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Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically disrupts health care around the globe. The impact of the pandemic on chronic urticaria (CU) and its management are largely unknown. Aim: to understand how CU patients are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; how specialists alter CU patient management; and the course of CU in patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods: our cross-sectional, international, questionnaire-based, multicenter UCARE COVID-CU study assessed the impact of the pandemic on patient consultations, remote treatment, changes in medications, and clinical consequences. Results: the COVID-19 pandemic severely impairs CU patient care, with less than 50% of the weekly numbers of patients treated as compared to before the pandemic. Reduced patient referrals and clinic hours were the major reasons. Almost half of responding UCARE physicians were involved in COVID-19 patient care, which negatively impacted on the care of urticaria patients. The rate of face-to-face consultations decreased by 62%, from 90% to less than half, whereas the rate of remote consultations increased by more than 600%, from one in 10 to more than two thirds. Cyclosporine and systemic corticosteroids, but not antihistamines or omalizumab, are used less during the pandemic. CU does not affect the course of COVID-19, but COVID-19 results in CU exacerbation in one of three patients, with higher rates in patients with severe COVID-19. Conclusions: the COVID-19 pandemic brings major changes and challenges for CU patients and their physicians. The long-term consequences of these changes, especially the increased use of remote consultations, require careful evaluation., Novartis; Sanofi; Menarini Universidad Espiritu Santo; Takeda; Allakos; AstraZeneca; CSL Behring; Genentech; Pharming; GSK; Shire/Takada; BioCryst; ResTORbio; Pearl Therapeutics, CVS Health; Law offices of Levin; Riback; Adelman; Flangel; Vedder Price; Fresenius; Taiho; Kyowa Kirin; Tanabe; Korin; Uriach Pharma; Instituto Carlos III FEDER; Menarini; Amgen; Thermo Fisher; Avene; ALK‐Abello; Bencard/Allergy Therapeutics; Celgene; Allergopharma; Faes Farma; AbbVie; Janssen; Leo Pharma; Lilly; Roche; Genesis; Menlo Therapeutics; UCB; Pfizer; Almirall; Galderma; Allergika; Beiersdorf; Biocryst; Biogen Idec; BMS; Boehringer‐Ingelheim; Eli‐Lilly; Galderma; Hexal; Klosterfrau; LEO‐Pharma; LETI‐Pharma; L´Oreal; Medice; Octapharma; Pflüger; Pharming; Regeneron; Shire; ALK‐Abello; Fraunhofer‐IZI Leipzig; Hautnetz Leipzig/Westsachsen; MSD; HAL‐Allergy; Bencard; Nestle; Nutricia; Bayer Health Care; FAES; Henkel; Allakos; Argenx; Genentech Menarini; Moxie; Aralez; Celldex

An association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and vitiligo has been suggested. However, previous studies have reported contradictory results while including limited data among Caucasians. The aim of this single-center study was to evaluate the effect of three common VDR gene polymorphisms (FokI, TaqI and BsmI) on suscep-tibility and clinical aspects of vitiligo in a Southeastern European Caucasian population. A total of 110 unrelated vitiligo cases and 509 general population controls were enrolled from October 2018 to November 2019. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood after de-identification and anonymization of the samples and genotyped for the selected VDR polymorphisms by the qPCR (melting curve analysis). Subgroup analysis by clinical features among subsets of patients indicated that, compared to subjects with the FokI TT genotype or T allele, carriers of the FokI CC genotype or C allele exhibited significantly decreased risk of developing vitiligo before the age of 30 [TT vs. CC: odds ratio (OR)=0.286, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.083-0.984, P=0.041; T vs. C: OR=0.545, 95% CI: 0.313-0.948, P=0.031]. Intra-patient analysis also revealed that, compared to T allele, the presence of TaqI C allele was adversely associated with the incidence of concurrent leukotrichia (T vs. C: OR=1.874, 95% CI: 1.018-3.451, P=0.042). Comparisons between the case and control groups showed no evidence to support an association between susceptibility to vitiligo and the VDR BsmI, TaqI, and FokI polymorphisms in this cohort. Thus, the studied VDR polymorphisms might indirectly impact the clinical course and treatment decision-making despite their lack of association with vitiligo per se. Further research with larger sample sizes, especially across Caucasian individuals, should be performed to confirm these findings.

