High levels of LIGHT/TNFSF14 in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome.

PURPOSE/METHODS: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder displaying different clinical features, including obesity and bone impairment. LIGHT/TNFSF14 is a cytokine produced by immune cells affecting both fat and bone metabolism. The present study aimed to evaluate LIGHT serum levels in 28 children and 52 adult PWS patients compared to age and sex-matched controls, as well as correlations with parameters of bone and fat metabolism. RESULTS: Median serum LIGHT levels were significantly increased in pediatric PWS with respect to controls [255.82 (284.43) pg/ml vs 168.11 (76.23) pg/ml, p ≤ 0.02] as well as in adult PWS compared to controls [296.85 (895.95) pg/ml vs 134.18 (141.18) pg/ml, p ≤ 0.001]. In pediatric PWS, LIGHT levels were positively correlated with weight-SDS, height-SDS, and glucose levels, and negatively with total 25 (OH) vitamin D, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally, LIGHT levels were negatively correlated with total BMD and fat mass. In adult PWS, LIGHT levels were positively correlated with weight, HDL cholesterol and PTH, and negatively with glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH)Vitamin D as well as with instrumental parameters of bone and fat quality. Consistently, multiple regression analysis showed that LIGHT serum levels in pediatric and adult PWS were predicted by different parameters including 25 (OH) Vitamin D as well as DXA parameters of bone and fat quality. CONCLUSIONS: In PWS children and adults the high levels of LIGHT could represent a marker of the altered bone and fat metabolism.

Role of Wnt-signaling inhibitors DKK-1 and sclerostin in bone fragility associated with Turner syndrome.

PURPOSE: Girls affected with Turner syndrome (TS) present with low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteopenia/osteoporosis. Thus, they have an increased risk to develop fractures compared to normal population. The aim of this study was to deepen the pathophysiology of skeletal fragility in TS subjects by evaluating the serum levels of Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and sclerostin, main regulators of bone mass, as well as the percentage of circulating osteoblast precursors (OCPs). METHODS: Thirty-four TS girls and 24 controls were recruited. All subjects underwent anthropometric measures (height, weight, body mass index-BMI). A peripheral venous blood sample was collected to determine serum levels of active intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-OH vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP), osteocalcin, sclerostin, DKK-1, RANKL and OPG. OCPs were detected by flow cytometry. In TS subjects bone mineralization was measured at lumbar spine by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: bALP, 25-OH Vitamin D, and osteocalcin levels were significant lower in TS subjects than in the controls. Statistically significant higher levels of sclerostin, DKK-1 and RANKL were measured in patients compared with the controls. The percentage of OCPs did not show significant differences between patients and controls. Sclerostin and DKK-1 levels were related with anthropometric parameters, bone metabolism markers, HRT, rhGH therapy, RANKL and lumbar BMAD-Z-score. CONCLUSION: TS patients showed higher levels of sclerostin and DKK-1 than controls which can be related to HRT, and to reduced bone formation markers as well as the increased bone resorption activity.

Polyphenols and obesity prevention: critical insights on molecular regulation, bioavailability and dose in preclinical and clinical settings.

Obesity represents one of the most important public health challenges of the 21st century and is characterized by a multifactorial etiology in which environmental, behavioral, metabolic, and genetic factors work together. Despite the rapid increase in prevalence of obesity in the last decades, especially in children, it remains a preventable disease. To battle obesity a multisector approach promoting healthier lifestyle in terms of physical activity and nutrition is needed. Specifically, biologically active dietary compounds, as polyphenols, are able to modulate the expression of genes involved in the development and progression of obesity and its comorbidities as demonstrated by multiple studies using different obesity models. However, human studies focusing on the transcriptomic modulation by polyphenols in obese patients are still limited and do not often recapitulate the results obtained in preclinical setting likely due to the underestimation of some variables such as bioavailability, dose and form (native vs. metabolized) of polyphenols used. The aim of this review is to summarize the state-of-art of nutrigenomic in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies as well as clinical trials based on dietary polyphenols to fight obesity. We also critical discuss the variables to be considered to fill the gap between preclinical and clinical settings.

Custom made onlay implants in peek in maxillofacial surgery: a volumetric study.

