Sunlight Protection Research Articles

Structuring patterns of the epilithic algal matrix cryptofauna in a tropical oceanic reef

Reef systems are one of the most biodiverse and complex marine ecosystems. Invertebrate cryptic epifaunal communities (i.e, cryptofauna) associated with the epilithic algal matrix make up a large part of the reef biodiversity and play a critical role in their food webs. Yet, few studies have investigated the composition and abundance of the cryptofauna associated with EAM and the major drivers influencing patterns of community structure. Algae biomass, rates of predation, depth, and trapped particles (detritus and sediment) are among the main drivers of cryptofauna composition changes. In the South Western Atlantic, the epilithic algal matrix composes up to 70% of the benthic cover both in tropical (biogenic) and subtropical (non-biogenic) reefs, but information about the associated cryptofauna is limited. We sampled the epilithic algal matrix (EAM) of two sites in an equatorial Brazilian oceanic island, at three depth strata. In total, 106 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 14 taxa were recorded (Foraminifera, Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Polyplacophora, Amphipoda, Tanaidacea, Cumacea, Ostracoda, Decapoda, Polychaeta, Cnidaria, Sipuncula, Echinodermata and Chironomidae). Gastropods were the most diverse group (48 OTUs) and second most abundant (n = 1585). Total invertebrate abundance and composition, as well as abundance of each taxa, were influenced by EAM characteristics (algae biomass and coarse particulates) and depth. Foraminifera abundance increased as algae biomass increased, due to the presence of Large Benthic Foraminifera (LBF) which may associate with algae for sunlight protection. Mollusks were mainly represented by the detritivorous Barleeia rubrooperculata. Richness of taxa in EAM observed here was similar to values observed in frondose macroalgae elsewhere despite the low taxonomic resolution applied, indicating its potential as a cryptofauna biodiversity reservoir.

Duration of the Cooling Period and Efficiency of Sunlight Protection

Maintenance of comfortable microclimate in premises is important throughout the year. During the building cooling period, microclimate is maintained by means of air conditioning and sunlight protection systems. Overheating of premises requiring their cooling is caused by growing of average daily ambient temperature above 21 °C and by heating of premises by direct sunlight. Duration of application of microclimate control systems may be calculated using daily or hourly methods. This work proposes the method of determination of building cooling duration during the cooling period based on diurnal ambient air temperature range and the method of determination of sunlight protection efficiency during this period.

Environmental Fate and Toxicity of Sunscreen-Derived Inorganic Ultraviolet Filters in Aquatic Environments: A Review.

An increasing number of inorganic ultraviolet filters (UVFs), such as nanosized zinc oxide (nZnO) and titanium dioxide (nTiO2), are formulated in sunscreens because of their broad UV spectrum sunlight protection and because they limit skin damage. However, sunscreen-derived inorganic UVFs are considered to be emerging contaminants; in particular, nZnO and nTiO2 UVFs have been shown to undergo absorption and bioaccumulation, release metal ions, and generate reactive oxygen species, which cause negative effects on aquatic organisms. We comprehensively reviewed the current study status of the environmental sources, occurrences, behaviors, and impacts of sunscreen-derived inorganic UVFs in aquatic environments. We find that the associated primary nanoparticle characteristics and coating materials significantly affect the environmental behavior and fate of inorganic UVFs. The consequential ecotoxicological risks and underlying mechanisms are discussed at the individual and trophic transfer levels. Due to their persistence and bioaccumulation, more attention and efforts should be redirected to investigating the sources, fate, and trophic transfer of inorganic UVFs in ecosystems.

