Actinidia polygama Water Extract (APWE) Protects Against UVB-Induced Photoaging via MAPK/AP-1 and TGFß-Smad Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Actinidia polygama (silver vine) has been used in oriental medicine to treat gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammation. Actinidia polygama water extract (APWE) is named PB203. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether PB203 has anti-photoaging effects and to understand the molecular mechanism underlying such effects. METHODS: The antioxidant effect was assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated HaCaT cells with or without PB203 treatment. Type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), hyaluronic acid (HA), hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) and HAS2 levels were measuring by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Also, we investigate the effects of PB203 on wrinkle formation, and the potential mechanisms underlying such effects were investigated in UVB-induced wrinkle mouse model mice. RESULTS: PB203 alleviated the UVB-induced reactive oxygen species production, phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38, and formation of AP-1. In addition, PB203 inhibited the decreases in type I collagen and TIMP-1 levels, and the increase in MMP-1 levels in UVB-exposed HaCaT cells. In UVB-induced wrinkle mouse model, PB203 inhibited the decreases in elastin and type I collagen levels as well as the increases in MMP-1 expression, wrinkle formation, and skin dehydration. Furthermore, PB203 increased the expression of filaggrin, HAS1, and HAS2, improving the skin barrier function. CONCLUSION: Taken together, we found that PB203 is as a potent candidate to serve as a functional ingredient or therapeutic agent to improve UVB-mediated skin aging.

Investigating the improvement of the quality of industrial effluents for reuse with added processes: coagulation, flocculation, multi-layer filter and UV.

Reuse of wastewater is one of the ways to develop water resources. In addition to the need for drinking water, many industries also need high-quality water in the production line. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the advanced treatment of the wastewater treatment plant of Morche Khort industrial town using the processes of coagulation, flocculation with aeration, multi-layer filter, and disinfection by ultraviolet radiation to increase the quality of wastewater and reuse it in industries. In this study, to investigate the effect of coagulation and flocculation units along with aeration, filtration, and disinfection by ultraviolet rays (UV), on the quality of the secondary effluent from the wastewater treatment plant of Morche Khort industrial town, they were operated on a pilot scale. Polyaluminum chloride (PAC) was used as a coagulant. Layering of three layers of sand filter, from bottom to top including granulated silica at a height of 10 cm, sand at a height of 20 cm, and activated carbon at a height of 70 cm was used. The input and output sampling points of each unit were considered. By repeating twice in five stages of flow rates of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 (L/min), the samples were collected to determine COD, TSS, TDS, turbidity, pH, hardness, total coliform, and fecal coliform. Jar test results showed that Alum coagulant works almost the same as PAC in removing turbidity, but the efficiency of removing organic substances by PAC coagulant is higher than that of Alum at lower doses. The results of this study showed that the efficiency of the coagulation and flocculation process in removing turbidity, COD, TSS, TDS, and fat was 56.88%, 46.66%, 38%, 23.19%, and 91.43% respectively. In the current study, the results of the wastewater entering the sand filter showed that the percentage of removal efficiency with a loading rate of 1 (L/min) was turbidity, TSS, COD, TDS, and fat was 16. 93%, 56.84%, 50%, 5.67%, 33.44% respectively. In the UV disinfection unit, the removal efficiency percentage with a loading rate of 1 (L/min) for COD, TSS, turbidity, hardness, total coliform, and fecal coliform is 16%, 3.45%, 3.58%, 5.21%, 99.88%, and 98.37% respectively. Coagulation and flocculation system-multi-layer filter and disinfection can remove chemical-physical and microbial parameters to an acceptable level for using water in advanced purification systems and also for irrigation.

Is ultraviolet light disinfection fit to be the future standard for the disinfection of flexible endoscopes without a working channel?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate colony-forming unit (CFU) reduction on contaminated flexible endoscopes (FEs) without a working channel after UV-C light disinfection, compared to the current disinfection method with the endoscope washer disinfector (EWD). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: After pharyngolaryngoscopy, a manual pre-cleaning with tap water was performed. A culture was then collected by rolling the distal 8-10 cm of the FE over an Agar plate. The FE was disinfected using the D60 (60-s disinfection process with UV-C light) or the EWD (gold standard reprocessing process with water and chemicals). Another culture was then taken. After incubation, a CFU count was performed. RESULTS: A total of 200 FEs without a working channel were divided equally between the two disinfection groups. After clinical use and manual pre-cleaning, 84 of the 100 (84.0%) (UV-C light group) and 79 of the 100 (79.0%) (EWD) FEs were contaminated with at least 1 CFU. FEs that showed no contamination after use were excluded from further analysis. After disinfection with UV-C light, 72 (85.7%) FEs showed no contamination (i.e., 0 CFUs) versus 66 (83.5%) FEs after reprocessing with the EWD. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in CFUs reduction on contaminated FEs without a working channel between UV-C light disinfection and the current gold standard, the EWD.

