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Food Chemistry Jun 2024Fresh fruit and vegetables usually suffer from quality deterioration when exposed to inappropriate temperatures. Common energy-input temperature regulation is widely...
Fresh fruit and vegetables usually suffer from quality deterioration when exposed to inappropriate temperatures. Common energy-input temperature regulation is widely applied but there remain challenges of increasing energy consumption. Passive temperature management regulates the heat transfer without energy consumption, showing a sustainable strategy for food preservation. Here, thermoresponsive hydrogels were constructed by incorporating NaCl and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles into a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) (P(NIPAM-co-AM)) network. Due to the excellent mechanical properties and reversible thermochromism at 14 °C and 37 °C, Gel-8 wt%-NaCl could inhibit temperature rise and avoid sunburn damage to peppers under direct sunlight by blocking the input of solar energy and accelerating moisture evaporation. Additionally, hydrogels could act as a feasible sensor by providing real-time visual warnings for inappropriate temperatures during banana storage. Based on the self-adaptive thermoresponsive behaviour, the prepared hydrogels showed effective performance of temperature regulation and quality preservation of fruit and vegetables.
PubMed: 38945049
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139962 -
Cureus May 2024Background and objective Exposure to sunlight's ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses various health risks, including sunburn, skin damage, and heightened skin cancer risk....
Background and objective Exposure to sunlight's ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses various health risks, including sunburn, skin damage, and heightened skin cancer risk. Sunblock usage has surged due to widespread advertising campaigns. Individuals spending time outdoors should employ protective measures like wearing hats, applying sunblock with a high sun protection factor (SPF), covering exposed skin, and seeking shade to mitigate UV exposure's harmful effects. This study's objective is to assess participants' experiences and satisfaction with SPF 100 sunscreen in actual use conditions. Methodology This study employed a prospective, single-center design involving 100 participants aged 18 to 70 years. Eligible individuals had Fitzpatrick skin types I-III and were engaged in outdoor activities, excluding those with certain medical conditions or medication use. Each participant received sunscreen tubes (Solero SPF 100, Helix Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Karachi, Pakistan), and clinical evaluations were conducted on the day before and after and day 22 visits, with sunblock application and UV-induced erythema assessments performed. Results Our study enrolled participants with a mean age of 25.6 ± 7.1 years, ranging from 15 to 55 years, with females comprising 84% (84) of the sample. Results revealed widespread satisfaction and acceptance of SPF 100 sunscreen, without any reported adverse reactions. A significant majority expressed their willingness to purchase and recommend the sunscreen to others. Furthermore, the majority of healthcare providers expressed satisfaction with prescribing this sunscreen. Conclusions In conclusion, SPF 100 sunscreen demonstrated excellent tolerability and acceptability among participants, suggesting its potential utility in both personal sun protection routines and clinical settings.
PubMed: 38939303
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61212 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Grape marc is a by-product resulting from the winemaking industry that still contains beneficial compounds that can be valorized. Thus, we report here the possibility of...
Grape marc is a by-product resulting from the winemaking industry that still contains beneficial compounds that can be valorized. Thus, we report here the possibility of using polyphenolic extracts of grape marc origin to obtain sun protection creams. The extractions were performed in ethanol and acetone solutions using pomace from different grape varieties (Merlot, Bläufrankisch, Fetească Neagră, Isabella) as a raw material. The obtained extracts were analyzed in order to determine the total phenolic content, the antioxidant activity, and the sun protection factor (SPF) via Mansur spectrophotometric assay. The best results were achieved using 70% ethanol in water as a solvent. The extracts with the highest potential photoprotective effects are from the Merlot variety (SPF = 7.83 ± 0.76). The sunscreens were prepared using the 70% ethanolic extract of the Merlot variety evaporated to dryness, redissolved in either distilled water or ethanol. The SPF estimated in vitro via the COLIPA method showed values of 14.07 ± 1.50 and 11.46 ± 1.32 for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively, when working with a cream to polyphenolic extract a ratio of 1/1 (/). At the same time, the use of aqueous polyphenolic extracts ensures the better stability of creams compared with the ethanolic ones.
