Plant compounds for obesity treatment through neuroendocrine regulation of hunger: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Food intake behavior is influenced by both physiological and psychological complex processes, such as appetite, satiety, and hunger. The neuroendocrine regulation of food intake integrates short- and long-term acting signals that modulate the moment of intake and energy storage/expenditure, respectively. These signals are classified as orexigenic, those that activate anabolic pathways and the desire of eating, and anorexigenic, those that activate the catabolic pathways and a sensation of satiety. Appetite control by natural vegetal compounds is an intense area of research and new pharmacological interventions have been emerging based on an understanding of appetite regulation pathways. Several validated psychometric tools are used to assess the efficacy of these plant ingredients. However, these data are not conclusive if they are not complemented with physiological parameters, such as anthropometric evaluations (body weight and composition) and the analysis of hormones related to adipose tissue and appetite in blood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this manuscript is the critical analysis of the plant compounds studied to date in the literature with potential for the neuroendocrine regulation of hunger in order to determine if the use of phytochemicals for the treatment of obesity constitutes an effective and/or promising therapeutic tool. METHODS: Relevant information on neuroendocrine regulation of hunger and satiety for the treatment of obesity by plant compounds up to 2022 in English and/or Spanish were derived from online databases using the PubMed search engine and Google Scholar with relevant keywords and operators. RESULTS: Accordingly, the comparison performed in this review between previous studies showed a high degree of experimental heterogeneity. Among the studies reviewed here, only a few of them establish comprehensively a potential correlation between the effect of the ingredient on hunger or satiety, body changes and a physiological response. CONCLUSIONS: More systematic clinical studies are required in future research. The first approach should be to decode the pattern of circulating hormones regulating hunger, satiety, and appetite in overweight/obese subjects. Thereafter, studies should correlate brain connectivity at the level of the hypothalamus, gut and adipose tissue with the hormone patterns modulating appetite and satiety. Extracts whose mode of action have been well characterized and that are safe, can be used clinically to perform a moderate, but continuous, caloric restriction in overweight patients to lose weight excess into a controlled protocol.

Cronología del diagnóstico de la neurofibromatosis tipo 1 en la infancia / Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Diagnostic Timelines in Children

Antecedentes y objetivos El diagnóstico de la neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) plantea dificultades en niños sin antecedentes familiares durante la primera infancia. En este estudio pretendemos estimar la demora diagnóstica de los pacientes sin antecedentes familiares de NF1 y definir la repercusión de considerar las manchas café con leche y las efélides como un único criterio diagnóstico. Pacientes y métodos Estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo en el que se revisaron los hitos diagnósticos de la NF1 en las historias clínicas de los pacientes menores de 18 años atendidos en nuestro centro. Distribuimos a los pacientes en dos grupos en función de la existencia de antecedentes de NF1 entre sus progenitores, considerando las manchas café con leche y las efélides como un único criterio y aceptando el estudio genético como criterio de confirmación en casos de elevada sospecha. Resultados Se incluyeron en el estudio 108 menores con diagnóstico de NF1. La edad media de diagnóstico en nuestra serie fue de 3,94 años (desviación estándar:±3,8 años). En el grupo 1, sin antecedentes, la edad media de diagnóstico fue de 4 años y 8 meses, mientras que en el grupo 2, con antecedentes, fue de 12 meses, siendo la demora en el diagnóstico de 3 años y 8 meses entre ambos grupos. Conclusión Las lesiones cutáneas representan, en la mayoría de los casos, las primeras manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad. Consideramos necesaria la actualización de los criterios diagnósticos del NIH con el fin de facilitar el diagnóstico en los primeros años de vida (AU)

