Conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence area decreases with age and sunglasses use

BackgroundConjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) is a method of detecting conjunctival damage related to ultraviolet radiation exposure. In cross-sectional studies, CUVAF area is positively associated with self-reported time spent outdoors and pterygium and negatively associated with myopia; however, longitudinal studies are scarce.AimsTo use a novel deep learning-based tool to assess 8-year change in CUVAF area in young adults, investigate factors associated with this change and identify the number of new onset pterygia.MethodsA deep learning-based CUVAF tool was developed to measure CUVAF area. CUVAF area and pterygium status were assessed at three study visits: baseline (participants were approximately 20 years old) and at 7-year and 8-year follow-ups. Participants self-reported sun protection behaviours and ocular history.ResultsCUVAF data were available for 1497 participants from at least one study visit; 633 (43%) participants had complete CUVAF data. Mean CUVAF areas at baseline and the 7-year and 8-year follow-ups were 48.4, 39.3 and 37.7 mm2, respectively. There was a decrease in mean CUVAF area over time (change in total CUVAF area=−0.96 mm2 per year (95% CI: −1.07 to –0.86)). For participants who wore sunglasses ≥1/2 of the time, CUVAF area decreased by an additional −0.42 mm2 per year (95% CI: −0.72 to –0.12) on average. Fourteen (1.5%) participants developed a pterygium.ConclusionsIn this young adult cohort, CUVAF area declined over an 8-year period. Wearing sunglasses was associated with a faster reduction in CUVAF area. Deep learning-based models can assist in accurate and efficient measurement of CUVAF area.

Circulating Immunosuppressive Regulatory T Cells Predict Risk of Incident Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Ultraviolet radiation exposure (UVR) is a risk factor for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC) and has been shown to be positively associated with circulating immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (“Tregs”). However, the risk of cuSCC in association with circulating Tregs has not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating Treg levels are associated with cuSCC development, particularly in the context of high UVR. Blood and spectrophotometer-based UVR measurements were obtained on 327 immunocompetent individuals undergoing routine skin cancer screenings at baseline and followed for up to 4 years for incident cuSCC development within a prospective cohort study. Proportions of phenotypically distinct Tregs, especially CCR4hi and CLA+ cells which are associated with activation and homing, respectively, were measured by flow cytometry. Tregs in cuSCC tumors were assessed using immunohistochemistry and graded for solar elastosis, a measure of cumulative UVR damage. Of several Treg phenotypes examined, higher levels of circulating CCR4hi Tregs at baseline were significantly associated with increased risk of subsequent cuSCC; those with higher levels of both CCR4hi and UVR were four times more likely to develop cuSCC compared to those with lower levels of both (Hazard Ratio = 4.11, 95% CI = 1.22–13.90). Within cuSCC tumors, CCR4hi Tregs were positively associated with solar elastosis. Results show that a higher proportion of CCR4hi peripheral Tregs predicts incident cuSCC up to 4 years, especially among highly UV-exposed individuals. Research of the underpinning biology of Tregs in UVR-associated skin damage may possibly reveal novel opportunities for screening, prevention, and treatment.

Transcriptomic Effects of Acute Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure on Two Syntrichia Mosses

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major environmental stressor for terrestrial plants. Here we investigated genetic responses to acute broadband UVR exposure in the highly desiccation-tolerant mosses Syntrichia caninervis and Syntrichia ruralis, using a comparative transcriptomics approach. We explored whether UVR protection is physiologically plastic and induced by UVR exposure, addressing the following questions: (1) What is the timeline of changes in the transcriptome with acute UVR exposure in these two species? (2) What genes are involved in the UVR response? and (3) How do the two species differ in their transcriptomic response to UVR? There were remarkable differences between the two species after 10 and 30 min of UVR exposure, including no overlap in significantly differentially abundant transcripts (DATs) after 10 min of UVR exposure and more than twice as many DATs for S. caninervis as there were for S. ruralis. Photosynthesis-related transcripts were involved in the response of S. ruralis to UVR, while membrane-related transcripts were indicated in the response of S. caninervis. In both species, transcripts involved in oxidative stress and those important for desiccation tolerance (such as late embryogenesis abundant genes and early light-inducible protein genes) were involved in response to UVR, suggesting possible roles in UVR tolerance and cross-talk with desiccation tolerance in these species. The results of this study suggest potential UVR-induced responses that may have roles outside of UVR tolerance, and that the response to URV is different in these two species, perhaps a reflection of adaptation to different environmental conditions.

