Photoprotective Effects of Yeast Pulcherrimin.

Sunscreen products can protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation, including reddening, aging, and cancer. The aim of this research was to evaluate the photoprotective effects of yeast pulcherrimin, an iron-chelating dipeptide. We first investigated the cytotoxicity of pulcherrimin produced by Metschnikowia pulcherrima yeast on the human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line, using the PrestoBlue assay. We assessed the ability of pulcherrimin to induce DNA repair after the exposure of HaCaT cells to oxidative stress. We also evaluated its protective activity against UVC radiation. The sun protective factor (SPF) was calculated using the Mansur equation. The UVA/UVB ratio values for pure pulcherrimin were evaluated using the Boots Star Rating system. The critical wavelength was determined by calculating the integrated optical density curve area. Based on the results, pulcherrimin shows strong cytoprotective effects through antioxidant and photoprotective activities on the HaCaT cell line. The calculated SPFs were 20 and 15 at pH = 7 and pH = 10, respectively. The critical wavelength above 370 nm and the UVA/UVB ratio R > 1 suggest that yeast pulcherrimin-a cyclic dipeptide containing iron-may be considered a promising photoprotective agent.

Exploring the Role of Hemogram-Derived Ratios and Liver Fibrosis Scores in Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary fibrosis, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and secondary pulmonary fibrosis (SPF), is a progressive lung disease that significantly impairs respiratory function. Accurate differentiation between IPF and SPF is crucial for effective management. This study explores the association between pulmonary fibrosis and hepatic conditions, evaluating the utility of various hemogram-derived ratios and hepatic fibrosis scores in distinguishing between IPF and SPF. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving patients diagnosed with IPF or SPF at the "Leon Daniello" Clinical Hospital of Pneumology in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Pulmonary fibrosis was confirmed via imaging techniques, and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were assessed using non-invasive scores. We analyzed clinical, laboratory, and pulmonary function data, focusing on hemogram-derived ratios and hepatic scores. Statistical analyses, including ROC curves, were used to evaluate the effectiveness of these biomarkers in differentiating IPF from SPF. Results: We included a total of 38 patients with IPF and 28 patients with SPF. Our findings revealed that IPF patients had a significantly higher FIB-4 score compared to SPF patients, suggesting increased hepatic fibrosis risk in IPF, as well as an increased RDW/PLT ratio. Conversely, SPF patients exhibited elevated PLR, PNR, and SII, reflecting a more pronounced inflammatory profile. PLR and PNR demonstrated the highest discriminatory ability between IPF and SPF, while traditional hepatic fibrosis scores showed limited differentiation capabilities. No significant differences in pulmonary function tests were observed across hepatic fibrosis risk categories. Conclusions: The study highlights the value of biomarkers like PLR and PNR in differentiating between IPF and SPF, offering additional diagnostic insights beyond traditional imaging. Integrating hepatic assessments into the management of pulmonary fibrosis could improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of antibacterial activity and mechanism of luteolin from Humulus scandens against Escherichia coli from chicken.

Resistance of Escherichia coli (E.coli) to antibiotics has steadily increased over time; hence, there is an urgent need to develop safer alternatives to antibiotics. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of luteolin (Lut) on E. coli from chicken. The bioactive compound Lut from Humulus scandens was selected by network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to observe the effects of Lut on the morphology and structure of E. coli cells. The data-independent acquisition (DIA) method was used to analyze protein expression level of E. coli before and after Lut treatment. The in vivo evaluation of the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and oxidative effects of Lut on E.coli was conducted using E.coli isolated strains infected the SPF chicken model. The network pharmacology analysis revealed 19 distinctive bioactive compounds such as Lut and ß-sitosterol in H. scandens; furthermore, 30 core targets were selected from H. scandens. The KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the PI3K-Akt, TNF, MAPK, IL-17, JAK-STAT, and HIF-1 pathways were related from H. scandens. Based on the results of the network pharmacology analysis, Lut was subjected to screening by molecular docking analysis to determine its antibacterial effect on E. coli and the associated mechanism of action. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Lut against E. coli standard strains was 500 µg/mL. SEM, TEM, and CLSM results indicated that Lut damaged the cell wall and cell membrane of E. coli strains and destroyed the cell structure, leading to cell death.The expression level of membrane structure, Phenylalanine metabolism and some other metabolic pathways in E.coli changed after treatment with Lut (P < 0.05). In vivo experiments in the SPF chicken model showed that Lut treatment alleviated the decline in the growth performance of chickens (P < 0.05), prevented pathological changes in the correspond ding organs and suppressed the inflammatory response induced by E. coli infection (P < 0.05), improved the immunity and antioxidant capacity of chickens (P < 0.05), and protected them against infection with E. coli strains. To summarize, Lut from H. scandens can inhibit E. coli growth by damaging the cell membrane structureand affecting the expression level of some metabolic proteins. In vivo experiments also showed that Lut can significantly reduce the damage caused by E. coli isolates on SPF chickens, improve their antioxidant capacity and immunity, and reduce inflammatory responses following E. coli infection.

