Skin cancer risk behaviors in sexual minority men: A mixed methods approach.

OBJECTIVE: Sexual minority men experience disproportionately elevated rates of skin cancers, likely driven by excess ultraviolet radiation exposure-namely through tanning behaviors. However, limited integrated theoretical models exist to explain sexual minority men's elevated skin cancer risk. The aim of the current study is to further test and refine an integrated theory of skin cancer risk behaviors among sexual minority men by incorporating minority stress into the integrated health behavior model of tanning. METHOD: The study employed a parallel mixed methods design, with a Phase 1 qualitative stage (N = 30) and a Phase 2 quantitative stage (Model 1: N = 320; Model 2: N = 319). In both phases, participants were sexual minority men, equally stratified as those with versus without recent tanning exposure and were recruited from across the United States. RESULTS: Qualitative and quantitative data supported the overall integrated model, with some quantitative paths varying depending on the tanning behavior outcome. Overall, appearance-related motives to tan and beliefs that tanning regulates affect emerged as the most consistent proximal predictors. Minority stress significantly predicted holding more positive attitudes toward tanning as an effective affect regulation strategy. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this mixed methods study support the inclusion of minority stressors into the adapted integrative health behavior model of tanning. Replication within prospective designs would strengthen the evidence for this model, which may be helpful in guiding future skin cancer prevention programs tailored to sexual minority men. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Alternative therapy improves hematological profiles of captive snakes from northeastern Brazil / Efeitos positivos de uma terapia alternativa nos perfis hematológicos de serpentes cativas no nordeste brasileiro

Objective: Evaluate the effects of alternative therapy on the hematological profiles of different families of captive snakes. Methodology: Captive snakes at NUROF-UFC were submitted to a clinical and hematological evaluation before and after applying an alternative treatment, including systematic sunbathing and hydration by soaking bathes twice a week for five weeks. The biometric, clinical, and hematological data were compared by multivariate analysis of variance and investigated for possible causal relationships by general linear models. Results: A significant difference was observed between erythrograms and global leukograms in the three families of snakes evaluated before and after treatment. The significant reduction in the heterophil: lymphocyte ratio in the Family Colubridae after treatment was noteworthy. Discussion: The results were most likely due to stress level reduction by improving thermoregulation and conversion of vitamin D during sunbathing, oral rehydration and refreshing in soaking baths, and general metabolic rates due to physical exercise. Conclusion: The results confirm the initial hypothesis, assuming that a simple but systematic treatment that included sunlight exposure and immersion hydration was efficient in reducing stress rates.

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência de banhos de sol e de imersão em água nos perfis hematológicos de serpentes cativas, antes e após a aplicação deste tratamento alternativo. Metodologia: Serpentes cativas no NUROF-UFC foram submetidas à avaliação clínica e hematológica, depois submetidas ao tratamento alternativo por cinco semanas, sendo novamente avaliadas após. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística multivariada (NPMANOVA e GLM) para investigação de possíveis relações causais entre o tratamento e os perfis hematológicos. Resultados: Foi observada diferença significativa entre os eritrogramas e leucogramas nas três famílias de serpentes avaliadas antes e após o tratamento. Ressalta-se a redução significativa na razão heterófilos:linfócitos na Família Colubridae após o tratamento. Discussão: A diferença estatística deveu-se provavelmente à redução nos níveis de estresse, possibilitada por aquecimento e aumento de conversão da vitamina D durante a exposição solar; reidratação oral e refrescância nos banhos de imersão, e ao recondicionamento pelo exercício físico. Conclusão: Os resultados confirmaram a hipótese inicial, admitindo que um tratamento alternativo, simples mas aplicado sistematicamente, que incluiu exposição à luz solar e hidratação por imersão em água foi eficiente em reduzir as taxas de estresse em serpentes cativas.