[Use of sunglasses in everyday life, at work, and during outdoor sports: current results from nationwide surveys]. / Die Nutzung von Sonnenbrillen im Alltag, im Beruf und bei Sport im Freien: aktuelle Ergebnisse bundesweiter Befragungen.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can increase the risk of eye damage. Therefore, wearing sunglasses is recommended to protect the eyes from UV rays. OBJECTIVE: To report the latest data on the use of sunglasses in everyday life in adults, children, at work, and during outdoor sports. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used data from waves 2020 and 2021 from the representative National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM). The use of sunglasses in everyday life was assessed in 4000 participants aged 16-65 years. Data on use during outdoor work were obtained from 486 outdoor workers and the use of sunglasses during outdoor sports from 2081 participants. Additionally, 554 adults living in a household with at least 1 child aged 1-10 years reported the use of sunglasses by children. Descriptive results and associations with demographic characteristics are reported. RESULTS: Overall, 50.6% of the general population, 31.0% of outdoor workers, 44.3% of those who reported being engaged in outdoor sports and 12.5% of children wore sunglasses always or often while being outside for more than 10 min in summer. The infrequent use of sunglasses was associated with a younger age, male sex, and lower school education. CONCLUSION: Because of the relatively low use of sunglasses further education in various settings (e.g., at the workplace, kindergartens, and schools) seems necessary. The general public should also be made aware of the risks of UV radiation for the eyes, especially against the background of climate change.

Luz UVC como estratégia de desinfecção do ar e superfícies hospitalares / Luz UV-C como estrategia de desinfección del aire y superficies hospitalarias / UVC light as a strategy for disinfection of hospital air and surfaces

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a eficácia antimicrobiana de um dispositivo fixo emissor de luz UV-C na desinfecção de diferentes superfícies do ambiente hospitalar e sua eficácia antifúngica na qualidade do ar. Métodos Estudo quase-experimental realizado em uma unidade de internação hospitalar, que utilizou o Bioamostrador de ar Andersen® de seis estágios para análise do ar; e na avaliação das superfícies, utilizaram-se três suspensões de microrganismos (Acinetobacter sp. MDR, Escherichia coli e Klebsiella pneumoniae produtora de KPC) para contaminar o ambiente. Para ambos foram feitas coletas pré (controle) e pós-acionamento da luz UV-C (teste). Resultados Na avaliação do ar houve uma redução importante da contagem de colônias após a luz UV-C e não foram encontrados fungos patogênicos ou toxigênicos em nenhum dos dois momentos. Em relação à desinfecção das superfícies, nenhum crescimento bacteriano foi observado após a intervenção da luz, demonstrando 100% de inativação bacteriana nas condições testadas. Conclusão A utilização da tecnologia com emissão de luz UV-C fixa foi eficaz e pode ser considerada uma intervenção promissora para protocolos de desinfecção de superfícies hospitalares.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la eficacia antimicrobiana de un dispositivo fijo emisor de luz UV-C para la desinfección de diferentes superficies del ambiente hospitalario y su eficacia antifúngica en la calidad del aire. Métodos Estudio cuasi experimental realizado en una unidad de internación hospitalaria, en que se utilizó el biomuestreador de aire Andersen® de seis etapas para el análisis del aire. En el análisis de las superficies, se utilizaron tres suspensiones de microorganismos (Acinetobacter sp. MDR, Escherichia coli y Klebsiella pneumoniae productora de KPC) para contaminar el ambiente. En ambos se tomó una muestra antes (control) y después de accionar la luz UV-C (prueba). Resultados En el análisis del aire hubo una reducción importante del recuento de colonias después de la luz UV-C y no se encontraron hongos patógenos ni toxigénicos en ninguno de los dos momentos. Con relación a la desinfección de las superficies, no se observó ningún crecimiento bacteriano después de la intervención de la luz, lo que demuestra un 100 % de inactivación bacteriana en las condiciones analizadas. Conclusión El uso de la tecnología con emisión de luz UV-C fija fue eficaz y puede ser considerada una intervención prometedora para protocolos de desinfección de superficies hospitalarias.

