RESUMO
The standout characteristic of the orchid perianth is the transformation of the upper median petal into a distinctively formed lip, which gives orchid flowers their typically zygomorphic symmetry and makes them the most popular ornamental plants worldwide. To study orchid flower development, two WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) genes, PaWOX3 and PaWOX3B, were identified in Phalaenopsis. PaWOX3 and PaWOX3B mRNAs accumulate abundantly during early reproductive development and perianths of young buds, significantly decrease in mature flower and absent in vegetative leaves and roots. PaWOX3 and PaWOX3B virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) knockdown in Phalaenopsis significantly reduces floral bud numbers, suggesting that PaWOX3/PaWOX3B may be involved in flower initiation. Transgenic Arabidopsis ectopically expressing repressor forms of PaWOX3/PaWOX3B and their Oncidium orthologue, OnPRS, exhibit lateral organ development defects, implicating these genes likely have function in regulating growth and differentiation for lateral organs. Neither PaWOX3, PaWOX3B single nor PaWOX3/PaWOX3B double VIGS Phalaenopsis altered the flower morphology. Interestingly, double silencing of PaWOX3 or PaWOX3B with OAGL6-2, which controlled the identity/formation of lips, altered the symmetry of 'BigLip' produced in OAGL6-2 VIGS. This result indicated that the levels of PaWOX3/PaWOX3B are still sufficient to maintain the symmetry for the OAGL6-2 VIGS 'BigLip'. However, the symmetry of the OAGL6-2 VIGS 'BigLip' can not be maintained once the expression of PaWOX3 or PaWOX3B is further reduced. Thus, in addition to control lip identity, this study further found that OAGL6-2 could cooperate with functionally redundant PaWOX3/PaWOX3B in maintaining the symmetric axis of lip.
RESUMO
Objective: In order to better and more objectively assess and compare the aesthetics of the lip, we offer an inovative, digital measurement method. Patients and method: Patients were divided into 2 groups:a) patients with unilateral CLP andb) patients with bilateral CLP.Based on standardised photos from 3 different directions, lip symmetry and aesthetics were assessed. A new digital measurement system was used, which was integrated into a proven clinical programme. Different symmetry indices were compared with a non-cleft control group. In addition, the function was investigated and a standardised questionnaire was used. Results: In total, 92 patients with operated CLP could be recruitetd and showed significant residual asymmetry compared to the control group with 49 patients. The results were more symmetrical in group b) than in group a). In contrast, scar width and scar aesthetics as well as orofacial function were better in group a). The preoperative cleft width showed a positive correlation with the postoperative scar width and scar aesthetics. Socioeconomic factors were not related to surgical outcome. Satisfaction of affected children and parents correlated with objectively assessed scar aesthetics and function. There was no correlation between satisfaction and symmetry or cleft width or scar width. Conclusion: The presented measurement system can be used excellently and effectively in clinical routine, especially for the inexperienced examiner, for fast and yet detailed, objective recording of findings. The measurement results can be analyzed comparatively and interpreted predictively for diagnostics, planning and therapy.