A relação com o saber nas atividades lúdicas escolares / The relationship with knowledge in school recreational activities / La relación con el saber en las actividades lúdicas escolares

O brincar é uma atividade importante para o desenvolvimento infantil, porque melhora aspectos cognitivos, emocionais e físicos. Além disso, jogos e brincadeiras podem ser explorados como recurso educacional. Partindo do entendimento da ludicidade enquanto um processo subjetivo, este trabalho investigou a relação com o saber estabelecida durante as brincadeiras, buscando compreendê-las em suas dimensões epistêmica, social e identitária. Dezesseis estudantes do 5º ano do ensino fundamental foram entrevistados a partir de um roteiro baseado no instrumento "balanço do saber", proposto por Bernard Charlot. As questões foram adaptadas para possibilitar apreender o que as crianças dizem aprender durante as brincadeiras em que participam, com ênfase naquelas realizadas em sala de aula. Os resultados da análise de conteúdo realizada mostraram que, apesar de existirem conflitos sobre como se estabelecem as funções lúdica e educativa, quando a brincadeira infantil é utilizada como recurso pedagógico, os sujeitos podem identificar benefícios no processo de aprendizagem por meio dela. Aponta-se, também, a necessidade de considerar a condição social da criança no ambiente escolar para o sucesso ao utilizar essas atividades como práticas pedagógicas.(AU)

Child's play is an important activity for child development since it improves cognition, emotional, and physical aspects. Games can also be explored as an educational resource. Starting from the understanding that playfulness is a subjective process, this work has investigated the relationship to the knowledge stablished during games, aiming to understand it in its epistemic, social, and identitary dimensions. A group of 16 5th grade students were interviewed from a script based on the instrument "balance of knowledge," as proposed by Bernard Charlot. The questions were adapted to enable the apprehension of what children say they learn on the games they play, emphasizing those which are played in classrooms. The results of the content analysis performed have showed that, despite the conflicts on how both playful and educative functions are stablished when child's play is used as a pedagogic resource, the subjects can identify benefits on the process of learning with it. The need to consider the child's social condition in the school environment to reach success when using these activities as pedagogical practices is also pointed out.(AU)

Jugar es una actividad importante para el desarrollo de los niños, porque mejora aspectos cognitivos, emocionales y físicos. Por tanto, los juegos son explorados como recurso educativo. Partiendo de la comprensión de que lo lúdico es un proceso subjetivo, este trabajo analizó la relación con el saber que se establece durante el juego, con el objetivo de comprenderlo en sus dimensiones epistémica, social e identitaria. Se entrevistó a dieciséis estudiantes de quinto grado a partir de un guion basado en el instrumento "balance del saber" propuesto por Bernard Charlot. Las preguntas fueron adaptadas para permitir la aprehensión de lo que los niños dicen que aprenden en sus juegos, enfatizando los que se juegan en las aulas. Los resultados del análisis de contenido realizado mostraron que, a pesar de que existen conflictos sobre cómo se establecen ambas funciones lúdica y educativa cuando se utiliza el juego infantil como recurso pedagógico, los niños pueden identificar beneficios en el proceso de aprendizaje a través del juego. Se señala la necesidad de considerar la condición social del niño en el entorno escolar para alcanzar el éxito al utilizar estas actividades como prácticas pedagógicas.(AU)

Critique of Public Health Guidance for Vitamin D and Sun Exposure in the Context of Cancer and COVID-19.

Official public health pronouncements about sun exposure and vitamin D can be summarized as follows: First, there is no such thing as a safe tan. Therefore, avoid exposing the skin to sunshine. Second, in the absence of sunshine, a daily intake of 800 IU/day (20 mcg/d) vitamin D or less is sufficient for the health needs of almost all members of the population. However, exposure of the skin to sunlight induces multiple mechanisms that lower blood pressure, while also initiating production of vitamin D, which is needed to produce a hormone that regulates multiple systems including the cellular biology that affects cancer mortality. Disease-prevention relationships point to a beneficial threshold for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D; the index of vitamin D nutrition] that is at least 75 nmol/l (30 ng/ml). To ensure the threshold for all adults, an average per-day minimum total input of vitamin D3 from sunshine/UVB exposure, and/or from food (natural food like fish or fortified food like milk), and/or vitamin supplementation of at least 4,000 IU/d (100 mcg/d) is required. Strong, although not Level-1, evidence indicates that the maintenance of that threshold will lower mortality overall, lower mortality from cancer, and lower the risk of certain other diseases such as respiratory infection and COVID-19.