Abstract Objective To evaluate a fixed UV-C light emitting device for its antimicrobial effectiveness in the disinfection of distinct surfaces and its antifungal effectiveness on air quality in the hospital environment. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted in a hospital inpatient unit, in which a six-stage air Biosampler (Andersen®) was used for air analysis. In the evaluation of surfaces, three suspensions of microorganisms (Acinetobacter sp. multidrug-resistant, Escherichia coli, and KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae) were used to contaminate the environment. In both evaluations, pre- (control) and post-activation of UV-C light (test) collections were made. Results In the air evaluation, an important reduction was observed in the colony count after irradiation with UV-C light, and pathogenic or toxigenic fungi were not found in either of the two moments. Regarding the disinfection of surfaces, no bacterial growth was observed after the application of UV-C light, showing 100% bacterial inactivation under the tested conditions. Conclusion The use of fixed UV-C light emission technology was effective and can be considered a promising intervention for hospital surface disinfection protocols.

Osseointegration of titanium implants after surface treatment with ultraviolet light or cold atmospheric plasma in vivo.

PURPOSE: To determine the histological effects of ultraviolet light and cold atmospheric plasma treatment on the osseointegration of titanium implants in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six juvenile pigs were divided into three groups of two animals each. A total of 54 titanium implants were placed randomly in the pigs' calvarial bone (nine implants per pig). Of these, 18 implants served as untreated controls. The remaining 36 implants served as the experimental group and were treated with either ultraviolet light or argon plasma for 12 minutes each prior to insertion. Two pigs in each group were kept until 2, 4 and 8 weeks and then sacrificed. Resonance frequency analysis was conducted after implant placement and at the time of sacrifice. Osseointegration was evaluated using microcomputed tomography scans and histomorphometrical analysis. RESULTS: After initial loss, all implants showed a constant increase in implant stability quotient values over time without significant differences between the groups. The bone-implant contact values increased steadily for all implants over 8 weeks of healing. Surface-treated implants showed significantly higher bone-implant contact values compared to untreated implants at each time point. Bone area fraction occupancy values were almost always higher following both treatment methods; however, differences were only significant after 4 and 8 weeks for the cold atmospheric plasma group and after 4 weeks for the ultraviolet light group. CONCLUSIONS: Ultraviolet light and cold atmospheric plasma may improve histomorphometrical osseointegration of titanium implants significantly.

The therapeutic dental challenge of xeroderma pigmentosum patients: case report.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genetic disease characterized by a hypersensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation leading to defective deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair and predisposing to skin tumorigenesis. This paper reports the safe approaches used for the dental treatment of XP patients, controlling the ultraviolet (UV) sources at the dental office. An XP 29-year-old woman was referred for oral pain and sensitivity at the service of periodontology, UV rays were checked with a UV-meter. During the examination, the patient kept her sunglasses while the practitioner was dressed in dark colors using an anti-UV filter over the surgical light. Facial dark brown pigmentations, limited mouth opening, tumor resection scar on the tongue, moderate periodontitis, and dental caries were noticed. Moderate periodontitis and dental caries were diagnosed. Treatment was planned in collaboration with the dermatologist. Soft scaling and root planning were performed in short sessions and self-curing material was used for coronary fillings after caries removal. In taking care of XP patients, particular attention should be given by dental professionals to: i) the office management for a UV-safe environment; ii) the adoption of suitable dental care and safe biomaterials with short sessions and regular controls; and iii) the adoption of personal protections by patients and practitioners.

Educational interventions to promote sun-protection behaviors in adolescents in the United States: A systematic review.

The most prevalent modifiable risk factor for skin cancer is cumulative lifetime exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, supporting the development of interventions promoting the early adoption of sun-protection behaviors. This systematic review summarizes behavioral interventions designed to promote sun-protection behaviors and reduce harmful UV exposure among U.S. adolescents. Ten studies describing 15 intervention arms were ultimately included in this review and comprised seven cross-sectional studies, a cohort study, a quasi-experimental study, and a randomized controlled trial. Most interventions included in this review were effective in increasing awareness of skin cancer and knowledge of the risk factors for skin cancer, but knowledge did not correlate with self-reported frequency of sun-protection behaviors in this population.