background and objectives The neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) diagnosis is challenging in young children without a family history of NF1. The aims of this study were to estimate diagnostic delays in children without a family history of NF1 and to examine the effects of using café au lait macules and skin fold freckling as a single diagnostic criterion. Patients and methods Retrospective, descriptive, observational study of all patients diagnosed with NF1 before the age of 18 years who were seen at our hospital. The medical records of those included were reviewed to identify the date on which the diagnostic criteria of NF1 were objectified. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with a known parental history of NF1 and those without. Café au lait macules and skin fold freckling were assessed as a single diagnostic criterion, and genetic evidence was considered to confirm highly suspicious cases. Results We studied 108 patients younger than the age of 18 years with a diagnosis of NF1. Mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 3.94 (±3.8) years for the overall group, 1 year for patients with a parental history of NF1, and 4 years and 8 months for those without. Diagnosis was therefore delayed by 3 years and 8 months in patients without a family history. Conclusion Skin lesions were the first clinical manifestation of NF1 in most patients. We believe that the National Institutes of Health's diagnostic criteria for NF1 should be updated to aid diagnosis in young children (AU)

[Translated article] Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Diagnostic Timelines in Children / Cronología del diagnóstico de la neurofibromatosis tipo 1 en la infancia

background and objectives The neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) diagnosis is challenging in young children without a family history of NF1. The aims of this study were to estimate diagnostic delays in children without a family history of NF1 and to examine the effects of using café au lait macules and skin fold freckling as a single diagnostic criterion. Patients and methods Retrospective, descriptive, observational study of all patients diagnosed with NF1 before the age of 18 years who were seen at our hospital. The medical records of those included were reviewed to identify the date on which the diagnostic criteria of NF1 were objectified. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with a known parental history of NF1 and those without. Café au lait macules and skin fold freckling were assessed as a single diagnostic criterion, and genetic evidence was considered to confirm highly suspicious cases. Results We studied 108 patients younger than the age of 18 years with a diagnosis of NF1. Mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 3.94 (±3.8) years for the overall group, 1 year for patients with a parental history of NF1, and 4 years and 8 months for those without. Diagnosis was therefore delayed by 3 years and 8 months in patients without a family history. Conclusion Skin lesions were the first clinical manifestation of NF1 in most patients. We believe that the National Institutes of Health's diagnostic criteria for NF1 should be updated to aid diagnosis in young children (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos El diagnóstico de la neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) plantea dificultades en niños sin antecedentes familiares durante la primera infancia. En este estudio pretendemos estimar la demora diagnóstica de los pacientes sin antecedentes familiares de NF1 y definir la repercusión de considerar las manchas café con leche y las efélides como un único criterio diagnóstico. Pacientes y métodos Estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo en el que se revisaron los hitos diagnósticos de la NF1 en las historias clínicas de los pacientes menores de 18 años atendidos en nuestro centro. Distribuimos a los pacientes en dos grupos en función de la existencia de antecedentes de NF1 entre sus progenitores, considerando las manchas café con leche y las efélides como un único criterio y aceptando el estudio genético como criterio de confirmación en casos de elevada sospecha. Resultados Se incluyeron en el estudio 108 menores con diagnóstico de NF1. La edad media de diagnóstico en nuestra serie fue de 3,94 años (desviación estándar:±3,8 años). En el grupo 1, sin antecedentes, la edad media de diagnóstico fue de 4 años y 8 meses, mientras que en el grupo 2, con antecedentes, fue de 12 meses, siendo la demora en el diagnóstico de 3 años y 8 meses entre ambos grupos. Conclusión Las lesiones cutáneas representan, en la mayoría de los casos, las primeras manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad. Consideramos necesaria la actualización de los criterios diagnósticos del NIH con el fin de facilitar el diagnóstico en los primeros años de vida (AU)

Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Diagnostic Timelines in Children. / Cronología del diagnóstico de la neurofibromatosis tipo 1 en la infancia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) diagnosis is challenging in young children without a family history of NF1. The aims of this study were to estimate diagnostic delays in children without a family history of NF1 and to examine the effects of using café au lait macules and skin fold freckling as a single diagnostic criterion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive, observational study of all patients diagnosed with NF1 before the age of 18 years who were seen at our hospital. The medical records of those included were reviewed to identify the date on which the diagnostic criteria of NF1 were objectified. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with a known parental history of NF1 and those without. Café au lait macules and skin fold freckling were assessed as a single diagnostic criterion, and genetic evidence was considered to confirm highly suspicious cases. RESULTS: We studied 108 patients younger than the age of 18 years with a diagnosis of NF1. Mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 3.94 (±3.8) years for the overall group, 1 year for patients with a parental history of NF1, and 4 years and 8 months for those without. Diagnosis was therefore delayed by 3 years and 8 months in patients without a family history. CONCLUSION: Skin lesions were the first clinical manifestation of NF1 in most patients. We believe that the National Institutes of Health's diagnostic criteria for NF1 should be updated to aid diagnosis in young children.

Cutaneous Manifestations not Considered Diagnostic Criteria for Neurofibromatosis Type 1. A Case–Control Study / Hallazgos cutáneos no considerados criterios diagnósticos de la NF1. Estudio de casos y controles

Background The diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is usually delayed in children without a family history. We aimed to define the prevalence and characteristics of prevalent skin manifestations in NF1 compared to the general population, which continue to be excluded from the diagnostic criteria for NF1. Patients and methods Case–control study, matched by age groups, in which 108 patients with a diagnosis of NF1 and 137 healthy controls were included. Results The prevalence of nevus anemicus (NA) (p<0.001) and juvenile xanthogranulomas (JXG) (p<0.001) was significantly higher in the population affected by NF1 than in the control population. A specificity of 99.27% [confidence interval (CI): 95.4–99.96%] and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 98.80% [92.54–99.94%] were estimated for NA and a specificity of 99.27% [95.4–99.96%] and a PPV of 92.86% [64.17–99.63%] for JXG in the diagnosis of NF1 in children who present 6 or more Café-au-lait macules. Statistically significant differences were also evidenced in the distribution by phototypes (p 0.025) and in relation to generalized itching with no other cause (p<0.001). Conclusions NA and JXG are relevant clinical findings for the diagnosis of NF1, especially during the first years of life. We consider that its inclusion among the diagnostic criteria of the disease should be evaluated (AU)

Antecedentes El diagnóstico de la neurofibromatosis tipo 1 (NF1) se demora normalmente en niños sin antecedentes familiares. Nuestro objetivo fue definir la prevalencia y características de las manifestaciones cutáneas prevalentes en NF1, en comparación con la población general, que siguen siendo excluidas de los criterios diagnósticos para NF1. Pacientes y métodos Estudio de casos y controles, pareado por grupos de edad, en el que se incluyeron 108 pacientes diagnosticados de NF1 y 137 controles sanos. Resultados La prevalencia de nevus anemicus (NA) (p < 0,001) y xantogranuloma juvenil (XJ) (p < 0,001) fue significativamente superior en la población afectada de NF1, en comparación con el grupo control. Se estimaron una especificidad del 99,27% [Intervalo de confianza (IC): 95,4-99,96%] y un valor predictivo positivo (VPP) del 98,80% [92,54-99,94%] para NA, y una especificidad del 99,27% [95,4-99,96%] y VPP del 92,86% [64,17-99,63%] para XJ en el diagnóstico de NF1 en niños que presentan 6 o más manchas café con leche. También se evidenciaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la distribución por fototipos (p 0,025), y con relación al prurito generalizado sin ninguna otra causa (p <,001). Conclusiones Los NA y los XJ son hallazgos clínicos relevantes para el diagnóstico de NF1, especialmente durante los primeros años de vida. Consideramos que debería evaluarse su inclusión en los criterios diagnósticos de la enfermedad (AU)

Hallazgos cutáneos no considerados criterios diagnósticos de la NF1. Estudio de casos y controles / Cutaneous Manifestations not Considered Diagnostic Criteria for Neurofibromatosis Type 1. A Case-Control Study

