Effects of polyphenolic maqui () extract on the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of mast cells in a mouse model of Crohn's disease-like colitis.

Introduction: Crohn's disease (CD) involves activation of mast cells (MC) and NF-кB in parallel with the PPAR-α/NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β pathway in the inflamed colon. Whether polyphenols from maqui () represent a natural alternative treatment for CD is unclear. Therefore, we used an animal model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced CD-like colitis to investigate protective effects of maqui extract through monitoring NLRP3 inflammasome and MC activation in colon tissue.

Native Chilean Berries Preservation and In Vitro Studies of a Polyphenol Highly Antioxidant Extract from Maqui as a Potential Agent against Inflammatory Diseases.

The best conservation method for native Chilean berries has been investigated in combination with an implemented large-scale extract of maqui berry, rich in total polyphenols and anthocyanin to be tested in intestinal epithelial and immune cells. The methanolic extract was obtained from lyophilized and analyzed maqui berries using Folin-Ciocalteu to quantify the total polyphenol content, as well as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) to measure the antioxidant capacity. Determination of maqui's anthocyanins profile was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-MS/MS).

Quantification of Boron Compound Concentration for BNCT Using Positron Emission Tomography.

: Boron neutron capture therapy requires a 2 mM B concentration in the tumor. The well-known BNCT patient treatment method using boronophenylalanine (BPA) as a boron-carrying agent utilizes [F]fluoroBPA ([]FBPA) as an agent to qualify for treatment. Precisely, [F]FBPA must have at least a 3:1 tumor to background tissue ratio to qualify the patient for BNCT treatment.

Mitochondrial Imbalance as a New Approach to the Study of Fibromyalgia.

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common chronic pain disease, whose pathogenic mechanism still remains elusive. Oxidative stress markers and impaired bioenergetics homeostasis have been proposed as relevant events in the pathogenesis of the disease. Hence, the aim of the study is to analyse the potential biomarkers of mitochondrial imbalance in FM patients along with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as a possible treatment.

Polyphenolic Maqui Extract as a Potential Nutraceutical to Treat TNBS-Induced Crohn's Disease by the Regulation of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways.

Nutraceuticals include a wide variety of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, which have been highlighted for their remarkable health benefits. Specially, maqui berries have shown great antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects on some inflammatory diseases. The objectives of the present study were to explore the therapeutic effects of maqui berries on acute-phase inflammation in Crohn's disease.

Autohemotherapy with ozone as a possible effective treatment for Fibromyalgia.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of autohemotherapy with ozone in the management of fibromyalgia (FM).

Design: 20 FM patients (according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology), were treated with 10 sessions of ozone hemotherapy (2 sessions per week) with a concentration of 30-60 mcgr/ml. The health condition of the patients was evaluated before and after treatment, through the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).

Modelling farmer choices for water security measures in the Litani river basin in Lebanon.

Lebanon is facing an increasing water supply deficit due to the increasing demand for freshwater, decreasing surface and groundwater resources and malfunctioning water governance structures. Technological and policy changes are needed to alleviate the impact of water scarcity and secure water in the future. This paper investigates farmers' preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) in a choice experiment for a series of water saving measures at plot and irrigation district level, including more timely information of water delivery.

Coenzyme Q10 distribution in blood is altered in patients with fibromyalgia.

Objective: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ(10)) is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a strong antioxidant. Signs and symptoms associated with muscular alteration and mitochondrial dysfunction, including oxidative stress, have been observed in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). The aim was to study CoQ(10) levels in plasma and mononuclear cells, and oxidative stress in FM patients.

Neurobrucellosis in stranded dolphins, Costa Rica.

Ten striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, stranded along the Costa Rican Pacific coast, had meningoencephalitis and antibodies against Brucella spp. Brucella ceti was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid of 6 dolphins and 1 fetus. S.

W43X SDHD mutation in sporadic head and neck paraganglioma.

Objective: To analyze the presence of SDHD gene mutations in patients with sporadic head and neck paraganglioma.

Study Design: The presence of somatic and germline SDHD mutations was investigated in 10 patients by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing.

Results: Two patients displayed mutations: 259C>T (P87S) in 1 case and 129G>A (W43X) in the other.

[Fissure-in-ano. Alterations in continence and quality of life during disease and at six months after lateral subcutaneous internal sphincterotomy].

Objective: To prospectively evaluate alterations in continence and quality of life produced by lateral internal sphincterotomy with each patient acting as his or her own control.

Patients And Method: Quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) and fecal incontinence (Cleveland Clinic Florida-Fecal Incontinence [CCF-FI] questionnaire) were evaluated before and 6 months after lateral internal sphincterotomy was performed in 113 consecutive patients diagnosed with chronic anal fissure.

Results: Four patients were excluded because of their inability to complete the SF-36 questionnaire without help.

Ki-ras mutational analysis in rat follicular-cell proliferative lesions of the thyroid gland induced by radioactive iodine and potassium perchlorate.

Although in both human and experimental pathology ras mutations have been related to the origin and progression of follicular-cell tumours, reports differ considerably with respect to the frequency of such mutations. The present paper reports, using direct sequencing, the incidence of Ki-ras mutations (codons 12 and 13) in follicular-cell carcinomas of the thyroid gland in Wistar rats induced by administration of radioactive iodine and potassium perchlorate. Direct sequencing revealed no mutations in the amplified gene segment of any of the 72 carcinoma samples studied.

Accuracy of hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound in the identification of internal openings of anal fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study was designed to assess the accuracy of hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound in the identification of internal openings of anal fistulas, with surgical findings as the golden standard. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 143 consecutive patients (102 men; mean age, 45 years) with fistula-in-ano were assessed by hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound before surgery involving one radiologist. Ultrasound was performed using a B & K Diagnostic Ultrasound System trade mark with a 10-MHz rotating endoprobe.

Prospective study of artificial anal sphincter and dynamic graciloplasty for severe anal incontinence.

Background And Aims: Dynamic graciloplasty and artificial anal sphincter are two options for refractory incontinence, the efficacy of which was compared in a prospective study.

Patients And Methods: Between November 1966 and June 1998, 16 patients were operated on (artificial anal sphincter 8, dynamic graciloplasty 8). Four consecutive operations with each technique were performed by two colorectal surgeons (one initiated the study with the neosphincter and the other with dynamic graciloplasty).

Complications and functional outcome following artificial anal sphincter implantation.

Background: The postoperative complications and functional outcome following 24 consecutive implantations of an artificial anal sphincter were assessed prospectively.

Methods: A total of 24 artificial anal sphincters (Acticon Neosphincter) were implanted in 22 patients (mean age 47 years). The mean follow-up period was 28 (range 6-48) months.

[Anal incontinence in patients with rectal neoplasms previous to surgical intervention].

Hypothesis: Patients with rectal carcinoma may have anal continence disorders before the operation, in relation to age.

Aim: To evaluate the anorectal function in a consecutive sample of patients with rectal carcinoma before the operation.

Material And Methods: 56 consecutive patients with rectal carcinoma were studied and classified into two groups according to anal continence: continent and incontinent.

Hair-containing lesions within the anal canal.

Hair-containing lesions located in the anal canal are an exceedingly rare clinical entity of which only five cases have been reported previously. We add five more cases, including two with a bundle of hairs rooted inside the anal canal and stemming out through a mucosal opening.