Ultraviolet Exposure Research Articles

Development of a Human Recombinant Collagen for Vat Polymerization-Based Bioprinting.

In light-based 3D-bioprinting, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is one of the most widely used materials, as it supports cell attachment, and shows good biocompatibility and degradability in vivo. However, as an animal-derived material, it also causes safety concerns when used in medical applications. Gelatin is a partial hydrolysate of collagen, containing high amounts of hydroxyproline. This causes the material to form a thermally induced gel at ambient temperatures, a behavior also observed in GelMA. This temperature-dependent gelation requires precise temperature control during the bioprinting process to prevent the gelation of the material. To avoid safety concerns associated with animal-derived materials and reduce potential issues caused by thermal gelation, a recombinant human alpha-1 collagen I fragment was expressed in Komagataella phaffii without hydroxylation. The resulting protein was successfully modified with methacryloyl groups and underwent rapid photopolymerization upon ultraviolet light exposure. The developed material exhibited slightly slower polymerization and lower storage modulus compared to GelMA, while it showed higher stretchability. However, unlike the latter, the material did not undergo physical gelation at ambient temperatures, but only when cooled down to below 10°C, a characteristic that has not been described for comparable materials so far. This gelation was not caused by the formation of triple-helical structures, as shown by the absence of the characteristic peak at 220nm in CD spectra. Moreover, the developed recombinant material facilitated cell adherence with high cell viability after crosslinking via light to a 3D structure. Furthermore, desired geometries could be easily printed on a stereolithographic bioprinter.

Two P, Ten P, White P, Red P: Mechanistic Exploration of the Oligomerization of Red Phosphorus from Diphosphorus with the Ab Initio Nanoreactor.

Phosphorus is critical to humans on many fronts, yet we do not have a mechanistic understanding of some of its most basic transformations and reactions─namely the oligomerization of white phosphorus to red. With heat or under ultraviolet (UV) exposure, it has been experimentally demonstrated that white phosphorus dissociates into diphosphorus units which readily form red phosphorus. However, the mechanism of this process is unknown. The ab initio nanoreactor approach was used to explore the potential energy surface of phosphorus clusters. Density functional theory and metadynamics simulations were used to characterize potential reaction pathways. A mechanism for oligomerization is proposed to take place via diphosphorus additions at π-bonds and weak σ-bonds through three membered ring intermediates. Downhill paths through P6 and P8 clusters eventually result in P10 clusters that can oligomerize into red phosphorus chains. The initial, rate limiting step for this process has an energy barrier of 24.2 kcal/mol.

Effects of ultraviolet sterilization exposure on the structural and surface properties of graphite-/polymer-like carbon films

Existing research on the biological responses of amorphous carbon films has not adequately explored the influences of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) sterilization at 253.7 nm before cell culture. Thus, in this study, two types of amorphous carbon films, namely hydrogen-rich graphite-like carbon (GLC) and hydrogen-free polymer-like carbon (PLC) films, were deposited on Si substrates. The influences of different doses of UV sterilization exposure (at 253.7 nm) on the structures and surface properties of the amorphous carbon films were investigated. Spectroscopic ellipsometry and Raman analysis showed that there is no significant change in the optical constants and Raman spectra of GLC and PLC films. The surface properties of the amorphous carbon films, characterized by water contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, indicated that both types of films exhibited hydrophilicity and surface oxidation in response to UV sterilization. However, the effects of UV sterilization on PLC were more notable than those on GLC. Our findings highlight the need for standardization and optimization of UV sterilization conditions for specific films to promote the application of amorphous carbon film coatings in the medical domain.