Antecedentes El diagnóstico de la neurofibromatosis tipo 1 (NF1) se demora normalmente en niños sin antecedentes familiares. Nuestro objetivo fue definir la prevalencia y características de las manifestaciones cutáneas prevalentes en NF1, en comparación con la población general, que siguen siendo excluidas de los criterios diagnósticos para NF1. Pacientes y métodos Estudio de casos y controles, pareado por grupos de edad, en el que se incluyeron 108 pacientes diagnosticados de NF1 y 137 controles sanos. Resultados La prevalencia de nevus anemicus (NA) (p < 0,001) y xantogranuloma juvenil (XJ) (p < 0,001) fue significativamente superior en la población afectada de NF1, en comparación con el grupo control. Se estimaron una especificidad del 99,27% [Intervalo de confianza (IC): 95,4-99,96%] y un valor predictivo positivo (VPP) del 98,80% [92,54-99,94%] para NA, y una especificidad del 99,27% [95,4-99,96%] y VPP del 92,86% [64,17-99,63%] para XJ en el diagnóstico de NF1 en niños que presentan 6 o más manchas café con leche. También se evidenciaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la distribución por fototipos (p 0,025), y con relación al prurito generalizado sin ninguna otra causa (p <,001). Conclusiones Los NA y los XJ son hallazgos clínicos relevantes para el diagnóstico de NF1, especialmente durante los primeros años de vida. Consideramos que debería evaluarse su inclusión en los criterios diagnósticos de la enfermedad (AU)

Background The diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is usually delayed in children without a family history. We aimed to define the prevalence and characteristics of prevalent skin manifestations in NF1 compared to the general population, which continue to be excluded from the diagnostic criteria for NF1. Patients and methods Case–control study, matched by age groups, in which 108 patients with a diagnosis of NF1 and 137 healthy controls were included. Results The prevalence of nevus anemicus (NA) (p<0.001) and juvenile xanthogranulomas (JXG) (p<0.001) was significantly higher in the population affected by NF1 than in the control population. A specificity of 99.27% [confidence interval (CI): 95.4–99.96%] and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 98.80% [92.54–99.94%] were estimated for NA and a specificity of 99.27% [95.4–99.96%] and a PPV of 92.86% [64.17–99.63%] for JXG in the diagnosis of NF1 in children who present 6 or more Café-au-lait macules. Statistically significant differences were also evidenced in the distribution by phototypes (p 0.025) and in relation to generalized itching with no other cause (p<0.001). Conclusions NA and JXG are relevant clinical findings for the diagnosis of NF1, especially during the first years of life. We consider that its inclusion among the diagnostic criteria of the disease should be evaluated (AU)

Cutaneous Manifestations not Considered Diagnostic Criteria for Neurofibromatosis Type 1. A Case-Control Study. / Hallazgos cutáneos no considerados criterios diagnósticos de la NF1. Estudio de casos y controles.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is usually delayed in children without a family history. We aimed to define the prevalence and characteristics of prevalent skin manifestations in NF1 compared to the general population, which continue to be excluded from the diagnostic criteria for NF1. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case-control study, matched by age groups, in which 108 patients with a diagnosis of NF1 and 137 healthy controls were included. RESULTS: The prevalence of nevus anemicus (NA) (P<.001) and juvenile xanthogranulomas (JXG) (P<.001) was significantly higher in the population affected by NF1 than in the control population. A specificity of 99.27% (confidence interval): 95.4-99.96%] and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 98.80% [92.54-99.94%] were estimated for NA and a specificity of 99.27% [95.4-99.96%] and a PPV of 92.86% [64.17-99.63%] for JXG in the diagnosis of NF1 in children who present 6 or more Café-au-lait macules. Statistically significant differences were also evidenced in the distribution by phototypes (P=.025) and in relation to generalized itching with no other cause (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: NA and JXG are relevant clinical findings for the diagnosis of NF1, especially during the first years of life. We consider that its inclusion among the diagnostic criteria of the disease should be evaluated.