Topics: Sunscreening Agents; Vitis; Plant Extracts; Antioxidants; Cosmetics; Polyphenols; Wine; Biological Products; Sun Protection Factor
PubMed: 38930846
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122775 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... May 2024The aims of this study were to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sun exposure and sun protection among the population of Kazakhstan.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sun exposure and sun protection among the population of Kazakhstan.
METHOD
A cross sectional study was conducted by administering an online questionnaire via social networking sites to residents of Kazakhstan. The questionnaire was designed to determine demographic information as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sun exposure and sun protection.
RESULT
The responses of 249 participants were analysed. Descriptive tests, bivariate analyses, and multiple linear regression were used to statistically analyse the data. The mean age of the participants was 31.7 ± 11.5 (SD) years. Most participants were of Kazakh nationality (88.7%), female (71.0 %), urban residents (93.9 %), and possessed higher education degrees (88.0 %). The level of knowledge and attitudes were found to be moderate amongst the population whilst practices were determined to be low. Knowledge (p=0.002), attitudes (p=0.002), female gender (p=0.002), and having children educated in school about sun safety (p=0.018) were significantly associated with improved sun-protective practices.
CONCLUSION
This study has demonstrated low adoption of sun protective practices in the Kazakhstan population, despite the identification of certain characteristics associated with higher rates of practice.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Adult; Kazakhstan; Sunlight; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sunscreening Agents; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Follow-Up Studies; Health Behavior; Adolescent; Prognosis
PubMed: 38809640
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.5.1681 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Melatonin is ubiquitously present in all animals and plants, where it exerts a variety of physiological activities thanks to its antioxidant properties and its key role... (Review)
Review
Melatonin is ubiquitously present in all animals and plants, where it exerts a variety of physiological activities thanks to its antioxidant properties and its key role as the first messenger of extracellular signaling functions. Most of the clinical studies on melatonin refer to its widespread oral use as a dietary supplement to improve sleep. A far smaller number of articles describe the clinical applications of topical melatonin to treat or prevent skin disorders by exploiting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This review focuses on the clinical studies in which melatonin was applied on the skin as a photoprotective, anti-aging, or hair growth-promoting agent. The methodologies and results of such studies are discussed to provide an overall picture of the state of the art in this intriguing field of research. The clinical studies in which melatonin was applied on the skin before exposure to radiation (UV, sunlight, and high-energy beams) were all characterized by an appropriate design (randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled) and strongly support its clinical efficacy in preventing or reducing skin damage such as dermatitis, erythema, and sunburn. Most of the studies examined in this review do not provide a clear demonstration of the efficacy of topical melatonin as a skin anti-aging or as a hair growth-promoting agent owing to limitations in their design and/or to the use of melatonin combined with extra active ingredients, except for one trial that suggests a possible beneficial role of melatonin in treating some forms of alopecia in women. Further research efforts are required to reach definitive conclusions concerning the actual benefits of topical melatonin to counteract skin aging and hair loss.
Topics: Melatonin; Humans; Administration, Topical; Antioxidants; Animals; Skin Aging; Clinical Studies as Topic; Skin; Skin Diseases
PubMed: 38791203
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105167 -
Heliyon May 2024The main objective of this work is to present a set of equations that relates exposure time to solar radiation, the ultraviolet index (UVI), and its effects, both...