Micronodular basal cell carcinoma of the scrotum: a case report and review of the literature

Introduction Basal cell carcinoma is the most common nonmelanotic skin cancer. It has variable clinical and histological subtypes that vary in their aggressiveness and liability to recurrence and metastasis. Chronic ultraviolet radiation exposure is considered to be the main risk factor for developing basal cell carcinoma; therefore, it typically arises on sun-exposed skin, mainly the head and neck. Case presentation We present the case of a 55-year-old Caucasian male who presented with a lesion on the scrotum for 2 years. The lesion was clinically presumed benign and initially treated with curettage. Microscopic examination revealed an incompletely resected micronodular basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation. Therefore, a second excisional biopsy was performed to completely excise the incidentally discovered malignant tumor. Conclusion We report the first case of micronodular basal cell carcinoma arising on the scrotum. The goal of our article is to draw clinicians’ attention to the possible involvement of unexposed skin with basal cell carcinoma, and we highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment due to the aggressive nature of micronodular basal cell carcinoma.

Micronodular basal cell carcinoma of the scrotum- a case report and review of the literature

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanotic skin cancer. It has variable clinical and histological subtypes that vary in their aggressiveness and liability to recurrence and metastasis. Chronic ultraviolet radiation exposure is considered to be the main risk factor for developing BCC; therefore it typically arises on sun-exposed skin, mainly the head and neck. Case presentation: We present the case of a 55-year-old male who presented with a lesion on the scrotum for 2 years. The lesion was clinically presumed benign and initially treated with curettage. Microscopic examination revealed an incompletely resected micronodular BCC with sebaceous differentiation. Therefore, a second excisional biopsy was performed to completely excise the incidentally-discovered malignant tumor. Conclusion: We report the first case of micronodular BCC arising on the scrotum. The goal of our article is to draw clinicians’ attention to the possible involvement of unexposed skin with BCC and we highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment due the aggressive nature of micronodular BCC.

Leaching and Transformation of Film Preservatives in Paints Induced by Combined Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation and Water Contact under Controlled Laboratory Conditions

Stormwater from urban areas can transport biocidally active substances and related transformation products from buildings into the environment. The occurrence of these substances in urban runoff depends on the availability of water, and on ultraviolet radiation exposure that causes photolytic reactions. In a systematic laboratory study, painted test specimens were exposed to either ultraviolet radiation, water contact, or a combination of both. Leaching of the biocidally active substances carbendazim, diuron, octylisothiazolinone, terbutryn, and selected transformation products of terbutryn and diuron were observed under various exposure conditions. Remaining concentrations of these substances in the paint were quantified. It was demonstrated that the distribution of active substances and transformation products in eluates and in the coatings themselves differs with exposure conditions. Strategies for environmental monitoring of biocide emissions need to consider the most relevant transformation products. However, environmental concentrations of biocidally active substances and transformation products depend on earlier exposure conditions. As a consequence, monitoring data cannot describe emission processes and predict expected leaching of biocidally active substances from buildings if the data are collected only occasionally.

COVID-19 and Vitamin D Misinformation on YouTube: A Content Analysis (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The “infodemic” accompanying the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has the potential to increase avoidable spread as well as engagement in risky health behaviours. While social media platforms such as YouTube can be an inexpensive and effective method of sharing accurate health information, inaccurate and misleading information shared on YouTube can be dangerous for viewers [1]. OBJECTIVE The confusing nature of data and claims surrounding the benefits of vitamin D, particularly in the prevention or cure of COVID-19, influences both viewers and the general “immune boosting” commercial interest. METHODS YouTube video results for the search terms COVID, coronavirus, and vitamin D were collected and analyzed for content themes and deemed useful or misleading, based on the accuracy or inaccuracy of the content. Qualitative content analysis and simple statistical analysis were used to determine the prevalence and frequency of concerning content, such as confusing correlation with causation regarding vitamin D benefits. RESULTS 77 videos with 10,225,763 views (at the time of data collection) were included in the analysis, with over three quarters of them containing misleading content about COVID-19 and vitamin D. 58% of the videos confused the relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19, with 85% of the videos stating that vitamin D had preventative or curative abilities. The major contributor of these videos were medical professionals with YouTube accounts. Vitamin D recommendations that do not align with current literature were frequently suggested, included taking over the recommended safe dosage or seeking intentional solar ultraviolet radiation exposure. CONCLUSIONS The spread of misinformation is particularly alarming when spread by medical professionals and confusion of existing data suggesting vitamin D has “immune boosting” abilities can add to viewer confusion or mistrust in health information. Further, the suggestions made in the videos may increase risks of other poor health outcomes, such as skin cancer from solar UV radiation.