Dual scope method: A novel application of a simultaneous multi-image display system for a thoracoscopic robotic lobectomy

The advantages of a multi-input display system platform in robotic thoracic surgery have not been well described. We report the novel application of a multi-display system for simultaneous visualization of an additional thoracoscopic image during a robotic lobectomy, which we have named the dual scope method. An additional thoracoscope is inserted from the bottom of the thoracic cavity. This thoracoscope visualizes the whole operative field, including the robot arms, from a bystander’s viewpoint. By providing an integrated image from the robot scope and the thoracoscope, various problems, such as arm collision, inappropriate instrument direction, excessive traction, and injury, can be solved or avoided much more easily and safely than with the use of the robotic image alone. The dual scope method facilitates the safety and efficiency of robotic lobectomy.

Single-molecule imaging reveals the coupling of translation and mRNA decay

The relationship between mRNA translation and decay is incompletely understood, with conflicting reports suggesting that translation can either promote decay or stabilize mRNAs. The effect of translation on mRNA decay has mainly been studied using ensemble measurements and global inhibitors of transcription and translation, which can mask the underlying mechanisms. We developed a single-molecule imaging approach to control the translation of a specific transcript that enabled simultaneous measurement of translation and mRNA decay. Our results demonstrate that mRNAs undergoing translation are degraded faster than non-translating ones, although with slower kinetics than translation-coupled degradation of transcripts targeted by NMD. Furthermore, our results indicate that miRNAs mediate efficient degradation of both translating and non-translating target mRNAs. Single-molecule measurements of translation and decay reveal a predominant role of mRNA decay in miRNA-mediated regulation. Simultaneous visualization of translation and decay on single mRNAs provides a framework to study how these processes are interconnected in cells.

Identification of WRKY transcription factors associated with leaf and corolla senescence in Petunia hybrida

Several families of transcription factors (TFs) control the progression of senescence. Many key TFs belonging to the WRKY family have been described to play crucial roles in the regulation of leaf senescence, mainly in Arabidopsis. However, little is known about senescence-associated WRKY members in floricultural species. Delay of senescence in leaves and petals of Petunia hybrida, a worldwide ornamental crop are highly appreciated traits. In this work, starting from 28 differentially expressed WRKY genes of Arabidopsis during the progression of leaf senescence, we identified the orthologous in P. hybrida and explored the expression profiles of 20 PhWRKY genes during the progression of natural (age-related) leaf and corolla senescence as well as in the corollas of flowers undergoing pollination-induced senescence. Simultaneous visualization showed consistent and similar expression profiles of PhWRKYs during natural leaf and corolla senescence, although weak expression changes were observed during pollination-induced senescence. Comparable expression trends between PhWRKYs and the corresponding genes of Arabidopsis were observed during leaf senescence, although more divergences were found in petals of pollinated petunia flowers. Integration of expression data with phylogenetics, conserved motif and cis-regulatory element analyses were used to establish a list of solid candidates that could regulate more than one senescence process. Our results suggest that several members of the WRKY family of TFs are tightly linked to the regulation of senescence in P. hybrida.