In vitro model of reconstructed human corneal epithelium for the evaluation of ocular surface desiccation and protection with vitamin A enriched ophthalmic ointment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a paraffin ointment enriched with vitamin A in the protection against severe desiccation using 2D and 3D corneal epithelial in vitro models. We used immortalized human corneal epithelial cell cultures to evaluate the efficacy of four compounds -a paraffin ointment enriched with vitamin A (vA-PFF) and its vehicle; an aqueous gel containing hydroxypropyl guar (HPG); and an aqueous gel containing sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)- to preserve cell viability in an in vitro model of desiccation. WST-1 and Live/Dead assays were used to study cell viability.

A Simplified Algorithm for the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of COPD in Routine Primary Care Practice.

Background: Diagnostic and treatment strategies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) vary greatly. Despite international efforts to standardize the management of COPD, two-thirds of primary care patients are not diagnosed, treated, or managed according to current evidence-based guidelines, probably because of the difficulty of applying these in routine practice. The aim of this study was to develop a simplified algorithm for diagnosing, treating, and managing COPD in primary care whose consistency, scientific relevance, and applicability to routine clinical practice met approval bct 3y family doctors (FDs) and pulmonologists.

Comprehensive Study of Patients' Compliance with Sublingual Immunotherapy in House Dust Mite Perennial Allergic Rhinitis.

Introduction: Allergen immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that has been associated with patient adherence issues. The aim of the study was to increase the knowledge on compliance of patients allergic to house dust mites, receiving sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed in 53 Spanish allergy units.

Types of sensitization to aeroallergens: definitions, prevalences and impact on the diagnosis and treatment of allergic respiratory disease.

The type of allergic sensitization is of central importance in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory allergic diseases. At least 10% of the general population (and more than 50% of patients consulting for respiratory allergies) are polysensitized. Here, we review the recent literature on (i) the concepts of polysensitization, paucisensitization, co-sensitization, co-recognition, cross-reactivity, cross-sensitization, and polyallergy, (ii) the prevalence of polysensitization and (iii) the relationships between sensitization status, disease severity and treatment strategies.

Impairment of quality of life in women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: There is ample evidence of the differences between genders in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that contribute to these differences.

Methods: This was a multi-center, cross-sectional observational study including 4574 patients of 40 years of age and older who attended primary care and pulmonary clinics.

Socioeconomic status and health-related quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) is an important determinant of health and premature death. However, the impact of poor SES on the health status of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been well determined.

Objective: It was our aim to assess the impact of SES on the quality of life in COPD patients.