Functional characterization of Nicotiana benthamiana chromomethylase 3 in developmental programs by virus-induced gene silencing.

DNA methylation is essential for normal developmental processes and genome stability. DNA methyltransferases are key enzymes catalyzing DNA methylation. Chromomethylase (CMT) genes are specific to the plant kingdom and encode chromodomain-containing methyltransferases. However, the function of CMT genes in plants remains elusive. In this study, we isolated and characterized a CMT gene from Nicotiana benthamiana, designated NbCMT3. Alignment of the NbCMT3 amino acid sequence with other plant CMT3s showed conservation of bromo-adjacent-homology and methyltransferase catalytic domains. We investigated the expression patterns of NbCMT3 and its function in developmental programs. NbCMT3 was expressed predominately in proliferating tissues such as apical shoots and young leaves. NbCMT3 protein showed a nuclear location, which could be related to its putative cellular functions. Knocking down NbCMT3 expression by virus-induced gene silencing revealed its vital role(s) in leaf morphogenesis. The formation of palisade cells was defective in NbCMT3-silenced plants as compared with controls. NbCMT3 has a role in developmental programs.

Granularity and Entropy of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Information and Their Applications.

A granular structure of intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) information presents simultaneously the similarity and diversity of samples. However, this structural representation has rarely displayed its technical capability in data mining and information processing due to the lack of suitable constructive methods and semantic interpretation for IF information with regard to real data. To pursue better performance of the IF-based technique in real-world data mining, in this article, we examine information granularity, information entropy of IF granular structures, and their applications to data reduction of IF information systems. First, several types of partial-order relations at different hierarchical levels are defined to reveal the granularity of IF granular structures. Second, the granularity invariance between different IF granular structures is characterized by using relational mappings. Third, Shannon's entropies are generalized to IF entropies and their relationships with the partial-order relations are addressed. Based on the theoretical analysis above, the significance of intuitionistic attributes using the information measures is then introduced and the information-preserving algorithm for data reduction of IF information systems is constructed. Finally, by inducing substantial IF relations from public datasets that take both the similarity/diversity between the samples from the same/different classes into account, a collection of numerical experiments is conducted to confirm the performance of the proposed technique.

An anatomic and clinical study of the adductor magnus tendon-descending genicular artery bone flap.

The composite tissue flap of the descending genicular vessels with the adductor magnus tendon is a newly developed, reliable method to repair the Achilles tendon and relevant skin defects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomy of the adductor magnus tendon-descending genicular artery bone flap, and the feasibility and value for the repair of the Achilles tendon and relevant skin defects. There were 34 adult specimens used for the anatomy of this flap. The descending genicular artery originates 10.5 ± 1.6 cm above the adductor tubercle, with a diameter of 1.8 ± 0.6 mm and a length of 1.2 ± 0.5 cm. Its articular branch is distributed in the adductor magnus tendon and the medial condyle of the femur. The saphenous branch has a diameter of 1.1 ± 0.3 mm and is distributed in the skin of the upper medial calf. A total of 16 cases of trauma-induced Achilles tendon damage and calcaneus and skin defects were repaired with the vascularized adductor magnus tendon bone flap, including the reconstruction of Achilles tendon insertion and repair of relevant skin defects. All of the composite tissue flaps were viable, the skin sensation of the flaps was recovered, and all patients walked with a normal gait. Our results suggested that the adductor magnus tendon-descending genicular artery bone flap is an alternative method to repair composite tissue defects of the Achilles tendon.

Functional and aesthetic results of immediate reconstruction of traumatic thumb defects by toe-to-thumb transplantation.