The significant health threat from sunbed use as a self treatment in patients with acne.

Patients with acne are increasingly using sunbeds as a self treatment despite the harmful effects. Little is known about sunbed use in adult patients with acne under dermatology care. This questionnaire study explored prevalence and behaviours surrounding sunbed use in patients with acne at a UK dermatology centre. Over a quarter (26%) of respondents used sunbeds and of these, 72% used them at least weekly. Respondents using sunbeds were more likely to be older, to be female, to have a longer duration of acne diagnosis and to have previously been offered blue-light therapy by their doctor (P < 0.05 for all) Reasons for use included recommendations from external sources (including the Internet), the perceived greater efficacy compared with physician-prescribed treatments and that light therapy was not offered by their doctor. Nearly half (49%) of respondents were taking isotretinoin at the time of sunbed use, which carries an increased risk for photosensitivity and sunburn in this cohort. Dermatologists have a responsibility to address this gap in public awareness by directly counselling patients at risk of sunbed use, particularly for those concomitantly prescribed oral retinoid therapy.

Avaliação in vitro da atividade fotoprotetora do extrato hexânicode Psidium araçá (Psidium guineense sw) / In vitro evaluation of photoprotective activity of hexanic extract of Psidium araçá (Psidium guineense sw) / Evaluación in vitro de la actividad fotoprotectiva del extracto hexanico de Psidium araçá (Psidium guineense sw)

A radiação ultravioleta (UV) é um potente carcinógeno, principalmente a UV-B, capaz de provocar danos ao DNA, relacionado a formação de radiação livres. A excessiva exposição solar e sem prevenção contra os raios UV representa um grande risco para o desenvolvimento de patologias com malignidade, dentre elas o câncer de pele. O emprego de extratos vegetais brasileiros com potencial fotoprotetor é sem dúvida um caminho inovador. O araçá ou araçá-do-campo por exemplo, da família Myrtaceae, espécie Psidium guineense Sw., possui grande potencial para exploração econômica e tem boa aceitação in natura, Dessa forma, o presente estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a atividade fotoprotetora do extrato hexânico do Psidium guineense Sw. Foram realizadas varreduras de 290 a 320nm (com intervalos de 5nm) em concentrações de 50, 100, 500 e 1000µg/mL em amostras de 2,0 mL. Os dados foram aplicados à equação de Mansur para aferir o FPS in vitro. Os resultados dessa pesquisa demonstraram que o extrato hexânico de Psidium guineense Sw. apresenta significativa atividade fotoprotetora nas concentrações de 500 e 1000 µg/mL mostrando-se superior ao FPS necessário. Assim, os resultados sugerem que possa ser utilizado como alternativa fitocosmética, tornando-se uma opção mais acessível(AU)

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a potent carcinogen, mainly UV-B, capable of causing damage to DNA, related to the formation of free radiation. Excessive sun exposure and without prevention against UV rays represents a great risk for the development of pathologies with malignancy, including skin cancer. The use of Brazilian plant extracts with photoprotective potential is undoubtedly an innovative path. The araçá or araçá-do-campo, for example, of the Myrtaceae family, Psidium guineense Sw., Has great potential for economic exploitation and has good acceptance in natura. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the photoprotective activity of the hexane extract of Psidium guineense Sw. Scans of 290 to 320nm (with 5nm intervals) were performed in concentrationsof 50, 100, 500 and 1000µg / mL in samples of 2.0 mL. The data were applied to Mansur equation to measure SPF in vitro. The results of this research demonstrated that the hexanic extract of Psidium guineense Sw. Has significant photoprotective activity at concentrations of 500 and 1000 µg / mL, showing itself to be superior to the necessary SPF. Thus, the results suggest that it can be used as a phytocosmetic alternative, making it a more accessible option(AU)

