Artificial Ultraviolet Radiation Research Articles

Low UV radiation influenced DNA methylation, gene regulation, cell proliferation, viability, and biochemical differentiation in the cell suspension cultures of Cannabis indica

The effect of low artificial Ultraviolet (UV) on the DNA methylation remains controversial. This study addresses how differential photoperiods of UV radiation affect the biochemical and molecular behaviors of Cannabis indica cell suspension cultures. The cell suspensions were illuminated with the compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), emitting a combination of 10% UVB, 30% UVA, and the rest visible wavelengths for 0, 4, 8, and 16 h. The applied photoperiods influenced cell morphological characteristics. The 4 h photoperiod was the most effective treatment for improving biomass, growth index and cell viability percentage while these indices remained non-significant in the 16 h treatment. The methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MASP) assay revealed that the UV radiation was epigenetically accompanied by DNA hypermethylation. The light-treated cells significantly displayed higher relative expression of the cannabidiolic‌ acid synthase (CBDAS) and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase (THCAS) genes about 4-fold. The expression of the olivetolic acid cyclase (OAC) and olivetol synthase (OLS) genes exhibited an upward trend in response to the UV radiation. The light treatments also enhanced the proline content and protein concentration. The 4 h illumination was significantly capable of improving the cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations, in contrast with 16 h. By increasing the illumination exposure time, the activity of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme linearly upregulated. The highest amounts of the phenylpropanoid derivatives were observed in the cells cultured under the radiation for 4 h. Taken collective, artificial UV radiation can induce DNA methylation modifications and impact biochemical and molecular differentiation in the cell suspensions in a photoperiod-dependent manner.

Laser flash photolysis and quantum chemical studies of UV degradation of pharmaceutical drug chloramphenicol: Short-lived intermediates, quantum yields and mechanism of photolysis

Using methods of time-resolved and stationary photolysis, HPLC-MS and quantum-chemical calculations by the DFT method, the mechanism of direct UV photolysis of the antibiotic chloramphenicol (CAP) was established. For the first time, short-lived intermediates formed during photolysis were detected. The primary photoprocess is the cleavage of the β-C-C bond relative to the aromatic system with the formation of 4-nitrobenzylalcohol radical and residual aliphatic radical. The first radical in deoxygenated solutions predominantly transforms into para-nitrobenzaldehyde and its secondary photolysis products. In the presence of oxygen, the aromatic radical and para-nitrobenzaldehyde are transformed into para-nitrosobenzoic and para-nitrobenzoic acids as a result of reaction with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Formation of ROS is provoked by reactions of aliphatic radical with dissolved oxygen, so this radical is very important for CAP degradation. The quantum yield of direct photolysis of CAP is ∼3% and does not depend on the presence of dissolved oxygen and on the change of the excitation wavelength in the range of 254–308 nm. Obtained data are important for further understanding of the transformation pathways of CAP and similar PPCP in natural and wastewaters under the action of sunlight and artificial UV radiation.

Association of sun-seeking behaviors with indoor tanning behavior in US white females during high school/college in Nurses’ Health Study II

BackgroundFrequent exposure to ultraviolet light has more detrimental and longer-term effects on the skin in early life than in adulthood. Teenagers with strong sun-seeking behaviors may be more likely to use an indoor tanning bed than those who seek less sun. We aimed to examine associations between sun-seeking behaviors and indoor tanning behavior during high school/college in US females.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we used data from The Nurses’ Health Study II, a large prospective cohort of US female nurses. We included a total of 81,746 white females who provided responses on the average annual frequency of indoor tanning during high school/college. Our study exposures were number of times/week spent outdoors in a swimsuit and percentage of time wearing sunscreen at the pool/beach as a teenager, weekly hours spent outdoors in direct sunlight during the daytime during high school/college, and number of severe sunburns that blistered between ages 15–20 years. The main outcome was annual frequency of indoor tanning bed usage during high school/college.ResultsIn multivariable-adjusted logistic regression, we demonstrated positive associations between sun-seeking behaviors and indoor tanning use. Specifically, teenagers who spent 7 times/week outdoors in a swimsuit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI] for daily vs. <1/week: 2.68, 1.76–4.09) were more likely to use indoor tanning beds ≥ 12 times/year. Teenagers with ≥ 10 sunburns (aOR, 95% CI for ≥ 10 vs. never: 2.18, 1.53–3.10) were more likely to use indoor tanning beds ≥ 12 times/year. Also, teenagers/undergraduates who spent ≥ 5 h/week outdoors in direct sunlight (aOR, 95% CI for ≥ 5 h/week vs. <1 h/week: 2.18, 1.39–3.44) were more likely to use indoor tanning ≥ 12 times/year. However, there was not a significant association between average usage of sunscreen at the pool/beach and average usage of indoor tanning beds. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models also showed similar results.ConclusionsTeenagers who spent more time outdoors in a swimsuit/direct sunlight or got more sunburns tended to use indoor tanning more frequently. These findings provide evidence that teenagers with stronger sun-seeking behaviors may have more exposure to artificial ultraviolet radiation as well.