Use of Analytical Network Process Algorithm in the decision-making process

The aim of this research is to implement a decision support system where the resulting system is in the form of a recommendation for existing outcomes. Conducting research to select sunblock products. Sunblock is one of the lotions that must be used before leaving the house so that the skin can be protected from sunlight and UV rays, UV rays can have a harmful effect on the skin, therefore the skin needs sunlight protection, one of which is by using a sublock, many sunblock products on the market. The aim of this study is therefore to find the best sunblock products based on the consumer experience of sunblock users. The data obtained to complete the study were taken from the results of questionnaires distributed to sunblock users randomly located in the Simalungun district. This study uses the ANP (Analytic Network Process) decision support system, the researcher uses several criteria to complete this study, including: (H) Price, (Jk) Skin Type, (Ef) Side Effects, (Kp) Product Quality, (Ap) The rules of use, (Ktp) Product affordability and alternatives used are: (A1) Nivea, (A2) Vaseline, (A3) Wardah. The results of the study using the ANP method based on a questionnaire distributed to consumers using sunblock showed that the best recommendations for sunblock type recommended by consumers were Nivea (A1) = 7.2, Vaseline (A2) = 5.4 and Wardah (A3) = 5.07.

Lignin-Based Sunscreens—State-of-the-Art, Prospects and Challenges

This review covers the latest developments and challenges in the field of broad-spectrum sunscreens and how sunscreens based on lignin address their requirements in terms of sunlight protection, antioxidants, and preservatives.

Botanicals used for cosmetic purposes by Xhosa women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Despite the rich history of traditional medicine and biodiversity in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, few studies exist with regard to the use on traditional medicinal plants for cosmetic purposes. Thus, this study explored the indigenous knowledge of traditional cosmetic plants used by the Xhosa women of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. An ethnobotanical survey using semi-structured questionnaires was used to document the indigenous knowledge held by Xhosa women of the Eastern Cape Province on herbal cosmetics. Eighty-eight participants were interviewed from October to November 2017, and August 2018 through non-probability convenience and purposive sampling methods. A total of 16 plants belonging to 14 families were recorded as indicated by the 88 Xhosa women aged from 16 to 85 years. Cassipourea flanaganii had the highest frequency of citation while Hypoxis hemerocallidea had the highest use value. Documented plant parts included the bark (25%), bulb (16.67%), fruit (13.54%), seeds (6.25%), leaves (15.63%) and tubers (14.58%). The cosmetic preparations were mostly prepared through maceration, crushing and infusion. These preparations were predominantly applied topically while a few were taken orally. The local cosmetic applications of the plants included uses for changing skin complexion, sunlight protection, treating pimples and body rashes, removing spots, making skin soft, treating sunburns, making skin smooth and maintaining a healthy skin. Skin complexion recorded the highest citation frequency. Medicinal plants still play a major role in the local cosmetics industry of the Xhosa community in the Eastern Cape. As a result, their sustainable utilization should be encouraged. There is also need for more studies to compliment and validate the in vitro and in vivo cosmetic potential of the plant extracts.

Dental caries and vitamin D status in children in Asia.

Dental caries and vitamin D inadequacy are known to affect children worldwide. Vitamin D has a vital role in tooth formation. There is growing evidence linking suboptimal serum vitamin D level with dental caries in children. This paper reviews the literature on both the prevalence of dental caries and of vitamin D deficiency in children in four Asian regions, discusses their associated risk factors, and reviews the global evidence on the association between dental caries and vitamin D in children. Caries prevalence in children ranged from 40% to 97% in Eastern Asia, 38-73.7% in Southern Asia, and 26.5-74.7% in Western Asian countries. Moreover, a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Asian children was identified, even in countries in equatorial regions, ranging from 2.8% to 65.3% in Eastern Asia, 5-66.7% in Southern Asia, 4-45.5% in Western Asia and 38.1-78.7% in Central Asian countries. Obesity, age, female gender, higher latitude, season, darker skin pigmentation, sunlight protection behaviors, less sunlight exposure and low intake of food containing vitamin D were important factors associated with lower serum vitamin D in Asia. Suboptimal vitamin D level in children may be a significant risk factor for dental caries, and requires further research to ascertain such an association in children in Asia, as well as to understand its exact influence on caries risk and development.