Cutaneous Manifestations not Considered Diagnostic Criteria for Neurofibromatosis Type 1. A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is usually delayed in children without a family history. We aimed to define the prevalence and characteristics of prevalent skin manifestations in NF1 compared to the general population, which continue to be excluded from the diagnostic criteria for NF1. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case-control study, matched by age groups, in which 108 patients with a diagnosis of NF1 and 137 healthy controls were included. RESULTS: The prevalence of nevus anemicus (NA) (p<0.001) and juvenile xanthogranulomas (JXG) (p<0.001) was significantly higher in the population affected by NF1 than in the control population. A specificity of 99.27% [confidence interval (CI): 95.4-99.96%] and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 98.80% [92.54-99.94%] were estimated for NA and a specificity of 99.27% [95.4-99.96%] and a PPV of 92.86% [64.17-99.63%] for JXG in the diagnosis of NF1 in children who present 6 or more Café-au-lait macules. Statistically significant differences were also evidenced in the distribution by phototypes (p 0.025) and in relation to generalized itching with no other cause (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NA and JXG are relevant clinical findings for the diagnosis of NF1, especially during the first years of life. We consider that its inclusion among the diagnostic criteria of the disease should be evaluated.

Anaesthetic-surgical guide in the treatment of ascending aorta and surgery of the ascending aorta and aortic arch. Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery and the Sociedad of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy.

Aortic pathology is always a challenge for the clinician, and must be diagnosed and treated by a multidisciplinary team due to the technical and technological complexity of the resources used. Ongoing efforts to implement a systematic, protocolized approach involving "Aortic teams" made up of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, anaesthesiologists and radiologists, among others are now leading to improved outcomes. The aim of this consensus document drawn up by the Aortic working groups of the Spanish Society of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy (SEDAR) and the Spanish Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (SECTCV) is to disseminate a set of working protocols. The latest consensus document of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) define the concept of "AORTIC TEAM"(1). The aortic team should be closely involved from diagnosis to treatment and finally follow-up, and should be formed of cardiac and vascular surgeons working together with anaesthesiologists, cardiologists, radiologists and geneticists. Treatment of aortic pathologies should be centralised in large centres, because this is the only way to effectively understand the natural course of the disease, provide the entire range of treatment options under one umbrella and treat potential complications. A streamlined emergent care pathway (24/7 availability), adequate transportation and transfer capabilities, as well as rapid activation of the multidisciplinary team must be available. In light of the complexity and constant evolution of therapeutic options, we present this first version of the Anaesthesiology and surgical guidelines for surgery of the ascending aorta and aortic arch. Some questions will no doubt remain unanswered, and future versions will include new techniques that, though implemented in some centres, are still not widely recommended.

Antibacterial plant compounds, extracts and essential oils: An updated review on their effects and putative mechanisms of action.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a global health threat. Traditional antibiotics can lose their effectiveness, and the development of novel effective antimicrobials has become a priority in recent years. In this area, plants represent an invaluable source of antimicrobial compounds with vast therapeutic potential. PURPOSE: To review the full possible spectrum of plant antimicrobial agents (plant compounds, extracts and essential oils) discovered from 2016 to 2021 and their potential to decrease bacterial resistance. Their activities against bacteria, with special emphasis on multidrug resistant bacteria, mechanisms of action, possible combinations with traditional antibiotics, roles in current medicine and future perspectives are discussed. METHODS: Studies focusing on the antimicrobial activity of compounds of plant origin and their mechanism of action against bacteria were identified and summarized, including contributions from January 2016 until January 2021. Articles were extracted from the Medline database using PubMed search engine with relevant keywords and operators. RESULTS: The search yielded 11,689 articles from 149 countries, of which 101 articles were included in this review. Reports from 41 phytochemicals belonging to 20 families were included. Reports from plant extracts and essential oils from 39 plant species belonging to 17 families were also included. Polyphenols and terpenes were the most active phytochemicals studied, either alone or as a part of plant extracts or essential oils. Plasma membrane disruption was the most common mechanism of antimicrobial action. Number and position of phenolic hydroxyl groups, double bonds, delocalized electrons and conjugation with sugars in the case of flavonoids seemed to be crucial for antimicrobial capacity. Combinations of phytochemicals with beta-lactam antibiotics were the most studied, and the inhibition of efflux pumps was the most common synergistic mechanism. CONCLUSION: In recent years, terpenes, flavones, flavonols and some alkaloids and phenylpropanoids, either isolated or as a part of extracts, have shown promising antimicrobial activity, being membrane disruption their most common mechanism. However, their utilization as appropriate antimicrobials need to be boosted by means of new omics technologies and network pharmacology to find the most effective combinations among them or in combination with antibiotics.