La radiación ultravioleta (UV) es un potente carcinógeno, principalmente UV-B, capaz de causar daño al ADN, relacionado con la formación de radiación libre. La exposición excesiva al sol y sin prevención contra los rayos UV representa un gran riesgo para el desarrollo de patologías con malignidad, incluido el cáncer de piel. El uso de extractos de plantas brasileñas con potencial fotoprotector es, sin duda, un camino innovador. El araçá o araçá-do-campo, por ejemplo, de la familia Myrtaceae, Psidiumguineense Sw., Tiene un gran potencial para la explotación económica y tiene una buena aceptación en la naturaleza. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la actividad fotoprotectora del hexano de Psidium guineense Sw. Se realizaron exploraciones de 290 a 320 nm (con intervalos de 5 nm) en concentraciones de 50, 100, 500 y 1000 µg / ml en muestras de 2,0 ml. Los datos se aplicaron a la ecuación de Mansurpara medir SPF in vitro. Los resultados de esta investigación demostraron que el extracto hexánico de Psidium guineense Sw. Tiene una actividad fotoprotectora significativa a concentraciones de 500 y 1000 µg / ml, demostrando ser superior al SPF necesario. Por lo tanto, los resultados sugieren que puede usarse como una alternativa fitocosmética, por lo que es una opción más accesible(AU)

Ultraviolet radiation and risk of cutaneous melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in males and females in the Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers cohort.

BACKGROUND: Increased risk of cutaneous melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been reported among petroleum workers, but few studies include females, exposure data on ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and potential confounding factors. We aimed to examine UVR exposure in relation to risk of melanoma and SCC among male and female offshore petroleum workers. We also examined the association between UVR exposure and melanoma (Breslow) thickness. METHODS: The Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers (NOPW) cohort (n = 27,917) holds information on sunbathing, indoor tanning, sunburns, sunscreen use, and other lifestyle factors recorded in 1998. Linkage to the Cancer Registry of Norway gave information on cancer diagnosis through 2017. We used Cox and logistic regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of skin cancer and odds ratios (OR) of thick (≥1 mm) melanomas, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Melanoma risk increased with increasing frequency of sunbathing after age 20 (ptrend = 0.031), sunburn average intensity (ptrend = 0.028), and sunscreen use (HR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.42 -3.27 for almost always vs. never/rarely). The risk of thick melanoma was inversely associated with sunbathing frequency after age 20 (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.16 - 0.90 for ≥4 weeks/year vs. 1 week/year). SCC risk increased with increasing frequency of indoor tanning after age 20 (HR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.22 - 6.05 for ≥3 times/months vs. never), sunburn average intensity (ptrend < 0.001), and sunscreen use (ptrend < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support associations between UVR exposure and skin cancer risk in male and female offshore petroleum workers. This occupational group may be especially relevant for targeted sun protection advice.

Children of the Sun: a historical look at how pediatric light therapy shaped attitudes and behaviors toward sunbathing.

Today, parents are warned to protect their children from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, the most preventable and leading cause of skin cancer. Yet, during the first half of the 20th century, the medical community widely extolled the health benefits of daily sunbaths for babies and children. What initially had begun as evidence-based medical therapies to prevent pediatric diseases, specifically tuberculosis and rickets, soon took on a life of its own as physicians, public health experts, and the general public embraced sunbathing and tanning as a means to ensure health and wellbeing for children and families. Here, we trace how specific medical therapies entered mainstream pediatric medicine and, converging with societal and cultural forces, shaped attitudes and behaviors towards sunbathing that still exist today. Understanding our complex history with the sun may shed light on the current peak of skin cancer incidence and future disease development. Moreover, it may help improve how we educate parents and children about sun safety by taking into account the current social and cultural context of medical practice and health communication.