Impact of heliotherapy and phototherapy on the course of atopic dermatitis

Introduction and purpose. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects many children and adults around the world. It has been also empirically known that some environmental factors such as exposure to the sun can be beneficial for patients with AD. The purpose of this literature review is to present positive impact, as well as challenges and risks of heliotherapy and phototherapy on patients suffering from AD.&#x0D; Material and methods. The article is a review of publications obtained from the PubMed database and published between 2017-2023. Based on the keywords "phototherapy" "heliotherapy"and "atopic dermatitis", 14 articles were selected. Finally, 1 meta-analysis and 3 observational studies were included in the rewiev.&#x0D; Brief description of the state of knowledge. People with AD have a compromised skin barrier, which favors infiltration by activated Th2 cells, and their cytokine, causing thickening of the skin. It makes management of AD challenging. It is known that most patients’ skin condition improves due to sun exposure. This is why an artificial UV radiation (UVR) is employed for the treatment. The idea is to administrate a non-ionizing radiation to the skin. Both sunlight and artificial light have a significant immunosuppressive effect on the skin.&#x0D; Summary. Phototherapy as well as heliotherapy improved skin condition of people suffering from AD. It was appreciable by the end of few weeks of studies and also afer 3 months, reflected by improvement in PO-SCORAD, VAS and DLQI scales. During some of the studies there have been incidents of side-effects. More research is necessary to define a long-term effect of this kind of treatment and the role of chronic and prolonged therapy of AD.

A comparative study on the influence of fiber enzymatic treatment in thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of PBS matrix reinforced with different date palm fibers: Under accelerated UV radiation exposure

The use of natural fiber-reinforced polymer materials has become increasingly common in various applications. However, the performance and durability of these composites in outdoor applications are not fully understood. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact of an artificial ultraviolet radiation on the degradation behavior of composites based on a Poly Butylene Succinate (PBS) matrix. The reinforcement materials used in this research were the trunk and palm fibers obtained from date palm trees. Specifically, the effect of modifying the fiber surface with an enzymatic treatment on the interfacial adhesion fiber/matrix as well as on the rate of deterioration of the resulted composites, under accelerated aging, was assessed. Changes in the composite’s thermal stability, surface morphology and mechanical properties were determined after aging. A sharp transition in the behavior of the PBS matrix was observed after UV exposure, shifting from slight ductility following 100 h to brittleness after 700 h. The aging process resulted in a decrease in the thermal stability of all composites. However, the composites containing treated fibers exhibited better thermal stability compared to those with untreated fibers. Additionally, the use of enzyme-treated fibers in the composites promoted greater stability in the mechanical properties even after aging. The reinforcement of the composites with palm fibers yielded better interfacial adhesion compared to the use of trunk fibers, and resulted in better retention in the tensile strength property after aging. The enzymatic treatment facilitated stronger physical attachment between the fibers and the matrix, preventing any fiber or interface degradation.

Global Tanning Bed Advertising: A Comparison of Legal Regulations on Three Continents.

