Sun Exposure Time Research Articles

Ultraviolet Measurements and Photoclimatotherapy for Psoriasis at the Dead Sea: 25 Years of Experience.

Background: The Dead Sea basin is the lowest terrestrial site on the globe and is internationally recognized as a photoclimatotherapy center. Since the last century, questions were raised regarding a possible presence of unique incident ultraviolet irradiation, allowing the successful treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and other dermatological diseases. Aim: This research study aims to determine the characteristics of solar ultraviolet irradiation and to understand the mechanism of action of photoclimatotherapy while applying results to clinical protocols of treatments. Methods: A meteorological station was established at the Dead Sea basin to continuously measure global, UVB and UVA irradiation. The same irradiation parameters are also monitored continuously by a set of identical ultraviolet irradiation instruments installed on the campus of the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beer Sheva. Results: This study details the results of these long-term measurements, as well as their correlation with the success obtained by clinicians treating psoriasis patients. Conclusions: A database of more than 25 years has enabled medical staff to establish tailor-made protocols for sun-exposure time intervals as a function of particular month and hour of day. The availability of such information significantly improved the results of photoclimatotherapy for psoriasis and simultaneously increased the safety of sun exposure at the Dead Sea.

Epidemiology and Determinants of Vitamin D Deficiency in Eastern Nepal: A Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the eastern part of Nepal and identify the sociodemographic factors associated with it. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 324 participants between the ages 18 and 65 years from the Sunsari and Morang districts of Nepal. A semi-structured questionnaire helped obtain sociodemographic data followed by anthropometric measurements and blood sampling. 25(OH)D level was measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) via a fully automated Maglumi 1000 analyzer (SNIBE Co., Ltd., China). Serum 25(OH)D was classified as deficient, insufficient, and sufficient (<20 ng/ml, 20–29 ng/ml, and 30–100 ng/ml, respectively). The chi-square test was used to analyze the sociodemographic variables followed by a post hoc analysis. Significant variables were subjected to multivariate logistic regression. Result 181(55.9%) of the study population had vitamin D deficiency. There was significant association between vitamin D status and time of maximum sun exposure (chi square test = 11.1, p = 0.02), duration of sun exposure (chi-square test = 15.1, p = 0.004), type of meat intake (Fisher's exact test is 16.4, p = 0.01), frequency of fish intake (Fisher's exact test is 19.3, p = 0.001), and frequency of dairy intake (chi-square test=11.2, p = 0.02). In multivariate regression, consumption of dairy products ≥3/week had lower OR (95% CI) (0.3(0.1–0.8) p : 0.02) and weekly fish consumption had lower OR (95% CI) (0.06(0.008–0.6) p : 0.01) for vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was relatively high in eastern Nepal. This highlights the need to create public awareness regarding the importance of bare skin sun exposure, nutritional sources of vitamin D, and the need to implement food fortification policies by the government.

Relationship Between Vitamin D Level and Preterm Labor in Pregnant Women in Zahedan, Iran

Background: Preterm labor (PL) is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Different factors can result in preterm labor, including maternal vitamin D. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the level of vitamin D in pregnant women with PL. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 156 pregnant women (52 cases with PL and 104 controls without PL) in Ali Ibn Abitaleb Hospital, Zahedan, Iran, in 2018. Results: The age was 30.92 ± 5.21 and 29.39 ± 4.86 years in the case and control groups, respectively. There were no significant (P-value &gt; 0.05) differences between the two groups in baseline variables. Vitamin D supplement consumption (P-value = 0.128), sun exposure time (P-value = 0.304), history of admission in pregnancy (P-value = 0.608), and history of vaginal infection (P-value = 0.100) were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean vitamin D level was 30.88 and 31.93 ng/mL in pregnant women with and without PL, respectively, with no significant difference (P-value = 0.591). The mean babies' weight was significantly (P-value &gt; 0.001) higher in the control group than in PL women (3338.75 ± 466.16 vs. 2655.76 ± 393.36 g). Conclusions: Although this study showed no association between vitamin D levels and PL, abnormal vitamin D levels might be related to PL in pregnant women with other comorbidities or risk factors.

