Sun Exposure Research Articles

Pigmented Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Nipple-Areola Complex: A Case Report

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin malignancy, accounting for approximately 80% of all non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is a significant risk factor for BCC development, which typically occurs in sun-exposed areas. BCC arising in non-sun-exposed regions, such as the nipple-areola complex (NAC), is exceedingly rare, with fewer than 100 cases reported globally. This report describes a case of pigmented superficial BCC in the NAC of a 76-year-old Asian woman. Case Presentation: A 76-year-old Asian female presented with a 5-year history of a slowly enlarging lesion on her left breast, with recent rapid growth. Physical examination revealed a 10 mm × 8 mm blue-gray, pearl-like plaque on the NAC. Histopathology confirmed pigmented superficial BCC. Preoperative imaging, including breast ultrasound, chest computed tomography (CT), SPECT-CT, and axillary lymph node ultrasound, showed no evidence of metastasis. The patient underwent standard surgical excision with a 10 mm margin, followed by pathologic evaluation, confirming clear margins. The patient was discharged on the second postoperative day and remained asymptomatic at a 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: Pigmented superficial BCC of the NAC is an uncommon presentation due to the area’s minimal sun exposure and lack of pilosebaceous units. This case underscores the importance of considering BCC in non-sun-exposed areas, particularly in elderly patients. While nonsurgical options such as photodynamic therapy may offer superior esthetic outcomes, the patient’s financial constraints led to the selection of a cost-effective surgical excision, which successfully eliminated the tumor.

Polyphenolic compounds in Sauvignon Blanc - from grapes to wine

At harvest, the metabolic composition of wine grapes reflects the accumulated effect of the environmental conditions, the stresses endured, and viticultural manipulations applied during the growing season. The role of the winemaker is to extract and nurture this “metabolite potential” throughout the winemaking process. However, it is typically difficult to relate this grape potential to that of the eventual wines. In this study, a holistic view of Sauvignon Blanc grape and wine polyphenolic compounds was attempted by measuring these compounds from different matrices, from ripe grape tissues up to the final wine, including the submatrices, such as juice, pomace and sediment. Sauvignon Blanc vines from one vineyard block were manipulated to yield berries with distinctly different phenolic potentials by creating a high light (HL) or a low light (LL) microclimate in the fruiting zone of the canopy during the growing season. The analyses of the HL and LL berries and wines, as well as concomitant analyses of the phenolic compounds in the submatrices, allowed their tracing as they were (i) transferred from one matrix to another, (ii) lost as waste products, or (iii) affected by different winemaking practices (skin contact and/or fermentation in contact with the juice sediment) implemented in the experimental design. In berries, flavonols showed the largest increase due to sun exposure (HL treatment) but were absent from the juice samples at all juice processing stages. They were however detected in the juice sediment, together with high concentrations of organic acids and sugars. Juice processing was noted for dramatic fluctuations in metabolite concentrations suggesting intense metabolic activity in this pre-fermentation matrix. Both skin contact and sediment contact treatments delivered wines with higher concentrations of coutaric acid (the ester formed from coumaric and tartaric acid) and the flavanol catechin while epicatechin concentrations was unaffected. The higher catechin concentrations did not lead to increased perceived bitterness in the wines, except in the sediment contact treatments. The total phenolic compound concentration of wine from LL (low phenolic potential) grapes was comparable to wine from HL (high phenolic potential) grapes, when skin contact, or sediment contact treatments were employed. From a sensory perspective, the sediment contact decreased the fruity aromas of Sauvignon Blanc, while the skin contact treatment enhanced the sensorial properties of the wines made from the LL grapes, allowing increased extraction from the skin-accumulated impact compounds.