AIM To investigate the prevalence of cervico-vaginal co-infection with high-risk (HR) HPV types and other sexually transmitted pathogens (STPs) in women with anogenital warts (AGWs). PATIENTS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, cervico-vaginal smears of women with AGWs were examined with real-time polymerase chain reaction for the presence of HR-HPV types and common STPs. Women with recent cervical HPV infection and general population were used for comparisons. RESULTS A total of 689 women participated in the study. Among the examined groups, higher rates of cervico-vaginal co-infection with HR-HPV types and other STPs collectively were recorded in women with AGWs (p=0.0049 and p

This document summarizes the aims of GA2 LEN/HAEi Angioedema Centers of Reference and Excellence (ACAREs) and elaborates the requirements that ACAREs must fulfill to become certified. It also provides (see Appendix S1) background information on GA2LEN and HAEi, including HAEi member organizations and regional patient advocates, on why we need an Angioedema Center of Reference and Excellence (ACARE) program and network, and on the accreditation and certification process, governance and funding, and on the interaction with other GA2LEN networks of centers of reference and excellence. The protocols, aims, requirements, and provisions related to becoming a certified CARE are based on (a) the experience of the GA2LEN UCARE network and (b) input from angioedema patients, general practitioners, and angioedema specialists.

Acute radiodermatitis is the most common side effect in non-melanoma skin cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Nonetheless, despite the ongoing progress of clinical trials, no effective regimen has been found yet. In this study, a non-woven patch, comprised of electrospun polymeric micro/nanofibers loaded with an aqueous extract of Pinus halepensis bark (PHBE), was fabricated and clinically tested for its efficacy to prevent radiodermatitis. The bioactivity of the PHBE patch was evaluated in comparison with a medical cream indicated for acute radiodermatitis. Twelve volunteer patients were selected and randomly assigned to two groups, applying either the PHBE patch or the reference cream daily. Evaluation of radiation-induced skin reactions was performed during the radiotherapy period and 1 month afterwards according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grading scale, photo-documentation, patient-reported outcomes (Visual Analog Scale, questionnaire), biophysical measurements (hydration, transepidermal water loss, erythema, melanin), and image analysis. In contrast with the reference product, the PHBE patch showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and restored most skin parameters to normal levels 1 month after completion of radiation therapy. No adverse event was reported, indicating that the application of the PHBE patch can be considered as a safe medical device for prophylactic radiodermatitis treatment.

Simple Summary The most frequent adverse effect for patients receiving radiotherapy, an effective treatment for skin cancer when surgical removal of the tumor is impossible, is acute radiodermatitis, affecting patients’ physical function and often leading to therapy termination. Creams and other topical formulations used so far for the prevention of acute radiodermatitis are applied at regular intervals but do not ensure a constant and controlled transepidermal absorption. The aqueous extract of Aleppo pine bark, previously preclinically and clinically assessed in the form of gel, was herein loaded on micro/nanofibrous patches and clinically evaluated in comparison with a commercially used reference cream on non-melanoma skin carcinoma patients undergoing radiotherapy. The experimental patch significantly contributed to prophylaxis and successful management of acute radiodermatitis, safely restoring skin and its biophysical parameters to normal levels and reducing patients’ discomfort. Topical application of pine-loaded micro/nanofibrous patches holds great potential for the development of a new generation of anti-inflammatory skin care dressings against radiodermatitis. Abstract Acute radiodermatitis is the most common side effect in non-melanoma skin cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Nonetheless, despite the ongoing progress of clinical trials, no effective regimen has been found yet. In this study, a non-woven patch, comprised of electrospun polymeric micro/nanofibers loaded with an aqueous extract of Pinus halepensis bark (PHBE), was fabricated and clinically tested for its efficacy to prevent radiodermatitis. The bioactivity of the PHBE patch was evaluated in comparison with a medical cream indicated for acute radiodermatitis. Twelve volunteer patients were selected and randomly assigned to two groups, applying either the PHBE patch or the reference cream daily. Evaluation of radiation-induced skin reactions was performed during the radiotherapy period and 1 month afterwards according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grading scale, photo-documentation, patient-reported outcomes (Visual Analog Scale, questionnaire), biophysical measurements (hydration, transepidermal water loss, erythema, melanin), and image analysis. In contrast with the reference product, the PHBE patch showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and restored most skin parameters to normal levels 1 month after completion of radiation therapy. No adverse event was reported, indicating that the application of the PHBE patch can be considered as a safe medical device for prophylactic radiodermatitis treatment.

