Search

Pest management is challenged with resistant herbivores and problems regarding human health and environmental issues. Indeed, the greatest challenge to modern agriculture is to protect crops from pests and still maintain environmental quality. This study aimed to analyze by in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches to the feasibility of using the inhibitory protein extracted from mammals - Bovine Pancreatic Trypsin Inhibitor (BPTI) as a potential inhibitor of digestive trypsins from the pest Anticarsia gemmatalis and comparing the results with the host-plant inhibitor - Soybean Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor (SKTI). BPTI and SKTI interacts with A. gemmatalis trypsin-like enzyme competitively, through hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds. A. gemmatalis larvae exposed to BPTI did not show two common adaptative mechanisms i.e., proteolytic degradation and overproduction of proteases, presenting highly reduced trypsin-like activity. On the other hand, SKTI-fed larvae did not show reduced trypsin-like activity, presenting overproduction of proteases and SKTI digestion. In addition, the larval survival was reduced by BPTI similarly to SKTI, and additionally caused a decrease in pupal weight. The non-plant protease inhibitor BPTI presents intriguing element to compose biopesticide formulations to help decrease the use of conventional refractory pesticides into integrated pest management programs., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Insects overcome the action of natural protease inhibitors (PIs) due to evolutionary adaptations through endogenous proteolysis and reprogramming proteases. Insect adaptations complicate the formulation of IP-based crop protection products. However, small peptides designed based on the active site of enzymes have shown promising results that could change this scenario. GORE1 and GORE2 are designed tripeptides that reduce the survival of Anticarsia gemmatalis when ingested orally. In this article, the stability and ability of the peptides to bind trypsin-like enzymes of A. gemmatalis were evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The ability of the peptides to inhibit trypsin-like enzymes in vivo was compared with the SKTI protein by feeding A. gemmatalis larvae at different concentrations, followed by an inhibition persistence assay. During the MD simulation of enzyme-ligand complexes, both peptides showed a small variation of root-mean-square deviation and root-mean-square fluctuation, suggesting that these molecules reach equilibrium when forming a complex with the trypsin-like enzyme. Furthermore, both peptides form hydrogen bonds with substrate recognition sites of A. gemmatalis trypsin-like enzyme, with GORE2 having more interactions than GORE1. Larvae of A. gemmatalis exposed to the peptides and SKTI showed a similar reduction in proteolytic activity, but the persistence of inhibition of trypsin-like enzyme was longer in peptide-fed insects. Despite their size, the peptides exhibit important active and substrate binding site interactions, stability during complex formation, and steadiness effects in vivo. The results provide fundamental information for the development of mimetic molecules and help in decision-making for the selection of delivery methods for larger-scale experiments regarding similar molecules., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: To create a simple, inexpensive, and reproducible animal model to provide a new training option for performing urethrovesical anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy., Material and Methods: Development and testing were carried out in 2008. The materials used included a laparoscopic training box, video camera, monitor, needle holder, sutures, and non-eviscerated chickens weighing more than 2 kilograms. The model was prepared with a new perception of a structure similar to the human pelvis. To create the anastomosis, we used the gizzard (bladder neck) and the rectum (urethra). Once the model was placed in the box, the anastomosis was performed under very similar anatomical conditions to real procedures. Anastomosis quality was assessed by means of a permeability test and transanal endoscopy., Results: The operating field is very similar to the human pelvis. The tissues have a quality, texture, and diameter resembling those of the urethra (rectum) and the bladder neck (gizzard), and offer the opportunity to practise anastomosis and anterior racket., Conclusions: The model for urethrovesical anastomosis using the chicken gizzard and rectum is simple, easily available, inexpensive and reproducible. The anatomy of the chicken and the characteristics of its tissues allow for training under conditions very similar to those present in human cases.

Objectives: To report the first case and detailed technique of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery simple prostatectomy for benign hypertrophy., Methods: A 67-year-old man presented with acute urinary retention requiring catheterization. Serum prostate-specific antigen level was 5 ng/mL, and a biopsy revealed benign hypertrophy with a transrectal ultrasound volume estimation of 110 mL. LESS simple prostatectomy was performed using a single multilumen port inserted through a solitary 2.5-cm intraumbilical incision. Standard laparoscopic ultrasonic shears and needle drivers, articulating scissors, and specifically designed bent grasping instruments facilitated dissection and suturing., Results: An R-port was placed intraperitoneally through a 2.5-cm intraumbilical incision. No extraumbilical skin incisions were made. Total operative time was 120 minutes and estimated blood loss was 200 mL. A closed suction drain was externalized through the umbilical incision. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Hospital stay was 2 days, the retropubic drain was removed at 3 days, and the catheter removed at 1 week. Specimen weight was 95 g and final pathology revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia. At 3 months follow-up, the patient was completely continent and voiding spontaneously with a Q(max.) of 85 mL/s., Conclusions: We demonstrate technical feasibility and describe the detailed surgical technique of LESS simple prostatectomy. Our initial experience suggests that this technique may be an alternative for large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia in lieu of open surgery. Comparative studies with other surgical techniques will determine its place in the surgical armamentarium of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Objectives: To report on the initial case and surgical technique of laparoendoscopic, single-site, subtotal cystectomy and augmentation enterocystoplasty performed through a single multichannel transumbilical port in a patient with neurogenic bladder., Methods: Laparoendoscopic, single-site, subtotal cystectomy and augmentation enterocystoplasty was performed in a 20-year-old woman with neurogenic bladder secondary to congenital sacral lipoma that had been operated on at 2 years of age. The patient had a long history of urinary incontinence and frequent and urgent urination. The imaging and urodynamic studies revealed a 100-mL bladder capacity with thickened walls, countless diverticula, and low compliance. The procedure was performed exclusively using a novel multichannel access port. Additional instruments included the 5-mm video laparoscope, SonoSurge, and flexible scissors. Subtotal cystectomy was initially performed by resecting 70% of the bladder. The ileal loop was exteriorized through the single port by detaching the valve, and the ileal pouch and bowel continuity were restored extracorporeally. The vesicoileal anastomosis was performed laparoscopically., Results: The operating time was 300 minutes, and the blood loss was <100 mL. No intraoperative or postoperative complications developed. The hospital stay was 6 days. The drain and Foley catheter were removed at 7 and 21 days postoperatively, respectively. Postoperative cystography confirmed a watertight anastomosis and increased bladder capacity. At last follow-up, the patient was performing intermittent self-catheterization to complete emptying., Conclusions: Our initial experience with laparoendoscopic, single-site, subtotal cystectomy and enterocystoplasty through a single port was encouraging. The use of the larger diameter port significantly facilitated extracorporeal bowel reconstruction and can be used for various minimally invasive surgical procedures.