Knowledge and Habits of Photoprotection in the Spanish Population: An Updated Survey

Background/Objectives: As the incidence of melanoma and skin cancer is increasing, awareness campaigns can be a useful tool to prevent these conditions. To optimize these campaigns, it is important to establish what the population really know about photoprotection and how they comply with photoprotection habits. Methods: We conducted a survey on the knowledge, behavior, and attitudes related to sun exposure in the Spanish population across the country. The results were analyzed globally and also differentiating by age between those under 25 years of age and those over 25 years of age. Results: Responses from 12,597 respondents were analyzed. Globally, 97% associate bad sun exposure habits with skin cancer; however, when we analyze the results in more detail, the prevalence of an association between tanning and skin damage and the prevalence of the correct use of sunscreens and photoprotective attitudes are lower, especially in people under 25 years old. Conclusions: The data from this survey reinforce the idea that dermatologists need to promote greater awareness among the Spanish population regarding both the skin damage induced by solar radiation and the importance of good photoprotection and preventive habits, specifically in men and people under 25 years of age. To our knowledge, this is the biggest survey to date performed in Spain.

Prevalence of Sun-Protective Behaviors Among Medical Students: Insights from a Survey at the University of Texas Medical Branch

Introduction: Skin cancer encompasses almost half of the cancers diagnosed in the United States and the majority are caused by excessive sun exposure. Studies have found minimal sunscreen use among medical students and physicians despite understanding the importance of its use. This survey aims to evaluate the prevalence of sun-protective behaviors among the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) medical students. Methods: An anonymous survey assessed participants' demographic information, use of sun-protective measures, and weekly sun exposure from currently enrolled UTMB medical students. Results: Out of the 920 medical students currently enrolled at UTMB, surveys were completed by 171 medical students, 18.6% of the student population. Regarding sunscreen use, 119 students (69.6%) regularly apply sunscreen, and of those students, 68.9% apply sunscreen daily. The most common sunscreens used were between SPF 20-60, however, most respondents did not reapply sunscreen (63.9%). Most participants were outside for one-three hours without shade covering (59.6%), did not wear protective clothing (65.5%), and did not get sunburned in the previous week (97.1%). Discussion: Our results demonstrate increased sunscreen use among medical students compared to previously reported literature, however, most students did not wear sun-protective clothing or reapply sunscreen. Proper sun safety education in medical school has been shown to increase the likelihood of future sun-safety-related patient counseling. Addressing skin-protective measures in medical school can decrease the risk of skin cancer among medical students and their future patients. Future interventions can aim to educate medical students on sun safety.

Behavioral Patterns and Honey Yield Between Native and Non-native Stingless Bees in Bali's Ecosystem

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to significant growth in honey bee cultivation in Bali, leading to the introduction of nonnative bee species alongside the indigenous Tetragonula laeviceps. However, the 75% failure rate of nonnative species cultivation between 2020 and 2023 necessitated a deeper understanding of species adaptability in the Bali ecosystem. This study specifically examined the behavioral adaptation and honey production of Heterotrigona itama compared with those of Tetragonula laeviceps in a shared cultivation environment. A seven-month comparative experimental study involving 30 bee colonies (15 H. itama introduced from Lampung and 15 local T. laeviceps) was conducted. Time series sampling was employed at three daily intervals (09:00, 13:00, and 16:00) for behavioral observations, while honey production was measured via nondestructive vacuum extraction. H. itama demonstrated superior honey production (516.3 ml average) to that of T. laeviceps (213.3 ml average). The species exhibited distinct foraging preferences, with T. laeviceps favoring Jatropha integerrima and H. itama preferring Antigonon leptopus and Xanthostemon chrynsanthus. Both species have developed different adaptive strategies for nectar–water content management, with H. itama utilizing sun exposure and T. laeviceps employing smaller storage pots. This study revealed successful coexistence between native and nonnative species through differentiated foraging behaviors and resource utilization strategies, with H. itama showing greater productive capacity attributed to morphological and behavioral differences.

Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D Concentrations in Horses: Effects of Age, Gender, Breed, Skin Colour and Season.