Metabolic responses of sea anemone and jellyfish to temperature and UV bleaching: Insights into stress adaptation using LCMS-based metabolomics, molecular networking and chemometrics

IntroductionClimate change poses various threats to marine life, particularly in shallow tropical waters. Objective: The impact of increased temperature and ultraviolet (UV) exposure on two photosymbiotic Cnidarians, a common bubble-tip anemone and an upside-down jellyfish, was investigated. MethodsTo illustrate the response of aquatic organisms, the metabolomes of unstressed Entacmaea quadricolor and Cassiopea andromeda were compared for detailed metabolite profiling. UHPLC-MS coupled with chemometrics and GNPS molecular networking was employed for sample classification and identification of markers unique to stress responses in each organism. ResultsSeveral compounds with bioactive functions, including peptides and terpenoids, were reported for the first time in both organisms, viz. cyclic tetraglutamate, campestriene, and ceramide aminoethyl phosphonate (CEAP d18:2/16:0). Both anemone and jellyfish were subjected to either elevated UV-B light intensity up to 6.6 KJ m−2 or increased temperatures (28 °C, 30 °C, 32 °C, and 34 °C) over 4 days. Phospholipids, steroids, and ceramides emerged as chief markers of both types of stress, as revealed by the multivariate data analysis. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC 16:0), LPC (18:0/0:0), and echinoclasterol sulfate appeared as markers in both UV and thermal stress models of the anemone, whereas methyl/propyl cholestane-hexa-ol were discriminatory in the UV stress model only. In the case of jellyfish, nonpolar glycosyl ceramide GlcCer (d14:1/28:6) served as a marker for UV stress, whereas polar peptides were elevated in the thermal stress model. Interestingly, both models of jellyfish share a phospholipid, lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE 20:4), as a distinctive marker for stress, reported to be associated indirectly with the activity of innate immune response within other photosymbiotic Cnidaria such as corals and appears to be a fundamental stress response in marine organisms. ConclusionThis study presents several bioinformatic tools for the first time in two cnidarian organisms to provide not only a broader coverage of their metabolome but also broader insights into cnidarian bleaching in response to different stressors, i.e., heat and UV light, by comparing their effects in anemone versus jellyfish.

Oyster hydrolysate ameliorates UVB-induced skin dehydration and barrier dysfunction

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure triggers skin aging primarily by disrupting skin barrier function, resulting in dry skin and wrinkle formation. Oyster hydrolysate (OH), as a functional food, has been reported for anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. This study investigated the underlying mechanism of OH effect on UVB-induced skin aging in SKH1 hairless mice.Mice were exposed to UVB three times per week while they were fed with a normal diet or diet containing OH for 10 weeks. Additionally, a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed to investigate the OH effect on human skin moisturizing to evaluate its efficacy and safety.UVB exposure increased parameters of skin aging; dehydration, transepidermal water loss, and macroscopic dorsal skin lesions. OH significantly reduced these features of skin aging. Histological analysis demonstrated that OH decreased skin epidermal and dermal thickness and collagen degradation induced by UVB. OH significantly reduced ROS production, suppressed macrophage activation and neutrophil infiltration, and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine production. OH improved skin barrier function by increasing the expression of filaggrin, aquaporin-3, and hyaluronic acid synthesis enzymes and promoting recovery from skin damage. Importantly, the results from a human clinical trial demonstrated that OH improved skin moisturization and integrity with no side effects.Taken together, OH supplementation ameliorates skin damage via anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and enhances skin hydration and barrier function. OH has a therapeutic potential to skin photoaging.

The effects of UV aging process on the structure and properties of high-tenacity poly(ethylene terephthalate) industrial fiber