Artificial ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds has been classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2009. Several countries have subsequently introduced comprehensive legislation regulating commercial indoor tanning. Specific aspects of these regulations address tanning bed advertising and information requirements for tanning bed customers, which have been previously neglected in international comparisons of indoor tanning regulations. We performed a systematic search regarding legislation on these aspects in 131 legislative units across three continents (North America, Australia/New Zealand, Europe). The legal restrictions found varied widely in type and content. In 49 legislative units we identified total (n = 8) or partial legal bans (n = 41) on advertising for indoor tanning, while 64 legislative units enacted 5regulations that necessitate the dissemination of different types of specific health information to tanning bed customers. Nearly 40% of the legislative units of the study region lacked any legislation on these issues altogether. The heterogenous results emphasize the need for an international dialogue between health authorities and governments to harmonize the regulatory framework for tanning bed advertising and information requirements to a level better protecting the public from skin cancer. Our comprehensive international comparison can serve as a starting point for such a harmonization process that may ultimately protect the public worldwide from misleading tanning bed advertising.

Wastewater sludge recycling: An efficient catalyst for photo-Fenton degradation of antibiotics and effluent disinfection

An environmentally friendly strategy for recycling sewage sludge is proposed based on the thermal generation of a magnetic material for use as a catalyst in the photo-Fenton process. The main elements present in the catalyst were silicon, aluminum, oxygen, carbon, phosphorus, and iron, and the specific area was 35.53 m2 g−1. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that there was no apparent alteration of the catalyst surface after the photo-Fenton process. Photo-Fenton experiments performed under UV irradiation revealed complete degradation of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) in purified water after 180 min, with the catalytic activity maintained for at least 4 cycles. A comparison was made of the degradation of pollutants in sewage treatment plant effluents under artificial UV and solar irradiation. Under solar irradiation, at pH 3.5, total degradation of TMP and SMZ was achieved, together with TOC removal of up to 21%, showing SLC-600 as a potential low-cost catalyst to be used in photo-Fenton process.

Sunlight Exposure and Protection Behavior as Prevention of Skin Cancer in Nursing Students

Background: Skin cancer ranks fifth in the world. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, ranks 23rd in Indonesia. Meanwhile, deaths caused by skin cancer are more than half of the number of new cases in Indonesia. Indonesia is a country that lies across the equator. It makes Indonesia have longer exposure to sunlight and a higher UV index. This study aims to describe the sunlight exposure level and protection behavior among nursing students.Methods: The samples of this study were 248 respondents from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, who were recruited with a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a modified Sun Exposure Behaviour Inventory (SEBI). The data were processed using SPSS statistical software to determine behavioral descriptions and exposure to sunlight. Then, the result of the data analysis was performed with descriptive analysis (frequency and percentage).Results: The result of this study showed that most of the respondents (84.3%) always used longsleeved clothes to cover their shoulders. Most respondents (85.9%) used sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or more, and more than half of the respondents (68.5%) used sunscreen that can protect from Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). Most respondents (76.2%) never spent time under natural or artificial Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) to get the desired brown skin. More than half of the respondents (66.9%) had never sunbathed in the last 12 months. Conclusions: More than half of the respondents had adequate protective behavior against sun exposure and had moderate sun exposure. Using sunscreens with a higher SPF has shown a stronger preventive effect. Therefore, regular use of sunscreen can decrease the risk of skin cancer.

Evaluation of a protective acrylic finish applied to surfaces painted with acrylic paints for outdoor or indoor uses

Protection of contemporary murals to reduce paint fading caused by exposure to sunlight is currently under study due to a general demand. In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of a commercial protective acrylic finish applied to concrete and brick mock-ups previously painted with different coloured (red and yellow) paints for outdoor and indoor uses. The mock-ups were exposed to an accelerated aging test, with artificial UV irradiation for 3630 h. UV radiation is the most threatening sunlight portion to the paints used in these artworks, inducing mainly fading. Colorimetric measurements were made on the surfaces every 15 days. At the end, aged samples and the respective controls (not subjected to the aging test) were evaluated by stereomicroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.Application of the protective finish modified the surface of the paintwork, but generally reduced the rate at which the colour changed. In the mock-ups painted with paint for indoor use without the protective finish, the paintwork degraded faster on brick than on concrete.The findings highlight the need for appropriate selection of paints depending on where they will be applied and the suitability of using a protective finish depending on the composition of each paint.