PURPOSE: Facially malformed patients often present a variable degree of facial imbalance even after basal bone correction, and resolution of the residual hard- and soft-tissue deficiencies and asymmetries of the face are of great importance for achieving a satisfactory post-implant procedure result. The use of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implants for maxillofacial reconstruction has been documented in the literature, but the number of patients who have received them is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall volumetric results in patients with facial imbalance after onlay custom implant positioning for mandible and fronto-orbital reconstructions. Analysis was performed by confronting volumes with the use of three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry. METHODS: Fifteen patients were eligible for PEEK implant placements, eight for mandibular angle reconstruction, and seven for fronto-orbital reconstruction. Pre- and post-surgical 3D images of each patient's face were acquired. Facial asymmetry was analyzed by comparing each face with its mirrored copy. RESULTS: Three-dimensional analyses have shown that some degree of volume imbalance was still present in the patients with only 1.32 ± 1.02 mm residual discrepancy after treatment. CONCLUSION: Results of the study were found to fall within clinically acceptable limits since an asymmetry rate of < 3 mm is considered to fall into the norm.

Synchronous bilateral adrenalectomy in ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism: predictors, biomarkers and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Hypercortisolism requires a prompt therapeutic management to reduce the risk of development of a potential fatal emergency. A synchronous bilateral adrenalectomy (SBA) is effective in recovering hypercortisolism. However, specific indications for an SBA are not available. We aimed to evaluate the outcome of patients who underwent an SBA and to identify biomarkers able to predict the requirements of an SBA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A mono-centric and longitudinal study was conducted on 19 consecutive patients who underwent SBA for ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism between December 2003 and December 2017. This study population was compared to two control groups composed of patients cured after the resection of the ACTH secreting pituitary adenoma (Group A: 44 patients) and of the ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine tumours (Group B: 8 patients). RESULTS: Short- or long-term SBA complications or the recurrence of hypercortisolism did not occur. A single patient experienced Nelson syndrome. Clinical features after SBA showed improvement in the glico-metabolic assessment, hypertension, bone metabolism and the occurrence of hypokalaemia and infections. The younger the age at the time of Cushing's disease diagnosis, the longer the duration of active hypercortisolism, higher values of plasmatic ACTH and Cortisol (1 month after pituitary neurosurgery) and higher values of Ki67 in pituitary adenomas were detected in this study population as compared to Group A. CONCLUSIONS: SBA is an effective and safe treatment for patients with unmanageable ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism. A multidisciplinary team in a referral centre with a high volume of patients is strongly recommended for the management of these patients and the identification of patients, for better surgical timing.

Skeletal stability in orthognathic surgery with the surgery first approach: a systematic review.

The surgery first approach (SFA) is a therapeutic strategy used in orthognathic surgery that is constantly evolving. With this approach, the pre-surgical orthodontic treatment can be eliminated, the maxilla and the mandible are surgically repositioned into the desired position, and the therapy is ended with a short orthodontic phase. Several studies have reported that the SFA is an acceptable approach, but postoperative stability is unclear. In this study, a systematic review on the SFA was performed. The PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, LexisNexis, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were accessed. Studies from which data could be extracted on skeletal stability based on specific cephalometric points were included. The search yielded 2766 publications. Application of the selection criteria resulted in a final group of 14 articles. Five hundred and sixty patients with class III malocclusion underwent orthognathic surgery, 339 with the SFA. Study parameters such as evaluation time points and reference planes varied, making it impossible to perform a meta-analysis. The studies suggest that surgery with the SFA is as stable as surgery with the conventional approach. However, all articles described stability using a penultimate time point of 'after surgery' and not 'after debonding'; hence orthodontic movements and consequent mandibular movements could have influenced cephalometric measurements. Thus, to verify the real stability of the SFA, further research with longer follow-up periods is required, with evaluation at the same time points.

Identification of extracellular vesicles and characterization of miRNA expression profiles in human blastocoel fluid.