The high-tenacity poly(ethylene terephthalate) (HT PET) industrial fibers (1100 dtex/ 192f) were fixed in position with a constant fiber length and subjected to accelerated artificial ultraviolet exposure with temperature of 50 °C to assess their degradation mechanism. The structural evolutions were evaluated using a combination of ex-situ wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), ex-situ small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and intrinsic viscosity tests based on the relaxed aged samples after different aging process. The results indicate that the structures and properties evolutions of HT PET industrial fiber under UV aging process can be categorized into three stages. In the pre-aging stage (t ≤ 0.5d), the fiber experiences a slight decline in tenacity and thermal shrinkage properties due to the combined impact of UV radiation and heat treatment. Subsequently, in the mid-aging stage (0.5d < t ≤ 28d), a notable decrease in the fiber's elongation at break is observed, accompanied by visible macroscopic defects arising from photo-oxidative aging on the fiber surface after 16 days of exposure. While the fiber's unit cell and atomic positions remains stable on atomic scale, the lamellar thickness and long period witness a significant reduction owing to high-orientation molecular breakages in the mesophase region. Moreover, rearrangement of molecular chains leads to a reduction in the tilting angle. In the late-aging stage (t > 28d), the degradation rate of mechanical and thermal shrinkage properties of the fiber decelerates, alongside a decline in intrinsic viscosity. These results suggest that the fiber's crystallinity remains unchanged post UV aging, with the deterioration in mechanical properties of HT PET industrial fiber primarily attributed to molecular degradation during UV exposure.

Cholinergic Signaling Mediated by Muscarinic Receptors Triggers the Ultraviolet-Induced Release of Melanosome in Cultured Melanoma Cells.

In skin, melanin is synthesized and stored in melanosomes. In epidermal melanocytes, melanosomes are transported to and internalized by the neighboring keratinocytes, subsequently leading to skin pigmentation. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from keratinocytes, which in turn activates ACh receptors (AChRs) on nearby melanocytes, forming a proposed "skin synapse". Here, we illustrated that the UV-induced melanosome release from cultured B16F10 melanoma cells could be mediated by co-actions of ACh. In the cell cultures, UV exposure robustly elicited melanosome release. Applied bethanechol (BeCh), an agonist of muscarinic AChR (mAChR), could significantly enhance the release. In parallel, the intracellular Ca2+ mobilization was regulated. The applied antagonists of M1 and/or M3 mAChRs could block the UV-induced melanosome release and the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. The phosphorylation of PKC, triggered by UV and BeCh treatments, could be suppressed by the applied mAChR antagonists. The expressions of tethering complex for exocytosis, for example, Sec8, Exo70, and Rab11b, as well as synaptotagmin, were increased under UV exposure together with mAChR agonist: The inductions were fully abolished by M1 or M3 antagonist. Here, we hypothesize that the cholinergic signaling is playing roles in UV-induced exocytosis of melanosomes.

Penentuan Kadar Flavonoid dan Kandungan Fitokimia Ekstrak Kulit Bawang Merah (Allium cepa L) dengan Berbantukan Microwave sebagai Potensi Bahan Aktif Tabir Surya

The skin serves as a protective barrier against dust and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Excessive UV exposure is associated with accelerated skin aging, erythema, hyperpigmentation, and carcinogenesis. This study aimed to quantify flavonoid concentrations and characterize phytochemical constituents in shallot skin extracts for their potential as active ingredients in sunscreen formulations. Shallot skin was subjected to microwave assisted extraction using 70% ethanol as the solvent. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids in the extract. Flavonoid content was determined via UV-Vis spectrophotometry, yielding 36.33 mgQE/g. The high flavonoid concentration observed in shallot skin extract suggests its potential efficacy as an active ingredient in sunscreen formulations.

Crosslinking of Ly6a metabolically reprograms CD8 T cells for cancer immunotherapy

T cell inhibitory mechanisms prevent autoimmune reactions, while cancer immunotherapy aims to remove these inhibitory signals. Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure attenuates autoimmunity through promotion of poorly understood immune-suppressive mechanisms. Here we show that mice with subcutaneous melanoma are not responsive to anti-PD1 immunotherapy following chronic UV irradiation, given prior to tumor injection, due to the suppression of T cell killing ability in skin-draining lymph nodes. Using mass cytometry and single-cell RNA-sequencing analyzes, we discover that skin-specific, UV-induced suppression of T-cells killing activity is mediated by upregulation of a Ly6ahigh T-cell subpopulation. Independently of the UV effect, Ly6ahigh T cells are induced by chronic type-1 interferon in the tumor microenvironment. Treatment with an anti-Ly6a antibody enhances the anti-tumoral cytotoxic activity of T cells and reprograms their mitochondrial metabolism via the Erk/cMyc axis. Treatment with an anti-Ly6a antibody inhibits tumor growth in mice resistant to anti-PD1 therapy. Applying our findings in humans could lead to an immunotherapy treatment for patients with resistance to existing treatments.

