RNAi-mediated knockdown of papilin gene affects the egg hatching in Nilaparvata lugens.

Background: The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is one of the most destructive pests of rice. Owing to the rapid adaptation of BPH to many pesticides and resistant varieties, identifying putative gene targets for developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest management strategies has received much attention for this pest. The glucoprotein papilin is the most abundant component in the basement membranes of many organisms, and its function is closely linked to development.

Tissue-specific regulation of volatile emissions moves predators from flowers to attacked leaves.

Plant-predator mutualisms have been widely described in nature. How plants fine-tune their mutualistic interactions with the predators they recruit remains poorly understood. In the wild potato (Solanum kurtzianum), predatory mites, Neoseiulus californicus, are recruited to flowers of undamaged plants but rapidly move downward when the herbivorous mites, Tetranychus urticae, damage leaves.

Heat stress affects potato's volatile emissions that mediate agronomically important trophic interactions.

Potato, a cool-weather crop, emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which attract the specialist herbivore, Phthorimaea operculella, but also this herbivore's parasitic wasp, Trichogramma chilonis, an important biocontrol agent. What happens to this trophic system when heat stress challenges this agro-ecosystem? We studied how high temperature (HT) pre-treatments influence potato's VOC emissions and their subsequent effects on the preferences of insects, as evaluated in oviposition assays and Y-tube olfactometers. HT pre-stressed plants were less attractive to P.

Plasticity in life features, parasitism and super-parasitism behavior of , an important natural enemy of and other lepidopteran host species.

The wasp, Say, is an important potential biocontrol agent of a wide range of lepidopteran insect species. The current study was subjected to compare these ectoparasitoid fitness traits on different host species belonging to the order Lepidoptera. Moreover, we determine the population dynamic with different host densities, sex ratio patterns, super-parasitism, longevity, paralysis success, and reproductive potential under laboratory conditions.

Optimal parameters estimation and modelling of photovoltaic modules using analytical method.

This paper introduces a proposed approach to estimate the optimal parameters of the photovoltaic (PV) modules using in-field outdoor measurements and manufacturers' datasheet as well as employing the nonlinear least-squares fitting algorithm. The main goal is to determine the optimal parameter values of the implemented model which are: series resistance, reverse saturation current, photocurrent, ideality factor and shunt resistance in case of the five parameters model. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is developed in order to perform modeling and analysis of the parameters analytical initial values using manufacturer datasheet specifications regarding to the changing in solar irradiance and ambient temperature.

Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of uric acid urolithiasis: A narrative review.

An in-depth comprehension of the epidemiology as well as pathophysiology of uric acid urolithiasis is important for the identification, treatment, and prophylaxis of calculi in these patients. Persistently low urinary pH, hyperuricosuria, and low urinary volume are the most important factors in pathogenesis of uric acid urolithiasis. Other various causes of calculus formation comprises of chronic diarrhea, renal hyperuricosuria, insulin resistance, primary gout, extra purine in the diet, neoplastic syndromes, and congenital hyperuricemia.

The use of rotational bladder flap and hemostatic matrix sealant (FloSeal): a modified transabdominal approach to repair supratrigonal and complex vesicovaginal fistula.

Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), commonly caused by prolonged obstructed labor, is one of the worst complications of childbirth and poor obstetric care in the developing world. We investigated the clinical efficacy and outcome of technical modifications of the current transperitoneal supravesical technique for supratrigonal and complex vesicovaginal fistula. We studied a total of 20 patients with iatrogenic supratrigonal and complex vesicovaginal fistula following obstetric trauma and hysterectomy.

A novel antireflux technique for orthotopic ileal bladder substitutes-flat-segment technique: preliminary results.

Objective. Although a large debate exists regarding the need for reflux prevention in ileal orthotopic neobladders, it is our policy to continue performing nonrefluxing ureteroileal anastomoses for our patients. An ideal uretero-ileal anastomosis must be simple, nonrefluxing, as well as non-obstructive.

Orthotopic ileal bladder substitution following radical cystectomy using the linear-cutter stapling device.

We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and potential benefits of using the linear-cutter staplers in the ileal reanastomosis and ileal pouch reconstruction following radical cystectomy in patients with invasive carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal bladder substitution procedures were performed in 40 patients with invasive carcinoma of the urinary bladder. In 20 patients the linear- cutter stapling device was used for the ileo-ilial reanastomosis and reconstruction of the pouch, while in the other 20 patients the standard hand-suturing technique was used.

Inverted ureteral nipple as antireflux technique in surgical management of bilharzial ureteral strictures.