Photochemical processes in surface water bodies and their potential impacts on the chemical composition of water: A review

AbstractThe present study is a review of photochemical processes that occur in surface water bodies and which can affect the chemical composition of water. It is expected that water bodies with a slow rate of water exchange, including lakes, reservoirs, estuaries and ponds with significant areas of shallow water will be most vulnerable to the impacts of these processes. It involves natural organic compounds and xenobiotics of organic origin that enter water bodies from anthropogenic sources or are formed in water bodies because of the development of cyanobacteria and other algae species. Photodegradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) occurs as a result of both direct photolysis and photosensitized cleavage involving inorganic and organic compounds, which are characterized by chromophore properties, such as humic substances. Photolysis is accompanied by the transformation of high molecular weight organic compounds into lower molecular weight compounds that can become bioavailable to, and promote the development of, microorganisms. Photodegradation results in bioavailable forms of nitrogen and phosphorus being released into the water column. Accordingly, the present study presents the results of analysis of the photochemical destruction of humic substances, such as the most widespread group of the surface water body DOM under the influence of artificial UV irradiation and solar radiation. The results provide data on the products of humic substances photolysis, as well as the influence of the latter on the destruction of a number of organic substances, including xenobiotics (herbicides, pesticides, etc.). Photolysis of algotoxins, which are mainly concentrated in the water of highly trophic reservoirs and lakes during the period of water “blooming,” is among the main concerns being addressed, noting photochemical destruction of these dangerous toxicants can be considered an important means of removing them from drinking water. Also emphasized is that photochemical processes in surface water will likely intensify in the future amid the recent climate changes, also affecting the chemical composition of water.

Atmospheric removal of methane by enhancing the natural hydroxyl radical sink

AbstractAccording to the latest report from the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC), currently, global warming due to methane (CH4) alone is about 0.5°C while due to carbon dioxide (CO2) alone is about 0.75°C. As CH4 emissions will continue growing, in order to limit warming to 1.5˚C, some of the most effective strategies are rapidly reducing CH4 emissions and developing large scale CH4 removal methods. The aim of this review article is to summarise and propose possible methods for atmospheric CH4 removal, based on the hydroxyl radical (°OH), which is the principal natural sink of many gases in the atmosphere and on many water surfaces. Inspired by mechanisms of °OH generation in the atmosphere and observed or predicted enhancement of °OH by climate change and human activities, we proposed several methods to enhance the °OH sink by some physical means using water vapour and artificial UV radiation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

An Epidemiological Update on Indoor Tanning and the Risk of Skin Cancers.

Indoor tanning (sunbeds, solarium) uses artificial ultraviolet radiation (UVR) to stimulate cosmetic tanning of the skin. Indoor tanning has been officially classified as a human carcinogen in 2009 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO). The differences in the prevalence of sunbed use across countries and over the years highlight underlying legislative, climatic, and cultural differences. Indoor tanning-seeking behaviors may be driven by motivations for an appealing appearance, largely influenced by gender and age, and several misconceptions that a prevacation tan safeguards the skin, that sunbeds can be used to treat acne or to increase vitamin D, or that tanning is a healthy habit. This review provides an epidemiological update on the prevalence of sunbed use, who tends to use sunbeds and why, and details the current evidence on the association of sunbeds with skin cancers, including cutaneous melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). A statistically significant higher risk of cutaneous melanoma, BCC and cSCC with the use of sunbeds has been consistently demonstrated. This risk of skin cancer is even higher with the more frequent use of sunbeds, underscoring a dose-response relationship, and in those first exposed to sunbeds at a younger age. Preventive measures against sunbed use include legislation restricting sunbed use, educational campaigns to inform and discourage from indoor tanning, as well as using the internet, online advertising messages and the social media to reach larger audiences and to promote an untanned appearance.