The optical properties of biological systems can be measured by imaging and microscopy methodologies. The use of X-rays, γ-radiation and electron microscopy provides information about the contents and functions of the systems. The need to develop imaging methods and analyses to measure these optical properties is increasing. On the other hand, biological samples are easily penetrated by a high-energy input, which has revolutionized the field of tissue optical properties and has now reached a point where light can be applied in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. To this end, developing methodologies would allow the in-depth study of optical properties of tissues. In the present work, we review the literature focusing on optical properties of biological systems and tissues. We have reviewed the literature for related articles on biological samples’ optical properties. We have reported on the theoretical concepts and the applications of Monte Carlo simulations in the studies of optical properties of biological samples. Optical properties of biological samples are of paramount importance for the understanding of biological samples as well as for their applications in disease diagnosis and therapy. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Background: In the era of precision medicine, identification of possible predictive factors of clinical response to treatment is fundamental. This need is particularly strong for anogenital warts (AGW), because there are several treatment modalities with different clearance and recurrence rates. However, data regarding the effect of mental health parameters on response to treatment in patients with AGW are lacking. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between patients’ mental health parameters and AGW treatment outcomes. Methods: This was a single-centre, prospective study that included newly diagnosed male patients with AGW. At their initial visit, all patients completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) questionnaires, which evaluate anxiety, psychopathological manifestations and personality traits, respectively. All patients received cryotherapy until clearance of lesions and were followed up for 18 months for detection of recurrences. Results: The study included 167 male patients. The mean number of days for AGW clearance was 89 ± 65. During the 18-month follow-up, 28% of participants showed a recurrence, after a mean number of 150 ± 132 days. No statistically significant association was detected between questionnaires scores and (a) time needed for AGW clearance, (b) time until 1st recurrence and (c) number of recurrences. Conclusion: If confirmed, our findings indicate that we may not need to modify our AGW treatment plan according to a patient’s mental health profile. © 2021 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric malignancy. It is known that deregulation of adipokine pathways is probably implicated in the ontogenesis of ALL. The present work aims at investigating the role of adiponectin and its effects on an ALL cell line. The CCRF-CEM cells were used as a model. Cells have been treated with adiponectin, with different concentrations up to 72 h. Cytotoxicity and cell cycle distribution were investigated for all concentrations using flow cytometry. Selected concentrations were also used for additional microarray analysis, using a small gene set of cancer-related genes. Lower and higher adiponectin concentrations did not produce an inhibition of proliferation, as well as an increase in cell death. It was found that adiponectin regulated differentially genes, such as CD22, CDH1, IFNG, LCK, MSH2, SPINT2, and others. At the same time, it appeared that adiponectin-related gene expression was more active on chromosomes 18 and 1. Machine learning classification algorithms showed that several genes were grouped together indicating common regulatory mechanisms. The present study showed that adiponectin is able to induce gene differential expression in leukemic cells in vitro, suggesting a possible role in the progression of leukemia. It is also an indication that more studies are required in order to further understand the role of adiponectin and adipokines in general in the role of human neoplasms. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Background: Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) is a disease presenting typical wheals characterized by itching, angioedema or both. Although CU is, by appearance, a relatively “simple” disease, yet it has a devastating effect on those suffering due to its immense social implications. Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of omalizumab in the treatment of CSU. In particular, gender, co-administration of drugs and comorbidities were taken into account. Materials and Methods: 108 patients (25 Males/83 Females) admitted to our department were diagnosed with CSU and were treated for 30 months. CSU was estimated on a score basis, which was used in order to define disease severity. The mean total CSU score and the mean CSU score of the first trimester, as well as the first semester, were calculated. Patients were treated with omalizumab, and in several cases, with co-administration of dapsone, cyclosporine and anti-histamines. Results: Females manifested significantly higher scores as compared to males. Further on, patients who relapsed manifested significantly higher scores during the whole time course, as well as at the end of the first semester. Conclusion: Females are more prone to CSU. Although CSU scores in patients with remission, relapse and poor response manifested no significant difference at diagnosis, relapsed patients manifested higher CSU scores in the first semester. Therefore, the first semester of treatment is probably critical for the final patient outcome. Further studies are necessary in order to understand the mechanisms of CSU for better treatment and prognosis. © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Contact dermatitis is a frequent skin disorder related to environmental and occupational etiological factors, which could potentially affect all age groups, as well as both genders. The current study is aimed at exploring the patterns of contact sensitization with respect to the population's occupational patterns in Greece. A retrospective analysis was performed in a cohort of 1978 patients from 2014 to 2016. Patients were divided into two categories; blue collars (BlC) and white collars (WhC), as well as detailed occupation was considered. Separation was performed on the basis of their profession, i.e., labor workers and handicraftsmen were sorted to the BlC group, while office employees were sorted to the WhC group. The common allergen in all occupational subgroups was nickel sulphate. The three most prevalent allergens in both BlC and WhC were nickel sulphate 5%, fragrance mix (I) 8%, and Balsam of Peru 25%. WhC males were uniquely sensitized to colophony 20% and formaldehyde 2%, and WhC females were uniquely sensitized to 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CMIT) and neomycin sulphate 20%. Sensitization to allergens manifested occupation-specific patterns. Allergic contact dermatitis surveillance is of great importance towards the clinical and systematic understanding of the disease, especially with respect to the patient's occupational profile. © 2021 Anna Tagka et al.