Senescence in the ageing skin: a new focus on mTORC1 and the lysosome.

Ageing is defined as the progressive loss of tissue function and regenerative capacity and is caused by both intrinsic factors i.e. the natural accumulation of damage, and extrinsic factors i.e. damage from environmental stressors. Cellular senescence, in brief, is an irreversible exit from the cell cycle that occurs primarily in response to excessive cellular damage, such as from ultraviolet (UV) exposure and oxidative stress, and it has been comprehensively demonstrated to contribute to tissue and organismal ageing. In this review, we will focus on the skin, an organ which acts as an essential protective barrier against injury, insults, and infection. We will explore the evidence for the existence and contribution of cellular senescence to skin ageing. We discuss the known molecular mechanisms driving senescence in the skin, with a focus on the dysregulation of the master growth regulator, mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1). We explore the interplay of dysregulated mTORC1 with lysosomes and how they contribute to senescence phenotypes.

Tirbanibulin as a Novel Treatment in Actinic Keratosis: A Literature Review

Introduction and purpose: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common dermatological condition that primarily affects fair-skinned individuals due to cumulative ultraviolet light exposure, potentially leading to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). AK therapy is divided into two main branches: lesion-directed therapy (cryotherapy, lasers, and surgical methods) and field cancerization-directed therapy (photodynamic therapy and topical agents). Unfortunately, the occurrence of local skin reactions (LSRs) and the therapy duration counted in weeks disrupt patient compliance. This study aims to review the clinical trials concerning the efficacy, safety, and adverse effects of tirbanibulin, a novel promising treatment for AK, which led to its approval and therapeutic development. Materials and methods: Literature available in PubMed and GoogleScholar databases were reviewed using the following keywords: actinic keratosis; actinic keratosis treatment; tirbanibulin. Results: Tirbanibulin's mechanism involves inducing apoptosis by inhibiting microtubule polymerization, which distinguishes it from other treatments that often cause significant inflammation. Clinical trials demonstrate its high efficacy in clearing AK lesions with a favorable safety profile, leading to regulatory approval. The ease of use and short therapy duration (5 days) ensure patient compliance and satisfaction with the treatment. Conclusion: Further longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm the long-term benefits and positioning of tirbanibulin in AK therapy. Raising public awareness about AK and the importance of early treatment with effective options like tirbanibulin is crucial for improving public health outcomes.

Smart Window with Reversible and Instantaneous Photoluminescence based on Microsphere Structure.

A smart window that dynamically regulates light transmittance is crucial for modern life end-users and promising for on-demand optical devices. The advent of three-dimensional (3D) photonic crystal microspheres has enriched the functions of a smart window. However, the smart window formed by polymer microspheres encounters poor mechanical strength and microstructural defects. Herein, to solve this limitation, we report the microsphere-based smart window composed of tightly packed cross-linked polymer microspheres (as a precursor) containing organic photochromic dyes, followed by compression under a high elastic state. When excited under an ultraviolet supply, our smart window showed a rapid and reversible fluorescent photoluminescence without fatigue (50 cycles). Moreover, the bulk devices with a microsphere cross-linked network structure enable excellent mechanical strength (hardness reached 0.158 GPa) and visible-light transparency. Interestingly, a QR code can be recognized under visible light exposure but not under ultraviolet light exposure because of photoluminescence of the smart window. Our method generally provided a paradigm for various amorphous polymers, which can be regarded as a simple and effective approach to build a versatile strategy to introduce an ideal marketplace with economic and community benefits.