Traumatic thumb defects significantly affect the function and appearance of the hand; thus, thumb reconstruction is very important in clinical practice. In our report, three reconstruction strategies of toe-to-thumb transplantation, based on the amputation level of the thumb, were used for immediate thumb reconstruction in 27 patients with traumatic thumb defects. All procedures were performed successfully. Patients were satisfied with the function and appearance of the reconstructed thumb. These results indicate that if the reconstruction method is properly selected based on the amputation level of the thumb, toe-to-thumb transplantation is feasible for the immediate reconstruction of the thumb.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Surgery for Mid-Low Rectal Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Short- and Long-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The safety of laparoscopic surgery for mid-low rectal cancer treatment has remained controversial, especially regarding the long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether the laparoscopic technique is feasible. METHODS: We searched all of studies that compared the short- or long-term outcomes regarding laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgeries (the tumour distance from anal verge within 10 cm). The data sources included PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases. The combined outcome of the dichotomous variables was expressed as an estimation of the odds ratios and continuous variables were presented in the form of weighted mean differences with 95% credible intervals. Subgroup, publication bias and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Thirteen studies met the final inclusion criteria (total n = 3,678). The pooled analyses showed, despite longer operation times, that there were significantly less blood loss, fewer transfusions, shorter times to bowel function recovery, resumed diet and hospital durations, and lower overall complication and wound infection rates. The compared results of the lymph node harvest number, distal resection margin, circumferential resection margin involvement, local and distant recurrences, disease-free survival and overall survival were similar between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery appear to be equivalent to open surgery for treatment of mid- low rectal cancer, with the more favourable short-term benefits, fewer complications, comparable pathological outcomes and long-term outcomes.

Aesthetic fingertip reconstruction with partial second toe transfer.

BACKGROUND: Fingertip defect significantly affects the appearance of the hand. The aim of this research was to evaluate the clinical effect of aesthetic fingertip reconstruction with partial second toe transfer. METHODS: Between July 2005 and December 2008, 17 patients underwent aesthetic fingertip reconstruction with partial second toe transfer. The mean size of fingertip defects was 0.7 cm (ranging from 0.5 - 1.1 cm). Anastomosis was performed between one dominant plantar digital artery and one proper digital artery, between two dorsal digital veins of the toe and two dorsal digital veins of the finger, respectively, for the reconstruction of blood supply to the reconstructed finger. Two plantar digital nerves of the toe were then sutured to two proper digital nerves of the finger for the restoration of fingertip sensation. RESULTS: All reconstructed fingers survived completely. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 24 months, and the appearance of the reconstructed fingertip was similar to that of the normal fingertip. Two-point discrimination of the reconstructed fingertip was (7.8 ± 1.3) mm. The recovered pinch strength of the reconstructed finger was about (89.0 ± 5.1)% of that of the normal finger. Donor site healed well without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Partial second toe transfer is an ideal aesthetic reconstruction method for fingertip defects; it can not only achieve a satisfactory appearance of the fingertip, but can also obtain excellent sensory and motor functions.

An alternative approach in the treatment of thumb web contracture skin defects: lateral tarsal artery flap.

BACKGROUND: Thumb web contracture is a common complication after hand injury, and can markedly affect whole hand function. Therefore, surgery involving thumb web reconstruction is often necessary to restore normal function of the involved hand. In this study, we present the application of the lateral tarsal artery (LTA) flap in first web reconstruction. METHODS: From November 1, 2005 to October 31, 2007, seven patients with severe post trauma or burn contractures around the first web space were treated with a LTA flap. All the patients were followed up. RESULTS: All flaps survived, with an average size of 6.7 cm x 4.8 cm. There were no complications or recurrent contractures during follow-up. All patients were satisfied with the esthetic appearance and functional outcome of the reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The LTA flap could be an excellent option for covering various defects in the thumb web space, serving as an excellent alternative for the thumb web space reconstruction.

Reconstruction of soft tissue defect of the extremity with the perforator flap from inguinal region.

BACKGROUND: The perforator flap has become a very useful reconstructive means of soft tissue defect of extremities. The perforator flap from the inguinal region has advantages that include the ability to cover a large area with little donor site morbidity and provision of suitable thickness for reconstruction. METHODS: From July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007, 10 patients with various types of soft tissue defect underwent reconstruction with 10 perforator flaps from the inguinal region. Six flaps were applied to the upper extremities and four flaps to the lower extremities. The dimensions of the transferred flaps ranged from 7-30 cm in length and 4-10 cm in width. RESULTS: The postoperative course of all 10 flaps was uneventful and all flaps survived. Distal small partial necrosis was observed in one case due to arterial insufficiency of the distal part of the flap. All patients were satisfied with the functional and esthetic resurfacing outcome. CONCLUSION: Use of perforator flap from the inguinal region could overcome the disadvantages of the traditional free groin flap, and represents a safe and useful tool for coverage of soft tissue defects.