Photoprotective Effect of Fermented and Aged Mountain-Cultivated Ginseng Sprout (Panax ginseng) on Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Skin Aging in a Hairless Mouse Model.

Interest in foods that promote inner beauty increases with increases in exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays and with improvements in quality of life. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of fermented and aged mountain-cultivated ginseng sprouts (FAMCGSs), which have higher anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects compared to mountain-cultivated ginseng sprouts (MCGSs), as an inner beauty enhancing food. The effect of orally administered FAMCGSs on UV type B (UVB) radiation-induced skin aging was investigated in a hairless mouse model through analyzing skin parameters including epidermal thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), roughness, moisture, elasticity, and collagen contents. The mice exposed to UVB had markedly greater epidermal thickness, TEWL, and skin roughness than those of the normal control (NC) group. In addition, the levels of collagen, skin moisture, and dermal elasticity were lower in the UVB radiation group than the NC group. These UVB-induced skin aging parameters were significantly lower in the groups administered FAMCGSs than in the groups not administered FAMCGSs (p < 0.05). These results show that FAMCGSs exhibit a photoprotective effect in mice exposed to UVB and suggest that FAMCGSs can be used as a food that promotes inner beauty and protects skin from UVB-induced photoaging.

Skin lightness affects ultraviolet A-induced oxidative stress: Evaluation using ultraweak photon emission measurement.

The human skin is usually exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) in the sunlight and experiences oxidative stress associated with skin disorders and aging. Although oxidative stress caused by UVA exposure is assumed to be dependent on skin colour, few studies have demonstrated this dependency. We investigated the effects of skin colour on UVA-induced oxidative stress using ultraweak photon emission (UPE) generated from the skin during oxidation processes. The UPE intensities of skin samples were detected using a photomultiplier tube every second without any labelling. We irradiated skin tissue of different colours with UVA and measured UPE over time. UVA-induced UPE could be detected from immediately after irradiation to 2 h after irradiation, indicating persistent oxidative stress. Skin lightness (L*) positively correlates with UPE intensity. Lighter-coloured skin exhibited more UVA-induced UPE, indicating higher oxidative stress. Additionally, oxidative stress persisted significantly more in lighter skin compared with darker skin. Skin tissues exhibited pigment darkening after UVA irradiation. Our results suggest that skin lightness affects oxidative stress induced by UV irradiation. Our study demonstrated the relationship between skin lightness and UVA-induced oxidative stress for the first time and offers new photodermatological insights into the human skin.

No seasonality in the risk of multiple sclerosis in an equatorial country: A case-control ecological study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis risk has been shown to have seasonal variations that are more pronounced in higher latitudes. However, this phenomenon has not been adequately studied near the Equator. OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk of multiple sclerosis associated with month, season of birth, and sunlight exposure variables in Colombia. METHODS: In this case-control study, 668 multiple sclerosis cases were matched to 2672 controls by sex and age. Association of multiple sclerosis with each month/season of birth and sunlight exposure variables was estimated with multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression and ecological regression models, respectively. Seasonality in the births of multiple sclerosis was assessed with a non-parametric seasonality test. RESULTS: We found a higher probability of multiple sclerosis in September (0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.21-0.31) and lower in March (0.15; 95% CI = 0.10-0.18), which turned non-significant after a multiple comparisons test. Sunlight exposure variables had no significant effect on the risk of MS, and the tests of seasonality in the births of MS did not show significant results. CONCLUSION: Our results show no seasonality in the risk of multiple sclerosis near the Equator, supporting the hypothesis that this phenomenon is latitude dependent.

Ultraviolet radiation and the human eye / Radiações ultravioletas e o olho humano

ABSTRACT This work is a critical review of the current understanding of the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the eye. It deals with the classification of this radiation, environmental level, and the factors that determine it, along with penetration into the human eye, toxicity to ocular structures, associated morbidities, events that may increase the vulnerability of the eye, and artificial eye filters.