Invasion of Chicken Anemia Virus in Specific-Pathogen-Free Chicken Flocks and Its Successful Elimination from the Colony.

A specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicken colony was maintained with successive groups a month apart in age. The absence of specific pathogens, including chicken anemia virus (CAV), was confirmed through periodic serological tests for each group. However, some groups became CAV seropositive. The procedures of removing seropositive and the adjacent seronegative chickens followed with chemically disinfecting the housing did not halt CAV outbreaks. The full genome sequence of the CAV strain that appeared was closely related to low-virulence isolates in China. The outbreaks of CAV decreased with an increase in the seropositive chicken population, indicating that the progeny is protected from CAV infection by maternal anti-CAV antibodies. The persistence of CAV in erythroid and lymphoid tissues or reproductive tissues from CAV seropositive chickens was examined in chickens of various ages using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Since a low persistence of CAV was observed in the colony, we isolated eggs from CAV seropositive hens through artificial insemination using semen collected from roosters and confirmed as CAV-free by PCR. Fertilized eggs were transferred to a new SPF facility and used for generating CAV-free progeny. To date, chickens reared in the new facility have been CAV-free for longer than two years. Redirection of eggs from seropositive hens was an effective means of eliminating CAV from chickens.

The Study of the Effectiveness of Ethylmethylhydroxypyridine Succinate in Acute Alcohol Intoxication.

The effectiveness of ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate (EMHPS) in acute alcohol intoxication was tested in a study on SPF male outbred ICR mice. Ethanol (concentration 40%) was administered to animals once intraperitoneally at a dose of 4 g/kg. Control animals were injected with saline in an equivalent volume. In 15 min after the administration of alcohol, the animals were injected intravenously or intramuscularly with EMHPS at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg or with saline via the same route in an equivalent volume. Animal behavior was tested 3 and 24 h later after administration of the substances. After 3 and 24 h, mice in the pathological control groups developed semiptosis, the gait and the turning over reflex were impaired, the strength of the hind limbs decreased and the distance between the hind limbs increased when landing; in the open-field test, the latency of the first movement increased, and the number of rearing postures decreased. Intravenous and intramuscular administration of EMHPS in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg had a pronounced antitoxic and neuroprotective effect in acute alcohol intoxication: all studied parameters did not differ significantly from the control.

Very virulent infectious bursal disease virus infection triggered microscopic changes, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokines imbalance in chicken spleen and thymus.

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) can cause a highly contagious disease, resulting in severe damage to the immune system that causes immunosuppression in young chickens. Both spleen and thymus are important immune organs, which play a key role in eliciting protective immune responses. However, the effects of very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) strain LJ-5 infection on chicken spleen and thymus are still unknown. In the present study, 3-week-old specific pathogen-free chickens were infected with vvIBDV for 1-5 days. The vvIBDV infection significantly increased the spleen index and decreased the thymus index. Microscopic analysis indicated necrosis, depletion of the lymphoid cells, and complete loss of structural integrity in spleen and thymus. Ultrastructural analysis displayed mitochondrial and nuclear damage, including mitochondrial cristae breaks, and deformation of nuclear membrane in vvIBDV-infected spleen and thymus tissues. Cytokine levels increased in the spleen and thymus after IBDV infection, promoting inflammation and causing an inflammatory imbalance. Moreover, the mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes was significantly upregulated in the vvIBDV-infected group compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of mitochondrial dynamics was altered in the spleen and thymus of vvIBDV-infected chickens. These results suggested that vvIBDV infection triggers an imbalance of inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis in the spleen and thymus, resulting in immune injury in chickens. This study provides basic data for the further study of vvIBDV pathogenesis.