The optimal amount of vitamin D required for the proper functioning of the immune system differs from the amount necessary for bone homeostasis. Furthermore, vitamin D metabolism varies among horses. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of information regarding reference values for vitamin D in horses, particularly in the Turkmen breed. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)Vit D) in Turkmen, Thoroughbred and mixed Turkmen×Thoroughbred horses and to explore the effects of various factors on it and its relationship with serum biochemical variables and signalment data. For the measurement of 25(OH)Vit D, 90 healthy horses (min age: 6months; max age: 10years) that were stable in the north of Iran (37°17'N, 55°18'E) were selected for clinical examination and complete blood biochemistry analysis. The horses were categorised into different groups based on sex, season (spring, n=45; autumn, n=45), breed (Turkmen, Thoroughbred and mixed Turkmen×Thoroughbred), age (<2years, 2-8years and >8years) and skin colour. Sampling was performed only once from each horse. In this study, the median serum concentration of 25(OH)Vit D in the sampled horses was 17.42ng/mL (IQR: 9.82-30.85). The serum 25(OH)Vit D concentration was significantly lower in autumn (median: 15.83ng/mL and IQR: 8.67-54.68) than in spring (median: 18.02ng/mL and IQR: 13.77-27.54) and was also lower in Turkmen horses (median: 15.83ng/mL and IQR: 11.63-23.12) than in mixed breed horses (median: 17.72ng/mL and IQR: 8.94-51.67) (p≤0.05). According to the results of the present study, the season had a significant effect on the serum 25(OH)Vit D concentration, and this difference was also observed between Turkmen horses and mixed-bred horses (p≤0.05). It is unclear whether the time of sun exposure or vitamin D content of diet causes the seasonal difference of 25(OH)Vit D concentration.

Assessing of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Sunlight Exposure of Infants among Mothers Attending in Nigest Elleni Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Hossana Town Ethiopia 2023

Background: Sun exposure has the most important benefit: it increases the amount of vitamin D absorbed into your body, also sunlight exposure is the main source of vitamin D. Daily exposure to sunlight remains the cheapest, safest, and most effective method for preventing vitamin-D-related diseases. Objective: To Assessing of knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Sunlight Exposure of Infants among Mothers Attending in Nigest Elleni Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Hosanna Town Ethiopia 2023. Method: Institutional base cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of infants visiting NEMMCSH from November1-December30/2023.to select the study participant systematic random sampling was applied. Data were entered and analysed by using SPSS version 24. Result: A total of 252 study participants were served with a response rate of 100% of these 107 (42.4%) of them aged between 25-29yrs, 171(67. 9%) of the mothers could read and write, similarly 196 (77. 9%) of their husbands could also read and write. The majority of the respondents 238 (94.4%) knew about sunlight exposure of their infants. Among 252 respondents 232 (92.1%) of them knew of morning is a good time to expose to sunlight. Almost all (99.6%) of mothers had a positive attitude towards sunlight exposure. Of the total respondents (90.1%) of mothers believed that sunlight exposure helps to prevent rickets in infants. Most of the respondents 227(90.07%) exposed directly or indirectly of their infants to sunlight. 165 respondents started to expose their child to sunlight between 16 -30 days and more than half of participants (70%) exposed their Children to sunlight Conclusion: According to our study, the majority of the respondents (95%) had good knowledge about sunlight exposure of their infants and 98% of respondents had good attitudes. On the other hand, 29.7 % of mothers disagree about the benefit of sunlight exposure to their infant, from these, 49.2% of mothers believe sunlight exposure to infants can cause evil eye.

Malignant Melanoma: Vitamin D Status as a Risk and Prognostic Factor - Meta-analyses and Systematic Review.

