Results at one year of the TROPIS technique in the treatment of complex anal fistula.

Introduction: It is a priority to find surgical techniques that guarantee acceptable healing rates without sequelae in the treatment of complex anal fistula. The concept of the deep intersphincteric space as the origin of perianal sepsis has provided a new perspective, allowing the emergence of techniques such as TROPIS (Transanal Opening of Intersphincteric Space), with few published series to date. The aim of this study is to evaluate the healing rate and complications one year after the TROPIS technique as a treatment for complex anal fistula without hospitalization.

Ascorbic acid metabolism: New knowledge on mitigation of aluminum stress in plants.

Ascorbic acid (ASC) is an important antioxidant in plant cells, being the main biosynthesis pathway is L-galactose or Smirnoff-Wheeler. ASC is involved in plant growth and development processes, being a cofactor and regulator of multiple signaling pathways in response to abiotic stresses. Aluminum toxicity is an important stressor under acidic conditions, affecting plant root elongation, triggering ROS induction and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (HO).

Specific training in coloproctology: cross-sectional cohort study through the Young Group of the Spanish Association of Coloproctology.

Introduction: Specific training at surgical super-specialities and its objective evaluation is a challenge nowadays in order to measure the potential benefits that it might add.

Material And Methods: An online survey addressed by the "Grupo Joven de la Asociación Española de Coloproctología" has been performed in order to evaluate the level of formation achieved specifically at colorectal surgery.

Results: 128 surgeons participated, representing 81 colorectal surgery units.

Influence of Fruit Load Regulation on Harvest and Postharvest Fruit Quality and Antioxidant-Related Parameters in Sweet Cherry ( L.) cv. Regina Cultivated under Plastic Covers in Southern Chile.

Plastic covers have been used to prevent environmental constraints negatively affecting sweet cherry production in Southern Chile. However, less information is available on agronomic practices and their effects on fruit quality in sweet cherry covered orchards. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the impact of fruit load regulation on cherries' antioxidant-related parameters and the quality and condition at harvest and postharvest in sweet cherry () cv.

Comparative Study of Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide and Sulfur Hexafluoride in the Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Assessment of Anal Fistulas.

Background: Endoanal ultrasound for the diagnosis of anal fistulas requires the injection of hydrogen peroxide, but it is often uncomfortable for the patient and has the potential to cause complications. Novel ultrasound contrast is currently available.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of sulfur hexafluoride as an ultrasound contrast agent for the diagnosis of a perianal fistula by comparing it with those of 50% diluted hydrogen peroxide.

Physiological, transcriptomic and metabolomic insights of three extremophyte woody species living in the multi-stress environment of the Atacama Desert.

In contrast to Neltuma species, S. tamarugo exhibited higher stress tolerance, maintaining photosynthetic performance through enhanced gene expression and metabolites. Differentially accumulated metabolites include chlorophyll and carotenoids and accumulation of non-nitrogen osmoprotectants.

Diurnal High Temperatures Affect the Physiological Performance and Fruit Quality of Highbush Blueberry ( L.) cv. Legacy.

In this study, the physiological performance and fruit quality responses of the highbush blueberry () cultivar Legacy to high temperatures (HTs) were evaluated in a field experiment. Three-year-old plants were exposed to two temperature treatments between fruit load set and harvest during the 2022/2023 season: (i) ambient temperature (AT) and (ii) high temperature (HT) (5 °C ± 1 °C above ambient temperature). A chamber covered with transparent polyethylene (100 µm thick) was used to apply the HT treatment.

Effects of Foliar Boron Application on Physiological and Antioxidants Responses in Highbush Blueberry ( L.) Cultivars.

Boron (B) is a micronutrient crucial for the growth, development, productivity, and quality of crops. However, in areas characterized by acid soil (pH < 5.0) and high rainfall, soil B concentration tends to decrease, leading to insufficient supply to crops.

Do aluminum (Al)-hyperaccumulator and phosphorus (P)-solubilising species assist neighbouring plants sensitive to Al toxicity and P deficiency?

We aimed to evaluate the facilitation effects of an aluminum (Al) hyperaccumulator species bearing cluster roots, , on the seedling growth and performance of an Al-intolerant and phosphorus (P)-deficient-sensitive plant, . For this, seedlings of and were grown alone or together as follows: i) two seedlings, ii) one + one and iii) two , in soil supplemented with Al (as Al(SO)) and in the control (without Al supplementation). We determined relative growth rate (RGR), photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll concentration, lipid peroxidation and Al and nutrient concentration [Nitrogen (N), P, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and sulfur (S)] in leaves and roots of both species.

Physiological and agronomical traits effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in seedlings of Solanum lycopersicum L.

Background: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO NPs) have been reported to have contrasting effects on plant physiology, while their effects on sugar, protein, and amino acid metabolism are poorly understood. In this work, we evaluated the effects of TiO NPs on physiological and agronomical traits of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings.

Role of boron and its interaction with other elements in plants.

Boron (B) is an essential microelement for plants, and its deficiency can lead to impaired development and function. Around 50% of arable land in the world is acidic, and low pH in the soil solution decreases availability of several essential mineral elements, including B, magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K). Plants take up soil B in the form of boric acid (HBO) in acidic soil or tetrahydroxy borate [B(OH)] at neutral or alkaline pH.

Evaluation of a minimal array of antigens as biomarkers for syphilis diagnosis, infection staging, and response to treatment.

This manuscript explores the host humoral response to selected antigens of the syphilis agent during infection to evaluate their potential use as diagnostic tests and markers for treatment.