Anaesthetic-surgical guide in the treatment of ascending aorta and surgery of the ascending aorta and aortic arch. Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery and the Sociedad of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy. / Guía anestésico-quirúrgica en el tratamiento de la cirugía de aorta ascendente y del arco aórtico. Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Cardiovascular y Endovascular y la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapeútica del Dolor.

Aortic pathology is always a challenge for the clinician, and must be diagnosed and treated by a multidisciplinary team due to the technical and technological complexity of the resources used. Ongoing efforts to implement a systematic, protocolized approach involving "Aortic teams" made up of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, anaesthesiologists and radiologists, among others are now leading to improved outcomes. The aim of this consensus document drawn up by the Aortic working groups of the Spanish Society of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy (SEDAR) and the Spanish Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (SECTCV) is to disseminate a set of working protocols. The latest consensus document of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) define the concept of "AORTIC TEAM"(1). The aortic team should be closely involved from diagnosis to treatment and finally follow-up, and should be formed of cardiac and vascular surgeons working together with anaesthesiologists, cardiologists, radiologists and geneticists. Treatment of aortic pathologies should be centralised in large centres, because this is the only way to effectively understand the natural course of the disease, provide the entire range of treatment options under one umbrella and treat potential complications. A streamlined emergent care pathway (24/7 availability), adequate transportation and transfer capabilities, as well as rapid activation of the multidisciplinary team must be available. In light of the complexity and constant evolution of therapeutic options, we present this first version of the Anaesthesiology and surgical guidelines for surgery of the ascending aorta and aortic arch. Some questions will no doubt remain unanswered, and future versions will include new techniques that, though implemented in some centres, are still not widely recommended.

RETRACTED: Anesthesic and surgical guideline for the treatment of the thoraco-abdominal aorta. Consensus Document of the Spanish Societies of Anesthesia and Cardiovascular Surgery. / Guía anestésico-quirúrgica en el tratamiento de la patología de aorta toracoabdominal. Documento de Consenso de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Cardiovascular Endovascular y la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapeútica del Dolor.

Este artículo ha sido retirado por indicación del Editor Jefe de la revista, después de constatar que parte de su contenido había sido plagiado, sin mencionar la fuente original: European Heart Journal (2014) 35, 2873 926.: https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/35/41/2873/407693#89325738 El autor de correspondencia ha sido informado de la decisión y está de acuerdo con la retirada del artículo. El Comité Editorial lamenta las molestias que esta decisión pueda ocasionar. Puede consultar la política de Elsevier sobre la retirada de artículos en https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal

[The management of asthma as a chronic inflammatory disease and global health problem: A position paper from the scientific societies]. / El manejo del asma como enfermedad inflamatoria crónica y problema sanitario global: documento de posicionamiento de las sociedades científicas.

Asthma is the most prevalent respiratory disease worldwide and it can affect people of all ages and is potentially fatal. Today, maintenance treatments are available that are effective in most patients, yet a significant proportion have poorly controlled disease, despite the resources on offer. This document, endorsed by members of the Spanish medical societies involved in the treatment of asthma, is intended to draw the attention of society and professionals to this problem in Spain. It focuses on the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of asthma, and proposes some actions for improvement as regards patients and healthcare professionals which, in view of the current results arising from inadequate asthma control, might be beneficial to improve outcomes for both patients and public health.