In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated the presence of microRNAs and extracellular vesicles in human blastocoel fluid. The bioinformatic and comparative analyses identified the biological function of blastocoel fluid microRNAs and suggested a potential role inside the human blastocyst. We found 89 microRNAs, expressed at different levels, able to regulate critical signaling pathways controlling embryo development, such as pluripotency, cell reprogramming, epigenetic modifications, intercellular communication, cell adhesion and cell fate. Blastocoel fluid microRNAs reflect the miRNome of embryonic cells and their presence, associated with the discovery of extracellular vesicles, inside blastocoel fluid, strongly suggests their important role in mediating cell communication among blastocyst cells. Their characterization is important to better understand the earliest stages of embryogenesis and the complex circuits regulating pluripotency. Moreover, blastocoel fluid microRNA profiles could be influenced by blastocyst quality, therefore, microRNAs might be used to assess embryo potential in IVF cycles.

The seminiferous tubule caliber pattern as evaluated at high magnification during microdissection testicular sperm extraction predicts sperm retrieval in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia.

BACKGROUND: microTESE proved to be the gold standard surgical approach for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), but sperm retrieval rates (SRRs) vary considerably among centers. Some authors compared their SRRs with the pattern of seminiferous tubule caliber found at high magnification, but none provided diagnostic accuracy measures. OBJECTIVE: The present retrospective study sought to verify the diagnostic accuracy of the pattern of seminiferous tubule caliber in predicting the sperm retrieval in NOA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 143 infertile NOA men undergoing unilateral (64) or bilateral (79) microTESE (222 testes) were retrospectively evaluated. During microTESE, if present, dilated tubules (DTs) were retrieved, otherwise tubules with slightly larger caliber (SDT) (×24) than that of the surroundings were removed. When no DT or SDT were found, not dilated tubules (NDTs) were excised. RESULTS: Spermatozoa were retrieved in 95 of 222 testes (42.8%); sperm retrieval was successful in 90% of testes with DTs, in 47% of those with SDTs, and only in 7% of those with NDTs (p < 0.0001). Stepwise binary logistic regression revealed that the combination of seminiferous tubule pattern and testis histology was significantly predictive of SSR, being able to classify 86.8% of testes, with an excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.93). The median number of spermatozoa retrieved was significantly higher in DTs compared with SDTs and NDTs. DISCUSSION: The results of the present study provide reliable accuracy measures in support of the relationship between seminiferous tubule caliber pattern and SSR in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. We are proposing for the first time that spermatozoa may be retrieved even from slightly dilated tubules in about half of cases. The pattern of tubules retrieved, together with histology, may represent an additional outcome measure of microTESE. CONCLUSION: The pattern of seminiferous tubules together with testis histology predicts sperm retrieval with an excellent diagnostic accuracy.

Severe asthma in adolescents and adults: a national, multicenter registry in real life.

Summary: The number of patients with uncontrolled asthma is growing especially in young people. Although current therapies improve the disease management, the heterogeneity of clinical outcomes results in patients whose asthma is refractory to standard therapies. To understand not responsive phenotypes, we instituted a web-registry aimed to collect real life data of adolescent and adult patients. One-hundred and five Italian medical Centers are part of the network. Participants above 14 years and affected by severe asthma will be included in the study. Demographic and clinical data will be collected for 5 years on a dedicated electronic database. For the first time in Italy, our study will provide information on epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects related to the natural course of the disease, filling the gap between adolescents and adults.

News on Climate Change, Air Pollution, and Allergic Triggers of Asthma.

The rising frequency of obstructive respiratory diseases during recent years, in particular allergic asthma, can be partially explained by changes in the environment, with the increasing presence in the atmosphere of chemical triggers (particulate matter and gaseous components such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone) and biologic triggers (aeroallergens). In allergic individuals, aeroallergens stimulate airway sensitization and thus induce symptoms of bronchial asthma. Over the last 50 years, the earth's temperature has risen markedly, likely because of growing concentrations of anthropogenic greenhouse gas. Major atmospheric and climatic changes, including global warming induced by human activity, have a considerable impact on the biosphere and on the human environment. Urbanization and high levels of vehicle emissions induce symptoms of bronchial obstruction (in particular bronchial asthma), more so in people living in urban areas compared than in those who live in rural areas. Measures need to be taken to mitigate the future impact of climate change and global warming. However, while global emissions continue to rise, we must learn to adapt to climate variability.