The main objective of this work is to present a set of equations that relates exposure time to solar radiation, the ultraviolet index (UVI), and its effects, both positive (vitamin D synthesis) and negative (sunburns), including the influence of repeated doses and the incorporation of protective factors. To do so, expressions are proposed for both effects and a time range is specified where repeated doses can be applied. Moreover, we propose expressions (PROBIT equations) that relate the percentage of a population that would reach the recommended daily amount of vitamin D and the repeated dosage to which the population is exposed for skin types I to IV. For all the cases studied, protective factors, such as the use of clothes or sunscreens, were taken into account. Additionally, comparisons were made based on skin types between the generation of daily vitamin D and the onset of sunburn, being able to establish a percentage of those who would suffer from first-degree sunburns when this population reached the recommended daily amount of vitamin D. Thus, it can be noted that when a large percentage of a population wants to obtain the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D of 2000 IU or more, and by exposing a small portion of skin to solar radiation, a considerable percentage of that population would suffer from first-degree sunburn as vitamin D generation is related to the area of exposed skin. Therefore, by increasing the area of skin that is exposed to solar radiation, vitamin D needs can be safely met even with higher daily amounts.
PubMed: 38784536
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30864 -
Genes & Nutrition May 2024The role of inflammation in the aetiology of cancer is recognized. However, no study yet examined the association between an anti-inflammatory diet and cutaneous...
The role of inflammation in the aetiology of cancer is recognized. However, no study yet examined the association between an anti-inflammatory diet and cutaneous melanoma and explored whether it could be modified by genetic variations in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a key enzyme in inflammation. A case-control study was conducted in the IDI-IRCCS hospital in Rome, Italy with 273 cases of primary cutaneous melanoma and 269 controls frequency matched to cases. Information on socio-demographic and pigmentary characteristics, medical history, sun exposure and dietary habits were collected for all subjects. The - 765G > C polymorphism was identified in DNA extracted from blood samples. An anti-inflammatory diet score was created. Logistic regression models were fitted to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A high anti-inflammatory diet score (≥ 8 anti-inflammatory dietary items) was associated with a decreased risk of cutaneous melanoma (OR: 0.29; 95%CI: 0.17-0.49, P < 0.0001) after adjusting for sex, age, education, number of common nevi, skin photo-type, solar lentigines and sunburns in childhood. COX-2 -765 G > C polymorphism was not an independent risk factor for cutaneous melanoma. Although interaction between - 765G > C genotypes and anti-inflammatory diet score was not statistically significant (p = 0.25), when stratified by -765 G > C genotypes the effect of the anti-inflammatory diet was slightly more pronounced for participants carrying - 765GG (OR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.06-0.47, P < 0.001). Our study findings suggest that adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet is associated with a decreased risk of developing cutaneous melanoma. These results suggest the potential impact of dietary choices on melanoma risk.
PubMed: 38783228
DOI: 10.1186/s12263-024-00745-6 -
Archives of Dermatological Research May 2024Many individuals with vitiligo are uncertain about their skin cancer risk, phototherapy risks, and recommended sun protective practices. This study examined the...
Many individuals with vitiligo are uncertain about their skin cancer risk, phototherapy risks, and recommended sun protective practices. This study examined the perceived skin cancer risk and sun protective practices among individuals living with vitiligo. A secondary objective was to understand where participants obtain this information. This was a prospective cross-sectional study. An online survey was distributed to vitiligo support group leaders globally who shared the survey with their members. Individuals over the age of 18 and with vitiligo were included. There were 209 survey respondents, the majority were between the ages 35-54 (45.5%, n = 95), female (70.8%, n = 148), White (66.0%, n = 138). Nearly half of respondents believed they were at increased risk of skin cancer because of their vitiligo (45.5%, n = 95) and nearly a quarter (22.5%, n = 47) believed that phototherapy increased their risk of skin cancer. Having vitiligo affected sun protective practices with less than a quarter (24.4%, n = 51) of respondents using sunscreen daily or often prior to their vitiligo diagnosis in comparison to the majority of respondents (60.3%, n = 126) using it after their vitiligo diagnosis. The three most common sources where patients obtained information were the internet and social media (46.4%, n = 97), vitiligo support groups (23.4%, n = 49), and dermatologists (20.6%, n = 43). Despite evidence indicating a decreased risk of skin cancer in individuals with vitiligo and supporting the safety of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy, many participants believed they were at an increased risk of skin cancer. Findings were sub-stratified and showed differences in sunscreen usage based on gender, skin color, and percent depigmentation. This study also found nearly half of respondents obtained information related to vitiligo from the internet and social media. The number of participants may limit the generalizability of the findings. Survey questionnaires are also subject to response bias. The findings from this study highlight demographic variations in sunscreen usage which may help guide the development of targeted interventions to improve sun protective behaviors among diverse populations with vitiligo. In addition, this study suggests certain sun protective practices and skin cancer risk perceptions may vary based on extent of depigmentation. Lastly, this study also demonstrates the internet and social media as a popular source for obtaining information, emphasizing the need for dermatologists to leverage various online communication channels to help disseminate accurate information.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Skin Neoplasms; Adult; Prospective Studies; Middle Aged; Sunscreening Agents; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult; Aged; Sunburn; Risk Factors; Sunlight
PubMed: 38775848
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-02942-0 -
BMJ Open May 2024Reunion Island, a French overseas department, is located in the southern hemisphere, close to the Capricorn tropic. This island has a multicultural and multiethnic...