Objectives: To present our initial clinical experience with the technique of inverted nipple ureteroneocystostomy in patients with dilated bilharzial ureters.

Methods: A total of 36 patients with obstructed dilated bilharzial ureters (56 ureters) underwent inverted nipple ureteroneocystotomy after resection of the obstructed segment. Postoperatively, the patients were invited for follow-up at 3 and 6 months and yearly thereafter.

Use of oxidized cellulose hemostats (Surgicel™) to support parenchymal closure and achieve hemostasis following partial nephrectomy.

Elective nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has gained general acceptance as an alternative to radical nephrectomy. To achieve hemostasis without risk of local ischemia and necrosis of kidney parenchyma after standard hemostatic suturing, we investigated oxidized cellulose hemostats' efficacy and safety as atraumatic hemostatic treatment and for the closure of a large parenchymal defect after kidney tumor resection. Our approach has been particularly helpful for repairing large and irregular renal parenchymal defects.

Outcome of treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse and stress urinary incontinence with transobturator tension-free vaginal mesh (prolift) and concomitant tension-free vaginal tape-obturator.

Objective. It is to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of transobturator tension-free vaginal mesh (Prolift) and concomitant tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) system as a treatment of female anterior vaginal wall prolapse associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Patients and Methods.

Outcome and complications of laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with previous renal surgery.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical difficulties, limitations, outcome, and complications of laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with previous ipsilateral renal surgery.

Materials And Methods: Eighteen patients with a history of epsilateral renal surgery underwent laparoscopic simple nephrectomy for benign renal disease at our center between November 2001 and March 2005. All patients were informed about the details of the laparoscopic procedure, and an informed consent was obtained that included the possibility of an emergency laparotomy.

Outcome of anterior vaginal wall sparing during female radical cystectomy with orthotopic urinary diversion.

Purpose: Orthotopic urinary reconstruction has been shown to be a viable option in women undergoing radical cystectomy and is currently the diversion of choice in many institutions. We evaluated the technique of vaginal wall preservation during female radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder construction.

Materials And Methods: Thirty female patients underwent radical cystectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion from January 2001 to December 2006.

Safety and efficacy of tubeless percutaneous renal surgery.

Purpose: We challenge the requirement for routine placement of a nephrostomy tube after percutaneous renal surgery, assessing the outcome, safety, and efficacy of tubeless procedures.

Patients And Methods: A total of 128 patients underwent tubeless percutaneous renal surgery from May 2001 to May 2004: stone extraction in 120 patients and endopyelotomy +/- stone extraction in 8. The stone sizes ranged from 2 to 7 cm with a mean of 4.

The use of the inferior epigastric artery for accessory lower polar artery revascularization in live donor renal transplantation.

Purpose: This study describes the surgical technique and outcomes of live donor renal allografts with multiple arteries in which the lower polar artery was anastomosed to the inferior epigastric artery after declamping.

Materials And Methods: Between 1988 and 2004, 477 consecutive live donor renal transplants were performed, including 429 with single and 48 with multiple arteries. Anastomosis of the lower polar artery to the inferior epigastric artery was used for 15 grafts with multiple arteries.

Modified extravesical ureteral reimplantation technique for kidney transplants.

Purpose: We describe a modification and evaluate a technique of extravesical ureteral reimplantation for kidney transplant.

Materials And Methods: We reviewed the records of 120 kidney transplant recipients who underwent ureteral reimplantation via a modified extravesical technique. Follow-up evaluation included renal ultrasonography.

Laparoscopic marsupialization of postrenal transplantation lymphoceles.

Background And Purpose: Clinically significant post-transplantation lymphoceles are not uncommon. Surgical marsupialization with internal peritoneal drainage is the treatment of choice. We describe the successful laparoscopic formation of a peritoneal window for post-transplantation lymphocele drainage as an effective and minimally invasive procedure.

Continence after radical prostatectomy with bladder neck preservation.

Purpose: Bladder neck preservation during radical prostatectomy has been advocated for improving urinary continence. We evaluate bladder neck preservation looking at continence rates, surgical cancer control and bladder neck contracture.

Materials And Methods: A total of 40 patients underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy for clinically localized carcinoma of the prostate.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) affects the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the atypical antipsychotic amisulpride probably via inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp).

The importance of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the pharmacokinetics of amisulpride and the effects of a P-gp inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) was investigated both, in vitro and in vivo. In vitro and in vivo results indicated amisulpride as a substrate of P-gp. Amisulpride was not metabolized by rat liver microsomes.