Analysis of Circulating Mediators of Bone Remodeling in Prader-Willi Syndrome.

We tested the hypothesis that the levels of bone remodeling mediators may be altered in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). We assessed RANKL, OPG, sclerostin, DKK-1 serum levels, and bone metabolism markers in 12 PWS children (7.8 ± 4.3 years), 14 PWS adults (29.5 ± 7.2 years), and 31 healthy controls matched for sex and age. Instrumental parameters of bone mineral density (BMD) were also evaluated. Lumbar spine BMD Z-scores were reduced in PWS children (P < 0.01), reaching osteopenic levels in PWS adults. PWS patients showed lower 25(OH)-vitamin D serum levels than controls (P < 0.001). Osteocalcin was increased in PWS children but reduced in adults respect to controls (P < 0.005 and P < 0.01, respectively). RANKL levels were higher in both pediatric and PWS adults than controls (P < 0.004), while OPG levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.004 and P < 0.006, respectively). Sclerostin levels were increased in children (P < 0.04) but reduced in adults compared to controls (P < 0.01). DKK-1 levels did not show significant difference between patients and controls. In PWS patients, RANKL, OPG, and sclerostin significantly correlated with metabolic and bone instrumental parameters. Consistently, with adjustment for age, multiple linear regression analysis showed that BMD and osteocalcin were the most important predictors for RANKL, OPG, and sclerostin in children, and GH and sex steroid replacement treatment in PWS adults. We demonstrated the involvement of RANKL, OPG, and sclerostin in the altered bone turnover of PWS subjects suggesting these molecules as markers of bone disease and new potential pharmacological targets to improve bone health in PWS.

News on climate change, air pollution, and allergic triggers of asthma

The rising frequency of obstructive respiratory diseases during recent years, in particular allergic asthma, can be partially explained by changes in the environment, with the increasing presence in the atmosphere of chemical triggers (particulate matter and gaseous components such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone) and biologic triggers (aeroallergens). In allergic individuals, aeroallergens stimulate airway sensitization and thus induce symptoms of bronchial asthma. Over the last 50 years, the earth’s temperature has risen markedly, likely because of growing concentrations of anthropogenic greenhouse gas. Major atmospheric and climatic changes, including global warming induced by human activity, have a considerable impact on the biosphere and on the human environment. Urbanization and high levels of vehicle emissions induce symptoms of bronchial obstruction (in particular bronchial asthma), more so in people living in urban areas compared than in those who live in rural areas. Measures need to be taken to mitigate the future impact of climate change and global warming. However, while global emissions continue to rise, we must learn to adapt to climate variability

La creciente frecuencia de enfermedades respiratorias obstructivas, en particular del asma alérgica, observada en los últimos años, puede explicarse parcialmente por diversos cambios ocurridos en el medio ambiente, con presencia creciente en la atmósfera de sustancias químicas (material particulado y componentes gaseosos como dióxido de nitrógeno y ozono) y por factores desencadenantes biológicos (aeroalérgenos). Los aeroalérgenos son capaces de estimular, en sujetos alérgicos, la reactividad de las vías respiratorias, induciendo síntomas de asma bronquial. En los últimos 50 años, la temperatura global de la tierra ha aumentado notablemente debido a la creciente emisión de concentraciones de gases de efecto invernadero generados por la actividad humana. Los principales cambios que afectan a la atmósfera y al clima, incluido el calentamiento global, tienen un gran impacto en la biosfera y en nuestro entorno. El incremento de las áreas residenciales y los altos niveles de emisiones vehiculares inducen síntomas de enfermedades que cursan con obstrucción bronquial (en particular asma bronquial), con mayor prevalencia en personas que viven en áreas urbanas en comparación con aquellos que viven en áreas rurales. Se deben aplicar medidas que mitiguen estos factores para reducir los impactos futuros del cambio climático y el calentamiento global en nuestro planeta. Mientras que las emisiones globales continúen aumentando, deberemos adaptarnos a los impactos de la variabilidad climática futura

Google Trends terms reporting rhinitis and related topics differ in European countries.