Functional triazine ultraviolet absorbers for sunlight protection of polymer materials surface

Most of the polymer coatings are directly exposed to sunlight, leading to serious degradation on their surfaces. Functional triazine ultraviolet absorber (FT-UVA) with surface enrichment property was synthesized. The surface enrichment property of FT-UVA in coating surfaces was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (ATR-IR). Contact angle measurements suggest that the enrichment of FT-UVAs on coating surface yielded a hydrophobic film. The effective protection of FT-UVA for PVC coating was investigated by artificial accelerated aging test. The calculation of dynamic process was conducted to gain insights into the surface enrichment mechanism of FT-UVA in coating.

UV filter entrapment in mesoporous silica hydrogel for skin protection against UVA with minimization of percutaneous absorption

The UVA absorbers such as avobenzone are widely used for sunlight protection; however, they show a significant skin penetration. The aim of the present study was to formulate UVA absorbers into mesoporous silicas (MSs) for enhanced UVA protection with reduced percutaneous absorption. Two MSs prepared with different structure-directing agents (Pluronic P123 as single MS and combined Pluronic P123-Pluronic F68 as hybrid MS) were synthesized in this study. The hybrid MS exhibited higher specific surface area (853 m2/g) than the single MS (764 m2/g). The particle sizes of single MS and hybrid MS were about 1 and 1.5 μm, respectively. The adsorbed avobenzone had greatly decreased crystallinity compared with free avobenzone. The in vitro photoprotection determined by UVA/UVB ratio showed that the MS-loaded avobenzone in hydrogel endowed a synergistic effect on UVA protection compared to the free avobenzone. The skin absorption test using Franz diffusion cell indicated that the skin permeation of avobenzone and oxybenzone from MSs in semisolid preparations was one-third to one-half of those from free control. This effect was observed by using both pig skin and UVA-damaged nude mouse skin as the penetration barriers. Topical application of hybrid MS on nude mouse skin before UVA irradiation had prevented the increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), furrow formation, keratinocyte apoptosis, and neutrophil infiltration. Our findings conclude that MSs containing avobenzone or oxybenzone effectively ameliorated UVA-induced skin disruption and reduced the possible toxicity elicited by percutaneous penetration.

MICROINVASIVE EPIDERMOID CARCINOMA ASSOCIATED WITH CUTANEOUS HORN: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HISTOPATHOLOGIC EXAMINATION

Herein we report the case of a male patient, 51 years old, leucoderma, who presented with an exophytic lesion on the mucosa of transition of the lower lip, consistent with epithelial pathology. Among the main dermatoses, the cutaneous horn is the most common and can hide benign, premalignant, or malignant lesions in its base. The main sites of occurrence are the face and upper limbs, especially areas of the body that are exposed to sunlight. The lesions are mainly diagnosed in patients over 50 years of age, in both genders. The form of treatment indicated is the immediate excisional biopsy, with sufficient and conservative margins because it is an immediate treatment. The definitive diagnosis (confirmed by histopathology) indicated microinvasive epidermoid carcinoma in cutaneous horn base. The patient is under surveillance without clinical signs of recurrence of the lesion. Sunlight protection through the use of sunscreen was incorporated into routine controls performed by the patient.

Thiopurines and Methotrexate Use in IBD Patients in a Biologic Era.