Corneal scarring after epithelium-off collagen cross-linking

Abstract Collagen cross-linking (CXL) is considered as a successful therapeutic approach for corneal conditions like keratoconus and corneal ectasia. Despite its efficacy in stabilizing these conditions, the occurrence of post-CXL scars remains a concern. Keratoconus and other corneal ectasias are characterized by structural weaknesses in the cornea. This weakness contributes to the vulnerability of corneal scar formation. In addition, corneal biomechanics and tissue properties play a significant role in scar development. Procedural factors during CXL, including duration and intensity of ultraviolet light exposure, the concentration and type of riboflavin, and the precise application of treatment, have been identified as potential causes of scar formation. Individual patient factors such as variations in healing response and genetic predispositions, associated ocular allergy, and chronic contact lens wear can also impact scar development post-CXL. Understanding these variables is essential for risk stratification and personalized treatment approaches, ultimately optimizing patient outcomes. In addition, regular follow-up visits and patient education are essential to ensure optimal healing and minimize scar related complications. We have tried to explain the numerous reasons of scarring following epithelium-off CXL by conducting a thorough Medline search and reviewing our clinical images. This review serves as a concise overview of the causes and risk factors associated with scar formation after epithelium-off CXL.

An ultraviolet light data logger for studies of organismal ecology and physiology

Abstract Monitoring environmental conditions over time is essential for understanding how species regulate those conditions to satisfy their physiological needs. Variation in ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, for instance, is crucial for numerous taxa, influencing behaviour as well as essential physiological processes like vitamin D3 synthesis. Yet, despite these considerations, no commercially available data loggers exist to record UV exposures over time, preventing inquiry into this important but neglected fitness demand. To overcome this challenge, I designed the first UV data logger, custom built on the open‐source Arduino platform. This device logs UV exposures (in voltage or converted to UV index) and date‐time information for each UV reading, at user‐defined intervals. The integration of a low‐power timer into the assembly, and its weather‐resistant housing, enables long‐term use (at least several months). The cost of one device (including housing) is under £45/$55 USD. Calibration and performance tests reveal that this device is reliable under various weather conditions and produces accurate UV readings under both artificial lighting and sunlight. Both the device and its customised housing can be easily replicated and expanded upon (e.g. inclusion of additional sensors). Overall, this device represents a crucial first step in our ability to better characterise UV exposure patterns in habitats for physiological ecology studies. Exposure to UV light is adaptive for many types of organisms, both in the wild and in captivity (e.g. zoos and private hobbyists), and so I expect a broad array of scientific and public users alike to benefit from using this device.

Plastic film from the source of anaerobic digestion: Surface degradation, biofilm and UV response characteristics

This study simulates a major environmental scenario involving “organic fertilizer source” plastics, by exploring the key factors influencing the changes in plastic-films during anaerobic digestion (AD), as well as the responses of the anaerobically digested plastics to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. The results demonstrate that the degradation effect of AD on plastics is reflected by their yellowish and ruptured appearance, slightly worn surfaces, hardening and opacity, and fragmentation. AD significantly increases the content of oxygen-containing functional groups and the degree of unsaturation in plastic films, with thermophilic temperature processes proving more effective than those conducted at mesophilic temperatures. Exposure to UV light has been found to amplify the degradative effects, suggesting the potential cumulative impact of AD and UV. Both AD and UV irradiation reduced the hydrophilicity of plastics. In particular, the hydrophobicity of polylactic acid films was completely disrupted under overlay-exposure. Furthermore, microbial populations on plastic surfaces were mainly bacterial. These bacterial populations were primarily influenced by temperature, and moderately by the plastic types. In contrast, archaea were predominantly affected by both temperature and digested substrate. This study offers a theoretical foundation for strategies aimed at preventing and controlling plastic pollution derived from organic fertilizers.