Molecular Characterization of Genital and Extragenital Lesions With the PlexPCR VHS Assay in Patients Diagnosed With Syphilis.

Background: Syphilis diagnosis relies on immunologic markers and clinical protocols. However, syphilitic lesions can be confused with other genital ulcer diseases.

Methods: Using a PlexPCR VHS assay, we analyzed lesion DNA samples from 87 individuals who were clinically diagnosed with early syphilis infection and had at least 1 positive serologic test result.

Efficacy of Sacral Nerve Stimulation in Non-constipated Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients: A Systematic Review.

Background And Aims: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent disorder with a complex and heterogeneous physiopathology, including a dysregulation of gut-brain axis. Treatment for IBS is targeted to the predominant symptom and requires a multidisciplinary approach. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sacral nerve stimulation in non-constipated IBS patients Methods: A literature search was carried out on MEDLINE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Web of Science databases for all relevant articles.

Pre-Harvest Salicylic Acid Application Affects Fruit Quality and Yield under Deficit Irrigation in (Mol.) Plants.

Salicylic acid (SA) application is a promising agronomic tool. However, studies under field conditions are required, to confirm the potential benefits of SA. Thus, SA application was evaluated under field conditions for its effect on abscisic acid levels, antioxidant related-parameters, fruit quality, and yield in subjected to different levels of irrigation.

Correction: Bustamante et al. Impact of Potassium Pre-Harvest Applications on Fruit Quality and Condition of Sweet Cherry ( L.) Cultivated under Plastic Covers in Southern Chile Orchards. 2021, , 2778.

In the original publication [...

Description of a new ultrasound sign to distinguish Crohn's anal fistula from cryptoglandular fistula: The rosary sign.

Aim: Endoanal and endorectal ultrasound are essential diagnostic tools for perianal fistula. Recent studies have examined ultrasound signs that help differentiate cryptoglandular anal fistula from perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease. The main aim of this work was to describe a new ultrasound sign for perianal fistula and to evaluate its ability to differentiate Crohn's disease from cryptoglandular anal fistula.

Phenolic and anthocyanin content characterization related to genetic diversity analysis of subsp. Chilotanum Group in southern Chile.

The potato ( L) is one of the four most important crops worldwide in production and consumption. It originated from South America along the Andes, where six hotspots of diversity known as subcenters of origin are described from Venezuela to Chiloe Island in Chile, and where the greatest diversity of potatoes in the world is found. Today, the use of ancestral genetic resources has gained significant relevance, recovering and producing foods with a greater nutrient content and beneficial to human health.

Plastic Covers and Potassium Pre-Harvest Sprays and Their Influence on Antioxidant Properties, Phenolic Profile, and Organic Acids Composition of Sweet Cherry Fruits Cultivated in Southern Chile.

In rainy areas, sweet cherries are cultivated under plastic covers, preventing the cracking of the fruit but decreasing the firmness and acidity of the cherries. We evaluated the impact of plastic cover and pre-harvest K foliar application on quality parameters, antioxidant properties, and phenolic and organic acid compositions in fruits of sweet cherry cv. Regina of Southern Chile.

Latin American Internet Survey for Men who have Sex with Men (LAMIS-2018): Design, methods and implementation.

Despite men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) from Latin America (LA) are still a vulnerable population for known health-related conditions and social problems, availability of comparable data across LA countries for assessment and monitoring purposes is limited. The objective of this article is to present the study design and the questionnaire of LAMIS-2018 (Latin America MSM Internet Survey), its recruitment strategy, rates and sources by country, and the lessons learned from its implementation. LAMIS-2018 was a cross-sectional, internet-based survey targeting MSM living in 18 LA countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela) that gathered data about sexual behaviors, HIV/STI and viral hepatitis knowledge, prophylactic use of antiretrovirals, psychosocial health, and access to sexual health services.

Vegetation drives the response of the active fraction of the rhizosphere microbial communities to soil warming in Antarctic vascular plants.

In the Antarctic Peninsula, increases in mean annual temperature are associated with the coverage and population density of the two Antarctic vascular plant species-Deschampsia antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis-potentially modifying critical soil processes. In this study, we characterized the diversity and community composition of active microorganisms inhabiting the vascular plant rhizosphere in two sites with contrasting vegetation cover in King George Island, Western Antarctic Peninsula. We assessed the interplay between soil physicochemical properties and microbial diversity and composition, evaluating the effect of an in situ experimental warming on the microbial communities of the rhizosphere from D.

Laboratory Evaluation of the DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm Assay.

Because syphilis is a public health concern, new strategies and tools for detecting active syphilis cases should be evaluated for future implementation. We assessed the laboratory performance of the DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm rapid immunodiagnostic test (Chembio Diagnostics, Medford, NY, USA), using visual reading and the manufacturer's electronic test microreader, for detection of treponemal and nontreponemal antibodies in 383 fully characterized stored serum specimens. We used the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) test and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test as reference tests for the DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm assay treponemal and nontreponemal components, respectively.

Salt Stress in Plants and Mitigation Approaches.

Salinization of soils and freshwater resources by natural processes and/or human activities has become an increasing issue that affects environmental services and socioeconomic relations. In addition, salinization jeopardizes agroecosystems, inducing salt stress in most cultivated plants (nutrient deficiency, pH and oxidative stress, biomass reduction), and directly affects the quality and quantity of food production. Depending on the type of salt/stress (alkaline or pH-neutral), specific approaches and solutions should be applied to ameliorate the situation on-site.