RESUMO Esta é uma revisão crítica do efeito da radiação ul travioleta no olho. Trata da classificação dessa radiação, nível no meio ambiente e os fatores que o determinam, penetração no olho humano, toxicidade às estruturas dos oculares, morbidades associadas, eventos passíveis de aumentar a vulnerabilidade do olho e filtros oculares artificiais. Discute, ainda, o risco real dessas radiações ao olho humano à luz do conhecimento atual.

Xeroderma pigmentosum: case report / Xeroderma pigmentoso: relato de caso

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the disease and treatment and to alert health professionals for the identification of signs and symptoms and the need for an early diagnosis in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). Case description: An 8-year-old male patient was referred to the Joana de Gusmão Hospital (HIJG) in 2021 for evaluation and specialized care. Previously, the child was followed in his place of origin by oncologic and palliative care, where he was submitted to surgeries and chemotherapy. He was admitted to the HIJG using vismodegib, acitrein, tramadol, and solar protective measures. On physical examination, there were tumors and disseminated macular verrucous and ulcerated lesions. The imaging examination showed solid and expansive lesions on the face, and atelectasis and fibroscarring changes in the lung. The histopathological report proved the existence of melanocanthoma, carcinoma, and pyogenic granuloma. After the evaluation of the case, no surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy was performed. It was decided to maintain the palliative treatment and to continue the use of tramadol for pain, and vismodegib and acitretin were used to control carcinomas and prophylactic measures. Comments: The XP is a rare disease of autosomal recessive inheritance whose mechanism comes from failure in the DNA repair by exposure to ultraviolet rays, resulting in lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. They start as sunburns and can progress to melanosis, areas with altered pigmentation, premature aging, poikiloderma, and areas of high risk for neoplasms.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a patologia e o tratamento realizado e alertar profissionais de saúde sobre os sinais e sintomas e sobre a necessidade de diagnóstico precoce em pacientes com xeroderma pigmentoso (XP). Descrição do caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, oito anos, foi encaminhado ao Hospital Joana de Gusmão (HIJG) em 2021, com dianóstico de XP, para avaliação e atendimento especializado. Anteriomente, encontrava-se em serviço de oncologia e de cuidados paliativos em sua cidade de origem, mas já realizara cirurgias e quimioterapias previamente. Foi internado no HIJG em uso de vismodegibe, acitretina, tramadol e medidas de proteção solar. Ao exame físico, apresentou lesões maculares, verrucosas, ulceradas e tumores pelo corpo. Os exames de imagem revelaram lesões sólidas e expansivas na face e atelectasias e alterações fibrocicroscópicas no pulmão. O laudo histopatológico comprovou a existência de melanocantoma, carcinoma e granuloma piogênico. Após a avaliação do caso, optou-se por não realizar cirurgias, quimioterapia nem radioterapia. Decidiu-se manter o tratamento paliativo, continuando o uso de tramadol para dor, vismodegibe e acitretina para o controle de carcinomas e profilaxia à exposição ao sol. Comentários: O XP é uma doença rara de herança autossômica recessiva, cujo mecanismo provém de falha no reparo do DNA pela exposição à luz ultravioleta, resultando em lesões de pele e mucosas. Inicia-se como queimaduras solares e pode avançar para melanoses, áreas com pigmentação alterada, envelhecimento precoce, poiquilodermia e áreas de alto risco neoplásico.

The Paradoxical Role of far-Ultraviolet C (far-UVC) in Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2: The Issue of Droplet Size.

The Omicron variant is spreading at a rate we have never observed with any previous variant. A lot of efforts have been taken to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, especially the omicron variant. Specific wavelength ranges of electromagnetic radiation can be exploited to inactivate coronaviruses. Previous studies show that 222-nm far-Ultraviolet C (far-UVC) light inactivates airborne influenza virus efficiently. Considering the similar genomic sizes of all human coronaviruses, other human coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, would be expected to be inactivated by far-UVC with a similar efficacy. Taking this into account, it is concluded that exposure to far-UVC can be introduced as a safe method that significantly reduces the ambient level of airborne coronaviruses in crowded places. Biomolecules, particularly proteins, strongly absorb ultraviolet radiation at a wavelength of around 200 nm. Given this consideration, far-UVC has a limited ability to permeate biological materials. Thus, for example, in only around 0.3 mm of tissue, the intensity of 200-nm UV radiation is decreased by half, compared to tissue penetration of about 3 mm at 250 nm. This paper aims to answer the key question of whether far-UVC can penetrate SARS-CoV-2 inside inhalable respiratory droplets (with diameters up to 100 µm).