Predicting the thickness loss and recovery of acrylic carpet pile imposed to UV exposure using artificial intelligence

One of the metrics that establishes the carpet quality is its compress and decompress behaviors. In a research, addressed later in the paper, carpet samples with the acrylic pile were exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) exposure for 0, 8, 12, 16, and 20 h. The wear test was then carried out using drum revolutions of 0, 4000, 6000, and 8000. Following that, the samples were subjected to a static stress of 700 KPa for 2 h. After removing the load, the sample thickness was measured every 2 min. Finally, the thickness loss and recovery features were determined. Now in this study, the statistical analysis demonstrated the significance of recovery time, UV exposure, and drum revolutions on the features mentioned above, and in the next step, they were modeled using an artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and gray wolf optimization (GWO) were applied as the alternatives to the backpropagation (BP) algorithm for updating the weights and biases of ANN. In the end, it was found that the thickness loss and recovery could be predicted with 6.92 and 9.14% errors, using ANN-GWO and ANN-BP-GWO, respectively.

Clinical and dermoscopic patterns of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Depigmented skin lesions are of great concern in society, especially in the Indian subcontinent. These comprise many infective and inflammatory conditions that cause apprehension and anxiety among patients due to the social stigma attached to these conditions. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) appears similar to many depigmented lesions and differentiation of IGH from these conditions is difficult clinically as well as histopathologically. IGH is one of the common causes of acquired leukoderma. It is also called disseminated lenticular leukoderma. The etiology is yet not clearly delineated, probably multifactorial. Various etiological factors have been proposed including ultraviolet (UV) exposure, post-phototherapy (psoralen and UVA monotherapy, narrowband-UVB), aging, genetic factors, trauma, and autoimmunity. Clinically, it is characterized by multiple, discrete porcelain-white round to oval macules of 2–5 mm average size. It most commonly occurs in the elderly. The most common sites observed are chronically sun-exposed areas such as the arm, pretibial regions, and forearm extensors. It is not easy to differentiate IGH from other hypo and depigmented conditions such as vitiligo, pityriasis versicolor, extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, guttate morphea, and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. It poses a diagnostic challenge to dermatologists. One has to differentiate depigmented lesions from vitiligo as it carries tremendous social implications as social stigma, especially in India. Research on dermoscopic evaluation is uncommon in the literature, despite the abundance of clinic-epidemiological and histological studies of IGH. Four dermoscopic patterns, namely, petaloid, amoeboid, feathery, and nebuloid have been described. These patterns are specific to IGH and help clinicians to differentiate many depigmented skin lesions from IGH in clinical practice. Patients often seek cosmetic treatment. There has been no standard therapy for this condition. Newer treatment modalities range from topical agents to procedure-based therapies and have enhanced the therapeutic armamentarium.

Aging of microplastics and its photo-catalytic degradation of coexisting tetracycline

Photodegradation processes play a crucial role in the transforming of antibiotics in aqueous environments, while photochemical aging influences the properties of microplastics (MPs). In this study, the efficacy of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in eliminating tetracycline (TC) was examined. Especially, TC degradation was mediated by polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) was subjected to aging through UV exposure and a combination of UV and thermal-activated persulfate treatments. The effects of MPs concentration, salinity, and pH on TC degradation were investigated. The characteristics of aging PE-MPs and the corresponding active free radicals were analyzed to understand the mechanism of TC degradation. The results showed that the existence of PE-MPs significantly influenced TC degradation under photosensitized conditions. However, as the concentration of PE-MPs increased, the degradation rate initially increased and subsequently declined. TC degradation increased from approximately 35 % to 85 % when pH increased from 3 to 11 mediated by aged PE-MPs. Moreover, the TC degradation ability increased with increasing salinity, and a higher aging degree facilitated the photodegradation of TC, achieving a removal rate of 62 %. At the same time, free radical quenching confirmed that the singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radical (OH), and superoxide radical (O2·−) produced all involved in the photolysis process of TC mediated by PE-MPs, especially 1O2. The analysis of the degradation products of TC and prediction of its toxicity revealed that the ecological risk associated with the degradation solution diminished compared with that of the TC mother solution.

