Levels Of Ultraviolet Radiation Research Articles

Assessing the Efficacy of the UV Index in Predicting Surface UV Radiation: A Comprehensive Analysis Using Statistical and Machine Learning Methods

The study investigated the relationship between the UV Index and measurements of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation to evaluate the effectiveness of the UV Index in predicting and understanding UV radiation at the surface. The implications of this study are significant for public health policies and UV protection strategies. This study used a variety of statistical analyses and modelling techniques, including ANOVA, Naive Bayes classification, decision trees, artificial neural networks, support vector machines (SVM), and k-means clustering, to examine relationships and predict UV Index values. ANOVA analysis showed a significant relationship between the UV Index and UVA and UVB measurements. Prediction models such as Naive Bayes classification, decision trees, and artificial neural networks showed variability in their accuracy. Notably, SVM showed a high degree of accuracy in predicting UV Index values, while k-means clustering effectively clustered the data based on similarities in UV Index and UV measurements. These findings confirm that the UV Index is a reliable indicator for predicting and understanding UV radiation levels at the Earth's surface. This research underscores the importance of developing more accurate and precise UV Index prediction models. Further investigation is essential to understand the temporal variations and environmental impacts on the UV Index, as well as the broader implications of UV exposure on public health. This study lays a strong foundation for the development of early warning systems and more effective UV protection strategies, ultimately improving public health outcomes and safety measures against UV radiation.

Additive singular spectral model of a dendrochronological signal

Relevance. Allocation of structural components in a dendrochronological signal of annual rings of coniferous trees expands the possibilities of the bioindication method and allows obtaining information about changes in environmental conditions in the past for extended territories. Aim. Creation of an additive singular spectral model based on the frequency trigonometric components of the dendrochronological signal; reconstruction of changes in the total ozone content in the atmosphere in the past, affecting the level of ultraviolet radiation in the B range radiation. Objects. Time series of total ozone content in the atmosphere (data from 1932), width and density of annual rings (data from 1686–2004) on the example of the territory near the observatory in Arosa, Switzerland, time series of stable oxygen isotopes δ18Oc, France. Methods. Time series analysis (decomposition of a time series, identification of model parameters, prediction of a time series), statistical analysis (F-criterion, χ2 – Pearson criterion), experimental measurements of the percentage components of the wood of annual rings, correlation analysis, spectral singular analysis. Results. Decomposition of the dendrochronological signal of individual chronologies into trigonometric components in the Caterpillar program. Correlation analysis of the sensitivity of trees to atmospheric effects. Reconstruction of the ozone level in the stratosphere using the first trigonometric component of the dendrochronological signal. In cellulose, the first low-frequency component of the signal and the structural component of wood, a reliable response of trees to long-period fluctuations in the total ozone content is recorded. This allows assessment of the impact of the stress factor on conditions of exploitation of forest resources. The use of data on the width of the annual rings allows you to expand the territorial boundaries of the method.

Changing Trends in the Global Burden of Cataract Over the Past 30 Years: Retrospective Data Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Cataracts now account for the largest proportion of the global burden of blindness and vision loss. Understanding the changing trends in the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years and the next 15 years is of clear significance for the prevention and control of cataracts in key populations. As far as we know, research on the future burden of cataracts is lacking. This study aims to assess the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years by using age-period-cohort modeling and to estimate trends in the next 15 years. Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, the United Nations Development Programme, and the WHO (World Health Organization) Global Health Observatory data repository. The assessment of trends and disparities in the number and rate of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for cataracts from 1990 to 2019 was conducted. The association between the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) and the socio-demographic index (SDI), human development index (HDI), national levels of particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5), and ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was determined using linear regression analysis. Additionally, we used the Nordpred (Harald Fekjær and Bjørn Møller) age-period-cohort model to predict the cataract burden from 2020 to 2034. Globally, the number of DALYs due to cataract increased from 3,492,604 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 2,481,846-4,719,629) in 1990 to 6,676,281 (95% UI 4,761,210-9,006,193) in 2019. The ASDRs due to cataract decreased from 93.17 (95% UI 66.14-125.32) in 1990 to 82.94 (95% UI 59.06-111.75) in 2019, with an average annual percentage change of -0.37 (95% CI -0.44 to -0.3; P<.001). Age, female sex, air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose levels, and a high body mass index were risk factors for the burden of cataracts. SDI and HDI were negatively correlated with ASDRs of cataracts, while PM2.5 and UVR were positively associated with them. Higher DALY rates were also associated with lower SDI (R2=0.1939; P<.001), lower HDI (R2=0.2828; P<.001), national PM2.5 concentration (R2=0.1874; P<.001), and ambient UVR levels (R2=0.2354; P<.001). The prediction model suggested that the number of DALYs due to cataract will continue to rise globally, while the cataract DALY rate will continue to decrease. While the ASDR of cataracts has decreased, there has been a notable increase in the number of DALYs over the past 30 years. Projections suggest that the global burden of cataracts will continue to rise over the next 15 years. To address this challenge, appropriate prevention and treatment policies must be implemented.

