Identification and Functional Characterization of the SaMYB113 Gene in Solanum aculeatissimum.

The MYB transcription factors (TFs) have substantial functions in anthocyanin synthesis as well as being widely associated with plant responses to various adversities. In the present investigation, we found an unreported MYB TF from Solanum aculeatissimum (a wild relative of eggplant) and named it SaMYB113 in reference to its homologous gene. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the open reading frame of SaMYB113 was 825 bp in length, encoding 275 amino acids, with a typical R2R3-MYB gene structure, and predicted subcellular localization in the nucleus. Analysis of the tissue-specific expression pattern through qRT-PCR showed that the SaMYB113 was expressed at a high level in young stems as well as leaves of S. aculeatissimum. Transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco plants overexpressing SaMYB113 pertinent to the control of the 35S promoter exhibited a distinct purple color trait, suggesting a significant change in their anthocyanin content. Furthermore, we obtained three tobacco transgenic lines with significant differences in anthocyanin accumulation and analyzed the differences in anthocyanin content by LC-MS/MS. The findings demonstrated that overexpression of SaMYB113 caused tobacco to have considerably raised levels of several anthocyanin components, with the most significant increases in delphinidin-like anthocyanins and cyanidin-like anthocyanins. The qRT-PCR findings revealed significant differences in the expression levels of structural genes for anthocyanin synthesis among various transgenic lines. In summary, this study demonstrated that the SaMYB113 gene has a substantial impact on anthocyanin synthesis, and overexpression of the SaMYB113 gene leads to significant modifications to the expression levels of a variety of anthocyanin-synthesizing genes, which leads to complex changes in anthocyanin content and affects plant phenotypes. This present research offers the molecular foundation for the research of the mechanism of anthocyanin formation within plants, as well as providing some reference for the improvement of traits in solanum crops.

Posterior unilateral approach with 270° spinal canal decompression and three-column reconstruction using double titanium mesh cage for thoracic and lumbar burst fractures.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of the posterior unilateral approach with 270° spinal canal decompression and three-column reconstruction using double titanium mesh cage (TMC) for thoracic and lumbar burst fractures. Materials and methods: From May 2013 to May 2018, 27 patients with single-level thoracic and lumbar burst fractures were enrolled. Every patient was followed for at least 18 months. Demographic data, neurologic status, back pain, canal compromise, anterior body compression, operative time, estimated blood loss and surgical-related complications were evaluated. Radiographs were reviewed to assess deformity correction, anterior body height correction, bony fusion and TMC subsidence. Results: The average preoperative percentages of canal compromise and anterior body height compression were 58.4% and 50.5%, respectively. All surgeries were successfully completed in one phase, the operative time was 151.5 ± 25.5 min (range: 115-220 min), the estimated blood loss was 590.7 ± 169.9 ml (range: 400-1,000 ml). Neurological function recovery was significantly improved except for 3 grade A patients. The preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back pain were significantly decreased compared with the values at the last follow-up (P = 0.000). The correct deformity angle was 12.4 ± 4.7° (range: 3.9-23.3°), and the anterior body height recovery was 96.7%. The TMC subsidence at the last follow-up was 1.3 ± 0.7 mm (range: 0.3-3.1 mm). Bony fusion was achieved in all patients. Conclusion: The posterior unilateral approach with 270° spinal canal decompression and three-column reconstruction using double TMC is a clinically feasible, safe and alternative treatment for thoracic and lumbar burst fractures.

Biomechanical analysis of the computer-assisted internal fixation of a femoral neck fracture.

The number and spatial configuration of the screws will affect the stability and prognosis of the fractures. In our study, we assessed the biomechanical effects of the double-head cannulated compression screw (DhCCS) and ordinary cannulated compression screw (OCCS) for the treatment of femoral neck fractures by using computer finite element analysis. The original digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM)data of a proximal femur were imported into Materialise's interactive medical image control system (MIMICS)software for modeling. Both DhCCS and OCCS 3D-models were obtained by using the 3D scan technique. Using the fracture model and internal fixation assembly model with an inverted triangle, two horizontal and vertical distribution were established in UG software. Next, the displacement and stress distribution were calculated in ANSYS software. The displacement value of the femoral head in the DhCCS group was smaller than that in the OCCS group, and the displacement value in the two horizontal groups was smaller than that in the vertical group. The stress distribution in the DhCCS group was concentrated on the screw rod at the fracture block and thread end, while only at the fracture block in the OCCS group. The stress in the horizontal group was more dispersed on the screws than that in the vertical group. DhCCS has reliable stability for the fixation of femoral neck fractures and applied in the clinical work and 2 horizontal fixation can be used when two screws are selected.