Comparison of gut microbiota immunity and pathology in specific-pathogen-free chickens with glandular and muscular gastritis using different methods.

The objective of this study is to review different methods to screen for the optimal model for preventing and treating chicken glandular and muscular gastritis syndrome. Twenty-four 40-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were randomly allocated into four groups (N = 6): polyethylene glycol + ammonium chloride group (M1 group), acetic acid + rhubarb group (M2 group), polyethylene glycol + rhubarb group (M3 group), and control group. The control group had free access to water, while the remaining groups received different doses of molding reagents added to their drinking water. The animal models were assessed based on clinical manifestations, histopathology findings, serological analysis, and composition of intestinal microbiota to establish an optimal approach for constructing an avian model of glandular and muscular gastritis. The SPF chickens in each model group exhibited typical symptoms of glandular and muscular gastritis, poor spirit, yellow loose stools with undigested feed, and enlargement and ulceration of the glandular and muscular stomach. Among these groups, the M3 group had the highest incidence rate of 100%. Compared to the control group, the body weight and body temperature of the chicken in the three model groups were reduced, and the glandular and muscular stomachs and duodenum showed different degrees of bleeding, mucosal abscission, and other pathological injuries. Additionally, the levels of serum IL-2 and α-amylase activity decreased while the content of IL-4 increased. After conducting 16s rDNA sequencing, it was observed that the abundance of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 was significantly increased in the model group compared to the control group. Conversely, there was a notable decrease in the levels of Megamonas and Lactobacillus, which are speculated to be associated with arachidonic acid metabolism, the NF-κB signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathways. The combination of polyethylene glycol and rhubarb emerged as the most effective method for establishing the glandular and muscular gastritis model in SPF chickens. This constructed chicken model displayed distinct signs of damage to the glandular and muscular stomach, inflammatory response, and disturbance in the intestinal flora, thereby providing a foundation for future research on the prevention and treatment of this syndrome.

Participants' Experiences and Satisfaction With Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 100 Sunscreen in Actual Use Conditions.

Background and objective Exposure to sunlight's ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses various health risks, including sunburn, skin damage, and heightened skin cancer risk. Sunblock usage has surged due to widespread advertising campaigns. Individuals spending time outdoors should employ protective measures like wearing hats, applying sunblock with a high sun protection factor (SPF), covering exposed skin, and seeking shade to mitigate UV exposure's harmful effects. This study's objective is to assess participants' experiences and satisfaction with SPF 100 sunscreen in actual use conditions. Methodology This study employed a prospective, single-center design involving 100 participants aged 18 to 70 years. Eligible individuals had Fitzpatrick skin types I-III and were engaged in outdoor activities, excluding those with certain medical conditions or medication use. Each participant received sunscreen tubes (Solero SPF 100, Helix Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Karachi, Pakistan), and clinical evaluations were conducted on the day before and after and day 22 visits, with sunblock application and UV-induced erythema assessments performed. Results Our study enrolled participants with a mean age of 25.6 ± 7.1 years, ranging from 15 to 55 years, with females comprising 84% (84) of the sample. Results revealed widespread satisfaction and acceptance of SPF 100 sunscreen, without any reported adverse reactions. A significant majority expressed their willingness to purchase and recommend the sunscreen to others. Furthermore, the majority of healthcare providers expressed satisfaction with prescribing this sunscreen.  Conclusions In conclusion, SPF 100 sunscreen demonstrated excellent tolerability and acceptability among participants, suggesting its potential utility in both personal sun protection routines and clinical settings.

Effects of Crude Extract of Glycyrrhiza Radix and Atractylodes macrocephala on Immune and Antioxidant Capacity of SPF White Leghorn Chickens in an Oxidative Stress Model.