Natural language processing of Reddit data to evaluate dermatology patient experiences and therapeutics.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of research studying patient-generated data on Reddit, one of the world's most popular forums with active users interested in dermatology. Techniques within natural language processing, a field of artificial intelligence, can analyze large amounts of text information and extract insights. OBJECTIVE: To apply natural language processing to Reddit comments about dermatology topics to assess for feasibility and potential for insights and engagement. METHODS: A software pipeline preprocessed Reddit comments from 2005 to 2017 from 7 popular dermatology-related subforums on Reddit, applied latent Dirichlet allocation, and used spectral clustering to establish cohesive themes and the frequency of word representation and grouped terms within these topics. RESULTS: We created a corpus of 176,000 comments and identified trends in patient engagement in spaces such as eczema and acne, among others, with a focus on homeopathic treatments and isotretinoin. LIMITATIONS: Latent Dirichlet allocation is an unsupervised model, meaning there is no ground truth to which the model output can be compared. However, because these forums are anonymous, there seems little incentive for patients to be dishonest. CONCLUSIONS: Reddit data has viability and utility for dermatologic research and engagement with the public, especially for common dermatology topics such as tanning, acne, and psoriasis.

Overview on vitamin D and sunbed use.

Vitamin D seems to be associated with a protective effect in a vast range of diseases, including cardiovascular, autoimmune and oncologic conditions. Since ultraviolet (UV) B light is the most important prerequisite for the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D, sunbeds are able to increase serum vitamin D levels, although only transiently in most cases. In this scenario, the artificial tanning industry relentlessly tries to promote the use of sunbeds as a 'safe' therapeutic measure to achieve an adequate serum vitamin D status. The World Health Organization classified UV-emitting tanning devices, as well as the whole UV spectrum, as group-1 carcinogens, as they significantly increase the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. In case of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, the current risk-benefit ratio is therefore in favour of vitamin D supplementation instead of sunbed use. Artificial tanning devices should never be considered as an option to achieve an appropriate vitamin D status. Their supposedly beneficial effects, vastly publicised by the artificial tanning industry, are not worth the carcinogenic risk associated with sunbed use.

Medical Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors With Regard to Skin Cancer and Sun-Protective Behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the United States. Training medical students about the importance of sun-protective behaviors is critical to reducing skin cancer rates. However, minimal research has explored osteopathic medical students' knowledge and behaviors with regard to the sun's effect on skin health. OBJECTIVE: To assess first-year osteopathic medical students' knowledge about skin cancer and UV radiation, attitudes toward tanning, and sun-protective behaviors to establish baseline values. METHODS: Using a descriptive, cross-sectional study design, the authors evaluated students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors through a quiz. RESULTS: A total of 121 first-year osteopathic medical students completed the quiz. The mean (SD) score was 74.6% (11.5%). Two-thirds of participants (n=82) correctly identified basal cell carcinoma as the most common skin cancer, and the majority identified the ABCDs (asymmetry, border irregularity, color, and diameter) of melanoma detection (96 [79.3%], 106 [87.6%], 108 [89.3%], and 94 [77.7%], respectively). Most participants were aware that cloud cover and swimming underwater do not provide UV ray protection (121 [100%] and 109 [90.1%], respectively), a fact that is often misconceived. Forty participants (33.1%) usually or always used some form of sun protection when outdoors. Forty-seven participants (38.8%) believed that a tan makes one look healthy, and 43 participants (35.6%) sunbathed with the intention of tanning. CONCLUSION: Physicians are uniquely positioned to counsel patients regarding sun-protective behaviors. Thus, a medical school curriculum that includes education about the sun's effect on health is needed for the prevention and early recognition of skin cancer in future patients.