Evaluating the Dermatological Benefits of Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus): A Comparative Analysis of Extracts and Fermented Products from Different Plant Parts.

Skin ageing is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure being a significant contributor. Such exposure can lead to moisture loss, sagging, increased wrinkling, and decreased skin elasticity. Prolonged UV exposure negatively impacts the extracellular matrix by reducing collagen, hyaluronic acid, and aquaporin 3 (AQP-3) levels. Fermentation, which involves microorganisms, can produce and transform beneficial substances for human health. Natural product fermentation using lactic acid bacteria have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, whitening, and anti-wrinkle properties. Snowberry, traditionally used as an antiemetic, purgative, and anti-inflammatory agent, is now also used as an immune stimulant and for treating digestive disorders and colds. However, research on the skin benefits of Fermented Snowberry Extracts remains limited. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the skin benefits of snowberry by investigating its moisturising and anti-wrinkle effects, comparing extracts from different parts of the snowberry plant with those subjected to fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum. Chlorophyll-free extracts were prepared from various parts of the snowberry plant, and ferments were created using Lactobacillus plantarum. The extracts and ferments were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine and compare their chemical compositions. Moisturising and anti-ageing tests were conducted to assess the efficacy of the extracts and ferments on the skin. The gallic acid content remained unchanged across all parts of the snowberry before and after fermentation. However, Fermented Snowberry Leaf Extracts exhibited a slight decrease in chlorogenic acid content but a significant increase in ferulic acid content. The Fermented Snowberry Fruit Extract demonstrated increased chlorogenic acid and a notable rise in ferulic acid compared to its non-fermented counterpart. Skin efficacy tests revealed that Fermented Snowberry Leaf and Fruit Extracts enhanced the expression of AQP-3, HAS-3, and COL1A1. These extracts exhibited distinct phenolic component profiles, indicating potential skin benefits such as improved moisture retention and protection against ageing. These findings suggest that Fermented Snowberry Extracts could be developed into effective skincare products, providing a natural alternative for enhancing skin hydration and reducing signs of ageing.

The risk of ultraviolet exposure for melanoma in Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV: A 20-year systematic review with meta-analysis for sunburns.

Within the last two decades, no studies have comprehensively reviewed the risk of varying types of ultraviolet (UV) exposure on melanoma in fairer skinned individuals. Our research objective was to determine whether or not there was a change in the risk of UV exposure with development of melanoma in Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV based on more recent data over the past 20 years. We performed a systematic review from January 2002 to December 2021 analysing UV exposure and melanoma risk in Fitzpatrick type I-IV individuals. Out of 19,852 studies, 26 met inclusion criteria. Data spanned subjects from national and multinational cohorts (USA, Europe, Australia, Asia and South America). Twenty studies (77%, 20/26) identified a significant association between UV exposure and melanoma incidence. Sunburn was the most commonly assessed risk factor. Sunburn studies encompassed 3417 melanoma and found positive significant odds ratios (OR [95% CI]) in 11 out of 13 studies, ranging from 1.23 [1.01-1.49] to 8.48 [4.35-16.54]. Pooled analysis of the risk of melanoma with sunburn history found an unadjusted odds ratio of 1.66 [1.40-1.97] and adjusted odds ratio of 1.23 [1.04-1.46]. Cumulative sun exposure, measured as number of hours of sun exposure or calculated UV flux, was the second most common risk factor, encompassing 913 melanomas with positive significant ORs ranging from 1.1 [1.0-1.2] to 5.2 [2.1-12.5]. For other forms of UV exposure, a majority of studies showed an association with UV index (6/9), outdoor leisure activity (3/3) and left-sided laterality (1/1). Overall, UV exposure should continue to be considered a modifiable risk factor for melanoma in individuals of fairer skin.