Google Trends (GT) searches trends of specific queries in Google and reflects the real-life epidemiology of allergic rhinitis. We compared Google Trends terms related to allergy and rhinitis in all European Union countries, Norway and Switzerland from 1 January 2011 to 20 December 2016. The aim was to assess whether the same terms could be used to report the seasonal variations of allergic diseases. Using the Google Trend 5-year graph, an annual and clear seasonality of queries was found in all countries apart from Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta. Different terms were found to demonstrate seasonality depending on the country - namely 'hay fever', 'allergy' and 'pollen' - showing cultural differences. A single set of terms cannot be used across all European countries, but allergy seasonality can be compared across Europe providing the above three terms are used. Using longitudinal data in different countries and multiple terms, we identified an awareness-related spike of searches (December 2016).

Lipofilling as refinement procedure in maxillo-mandibular malformations.

Maxillo-mandibular asymmetry has numerous aetiologies: congenital, traumatic, iatrogenic and post-oncologic. Patients with congenital dentofacial malformations are generally submitted to orthognathic surgery and/or additional procedures (genioplasty, alloplastic implants) with satisfactory results. However, despite achieving skeletal symmetry, noticeable facial asymmetry may persist.This study was performed in 45 patients (29 women and 16 men) operated between December 2012 and June 2014. All patients were affected by maxilla-mandibular asymmetry and underwent orthognatic surgery for hard tissue correction of the deformity. Residual facial alterations were then treated with lipofilling refinement proceure. In all cases good integration of the grafted fat was observed in the recipient sites. Retrospective analysis of photographic documentation showed progressive volumetric decrease for up to approximately 6 months after surgery; after that graft volume remained relatively stable. There were no significant surgical complications, either from the fat harvest site or the reconstructed site. Mild oedema and bruising were frequent during the first post-operative week. No haematomas, infections, vascular or nervous injuries were recorded. Twenty-four patients felt the need to have a second procedure. A second fat transfer was performed in 22 cases, and a third in 2 (total of 69 procedures). Based on the observations of our study, fat grafting is a simple, effective and reproducible technique, with a high satisfaction rate and few disadvantages or complications. We demonstrated that the success of lipofilling is dependent on the treated aesthetic subunits of the face. The malar and lateral cheek regions seem to be highly favourable for fat grafting, unlike the upper and lower lips subunits. Composite procedures using orthognathic surgery and autologous fat provide the surgeon with an additional, more customisable option for patients with maxillo-mandibular malformations.

Colestasis en pediatría / Cholestasis in Pediatrics

La colestasis indica siempre un proceso patológico que puede dejar secuelas como disfunción hepática crónica, necesidad de trasplante hepático o muerte (1). La colestasis es un proceso en el que existe disminución del flujo biliar, evidencia histológica de depósito de pigmentos biliares en los hepatocitos y conductos biliares, y aumento de la concentración sérica de los productos excretados en la bilis. La colestasis puede presentarse a cualquier edad y la causa es la alteración de la formación de bilis por el hepatocito o la obstrucción del flujo en la vía biliar intrahepática o extrahepática. Nos referimos a colestasis neonatal cuando se presenta en los primeros 3 meses de vida con elevación de niveles séricos de bilirrubina directa, colesterol y ácidos biliares (2). En nuestro medio la principal causa es la hepatitis neonatal idiopática, seguida de las causas infecciosas. Las causas obstructivas son las de peor pronóstico; dentro de estas la más común es la atresia de vías biliares, donde hay obliteración progresiva de la vía biliar extrahepática, daño del parénquima y vía biliar intrahepática, lo que causa cirrosis y muerte antes de los 3 años de vida (1-3). El pronóstico mejora con el manejo quirúrgico si este se realiza antes de los 45 a 60 días de vida (3). La forma de presentación más usual es en un recién nacido a término sano que entre las semanas 2 y 6 de vida presenta ictericia, hipocolia, hepatomegalia firme y esplenomegalia. El diagnóstico se apoya con la elevación de gamma glutamiltransferasa como principal marcador sérico, la ecografía de hígado con ayuno que tiene la mayor sensibilidad y especificidad, siendo el único método confirmatorio la laparotomía exploratoria con visión directa de la vía biliar mediante la realización intraoperatoria de colangiografía (4). En el manejo de todo paciente con colestasis, además de corregir la causa y tratar la colestasis, está el manejo nutricional con una dieta que ofrezca alto aporte de triglicéridos de cadena media y de vitaminas liposolubles (5).

