UV Exposure Research Articles

Insights into the Gut Microbiome of the South American Leaf-Toed Gecko (Phylodactylus gerropygus) Inhabiting the Core of the Atacama Desert.

Living in arid environments presents unique challenges to organisms, including limited food and water, extreme temperatures, and UV exposure. Reptiles, such as the South American leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus gerrhopygus), have evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive in such harsh conditions. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in host adaptation and health, yet its composition remains poorly characterized in desert reptiles. This study aimed to characterize the composition and abundance of the gut microbiome in P. gerrhopygus inhabiting the hyperarid Atacama Desert, taking into account potential sex differences. Fecal samples from adult female and male geckos were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. No significant differences in bacterial alpha diversity were observed between the sexes. However, the phylum Bacteroidota was more abundant in females, while males had a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio. The core microbiome was dominated by the phyla Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria in both sexes. Analysis of bacterial composition revealed 481 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) shared by female and male geckos. In addition, 108 unique ASVs were exclusive to females, while 244 ASVs were unique to males. Although the overall bacterial composition did not differ significantly between the sexes, certain taxa exhibited higher relative abundances in each sex group. This study provides insight into the taxonomic structure of the gut microbiome in a desert-adapted reptile and highlights potential sex-specific differences. Understanding these microbial communities is critical for elucidating the mechanisms underlying host resilience in Earth's most arid environments, and for informing conservation efforts in the face of ongoing climate change.

Typ‐I‐Photoinitiator auf der Basis nachhaltiger Kohlenstoffpunkte

AbstractNachhaltige Kohlenstoffpunkte, die an der Oberfläche Oximestergruppen enthalten, welche einer homolytischen Bindungsspaltung folgen, zeigen ein Potential als Photoinitiatoren für die traditionelle freie radikalische Photopolymerisation. Die Kohlenstoffpunkte wurden nach einem solvothermalen Verfahren aus nachhaltigem Furfural, welches über Lignocellulose erhältlich ist, hergestellt. Aldehydgruppen der Oberfläche reagierten mit Hydroxylamin zu dem entsprechendem Oxim, während die Reaktion mit Benzoylchlorid zu einem bio‐basierten Typ I Photoinitiator (CD‐PI) führte, welcher nachhaltige Kohlenstoffpunkte enthält. Die Fähigkeit zur Photoinitiierung wurde unter UV‐Bestrahlung bei 365 nm mit dem traditionellen Photoinitiator (PI) Ethyl (2,4,6‐trimethyl benzoyl) phenyl phosphinat (TPO‐L) mittels Echtteit FTIR Spektroskopie verglichen. Die auf einem Gemisch von Urethandimethacrylat (UDMA) und Tripropylenglykoldiacrylat (TPGDA) basierte Photopolymerzusammensetzung führte unter Verwendung von CD‐PI oder TPO‐L zu einem ähnlichen Endumsatz von etwa 70 %. Dennoch erschien das vernetzte Material im Fall der Zusammensetzungen, die mit CD‐PI verarbeitet wurden, homogen, während jene, die mit TPO‐L hergestellt wurden, heterogen waren, was durch die beiden Glasübergangstemperaturen gezeigt wurde. Außerdem war die Migrationsgeschwindigkeit von CD‐PI in den gehärteten Proben geringer im Vergleich zu jenen Proben für die TPO‐L als PI eingesetzt wurde.

Type I Photoinitiator Based on Sustainable Carbon Dots.

Sustainable carbon dots comprising surficial oxime ester groups following homolytic bond cleavage exhibit potential as photoinitiators for traditional free radical photopolymerization. Carbon dots were made following a solvothermal procedure from sustainable furfural available from lignocellulose. Surficial aldehyde moieties reacted with hydroxylamine to the respective oxime while reaction with benzoyl chloride resulted in a biobased Type I photoinitiator comprising sustainable carbon dot (CD-PI). Photoinitiating ability was compared with the traditional photoinitiator (PI) ethyl (2,4,6-trimethyl benzoyl) phenyl phosphinate (TPO-L) by real-time FTIR with UV exposure at 365 nm. Photopolymer composition based on a mixture of urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) and tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA) resulted in a similar final conversion of about 70 % using either CD-PI or TPO-L. Nevertheless, it appeared homogeneous in the case of compositions processed with CD-PI, while those made with TPO-L were heterogeneous as shown by two glass transition temperatures. Moreover, the migration rate of CD-PI in the cured samples was lower in comparison with those samples using TPO-L as PI.