Although we have been living in the era of biologic therapy for several decades, the use of immunomodulators (primarily thiopurines [azathioprine and mercaptopurine] and less so methotrexate) still remains an important component of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pharmaceutical arsenal. Thiopurines as monotherapy exert corticosteroid-sparing effects and can maintain long-term remission in a considerable proportion of patients who have frequent relapses and are or have become mesalazine and/or corticosteroid intolerant or refractory. Withdrawal of thiopurines results in relapse of disease in a significant proportion of patients. Thiopurines enhance the induction effect of anti-TNFα biologics and can reinstate disease remission in patients who lose response to anti-TNF monotherapy. In thiopurine-naïve ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with iv corticosteroid-refractory disease, thiopurines offer an excellent maintenance strategy after cyclosporine rescue therapy. They also prevent the postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease, especially in smokers, and can achieve response or remission in uncomplicated perianal fistulizing disease. Close monitoring of patients with sequential measurements of complete blood count, liver enzymes, serum and fecal biomarkers, and/or thiopurine metabolites is essential to assess efficacy, safety, and adherence to treatment. Adverse reactions are dose dependent or idiosyncratic. Idiosyncratic reactions to azathioprine, except pancreatitis, can be treated by switching to mercaptopurine or 6-thioguanine. Thiopurines increase the relative risk for skin, urinary tract, and lymphoid tissue malignancies but the absolute risk is low. Preventive measures include sunlight protection and annual Pap smears (females). The use of antimetabolite therapy in patients over the age of 65years is generally avoided. Methotrexate has advantages over thiopurines subsequent to its once weekly dosing, faster onset of action, and better safety profile relating to malignancies; however, its parenteral administration, contraindication in pregnancy and lactation, and its misconceptions particularly related to hepatotoxicity have reserved its use as a second-line therapy, i.e., when thiopurines fail. Yet, methotrexate in combination with a tapering dose of corticosteroids is an effective agent for active luminal Crohn's disease. In combination with infliximab is preferred for pediatric patients and adolescent IBD male patients who have not contracted the Epstein-Barr virus. Methotrexate also reduces the immunogenicity of infliximab. Folic acid supplementation and close monitoring with blood tests and renal and liver function tests are essential to prevent toxicity especially in patients with diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic liver fatty disease (NAFLD), malnutrition, and renal function impairment.

B cells are required for sunlight protection of mice from a CNS-targeted autoimmune attack

The ultraviolet (UV) radiation contained in sunlight is a powerful immune suppressant. While exposure to UV is associated with protection from the development of autoimmune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis, the precise mechanism by which UV achieves this protection is not currently well understood. Regulatory B cells play an important role in preventing autoimmunity and activation of B cells is a major way in which UV suppresses adaptive immune responses. Whether UV-protection from autoimmunity is mediated by the activation of regulatory B cells has never been considered before. When C57BL/6 mice were exposed to low, physiologically relevant doses of UV, a unique population of B cells was activated in the skin draining lymph nodes. As determined by flow cytometry, CD1dlowCD5–MHC-IIhiB220hi UV-activated B cells expressed significantly higher levels of CD19, CD21/35, CD25, CD210 and CD268 as well as the co-stimulatory molecules CD80, CD86, CD274 and CD275. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice immunized with MOG/CFA was reduced by exposure to UV. UV significantly inhibited demyelination and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the spinal cord. Consequently, UV-exposed groups showed elevated IL-10 levels in secondary lymphoid organs, delayed EAE onset, reduced peak EAE score and significantly suppressed overall disease incidence and burden. Importantly, protection from EAE could be adoptively transferred using B cells isolated from UV-exposed, but not unirradiated hosts. Indeed, UV-protection from EAE was dependent on UV activation of lymph node B cells because UV could not protect mice from EAE who were pharmacologically depleted of B cells using antibodies. Thus, UV maintenance of a pool of unique regulatory B cells in peripheral lymph nodes appears to be essential to prevent an autoimmune attack on the central nervous system.