To study the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) response before and after mental stress test in healthy adolescents and adults, is the aim of this study. Twenty healthy adults (aged 23–46 years) entered the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), after informed consent signing. The procedure was modified: (a) the participants’ position was supine as ANS system changes were to be assessed, (b) the interviewers were entering and departing from the session room. Salivary cortisol (marker of HPA axis response) samples were collected at the end of the baseline and 20 min after TSST. ANS of the heart was measured with CNS Task Force Monitor in supine position and was recorded during relaxation (15 min) and after TSST. The sympathovagal balance (LF/HF ratio) for each phase was computed. Evaluations were conducted with R. The HPA axis disturbance between baseline and 20 min after TSST was significant (g = 0.545 [0.092, 0.999]) and in adolescents (whereas, the mean intervals of the sinus rhythm RR parameter were found largely changed (g = 0.834 [0.340, 1.327]). The sympathovagal balance component of heart rate variability LF/HF ratio was founded unchanged (g = 0.215 [−0.211, 0.641]). RR changes were not correlated to salivary cortisol concentrations at any phase. Mean RRIs and salivary cortisol levels were significantly increased, although HPA axis showed medium size effect. However, the systems effectively counterbalance the perturbation, since the LF/HF ratio does not change. Our findings suggest further research in stress effect on HPA and ANS cross-talk and dynamics. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Acute radiodermatitis is the most common side effect in non-melanoma skin cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Nonetheless, despite the ongoing progress of clinical trials, no effective regimen has been found yet. In this study, a non-woven patch, comprised of electrospun polymeric micro/nanofibers loaded with an aqueous extract of Pinus halepensis bark (PHBE), was fabricated and clinically tested for its efficacy to prevent radiodermatitis. The bioactivity of the PHBE patch was evaluated in comparison with a medical cream indicated for acute radiodermatitis. Twelve volunteer patients were selected and randomly assigned to two groups, applying either the PHBE patch or the reference cream daily. Evaluation of radiation-induced skin reactions was performed during the radiotherapy period and 1 month afterwards according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grading scale, photo-documentation, patient-reported outcomes (Visual Analog Scale, questionnaire), biophysical measurements (hydration, transepidermal water loss, erythema, melanin), and image analysis. In contrast with the reference product, the PHBE patch showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and restored most skin parameters to normal levels 1 month after completion of radiation therapy. No adverse event was reported, indicating that the application of the PHBE patch can be considered as a safe medical device for prophylactic radiodermatitis treatment. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Background Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by (meth)acrylates used in nail products is being increasingly reported in nail technicians and consumers. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of sensitization to (meth)acrylates in technicians and users of nail products with ACD, referred for patch testing in a tertiary center, during the last 10 years. Methods All patients with ACD, who reported a profession associated with cosmetic nail procedures or use of such services and were referred for patch tests in our department between January 2009 and December 2018, were identified. The incidence of positive sensitization to (meth)acrylates was assessed. Results Contact allergy to 1 or more (meth)acrylates was found in 116 (74.4%) of 156 nail technicians or nail product users, all women. One hundred thirty-eight (88.5%) were occupationally exposed, and 18 (11.5%) were consumers. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in (meth)acrylate ACD during 2014-2018 (100/127 cases [79%]) when compared with 2009-2013 (16/29 cases [55%]). The most common sensitizer among the 156 allergic individuals was ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, which was positive in 113 cases (72.4%), and among patients with acrylate-positive patch test, the rate was 97.4%. Conclusions Our experience confirms the worldwide changing landscape of rising (meth)acrylate sensitization in nail technicians and nail products users with ACD. Efforts to improve prevention are needed, and clinicians should have a high index for suspicion in this occupational group. © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