Nonlinear relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and lipid profile in Chinese adults.

Previous studies on the liner associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and lipid profiles revealed ambiguous findings. The current study therefore tried to elucidate the possible non-linear associations between 25(OH)D and lipid profiles. This study involved 8,516 adult participants (aged 18-74 years, males N = 3,750, females N = 4,766) recruited from the Dalian health management cohort (DHMC). The risk (OR) for specific dyslipidemias was estimated across the serum 25(OH)D levels and the cut-off value for serum 25(OH)D were determined by using logistic regression, restricted cubic spline, and piecewise linear regression methods, adjusted for age, sex, season, and ultraviolet index. In this study, a high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency was observed in the participants (65.05%). The level of 25(OH)D showed the inverse U-shaped correlations with the risks (ORs) of abnormal lipid profile, with inflection points observed at 23.7 ng/ml for hypercholesterolemia, 24.3 ng/ml for hypertriglyceridemia, 18.5 ng/ml for hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, 23.3 ng/ml for hypo-high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, 23.3 ng/ml for hyper-non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 24.3 ng/ml for high remnant cholesterol. The stratified analyses showed that the risk for most dyslipidemias related to deficiency of 25(OH)D was particularly increased among females aged 50-74 (except for hypertriglyceridemia, where the highest risk was among men aged 50-74 years), during winter/spring or under low/middle ultraviolet index environments. Nonlinear inverse U-shaped associations were observed between 25(OH)D levels and abnormal lipid profile. The risk was particularly increased among females aged 50-74, during winter/spring period or under lower ultraviolet index environments. In vitamin D deficient subjects [25(OH)D <20 ng/ml], a positive association of serum vitamin D levels with the risk for dyslipidemia was observed, which needs a further.

In situ alkali‐free growth of octahedral Ag2O nanoparticles by bacterial cellulose for efficient antibacterial application

AbstractUniform octahedral Ag2O nanoparticles were in situ synthesized within natural bacterial cellulose (BC) films without any inorganic alkali. The morphological transformation of Ag2O from nanoparticles and small nanoplates to an octahedral structure was well controlled by varying the UV exposure time. To reduce and anchor Ag2O nanoparticles, abundant hydroxyl groups on the surface of natural BC fibers ensured an ideal environment for the mild redox reaction between Ag+ and –OH groups. The structural features and structure–activity relationship of Ag2O/BC films were confirmed through TEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy assisted SEM analysis, Fourier transform IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TGA and XRD. The structure–antibacterial activity relationship of the Ag2O/BC films was proved against both Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. They also showed excellent performance in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. Ag2O/BC films have potential bactericidal applications in the field of pharmacy, specifically for wound dressing and flexible wearable materials. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of skin tumors in an Egyptian large tertiary center

Skin tumors are a global health problem caused by UV exposure with ethnic and geographical distribution. This research summarized Egyptian skin tumor features. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. Patients’ data were collected from the hospital-recorded registry from January 2010 to December 2020. Results: The age group, 19-59y, showed the highest prevalence, 57% (n=940), of skin tumors. The total number of skin tumor patients was 1649 (males 52.9% (n=872), females 47.1% (n=777). For benign skin tumors, the male-to-female ratio was 1: 0.96, and for malignant skin tumors, the male-to-female ratio was 1: 1.47. The frequency of skin tumors at the sun-exposed site (out of the total n= 1770) was 39.4% (n= 697) and the face showed the highest frequency 25.8% (n=457). The frequency of skin tumors at the non-sun-exposed sites was 60.6% (n=1073) of the total skin tumor number. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) showed a frequency of 90.1% of cases affecting sun-exposed sites. Therefore, skin tumors have unique characteristics in Egypt, with malignant skin tumors being rare showing more predilection in males. Further studies are needed to emphasize the national characteristics of skin tumors in Egypt.