Effects of aromatic hydrocarbons and evaluation of oil toxicity modelling for larvae of a tropical coral

Application of oil toxicity modelling for assessing the risk of spills to coral reefs remains uncertain due to a lack of data for key tropical species and environmental conditions. In this study, larvae of the coral Acropora millepora were exposed to six aromatic hydrocarbons individually to generate critical target lipid body burdens (CTLBBs). Larval metamorphosis was inhibited by all six aromatic hydrocarbons, while larval survival was only affected at concentrations >2000 μg L−1. The derived metamorphosis CTLBB of 9.7 μmol g−1 octanol indicates larvae are more sensitive than adult corals, and places A. millepora larvae among the most sensitive organisms in the target lipid model (TLM) databases. Larvae were also more sensitive to anthracene and pyrene when co-exposed to ecologically relevant levels of ultraviolet radiation. The results suggest that the application of the phototoxic TLM would be protective of A. millepora larvae, provided adequate chemical and light data are available.

Geography and environmental pressure are predictive of class-specific radioresistance in black fungi.

Black fungi are among the most resistant organisms to ionizing radiation on Earth. However, our current knowledge is based on studies on a few isolates, while the overall radioresistance limits across this microbial group and the relationship with local environmental conditions remain largely undetermined. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the survival of 101 strains of black fungi isolated across a worldwide spatial distribution to gamma radiation doses up to 100 kGy. We found that intra and inter-specific taxonomy, UV radiation, and precipitation levels primarily influence the radioresistance in black fungi. Altogether, this study provides insights into the adaptive mechanisms of black fungi to extreme environments and highlights the role of local adaptation in shaping the survival capabilities of these extreme-tolerant organisms.

The content of polyphenolic compounds in buckwheat grass depending on agrotechnical and abiotic factors and the assessment of the possibility of its use in food technologies

Relevance. Buckwheat is a source of many biologically active substances. Especially there are a lot of them in leaves and inflorescences from which it is possible to get tea beverages for specialized and functional nutrition. These plant parts are rich in polyphenolic compounds (PC), the main one being rutin. Their content in the plant depends on many factors.The aim of this study is to estimate the effect of sowing dates, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and temperature on PC accumulation in buckwheat plants.Methods. Buckwheat seeds were sown four times in June-July. The PC content of buckwheat water-ethanol extracts and water infusions was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu, method antioxidant activity — by DPPH radical scavenging method.Results. The sowing dates influence the PC content. At the earlier sowing dates of seeds the accumulation of PC in the extracts was higher (8.42–9.33%) in comparison with the later ones (6.10%). The PC content in the infusions varied from 2.10 to 2.83%. There are indications of a direct relationship between the accumulation of PC and the level of UV radiation during the growing season requiring further verification. A significant effect of temperature was not revealed. The AOA of all samples was high. The content of PC in aqueous infusions allows us to recommend buckwheat grass as a raw material for tea beverages.