An association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and vitiligo has been suggested. However, previous studies have reported contradictory results while including limited data among Caucasians. The aim of this single-center study was to evaluate the effect of three common VDR gene polymorphisms (FokI, TaqI and BsmI) on susceptibility and clinical aspects of vitiligo in a Southeastern European Caucasian population. A total of 110 unrelated vitiligo cases and 509 general population controls were enrolled from October 2018 to November 2019. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood after de-identification and anonymization of the samples and genotyped for the selected VDR polymorphisms by the qPCR (melting curve analysis). Subgroup analysis by clinical features among subsets of patients indicated that, compared to subjects with the FokI TT genotype or T allele, carriers of the FokI CC genotype or C allele exhibited significantly decreased risk of developing vitiligo before the age of 30 [TT vs. CC: odds ratio (OR)=0.286, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.083-0.984, P=0.041; T vs. C: OR=0.545, 95% CI: 0.313-0.948, P=0.031]. Intra-patient analysis also revealed that, compared to T allele, the presence of TaqI C allele was adversely associated with the incidence of concurrent leukotrichia (T vs. C: OR=1.874, 95% CI: 1.018-3.451, P=0.042). Comparisons between the case and control groups showed no evidence to support an association between susceptibility to vitiligo and the VDR BsmI, TaqI, and FokI polymorphisms in this cohort. Thus, the studied VDR polymorphisms might indirectly impact the clinical course and treatment decision-making despite their lack of association with vitiligo per se. Further research with larger sample sizes, especially across Caucasian individuals, should be performed to confirm these findings. © 2020 Spandidos Publications. All rights reserved.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of cervicovaginal co-infection with high-risk (HR) HPV types and other sexually transmitted pathogens (STPs) in women with anogenital warts (AGWs). Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, cervico-vaginal smears of women with AGWs were examined with real-time polymerase chain reaction for the presence of HR-HPV types and common STPs. Women with recent cervical HPV infection and general population were used for comparisons. Results: A total of 689 women participated in the study. Among the examined groups, higher rates of cervico-vaginal co-infection with HRHPV types and other STPs collectively were recorded in women with AGWs (p=0.0049 and p

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU, or CU) is a disease that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. It is a chronic disease and requires a specialized approach to diagnosis and treatment. In recent years, the disease has been of great interest due to the existence of new targeted therapeutic approaches. Aim: The present study aims at analyzing CU score concerning time, as a time-series. The authors have attempted to model the investigated time-series to unravel possible causative relationships. Methods: 108 patients (25Males/83Females) admitted to our department were diagnosed with CU. CU was estimated on a score basis, which was used to define disease severity. Urticaria score was assessed on the basis of Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7). The mean CU score, the mean CU score rate concerning the first month at diagnosis as well as the monthly CU score rate were calculated. Results: Gender is a factor that influences CU score with time. In addition, there was a significant find-ing that time-series differ with the administration of monotherapy or complementary therapy. Conclusion: We have found that females are more prone to CU, while omalizumab monotherapy has more beneficial results as compared to the application of concurrent and maintenance therapies. Further, patients with co-morbidities were more likely to interrupt treatment. Finally, and most significantly, it was shown that monthly CU score rate manifested an oscillatory pattern, which was modelled with the sum of sines functions, highlighting a relative immunological pattern. © 2020 Bentham Science Publishers.