Reshapable bio-based thiol-ene vitrimers for nanoimprint lithography: Advanced covalent adaptability for tunable surface properties

Taking inspiration from natural surfaces known for their ability to adaptively remodel their shape, we fabricated stimuli-responsive microstructures by using UV-induced nanoimprint lithography. For this, a fully bio-based dynamic thiol-ene photopolymer was synthetized by the radical mediated addition of a trifunctional eugenol-based thiol (SH3E) crosslinker across an allylated linseed oil (ALELO). To catalyze the bond exchange reactions between the hydroxyl and ester groups within the network, a bio-based eugenol phosphate ester was introduced as a transesterification catalyst. Pure eugenol was further added as a reactive diluent to increase the number of hydroxyl groups and thus, accelerate the thermo-activated bond exchange reactions. Once cured by UV exposure, the dynamic photopolymer is thermally stable up to 250 °C and is able to relax 63% of the original stress within 62 min at 160 °C. Subsequently, films with micropillars, having an aspect ratio of 1:2.5 were prepared by using nanoimprint lithography. The macroscopic reflow capability of the dynamic network enabled a reorientation of the imprinted structures during a thermal reshaping step. The imprints were characterized by 2D/3D optical microscopy, μCT imaging and static water contact angle measurements. Based on the orientation of the micropillars, the water contact angle was varied between 118° and 95°, giving rise to a possible application in microfluidic devices.

Protective Effect of Red Light-Emitting Diode against UV-B Radiation-Induced Skin Damage in SKH:HR-2 Hairless Mice.

In this in vivo study on hairless mice, we examined the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) treatment applied prior to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. We found that pre-treating with LED improved skin morphological and histopathological conditions compared to those only exposed to UVB irradiation. In our study, histological evaluation of collagen and elastic fibers after LED treatment prior to UVB irradiation showed that this pretreatment significantly enhanced the quality of fibers, which were otherwise poor in density and irregularly arranged due to UV exposure alone. This suggests that LED treatment promotes collagen and elastin production, leading to improved skin properties. Additionally, we observed an increase in Claudin-1 expression and a reduction in nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression within the LED-treated skin tissues, suggesting that LED therapy may modulate key skin barrier proteins and oxidative stress markers. These results demonstrate that pretreatment with LED light can enhance the skin's resistance to UVB-induced damage by modulating gene regulation associated with skin protection. Further investigations are needed to explore the broader biological effects of LED therapy on other tissues such as blood vessels. This study underscores the potential of LED therapy as a non-invasive approach to enhance skin repair and counteract the effects of photoaging caused by UV exposure.

Analysis of Prevalence, Socioeconomic and Disease Trends of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in New Zealand from 2008 to 2022

BackgroundSkin cancer shows geographic and ethnic variation. New Zealand—with a predominantly fair-skinned populations, high UV indices and outdoor lifestyles—has high rates of skin cancer. However, population prevalence data is lacking. This study aimed to determine the demographics and socioeconomic disease trends of non-melanoma skin cancer prevalence in New Zealand from a large targeted-screening study.MethodsA targeted screening programme was conducted among 32,839 individuals, Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV in Auckland, New Zealand during the 2008–2022 period. This data was analyzed retrospectively. Linear regression models were used to assess statistical trends of skin cancer prevalence over time, along with associated factors that included demographics, disease trends and overall prevalence.ResultsA total of 32,839 individuals were screened and 11,625 skin cancers were detected. 16,784 individuals were females who had 4,378 skin cancers. 16,055 individuals were males who had 5,777 skin cancers. 54 males and 65 females had multiple skin cancers. The article presents detailed descriptions of tumour types and subtypes detected, age groups, demographic and socioeconomic information. regarding the non-melanoma skin cancers detected.ConclusionOverall men have more non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) than females; however females develop more BCC on the lips. BCC is three times more common in the 31-50 age group, whereas SCC are significantly more prevalent after age 80. Prevalence of BCC has not changed over the 15-year timeframe of the study but SCC has increased. Older ages and higher incomes are associated with higher rates of NMSC in New Zealand.

Robust PUF Label Authentication System Synergistically Constructed by Hierarchical Pattern of Self‐assembled Phase‐Separation Encrypted Wrinkle and Deep Learning Model

AbstractWith the increasing demand for information security, current anti‐counterfeiting methods not only suffer from issues such as low information density and vulnerability to forgery, but also inherently involve a trade‐off between information capacity and readout methods. This paper reports a high‐security solution using hierarchical pattern with perfect combination of micro self‐wrinkle and nano phase‐separation as physical unclonable function (PUF) labels, which is generated through self‐organization of anthracene‐functionalized poly(styrene‐block‐butadiene‐block‐styrene) (SBS‐CAN) under UV exposure. The double‐layer morphologies formed by the wrinkle and phase separation are adjustable, independent, and stable. The obtained hierarchical PUF labels exhibit random and unique features similar to the minutiae of fingerprints at both micro and nano scales, ensuring a well‐balanced bit uniformity (&gt;0.492), high uniqueness (&gt;0.496), and outstanding reliability (&gt;96%). As a consequence of the multi‐layered combination of morphologies, the designed PUF label possesses an information density about 1010 times higher than that of human fingerprints. The PUF labels can be quickly obtained through simple visual scanning and exhibit sufficient security. To cope with various application environments, the advanced authentication pipeline designed LPLA guarantees robust label recognition capability in real‐world scenarios. A practical integrated anti‐counterfeiting authentication system is developed by combining hierarchical PUF labels and authentication pipeline.