Factors associated with vitamin D deficiency among patients with musculoskeletal disorders seeking physiotherapy intervention: a hospital-based observational study

BackgroundA considerable number of studies have suggested that there is a strong correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D or vitamin D levels and overall health, with reported impacts ranging from mental health and vital organ health to musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and identify its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) currently seeking medical attention.MethodsA total of 143 patients with MSDs were randomly selected for blood sample collection to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to compute the adjusted odds ratio.ResultsOverall, 53.1% of patients had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent among patients with higher body mass index, a bachelor’s degree, lower sun exposure time, and lower serum calcium levels and those living in an urban setting. The multiple logistic regression model suggested that the duration of weekly sun exposure and living location were the independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency.ConclusionIt is recommended for patients with MSDs to participate in routine physical exercise, consume calcium- and vitamin D-enriched foods, and have regular sun exposure for minimizing the risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Epidemiological survey of self-reported food allergy among university students in China.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported food allergy among university students in China.A cluster-random sampling population-based cross-sectional study using self - administrated questionnaire was conducted with 2538 college students recruited from 6 universities in China. The questionnaire included data on age, sex, weight, height, FA, comorbid allergic diseases, family history, and understanding food allergy. Data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0 statistical software. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors related to self-reported food allergy and estimate the odds ratio.A total of 2538 questionnaires were distributed to the undergraduate students and 2313 completely effective questionnaires were collected, the effective response rate was 91.1%. 834 males and 1479 females were recruited, and their age ranged from 18 to 25 years old. The prevalence of self-reported food allergy was 15.7%, and the rate of doctor-diagnosed food allergy was 8.4%. The leading food allergens included shrimp, shellfish, milk, egg, peach, mango, beef, and peanut, and the prevalence of shrimp allergy was the highest (5.8%). The main clinical manifestation included skin mucous membrane and respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of food allergy were statistically significant difference (P < .05) between different age groups, family history, sun exposure times, smoking, and antibiotic use. Over 45% college students know little about food allergy.The prevalence of self-reported food allergy among Chinese college students was high (15.7%). Shrimp was the main allergenic food, followed by shellfish, milk, egg, peach, and mango. Family history, sun exposure, obesity, and using antibiotics may be the influencing factors of food allergy. The Chinese undergraduates lacked the knowledge about food allergy. Thus, it is necessary to strengthen the health education program on food allergy for college students in China and other middle high-income nations.

Innovative digital solution supporting sun protection and vitamin D synthesis by using satellite-based monitoring of solar radiation.

Public health campaigns advise minimising UV radiation (UVR)exposure to prevent skin cancer and precancer,e.g. actinic keratosis (AK). A 3-day clinical field study, in Brazil, was performed to evaluate the mobile app Sun4Health® by siHealth Ltd. The app performs real-time monitoring of both erythemal and vitamin D-effective solar radiation doses using satellite data, enabling personalised recommendations on optimal sun exposure time and sunscreen use. When coupled to a wearable device, the app also provides body-site specific recommendations ("3D" version). 59 healthy volunteers were randomised into 3 groups, each given a different app providing: (1) ultraviolet indexonly (control app), (2) personalised recommendations and sun overexposure alerts (Sun4Health® app), (3) as (2) but connected via Bluetooth to a wearable device to monitor sun exposure in 3D (Sun4Health®-3D app). Participants were offered sunscreens (SPF 30 and 50) to use at their discretion. Erythema, quantified by reflectance spectroscopy, was assessed daily in the mornings and evenings on six body sites. Serum vitamin D (25(OH)D3) was measured before and after the study. Mean increase of erythema (Mexameter® units ± SD) of all exposed body sites combined over 3days showed 55.76 ± 47.47 for group 1, 40.27 ± 37.91 for group 2 and 37.12 ± 30.69 for group 3 (p < 0.05 for all groups). Mean increase of serum 25(OH)D3 (nmol/l ± SD) showed 1.32 ± 36.49 for group 1, 6.38 ± 21.19 for group 2 and 18.68 ± 35.45 for group 3 (p > 0.05 for all groups). The results show that the Sun4Health® app is safe to use and can modify behaviour to reduce skin erythema (sunburn) yet not decreasing vitamin D status.

