Artificial Sources Of Ultraviolet Radiation Research Articles

Skin cancers are the most frequent cancers in fair-skinned populations, but we can prevent them.

Cancers of the skin are the most commonly occurring cancers in humans. In fair-skinned populations, up to 95% of keratinocyte skin cancers and 70–95% of cutaneous melanomas are caused by ultraviolet radiation and are thus theoretically preventable. Currently, however, there is no comprehensive global advice on practical steps to be taken to reduce the toll of skin cancer. To address this gap, an expert working group comprising clinicians and researchers from Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Europe, together with learned societies (European Association of Dermato-Oncology, Euromelanoma, Euroskin, European Union of Medical Specialists, and the Melanoma World Society) reviewed the extant evidence and issued the following evidence-based recommendations for photoprotection as a strategy to prevent skin cancer. Fair skinned people, especially children, should minimise their exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and are advised to use protective measures when the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or higher. Protective measures include a combination of seeking shade, physical protection (e.g. clothing, hat, sunglasses), and applying broad-spectrum, SPF 30 + sunscreens to uncovered skin. Intentional exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation for the purpose of sunbathing and tanning is considered an unhealthy behaviour and should be avoided. Similarly, use of solaria and other artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation to encourage tanning should be strongly discouraged, through regulation if necessary. Primary prevention of skin cancer has a positive return on investment. We encourage policymakers to communicate these messages to the general public and promote their wider implementation.

A large superficial spreading melanoma with a secondary growth of fast-growing nodular melanoma: a case report from Syria

Introduction: Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a cancer of melanocytes that has a poor prognosis and can metastasize to any organ. Presentation of case: Here, we report a unique case of a 59-year-old Syrian male with a nodular melanoma (NM) that grew and varied rapidly on a large superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), which was a pigmented lesion that lasted for 24 years on his trunk. The lesion developed on a part of his body that had not been exposed to the sun or any artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation. His personal and family history of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer were negative. The histopathologic evaluation, along with the immunohistochemistry examination, confirmed the diagnosis. Clinical discussion: SSM and NM are the most common subtypes of CM. NM has a more rapid growth rate and more aggression compared to SSM, and it tends to be more invasive, ulcerated, and fatal than SSM. Conclusion: Despite the advanced stage of the NM and the large size of the lesion, no metastasis or lymphadenopathy had been found during the patient’s follow-up.

Color variations in CIELAB coordinates for softwoods and hardwoods under the influence of artificial and natural weathering

Artificial and natural weathering treatments have been shown to influence the chemical and physical properties of wood and wood-based materials, e.g. moisture content, density, composition and coloration. Changes in color caused by natural and artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation (UV) are an important topic to be studied in wood, and have been addressed in this work for eight strength classes of timber species (hardwoods and softwoods). Color measurements were carried out according to ABNT NBR 7190:1997 normative document by the CIE-L*a*b* (CIELAB) system, with L* representing lightness, and a* and b*, red/green and yellow/blue coordinates, respectively. For the samples studied herein, a* and b* approached zero after exposure to artificial UV radiation, when a gray tonality was noticed in dark-colored surfaces. Naturally weathered samples, on the other hand, responded more effectively to long-term UV exposure (360 days) for all color-space parameters, both hardwoods and softwoods. This implies that effects of air pollution and other degradation-aging factors need to be considered. Results of statistical analysis also contributed to quantify changes in color after artificial and natural weathering treatments.

Association between exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation and ocular diseases: a systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review will be to determine the association between exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation and ocular diseases. Numerous studies have established the association between natural ultraviolet radiation and ocular diseases in humans. However, the evidence of the association between artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation and ocular diseases has not been reviewed. The proposed review will include studies with participants of any age and sex, and documented exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation and incidence of ocular diseases. Databases including PubMed and Embase will be searched. Study selection and full-text screening will be done by two independent reviewers. The search results will be presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram. Critical appraisal of the eligible studies for methodological quality will be conducted using JBI checklists. All studies, regardless of their methodological quality, will undergo data extraction and synthesis using standardized data extraction tools. Quantitative papers will, where possible, be pooled in statistical meta-analysis. Heterogeneity will be assessed statistically using the standard χ, and also explored using relevant subgroup analyses based on the different quantitative study designs included in this review. Where statistical pooling is not possible, the findings will be presented in narrative form including tables and figures. PROSPERO CRD42019129372.