The Effects of Purified Artemia Extract Proteins on Proliferation, Differentiation and Apoptosis of Human Leukemic HL-60 Cells

There has been an increment in the number of studies focused on marine bioactive materials. Many peptides and other biomaterials with anticancer potential have been extracted from various marine animals. Artemia extracts have found uses in sun-light protection cosmetics and anti-aging products. However, contents of biochemical compounds in Artemia spp. and molecular mechanisms of have not been clearly studied in leukemic cells in vitro. In this work, we isolated and purified proteins of Artemia Urmiana. Six clear fractions (A-F) observed on DEAE-cellulose chromatography were assayed for effects on cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis using the human leukemic HL-60 cell line. Cell proliferation analysis by MTT and BrdU assays indicated that did not affect cells, growth. Cells treated with crude extract and fractions A, B and C, but not E and F (up to 100 µg/mL), exhibited increase of cell growth in a dose dependent manner. Stimulatory effects of fraction D were observed at concentrations of 10 µg/ml and above. In nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assays, treatment with 100 µg/mL of fraction E or F for 96 hr increased the fraction of differentiated cells up to 14.8 ± 3.56% and 16.5 ± 2.08% respectively. Combination of those fractions with retinoic acid had significant synergistic effects on the differentiation of cells (56.8 ± 3.7% and 67.4 ± 4.2%, p≤0.01). Annexin-V FITC staining for apoptosis and flow cytometric assays indicated induction of apoptosis by fractions E and F up to 23.8 and 31.8% of cells.

The Association of Outdoor Activity and Age-Related Cataract in a Rural Population of Taizhou Eye Study: Phase 1 Report.

PurposeTo study the relationship between outdoor activity and risk of age-related cataract (ARC) in a rural population of Taizhou Eye Study (phrase 1 report).MethodA population-based, cross-sectional study of 2006 eligible rural adults (≥45 years old) from Taizhou Eye Study was conducted from Jul. to Sep. 2012. Participants underwent detailed ophthalmologic examinations including uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp and fundus examinations as well as questionnaires about previous outdoor activity and sunlight protection methods. ARC was recorded by LOCSⅢ classification system. The prevalence of cortical, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract were assessed separately for the risk factors and its association with outdoor activity.ResultsOf all 2006 eligible participants, 883 (44.0%) adults were diagnosed with ARC. The prevalence rates of cortical, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract per person were 41.4%, 30.4% and 1.5%, respectively. Women had a higher tendency of nuclear and cortical cataract than men (OR = 1.559, 95% CI 1.204–2.019 and OR = 1.862, 95% CI 1.456–2.380, respectively). Adults with high myopia had a higher prevalence of nuclear cataract than adults without that (OR = 2.528, 95% CI 1.055–6.062). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that age was risk factor of nuclear (OR = 1.190, 95% CI 1.167–1.213) and cortical (OR = 1.203, 95% CI 1.181–1.226) cataract; eyes with fundus diseases was risk factor of posterior subcapsular cataract (OR = 6.529, 95% CI 2.512–16.970). Outdoor activity was an independent risk factor of cortical cataract (OR = 1.043, 95% CI 1.004–1.083). The risk of cortical cataract increased 4.3% (95% CI 0.4%-8.3%) when outdoor activity time increased every one hour. Furthermore, the risk of cortical cataract increased 1.1% (95% CI 0.1%-2.0%) when cumulative UV-B exposure time increased every one year.ConclusionOutdoor activity was an independent risk factor for cortical cataract, but was not risk factor for nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract. The risk of cortical cataract increased 4.3% when outdoor activity time increased every one hour. In addition, the risk of cortical cataract increased 1.1% (95% CI 0.1%-2.0%) when cumulative UV-B exposure time increased every one year.