«98% Anti UV¼ ou bronzeamento natural: novas técnicas ecológicas do corpo? / «98% Anti UV¼ or natural bronze: new ecological techniques of the body?

Neste ensaio refletimos sobre o corpo e sua aparência, considerando-se o contato com o sol, as práticas de proteção solar e as técnicas de bronzeamento. De um lado, os investimentos em torno da proteção contra os raios ultravioletas, não apenas com a proteção de cremes solares, mas de roupas que prometem proteção de 98% da superfície coberta. De outro lado, o bronzeamento natural feito na praia ou em clínicas especializadas. Essas técnicas e práticas aportam elementos para nossa reflexão sobre a ecologia corporal ao nos permitir pensar a respeito da relação entre o corpo íntimo e social, as aparências, o desejo, as significações sociais construídas pela medicina, cosmetologia e pelo lazer.

In this paper we reflect on the body and its appearance, considering the contact with the sun and the tanning and protection practices. On the one hand, investments around protection against ultraviolet rays, not only with the protection of solar creams, but with clothes that promise protection of 98% of the surface covered. On the other hand, the natural tanning done in specialized clinics. These practices provide elements for our reflection on body ecology by allowing us to think about the relationship between the intimate and social body, appearances, desire, social meanings built by medicine, cosmetology and leisure.

25-Hydroxyvitamin-D3 serum modulation after use of sunbeds compliant with European Union standards: A randomized open observational controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Regular use of sunbed exposure has been reported to increase 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 [25(OH)D] serum levels. However, the influence of sunbeds compliant with the recent European Union standard EN-60335-2-27 on 25(OH)D serum levels is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the impact of standard sunbed use compliant with the European Union standard on 25(OH)D serum modulation and well-being. METHODS: In a randomized controlled study, 25(OH)D serum levels were measured at enrollment, after 1 week, and after completion of the 12-week period of sunbed use with twice weekly exposure and compared with the control group without any sunbed exposure. RESULTS: In the sunbed intervention group (N = 31), a 27% increase of mean 25(OH)D levels was noted 1 week after starting sunbed use (P < .01). However, after 12 weeks, mean 25(OH)D levels had declined and were no longer different from baseline (P = .06). After 12 weeks, 25(OH)D levels did not differ between the intervention and control group (P = .36). Also the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index score did not differ between the sunbed and control groups (P = .19). LIMITATIONS: For ethical reasons recruitment was limited to persons actively seeking sunbed exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Standard use of sunbeds compliant with the European Union standard induced a transient increase of 25(OH)D levels, whereas no change in well-being was observed.

Sun Exposure, Tanning Beds, and Herbs That Cure: An Examination of Skin Cancer on Pinterest.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting the U.S. POPULATION: Pinterest.com, a virtual bookmarking social media site, has the potential to disseminate skin cancer-related information among young women, the group with the fastest increase in skin cancer diagnosis. This article presents a quantitative content analysis of pins about skin cancer on Pinterest guided by agenda-setting theory and the health belief model. Overall, sun exposure and tanning beds were most frequently discussed as the causes of skin cancer, and alternative therapies such as herbal medicine were discussed more than traditional biomedical treatment or prevention. Highly repinned pins tend to include more information than regular pins. Different types of skin cancer (melanoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, and basal-cell carcinoma) received the same amount of coverage; however, pins about nonmelanoma skin cancer (such as squamous-cell carcinoma and basal-cell carcinoma) were often information-poor. They were less likely to include information on the causes, prevention, and the biomedical treatment of skin cancer and were less likely to include health belief constructs associated with the promotion of skin cancer prevention and treatment.

Widespread vitamin D deficiency among adults from northern Poland (54°N) after months of low and high natural UVB radiation.