Solar ultraviolet radiation represents the most important environmental risk factor for skin cancer. However, vitamin D synthesis from sun exposure has been reported to exert anti-carcinogenic effects on melanocytes in vitro. This justifies the ongoing debate whether vitamin D status can be considered a risk and prognostic for primary cutaneous malignant melanoma. The aim of this study was to assess the relevance of the vitamin D status for melanoma risk and prognosis. A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted using Medline (via PubMed) and ISI (Web of Science). Nine meta-analyses were conducted to assess the association between vitamin D status and melanoma risk, as well as prognosis (Breslow thickness, mitotic rate, tumor stage, and ulceration status). Patients with melanoma had significantly lower mean 25(OH)D levels compared to healthy controls, and there was a non-significant trend toward an increased melanoma risk in patients with vitamin D deficiency (≤20 vs. >20 ng/ml). Subgroup analyses of Southern European studies showed significant results. Low serum levels were significantly associated with greater Breslow thickness, the presence of mitoses, and ulcerated primary tumors, but not with higher tumor stage. We observed significantly increased risks for thicker tumors, mitotic tumors, and higher tumor stages in vitamin D-deficient patients. This study demonstrates an association between low vitamin D status and both increased melanoma risk and worsened prognosis, further contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting the tumor-protective role of vitamin D.

Weather and Marine Aquaculture Workers’ Safety in Atlantic Canada

ABSTRACT Objective Marine aquaculture workers are at high risk of injury and fatalities. Understanding the role of weather in occupational safety and health (OSH) in marine aquaculture is important for work design, planning, and for safety management and hazard reduction, but there is limited research on this subject. Methods Using findings from a review of research and grey literature and from key informant interviews and roundtable discussions in Atlantic Canada, this paper explores the impact of weather-driven hazards on marine aquaculture in Northern and temperate regions, along with the strategies employed to mitigate these impacts. Results Findings indicate primary concerns for aquaculture OSH include sun and cold exposures; working on and under surface ice; strong winds; waves; current; reduced visibility; and ice build-up. Conclusions Key changes that could help reduce weather-related injury risk include improved forecasting capacity; improved reporting of weather conditions at the time of an incident in administrative injury and fatality data; incorporation of weather-related OSH hazards and risks in industry risk assessments; mechanization, including increased use of remote operation technologies on farm sites; and improved infrastructure standards and design.

Dermal Exposure to Agrochemicals as Risk Factor for Skin Cancer in Farmers and Ranchers in the US Central States.

Farm operators are at a high risk of developing skin cancer due to their occupational sun exposure. With the growing incidence of skin cancer, it is also important to evaluate other occupational risk factors. Farm operators confront numerous physical, chemical, and biological hazards in their work environment. This study investigated whether dermal exposures to pesticides/fertilizers, animals/livestock, detergents/disinfectants, and fuels/solvents/paints were associated with the risk of skin cancer in farm and ranch operators. Surveillance data from the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) Farm and Ranch Health and Safety Surveys in 2018 and 2020 were used to explore the risk of skin cancer in farm operators in seven US central states. Farm production variables from the DTN Farm Market database were merged with survey responses. The associations of skin cancer and exposure variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression modeling. The prevalence of skin cancer was 10% among 7943 operators. Univariable analyses showed that men had 1.62 times higher odds of skin cancer compared to women. The odds of skin cancer increased significantly with age. Livestock, fed cattle, cow-calf, and beef production increased the odds of skin cancer. Exposure to pesticides/fertilizers and fuels/solvents/paints also increased the odds of skin cancer compared to unexposed operators. In the final multivariable model, the associations of skin exposure to pesticides/fertilizers (odds ratio (OR) = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.08-1.56) and to fuels/solvents/paints (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.45) remained statistically significant after adjusting for sex, age, and state. Having livestock also increased the odds of skin cancer (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.00-1.38). Skin is a critical source of occupational exposures among farm operators. Increased odds of skin cancer in this study emphasizes the need for better protection against exposures to chemicals including pesticides/fertilizers, and fuels/solvents/paints.