Measurement report: Source apportionment and environmental impacts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Lhasa, a highland city in China

Abstract. Hypoxia and adverse health outcomes might be affected by O3 pollution in the highland city of Lhasa. NOx emissions can amplify the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the secondary production of O3 under the conditions of high ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels and unfavourable dispersion patterns in the Lhasa River valley. Here, online C2–C11 VOC measurements, accompanied by other parameters concerning the O3 chemical budget, were first obtained and employed to identify the key VOC species and key sources of VOCs in terms of the loss rate against OH radicals (LOH), ozone formation potential (OFP), secondary organic aerosol potential (SOAP), and toxicity. Oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) not only were the most abundant VOCs but also dominated LOH, OFP, and toxicity. Isoprene and anthropogenic VOCs were further identified as precursors of these OVOCs. Aromatics accounted for 5 % of the total VOCs (TVOCs) but contributed 88 % to the SOAP and 10 % to the toxicity. As the primary oxidative intermediates of aromatics were not well characterized by our measurements, the environmental impact of aromatics could be underestimated by our data. Source appointment and ternary analysis of benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene confirmed the combined contribution of traffic emissions, solvent usage, and biomass burning. This suggests that O3 precursors are mainly from sources associated with residents' lives, except for solvent usage emissions which contribute to aromatics. Preliminary comparisons between source spectrums of transport sector emissions with positive matrix factorization (PMF)-decomposed ones and our measured ones suggest that vehicle emission patterns of VOCs at high altitude generally follow the ground-level impression. More quantitative data are required to further confirm this point though. Emission reduction strategy analysis for O3 pollution control highlighted multiple benefits of the simultaneous reduction in NOx originating from diesel vehicle emissions, biomass burning, and background sources (possibly dominated by incense burning). The notable biogenic emission contribution to the OFP was also first confirmed in our study, and this highlights the side effects of the government's pursuit of a greener city.

Thermal compensation reduces DNA damage from UV radiation

Increases in ultraviolet radiation (UVR) correlate spatially and temporally with global amphibian population declines and interact with other stressors such as disease and temperature. Declines have largely occurred in high-altitude areas associated with greater UVR and cooler temperatures. UVR is a powerful mutagenic harming organisms largely by damaging DNA. When acutely exposed to UVR at cool temperatures, amphibian larvae have increased levels of DNA damage. Amphibians may compensate for the depressive effects of temperature on DNA damage through acclimatisation, but it is unknown whether they have this capacity. We reared striped marsh frog larvae (Limnodynastes peronii) in warm (25 °C) and cool (15 °C) temperatures under a low or moderate daily dose of UVR (10 and 40 μW cm−2 UV-B for 1 h at midday, respectively) for 18–20 days and then measured DNA damage resulting from an acute high UVR dose (80 μW cm−2 UV-B for 1.5 h) at a range of temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C). Larvae acclimated to 15 °C and exposed to UVR at 15 °C completely compensated UVR-induced DNA damage compared with 25 °C acclimated larvae exposed to UVR at 25 °C. Additionally, warm-acclimated larvae had higher DNA damage than cold-acclimated larvae across test temperatures, which indicated a cost of living in warmer temperatures. Larvae reared under elevated UVR levels showed no evidence of UVR acclimation resulting in lower DNA damage following high UVR exposure. Our finding that thermal acclimation in L. peronii larvae compensated UVR-induced DNA damage at low temperatures suggested that aquatic ectotherms living in cool temperatures may be more resilient to high UVR than previously realised. We suggested individuals or species with less capacity for thermal acclimation of DNA repair mechanisms may be more at risk if exposed to changing thermal and UVR exposure regimes.

A Census of Near-UV M-dwarf Flares Using Archival GALEX Data and the gPHOTON2 Pipeline

M-dwarfs are common stellar hosts of habitable-zone exoplanets. Near-UV (NUV) radiation can severely impact the atmospheric and surface conditions of such planets, making the characterization of NUV flaring activity a key aspect in determining habitability. We use archival data from the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) and XMM-Newton telescopes to study the flaring activity of M-dwarfs in the NUV. The GALEX observations form the most extensive data set of M-dwarfs in the NUV to date, with the exploitation of this data possible due to the new gphoton2 pipeline. We run a dedicated algorithm to detect flares in the pipeline-produced lightcurves and find some of the most energetic flares observed to date within the NUV bandpass, with energies of ∼1034 erg. Using GALEX data, we constrain flare frequency distributions for stars from M0-M6 in the NUV up to 105 s in equivalent duration and 1034 erg in energy, orders of magnitude above any previous study in the UV. We estimate the combined effect of NUV luminosities and flare rates of stars later than M2 to be sufficient for abiogenesis on habitable-zone exoplanets orbiting them. As a counterpoint, we speculate the high frequencies of energetic UV flares and associated coronal mass ejections would inhibit the formation of an ozone layer, possibly preventing the genesis of complex Earth-like life-forms due to sterilizing levels of surface UV radiation. We also provide a framework for future observations of M-dwarfs with ULTRASAT, a wide field-of-view NUV telescope to be launched in 2026.