INTRODUCTION: Widespread vitamin D deficiency has been reported worldwide and evidence of its deleterious effects on health has been accumulating. There is insufficient data concerning vitamin D status among the Polish adult population. The aim of the study was to determine vitamin D status and factors influencing it - UVB exposure, supplementation, and diet - among adults in northern Poland following months of low and high natural UVB radiation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adults were recruited in an outpatient clinic. All were examined twice in 2012: in winter (in February, March and the first half of April), and autumn (between 25 September and 8 November). Questionnaire examinations were performed, and serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D), calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined. RESULTS: 40 men and 69 women participated in the study (age 48.4 ± 15 years, body mass index (BMI) 25.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2, mean ± SD). Mean 25(OH)D serum level in winter was 13.3 ± 6.6 ng/mL, 81.1% of participants were vitamin D-deficient. Mean 25(OH)D concentration in autumn was 22.8 ± 7.9 ng/mL (42.2% of subjects were vitamin D-deficient). Median 25(OH)D and PTH concentrations between the two examination periods differed significantly (11.9 vs. 22.1 ng/mL, and 46.3 vs. 32.2 pg/mL, respectively). In autumn, negative correlations were found between: 25(OH)D and PTH serum levels, 25(OH)D and BMI values. When compared to respective counterparts, participants declaring vitamin D supplementation, and sunbed use had significantly higher median 25(OH)D concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: UV exposure during the summer was insufficient to provide adequate vitamin D status for almost half of the participants by as soon as the early autumn. Our results suggest all-year-round vitamin D supplementation should be widely implemented.

Seasonal variations in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in a Swedish cohort.

To study seasonal inter-individual and intra-individual variations in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and to explore parameters associated with 25(OH)D in a healthy Swedish adult population. 540 blood donors (60 % men; mean age 41 ± 13 years) and 75 thrombocyte donors (92 % men, aged 46 ± 11 years) were included. Serum was collected during 12 months and analyzed for 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (S-iPTH). The blood donors answered questionnaires concerning vitamin D supplements, smoking, physical activity, sunbed use and sun holidays. Repeated serum samples were collected from the thrombocyte donors to study the intra-individual variations in S-25(OH)D. S-25(OH)D varied greatly over the year correlating with the intensity of the UV-B irradiation (r S = 0.326; p < 0.001). During January-March, a S-25(OH)D level below the thresholds of 50 and 75 nmol/L was observed in 58 and 88 %, respectively, and during July-September in 11 and 50 % (p < 0.001). S-25(OH)D was negatively correlated with body mass index and S-iPTH, but was significantly higher in holiday makers in sunny destinations, sunbed users, non-smokers, and in the physically active. The intra-individual analyses showed a mean increase in S-25(OH)D by 8 nmol/L/month between April and August. Approximately 75 % had serum 25(OH)D values <75 nmol/L during 75 % of the year and 50 % had serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L during 50 % of the year. Serum 25(OH)D was strongly associated with parameters related to sun exposure, but only weakly with intake of vitamin D supplements.

Modifiable factors of vitamin D status among a Brazilian osteoporotic population attended a public outpatient clinic.

Objectives To evaluate the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration in Brazilian osteoporotic patients and the modifiable factors of vitamin D status in this population. Subjects and methods In a cross-sectional study, 363 community-dwelling patients who sought specialized medical care were evaluated between autumn and spring in São Paulo, Brazil. Serum levels of 25(OH)D and parathormone (PTH), biochemical and anthropometric measurements, and bone density scans were obtained. The group was assessed using two questionnaires: one questionnaire covered lifestyle and dietary habits, skin phototype, sun exposure, medical conditions, and levels of vitamin D supplementation (cholecalciferol); the other questionnaire assessed health-related quality-of-life. Logistic regression and a decision tree were used to assess the association between the variables and the adequacy of vitamin D status. Results The mean age of the overall sample was 67.9 ± 8.6 years, and the mean 25(OH)D concentration was 24.8 ng/mL. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin D status was high (73.3%), although 81.5% of the subjects were receiving cholecalciferol (mean dose of 8,169 IU/week). 25(OH)D was positively correlated with femoral neck bone mineral density and negatively correlated with PTH. In the multivariate analysis, the dose of cholecalciferol, engagement in physical activity and the month of the year (September) were associated with improvement in vitamin D status. Conclusions In this osteoporotic population, vitamin D supplementation of 7,000 IU/week is not enough to reach the desired 25(OH)D concentration (≥ 30 ng/mL). Engagement in physical activity and the month of the year are modifiable factors of the vitamin D status in this population.