Contact dermatitis is a well-known skin condition, which is related to stimuli and environmental exposure to chemicals, affecting all ages as well as both genders. In the present work, we attempt to investigate the patterns of contact sensitization, with respect to the personal history of atopy (AT), in Greece in a large number of allergens, using patch testing. The retrospective analysis included clinical routine data of 1978 patients collected from 2014 to 2016 in the Laboratory of Patch Testing, National Referral Centre of Occupational Dermatoses. Sensitization, in all cases, was tested with 28 allergens of the European baseline series as adjusted to our local circumstances and clinical experience. A total population of 1978 patients was evaluated, with a male-to-female ratio of 0.45 (1359 females/619 males). From our patient cohort, 693 (35%) patients were evaluated with a history of atopy, while 1285 (65%) were nonatopic. The five most prevalent allergens in the total population without AT were nickel sulphate 5% (15.47%), fragrance mix (I) 8% (9.10%), balsam of Peru (6.47%), cobalt chloride 1% (4.70%), and thiomersal 0.1% (4.10%). Respectively, in the total population with AT, the five most prevalent allergens were nickel sulphate 5% (10.36%), fragrance mix (I) 8% (5.11%), balsam of Peru (3.29%), thiomersal 0.1% (3.03%), and cobalt chloride 1% (2.78%). Contact dermatitis surveillance is of great importance towards the clinical and systematic understanding of the disease. Further studies should be directed towards that end, in order to facilitate more effective health policies. © 2020 Anna Tagka et al.

Εισαγωγή: Η δερματίτιδα επαφής είναι μια συχνή διαταραχή του δέρματος που σχετίζεται με περιβαλλοντικές εκθέσεις, που επηρεάζουν όλες τις ηλικιακές ομάδες και τα δύο φύλα. Το πρότυπο της ευαισθητοποίησης της επαφής σε μια σειρά αλλεργιογόνων που περιλαμβάνονται στην ευρωπαϊκή σειρά βάσης έχει ήδη μελετηθεί για αρκετές χώρες της ΕΕ από το δίκτυο ESSCA. Η παρούσα μελέτη στοχεύει να διερευνήσει τα πρότυπα της αλλεργικής εξ’ επαφής δερματίτιδας στην Ελλάδα μέσω μιας δοκιμασίας εμπλοκής έναντι ενός μεγάλου αριθμού αλλεργιογόνων που προκαλούν δερματίτιδα εξ επαφής. Μέθοδοι: Η αναδρομική ανάλυση των δεδομένων ρουτίνας των 1978 ασθενών συλλέχθηκε κατά τη διάρκεια του 2014-2016 στο Εργαστήριο Εθνικό Κέντρο Αναφοράς Επαγγελματικών Δερματοπαθειών, της Πανεπιστημιακής Κλινικής Δερματικών και Αφροδισίων Νόσων του ΕΚΠΑ . Η ευαισθητοποίηση σε όλες τις περιπτώσεις δοκιμάστηκε με μια συλλογή από 28 αλλεργιογόνα της ευρωπαϊκής σειράς βάσης και πρόσθετες με στόχο τον εντοπισμό νέων ευαισθητοποιήσεων για την ενημέρωση της εθνικής γραμμής αναφοράς για τα αλλεργιογόνα. παρέχονται πληροφορίες για εκτεταμένο δείκτη MOAHLFA. Αποτελέσματα: Ένα τουλάχιστον θετικό αποτέλεσμα βρέθηκε στο 61.5% των ασθενών, ενώ το 19.1% των ευρισκομένων ευαισθητοποιημένων σε δύο ή περισσότερα αλλεργιογόνα. Τα συχνότερα αλλεργιογόνα στο συνολικό πληθυσμό, ήταν το Nickel Sulphate, το Fragrance Mix και το Balsam of Peru, καθώς και σε σχέση με το φύλο. Το Nickel Sulphate είναι το συχνότερο αλλεργιογόνο της σειράς βάσης, αποτέλεσμα που συμφωνεί με άλλες εκθέσεις. Συμπεράσματα: Τα αποτελέσματά μας συμφωνούν σε μεγάλο βαθμό με τα ευρήματα άλλων πολυκεντρικών μελετών ανά την Ευρώπη. Σε όλες τις μελέτες, υπάρχει αρκετή διαφοροποίηση μεταξύ των παρατηρούμενων ποσοστών ευαισθητοποίησης, από χώρα σε χώρα. Ένας πιθανός λόγος για τη διαφοροποίηση αυτή αναφέρεται ότι μπορεί να είναι οι διαφορετικότητα στη μεθοδολογία μέτρησης της δερματίτιδας, η επιλογή των ασθενών ήτοι το δείγμα μελέτης και τέλος πραγματικές διαφορές που υπάρχουν λόγω των διαφορετικών κοινωνικών ή εθνικών χαρακτηριστικών. Τέλος, από την παρούσα μελέτη αναδεικνύεται η σημαντικότητα μελέτης του φαινομένου της αλλεργικής εξ’ επαφής δερματίτιδας και μάλιστα η συστηματική καταγραφή του αλλά και συμμετοχή της χώρας μας σε διεθνείς βάσεις δεδομένων (registries). Background: Contact dermatitis is a common skin disorder related to environmental exposures affecting, all age groups, and both genders. The pattern of contact sensitization to a series of allergens included in the European baseline series has already been studied for a number of EU countries by the ESSCA Network. The current study aims to explore the patterns of contact dermatitis in Greece through a patch test against a large number of allergens provoking contact dermatitis. Methods: Retrospective analysis of routine data of 1978 patients were collected during 2014-2016 in the Laboratory of Patch Testing, National Referral Centre of Occupational Dermatoses. Sensitization in all cases was tested with a battery of 28 allergens of the European baseline series and additional ones aiming to identify new sensitizations to inform the national baseline of allergens; information for an extended MOAHLFA index was also collected. Results: One at least positive result was found in 61.5% of the patients while 19.1% of those found to be sensitized in two or more allergens. Nickel Sulphate, Fragrance Mix and Balsam of Peru were the most prevalent allergens in the total population, as well as with respect to gender. Nickel is the most frequent allergen of baseline series, a result which is in agreement with other reports. Conclusion: Our results are consistent with previous studies across Europe. Among contact dermatitis studies, there is a sufficient, country-dependent degree of variation. One possible reason for this differentiation is that it may due to the differences patch test measurement methodology, the selection of patient cohort and finally the actual differences that exist due to different social or national characteristics. Finally, this study highlights the significance of the phenomenon of allergic contact dermatitis and shows that its systematic observation along with Greece’s international in international registries is imperative.