Hydrochlorothiazide use, sun exposure, and risk of keratinocyte cancer

BackgroundKeratinocyte cancer (KC) rates are increasing in the U.S., particularly in older age groups. Use of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), due to its photosensitizing properties, and high sun exposure are two known NMSC risk factors, but their synergistic effects are undetermined. The purpose of this study was to examine the development of NMSC between adults who did and did not use HCTZ, as well as those with high and low sun exposure.MethodsA retrospective case–control sample was assembled from adult patients in north-central Wisconsin (USA). Duration of HCTZ use and occupational sun exposure were extracted from electronic health records, along with a linked survey of lifetime sun exposure.ResultsThere were 333 cases and 666 controls in the analytical sample. A significant main effect was observed for HCTZ duration in the full sample. Under low sun exposure, the odds of NMSC was 14% greater for each additional year of HCTZ use (aOR = 1.14 [1.11, 1.18], p < 0.001). In a sensitivity analysis of participants age 70 years and over, there was a borderline significant (p = 0.086) HCTZ use by high sun exposure interaction, suggesting modestly increased HCTZ risk in older, high sun exposure adults.ConclusionsConsistent with prior studies, longer duration of HCTZ use was a predictor of NMSC in north-central Wisconsin adults. NMSC may be accelerated in HCTZ users with outdoor lifestyles, but future studies should attempt to further disaggregate specific effects of sun exposure time, HCTZ duration, and age on NMSC development.

Burden of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients of Chronic Liver Disease

Objective: To determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in chronic liver disease patients.&#x0D; Study design: Cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Gastroenterology Department, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi Pakistan, from Jan to Dec 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Patients between the age of 18 to 50 years, of either gender, already diagnosed case of chronic liver diseases for 6 months and had sun exposure of at least 15 minutes twice weekly were included in this study. History was taken after taking informed written consent, the clinical assessment was done, and blood samples were sent for serum vitamin D levels to determine the results.&#x0D; Results: The study included 177 patients with chronic liver disease. One hundred eleven patients (62.7%) were males and 66 patients (37.3%) were females, with the mean age of 45.0 ± 6.306 years. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 100 patients (56.5%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The frequency of vitamin D deficiency was quite high. It increases with age and body mass index and is predominant in the male gender, while no association was noted with sun exposure time.

CORRELATION BETWEEN VITAMIN D LEVELS AND PEDIATRIC ANTHROPOMETRY STATUS IN NEONATES

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Background: Problems of vitamin D deficiency is now starting to become a concern in the world because 1 million people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency and nearly 50% have vitamin D insufficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is more common in neonates which can&#x0D; increase the risk of low birth weight and also effect on baby length, head circumference. Aim: Understanding the correlation between vitamin D levels and anthropometric status in neonates.Method: This study used an observational analytic study with a cross sectional approach. The research sample was neonates at term. The data from questionnaires and direct anthropometric measurements on neonates who came to delivery room and pediatric polyclinic of the Diponegoro National Hospital, Semarang and Dr. Kariadi General Hospital, Semarang. The data normality test used the Saphiro-Wilk test. Correlation test between vitamin D levels and anthropometric status using the Pearson test, and test levels of vitamin D with nutritional status (WHZ, WAZ, HAZ) using the Spearman test.Results: Median (min-max) neonatal vitamin D levels were 12.12 (6.09 - 19.52). There was no significant correlation between vitamin D levels and neonatal age, neonatal anthropometric status, maternal sun exposure and neonatal diet type. This is influenced by several other factors that are consistent with the theory such as neonatal nutrition, genetics, time and length of sun exposure, poor dietary intake.Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between vitamin D levels and weight, body length, height, nutritional status of WHZ, WAZ, HAZ in neonates.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Moderate Sun Exposure Is the Complementor in Insufficient Vitamin D Consumers.