Modifiable factors of vitamin D status among a Brazilian osteoporotic population attended a public outpatient clinic / Fatores modificáveis do status de vitamina D em uma população brasileira de osteoporóticos assistidos em um ambulatório público

Objectives To evaluate the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration in Brazilian osteoporotic patients and the modifiable factors of vitamin D status in this population. Subjects and methods In a cross-sectional study, 363 community-dwelling patients who sought specialized medical care were evaluated between autumn and spring in São Paulo, Brazil. Serum levels of 25(OH)D and parathormone (PTH), biochemical and anthropometric measurements, and bone density scans were obtained. The group was assessed using two questionnaires: one questionnaire covered lifestyle and dietary habits, skin phototype, sun exposure, medical conditions, and levels of vitamin D supplementation (cholecalciferol); the other questionnaire assessed health-related quality-of-life. Logistic regression and a decision tree were used to assess the association between the variables and the adequacy of vitamin D status. Results The mean age of the overall sample was 67.9 ± 8.6 years, and the mean 25(OH)D concentration was 24.8 ng/mL. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin D status was high (73.3%), although 81.5% of the subjects were receiving cholecalciferol (mean dose of 8,169 IU/week). 25(OH)D was positively correlated with femoral neck bone mineral density and negatively correlated with PTH. In the multivariate analysis, the dose of cholecalciferol, engagement in physical activity and the month of the year (September) were associated with improvement in vitamin D status. Conclusions In this osteoporotic population, vitamin D supplementation of 7,000 IU/week is not enough to reach the desired 25(OH)D concentration (≥ 30 ng/mL). Engagement in physical activity and the month of the year are modifiable factors of the vitamin D status in this population. .

Objetivos Avaliar a concentração sérica de 25-hidroxivitamina D [25(OH)D] em pacientes osteoporóticos brasileiros e os fatores modificáveis do status de vitamina D nesta população. Sujeitos e métodos Em um estudo transversal, 363 pacientes, residentes na comunidade, que procuravam atendimento médico especializado, foram avaliados entre o outono e a primavera, em São Paulo, Brasil. Níveis séricos de 25(OH)D e paratormônio (PTH), avaliações bioquímicas e antropométricas e exames de densitometria óssea foram obtidos. O grupo foi avaliado por meio de dois questionários: um questionário abordou estilo de vida e hábitos alimentares, fototipo de pele, exposição solar, problemas médicos e os níveis de suplementação de vitamina D (colecalciferol); o outro questionário avaliou a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. Regressão logística e árvore de decisão foram utilizadas para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis e a adequação do status de vitamina D. Resultados A idade média da amostra foi de 67,9 ± 8,6 anos e a concentração média de 25(OH)D foi de 24,8 ng/mL. A prevalência de um status de vitamina D inadequado foi elevada (73,3%), apesar de 81,5% dos indivíduos receberem colecalciferol (dose média de 8.169 UI/semana). 25(OH)D correlacionou-se positivamente com a densidade mineral óssea do colo de fêmur e negativamente com PTH. Nas análises multivariadas, a dose de colecalciferol, a prática de exercícios físicos e o mês do ano (setembro) foram associados com a melhora do status de vitamina D. Conclusões Nesta população osteoporótica, a suplementação de 7.000 UI/semana não é suficiente para atingir a concentração desejada ...