Comparative assessment of the nature of the impact of ultraviolet radiation on watermelon seeds in time mode

Relevance. One of the main components of the spectrum of sunlight is ultraviolet rays – invisible to the human eye short-wave radiation. The influence of these rays on plant life was considered insignificant until recently, but recent studies have shown the fallacy of such conclusions. Ultraviolet has a beneficial effect not only on the human body and animals, but also on plants, including – crops. The destruction of the ozone layer is currently continuing under the influence of anthropogenic factors. In this regard, the study of the effect of ultraviolet radiation on living organisms, including plants, is very relevant from both theoretical and practical points of view. The epidermis of plant leaves and seed shells are permeable to medium-and long-wave UV radiation, so of particular interest is the ultraviolet radiation of the Sun and artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation in the range of 400...180 nm.Purpose of work: to assess the nature of the impact of ultraviolet radiation in the time mode on watermelon seeds using cytogenetic analysis.Methods. The material for research was the seeds of the watermelon variety "Astrakhan". The studies were conducted in 2017-2018.Results. The results of studies have shown that long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can affect the physiological processes and anatomical structure of plants, as well as have serious genetic changes: aneuploidy, cytotomy, pyknosis and various chromosomal aberrations that lead to mutations or death of plants. However, plants acquire useful mutations with short-term exposure-0.5-2 hours, which can be used later in selection.

Xeroderma pigmentosum

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a form of general dermatosis characterised by photo-induced cutaneous-ocular impairment and by skin cancers. In addition to these signs, there may also be neurological involvement. This disease is related to a defect in genes within the nucleotide excision repair system for the first seven genetic groups (A-G), and to an abnormality in transcription groups for the eighth group (xeroderma pigmentosum variant - XPV). Cutaneous carcinomas are the most common types of cancer seen. They may begin in childhood. Multiple melanoma commonly occurs during the course of XP but given the frequency of spontaneous regression, the incidence is underestimated. The clinical appearance is characterised by polymorphous lesions with characteristic dyschromia and in most cases it is sufficient to establish the diagnosis. Investigation of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) and cell survival following ultraviolet (UV) radiation were formerly considered the reference examination for laboratory diagnosis. However, these tests are now being replaced by new molecular biology techniques to screen for the genetic mutations characteristic of the disease. These techniques have proved extremely useful in identifying heterozygous patients and in antenatal diagnosis. Photoprotection is the key preventive measure: patients must avoid all exposure to the sun and to artificial sources of UV radiation. The therapeutic arsenal has recently been enriched by several modern therapeutic methods used to destroy cutaneous tumours such as imiquimod and photodynamic therapy (PDT). These approaches are valuable since they eliminate incipient tumours while sparing healthy skin. Surgery and cryosurgery are the most suitable methods for treating cutaneous tumours in children. Chemotherapy may be considered an alternative for the treatment of keratoacanthomas and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Cryosurgery may be combined with other therapeutic approaches to eliminate SCC of the lip. Management of these patients in reference centres, coupled with assistance from associations providing support for patients' families, has resulted in improved quality of therapy while slowing down disease progression.

Sunbeds use – tanning pattern and UV protective behaviour of adults of the Turiec Region

Abstract Introduction: Recent worldwide researches dealing with artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation have noticed an increased incidence of skin cancer, conjunctivitis, or decreased immunity. Melanoma is the most serious disease that may be caused by sunbeds. Goal: The main goal of the study was to coherently process public health issues of sunbeds and find out a level of information and attitude of adult population in the Turiec Region. Material and method: In the II. half of 2016 we carried out a questionnaire survey focused on information and attitude of adult population towards sunbeds and their negative effect on humans. The total sample consisted of 121 adult participants (74 females and 47 males) from the Turiec Region. Results: The age range of participants was 36 ± 6.5 years and the age range of sunbed users was 31 ± 4.8 (x ± SD). From the total sample of 121 participants 34 (28.1%) visit sunbed and 87 (71.9%) do not. Sunbeds are visited more by women (85.3%), but men (p 0.05) take longer sunbaths than women. Women (p 0.05) were more informed about their phototype than men. Only 51 (42.2%) of participants were aware of their skin phototype and better informed were participants with higher education. From the survey only 13 (38.2%) participants used the combination of protective sunglasses and sunscreens. Conclusion: The results show that visitors of sunbeds had a higher level of information than non-visitors. A negative aspect is that the participants didn’t know the phototype of their skin and didn’t use all protective aids. Most participants said that information on sunbed are inadequate. From the public health view it is very important to focus on prevention, spread information about diseases influenced by artificial source of UV radiation, and educate the population.

European evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of acne - update 2016 - short version.

European evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of acne - update 2016 - short version.

Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) position statement: ban indoor tanning for minors

The Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM), an interdisciplinary professional organization focused on the science of health behavior joins the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a host of other national and international organizations in support of a total ban on indoor tanning for minors under the age of 18. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation are in the highest category of carcinogens, joining tobacco and asbestos. Strong evidence links indoor tanning to increased risk for melanoma with repeated exposure during childhood being associated with the greatest increase in risk. Several countries and five US states have passed legislation banning indoor tanning in minors. We strongly encourage the remaining US states to do the same in an effort to protect children and prevent new cases of melanoma. SBM also strongly encourages research that explores the use of tanning beds in the home. Home-based indoor tanning has the potential to be especially dangerous given the complete absence of safety regulations. Children are currently protected from exposure to health-harming substances like tobacco and lead; thus, legislation protecting them from artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation is yet another important step forward in improving public health.

Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations in Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) exposed to natural sunlight and two artificial ultraviolet radiation sources

Objective-To determine the effect of various UVB radiation sources on plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) concentrations in Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni). Animals-18 healthy Hermann's tortoises. Procedures-Tortoises were exposed to sunlight in an outdoor enclosure located in the natural geographic range of Hermann's tortoises (n = 6 tortoises) or a self-ballasted mercury-vapor lamp (6) or fluorescent UVB-emitting lamp (6) in an indoor enclosure for 35 days. Plasma samples were obtained from each tortoise on the first (day 0) and last (day 35) days of the study, and concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) were determined. Amount of UVB radiation in enclosures was measured. Results-Mean ± SD plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) concentrations for tortoises exposed to the mercury-vapor and fluorescent lamps were significantly lower on day 35 (155.69 ± 80.71 nmol/L and 134.42 ± 51.42 nmol/L, respectively) than they were on day 0 (368.02 ± 119.34 nmol/L and 313.69 ± 109.54 nmol/L, respectively). Mean ± SD plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) concentration for tortoises exposed to sunlight did not differ significantly between days 0 (387.74 ± 114.56 nmol/L) and 35 (411.51 ± 189.75 nmol/L). Mean day 35 plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) concentration was significantly higher for tortoises exposed to sunlight versus those exposed to mercury-vapor or fluorescent lamps. Sunlight provided significantly more UVB radiation than did the mercury-vapor or fluorescent lamps. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) concentrations differed between tortoises exposed to sunlight and those exposed to artificial UVB sources. Exposure to sunlight at a latitude similar to that of the natural geographic range is recommended for healthy and calcium-deficient tortoises.

Banning children and youth under the age of 18 years from commercial tanning facilities

Cutaneous malignant melanoma has increased more than three-fold in the past 35 years. Because damage is cumulative, exposure to ultraviolet radiation early in life elevates a risk that is increased further as individuals use artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation. The full impact and scope of damage caused by year-round indoor tanning may take years to appreciate given the long latency period for most skin cancers. Teenagers are frequent visitors to tanning parlours, with girls being more frequent and sustained users. The tanning industry disputes the World Health Organization's and the International Agency for Research on Cancer's classification of their product as a Class 1 physical carcinogen. Tanning parlours have sought to establish and maintain a client-base among teenagers. Consequently, the Canadian Paediatric Society is joining other prominent health organizations in support of a ban on the use of commercial tanning facilities by Canadian children and youth younger than 18 years of age.

TiO2 Nanoparticles Are Phototoxic to Marine Phytoplankton

Nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (TiO2) is highly photoactive, and its function as a photocatalyst drives much of the application demand for TiO2. Because TiO2 generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), nanoparticulate TiO2 has been used in antibacterial coatings and wastewater disinfection, and has been investigated as an anti-cancer agent. Oxidative stress mediated by photoactive TiO2 is the likely mechanism of its toxicity, and experiments demonstrating cytotoxicity of TiO2 have used exposure to strong artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). In vivo tests of TiO2 toxicity with aquatic organisms have typically shown low toxicity, and results across studies have been variable. No work has demonstrated that photoactivity causes environmental toxicity of TiO2 under natural levels of UVR. Here we show that relatively low levels of ultraviolet light, consistent with those found in nature, can induce toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles to marine phytoplankton, the most important primary producers on Earth. No effect of TiO2 on phytoplankton was found in treatments where UV light was blocked. Under low intensity UVR, ROS in seawater increased with increasing nano-TiO2 concentration. These increases may lead to increased overall oxidative stress in seawater contaminated by TiO2, and cause decreased resiliency of marine ecosystems. Phototoxicity must be considered when evaluating environmental impacts of nanomaterials, many of which are photoactive.