Background and AimsVitamin (Vit) D plays a vital role in human health, and the prevalence of Vit D deficiency worldwide has been a rising concern. This study investigates the serum 25-hydroxy-Vit D [25(OH)D] status in healthy US civilians and identifies how the two main sources, sun exposure and dietary Vit D intake, determine the final 25(OH)D levels in individuals.MethodsA total of 2,360 of participants from The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2014 were analyzed. We divided the levels of sun exposure and dietary Vit D intake of all subjects into 10 strata and gave a score ranging from 1 to 10 points, respectively. Scores 1–5 in sun exposure and dietary intake were considered as relatively low exposure groups, whereas scores 6–10 were considered as relatively high exposure groups. Serum Vit D inadequacy was defined as <50 nmol/L. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between sources of Vit D and serum 25(OH)D levels.ResultsIn relatively low Vit D intake groups (Vit D intake score 1–5), relatively high sun exposure (sun exposure score >5) resulted in higher serum 25(OH)D levels (average 57 nmol/L) compared with relatively low sun exposure (sun exposure score <5) (average 50 nmol/L), whereas this difference became negligible in high intake groups (Vit D intake score 6–10). Moreover, the greatest slope occurred in the low Vit D intake curve (decile 3 of Vit D intake), which shows increased sun exposure time causing the greatest degree of change in serum 25(OH)D level in this group.ConclusionSun exposure can significantly make up for deficiencies in subjects who consume insufficient dietary Vit D. Compared with the extra cost and time for building habits of Vit D supplementation, moderate sun exposure appears to be a simple and costless means for the public to start in daily practice.

Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women and effect of Vitamin D supplementation on maternal and fetal outcomes: A double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in pregnancy has been found to be associated with adverse outcome in various observational studies. Evidence from randomized control trials is necessary to change current recommendations. Aims and Objectives: We conducted randomized controlled trial to assess the effect of Vitamin D supplementation on pregnancy outcome. We also looked for predictors of VDD as universal testing is neither recommended nor available. Materials and Methods: Consecutive pregnant women at 12–16 weeks of gestation were invited to participate in the study. Eligible women were assessed for potential risk factors for VDD (serum concentration &lt;20 ng/dl). Serum 25-OH Vitamin D levels were checked. At 20 weeks gestation, consenting women (n=297) were randomized to receive either 60,000 IU Vitamin D (n=151) orally daily for 5 days or placebo (n=146). Maternal and fetal outcomes were compared between the two groups by intention-to-treat analysis. Results: Out of 304 eligible women, 92% had VDD. Mean Vitamin D concentration was 10.04±6.03 ng/dl. Vitamin D concentration was lower among women living in urban areas (P=0.001) and having lower sun exposure time (P=0.013). Vitamin D levels showed negative correlation with socioeconomic score (ρ=−0.131; P=0.023) and BMI (ρ=−0.112; P=0.05). In placebo group, women with VDD had longer duration of labor than Vitamin D replete ones (P=0.031). No significant difference was observed between two groups with respect to maternal and fetal outcomes. No adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: VDD is highly prevalent among pregnant women. It is associated with significantly longer duration of labor.

Skin aging risk factors: A nationwide population study in Mongolia risk factors of skin aging.