INTRODUCTION
Reunion Island, a French overseas department, is located in the southern hemisphere, close to the Capricorn tropic. This island has a multicultural and multiethnic population of 860 000 inhabitants, a quarter of whom are at high risk of developing skin cancer due to intense ultraviolet radiation. Melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. The early prevention of melanoma is based on sun protection in childhood, but French regulations are not adapted to the environmental conditions of this tropical region.The main objective of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of three sun protection programs conducted in Reunionese primary schools through a pupil knowledge questionnaire.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
PRESOLRE is an interventional, open-label, cluster-randomised controlled trial, in four parallel arms, that is being conducted throughout 2022-2023 on Reunion Island. The trial design assumes an escalation interventional effect using: first, a control arm without proposed intervention (arm 1); second, an arm whose classes are encouraged to use the validated educational programme 'Living With the Sun' (LWS) (arm 2); third, an arm whose classes are encouraged to use both 'LWS' combined with 'Mission Soleil Réunion's sun protection awareness programme (arm 3); fourth, an arm benefiting from an intervention similar to arm 3, combined with the distribution of hats, sunglasses and sun creams (arm 4). In all, 1780 pupils from 18 classes of 20 pupils, on average, will be included. Randomisation applies to the classes of pupils (so defined as clusters). The primary outcome is based on the proportion of correct answers to the knowledge questions after the awareness programme, compared between the four arms using a linear mixed model with random intercept.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
The study obtained ethics approval in 2022 (ID: 2022-A00350-43). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT05367180.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Male; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Melanoma; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reunion; School Health Services; Schools; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 38754877
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082045 -
Cancers Apr 2024Melanoma ranks as the fifth most common solid cancer in adults worldwide and is responsible for a significant proportion of skin-tumor-related deaths. The advent of... (Review)
Review
Melanoma ranks as the fifth most common solid cancer in adults worldwide and is responsible for a significant proportion of skin-tumor-related deaths. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibition with anti-programmed death protein-1 (PD-1) antibodies has revolutionized the adjuvant treatment of high-risk, completely resected stage III/IV melanoma. However, not all patients benefit equally. Current strategies for improving outcomes involve adjuvant treatment in earlier disease stages (IIB/C) as well as perioperative treatment approaches. Interfering with T-cell exhaustion to counteract cancer immune evasion and the immunogenic nature of melanoma is key for anti-PD-1 effectiveness. Yet, the biological rationale for the efficacy of adjuvant treatment in clinically tumor-free patients remains to be fully elucidated. High-dose intermittent sun exposure (sunburn) is a well-known primary risk factor for melanomagenesis. Also, ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced immunosuppression may impair anti-cancer immune surveillance. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about adjuvant anti-PD-1 blockade, including a characterization of the main cell types most likely responsible for its efficacy. In conclusion, we propose that local and systemic immunosuppression, to some extent UVR-mediated, can be restored by adjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy, consequently boosting anti-melanoma immune surveillance and the elimination of residual melanoma cell clones.
PubMed: 38672543
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081461