Experimental and simulation analysis of daylight glare probability in offices with dynamic window shades

This paper presents an experimental and simulation study to evaluate daylight glare probability (DGP) in office spaces with roller shades. Roller shades can be controlled in various ways and have an openness, transmitting direct and diffuse light even when fully closed. Since DGP combines the overall brightness of the visual field and the perceived contrast of the scene in one metric, the development of glare protection guidelines is complex in this case. Full-scale experiments with an HDR camera in test offices were combined with a validated, integrated daylighting and glare model. Correlations between DGP and design parameters (work plane or vertical illuminance) were developed and the applicability of DGP and DGPs for closed and controlled shades is discussed. The results show that DGPs is not an accurate metric when the sun is within the field of view – even for low openness fabrics – while the DGP equation might need a correction for such cases, due to extreme values of the solar corona's luminance influencing the luminance term. DGP and work plane illuminance are not well correlated, except for the case of perfectly diffuse fabrics. However, for all instances when the sun is not visible by the occupant, DGPs can be used to approximate daylight glare, including cases with sunlight on various surfaces in the space, for any fabric openness and control type. This enables the development of model-based, real-time glare control shading operation, with vertical illuminance being the basic parameter. Simple sunlight protection strategies cannot prevent glare, despite maximizing daylight utilization.

ÚLOHA VEGETAČNÍCH PRVKŮ V SOUDOBÉM ZTVÁRNĚNÍ ARCHITEKTONICKÉHO DÍLA

The creative process during which a vegetation element finds itself in the position of a fundamental part of material design of the building can be found in the field of modern architectural production. Along with other building materials, it has its own task to participate in the composition of architectural space. This represents an authentic approach of the current production where the do­mi­na­ting position of the vegetation material determines the unique character of the final work. In these exis­ting factors of practice, the vegetation material is treated, according to the three branches of purposefulness after Friedrich Schinkel, as fundamental part of structural composition of the architectural work. In considered cases, when the vegetation material is removed, the building loses its functional qualities or basic value of expression. Studied cases have proved the existing application of vegetation motives and their combinations the garden art has worked with for centuries. However, mo­dern architectural production adapts them to fields of application that are completely new. It develops these original sources of inspiration that lead modern architecture to totally inventive and new results. The above-mentioned factors are the subject of this paper the purpose of which is to provide basic determination of real applicability of the green mass in the materials applied in the building construction and give examples of current leading finished examples. On the one hand, ar­chi­tec­tu­ral objects restore, with the application of vegetation elements, natural form of greenery in urban interior on the individual level of human dimension. On the other hand, with their help, when siting a project in open space you can also prevent building of a totalitarian wall in the form of a building mass. Thus contextuality of the executed project is achieved in relation to its surroundings. In the presented architectural initiatives the vegetation element plays the role of a structural element of the building shell, the shading and sunlight protection design, rendering of the components of interior projects, the building roof, or in inspiring transformation of a vegetation motive applied to extend the nature‘s boundary to dead building materials. The fact that frequent application of vegetation material is perceived on an individual level implies that architecture applies this type of creative approach in the building forms in which the biggest possible effect can be achieved. This includes the field of non-manufacturing building forms of housing structures and civic buildings. Thus in modern architecture the extension of the range of application of vegetation elements results in shifting of the limits of their possible and feasible applications and this again leads to the fact that the historic interconnection of co-operation of the building trades and the landscape architecture is stressed even more. Ori­gi­nal treatment and development of the general vegetation motive in the landscape work is definitely clear in any finished projects presented. This implies the search for innovative approach that always shows an original idea of the team of authors in the field of the current creative process.

Lignin and Lignosulfonate-Based Formulations To Protect Pyrethrins against Photodegradation and Volatilization

We evaluate the use of kraft-lignin and lignosulfonate to protect pyrethrins against photodegradation and volatilization. Copolymerization between kraft-lignin and sodium alginate and lignosulfonate spray drying encapsulation were developed as formulation methods, reaching encapsulation efficiency values higher than 77%. DT50 values obtained from photodegradation studies were 115 h for lignin-based formulation and 231 h for lignosulfonate-based formulation, these values being 7 and 14 times higher than that obtained for pyrethrum extract, respectively. These results showed that formulations based on lignin-derivates provided extended simulated sunlight protection, that prepared with lignosulfonate being the most photostable formulation. Volatilization experiments showed the potential of the prepared formulations in protecting pyrethrins against evaporation, thus improving their stability. The enhanced photoprotection of pyrethrins using ionotropic gelation and spray drying, as encapsulation techniques, could facilitate the application of this botanical insecticide as far as outdoors uses, such as agronomic practices.

