nervous system (CNS) anomalies.