Split-thickness skin grafts obtained from adjacent hairy skin for reconstructing auricular concave surfaces after Mohs surgery.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of large auricular defects with full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) is a commonly reported option, but less attention has focused on the advantages and indications of using split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) in the ear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to report our experience using STSG for repair of defects located on the auricular concave surfaces, highlighting the utility of choosing the adjacent hairy skin as donor site. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all Mohs micrographic defects on the auricular concave surfaces repaired with STSG obtained from the adjacent hairy skin, between January 2017 and July 2018 at our institution. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients with defects on the auricular concavities resulting from removal of non-melanoma skin cancer were reconstructed with STSG taken from the adjacent hairy skin. Only one patient experienced partial graft failure and no other complications were observed after 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Split-thickness skin grafts are suitable for reconstructing concave areas in the ear, providing good cosmetic results with a simple, cost-effective and easily reproducible technique. Choosing the adjacent hairy skin as a donor area shortens the operative and postoperative time, and allows the procedure to be performed in a single surgical field.

Owl Pellets, a Useful Method to Study Epigean Tenebrionid Beetles in Arid Lands.

Owl pellets, regurgitates formed by the undigested parts of owls' prey, have been used since the 1960s to estimate relative species abundances and community diversity of small mammals in the field. Although insects are important food sources for raptors, the usefulness of owl pellets as a collecting method for entomological studies remains practically unexplored. Many terrestrial arthropods have fragile bodies that degrade during the raptor's digestive process; however, darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) resist this process. These organisms are abundant and rich in species, and play significant roles in food and nutrient soil cycles in arid regions. Moreover, darkling beetles are well known and represent up to 52% of prey abundances in Bubo magellanicus (Lesson), one of the most common owls in arid Patagonia. The aim of this work is to evaluate the suitability of B. magellanicus pellets as a research tool for studies of tenebrionid beetle biodiversity assessments in arid Patagonia. Thus, we compare tenebrionid relative species abundances, species richness, and their species assemblage estimated from the diet of B. magellanicus with those identified simultaneously by conventional trapping (pitfall trapping and hand collecting) using multivariate techniques and the Fisher's exact test. Mitragenius araneiformis Curtis, Patagonogenius quadricollis Fairmaire, and Emmallodera crenaticostata crenaticostata Blanchard were the most abundant tenebrionid species. Relative abundances of almost all species, the estimation of species richness, and tenebrionid assemblage from both collecting methodologies were similar. Therefore, we propose the owl pellet analysis as a useful sampling tool for rapid estimations of the tenebrionid assemblage structure in arid Patagonia.

Analysis of clinical diagnosis for all patients receiving antenatal betamethasone in a community hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Identify which obstetrical diagnoses are associated with suboptimal antenatal betamethasone administration. METHODS: We present a retrospective, cohort study of patients who received betamethasone due to a risk for preterm delivery, between 7/2013 and 9/2016 at our institution. Details of betamethasone administration were recorded including the diagnosis leading to betamethasone. Optimal administration was defined as two doses of betamethasone given 24 hours apart, with delivery occurring at greater than 24 hours but less than seven days after completion of the second dose of betamethasone. Suboptimal administration included any betamethasone dosing that did not meet the optimal criteria. RESULTS: 428 patients were identified for the study with 20.1% of patients receiving optimal betamethasone. Patients presenting with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (36.1%) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) (22.1%) were more likely to receive optimal betamethasone, while patients presenting with preterm labor (PTL) (41.8%) and placental abruption (24.6%) were more likely to receive suboptimal betamethasone (p-value < 0.0001). Among PTL patients, those presenting with contractions and cervical dilation/short cervix (19.15%) were more likely to receive optimal betamethasone (p-value 0.0349). Optimal betamethasone decreased the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) among 32.1 to 34 week neonates. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and PPROM are associated with optimal betamethasone, whereas PTL and placental abruption are associated with suboptimal betamethasone.