Ultraviolet Radiation: A Hazard to Children and Adolescents

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes the 3 major forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; and cutaneous malignant melanoma. Public awareness of the risk is not optimal, overall compliance with sun protection is inconsistent, and melanoma rates continue to rise. The risk of skin cancer increases when people overexpose themselves to sun and intentionally expose themselves to artificial sources of UVR. Yet, people continue to sunburn, and teenagers and adults alike remain frequent visitors to tanning parlors. Pediatricians should provide advice about UVR exposure during health-supervision visits and at other relevant times. Advice includes avoiding sunburning, wearing clothing and hats, timing activities (when possible) before or after periods of peak sun exposure, wearing protective sunglasses, and applying and reapplying sunscreen. Advice should be framed in the context of promoting outdoor physical activity. Adolescents should be strongly discouraged from visiting tanning parlors. Sun exposure and vitamin D status are intertwined. Cutaneous vitamin D production requires sunlight exposure, and many factors, such as skin pigmentation, season, and time of day, complicate efficiency of cutaneous vitamin D production that results from sun exposure. Adequate vitamin D is needed for bone health. Accumulating information suggests a beneficial influence of vitamin D on many health conditions. Although vitamin D is available through the diet, supplements, and incidental sun exposure, many children have low vitamin D concentrations. Ensuring vitamin D adequacy while promoting sun-protection strategies will require renewed attention to children's use of dietary and supplemental vitamin D.

Ultraviolet Radiation: A Hazard to Children and Adolescents

Sunlight sustains life on earth. Sunlight is essential for vitamin D synthesis in the skin. The sun's ultraviolet rays can be hazardous, however, because excessive exposure causes skin cancer and other adverse health effects. Skin cancer is a major public health problem; more than 2 million new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes the 3 major forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; and cutaneous malignant melanoma. Exposure to UVR from sunlight and artificial sources early in life elevates the risk of developing skin cancer. Approximately 25% of sun exposure occurs before 18 years of age. The risk of skin cancer is increased when people overexpose themselves to sun and intentionally expose themselves to artificial sources of UVR. Public awareness of the risk is not optimal, compliance with sun protection is inconsistent, and skin-cancer rates continue to rise in all age groups including the younger population. People continue to sunburn, and teenagers and adults are frequent visitors to tanning parlors. Sun exposure and vitamin D status are intertwined. Adequate vitamin D is needed for bone health in children and adults. In addition, there is accumulating information suggesting a beneficial influence of vitamin D on various health conditions. Cutaneous vitamin D production requires sunlight, and many factors complicate the efficiency of vitamin D production that results from sunlight exposure. Ensuring vitamin D adequacy while promoting sun-protection strategies, therefore, requires renewed attention to evaluating the adequacy of dietary and supplemental vitamin D. Daily intake of 400 IU of vitamin D will prevent vitamin D deficiency rickets in infants. The vitamin D supplementation amounts necessary to support optimal health in older children and adolescents are less clear. This report updates information on the relationship of sun exposure to skin cancer and other adverse health effects, the relationship of exposure to artificial sources of UVR and skin cancer, sun-protection methods, vitamin D, community skin-cancer-prevention efforts, and the pediatrician's role in preventing skin cancer. In addition to pediatricians' efforts, a sustained public health effort is needed to change attitudes and behaviors regarding UVR exposure.

Photoaged Skin: The Role of Neutrophils, Preventive Measures, and Potential Pharmacological Targets

Photoaged skin is characterized by epidermal changes and damaged elastic fiber and collagen fiber networks. Sunburned skin, including minimal asymptomatic ultraviolet (UV)radiation-induced erythema, is characterized by infiltrating neutrophils. Neutrophils are potent cells capable of degrading elastic fibers and collagen fibers and are probably important players in the pathophysiology of photoaging. Therefore,prevention of sunburn and/or prevention of neutrophil influx after exposure to artificial sources of UV radiation appear to be key factors in the prevention of photoaging. The wearing of protective clothing and the use of sunscreens are important preventive measures. Drugs that interfere with the cascade of events that eventually lead to neutrophil influx are potential antiphotoaging agents. In contrast, current and/or future therapies that are accompanied by neutrophil influx, particularly when these therapies are administered or performed repetitively, require a critical review. Here, we discuss clinical and histopathological features of photoaging,the pathophysiology of photoaging, potential pharmacologic targets with respect to infiltrating neutrophils, and some key points in prevention of photoaging and therapy for photoaged skin.