ZnO/Cassava Starch‐Based Hydrogel Composite for Effective Treatment of Dye‐Contaminated Wastewater

AbstractIndustrial expansion has increased the discharge of contaminated wastewater. Wastewater can be treated by adsorption with petroleum‐based hydrogels but the materials are not biodegradable and therefore cause secondary toxic waste. In this work, hydrogel composites are prepared based on non‐biodegradable polyacrylamide and biodegradable materials of cassava starch (CS) and poly(vinyl alcohol). The effect of CS content on the porous structure is studied. The highest water absorption capacity of 74 g g−1 is obtained from a hydrogel 30 wt% of CS. Within 4 h, the hydrogel effectively adsorbs the cationic dyes methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet, and the anionic dyes congo red and reactive orange. The maximum adsorption capacity toward MB is 993 mg g−1. Experimental data indicate a monolayer adsorption via chemisorption. Silica‐coated ZnO photocatalyst particles are synthesized via a sol–gel method and coated on the outer surface of the hydrogel. Under sunlight, the hydrogel composite degrades almost 90% of adsorbed dye. The hydrogel composite is capable of effective photodegradation for at least three cycles under artificial UV irradiation and four cycles under sunlight, but adsorption capacity remains higher than 80% at the eighth cycle. The hydrogel composite also shows antibacterial activities, indicating an additional beneficial property for industrial wastewater treatment.

Maintenance of initial lightness on mortars treated with TiO2 in the long term

The importance of colours is not limited to the aesthetic but also other parameters like thermal comfort. Painting light colours on the building's external surfaces increases its reflection of solar radiation, reducing the heat gains. In contrast, dark colours can increase solar heat gains by absorbing more radiation. Regarding the TiO2 answer to the lightness on the facade, different samples of TiO2 were tested. First, in the laboratory for methylene blue dye degradation and second in a natural environment using different forms of treatment (powder and suspension) on mortars, measured by a spectrophotometer over three years to determine the loss of lightness over time. The methylene blue test showed that the TiO2-P25p, TiO2-PC-S7s, and TiO2-E502s samples had the same effectiveness after exposure to artificial UV radiation, while the TiO2-PC105p sample presented the worst performance. Concerning the lightness, after thirty-seven months of the natural exposition, the white painted specimens had the best results than specimens with TiO2 suspensions and specimens with TiO2 in powder. Beyond the absorptivity, the white painted specimens could be considered with low absorptivity. In contrast, the specimens treated with TiO2 suspension and those treated with TiO2 powder could be medium absorptivity. Regarding the visual aesthetic perception, the study concludes that for the final user, there is no great difference in white painted specimens, while for the other (powder and suspension), the colour difference can be noticed well over three years of exposure.

Degradation of Diazepam with Gamma Radiation, High Frequency Ultrasound and UV Radiation Intensified with H2O2 and Fenton Reagent

A degradation study of diazepam (DZP) in aqueous media by gamma radiation, high frequency ultrasound, and UV radiation (artificial-solar), as well with each process intensified with oxidizing agents (H2O2 and Fenton reagent) was performed. The parameters that influence the degradation of diazepam such as potency and frequency, irradiation dose, pH and concentration of the oxidizing agents used were studied. Gamma radiation was performed in a 60Co source irradiator; an 11 W lamp was used for artificial UV radiation, and sonification was performed at frequency values of 580 and 862 kHz with varying power values. In the radiolysis a 100% degradation was obtained at 2500 Gy. For the sonolysis, 28.3% degradation was achieved after 180 min at 862 kHz frequency and 30 W power. In artificial photolysis, a 38.2% degradation was obtained after 300 min of UV exposure. The intensification of each process with H2O2 increased the degradation of the drug. However, the best results were obtained by combining the processes with the Fenton reagent for optimum H2O2 and Fe2+ concentrations, respectively, of 2.95 mmol L−1 and of 0.06 mmol L−1, achieving a 100% degradation in a shorter treatment time, with a dose value of 750 Gy in the case of gamma radiation thanks to increasing in the amount of free radicals in water. The optimized processes were evaluated in a real wastewater, with a total degradation at 10 min of reaction.

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.

Study of NBT-Pluronic F-127 Gels as 1D UV Radiation Dosimeters for Measurement of Artificial Light Sources.