Pigmented nonmelanoma skin cancers of the genital area: adiagnostic and therapeutic challenge - monocentric experience and review of the literature.

Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), comprising basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are typically encountered on photo-exposed skin. Nevertheless, several cases of NMSC have been described in covered areas such as the genital region; furthermore, some of these lesions may express a variable degree of pigmentation. Due to the existence of mucosal melanoma, an accurate diagnosis is paramount. In this narrative review, we focused our attention on management and - in particular- diagnosis of pigmented NMSC (pNMSC) located in the genital region, emphasizing the features assessed by dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy. As an implementation, we included data on pNMSC from the Dermatology Unit of the University of Campania Vanvitelli. BCC in the genital region represents only 1% of all BCC cases. It has been supposed that the mutation of patched 1 may lead to the development of BCC even without concomitant UV exposure. Pigmented variants on genitals have seldom been described. More prominent dermoscopic features seem to be blue-gray ovoid nests and arborizing vessels associated with whitish structureless areas. SCC and Bowen's disease (BD) - a variant of in situ SCC - may be encountered in the genital area and are sometimes associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Pigmented SCC is very rare, and most of the literature is focused on pigmented BD (pBD), which is mainly characterized by gray-brown dots in a linear fashion and glomerular vessels without evident scales. In conclusion, pNMSC is rarely encountered on genitals; evaluation with dermoscopy or other ancillary devices like RCM is important both to exclude benign lesions like seborrheic keratosis and lentigo and to rule out melanoma.

Stability of Cesium-Based Lead Halide Perovskites under UV Radiation.

Lead halide perovskites have been extensively studied for their potential applications, including photodetectors, solar cells, and high-energy radiation detection. These applications are possible because of their unique optoelectronic properties, such as tunable band gap, high optical absorption coefficient, and unique defect self-healing properties, which result in high defect tolerance. Despite these advantages, the long-term stability remains a critical issue that could hinder commercial applications of these materials. Reports on the stability of lead halide perovskites for optoelectronic applications have normally focused on methylammonium (MA)/formamidinium (FA), with very limited information for other systems, in particular, Cs-containing perovskites. In this paper, we report the stability of thick CsPbBr3-x Cl x polycrystalline thin films (∼8 μm) with several halide Br-Cl ratios after exposure to deep UV radiation. The chemical, crystal structure, optical, and electrical properties are analyzed, and the results are used to propose a degradation mechanism. The chemical analysis on the surface and bulk of the films indicates the formation of cesium oxide after UV exposure, with no significant change in the crystalline structure. The proposed mechanism explains the formation of cesium oxides during UV exposure. The I-V characteristics of diode structures also showed significant degradation after UV exposure, primarily at lower diode rectification ratios. The mechanism proposed in this paper can contribute to developing strategies to enhance the long-term stability of inorganic lead halide perovskites under UV exposure.

Effect of UV ageing on debonding of double glass laminates based on different crosslinking and thermoplastic PV encapsulants

To evaluate the potential of novel thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) encapsulants as alternative for peroxide crosslinking ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer and polyolefin elastomers (POE), compressive shear glass laminates were prepared and characterized using EVA and POE benchmark grades and TPO film adhesives (TPO-3.5, TPO-F and TPO-UV). The specimens were exposed to Xenon arc light with an UV irradiation of 40 W/m2, a black panel temperature of 65 °C and relative humidity of 10 % for up to 3,000 h. Visual, optical, mechanical and chemical changes were assessed by light microscopy, UV–visible–near infrared (UVVISNIR) spectroscopy, compressive shear testing, as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) on fractured surfaces. In contrast to EVA and POE laminates, enhanced birefringence was detected due to a higher degree of crystallinity of the TPO encapsulants. Nevertheless, the investigated TPO double-glass laminates revealed a significantly better ultimate mechanical shear performance at 60 °C, also after UV exposure for 3.000 h. TPO-3.5 was the best-performing grade after 3,000 h followed by TPO-UV, TPO-F, EVA and POE. While the aged and fractured EVA, POE, TPO-F and TPO-UV laminates exhibited carboxylic acid signatures differing in intensity, no carboxylic acid residues were detected on the fractured TPO-3.5 surface. TPO-3.5 is characterized by a lower melt flow index and hence, a higher average molar mass compared to TPO-F and TPO-UV. For the crosslinked EVA and POE, the test temperature was already within the melting range of the non-crosslinked, polyethylene rich phase of these peroxide crosslinked encapsulants.