Implementation of artificial intelligence for the detection of cutaneous melanoma within a primary care setting: prevalence and types of skin cancer in outdoor enthusiasts.

There is enthusiasm for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to assist clinicians detect skin cancer. Performance metrics of AI from dermoscopic images have been promising, with studies documenting sensitivity and specificity values equal to or superior to specialists for the detection of malignant melanomas (MM). Early detection rates would particularly benefit Australia, which has the worlds highest incidence of MM per capita. The detection of skin cancer may be delayed due to late screening or the inherent difficulty in diagnosing early skin cancers which often have a paucity of clinical features and may blend into sun damaged skin. Individuals who participate in outdoor sports and recreation experience high levels of intermittent ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which is associated with the development of skin cancer, including MM. This research aimed to assess the prevalence of skin cancer in individuals who regularly participate in activities outdoors and to report the performance parameters of a commercially available AI-powered software to assess the predictive risk of MM development. Cross-sectional study design incorporating a survey, total body skin cancer screening and AI-embedded software capable of predictive scoring of queried MM. A total of 423 participants consisting of surfers (n = 108), swimmers (n = 60) and walkers/runners (n = 255) participated. Point prevalence for MM was highest for surfers (6.48%), followed by walkers/runners (4.3%) and swimmers (3.33%) respectively. When compared to the general Australian population, surfers had the highest odds ratio (OR) for MM (OR 119.8), followed by walkers/runners (OR 79.74), and swimmers (OR 61.61) rounded out the populations. Surfers and swimmers reported comparatively lower lifetime hours of sun exposure (5,594 and 5,686, respectively) but more significant amounts of activity within peak ultraviolet index compared with walkers/runners (9,554 h). A total of 48 suspicious pigmented lesions made up of histopathology-confirmed MM (n = 15) and benign lesions (n = 33) were identified. The performance of the AI from this clinical population was found to have a sensitivity of 53.33%, specificity of 54.44% and accuracy of 54.17%. Rates of both keratinocyte carcinomas and MM were notably higher in aquatic and land-based enthusiasts compared to the general Australian population. These findings further highlight the clinical importance of sun-safe protection measures and regular skin screening in individuals who spend significant time outdoors. The use of AI in the early identification of MM is promising. However, the lower-than-expected performance metrics of the AI software used in this study indicated reservations should be held before recommending this particular version of this AI software as a reliable adjunct for clinicians in skin imaging diagnostics in patients with potentially sun damaged skin.

Can Extreme Bacteria Teach Us About Extraterrestrial Life?

Have you ever wondered if there is life beyond Earth? Scientists have been studying this topic for a long time and believe the answer might lie in extremophilic microbes, small organisms that thrive in extreme environments. In a 2022 study, scientists took extremophilic microbes from an analogue environment, or place on Earth similar to Mars, and put them in simulated Martian conditions. After exposing them to higher ultraviolet radiation levels, low oxygen levels, a dry atmosphere, and moisture-free Mars-like soil, these microbes still were able to survive. This research is important in helping us understand if Mars can house life and give us clues into what that life might look like beyond Earth.

Antioxidant capacity in leaves of pear cultivars during the summer season

Background. In field conditions during the summer season, high temperatures, drought and increased levels of UV radiation produce a negative impact on plant growth and development. These stressors are capable of initiating oxidative processes in plant cells, causing an increase in the content of toxic reactive oxygen species. To stop the development of oxidative stress, plants activate their antioxidant enzyme system. Materials and methods. The study was carried out during the summer season in the southern region of Russia on three pear cultivars: ‘Williams’, ‘Lyuberskaya’, and ‘Flamenco’. The activity of the main enzymatic antioxidants – polyphenol oxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase; and peroxidase – was assessed in pear leaves. Results. The data obtained showed variability in the tested cultivars during the studied summer season. The control European cultivar ‘Williams’ had a lower level of enzyme activity in the summer of 2021, compared to the Russian cultivars ‘Lyuberskaya’ and ‘Flamenco’. In 2022, its activity indicators of polyphenol oxidase and superoxide dismutase significantly exceeded the values of cv. ‘Lyuberskaya’ only at the outset of the summer. Conclusion. According to the results of the study, the pear cultivars showed different levels of enzyme activity during the studied period, and their maximum growth and stable height corresponded to the warmest and driest month. The Russian cultivars demonstrated greater uniformity in the dynamics of their antioxidant activity. compared to the European cultivar ‘Williams’.

