On statistical inference in time series analysis of the evolution of road safety.

Data collected for building a road safety observatory usually include observations made sequentially through time. Examples of such data, called time series data, include annual (or monthly) number of road traffic accidents, traffic fatalities or vehicle kilometers driven in a country, as well as the corresponding values of safety performance indicators (e.g.

The nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside regulates polyamine and proline metabolism in leaves of Medicago truncatula plants.

Nitric oxide (NO), polyamines, and proline have all been suggested to play key roles in a wide spectrum of physiological processes and abiotic stress responses. Although exogenous application of polyamines has been shown to induce NO production, the effect of NO on polyamine biosynthesis has not yet been elucidated. Several reports exist that demonstrate the protective action of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a widely used NO donor, which acts as a signal molecule in plants responsible for the regulation of the expression of many defense-related enzymes.

NO loading: Efficiency assessment of five commonly used application methods of sodium nitroprusside in Medicago truncatula plants.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a bioactive, diffusible molecule involved in a multitude of physiological and developmental processes in plants, which has been reported to display both antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties in plants. Several reports exist highlighting the protective action of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, which demonstrate its important role as a signal molecule in plants responsible for the expression regulation of antioxidant and other defense enzymes. However, the mode of application of this compound varies greatly between studies.

Azithromycin pulses for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-related papulopustular eruption: an effective and convenient alternative to tetracyclines.

Background: Papulopustular eruption (PPE) is the most common cutaneous side effect of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs).

Objective: To document the efficacy and safety of pulsed azithromycin doses in the treatment of EGFRI-related PPE.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients under EGFRIs who exhibited at least grade 2 PPE and were intolerant or resistant to tetracyclines was performed.

Quercetin is more effective than cromolyn in blocking human mast cell cytokine release and inhibits contact dermatitis and photosensitivity in humans.

Mast cells are immune cells critical in the pathogenesis of allergic, but also inflammatory and autoimmune diseases through release of many pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 and TNF. Contact dermatitis and photosensitivity are skin conditions that involve non-immune triggers such as substance P (SP), and do not respond to conventional treatment. Inhibition of mast cell cytokine release could be effective therapy for such diseases.

The amino-terminal helix modulates light-activated conformational changes in AsLOV2.

The mechanism of light-triggered conformational change and signaling in light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) domains remains elusive in spite of extensive investigation and their use in optogenetic studies. The LOV2 domain of Avenasativa phototropin 1 (AsLOV2), a member of the Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) family, contains a flavin mononucleotide chromophore that forms a covalent bond with a cysteine upon illumination. This event leads to the release of the carboxy-terminal Jα helix, the biological output signal.

TULIPs: tunable, light-controlled interacting protein tags for cell biology.

Naturally photoswitchable proteins offer a means of directly manipulating the formation of protein complexes that drive a diversity of cellular processes. We developed tunable light-inducible dimerization tags (TULIPs) based on a synthetic interaction between the LOV2 domain of Avena sativa phototropin 1 (AsLOV2) and an engineered PDZ domain (ePDZ). TULIPs can recruit proteins to diverse structures in living yeast and mammalian cells, either globally or with precise spatial control using a steerable laser.

Increased serum CRH levels with decreased skin CRHR-1 gene expression in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

There is increased serum CRH with decreased lesional skin CRHR-1 gene expression in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, suggesting possible involvement in stress-induced worsening of symptoms.

Quantification of the inhomogeneous distribution of topically applied substances by optical spectroscopy: definition of a factor of inhomogeneity.

The inhomogeneous distribution of topically applied substances due to decisive differences in the skin structure (furrows and wrinkles) affects the efficacy of cosmetic products, in particular sunscreens. The combination of tape stripping and optical spectroscopy results in absorption data, which reflect ex vivo the inhomogeneity of the in vivo distribution of topically applied substances. Based on these data, a factor of inhomogeneity is defined describing the individual distribution of formulations on the skin surface of volunteers.

Serum neurotensin (NT) is increased in psoriasis and NT induces vascular endothelial growth factor release from human mast cells.

Background: Psoriasis involves skin inflammation that often worsens with stress, but the mechanism of this effect remains obscure. We have shown that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is increased in the serum of patients with psoriasis. A peptide, neurotensin (NT), can trigger skin histamine release and augment the ability of CRH to increase skin vascular permeability.

Management of cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma patients with extracorporeal photopheresis. The Hellenic experience.

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an established therapy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The objective of this study was to further explore the clinical efficacy of ECP combined with immunomodulatory agents. Eighteen patients with histologically proven CTCL were followed-up after therapy with ECP, mainly combined with interferon-α or bexarotene.

Pharmacodynamics of TNF-α inhibitors in psoriasis.

Over the last two decades, research developments have revolutionized our understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis and of the contribution of several cytokines in the manifestation of the disease. The key role of TNF-α in the pathogenesis of psoriasis has been extensively studied and its therapeutic action, initially observed in experimental models, has been clinically translated into therapeutic agents with remarkable efficacy in the treatment of the disease. There are currently two classes of marketed biologic drugs that reduce TNF-α bioavailability and are used clinically in psoriasis: the soluble TNF-α receptor-Fc fusion protein (etanercept) and the anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies (adalimumab and infliximab).