The natural edible characteristics of Chinese herbs have led more and more people to study them as an alternative product to antibiotics. In this study, crude extracts of Glycyrrhiza radix and Atractylodes macrocephala (abbreviated as GRAM) with glycyrrhizic acid content not less than 0.2 mg/g were selected to evaluate the effects of GRAM on the immune and antioxidant capacity of model animals. Thirty 21-day-old male Leghorn chickens were weighed and randomly assigned to one of three groups of ten animals each. The treatments comprised a control group (CON), in which saline was injected at day 31, day 33, and day 35, an LPS-treated group (LPS), in which LPS (0.5 mg/kg of BW) was injected at day 31, day 33, and day 35, and finally a GRAM and LPS-treated group, (G-L) in which a GRAM-treated diet (at GRAM 2 g/kg) was fed from day 21 to day 35 with LPS injection (0.5 mg/kg of BW) at day 31, day 33, and day 35. The results of diarrhea grade and serum antioxidant measurement showed that the LPS group had obvious diarrhea symptoms, serum ROS and MDA were significantly increased, and T-AOC was significantly decreased. The oxidative stress model of LPS was successfully established. The results of immune and antioxidant indexes showed that feeding GRAM significantly decreased levels of the pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 (p < 0.05) and significantly increased levels of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10 and levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH-Px and CAT (p < 0.05). GRAM resisted the influence of LPS on ileum morphology, liver, and immune organs and maintained normal index values for ileum morphology, liver, and immune organs. In summary, this study confirmed the antidiarrheal effect of GRAM, which improved the immune and antioxidant capacity of model animals by regulating inflammatory cytokine levels and antioxidant enzyme activity in poultry.

Sunscreens Part 2: Regulation and Safety.

The second part of this CME article discusses sunscreen regulation and safety considerations for humans and the environment. First, we provide an overview of the history of the United States Food and Drug Administration's regulation of sunscreen. Recent Food and Drug Administration studies clearly demonstrate that organic ultraviolet filters are systemically absorbed during routine sunscreen use, but to date there is no evidence of associated negative health effects. We also review the current evidence of sunscreen's association with vitamin D levels and frontal fibrosing alopecia, and recent concerns regarding benzene contamination. Finally, we review the possible environmental effects of ultraviolet filters, particularly coral bleaching. While climate change has been shown to be the primary driver of coral bleaching, laboratory-based studies suggest that organic ultraviolet filters represent an additional contributing factor, which led several localities to ban certain organic filters.

Sunscreen Safety and Efficacy for the Prevention of Cutaneous Neoplasm.

Sunscreen is widely used for ultraviolet radiation protection. Studies validate sun protection factors (SPFs) to prevent ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin changes such as melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Few studies examine sunscreen's impact on endocrine and immune system dysregulation, the production of radical oxygen species, and whether the ingredients deteriorate under prolonged exposure. We present an investigation of sunscreen labels and how ingredients impact sun safety and human health. A review of the literature was conducted using Embase and PubMed to examine sunscreen safety, efficacy, and use to prevent UV-induced skin damage. Increasing sunscreen reapplication, wearing protective clothing, and limiting exposure can reduce the incidence of skin cancer. Inorganic sunscreens form barriers to block UV light, but without titanium dioxide (TiO2), they may not be advantageous due to their low UVA protection. Organic sunscreens absorb into the skin and provide a better feeling after application. Octocrylene and avobenzone are stable and provide UVA and UVB protection with minimal adverse effects. Oxybenzone is harmful to the neuroendocrine system and should be avoided. Titanium dioxide works for broad-spectrum UV protection and offers minimal adverse effects. Octocrylene and avobenzone are organic sunscreen ingredients that also provide a better feeling on the skin after application, which enables higher rates of use. Oxybenzone should be avoided.

Investigation on the Validity of in vitro Sun Protection Factor and Ultraviolet-A Protection Factor Evaluation Method for Sunscreen Samples.

Factors affecting the in vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and Ultraviolet-A Protection Factor (UVA-PF) of sunscreens were analyzed for verifying the validity and reliability of the ISO24443 evaluation method. UV absorbance measurements by different spectrophotometers did not lead to the large difference in in vitro SPF/UVA-PF, although the UV absorbance determined by each spectrophotometer exhibited relatively large difference when it was larger than 2. On the other hand, relatively large difference was found in in vitro SPF/UVA-PF by utilizing European Cosmetic and Perfumery Association (Colipa) 1994 or UV-solar simulated radiation (UV-SSR) for the spectral irradiance. Appropriateness of employing the coefficient of adjustment for the determination of in vitro UVA-PF was also found to be reexamined.