The world population is aging and no country is immune to the consequences. We are not aware of any country-specific skin aging risk factors data for the Mongolian people. Thus, we aimed to study the risk factors associated with skin aging in the Mongolian population. A population-based cross-sectional study of 2720 study participants 18 years of age and older was performed evaluating the severity of skin aging based on cutaneous microtopography. Questionnaire data and skin physiological measurements were obtained. The odds ratios for skin aging grades associated with risk factors were estimated using ordinal logistic regression. Study participant’s mean age was 45 years, ranging from 18 to 87. After adjustment for known risk factors, skin aging was associated with demographic risk factors such as increasing age (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.18–1.20), living in an urban area (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.12–1.55) and lifestyle factors including being a smoker (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.09–1.61), having a higher body mass index (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06) and higher levels of sun exposure time (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.06) were significantly associated with higher skin aging grades. Having dry (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.45–2.59) and combination skin (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.22–2.16) types were also independent risk factors associated with skin aging. Having very low skin surface moisture at the T-zone (aOR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.42–3.11) was significantly related to skin aging. Older age, urban living and toxic working conditions were independent demographic risk factors related to skin aging. Smoking, higher BMI, greater levels of sun exposure were significant lifestyle risk factors. Having a skin type other than normal was a physiologic risk factor for skin aging.

“Let’s Talk about Skin Cancer”: Examining Association between Family Communication about Skin Cancer, Perceived Risk, and Sun Protection Behaviors

Family communication about skin cancer risk may motivate protective behaviors. However, it is unclear how widespread such communication might be. In this study, we describe prevalence and patterns (across environmental, personal, and behavioral factors) of family communication about skin cancer across N = 600 diverse (79% female, 48% Hispanic, 44% non-Hispanic White) primary care patients from Albuquerque, New Mexico, a geographical location with year-round sun exposure. Over half reported discussing general cancer (77%) and skin cancer risks (66%) with their families. The most frequent target of skin cancer risk communication included doctors (54%), followed by friends/coworkers (49%), spouse/partner (43%), other family members (38%), sisters (36%), mothers (36%), daughters (33%), sons (32%), father (24%), and brothers (22%). On average, participants reported having talked to three family members about skin cancer risks. The most frequently discussed content of skin cancer risk communication was the use of sun protection (89%), followed by the personal risk of skin cancer (68%), who had skin cancer in the family (60%), family risk of skin cancer (59%), time of sun exposure (57%), and skin cancer screening (57%). A family or personal history of cancer, higher perceived risk, higher health literacy, being non-Hispanic, having higher education or income, and proactive sun protective behavior were associated with greater family communication about general cancer and skin cancer risks. These study findings have implications for interventions that encourage discussions about skin cancer risk, sun protection, and skin cancer screening that lead to adoption of sun-safe behaviors.

Pterygium Recurrence Rates in the Hispanic Population in the Northeastern United States.

Purpose:To determine the rate and factors affecting pterygium recurrence in the Hispanic population of the Northeastern United States, based on patient demographic information.Methods:In this retrospective cross-sectional study, data were collected on ethnically Hispanic patients from 2013 to 2018 who had primary single-headed pterygia excision and conjunctival autograft, with the minimum of 4-month follow-up time. This study was conducted in an academic institution in the Northeastern United States, with all patients being from the surrounding community.Results:In 168 Hispanic patients with confirmed primary single-headed pterygium, most pterygia occurred nasally (161/168). The average age of presentation was 46.3 ± 12.0 years (range, 23–77 years). There were 22 recurrences (13.1%), occurring at an average of 3.0 ± 1.6 months (1–8 months). This cohort demonstrated a unimodal recurrence distribution. Age is significantly inversely correlated with the incidence of recurrence (r = −0.219, P = 0.004), but not with the size of the recurrent pterygia (r = −0.112, P = 0.621). There was no significant difference between recurrence based on gender (P = 0.265), location (P = 0.824), or laterality (right or left eye) (P = 0.213). Mean corrected visual acuity improved from 20/40 to 20/32 after pterygium excision (P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis for age groups shows the risk of recurrence for patients aged 20–29 is 11.4-time that of patients aged 50 and above (P < 0.001).Conclusions:Recurrence occurred unimodally at around 3 months postoperatively. Younger patients are significantly more susceptible to recurrence. Future studies may seek to determine the incidence of pterygia and their recurrence patterns in relation to occupations and sun exposure time in a geographic area.

Sunburns among beachgoers in the northern coast of Peru: frequency and factors associated.

BackgroundOverexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation has increased skin cancer incidence and the risk of sunburns, especially during the summer months.ObjectiveIdentify the frequency and factors associated with sunburns in a sample of beachgoers in the northern coast of Peru.MethodsWe conducted a secondary data analysis of a previous study that assessed the awareness, behavior and attitudes concerning sun exposure among beachgoers. We included adults between 18 and 59 years who went to a beach in northern Peru during summer (March 2018). Three generalized linear models of the Poisson family were constructed to evaluate the factors associated with having had at least one sunburn last summer. All regression models reported the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) with their respective 95% confidence interval (95% CI).ResultsOf a total of 402 participants, 225 (56.0%) had one to five sunburns and 25 (6.2%) had six or more. Beachgoers who were 1–15 days (aPR: 1.16, 95% CI [1.05–1.27]) or more than 15 days (aPR: 1.22, 95% CI [1.09–1.36]) exposed to the sun on the beach had a higher frequency of at least one sunburn. The non-regular wearing of a hat or cap also increased the frequency of sunburns (aPR: 1.06, 95% CI [1.01–1.12]). In contrast, those who had Skin Phototype III (aPR: 0.94, 95% CI [0.88–0.99]) or IV (aPR: 0.69, 95% CI [0.63–0.75]) had a lower frequency of sunburns.ConclusionThree out of five beachgoers had one or more sunburns in the last summer. The factors associated with a higher frequency were the time of sun exposure at the beach and the non-regular use of a hat or cap. Type III–IV skin phototypes were associated with a lower sunburn frequency.

Birth cohort-specific trends of sun-related behaviors among individuals from an international consortium of melanoma-prone families

BackgroundIndividuals from melanoma-prone families have similar or reduced sun-protective behaviors compared to the general population. Studies on trends in sun-related behaviors have been temporally and geographically limited.MethodsIndividuals from an international consortium of melanoma-prone families (GenoMEL) were retrospectively asked about sunscreen use, sun exposure (time spent outside), sunburns, and sunbed use at several timepoints over their lifetime. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the association between these outcomes and birth cohort defined by decade spans, after adjusting for covariates.ResultsA total of 2407 participants from 547 families across 17 centers were analyzed. Sunscreen use increased across subsequent birth cohorts, and although the likelihood of sunburns increased until the 1950s birth cohort, it decreased thereafter. Average sun exposure did not change across the birth cohorts, and the likelihood of sunbed use increased in more recent birth cohorts. We generally did not find any differences in sun-related behavior when comparing melanoma cases to non-cases. Melanoma cases had increased sunscreen use, decreased sun exposure, and decreased odds of sunburn and sunbed use after melanoma diagnosis compared to before diagnosis.ConclusionsAlthough sunscreen use has increased and the likelihood of sunburns has decreased in more recent birth cohorts, individuals in melanoma-prone families have not reduced their overall sun exposure and had an increased likelihood of sunbed use in more recent birth cohorts. These observations demonstrate partial improvements in melanoma prevention and suggest that additional intervention strategies may be needed to achieve optimal sun-protective behavior in melanoma-prone families.

Sun-related behaviors, attitudes and knowledge among paralympic sailors

BackgroundOverexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Outdoor sports increased sun exposure times. Sun protection behaviors and attitudes are utmost importance to reduce sun exposure. AimsTo evaluate sun exposure habits, sun protection practices, and sun-related attitudes and knowledge among paralympic sailors. MethodsThis descriptive observational study analysed the answers of a validated self-reported questionnaire of habits, attitudes and knowledge related to sun exposure and skin cancer completed by 56 elite sailors with disabilities from 19 countries which taking part in 2019 Para World Sailing Championships. ResultsThree in four (76.8%) participants reported a history of sunburn in the previous season. Overall, participants showed an average for sport practice per week of 8.0 h (SD: 4.9). Participants reported a low adherence to sun protection practice, with the exception of using sunglasses (85.7%), sunscreen (83.9%) and hat (75%), having a very low rate (28.6%) of avoidance of midday sun and an inadequate sunscreen reapplication (33.9% reported “do not reapply” and 16.1% “reapply every one or 2 h”). Although 82.1% of participants reported to be worried about can get skin cancer out of the sun, they also presented excessive sun tanning attitudes (42.9% likes sunbathing and 57.1% sunbathing makes them feel well). The average score for sun-related knowledge was low (62.1 out 100 points; SD: 13.6). ConclusionsAwareness campaigns on sun risk are needed specifically directed at this target group, in order to improve their sun protection habits and reduce the rates of sunburn associated with sports practice.