Correlation of Ultraviolet Radiation Levels With the Incidence of Cutaneous Squamous Cell and Merkel Cell Carcinomas in Non-sunbelt Locales in the United States: 2010-2017.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common human malignancy worldwide, with increasing incidence in the United States (US). Recent environmental data have shown that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels have increased in the US, particularly in the higher latitudes, but the potential impact of this on NMSC incidence is not well known, despite estimates that 90% of NMSC is due to sun exposure. Our exploratory study synthesizes environmental data with demographic and clinical data to determine whether UV indices (UVIs) and non-sunbelt (non-SB) locale (latitudes >40 degrees, which comprises most of the US) might contribute to incidence rates of two types of NMSC: cutaneous squamous cell and Merkel cell carcinomas. UVIs from 2010 to 2017 were obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration database and meshed with corresponding locales in the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (version 8.4.0.1). Four SB and five NSB locales contained sufficient data for analysis. Linear mixed modeling was performed with the outcome variable of the age-adjusted incidence of NMSC cancer (comprised of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (CSCCHN) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)), the two most common types of NMSC contained within SEER). Non-SB locale and percent of days with UVI >3 were independent variables. Percent of days with UVI >3 increased during this period, as did the overall NMSC (combined CSCCHN and MCC) skin cancer incidence, though MCC incidence alone did not increase during our study period.Environmental factors that significantly contributed to the age-adjusted overall NMSC (combined CSCCHN and MCC) cancer incidence (per 100,000 individuals) included NSB locale (b=1.227, p=0.0019) and percent of days with UVIs >3 (b=0.028, p<0.0001), as well as clinical factors of percent white race and percent male, by linear mixed modeling. Our results are limited by the completeness of the NOAA and SEER databases, and do not include basal cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, our data demonstrate that environmental factors, such as latitude in NSB locale and UVI indices, can affect the age-adjusted overall NMSC (defined as CSCCHN and MCC in this study) incidence even in this relatively short period of time. Prospective studies over longer time periods are needed to identify the extent to which these findings are clinically significant so that increased educational efforts to promote sun-safe behaviors can be maximally effective.

Is there any association between the frequency of wet age-related macular degeneration recurrences and the seasons of the year?

To investigate whether a seasonal distribution of the frequency of exudative age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) recurrences exists. In total, 129 eyes with 171 recurrences in patients suffering from wet AMD were included in the study. All the patients had been treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections according to Pro Re Nata treatment regimen. Recurrence was defined as the re-detection of sub-retinal fluid, intraretinal fluid, and/or sub-macular hemorrhage in optical coherence tomography scans, after at least two consecutive monthly examinations with a "dry" macula. The year was divided in three 4-month periods (zone A: June-September, zone B: October-January, and zone C: February-May) based on the weather conditions prevailing in each period. Mean temperature and hours of sunlight exposure were the main weather markers recorded. Eighty-two recurrences (48%) occurred during the period June-September, 50 (29.2%) during the period October-January, and 39 (22.8%) during the period February-May (Chi-square = 17.5, p < 0.001). Among the groups, neither patients' age (78 ± 8years A, 76 ± 7years B, and 79 ± 8years C, p = 0.15) nor gender status (40% men A, 36% men B, and 51% men C, p = 0.35) differed significantly. Mean temperature was 27.6 ± 1.8°C, 15.1 ± 4.6°C, and 16.5 ± 4.4°C in zones A, B, and C, respectively. Hours (h) of sunlight exposure (average hours/month) were 344 ± 34h, 188 ± 42h, and 223 ± 57h in zones A, B, and C. We demonstrated that the frequency of wet AMD recurrences is significantly elevated during the warmer months, possibly due to the higher levels of UV radiation and mean temperature. Further research is necessary to validate our findings.

