A species’ ability to establish and spread is influenced by different types of biotic interactions encountered in a new range. Species with high dependency on biotic interactions, such as orchids, are believed to have low ability to expand ranges. Using a comparative approach, we addressed the role of below‐ground biotic interactions in the naturalization and spread of two introduced orchids. Using fungus‐specific DNA primers and symbiotic germination trials, we identified the types of fungal taxa associated with Cyrtopodium flavum and Eulophia graminea, two invasive orchids in southern Florida, with that of two native congeners, C. punctatum and E. alta. We quantified the degrees of mycorrhizal specificity as well as associations with pathogenic fungi. We identified a total of 57 distinct fungal taxa, collected from a total of 104 root samples (67 adults and 37 seedlings), and 111 protocorms derived from fungal baits in southern Florida and southwest China. We found that invasive orchids were capable of associating with a broader range of mycorrhizal fungi than co‐occurring native congeners (i.e., generalist strategy). Concurrently, invasive orchid species were less likely to harbor pathogenic fungal groups (Ascomycete) than native congeners, suggesting enemy release played a role as well in these orchids’ naturalization and spread. These findings provided insights into the complex roles of mycorrhizal symbioses in range expansions.
Introduction: Hepatopulmonary fusion (HPF) is a rare anomaly specifically associated with right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Fewer than 50 cases of HPF have been reported, most at the time of surgery or postmortem with an associated high morbidity and mortality rate. Prenatal diagnosis and optimal management of these rare cases has not been established.
Case Presentation: We present a case of HPF diagnosed prenatally by fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging allowing postnatal and intraoperative planning leading to successful HPF separation and repair of the CDH.
Discussion: The prenatal recognition allowed the use of preoperative computed tomography angiogram and right cardiac catheterization to plan the surgical approach. Intraoperative ultrasound confirmed abnormal vasculature associated with the HPF facilitating a successful complete HPF separation and CDH repair was performed. The patient survived and continues to do well on long term follow-up. Prenatal recognition may help reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with HPF.
The purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive synopsis of the current literature on the development and structure of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle (LPS) with an emphasis on known variations as well as clinical implications of said structures. Furthering an understanding of LPS variations and clinical presentations will afford a more informed approach for surgical reconstruction procedures as well as guide clinical considerations during presentations of lid lag, blepharoptosis, eyelid retractions, etc., that are prevalent with congenital ptosis, age‐related ptosis, and Grave’s disease. Embryologically, the LPS arises from the superior rectus around the 46th day of the prenatal period and remains bound and share a common epimysium that begins dividing by the fifth fetal month. Subsequent anterograde projection of the LPS allows for connections with the skin through the ciliary portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle. Anatomic variations of the LPS have been noted at higher incidences in fetal studies when compared to adult cadaveric dissections. Variations arising from muscular slips which split off the medial or lateral margins have been described unilaterally or bilaterally and can progress to acquire their own muscular identity and can be supplied by branches of the trochlear n.
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