A Case of Lime-Induced Phytophotodermatitis

Phytophotodermatitis is a phototoxic reaction caused by combined skin exposure to photosensitizing plants and ultraviolet radiation. Despite being rare, its incidence has increased. We describe a lime-induced phytophotodermatitis case.A 6-year-old girl presented with a 5-day history of brownish linear plaques on the skin. After careful history taking, it was found the child had been cooking a lime pie and got posterior sun exposure. Her brother had similar lesions. Both family members’ lesions healed after a month.Lime-induced phytophotodermatitis is still weakly recognized. Its bizarre configurations and the agents’ ubiquity can lead to misdiagnosis of child abuse. Exhaustive history and physical examination are crucial. It is required to raise awareness of this disease, so physicians can be prepared to identify it, to ensure the safety of the patients and to tranquilize the family.

Demographic and clinical features of rosacea in North Jordan: a 10-year university hospital retrospective study

Background/Objectives This study aims to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of rosacea within the North Jordan population, focusing on Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV. The intent is to address gaps in dermatological research concerning ethnic and racial variations in rosacea’s presentation and impact. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis at the dermatology department of King Abdullah University Hospital, North Jordan, reviewing medical records of patients diagnosed with rosacea from January 2013 to December 2023. Data collection focused on demographics, rosacea subtypes and environmental factors exacerbating the condition. Statistical analysis utilized Jamovi and GraphPad Prism software. Results The study included 610 patients, revealing a rosacea prevalence of 1.5% within the hospital’s catchment area. Most patients were female (84.4%), with a median age of 44. The majority had Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV. The erythematotelangiectatic subtype was most common (73.6%), followed by papulopustular (23.4%) and phymatous (3%). Environmental triggers like sun exposure and temperature changes were nearly universally reported as exacerbating factors. Conclusions Rosacea shows significant gender disparities and is influenced by environmental factors. The study underscores the need for targeted research and treatment strategies that consider ethnic and racial variations, along with gender-specific presentations of the disease.

Pengaruh Brand Image, Promosi Media Sosial dan Electronic Word of Mouth (E-Wom) Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Produk Ceramella Sunscreen The Originote Pada Pengguna Tokopedia

The beauty world is currently an industry that is in great demand by young and adult populations, so many companies can produce domestic beauty brands that can compete with foreign brands. Using skin care products is one of Indonesian women's most popular trends. Products that assist keep skin healthy and shield it from too much sun exposure are known as skin care products. The Originote brand, Ceramella Sunscreen the Originote, is one of the brands that is presently in competitionThis study sought to ascertain whether Tokopedia users' purchases of Ceramella Sunscreen The Originote products were influenced by brand image, social media advertising, and electronic word-of-mouth. This study takes a descriptive and exploratory approach while using a quantitative research methodology. The study's population consisted of all 138,800 Originote brand followers on the Tokopedia marketplace. One hundred respondents made up the sample, and a Google Form with a Likert scale was utilized to collect the data. The study's findings show that while the t-test and electronic word-of-mouth do not significantly influence consumers' decisions to buy Ceramella Sunscreen The Originote products, the brand image and social media promotion of these products have a positive and significant partial impact. Brand image, social media advertising, and electronic word-of-mouth all significantly influence purchasing decisions, either simultaneously or through the f test.

Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) Extract as a Potential Anti-Photoaging Agent: A Literature Review

Tropical countries worldwide are frequently subjected to high levels of sunlight year-round. This leads to concerns about potential harmful effects, including skin damage resulting from oxidative stress caused by free radicals due to prolonged sun exposure. This results in extrinsic skin aging, or photoaging. Sunscreen, as a primary photoprotection, is commonly recommended to protect the skin from sunlight. However, even sunscreens with high SPF cannot provide 100% protection from damage caused by free radicals generated by UV rays. Therefore, secondary photoprotection such as natural antioxidants are needed. Goji berry is a natural antioxidant known as a superfruit because it contains many compounds with high antioxidant activity, such as lycium barbarum polysaccharides, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenols. The antioxidant compounds in goji berries can act as scavengers or neutralize excess free radicals on the skin, and they can also stimulate the production of endogenous antioxidants in the skin to prevent oxidative damage caused by sunlight. This literature review utilized electronic databases on Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink using the keyword "Goji Berry”, “Lycium barbarum”, “Photoaging”, “Skin Aging” and “Photoprotection”. We found six studies on the treatment using goji berry extract related to skin aging caused by UV radiation (photoaging). In conclusion, the studies suggest that goji berry extract has great potential as an antioxidant in combating photoaging. Further research is needed to determine the best method of administration and the optimal dosage as an anti-photoaging agent.

The Importance of Early Detection and Prevention of Atypical Skin Lesions and Other Melanoma Risk Factors in a Younger Population.

Skin cancer is becoming increasingly common due to increasing risk factors such as excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation, genetic predisposition, fair skin, and a history of sunburn. Melanoma accounts for only 1% of cases but causes most skin cancer deaths. Dysplastic nevi (DN) are important precursors of melanoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of these risk factors on the incidence and stage of skin cancer. The study included 591 patients aged 18 to 64 who visited the Department of Dermatology and Venereology in 2022-2023 for skin examinations. Each patient completed a questionnaire regarding the risk factors for melanoma and atypical melanocytic nevi and then underwent a dermatoscopic examination of the whole body using a digital videodermatoscope. Dermatoscopic examination revealed a lesion suggestive of melanoma in 1.69% of the patients. Risk factors for developing melanoma included male gender, family history of melanoma, number of skin moles, sunburn in childhood, sun-dependent hobby, using a tanning bed, using low sun protection factor (SPF) cream, not avoiding sun exposure, and co-occurrence of actinic keratosis. Risk factors for melanoma and dysplastic nevi are still common among patients, but the situation has been improving over the years. Early intervention and education on sun safety can play pivotal roles in reducing the incidence of atypical moles and potentially preventing malignant transformations.

Un caso di orticaria solare in un'isola del Mediterraneo

Solar urticaria is a rare type of cronic inducible physical urticaria, characterized by the promtly (within 1-3 minutes) appearance of erythematous, strongly itchy wheals, following exposure to sunlight. The pathogenesis are unclear but it is hypothesized that IgE activation and mast cell degranulation are triggered by an endogenous cromophore mo- dified after sun exposure. The diagnosis is clinical, to be correlated with exposure to sunlight. The treatment could be a difficult challenge: behavioral strategies includes sun exposure avoidance, broad-spectrum sunscreens and dark clothing photoprotection, and pharmacological first line is represented by second-generation antihistamines, but they may not be sufficient, compromising lifestyle of child and his family. Sometimes there is spontaneous regression of the symptoms. So, omalizumab is used in refractary cases, but this treatment is currently reserved for the population aged 12 years or older.

The Interplay Between Vitamin D Deficiency, Iron Status, and Anemia Risk in Moroccan Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background: Vitamin D and iron deficiencies are prevalent among Moroccan women of reproductive age (WRA). Research suggests that Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) may impair iron bioavailability, potentially leading to iron deficiency (ID) and anemia. Objectives: This study investigates associations between vitamin D status, iron levels, and anemia risk in WRA, aged 18-49, from Meknes, Morocco. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 463 participants, measuring serum 25(OH)D, blood count parameters, iron, ferritin, C-reactive protein, and creatinine. Lifestyle factors, including dietary intake, sun exposure, and physical activity, were assessed through validated questionnaires, and anthropometric data were collected. Linear and logistic regression models analyzed associations, while ROC analysis evaluated VDD's predictive accuracy for ID and anemia. Results: VDD (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was significantly associated with reduced hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, and ferritin (all p < 0.01), indicating vitamin D's role in erythropoiesis and iron storage. Multivariate logistic regression showed that VDD increased the risk of anemia (OR: 7.17, 95% CI: 3.19-19.28, p < 0.001), ID (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.32-3.77, p = 0.007), and IDA (OR: 4.10, 95% CI: 1.73-12.08, p = 0.004). Dietary iron intake was inadequate, showing minimal protective effects against anemia and ID (β(SE): -0.08(0.03), p = 0.030 and β(SE): -0.05(0.02), p = 0.037). Conclusions: VDD is a significant risk factor for impaired iron status and anemia in Moroccan WRA, highlighting the need for targeted nutritional interventions and further research.