Structural analysis of polysaccharide from Inonotus obliquus and investigate combined impact on the sex hormones, intestinal microbiota and metabolism in SPF male mice.

The dysregulation of sex hormone levels is associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity. Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) exhibits a promising therapeutic effect on conditions like obesity and diabetes, potentially linked to its influence on intestinal microbiota and metabolism. The exact cause and mechanisms that link sex hormones, gut microbiota and metabolism are still unknown. In this research, we examined the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bond type of IOP. We found that IOP mostly consists of alpha-structured 6­carbon glucopyranose, with a predominant (1 â†’ 4) linkage to monosaccharides and a uniform distribution. Following this, we administered two different concentrations of IOP to mice through gavage. The results of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrated a significant increase in testosterone (T) levels in the IOP group as compared to the control group. Additionally, the results of tissue immunofluorescence indicated that increased IOP led to a decrease in adiponectin content and an increase in SET protein expression. The study also revealed changes in the intestinal microbiota and metabolic changes in mice through 16S rRNA data and non-targeted LC-MS data, respectively. The study also found that IOP mainly affects pathways linked to glycerophospholipid metabolism. In addition, it has been observed that there is an increase in the number of beneficial bacteria, such as the Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group and g.Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, while the levels of metabolites that are linked to obesity or diabetes, such as 1,5-anhydrosorbitol, are reduced. Furthermore, biomarker screening has revealed that the main microorganism responsible for the differences between the three groups is g.Erysipelatoclostridiaceae. In summary, these findings suggest that IOP exerts its therapeutic effects through a synergistic interplay between sex hormones, gut microbiome composition, and metabolic processes.

Evaluating the factors influencing sun protection factors (SPF): Pooling data from multiple studies involving two reference ISO 24444:2019 sunscreen products (P2 and P8).

BACKGROUND: Standardized methods for sun protection factor (SPF) testing are still beset with endpoint and method-driven issues, and can be influenced by multiple factors. The purpose of this analysis is to explore the factors influencing the results of sun protection factor (SPF) testing in human subjects according to the ISO 24444:2019 standard. Intrinsic factors, such as baseline skin color, age and gender, the minimal erythemal dose on an unprotected area (MEDu), as well as environmental factors such as season/weather influences, are considered for analysis. METHODS: Datasets generated for two reference products (P2 and P8) during the conduct of 50 such studies using the ISO standard 24444:2019 for the testing of SPF products, from a single testing center located in Bucharest, Romania between April 2021 and December 2022, were retrieved and compiled. Overall, the data for 334 subjects was available, with 276 observations for the reference P8, and 171 for P2. RESULTS: No effects due to gender or age were detected. Seasonal changes, the individual typology angle (ITA°) and MEDu were found to have an influence on the outcome of the SPF values. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds new original data about the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on SPF variations pertaining to ISO reference sunscreen P8 (SPF 50+). The findings suggest that some factors will inevitably impact the results between two SPF experiments for the same product and SPF testing laboratory. The interconnections between the sources of this variation are discussed. The findings of this research help to identify and characterize factors that contribute to SPF testing variability.

The pathogenicity and immune effects of different generations of Mycoplasma synoviae on chicken embryos.

1. Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is the primary causative agent of synovitis in avian species. In order to investigate the pathogenicity and immunological responses associated with MS in specific pathogen-free chicken embryos, a series of generations (F1, F95, F120, F160 and F200) of MS were introduced into 7-day-old SPF chicken embryos and subsequent mortality rates were recorded and analysed2. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect expression of heat shock proteins HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 and inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1ß, caspase-1 and IL-18 in the tracheal tissue.3. The results showed that the mortality rate of SPF chicken embryos decreased with an increase in the number of passages, with the highest being 80% (8/10) for F1 generation and the lowest being 10% (1/10) for F200. The expression of HSP27, IL-1ß, HSP40, caspase-1, HSP70 and HSP90 showed a significant downregulation trend with an increase in the generation (except IL-18; P < 0.05). The HSP60 expression was significantly upregulated with increasing generations (P < 0.05).4. A relationship between pathogenicity and the number of passages was observed and the decrease in pathogenicity appeared to be associated with HSP and genes related to inflammatory factors. The present work offers a scientific foundation for screening potential MS strains that might be employed to develop attenuated vaccines.