Precision fabrication of polymer nanostructures on recyclable DNA template

AbstractThe fabrication of precisely patterned polymers at the nanoscale is of critical importance. We have previously succeeded in creating various nanopatterned polymers with nanoscale resolution through the use of in situ atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) origami. However, separating nanopatterned polymers from the origami template without damaging the origami presents a significant challenge, thereby increasing costs and limiting the development of applications involving nanopatterned polymers. Here, we achieved spatially and temporally controlled release of DNA origami templates through photo‐regulation by incorporating azobenzene‐modified DNA into the initiator. Under UV exposure, azobenzene isomerization rapidly induces the disassociation of patterned polymers from the origami template at ambient temperatures, without damaging the DNA origami. Additionally, the released origami template can be reused as a template for the cyclic production of nanopatterned polymers. This method provides a pathway for the large‐scale production of patterned polymers at reduced costs and facilitates dynamic control over the polymer‐DNA complex, with potential applications in both the biomedical and chemical fields.

Recurrent Duplication and Diversification of a Vital DNA Repair Gene Family Across Drosophila.

Maintaining genome integrity is vital for organismal survival and reproduction. Essential, broadly conserved DNA repair pathways actively preserve genome integrity. However, many DNA repair proteins evolve adaptively. Ecological forces like UV exposure are classically cited drivers of DNA repair evolution. Intrinsic forces like repetitive DNA, which also imperil genome integrity, have received less attention. We recently reported that a Drosophila melanogaster-specific DNA satellite array triggered species-specific, adaptive evolution of a DNA repair protein called Spartan/MH. The Spartan family of proteases cleave hazardous, covalent crosslinks that form between DNA and proteins ("DNA-protein crosslink repair"). Appreciating that DNA satellites are both ubiquitous and universally fast-evolving, we hypothesized that satellite DNA turnover spurs adaptive evolution of DNA-protein crosslink repair beyond a single gene and beyond the D. melanogaster lineage. This hypothesis predicts pervasive Spartan gene family diversification across Drosophila species. To study the evolutionary history of the Drosophila Spartan gene family, we conducted population genetic, molecular evolution, phylogenomic, and tissue-specific expression analyses. We uncovered widespread signals of positive selection across multiple Spartan family genes and across multiple evolutionary timescales. We also detected recurrent Spartan family gene duplication, divergence, and gene loss. Finally, we found that ovary-enriched parent genes consistently birthed functionally diverged, testis-enriched daughter genes. To account for Spartan family diversification, we introduce a novel mechanistic model of antagonistic coevolution that links DNA satellite evolution and adaptive regulation of Spartan protease activity. This framework promises to accelerate our understanding of how DNA repeats drive recurrent evolutionary innovation to preserve genome integrity.

Application of Sacha Inchi Oil and Deterpenated Nutmeg Oil as Natural Antiaging in Facial Cream Formulation

Abstract Sacha inchi oil (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid), omega-6 (linoleic acid), omega-9 (oleic acid) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol and δ -tocopherol) which acts as a good skin barrier and reduces skin inflammation due to UV exposure. On the other hand, deterpenated nutmeg oil was reported to have antioxidant activity (IC50) stronger than native nutmeg oil. This study aims to utilize sacha inchi oil and deterpenated nutmeg oil as natural antiaging in facial cream formulations. Before used, sacha inchi oil is subjected to chemical glycerolysis to improve consumer acceptance. The physic-chemical properties between sacha inchi native oil and after pre-treatment were not significantly different. However, the hedonic test showed that the glycerolysis pre-treatment at 80°C had a better acceptance than native sacha inchi oil. The facial cream formulation used 5% sacha inchi oil and 1% deterpenated nutmeg oil with 1 – 5% niacinamide. All formulations showed oil in water (o/w) emulsion type. Facial cream with 5% niacinamide was the best formulation based on the hedonic test. It has a pH of 7.58, spreadability of 5.51 cm, and globule size of 7.11 μm

A Fluorescent Polymer for Facile One‐Step Writing of Polychromic Hidden Information in Flexible Films