Fibroblast morphology, growth rate and gene expression in facial melasma

Abstract Background: In addition to melanocytic hyperfunction, changes are observed in the upper dermis of melasma, and fibroblasts play a central role in collagen synthesis and pigmentation induction. Objective: To explore the morphology, growth rate, and gene expression profile of fibroblasts from the skin with melasma in comparison to fibroblasts from the adjacent healthy skin. Methods: Ten women with facial melasma were biopsied (lesion and adjacent healthy skin), and the fragments were processed for fibroblast culture. Samples from five participants were seeded to evaluate growth (days 2, 5 and 8) and senescence (SA-β-gal) curves. The samples from the other participants were submitted to real-time PCR to comparatively evaluation of the expression of 39 genes. Results: Cultured fibroblasts from melasma skin were morphologically less fusiform in appearance and on average a 34% (95% CI 4%-63%) greater proportion of cells labeled with SA-β-gal than the fibroblasts from the adjacent skin. The cell growth rate was lower for the melasma samples after eight days (p < 0.01). The WNT3A, EDN3, ESR2, PTG2, MMP1, and SOD2 genes were up-regulated, whereas the COL4A1, CSF2, DKK3, COL7A1, TIMP4, CCL2, and CDH11 genes were down-regulated in melasma skin fibroblasts when compared to the ones from adjacent healthy skin. Study limitations: Small sample size; absence of functional tests. Conclusions: Fibroblasts from the skin with melasma showed a lower growth rate, less fusiform morphology and greater accumulation of SA-β-gal than those from adjacent photo exposed skin. Moreover, their gene expression profile comprised factors that may contribute to upper dermis damage and sustained melanogenesis.

Exposure to Atmospheric Ozone Disruption and Altitude Over 3500 m.a.s.l. are Associated with a Higher Prevalence of Photodermatoses in Pediatric Population of High-Altitude in Peru.

Objective: To determine if exposure to atmospheric ozone disruption and other factors are associated with photodermatoses in the high-altitude pediatric population in Peru. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study based on data obtained from studies of dermatological diseases among the population exposed to mine tailings in Peru which included children under the age of 18 in 6 population centers located over 2500 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l). We evaluated the presence of photodermatoses and possible associated factors obtaining the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and confidence intervals (CI). Results: 594 children below the age of 18 participated in this study, 53.0% girls, the average age was 10.4 ± 4.1 years. 51.3% were exposed to a mini hole in the ozone layer, 60.1% resided at an altitude over 3500 m.a.s.l and 51.9% presented cutaneous manifestations of atopy upon physical examination. The prevalence of photodermatoses was 64.8%, of which the most frequent were actinic prurigo (49.3%), pityriasis alba (18.5%) and actinic cheilitis (4.4%). The multivariate analysis found that residing in a region exposed to the mini hole in the ozone layer (aOR = 4.23; CI 95%: 2.32-7.72) and residing at an altitude over 3500 m.a.s.l (aOR = 2.76; CI 95%: 1.57-4.86) were both independent associated factors to photodermatoses. Conclusion: A high prevalence of photodermatoses exists among the pediatric population living at high-altitude in Peru. Residing in a region exposed to a mini hole in the ozone layer and residing over 3500 m.a.s.l constituted associated factors.

UVB irradiation differential regulate miRNAs expression in skin photoaging

Abstract Background: UVB irradiation can cause acute damage such as sunburn, or photoaging and melanoma, all of which are major health threats. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the mechanism of skin photoaging induced by UVB radiation in mice through the analysis of the differential expression of miRNAs. Methods: A UVB irradiation photoaging model was constructed. HE and Masson special stains were used to examine the modifications in the epidermis and dermis of mice. The miRNA expression profiles of the mouse skin model exposed to UVB radiation and the normal skin of mice were analyzed using miRNA-sequence analysis. GO and Pathway analysis were employed for the prediction of miRNA targets. Results: A total of 23 miRNAs were evaluated for significantly different expressions in comparison to normal skin. Among them, 7 miRNAs were up-regulated and 16 were down-regulated in the skin with photoaging of mice exposed to UVB irradiation. The differential expression of miRNA is related to a variety of signal transduction pathways, among which mmu-miR-195a-5p and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathways are crucial. There was a significant differential expression of miRNA in the skin of normal mice in comparison with the skin with photoaging induced by UVB irradiation. Study limitations: Due to time and energy constraints, the specific protein level verification, MAPK pathway exploration, and miR-195a-5p downstream molecular mechanism need to be further studied in the future. Conclusions: UVB-induced skin photoaging can be diagnosed and treated using miRNA.