SAP30BP interacts with RBM17/SPF45 to promote splicing in a subset of human short introns.

Human pre-mRNA splicing requires the removal of introns with highly variable lengths, from tens to over a million nucleotides. Therefore, mechanisms of intron recognition and splicing are likely not universal. Recently, we reported that splicing in a subset of human short introns with truncated polypyrimidine tracts depends on RBM17 (SPF45), instead of the canonical splicing factor U2 auxiliary factor (U2AF) heterodimer. Here, we demonstrate that SAP30BP, a factor previously implicated in transcriptional control, is an essential splicing cofactor for RBM17. In vitro binding and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses demonstrate that a U2AF-homology motif (UHM) in RBM17 binds directly to a newly identified UHM-ligand motif in SAP30BP. We show that this RBM17-SAP30BP interaction is required to specifically recruit RBM17 to phosphorylated SF3B1 (SF3b155), a U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U2 snRNP) component in active spliceosomes. We propose a mechanism for splicing in a subset of short introns, in which SAP30BP guides RBM17 in the assembly of active spliceosomes.

Sunscreen Label Marketing Towards Pediatric Populations: Guidance for Navigating Sunscreen Choice.

INTRODUCTION:  Sunscreen marketing to specific demographics is largely unregulated. Marketing specifically targeting pediatric populations has the potential to drive consumer behavior. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) provide recommendations for sunscreen use in children over the age of six months. This study sought to determine if sunscreen products marketed toward pediatric populations align with healthcare guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sunscreens available in major retail outlets in the Philadelphia area were cataloged and reviewed for marketing targeting specific demographics such as "baby", "babies", "children", "kids", "sports", and "active". The products were reviewed for sun protection factor (SPF), broad-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) protection, water resistance, active UV filters, and application method.  Results: Of 410 sunscreens cataloged, 27 were marketed towards "baby" or "babies", 44 towards "children" or "kids", and 71 towards "sports" or "active". All of the sunscreen products reviewed targeting the pediatric population offered water resistance for up to 80 minutes and broad-spectrum UV coverage. Sunscreens targeting "baby" or "babies" aligned most closely with AAP guidelines for sunscreen use in pediatric populations, with 92.6% offering an SPF between 15 to 50 and no products including oxybenzone as a UV filter. However, sunscreens targeting "children", "kids", "sports", and "active" bore a close resemblance to the overall sunscreen profile for all demographics but with a higher percentage of products containing oxybenzone. Oxybenzone was found in 11.4% of "children" and "kids" products and 16.9% of "sports" and "active" sunscreen products, compared to 7.6% of all sunscreen products available, and was also found in most sunscreen products with an SPF of 70 or higher. CONCLUSION:  Sunscreen products marketed towards "baby" and "babies" tend to align closely with guidelines for sunscreen use in the pediatric population for children over six months of age; however, those with brand marketing towards "children", "kids", "sports", and "active" do not. Limiting recommendations for a sunscreen product with an SPF of 30 to 50 targeting this demographic, however, sufficiently meets guidelines set forth by the AAP and AAD.

Application habits and practices of regular sunscreen users in the United States: Results of an online survey.

A nationwide online survey assessed claimed usage of sunscreen products in 2283 self-identified regular sun protection factor (SPF) consumers (RSPFC) in the United States. Subjects applied sunscreen most frequently when spending more than 3 h in the sun. Sunscreen usage peaks during the summer, with sunny weather prompting 99% usage of beach/recreational SPF products but drops to approximately 50% and 30% on partly cloudy and cloudy days, respectively, regardless of SPF product category. About half of RSPFC augment sunscreen product usage by limiting time in the sun and wearing a hat. SPF products are not reapplied by approximately 20-60% of RSPFC, depending upon product category, and reapplication was less than 33% on cloudy and partly cloudy days. Primary reasons for reapplication were water exposure, number of hours in the sun, and being active/sweating, most notably for beach/recreational SPF products. Importantly, in children, 45% of parents reported "redness" as a signal for reapplying sunscreen product. Only 10% of respondents correctly identified sunscreen products as drugs. Based on these results, while sunscreens may share common ingredients and efficacy measures, their usage by consumers varies widely depending on product type, season, weather, gender, age, and geographical location.