AbstractA poly(para)phenylene conjugated polymer is developed to store information via a quick and facile optical writing method. After exposure to UV light, co‐fluorescence (films with two or more written emission colors –, i.e., “double‐on”) and “on‐off” states are written into the flexible polymer films. The hidden information is invisible under ambient lighting and can only be read with an appropriate light source, optical filter, and/or magnifier, thus providing a level of security for information encoded into the films. The physical and chemical mechanisms are discussed responsible for the rapid fluorescence changes that occur under UV exposure and demonstrate microscale multi‐colored artwork and hidden QR codes written into pliable and freestanding films. Depending on the preparation, the written patterns remained easily visible and stable after exposure to water and to ambient levels of UV background radiation.

Directly Measuring Atherogenic Lipoprotein Kinetics in Zebrafish with the Photoconvertible LipoTimer Reporter.

Lipoprotein kinetics are a crucial factor in understanding lipoprotein metabolism since a prolonged time in circulation can contribute to the atherogenic character of apolipoprotein-B (ApoB)-containing lipoproteins (B-lps). Here, we report a method to directly measure lipoprotein kinetics in live developing animals. We developed a zebrafish geneticly encoded reporter, LipoTimer, in which endogenous ApoBb.1 is fused to the photoconvertible fluorophore Dendra2 which shift its emission profile from green to red upon UV exposure. By quantifying the red population of ApoB-Dendra2 over time, we found that B-lp turnover in wild-type larvae becomes faster as development proceeds. Mutants with impaired B-lp uptake or lipolysis present with increased B-lp levels and half-life. In contrast, mutants with impaired B-lp triglyceride loading display slightly fewer and smaller-B-lps, which have a significantly shorter B-lp half-life. Further, we showed that chronic high-cholesterol feeding is associated with a longer B-lp half-life in wild-type juveniles but does not lead to changes in B-lp half-life in lipolysis deficient apoC2 mutants. These data support the hypothesis that B-lp lipolysis is suppressed by the flood of intestinal-derived B-lps that follow a high-fat meal.

Rosacea is strongly associated with melanoma in Caucasians

Rosacea is often considered a cosmetic problem but is known to be associated with a variety of comorbidities. To identify such risks, we generated two age- and sex-matched real-world cohorts of 122,444 patients each with and without rosacea. In contrast to earlier studies, we found significant associations with malignant melanoma (OR 6.02, 95% CI 5.76–6.32). This association does not exist for an Asian sub-cohort, which could explain previous inconclusive or conflicting reports. Several strongly associated comorbidities like visual disturbances (ICD-10: H53–H54; OR 4.80, 4.68–4.92), metabolic disorders (E73–E79; OR 3.17, 3.11–3.22), joint problems (M25; OR 4.16, 4.08–4.25) and type 2 diabetes (E11; OR 1.62, 1.58–1.65) should be watched as a risk for rosacea patients. Rosacea is associated with some comorbidities and ethnicity may be a risk factor in melanoma development. The retrospective nature of this study and the sole use of ICD-10 code based filtering calls for future validation of our findings. Additionally, confounding factors such as skin type and previous UV exposure should be included in future studies.

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF UV RADIATION ON SKIN HEALTH: MECHANISMS, RISKS, AND PHOTOPROTECTION STRATEGIES

This comprehensive review examines the intricate relationship between UV radiation and skin health, delving into its mechanisms, associated risks, and potential photoprotection strategies. Drawing from centuries of herbal medicine and cosmetic practices, the efficacy of antioxidant-rich herbs in shielding against UV radiation-induced damage is highlighted. Studies showcasing the protective properties of plant extracts, such as green and black tea polyphenols and aloe vera formulations, underscore the potential of botanicals in skincare. The rise of herbal sunscreens in response to growing concerns over UV exposure reflects a paradigm shift in skincare practices. The review elucidates the diverse effects of UV radiation on the skin, encompassing sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer development. Mechanisms underlying UVB-induced skin damage, including collagen breakdown, generation of free radicals, and interference with DNA repair mechanisms, underscore the imperative of implementing protective measures. The role of antioxidants in mitigating UV-induced damage and the development of innovative sunscreen formulations underscores ongoing efforts to enhance photoprotection strategies. Furthermore, the review underscores the multifaceted nature of UV radiation’s impact on skin health, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to photoprotection.Future research endeavors aimed at exploring novel photoprotective agents and assessing their efficacy in preserving skin health will be instrumental in mitigating the adverse effects of UV radiation and fostering overall skin well-being.