Sun protection as a protective factor for actinic cheilitis: Cross-sectional population-based study.

To determine whether sun protection is associated with lower occurrence of actinic cheilitis in adults living in a city from southern Brazil. A multi-stage proportional sample of 404 individuals 18years and older was obtained. Interviews and clinical examinations were conducted in participants' households. Four categories of self-reported use of sun protection were determined. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to assess the associations. Prevalence of actinic cheilitis was 47.1%. In the first main-effects multivariable model, AC was significantly associated with sex, age, skin colour and duration of sun exposure, but not with sun protection. However, the association between sun protection and actinic cheilitis was modified by the time of sun exposure. Among those exposed ≥4hr/day to sun, individuals using physical protection or physical+chemical protection were 33% (prevalence ratio=0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-0.94, p=.02) and 36% (PR=0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.94, p=.02), respectively, less likely to have actinic cheilitis than those who did not use any sun protection, adjusting for sex, age and skin colour. Physical and chemical sun protection were associated with lower occurrence of actinic cheilitis in individuals with greater exposure to sun.

Weather prediction system and recommendation of plant varieties as an effort to minimize harvest failure with android-based Backpropagation Artificial Neural Networks

Based on Malang Regency agriculture data in 2017 presented by the Head of the Agriculture and Food Crops and Horticulture Office (DPTPH), there was a 2.5% decrease in yields. One hectare of paddy land can produce 7.71 tons during normal weather, but currently only produces 6.9 tons per hectare. Three farmers’ groups in Malang Regency (2018), are of the opinion that the current weather greatly influences crop failure. Weather prediction used so far using conventional benchmarks for planting, is no longer relevant to current reality. These estimates are often incorrect, resulting in crop failures, which have an impact on the farmer’s economy. This study aims to make the application of weather prediction systems and recommendations for suitable planting varieties based on data on temperature, humidity, time of sun exposure, wind speed, and rainfall using Backpropagation ANN method. Data used for Karangploso District weather prediction from 2009-2018. While the variables used in the application of Backpropagation ANN: temperature, humidity, time of sun exposure, wind speed, and rainfall. For output, the prediction of rainfall in the next 12 months and planting of varieties in accordance with the predicted rainfall, OPT and land type. From the calculation results of this application the MSE error value of 0.0299 is obtained.

PREVALENCE OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY INPRE-DIALYTIC CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CENTRE IN NORTH-EAST INDIA

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency has not only been associated with bone and muscular complications but also with cancer, cardiovascular diseases, infection, maternal and neonatal complications. There are many causes of vitamin D deficiency including socio-demographic factors, the timing of sun exposure, along with drugs, skin, liver, and kidney diseases. India is closer to the equator so is considered to have a lower risk of Vitamin D deficiency but it is not so, with many studies implicating deficiency even in the general population. There are no studies done on the north-eastern Indian population document on vitamin D levels in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. Aim: To study the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in the pre-dialytic chronic kidney disease. Material and Methods:Observational study was done. 120 CKD patients were included in the study and staging was done according to the MDRD formula. Total 25-OH Vitamin D was measured by the Enzyme Immuno Assay method. Results: 43.33% of the patients in the group were found to have vitamin D deficiency and 26.66% of patients had vitamin D insufficiency. There was a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and stages 4 and 5 CKD. There was not any significant correlation between vitamin D levels with age, sex, body mass index, serum calcium, or albumin. Conclusion:High levels of vitamin D deficiency were seen in the CKD patients of the northeast Indian population. There were statistically significant changes in vitamin D levels and stages 4 and 5 of CKD.