Cholestasis always indicates a pathological process that can result in chronic liver dysfunction, the necessity of liver transplantation and even death. (1) Cholestasis is a process in which there is a decrease in biliary flow, histological evidence of deposition of bile pigments in hepatocytes and bile ducts, and an increase in the serum concentrations of products excreted in bile. Cholestasis can occur at any age. It is caused by alteration of the formation of bile by the hepatocytes or by obstruction of the flow in the intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary tracts. Neonatal cholestasis occurs in the first (3) months of life with elevated serum levels of direct bilirubin, cholesterol and bile acids. (2) In our environment, the most frequent cause is idiopathic neonatal hepatitis, followed by infectious causes. Obstructive causes have the worst prognoses. Among them, the most common is biliary atresia in which progressive obliteration of the extra hepatic biliary tract, parenchymal damage and intrahepatic biliary tract cause cirrhosis and death before the patient reaches three years of age. (1-3) The prognosis improves with surgical management if it is performed within the first 45 to 60 days of life. (3) The most common presentation is a healthy full-term newborn who develops jaundice, hypocolony, firm hepatomegaly and splenomegaly between the 2nd and 6th weeks of life. The principal serum marker that supports diagnosis is elevation of gamma glutamyltransferase while ultrasound of the liver following fasting has the greatest sensitivity and specificity. The only method for confirming the diagnosis is exploratory laparotomy with direct vision of the bile duct by intraoperative cholangiography. (4) In addition to correcting the cause and treating cholestasis, nutritional management with an adequate diet with high levels of medium chain triglycerides and fat-soluble vitamins is important for management of all patients with cholestasis. (5)

Near fatal asthma: treatment and prevention.

Near-fatal asthma (NFA) is described as acute asthma associated with a respiratory arrest or arterial carbon dioxide tension greater than 50 mmHg, with or without altered consciousness, requiring mechanical ventilation. Risk factors for near fatal asthma have not been fully elucidated. In 80-85% of all fatal events, a phenotype, characterized by eosinophilic inflammation associated with gradual deterioration occurring in patients with severe and poorly controlled asthma, has been identified. Regarding to the management, acute severe asthma remains a significant clinical problem, which needs to be identified to facilitate early and appropriate therapeutic interventions. The assessment relies on clinical signs, but additional information might be obtained from chest radiography or blood gas analysis. No investigation should delay the initiation of appropriate therapy. The goals of therapy are the maintenance of oxygenation, relief of airflow obstruction, reduction of airways edema and mucus plugging (with Increased use of medications such as beta-agonists via metered dose inhalers and nebulizers, oral and/or intravenous (other than by inhalation) corticosteroids and oral or intravenous theophylline) whereas supporting ventilation as clinically indicated. Of course, the emergency physician needs to consider the wide range of potential complications, as attention to these problems when managing severe acute asthma might significantly improve outcome. An understanding of the available agents and potential pitfalls in the management of NFA is mandatory for the emergency physician.

Thunderstorm-related asthma: what happens and why.

The fifth report issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change forecasts that greenhouse gases will increase the global temperature as well as the frequency of extreme weather phenomena. An increasing body of evidence shows the occurrence of severe asthma epidemics during thunderstorms in the pollen season, in various geographical zones. The main hypotheses explaining association between thunderstorms and asthma claim that thunderstorms can concentrate pollen grains at ground level which may then release allergenic particles of respirable size in the atmosphere after their rupture by osmotic shock. During the first 20-30 min of a thunderstorm, patients suffering from pollen allergies may inhale a high concentration of the allergenic material that is dispersed into the atmosphere, which in turn can induce asthmatic reactions, often severe. Subjects without asthma symptoms, but affected by seasonal rhinitis can also experience an asthma attack. All subjects affected by pollen allergy should be alerted to the danger of being outdoors during a thunderstorm in the pollen season, as such events may be an important cause of severe exacerbations. In light of these observations, it is useful to predict thunderstorms and thus minimize thunderstorm-related events.

Is generalized reaction after exposure to big cats at the circus really unpredictable in highly cat-allergic individuals?

No disponible