DNA repair-related genes are the key for stony coral ancestors to survive under elevated levels of UVR

DNA damage response (DDR) is a complicated network to defend against physical or chemical changes in DNA in all animals. Elevated levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) caused DNA damage, which was a reason for the mass extinction that occurred at the Devonian/Carboniferous (D/C) boundary approximately 359 million years ago (Ma). However, the molecular adaptation of the stony coral ancestors that strangely survived the D/C boundary mass extinction is not well understood. In the present study, the molecular clock analysis using fourfold degenerate sites of 1,463 homologous genes of different stony coral species (a representative group of marine organisms with calcareous skeletons) suggested that their common ancestors originated 384.24 Ma, i.e., slightly earlier than the D/C transition. We identified 21 rapidly evolving genes (REGs) and 49 positive selection genes (PSGs) that were significantly enriched in diverse pathways, including the mitotic cell cycle process, intracellular protein transport, and DNA synthesis involved in DNA repair. Interestingly, four REGs and 21 PSGs were significantly enriched in DDR pathways, including the mitotic cell cycle process, DNA synthesis involved in DNA repair, and cellular response to DNA damage stimulus pathways. We hypothesize that enriched DDR genes are likely involved in the enhanced ability of ancient stony corals to detect and repair DNA damage. For example, the DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit (POLE) gene, which encodes the DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit A, mediates interaction with the other three catalytic subunits through its nonenzymatic carboxy-terminal domain. POLE may potentially enhance the binding ability to other subunits to strengthen its function because eight positive selection sites were distributed in the C-terminal of POLE and on the surface of the simulated 3D protein model. Therefore, our results demonstrated for the first time that the precise transfer of DNA information may help stony coral ancestors survive in elevated levels of ultraviolet radiation, suggesting that DDR levels may be critical to the environmental adaptation of calcareous skeletal organisms during climate change.

The UV Index color palette revisited

The UV Index (UVI), standardized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2002, is an internationally accepted reference for disseminating information on solar UV radiation levels with the purpose of preventing the harmful effects on human health by sun overexposure. The UVI is the erythemal irradiance expressed in a dimensionless unit, with numerical values adapted to a risk scale that considers the “Extreme” level from a UVI value equal to 11 upwards. This scale is linked to a color palette by health risk ranges, and to a graded color palette by units of UVI for more details. Both the numerical scale and its associated risk levels were universally adopted by the scientific community and by global information systems to the population. However, inconsistencies and limitations persist between both UVI color palettes, making their interpretation and application difficult. In the present work all these aspects are addressed, proposing a revised color palette for unit UVI values that resolves each of them. Based on the WHO risk-ranges UVI color palette, the new color palette for unit UVI values gives coherence to both color charts, allowing reliable identification of the risk level bands and of each unit UVI level within them, and solves the need to distinguish between units for numerical values of UVI higher than 11 that are registered daily in many regions of the world.

The future ozone trends in changing climate simulated with SOCOLv4

Abstract. This study evaluates the future evolution of atmospheric ozone simulated with the Earth system model (ESM) SOCOLv4. Simulations have been performed based on two potential shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs): the middle-of-the-road (SSP2-4.5) and fossil-fueled (SSP5-8.5) scenarios. The future changes in ozone, as well as in chemical drivers (NOx and CO) and temperature, were estimated between 2015 and 2099 and for several intermediate subperiods (i.e., 2015–2039, 2040–2069, and 2070–2099) via dynamic linear modeling. In both scenarios, the model projects a decline in tropospheric ozone in the future that starts in the 2030s in SSP2-4.5 and after the 2060s in SSP5-8.5 due to a decrease in concentrations of NOx and CO. The results also suggest a very likely ozone increase in the mesosphere and the upper and middle stratosphere, as well as in the lower stratosphere at high latitudes. Under SSP5-8.5, the ozone increase in the stratosphere is higher because of stronger cooling (&gt;1 K per decade) induced by greenhouse gases (GHGs), which slows the catalytic ozone destruction cycles. In contrast, in the tropical lower stratosphere, ozone concentrations decrease in both experiments and increase over the middle and high latitudes of both hemispheres due to the speeding up of the Brewer–Dobson circulation, which is stronger in SSP5-8.5. No evidence was found of a decline in ozone levels in the lower stratosphere at mid-latitudes. In both future scenarios, the total column ozone is expected to be distinctly higher than present in middle to high latitudes and might be lower in the tropics, which causes a decrease in the mid-latitudes and an increase in the tropics in the surface level of ultraviolet radiation. The results of SOCOLv4 suggest that the stratospheric-ozone evolution throughout the 21st century is strongly governed not only by a decline in halogen concentration but also by future GHG forcing. In addition, the tropospheric-ozone column changes, which are mainly due to the changes in anthropogenic emissions of ozone precursors, also have a strong impact on the total column. Therefore, even though the anthropogenic halogen-loading problem has been brought under control to date, the sign of future ozone column changes, globally and regionally, is still unclear and largely depends on diverse future human activities. The results of this work are, thus, relevant for developing future strategies for socioeconomic pathways.