Pathological assessment and tissue tropism of two different Egyptian infectious bronchitis strains.

Avian infectious bronchitis is one of the most common viral infections in chickens affecting all ages. The tropism of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains became broader and more variable posing major implications for the effective control of IBV infection. In this study, two IBV viruses representing classic and variant strains were inoculated intranasally into day-old SPF chicks (105 EID50/0.2 ml/bird). Clinical signs were observed for 15 days post-infection (DPI). Five chicks from each group were euthanized at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 DPI for histopathology and virus antigen detection by IHC and quantitative rRT-PCR. Results revealed that both classic and variant IBV strains induced mild clinical signs with no mortalities and fewer various histopathological lesions in infected SPF chickens. Although the viruses were detected by rRT-PCR up to 12 DPI, the affected tissues showed regeneration after 10 DPI with IHC revealing no IBV antigen. In summary, no differences were found in the behaviour of both IBV isolates in chickens. The broad tissue tropism for both IBV strains as indicated by viral antigen detection in various organs with no clinical or gross lesion suggest that the main cause of death in IBV infection under field conditions occurs as a result of complication with secondary infections rather single IBV infection. Due to positive immunostaining in the bursa, it is thought that IBV infection has immunosuppressive consequences, hence further study is required to validate this impact.

The adverse consequences of not using sunscreens.

The adverse effects of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on normal skin are well established, especially in those with poorly melanized skin. Clinically, these effects may be classified as acute, such as erythema or chronic such as keratinocyte and melanocyte skin cancers. Apart from skin type genetics, clinical responses to solar UVR are dependent on geophysical (e.g., solar intensity) and behavioural factors. The latter are especially important because they may result in 'solar overload' with unwanted clinical consequences and ever greater burdens to healthcare systems. Correctly used, sunscreens can mitigate the acute and chronic effects of solar UVR exposure. Laboratory studies also show that sunscreens can inhibit the initial molecular and cellular events that are responsible for clinical outcomes. Despite public health campaigns, global trends continue to show increasing incidence of all types of skin cancer. Large-scale epidemiological studies have shown the benefits of sunscreen use in preventing skin cancer, though it is likely that sunscreen use has not been optimal in such studies. It is evident that without substantial changes in sun-seeking behaviour, sunscreen use is a very important part of the defence against the acute and chronic effects of solar exposure. Ideally, sunscreens should be able to provide the level of protection that reduces the risk of skin cancer in susceptible skin types to that observed in heavily melanized skin.

Les effets indésirables des rayons ultraviolets (UVR) du soleil sur une peau saine sont bien établis, en particulier chez les personnes dont la peau est faiblement concentrée en mélanine. Sur le plan clinique, ces effets peuvent être classés comme aigus, comme un érythème, ou chroniques, comme des cancers de la peau kératinocytaires et mélanocytaires. Outre la génétique du type de peau, les réponses cliniques aux UVR du soleil dépendent de facteurs géophysiques (par exemple, intensité du soleil) et comportementaux. Ces réponses sont particulièrement importantes, car elles peuvent entraîner un « trop-plein de soleil ¼ avec des conséquences cliniques indésirables et des charges de plus en plus importantes pour les systèmes de santé. Utilisés correctement, les protections solaires peuvent atténuer les effets aigus et chroniques de l'exposition aux UV du soleil. Des études en laboratoire montrent également que les protections solaires peuvent inhiber les événements moléculaires et cellulaires initiaux, qui sont responsables des effets cliniques. Malgré les campagnes de santé publique, les tendances mondiales continuent de montrer une incidence croissante de tous les types de cancer de la peau. Des études épidémiologiques à grande échelle ont montré les bénéfices de l'utilisation d'une protection solaire dans la prévention du cancer de la peau, même s'il est probable que l'utilisation d'une protection solaire n'a pas été optimale dans ces études. Il est évident que, sans changements substantiels du comportement d'exposition au soleil, l'utilisation d'une protection solaire est un aspect très important de la défense contre les effets aigus et chroniques de l'exposition au soleil. Idéalement, les protections solaires devraient pouvoir offrir aux types de peau sensibles le niveau de protection qui réduit le risque de cancer de la peau observé pour les peaux fortement concentrées en mélanine.