Ultrastructural features of skin pigmentation in the lizardHeloderma suspectumwith emphasis on xanto-melanophores

The morphological origin of the dark and pink-orange areas in the skin of the venomous lizard Heloderma suspectum is not known. Histology and electron microscopy show that dark-grey areas of the skin derived from dermal chromatophores localized in specific areas present underneath the epidermis. A dynamic chromatophoric unit in the dermis is absent. In the darkest areas of the skin, the accumulation of melanosomes in cells of the beta-layer contributes to increase the black intensity. In the orange-pink areas, the superficial dermis contains xantophores storing numerous carotenoid vesicles, rare or absent lamellated pterinosomes and a variable number of melanosomes. These xanto-melanophores predominate over the remaining chromatophores and form a continuous stratum underneath the epidermis. Beneath this lipoid-rich stratum, iridophores are infrequent and do not form a continuous layer in the dermis. In the paler areas of the skin, melanophores are sparse in both superficial and deeper part of the dermis where irregularly oriented bundles of collagen fibrils are present. The prevalent xanto-melanophores localized in the pink-orange areas of the skin contribute to an effective sunlight protection in desert conditions in addition to the darker regions occupied by melanophores.

Micronutrient supplementation in parenteral nutrition in Spanish hospitals

Several years ago, it was recommended not to add vitamins or oligoelements to parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions and to administer them immediately after the addition of the micronutrients to avoid their decay. Nowadays, it has been observed that with multilayer bags, ternary mixtures and sunlight protection vitamins degradation is minimal. Daily intake of micronutrients is necessary in the critically ill, malnourished or long-term PN patients. Aiming at knowing the schedules of use of micronutrients in PN in Spanish hospitals and the way PN bags are prepared regarding the factors conditioning their stability, we undertook a telephone survey to the pharmacists in charge of PN at the different hospitals. We compared the data obtained with those from other surveys performed in 2001 and 2003. Pharmacists from 97 hospitals answered the questionnaire (answer rate 88%). The hospital sizes ranged 104-1728 beds. As compared to the data form preceding years, we observed a better adequacy to the current recommendations, although there are still 30% of the hospitals that administer micronutrients on an every other day basis independent of the clinical situation of the patients. In most of the hospitals, multilayer bags are used and/or sunlight protection and ternary mixtures. According to these results showing the different criteria for administering vitamins and oligoelements in PN solutions, it seems necessary to elaborate consensus documents that adapt to the reality of the diverse practices besides promoting the performance of well-designed clinical studies establishing the requirements under special clinical situations.

Effects of shade on physiological changes, oxidative stress, and total antioxidant power in Thai Brahman cattle

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of artificial shade, tree shade, and no shade on physiological changes, oxidative stress, and total antioxidant power in Thai Brahman cattle. Twenty-one cattle were divided into three groups: cattle maintained under artificial shade, under tree shade, and without shade. On days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the experimental period, after the cattle were set in individual stalls for 2h, physiological changes, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total antioxidant power were investigated. The results revealed that the respiratory rate, heart rate, sweat rate and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio of the no-shade cattle were significantly higher than those of cattle maintained under artificial shade and tree shade (P < 0.05). During the early period of heat exposure, the total antioxidant power of the no-shade cattle was lower than those of cattle maintained under artificial shade and tree shade, but the total antioxidant power of cattle maintained under artificial shade and tree shade were not different (P > 0.05). However, rectal temperature and packed cell volume of the cattle in all groups did not differ (P > 0.05). These results showed that artificial shade and tree shade can protect cattle from sunlight compared to no shade, and that the effectiveness of tree shade for sunlight protection is at an intermediate level.