This work reports on radiochromic dosimeters for 1D UV light measurements. The dosimeter is composed of a 25% Pluronic F–127 that forms a physical gel matrix and nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) as a radiation-sensitive compound. This dosimeter was exposed to UVA, UVB and UVC radiation, and the radiochromic reactions were followed with reflectance spectrophotometry including changes in light reflectance and color coordinates in the CIELAB color system. The exposition of dosimeters to all UV radiation caused color changes from pale yellow to dark violet, and its intensity increased with increasing absorbed dose. The effects of NBT concentration and UV radiation type on the dose–response of the dosimeters were also examined. The results obtained reveal that the dosimeters are the least sensitive to irradiation with UVC and the most sensitive to irradiation with UVB (e.g., dosimeter with 2 g/dm3 of NBT was characterized by the following parameters: the threshold dose 0.1 J/cm2; the dose sensitivity −5.97 ± 0.69 cm2/J; the linear dose range 0.1–2.5 J/cm2; the dynamic dose range was equal to 0.1–3 J/cm2). The results obtained reveal that the NBT–Pluronic F–127 dosimeters can be potentially useful as 1D sensors for artificial UV radiation sources measurements.

Biochemical Correlation of Thyroid Dysfunction Among Patients Presenting With Polymorphic Light Eruption.

ObjectiveThe pathophysiology of polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) is uncertain; however, it is considered to commonly involve an autoimmunological mechanism. It is a common condition, usually affecting subjects staying at temperate latitudes, and presents with eruptions post-exposure to sunlight and artificial UVR (ultraviolet radiation), lasting from hours to, in rare cases, days of exposure. This present study aims to compare biochemical thyroid function tests in cases of PMLE. MethodologyThe present case-control study was conducted with a total of 120 participants. Patients with polymorphic light eruption aged 18 years or above of either sex attending the dermatology outpatient department were included in the study. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), T3 (triiodothyronine), and T4 (thyroxine) were analyzed among the participants. The data was recorded on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS Statistics v. 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The qualitative data was assessed in the form of numbers and percentages and the quantitative data was assessed using measures of central tendency such as mean and standard deviation. A chi-square test was applied to find out the association and their strength between the variables to validate the findings of the study. A p-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.ResultsThe TSH was elevated in 56 (93.3%) cases and two (3.3%) among the controls; T3 and T4 were low in 24 (40%) cases, and in seven (11.7%) among the controls.ConclusionPMLE usually has an autoimmune basis for its occurrence; similarly, thyroid disorders being themselves autoimmune in origin might lead to hypersensitivity reactions and generation of autoantibodies. We suggest that screening for thyroid should be conducted for all PMLE patients as they are at higher risk of developing thyroid disorders. The relationship between the two should be studied with a much larger cohort of participants to evaluate whether this is autoimmune-related or accidentally related.

Degradation of DNA in Whole Blood and Semen by UV Radiation and High Temperature at Varying Time Lengths of Exposure

The objective of this investigation was to study the effect of artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation of varying wavelengths on the degradation of whole human blood DNA and semen over varying time lengths of exposure. DNA degrades rapidly when exposed to environmental factors like high temperature and UV-radiation. The extent of damage done to human DNA in relation to time of exposure to artificial UV and high temperature above 100°C that make blood samples unsuitable for forensic analysis has not yet been determined, and using two methods of extraction the organic and kit methods. The gel electrophoresis was used to appear the bands.

Solar Photocatalysis of TiO&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; Supported Natural Palygorskite Nanofibers Elaborated by a One_Pot Mechanochemical Route

This study reports the successful synthesis of supported TiO2_Palygorskite nanocomposites by a one-pot dry mechanochemical route. Indeed, the elaboration procedure involved an in-situ reaction between accessories carbonates present in raw fibrous palygorskite clay and titanyl sulfate (TiOSO4) precursor under variable grinding conditions, essentially ball/solid matter mass ratio and rotation velocity. This yielded after air annealing at 600%C for 1 h to the immobilization of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (≈8 nm of average size) as evidenced by XRD and TEM analyses. Once the conditions of elaboration were optimized, the photocatalytic properties were evaluated under 3 conditions: artificial UV radiation, artificial solar radiation (UV + visible range) and under dynamic solar illumination taking into account the discontinuities of the solar resource. The results allowed the estimation and comparison of the catalyst’s capabilities and showed its ability to work under natural irradiation. The so developed supported photocatalysts TiO2/Palygorskite exhibited a good activity towards the removal of Orange G (OG) dye from aqueous media under artificial UV and natural solar radiations.