Fibroblast morphology, growth rate and gene expression in facial melasma.

BACKGROUND: In addition to melanocytic hyperfunction, changes are observed in the upper dermis of melasma, and fibroblasts play a central role in collagen synthesis and pigmentation induction. OBJECTIVE: To explore the morphology, growth rate, and gene expression profile of fibroblasts from the skin with melasma in comparison to fibroblasts from the adjacent healthy skin. METHODS: Ten women with facial melasma were biopsied (lesion and adjacent healthy skin), and the fragments were processed for fibroblast culture. Samples from five participants were seeded to evaluate growth (days 2, 5 and 8) and senescence (SA-ß-gal) curves. The samples from the other participants were submitted to real-time PCR to comparatively evaluation of the expression of 39 genes. RESULTS: Cultured fibroblasts from melasma skin were morphologically less fusiform in appearance and on average a 34% (95% CI 4%‒63%) greater proportion of cells labeled with SA-ß-gal than the fibroblasts from the adjacent skin. The cell growth rate was lower for the melasma samples after eight days (p < 0.01). TheWNT3A, EDN3, ESR2, PTG2, MMP1, and SOD2 genes were up-regulated, whereas the COL4A1, CSF2, DKK3, COL7A1, TIMP4, CCL2, and CDH11 genes were down-regulated in melasma skin fibroblasts when compared to the ones from adjacent healthy skin. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Small sample size; absence of functional tests. CONCLUSIONS: Fibroblasts from the skin with melasma showed a lower growth rate, less fusiform morphology and greater accumulation of SA-ß-gal than those from adjacent photo exposed skin. Moreover, their gene expression profile comprised factors that may contribute to upper dermis damage and sustained melanogenesis.

[Progress in health effects and measurement standards of ultraviolet radiation in the workplace].

Ultraviolet radiation affects human health. On the one hand, moderate amounts of UV radiation can promote human health and have the effect of promoting vitamin D production; but on the other hand, excessive UV radiation can also cause adverse effects on human skin and eyes, such as causing skin photoaging, skin cancer, electrophthalmia and cataracts to occur. Therefore, the measurement of ultraviolet radiation is extremely important. This paper mainly reviews the health effects of ultraviolet radiation and the progress of measurement standards in the workplace, and puts forward suggestions on the revision of the existing standards from five aspects including use new measuring instruments and methods, improve the existing measuring instruments, specify the number of measurements, expand the scope of application of the standards and consider the influence of the sun on the measurement of artificial ultraviolet radiation, so as to provide reference for the revision of new standards.

UVB irradiation differential regulate miRNAs expression in skin photoaging.

BACKGROUND: UVB irradiation can cause acute damage such as sunburn, or photoaging and melanoma, all of which are major health threats. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the mechanism of skin photoaging induced by UVB radiation in mice through the analysis of the differential expression of miRNAs. METHODS: A UVB irradiation photoaging model was constructed. HE and Masson special stains were used to examine the modifications in the epidermis and dermis of mice. The miRNA expression profiles of the mouse skin model exposed to UVB radiation and the normal skin of mice were analyzed using miRNA-sequence analysis. GO and Pathway analysis were employed for the prediction of miRNA targets. RESULTS: A total of 23 miRNAs were evaluated for significantly different expressions in comparison to normal skin. Among them, 7 miRNAs were up-regulated and 16 were down-regulated in the skin with photoaging of mice exposed to UVB irradiation. The differential expression of miRNA is related to a variety of signal transduction pathways, among which mmu-miR-195a-5p and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathways are crucial. There was a significant differential expression of miRNA in the skin of normal mice in comparison with the skin with photoaging induced by UVB irradiation. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Due to time and energy constraints, the specific protein level verification, MAPK pathway exploration, and miR-195a-5p downstream molecular mechanism need to be further studied in the future. CONCLUSIONS: UVB-induced skin photoaging can be diagnosed and treated using miRNA.