Systematic proteome-wide Mendelian randomization to prioritize causal plasma proteins for skin cancers

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Some risk factors including sun exposure and MC1R variants are recognized; however, the identification of additional genetic factors is essential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we conducted a proteome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) using plasma protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) from a published study and the UK Biobank genome-wide association study (GWAS) of skin cancers. We replicated the published result of ASIP, which was significantly associated with increased risks of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and malignant melanoma. Moreover, we newly identified CTSS, which was significantly associated with a decreased risk of BCC. A series of replication analyses using the DeCODE pQTLs and the FinnGen GWAS, and sensitivity analyses including Steiger filtering, reverse MR, and Bayesian colocalization, supported our primary results. Our findings highlighted the possibility of prioritizing proteins for novel therapeutic or preventive targets and biomarkers for skin cancers.

Vitamin D Status in Roma Mothers and Newborns: Socioeconomic Factors and Impact on Neonatal Outcome.

The Roma are a socioeconomically disadvantaged, marginalized community with reduced access to education, social services, and healthcare. Despite the known health risks they are exposed to, we have limited data about a wide range of health outcomes in this population, including vitamin D deficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its impact on the anthropometric outcomes of newborns in a group of Roma mothers and their infants in Romania. In total, 131 Roma women and 131 newborns were included in the study. Vitamin D levels in both mothers and newborns, as well as the birth weight, length, and head circumference of newborns, were recorded at birth. We also assessed socioeconomic factors, including education, employment status, income, and living conditions, as well as factors that influence vitamin D status, including sun exposure, use of sunscreen, fish consumption, and skin type. All mothers and almost all newborns had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, with 25-hydroxivitamin D levels below 30 ng/mL. Maternal vitamin D status was significantly correlated with neonatal vitamin D levels (p < 0.01) but not with anthropometric outcomes such as birth weight (p = 0.57), birth length (p = 0.53), or head circumference (p = 0.96). Most study participants had a low socioeconomic status, reporting severe deficiencies in education, employment status, household income, and living conditions. Vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health issue among Roma women and their newborns, which may be compounded by the socioeconomic challenges of this vulnerable population.

Deep FS: A Deep Learning Approach for Surface Solar Radiation.

Contemporary environmental challenges are increasingly significant. The primary cause is the drastic changes in climates. The prediction of solar radiation is a crucial aspect of solar energy applications and meteorological forecasting. The amount of solar radiation reaching Earth's surface (Global Horizontal Irradiance, GHI) varies with atmospheric conditions, geographical location, and temporal factors. This paper presents a novel methodology for estimating surface sun exposure using advanced deep learning techniques. The proposed method is tested and validated using the data obtained from NASA's Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Centre (GES DISC) named the SORCE (Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment) dataset. For analyzing and predicting accurate data, features are extracted using a deep learning method, Deep-FS. The method extracted and provided the selected features that are most appropriate for predicting the surface exposure. Time series analysis was conducted using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), with results demonstrating superior performance compared to traditional methodologies across standard performance metrics. The proposed Deep-FS model is validated and compared with the traditional approaches and models through the standard performance metrics. The experimental results concluded that the proposed model outperforms the traditional models.