Determination of the protection efficacy and homogeneity of the distribution of sunscreens applied onto skin pre-treated with cosmetic products.

Background: The efficacy of sunscreens depends decisively on the homogeneity of its distribution on the skin surface, which is sensitively reflected by two spectroscopic data - the factor of inhomogeneity and the sum transmission - measured after tape stripping. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a skin pre-treatment with body lotion on the layout of the formulations.

Methods: Six healthy volunteers were pre-treated using the body lotion, Nivea Body (Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany).

Transfer of ultraviolet photon energy into fluorescent light in the visible path represents a new and efficient protection mechanism of sunscreens.

The development of sunscreens with high sun protection factor (SPF) values but low filter concentrations is the ultimate goal. The purpose of the present study was to investigate why a sunscreen spray and cream with different concentrations of the same UV-filters provided the same SPF. Therefore, the homogeneity of the distribution of both sunscreens was investigated by laser scanning microscopy (LSM) and tape stripping (TS).

Childhood- and later-onset vitiligo have diverse epidemiologic and clinical characteristics.

Background: Vitiligo onset during childhood is common. There are limited data regarding childhood-onset vitiligo.

Objective: We sought to provide an epidemiologic and clinical comparison between childhood- and later-onset vitiligo.

Comparison of transepidermal water loss and laser scanning microscopy measurements to assess their value in the characterization of cutaneous barrier defects.

The exact qualitative and quantitative analysis of wound healing processes is a decisive prerequisite for optimizing wound care and for therapy control. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements are considered to be the standard procedure for assessing the progress of epidermal wound healing. The damage to the stratum corneum correlates with an increased loss of water through the skin barrier.

Cross-sectional relationship of a Mediterranean type diet to diastolic heart function in chronic heart failure patients.

Systolic and diastolic functions of both ventricles play a crucial role in the progression of chronic heart failure (CHF). As data about the role of dietary habits in ventricular dysfunction are lacking, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between biventricular diastolic and systolic function and dietary habits in patients with CHF. During 2007, 372 consecutive CHF patients were enrolled.

Advances in Merkel cell carcinoma pathogenesis and management: a recently discovered virus, a new international consensus staging system and new diagnostic codes.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin with a rising incidence and a high mortality rate. It occurs primarily in sun-exposed skin of older individuals. It is characterized by a high rate of local recurrence, regional lymph node metastases and distant metastases, occurring even after prompt treatment.

Study and development of reversed-phase HPLC systems for the determination of 2-imidazolines in the presence of preservatives in pharmaceutical preparations.

Different HPLC chromatographic systems were investigated on a C18 ACE 5 pm, 150 x 4.6 mm id column for the determination of tymazoline, tramazoline, and antazoline, with either naphazoline or xylometazoline, in commercial preparations. For the development and optimization of the systems, a Response Surface Method (r=0.

Dinitrosyliron complexes are the most abundant nitric oxide-derived cellular adduct: biological parameters of assembly and disappearance.

It is well established that nitric oxide ((•)NO) reacts with cellular iron and thiols to form dinitrosyliron complexes (DNIC). Little is known, however, regarding their formation and biological fate. Our quantitative measurements reveal that cellular concentrations of DNIC are proportionally the largest of all (•)NO-derived adducts (900 pmol/mg protein, or 45-90 μM).

Role of right ventricular systolic function on long-term outcome in patients with newly diagnosed systolic heart failure.

Background: Right ventricular (RV) systolic function has been recognized as a prognostic factor in endstage heart failure (HF) patients and in the present study we evaluated the effect of this dysfunction on prognosis in patients with newly-diagnosed systolic HF.

Methods And Results: We enrolled 180 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed systolic HF (ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy). Echocardiographic evaluation was performed to assess biventricular function.

Melanocortin 1 receptor variants: functional role and pigmentary associations.

The significance of human cutaneous pigmentation lies in its protective role against sun-induced DNA damage and photocarcinogenesis. Fair skin and red hair are characterized by a low eumelanin to pheomelanin ratio, and have been associated with increased risk of skin cancer. Cutaneous pigmentation is a complex genetic trait, with more than 120 genes involved in its regulation, among which the melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) plays a key role.

Upregulation and nuclear localization of TNF-like cytokine 1A (TL1A) and its receptors DR3 and DcR3 in psoriatic skin lesions.

TNF is critically involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. TL1A is a TNF-like cytokine, which, after binding to death domain receptor DR3, provides costimulatory signals to lymphocytes, amplifies Th1- and Th17-mediated immune responses and induces apoptotic cell death. These functions are inhibited when TL1A associates to decoy receptor DcR3.

Association of thyroid autoimmunity with acne in adult women.

Background: During the last decades an increase has been observed regarding acne in adults and especially women.

Objective: To evaluate the association between thyroid disorder and the presence of post-adolescent acne in adult women, comparing with healthy controls.

Methods: 107 adult women with post-adolescent acne and 60 healthy controls were included.