Dose modeling in ultraviolet phototherapy

Ultraviolet phototherapy is widely used in the treatment of numerous skin conditions. This treatment is well established and largely beneficial to patients on both physical and psychological levels; however, overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can have detrimental effects, such as erythemal responses and ocular damage in addition to the potentially carcinogenic nature of UVR. For these reasons, it is essential to control and quantify the radiation dose incident upon the patient to ensure that it is both biologically effective and has the minimal possible impact on the surrounding unaffected tissue. To date, there has been little work on dose modeling, and the output of artificial UVR sources is an area where research has been recommended. This work characterizes these sources by formalizing an approach from first principles and experimentally examining this model. An implementation of a line source model is found to give impressive accuracy and quantifies the output radiation well. This method could potentially serve as a basis for a full computational dose model for quantifying patient dose.

FC30 An epidemiologic study of prevalent risk factors of basal cell carcinoma in the Greek population

Introduction The risk for BCC development results from the interplay of both constitutional and environmental factors, with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) being the primary established risk factor in the development of BCC [1,2]. The epidemiologic risk factors of BCC in Mediterranean populations remain unclear. Aim To investigate the risk associations of BCC in the Greek population. Methods We conducted a hospital-based case-control study. We studied 199 patients with histologically confirmed BCC and 200 cancer-free controls. The following data were collected by the use of a standardized questionnaire: pigmentary traits (tanning ability, ease of sunburning), patterns of sun exposure (continuous versus intermittent), timing of sun exposure, history of severe sunburns, use of sunscreens, exposure to artificial sources of UVR, personal or family history of skin cancer, and lifestyle-related factors (smoking). A clinical examination was performed with respect to pigmentary traits (skin/hair/eye color), number of melanocytic nevi, actinic keratoses, lentigines, and the presence of elastosis. Results In our multivariate analysis of BCC, several factors were found to be significantly associated with BCC (P<0.05), including female sex, light skin color, number of years of occupational sun exposure, number of sunburns during adulthood, no use of sunscreen, and presence of nevi and lentigines. A trend for a ‘dose-response’ effect was noted for patients who had 5 years or more, of occupational sun exposure. No association was found with skin type, exposure to non-solar UVR exposure, and lifestyle-related factors (smoking, alcohol consumption). Statistically significant risk factors for early BCC (age at diagnosis <50 years) included female sex, number of weeks per year spent at the beach before the age of 20, and the number of sunburns during childhood. Conclusion BCC risk was associated with light skin color, occupational sun exposure, and the presence of nevi and lentigines. The association of early onset BCC with recreational sun exposure and sunburns during childhood and adolescence suggests that intense intermittent sun exposure during the early years of life may be a key risk factor for development of BCC at an early age.

Vitamin D, Aging, and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that older adults, people with dark skin, and those exposed to insufficient ultraviolet radiation (i.e., sunlight) consume extra vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods and/or supplements. Individuals in these high-risk groups should consume 25 microg (1000 IU) of vitamin D daily to maintain adequate blood concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the biomarker for vitamin D status. This review considers recommendations for vitamin D-rich foods and dietary supplements, as well as specific problems with self-prescribing sun exposure or artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation to meet the vitamin D recommendations for older people.

Vitamin D, Aging, and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that older adults, people with dark skin, and those exposed to insufficient ultraviolet radiation (i.e., sunlight) consume extra vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods and/or supplements. Individuals in these high-risk groups should consume 25 μg (1000 IU) of vitamin D daily to maintain adequate blood concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the biomarker for vitamin D status. This review considers recommendations for vitamin D-rich foods and dietary supplements, as well as specific problems with self-prescribing sun exposure or artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation to meet the vitamin D recommendations for older people.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma: facts about sunbeds and sunscreen

The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma is still increasing in most light-skinned populations. Sunscreen use has been proposed for the primary prevention of melanoma. However, sunscreen use may increase time spent in the sun when users are willing to acquire a tan or to stay in the sun for a long time, which may increase melanoma risk. When sun exposure is not associated with the desire to acquire a tan or stay in the sun for a long time, sunscreen use may prevent squamous cell skin carcinoma. Sun protection should give priority to clothing and sun exposure reduction. Over the last 20 years, tan acquisition through exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation has become frequent among fair-skinned adolescents and young adults. There is accumulating evidence that sunbed use is associated with melanoma when started before approximately 30 years of age.