Cascading Polymer Macro-Debris Upcycling and Microparticle Removal as an Effective Life Cycle Plastic Pollution Mitigation Strategy.

Plastic pollution caused by material losses and their subsequent chemical emissions is pervasive in the natural environment and varies with age. Cascading the life cycles of plastic losses with solid waste reclamation via re-manufacturing virgin polymers or producing fuels and energy may extend resource availability while minimizing waste generation and environmental exposure. Here, we systematically investigate this cascaded plastic waste processing over other waste end-of-life management pathways by analyzing the environmental consequences of plastic losses across the entire life cycle. Plastic losses can form volatile organic chemicals via photo-degradation and pose non-negligible global warming, ecotoxicity, and air pollution effects that worsen by at least 189% in the long run. These environmental burdens increase by above 9.96% under high ultraviolet radiation levels and participation rates, which facilitate plastic particulate compartment transport and degradation. Cascaded plastic waste processing aided by fast pyrolysis upcycling technologies can effectively cut environmental losses and outperform landfills and incineration in reducing 23.35% ozone formation and 19.91% air pollution by offsetting the external monomer manufacturing and fuels and energy production while saving at least 25.75% fossil fuels.

Photoaging: Reversal of the Oxidative Stress Through Dietary Changes and Plant-Based Products.

Redox flagging represents all life processes, and maintaining a physiological level of antioxidants is essential for the legitimate working of the cell. Genetics and environmental triggers are two major culminating factors for skin aging, both chronological and photoaging. The latter, however, relies principally upon the level of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and the skin phototype. Apart from causing DNA damage, UVR also stimulates the receptors present in keratinocytes as well as fibroblasts. This in turn leads to the breakdown of collagen and a breach in the generation of new collagen. It is speculated that the breakdown of collagen in the dermis is ensured by the defective restoration that ultimately hampers the structural integrity of skin, leading to wrinkled and atrophic skin. The skin has an admixture of various endogenous antioxidants that work synergistically with vitamins and minerals to maintain cellular equilibrium. Although, their role in safeguarding the cells against the detrimental effects induced by UVR is still questionable and requires further research. However, the advancement in the biology of skin has led to the development of strategies that aimat skin rejuvenation and retarding the progression of photoaging and its visible signs.Photoaging in this article is reviewed inlight of currentconcepts in pathogenesis and its prevention. In addition, the article focuses on both prevailing and forthcoming treatment strategies primarily through plant-based products that will help slow down the process of photoaging.

The influence of meteorological factors on COVID-19 spread in Italy during the first and second wave

The relation between meteorological factors and COVID-19 spread remains uncertain, particularly with regard to the role of temperature, relative humidity and solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To assess this relation, we investigated disease spread within Italy during 2020. The pandemic had a large and early impact in Italy, and during 2020 the effects of vaccination and viral variants had not yet complicated the dynamics. We used non-linear, spline-based Poisson regression of modeled temperature, UV and relative humidity, adjusting for mobility patterns and additional confounders, to estimate daily rates of COVID-19 new cases, hospital and intensive care unit admissions, and deaths during the two waves of the pandemic in Italy during 2020. We found little association between relative humidity and COVID-19 endpoints in both waves, whereas UV radiation above 40 kJ/m2 showed a weak inverse association with hospital and ICU admissions in the first wave, and a stronger relation with all COVID-19 endpoints in the second wave. Temperature above 283 K (10 °C/50 °F) showed a strong non-linear negative relation with COVID-19 endpoints, with inconsistent relations below this cutpoint in the two waves. Given the biological plausibility of a relation between temperature and COVID-19, these data add support to the proposition that temperature above 283 K, and possibly high levels of solar UV radiation, reduced COVID-19 spread.