Background: Contact dermatitis is a common skin disorder related to environmental exposures affecting, all age groups, and both genders. The pattern of contact sensitization to a series of allergens included in the European baseline series has already been studied for a number of EU countries by the ESSCA Network. The current study aims to explore the patterns of contact dermatitis in Greece through a patch test against a large number of allergens provoking contact dermatitis.Methods: Retrospective analyses of routine data of 668 patients were collected during 2014 in the Laboratory of Patch Testing, National Referral Centre of Occupational Dermatoses. Sensitization in all cases was tested with a battery of 28 allergens of the European baseline series and additional ones aiming to identify new sensitizations to inform the National baseline of allergens; information for an extended MOAHLFA index was also collected.Results: One at least positive result was found in 61.5% of the patients while 19.1% of those found to be sensitized in two or more allergens. Nickel sulphate, fragrance mix and balsam of Peru were the most prevalent allergens in the total population, as well as with respect to gender. Nickel is the most frequent allergen of baseline series, a result which is in agreement with other reports.Conclusions: Allergic contact dermatitis surveillance is of great importance towards the clinical and systematic understanding of the disease. Further studies should be directed towards that end, in order to facilitate more effective health policies.

Pediculosis in humans and especially in children is a very common dermatological disorder caused by the ectoparasite Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer. We investigated the socioeconomic factors affecting the prevalence of pediculosis in the Greek urban area of Athens during 2004-2006. The target population consisted of children from kindergartens. In total, 434 children from single- or two-parent families were investigated with respect to socioeconomic factors such as education, income and family composition, and the prevalence of pediculosis. The overall pediculosis rate was 5.30%. Head louse infestations were significantly higher in female children and in two-parent families. Lice infestations peaked in low- and medium-income families. Head louse infestation rates were influenced by income, parents' education, and nationality. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved.