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The immunomodulatory effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in human diseases have been described. Whether type 2 lung inflammation is directly affected by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is not fully understood. Here, we show a possible negative correlation between solar UVB radiation and asthmatic inflammation in humans and mice. UVB exposure to the eyes induces hypothalamus-pituitary activation and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) accumulation in the serum to suppress allergic airway inflammation by targeting group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) through the MC5R receptor in mice. The α-MSH/MC5R interaction limits ILC2 function through attenuation of JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling. Consistently, we observe that the plasma α-MSH concentration is negatively correlated with the number and function of ILC2s in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with asthma. We provide insights into how solar UVB radiation-driven neuroendocrine α-MSH restricts ILC2-mediated lung inflammation and offer a possible strategy for controlling allergic diseases. Allergic asthma is episodic and associated with seasonal changes which may have links with UV exposure levels. Here the authors propose a link between UVB exposure and ILC2 function through α-MSH released from the pituitary gland which accumulates in the serum and alters ILC2 function through the MC5R receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manipulation of light spectral composition is a useful tool to drive morphological, physiological and metabolic responses in several crops, ultimately improving yield and quality. Novel materials for greenhouse covering are being developed in order to make a better use of the available sunlight: among these are the cover films or panels incorporating fluorescent additives which are able to convert UV solar radiation into visible light. In this research, we compared the physiological traits and the agronomical performance of wild rocket grown in pots in the winter–spring season, under four different greenhouse prototypes covered with poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA)-based panels. PMMA panels doped at 3% (Dop3) or 7% (Dop7) w/w with a blend of rare-earth elements (partially converting the solar UV radiation to red and blue wavelengths) were compared with an undoped (UD) and a whitewashed (WW) PMMA greenhouse. The rocket yield was higher in Dop3 (+30%), while it was unaffected in Dop7 and lower in WW (−39%), compared to the control (6.06 kg m−2). The leaf greenness decreased while both the ABTS and the hydrophilic antioxidant activities increased under the doped and the whitewashed greenhouses. The Dop3 treatment provided the best results in terms of yield and quality of greenhouse wild rocket in winter–spring cycle. However, the analysis of OJIP kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence revealed that the main factor affecting the photosynthetic performance was the light intensity inside each greenhouse rather than the modulation of light spectrum, because of the different shading properties of the doping and whitewashing treatments. Although these results did not allow us to distinguish between the combined effects of shading and light spectrum modulation, the use of photoluminescent covers can be foreseen as a promising innovation in greenhouse horticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present systematic review addresses the influence of occupational exposures on prostate cancer risk. Eleven studies were analyzed for a range of occupational exposures, including but not limited to firefighting, physical activity, night shift work, chemical exposure, and solar ultraviolet radiation. The results of the review reveal that firefighters exposed to harmful substances, individuals engaged in physically strenuous work, and workers with chronic night shift routines showed an increased likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Moreover, the review identified an increased risk associated with exposure to certain chemicals, including alkylphenolic compounds and benzene-related substances. The evidence underscores the importance of considering the cumulative effect of multiple risk factors in a comprehensive risk assessment. However, the conclusions indicate the necessity for further research to deepen these relationships and develop more effective strategies for the prevention of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturalized dyes (NDs) are innovative and eco-friendly synthetic compounds in which a chromophore is covalently linked to a natural sugar (e.g., lactose). The sugar moiety confers water-solubility and biocompatibility to the dye molecule as a whole. NDs have demonstrated potential application in dyeing textiles and leather. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate that selected NDs can be also applied to dye wood. To that aim, two NDs were tested to color beech and poplar wood. The NDs were applied as a simple aqueous solution or mixed with a waterborne, biogenic staining agent (commercially available Gemma U50). Moreover, the effect of the application of a biogenic waterborne top coat (commercially available Resina Plus U49) was also studied. Different methods were tested to investigate the potential application of these NDs to wood. The dyeing behavior was analyzed in terms of penetration into the substrate, covering capacity and color homogeneity through macro- and microscopic observations and colorimetric measurements. The color fastness to water washout and the color stability to light, in particular by exposing the wooden samples to artificial aging (UV radiations in a Solar Box), were also investigated. The NDs, when used as water solutions, were able to afford a homogeneous coating and a pleasant appearance on the wood surface, as well as a good color fastness to washout with water. Dissolving the dyes in the stain or applying the top coat generally resulted in even better color fastness to washout. However, all the application methods tested showed limited resistance to fading in the Solar Box, which therefore remains a drawback for this type of product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of the protective effect against air pollution-induced skin pigmentation of an oral nutritional supplement containing antioxidants: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study Thus, nutritional supplements can not only protect human skin against solar radiation-induced effects such as erythema and pigmentation but might also protect against air pollution-induced skin pigmentation. Similar to solar ultraviolet radiation, air pollutants cause skin tanning.[[1]] This response is mediated by oxidative stress and it can be effectively reduced if human skin is topically treated with a mixture of antioxidants.[2] As an alternative to topical application, antioxidants may also be delivered to human skin via the oral route. [Extracted from the article]

To effectively communicate SEPs to students, teachers must describe what they know about science (science content) in the context of how we know it (science practices). To engage students in science content and illustrate SEPs, we shared stories about historical scientists, modern-day professionals, and citizen scientists who modeled the practices as they sought to understand natural phenomena. An important strand of three-dimensional learning in the Next Generation Science Standards is science and engineering practices (SEPs; NGSS Lead States 2013). In addition to creating a valuable resource to assist students in understanding science practices, compiling the stories enables teachers to learn more about the nature of science and gain confidence in their own ability to teach the practices. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Firat University Journal of Experimental & Computational Engineering (FUJECE) is the property of Firat University Journal of Experimental & Computational Engineering (FUJECE) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article discusses the characteristics of amelanotic iris lesions, which are rare and poorly understood. The study analyzed data from 173 patients diagnosed with iris lesions, including nevi and melanomas, between 2010 and 2021. Out of these patients, seven had amelanotic iris lesions. The study found that the percentage of iris melanotic melanoma diagnosed was significantly higher than the percentage of amelanotic iris melanoma. The article emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring and biopsy for patients with amelanotic iris lesions, as they may be malignant. [Extracted from the article]

Background: A World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) systematic review reported sufficient evidence for higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) amongst people occupationally exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). This article presents WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of global, regional, national and subnational occupational exposures to UVR for 195 countries/areas and the global, regional and national attributable burdens of NMSC for 183 countries, by sex and age group, for the years 2000, 2010 and 2019. Methods: We calculated population-attributable fractions (PAFs) from estimates of the population occupationally exposed to UVR and the risk ratio for NMSC from the WHO/ILO systematic review. Occupational exposure to UVR was modelled via proxy of occupation with outdoor work, using 166 million observations from 763 cross-sectional surveys for 96 countries/areas. Attributable NMSC burden was estimated by applying the PAFs to WHO’s estimates of the total NMSC burden. Measures of inequality were calculated. Results: Globally in 2019, 1.6 billion workers (95 % uncertainty range [UR] 1.6–1.6) were occupationally exposed to UVR, or 28.4 % (UR 27.9–28.8) of the working-age population. The PAFs were 29.0 % (UR 24.7–35.0) for NMSC deaths and 30.4 % (UR 29.0–31.7) for disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Attributable NMSC burdens were 18,960 deaths (UR 18,180–19,740) and 0.5 million DALYs (UR 0.4–0.5). Men and older age groups carried larger burden. Over 2000–2019, attributable deaths and DALYs almost doubled. Conclusions: WHO and the ILO estimate that occupational exposure to UVR is common and causes substantial, inequitable and growing attributable burden of NMSC. Governments must protect outdoor workers from hazardous exposure to UVR and attributable NMSC burden and inequalities.

Ultraviolet solar radiation that reaches the surface of the Earth has a very important role in the energy budget of our planet, although at certain amounts of exposure it can be harmful not only for human health, but animals and plants. Brazil is a tropical country receiving high intensity of UV radiation mostly of the year. UV radiation, specially UV-B is mainly absorbed in the ozone layer, changes in ozone content or ozone distribution directly affects UV radiation attenuation, so that surface UV. Ozone hole is characterized by an intense ozone depletion in the stratosphere in Antarctic region, happening during spring in the south hemisphere. There is evidence of poor-ozone air masses detachment from polar vortex and reaching mid-latitude regions, such as South of Brazil. Those air masses cause impact on the regions which they act due to low ozone content, allowing more radiation to reach the surface. UV index data from a Brewer Spectrophotometer (MKIII #167), located in south of Brazil, in the Southern Space Observatory (29.42° S, 53.87° W) was analysed with data collected between 2005 and 2017. Ground data was compared to satellite-derived from OMI/Aura, resulting in a correlation coefficient of 0.95 %. The climatology of Brewer data was done, analysing seasonal and interannual variability. Wavelet analysis showed the influence of ENSO, QBO and solar cycle on the variability of UV index. The results show a typical seasonal behaviour of UV Index, reaching extreme during summer season. Events of secondary effects of Antarctic ozone hole, identified between 2005 and 2016 (Bittencourt, 2018), were selected and the behavior of UV index and UV-B non-weighted during those events were studied. All ten events studied showed a significant increase in UV radiation at the days of events, the majority resulted in an increase of 4 % of UV index for each 1 % ozone total column decrease. One specific event was described in detail due to the major ozone depletion. Occurred in October 2016, ozone depletion was of almost 20 % while UV index increased 88 % in relation to the climatological mean, raising the concern with public health regarding excess exposure to UV radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film is an active smart film penetrating the market due to its unique functionalities. These functional characteristics include switchable tint capabilities, which shield building residents from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, improve energy-saving features, and produce higher cost-efficiency. Although PDLC films are promising in several applications, there is still ambiguity on the performance of PDLC films. Particularly, the sizing effects' (such as film thickness and area) correlation with visible light transmission (VLT), ultraviolet rejection (UVR), infrared rejection (IRR), light intensity, current consumption, and apparent power consumption is not well understood. Therefore, this study investigated the sizing effects of PDLC films, including the thickness effect on VLT, UVR, IRR, light intensity, and area influence on current and apparent power consumptions. The varying applied voltage effect on the light transmittance of the PDLC film was also effectively demonstrated. A 0.1 mm PDLC film was successfully presented as a cost-efficient film with optimal parameters. Consequently, this study paves the way for a clearer understanding of PDLC films (behavior and sizing effects) in implementing economic PDLC films for large-scale adoption in commercial and residential premises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we study the different components of the UV Index, direct, diffuse, and global, for seven years of UV erythemal measurements in a Mediterranean locality at Burjassot AtmoSpheric Station (BASS). The measurements have been taken with three YES-UVB-1 radiometers: one provided with a shadow disk on a Sun tracker; a radiometer to measure the global horizontal radiation; and a Sun-tracking radiometer to measure the direct radiation with an especially designed radiance collimator. It is known that diffuse UV irradiance represents at least 50% of total UV irradiance on a horizontal plane, which means being able to obtain a high UV Index even under shade. Our study aims to establish the relationship between the UV Index at noon and the maximum daily UV erythemal irradiance in the mid-latitude area, as well as the potential erythemal effects of exposure to solar UV radiation on different skin phototypes (skin phototypes I–IV) for both direct and diffuse components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, many samples have been synthesized by using solution casting technique with different additive content of Chromium oxide nanoparticle (Cr2O3NPs), poly vinylalcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The UV-Vis. spectrophotometer used to record the absorbance spectrum in the range of (200-800) nm. The absorption of UV waves is improved while the transmittance is reduced when Cr2O3 NPs were added to the polymeric system which are useful for a number of applications including low-cost UV protection and solar radiation shield. When Cr2O3 NPs concentrations increased, the optical energy gap for indirect transition (allowed and forbidden) was decreased. Furthermore, all the optical constant has been improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is harmful to the skin. Therefore, it capitalized on the properties of thiophene and pyridine derivatives to prepare new textile‐protective agents with improved UV protection factor (UPF) factor. This embodies the preparation and characterization of "2‐((3‐cyano‐4‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐6‐(thiophene‐2‐yl)pyridine‐2‐yl)oxy)acetohydrazide" (HZ) in complex with Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), or Cd(II), using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermal analysis techniques. Characterization of cotton fabric‐based cellulose (CELL) in complex with the synthesized agents using FTIR spectroscopy, X‐ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (SEM–EDX) revealed deposition of the hydrazide and its metal complexes on the cellulosic fiber. Interestingly, cellulose complexation with Cu(II) was observed to have the highest value of the UPF. Computation of the reactivity indices using density functional theory (DFT) supports this finding, where the electrophilicity parameter of the modified fabric was found to correlate with the UPF wherein Cu(II) shows the highest value. The synthesized complexes could, therefore, provide lead structures for developing new UV‐protective agents with enhanced coating characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of ozone gas (O3) in the atmosphere varies according to the region of the globe. Its formation occurs mainly in the equatorial stratospheric layer, through the photodissociation of molecular oxygen with the aid of the incidence of ultraviolet solar radiation, but the highest concentrations of O3 content are found in regions of high latitudes (poles) through large-scale circulation (Brewer-Dobson circulation). This work presents a multi-instrumental analysis in subtropical (in Santa Maria (SM) -- 29.4ºS; 53.8ºW) and equatorial (in Natal (NT) - 5.4ºS; 35.4ºW) latitudes of South America, to monitor ozone behavior using O3 vertical profile data (2002 - 2020) and total column ozone data (1979 - 2020). Comparisons between latitudes were also analyzed with data from ozonesondes, which have continuous measurements of the vertical ozone profile through the SHADOZ/NASA network, where there is a reference station in Natal. For this, 19 years of data were analyzed using SABER and SHADOZ data for NT, through the monthly average series of each instrument the monthly climatological behavior for the NT station was identified, analysis of percentage and relative differences that showed a good agreement between both instruments, mainly above 20km altitude. It was possible to identify with the analysis in the lower stratosphere (below 20 km), the ozone content is not correctly represented by the TIMED/SABER satellite. The differences between the latitudes presented interesting analyzes regarding the O3 content in the SM and NT, through the monthly and climatological average of the SABER instrument. Dynamic and photochemical effects can interfere both with O3 formation and its distribution along higher latitudes, through the Brewer Dobson Circulation (BDC). The total column of ozone (TCO) was used, to analyze the main climatic variability that influence the two sites (SM and NT). The data analyzed here to monitor O3 in the atmosphere is available through satellite and ground-based instruments from 1979 to 2020. The instruments showed good agreement between each other (TOMS/OMI x Dobson for Natal, and TOMS/OMI x Brewer for Santa Maria) in the long-term series of O3 content measurements, in line with previous studies for these latitudes in the TCO analysis. For climate variability, wavelet analysis was used over 42 years. The investigation revealed a significant annual cycle in both data series for SM and NT. Other variability pointed out such as the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) with significant influences in NT and less significant in SM. In addition, the solar cycle proved to be important and well established ( 128 months) in both site (subtropical and equatorial). The two locations presented in this work have significant importance in the behavior of ozone due to their latitudinal differences. Furthermore, few studies show this comparison between latitudes in South America using satellite and terrestrial instruments in the analysis of the behavior of O3 gas. The main motivation of this work is to show how this important trace gas behaves in the atmosphere, at different altitudes, latitudes and with different sources of influence, both for O3 vertical profile analysis with satellite data, as well as for TCO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on utilizing outdoor enclosures for housing chelonians compatible with local climatic conditions, using Spotted Turtles as an example. Topics discussed include the suitability of the Spotted Turtle for outdoor care, its annual cycle and behaviors, and the design and maintenance of outdoor enclosures.

The behavior of ozone gas (O 3) in the atmosphere varies according to the region of the globe. Its formation occurs mainly in the equatorial stratospheric layer, through the photodissociation of molecular oxygen with the aid of the incidence of ultraviolet solar radiation, but the highest concentrations of O 3 content are found in regions of high latitudes (poles) through large-scale circulation (Brewer-Dobson circulation). This work presents a multi-instrumental analysis in subtropical (in Santa Maria (SM) – 29.4º S; 53.8º W) and equatorial (in Natal (NT) - 5.4º S; 35.4º W) latitudes of South America, to monitor ozone behavior using O 3 vertical profile data (2002–2020) and total column ozone data (1979–2020). Comparisons between latitudes were also analyzed with data from ozonesondes, which have continuous measurements of the vertical ozone profile through the SHADOZ/NASA network, where there is a reference station in Natal. For this, 19 years of data were analyzed using SABER and SHADOZ data for NT, through the monthly average series of each instrument the monthly climatological behavior for the NT station was identified, analysis of percentage and relative differences that showed a good agreement between both instruments, mainly above 20 km altitude. It was possible to identify with the analysis in the lower stratosphere (below 20 km), the ozone content is not correctly represented by the TIMED/SABER satellite. The differences between the latitudes presented interesting analyzes regarding the O 3 content in the SM and NT, through the monthly and climatological average of the SABER instrument. Dynamic and photochemical effects can interfere both with O 3 formation and its distribution along higher latitudes, through the Brewer Dobson Circulation (BDC). The total column of ozone (TCO) was used, to analyze the main climatic variability that influence the two sites (SM and NT). The data analyzed here to monitor O 3 in the atmosphere is available through satellite and ground-based instruments from 1979 to 2020. The instruments showed good agreement between each other (TOMS/OMI x Dobson for Natal, and TOMS/OMI x Brewer for Santa Maria) in the long-term series of O 3 content measurements, in line with previous studies for these latitudes in the TCO analysis. For climate variability, wavelet analysis was used over 42 years. The investigation revealed a significant annual cycle in both data series for SM and NT. Other variability pointed out such as the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) with significant influences in NT and less significant in SM. In addition, the solar cycle proved to be important and well established (128 months) in both site (subtropical and equatorial). The two locations presented in this work have significant importance in the behavior of ozone due to their latitudinal differences. Furthermore, few studies show this comparison between latitudes in South America using satellite and terrestrial instruments in the analysis of the behavior of O 3 gas. The main motivation of this work is to show how this important trace gas behaves in the atmosphere, at different altitudes, latitudes and with different sources of influence, both for O 3 vertical profile analysis with satellite data, as well as for TCO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tibetan Plateau (TP, approximately 27.5–37.5° N, 75.5–105.5° E) is the highest and largest plateau on Earth with a mean elevation of over 4 km. This special geography causes strong surface solar ultraviolet radiation (UV), with potential risks to human and ecosystem health, and which is controlled by the local total column ozone (TCO). The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the dominant mode of interannual variability on Earth, is characterized by warming of central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) for the El Niño phase and cooling for the La Niña phase. Although some studies have suggested that there exists a positive correlation between ENSO and the TP TCO, the mechanism underlying this effect of ENSO is not fully understood. Here we use the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) merged satellite dataset and the TOMCAT 3–dimensional (3D) offline chemical transport model forced by ERA5 meteorological reanalyses from the European Centre for Medium–Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) over the period 1979–2021 to investigate the influence of ENSO on the TCO over the TP. The correlation coefficient of the time series of monthly TCO anomalies over the TP between the TOMCAT output and C3S dataset is ~0.92 with statistical significance above 99 %. In particular, the correlation coefficients (December–May) are above 0.95, indicating that the TCO variability in TOMCAT is very consistent with the merged satellite observations. Based on the lead correlation between the ENSO index (Niño 3.4 index from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and TP TCO time series, we find that ENSO has a significant impact on the TCO, especially from the December of its mature phase to the May of its decaying phase (December–May). That is, the El Niño (La Niña) events induce positive (negative) TCO anomalies over the TP. Through studying the ozone profile from the Stratospheric Water and OzOne Satellite Homogenized (SWOOSH) dataset and TOMCAT results over their overlapping period (1984–2021), we attribute the positive (negative) TCO anomalies mainly to the increased (decreased) ozone at the 200–70 hPa levels caused by the downward (upward) shift of ozone profile associated with the lower (higher) tropopause height during the El Niño (La Niña) events. Our results suggest that the El Niño events lead to the descending upper–level geopotential height and hence cause the decreasing air column thickness, which in turn induces the cooling tropospheric temperature over the TP. This cooling associated with El Niño events causes a decrease of the tropopause height, which contributes to the downward shift of the ozone profile and hence leads to the increase in TCO. The La Niña events affect TP TCO during December–May in a manner resembling the El Niño events, except with anomalies of opposite sign. This work provides a systematic understanding of the influence of ENSO on ozone over the TP. Since climate models project an increase in the frequency of strong El Niño and La Niña events under greenhouse–gas–forced warming, we can expect more ozone variation associated with ENSO, with important implications for 21st–century ozone recovery, surface solar UV, and ecosystems over the TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar radiation varies quantitatively and qualitatively while penetrating through the seawater column and thus is one of the most important environmental factors shaping the vertical distribution pattern of phytoplankton. The haploid and diploid life-cycle phases of coccolithophores might have different vertical distribution preferences. Therefore, the two phases respond differently to high solar photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400–700 nm) and ultraviolet radiation (UVR, 280–400 nm). To test this, the haploid and diploid Emiliania huxleyi were exposed to oversaturating irradiance. In the presence of PAR alone, the effective quantum yield was reduced by 10% more due to the higher damage rate of photosystem II in haploid cells than in diploid cells. The addition of UVR resulted in further inhibition of the quantum yield for both haploid and diploid cells in the first 25 min, partly because of the increased damage of photosystem II. Intriguingly, this UVR-induced inhibition of the haploid cells completely recovered half an hour later. This recovery was confirmed by the comparable maximum quantum yields, maximum relative electron transport rates and yields of the haploid cells treated with PAR and PAR + UVR. Our data indicated that photosynthesis of the haploid phase was more sensitive to high visible light than the diploid phase but resistant to UVR-induced inhibition, reflecting the ecological niches to which this species adapts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), which include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and actinic keratosis (AK), are the most common cancer diseases in the Caucasian race. If diagnosed late and improperly treated, BCC and SCC can become locally advanced and metastasize. Malignant melanoma (MM) is less frequent but more lethal than NMSC. Given the individual and social burdens of skin cancers, performing an adequate prevention is needed. Ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure is one of the main risk factors for skin cancer. Thus, the first-choice prevention strategy is represented by photoprotection that can be both topical and systemic. The latter consists of the oral administration of molecules which protect human skin against the damaging effects of UV rays, acting through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or immunomodulator mechanisms. Although several compounds are commonly used for photoprotection, only a few molecules have demonstrated their effectiveness in clinical trials and have been included in international guidelines for NMSC prevention (i.e., nicotinamide and retinoids). Moreover, none of them have been demonstrated as able to prevent MM. Clinical and preclinical data regarding the most common compounds used for systemic photoprotection are reported in this review, with a focus on the main mechanisms involved in their photoprotective properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liposomes are lipid-bilayer vesicles that spontaneously self-assemble from fatty acids (or other amphiphiles) in water by encapsulating surrounding aqueous media. After British scientist Alec Bangham described this phenomenon in the early 1960s, they became a prominent participant in the hypotheses on life origin, particularly in the Lipid World model. A novel scenario of self-sustained Darwinian liposome evolution is based on ever-present natural phenomena of cyclic day/night solar UV radiation and gravitational submersion of liposomes in the Archean aqueous media. One of the assumptions of the hypothesis is the UV-shielding ability of the Archean waters that could protect the submerged liposomes from the damaging solar UV radiation. To corroborate the idea, we measured UV absorption in aquatic solutions of several ferrous mineral salts assumed to be present in Archean pools. Single-agent solutions of simple salts such as FeCl2—iron dichloride, FeCl3—iron trichoride, Fe(NO3)3—ferric nitride, NH4Fe(SO4)2—ferric ammonium sulfate, and (NH4)5[Fe(C6H4O7)2]—ferric ammonium citrate were tested. These direct measurements of UV light absorption supplement and reinforce the proposed hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation has played a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth. UV exposure presents both risks and benefits to humans. Optimal UV-B exposure behaviors, that ensure balance between the risks and benefits of exposure to UV-B depend both on environmental and physiological factors and cannot be easily determined. The present review provides the current state of knowledge relative to the effects of UV-B radiation to humans. The physical mechanisms that control the levels of solar UV-B radiation at the Earth's surface are also discussed. A comprehensive review of the studies reporting on current trends in the levels of solar UV-B radiation at the surface and model projections of its future levels is examined and reveals the important role of man-made climatic changes in its evolution. The review provides evidence that despite the success of the Montreal Protocol, the future evolution of the levels of solar UV-B radiation at the Earth's surface has important uncertainties caused by the expected changes in our climate. Therefore, it is recommended that the usual precautionary measures to protect from excess exposure of humans to solar UV-B radiation should continue to apply in the decades to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble micronutrient vital for the immune system, cellular differentiation, epithelial barrier function, and eyesight; they also play a significant function as a potent antioxidant regulating oxidative stress and the onset of cancer. There are two ways to get it through food: Provitamin A (beta-carotenoid) and preformed Vitamin A (retinol and retinyl ester). Uncontrolled cell proliferation and the development of metastatic features are characteristics of cancer initiated by agents such as aflatoxin, tobacco smoke's carcinogenic compounds, and solar ultraviolet radiation. Vitamin A, an antioxidant vitamin, is hypothesized to exert chemo-preventive effects and reduce the risk of cancer by preventing tissue damage through the capture of organic free radicals, an end-product of numerous metabolic processes. This review is performed to investigate the association between Vitamin A and cancer. From March 2017 to March 2022, relevant articles were searched through PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. All the studies involving Vitamin A and cancer were included in this review. Intake of Vitamin A was significantly inversely associated with improved cancer prognosis. The present review demonstrates that there is an inverse association between Vitamin A and cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Antarctic region is a place of increasing interest. A growing number of personnel are working outdoors in extreme environmental conditions. They receive significant exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and are thereby at increased risk of adverse consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the UVR dose received by the outdoor workers at the Bulgarian Antarctic Base. Ten Caucasian healthy subjects, 8 males and 2 females with a mean age of 38 years (29–51) were enrolled. Of them, 5 were scientists and 5 were logistic workers. We measured the accumulated daily dose of UVR assessed by standard erythemal dose (SED) in the two groups. All subjects wore personal dosimeters located near the face—he only noncovered skin area. The dosimeters were factory calibrated for use in the Antarctic region. No statistical difference (P = 0.441) could be revealed between the SEDs in the two groups. The maximum UVR dose detected in a single day was 67.9 SEDs, and the highest cumulative dose was 548.03 SEDs. Study results are showing extreme measurements of UVR received by the members of the expeditions. We suggest meticulous UV protection for outdoor workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The power conversion efficiencies of photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) have been limited by the intrinsic properties; respectively, ∼ 25 % for PV and ∼ 5–8 % for TE. In reality, these published efficiencies are often obtained under ideal conditions. For instance, most of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PV is reported without the heating effect resulting from IR irradiation of solar. Upon prolonged solar irradiation, the PV temperature rises leading to a significant decrease in PCE. A typical temperature coefficient for PV output power is −0.5 percent per ℃. A standard PV module, absorbing IR along with UV and visible solar radiation can operate 20 to 40 °C above ambient temperature with efficiency losses of up to 20 %. On the other hand, sub-band-gap absorption (greater than1000 nm) does not contribute to the PV effect, but significant heating. • To address these critical issues in solar energy, we have developed transparent photonic nanomaterials for two main functions: (1) photothermally activated to convert solar light to heat as the thermal source of thermoelectric generator to generate electricity; (2) due to the unique optical characteristics of the nanomaterials, the solar spectrum can be wavelength-segregated into UV–Vis and IR; while the former is absorbed for PV, the latter is utilized for TE. In this way, the same solar light source can simultaneously produce electricity via two channels, namely, PV and TE through unique photothermal (PT) energy materials that were developed in this study. • The fundamental significance lies in the design and development of the transparent photothermal spectral modulators (TPSM) based on the porphyrin compounds and iron oxides, specifically: chlorophyllin and Fe3O4@Cu2-XS. Chlorophyllin is characterized by strong UV absorption and a peak at NIR with minimum in the visible range, therefore highly transparent. This unique optical property is ideal for making TPSM. On the one hand, the absorbed UV and NIR can be converted to heat for the temperature span required for TE; on the other hand, the transparent bulk TPSM allows light passing through it as the photon source for PV. In this way, the solar light can be fully utilized for both TE and PV to synergistically produce electricity for enhanced total efficiency. Fe3O4@Cu2-XS is known for strong IR absorption in a wide range of long wavelengths above 1000 nm. This band of photon energy is lower than the bandgap of silicon, but responsible for heating up PV resulting in reduced PCE. With TPSM made of Fe3O4@Cu2-XS, the IR portion is mainly absorbed so that the PV heating is significantly reduced resulting in enhanced PCE. Therefore, both chlorophyllin and Fe3O4@Cu2-XS can also serve as the spectral modulators for PV while re-directing IR to TE for another channel of generating electricity. • Various PT-TE − PV solar energy modules (PTPSEM) were designed to demonstrate this new concept in terms of PV temperature reduction, TE electricity generation, and PCE enhancement especially under prolonged solar irradiation. Upon removal of IR, the PV surface temperature can be lowered from 86.9 ℃ to 65 ℃ after 120 min solar irradiation, resulting in PCE increase from 16.3 % (dropped from 25.1 % at 0 min) to 19. 4 %. A PT − TE − PV solar energy module (PTPSEM) has been proved to synergistically generate energy by separately utilizing the full spectrum of solar light. Using the same solar light source, while generating electricity via PV, an additional 2.4 % is gained by a series of commercial thermoelectric generators (TEG), adding up to a total of 21. 8 % system efficiency which significantly exceeds the average efficiency of the commercial silicon PV panel used in this study. The efficiencies of photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) have been limited by the intrinsic materials properties. In solar applications, PV utilizes the shorter wavelength end of the solar spectrum while its longer portion (IR) can be photothermally (PT) converted to heat by special nano structures for TE electricity generation. We have developed spectral modulating nano systems made of Fe 3 O 4 @Cu 2-X S nanoparticles and chlorophyllin capable of synergistic PT-TE-PV solar harvesting and energy generation. In this system, solar light is harvested through the transparent photothermal spectral modulator (TPSM) and segregated into different wavelengths: the IR is absorbed to photothermally heat up the TE hot end for the required thermoelectric temperature span; the UV/visible is directed to PV with reduced IR for significantly reduced heating, thus enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE). Upon removal of IR, the PV surface temperature can be lowered from 86.9 ℃ to 65 ℃ after 120 min solar irradiation, resulting in PCE increase from 16.3 % (dropped from 25.1 % at 0 min) to 19. 4 %. A PT − TE − PV solar energy module (PTPSEM) is designed based on TPSM to synergistically generate energy by separately utilizing the full spectrum of solar light. Using the same solar light source, while generating electricity via PV, an additional 2.4 % is gained by a series of commercial thermoelectric generators (TEG), adding up to a total of 21. 8 % system efficiency which significantly exceeds the average efficiency of the commercial silicon PV panel used in this study. The spectral modulation mechanism through TPSM is identified based on the optical behaviors of chlorophyllin and Fe 3 O 4 @Cu 2-X S. Also discussed is the design concept of PTPSEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our patient also had a low minimal erythema dose (MED), which is not surprising considering that solar urticaria tends to be associated with other photodermatoses.[[4]] Although protective clothing is recommended for the prevention of photodermatoses, our patient reported that he sometimes experienced worse lesions in covered areas. Keywords: clothing; phototest; solar urticaria; UVA radiation; visible radiation EN clothing phototest solar urticaria UVA radiation visible radiation 403 406 4 07/18/23 20230701 NES 230701 INTRODUCTION Solar urticaria can be induced by different wavelengths of light, specially in normally unexposed zones covered by clothing.[1] We present an unusual case of solar urticaria in a patient, which is exacerbated in areas covered by white clothing. Clothing, phototest, solar urticaria, visible radiation, UVA radiation. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Photoprotection practices and sunburn play a crucial role in skin cancer prevention. Objectives: This study aimed to quantify the risk of sun exposure and to evaluate photoprotection practices in Spanish sailors during Olympic competitions. Methods: Solar daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation cycle, personal UV dosimetry, photoprotection practices and sunburn checking were followed during three consecutive days of competition among sailors from the Spanish Olympic Sailing Team during a Tokyo Olympic Regatta Test Event. Results: A total of 13 sailors (7 women), with mean age of 27.6 ± 4.7 years and sports experience of 17.7 ± 5.4 years, were studied. The most common phototypes were type III (53.8%) and type II (38.5%). The rate of sunburn checked was high (46.2%). The mean daily personal UV exposure received was 761.0 ± 263.6 J/m2, 3.0 ± 1.1 minimal erythemal dose and 7.6 ± 2.6 standard erythemal dose, seven times greater than the maximum permissible UV light exposure values for an 8 h working day. The use of a T‐shirt was the most common practice (94.2%), followed by the use of shade (50.2%), hat/cap (44.0%), sunglasses (26.1%) and sunscreen (11.8%). Conclusions: Olympic sailor's studies presented high levels of UV radiation received, high rate of sunburn and insufficient adherence to sun‐protective behaviours (especially, to use of sunscreen) to prevent sunburn, the main cause of skin cancer. Sport Federations should develop educational campaigns addressing sun‐related exposure habits and photoprotection behaviours to reduce the risk of skin cancer among these athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground level UV-B (290–315 nm) and UV-A (315–400 nm) radiation regulates multiple aspects of plant growth and development. In a natural environment, UV radiation interacts in a complex manner with other environmental factors (e.g., drought) to regulate plants' morphology, physiology, and growth. To assess the interactive effects of UV radiation and soil drying on plants' secondary metabolites and transcript abundance, we performed a field experiment using two different accessions of Medicago truncatula (F83005-5 French origin and Jemalong A17 Australian origin). Plants were grown for 37 days under long-pass filters to assess the effects of UV short wavelength (290–350 nm, UVsw) and UV-A long wavelength (350–400 nm, UV-Alw). Soil–water deficit was induced by not watering half of the plants during the last seven days of the experiment. The two accessions differed in the concentration of flavonoids in the leaf epidermis and in the whole leaf: F83005-5 had higher concentration than Jemalong A17. They also differed in the composition of the flavonoids: a greater number of apigenin derivatives than tricin derivatives in Jemalong A17 and the opposite in F83005-5. Furthermore, UVsw and soil drying interacted positively to regulate the biosynthesis of flavonoids in Jemalong A17 through an increase in transcript abundance of CHALCONE SYNTHASE (CHS). However, in F83005-5, this enhanced CHS transcript abundance was not detected. Taken together the observed metabolite and gene transcript responses suggest differences in mechanisms for acclimation and stress tolerance between the accessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lightweight, open construction cotton knitted fabrics generally do not impart good protection from solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). As lightweight 100% cotton single jersey is highly cherished for summerwear, it is sine qua non to understand the structural parameters that effectively strike a good balance between UV protection and thermophysiological comfort of the wearer. Relatively heavy fabrics protect from UVR, but comfort is compromised because of waning porosity, increase in thickness and thermal insulation. The purpose of this paper is to engineer knits that will bestow maximum UV protection while preserving the thermophysiological comfort of the wearer. Design/methodology/approach: In total, 27 cotton single jersey fabrics with different areal densities and yarn counts were selected. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) was calculated based on the work of Imrith (2022). To précis, the authors constructed a UV box to measure the UPF of fabrics, denoted as UPFB. UPFB data were correlated with AATCC 183-2004 and yielded high correlation, R2 0.977. It was concluded that UPF 50 corresponds to UPFB 94.3. Thermal comfort properties were measured on the Alambeta and water-vapour resistance on the Permetest. Linear programming (LP) was used to optimize UPFB and comfort. Linear optimization focused on maximizing UPFB while keeping the thermophysiological comfort and areal density as constraints. Findings: The resulting linear geometrical and sensitivity analyses generated multiple technically feasible solutions of fabrics thickness and porosity that gave valid UPFB, thermal absorptivity and water-vapour and thermal resistance. Subsequently, an interactive optimization software was developed to predict the stitch length, tightness factor and yarn count for optimum UPFB from a given areal density. The predicted values were then used to knit seven 100% cotton single jersey fabrics and were tested for UV protection. All seven fabrics gave UPFB above the threshold, that is, higher than 94.3. The mathematical model demonstrated good correlations with the optimized parameters and experimental values. Originality/value: The optimization software predicted the optimum UPFB reasonably well, starting from the fabric structural and constructional parameters. In addition, the models were developed as interactive user interfaces, which can be used by knitted fabric developers to engineer cotton knits for maximizing UV protection without compromising thermophysiological comfort. It has been demonstrated that LP is an efficient tool for the optimization and prediction of targeted knitted fabrics parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike in many countries, in the USA, UV filters are treated as drugs and strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. So far, 17 physical and chemical sunscreen agents were approved there to protect against the harmful effects of UV irradiation. In the European Union, access to UV filters is much larger, which gives manufacturers more options to create new sunscreen products in the form of lotions, sprays, oils, creams, gels, pastes, and sticks. Recently, concerns have been raised about the potential unfavorable effects of some UV filters that can penetrate the skin and enter into the systematic circulation. In this study, we prepared oil-in-water emulsions containing two commonly applied sunscreen agents, avobenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate. The formulations were characterized by a high stability at room temperature and a pH in the range of 6.02–6.11. The processes of sunscreen agent release and permeation were performed in a receptor fluid with a pH 5.8 using Strat-M and cellulose membranes to mimic the skin. It was proved that octyl methoxycinnamate exhibited different liberation and permeation patterns than avobenzone, mostly due to its higher lipophilicity. Both processes were also influenced by the type of membrane applied. The liberation of UV filters to the receptor fluid via the cellulose membrane depended on their concentration in the emulsion. As the amount of sunscreen agent in the formulation increases, more of its molecules diffuse to the receiving medium after 48 h. The permeation of the UV filters through the Strat-M membrane occurs at a very low level, 2% for octyl methoxycinnamate and 0.3% for avobenzone, which supports the safety and efficacy of the topical formulations obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenestration, comprising windows and other openings in a building, influences occupant health and well-being while also enhancing energy efficiency through optimized design and placement. Selecting glazing materials that block or filter harmful UV radiation is crucial, as is having reliable methods to measure their UV transmission. This research paper, which comprises Part I of II, conducts an exhaustive analysis of the predominant methodologies and associated challenges inherent in assessing ultraviolet (UV) radiation transmission and deterioration status in fenestration, with particular emphasis on the usage of spectrophotometers and radiometers. It details the economic and operational challenges associated with these instruments and the limitations they pose in terms of sample size and the impact of glazing material degradation over time. Additionally, the paper provides a comparative analysis of UV radiation transmission characteristics across different glazing configurations such as green or yellow patterned glass, laminate glass, clear glass treated with UV protection film, and float glass. The review identifies laminated glass material as offering the best protection. Although spectrophotometers and radiometers offer high levels of accuracy in transmission data detection, their adoption is hindered by considerable financial and operational challenges. The paper underscores the need for developing alternative methodologies that are economically viable, operationally less complex, and are capable of overcoming the limitations of the traditional methods of detection, which will facilitate optimal fenestration configurations for UV protection and energy efficiency in buildings. The proposed Part II paper will explore UV imaging, image processing, and computer vision techniques as potential alternative approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interview with industry experts including Marcel Schnyder of Global Technical Center Sun Care, Uli Osterwalder of Sun Protection Facilitator GmbH and Ev Suess and Marek Busch of Sun Protection, Functionals & Colors, is presented. Topics discussed include selecting photostable UV filters, testing methods for photostability and determining a sunscreen's protection factor. Regulations and regional differences in sunscreen formulation and measurement are also mentioned.

Skin cancer has become a substantial matter of public health and in the workplace, accounting for a significant share of all reported occupational diseases. The most important external factor in the development of skin cancer is exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. Outdoor workers have already been identified as a high-risk category. The need for interventions to improve the sun protection behavior of outdoor workers has recently been understood. Outdoor workers' risk perceptions and attitudes toward sun protection methods are likely to influence practical sun protection behavior at work, and despite the fact that many workers have expressed interest in improving their sun protection behavior, outdoor workers' unique needs are still neglected. Occupational dermatology is predicted to become more concerned with photoprotection in the decades ahead. Preventive action against the rapidly increasing number skin cancer cases is in great demand around the globe. In terms of preventive measures, the full range of available options should be used as needed to address the current difficulties in a goal-oriented way. This will almost certainly only be achievable if preventative efforts on a collective and individual level are successfully paired with support from policymakers to inspire long-term change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar light with high-energy ultraviolet (UV) radiation acting on the surface of cement-based materials easily changes the properties of cement-based materials by affecting their carbonation reaction. In order to elucidate the difference in the carbonation process under UV radiation in cement-based materials with different supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), the carbonation depth (apparent pH values), chemical composition (XRD, FTIR, and TG analysis), and mechanical properties (compressive strength and microhardness) of cement-based materials were evaluated. The results revealed that UV radiation acting on the surface of cement-based materials accelerated the carbonation reaction, which enhanced the decrease rate of pH and formation of stable calcite, thereby improving the macromechanical and micromechanical properties of cement-based materials. In addition, the carbonation process under UV radiation differs according to the added SCM. In particular, silica fume substantially increased the carbonation of cement-based materials under UV radiation, resulting in a 53.3% increase in calcium carbonate coverage, a 10.0% increase in compressive strength, and a 20.9% increase in mean microhardness, whereas the incorporation of blast furnace slag resulted in a smaller effect on UV irradiation-induced carbonation. In addition, UV radiation facilitates the crystallographic transformation process of cement-based materials containing metakaolin, resulting in more stable crystals of carbonation products. This study provides a theoretical framework and serves as an important reference for the design of cement-based materials under strong UV radiation for practical engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged human-crewed missions on the Moon are foreseen as a gateway for Mars and asteroid colonisation in the next decades. Health risks related to long-time permanence in space have been partially investigated. Hazards due to airborne biological contaminants represent a relevant problem in space missions. A possible way to perform pathogens' inactivation is by employing the shortest wavelength range of Solar ultraviolet radiation, the so-called germicidal range. On Earth, it is totally absorbed by the atmosphere and does not reach the surface. In space, such Ultraviolet solar component is present and effective germicidal irradiation for airborne pathogens' inactivation can be achieved inside habitable outposts through a combination of highly reflective internal coating and optimised geometry of the air ducts. The Solar Ultraviolet Light Collector for Germicidal Irradiation on the Moon is a project whose aim is to collect Ultraviolet solar radiation and use it as a source to disinfect the re-circulating air of the human outposts. The most favourable positions where to place these collectors are over the peaks at the Moon's poles, which have the peculiarity of being exposed to solar radiation most of the time. On August 2022, NASA communicated to have identified 13 candidate landing regions near the lunar South Pole for Artemis missions. Another advantage of the Moon is its low inclination to the ecliptic, which maintains the Sun's apparent altitude inside a reduced angular range. For this reason, Ultraviolet solar radiation can be collected through a simplified Sun's tracking collector or even a static collector and used to disinfect the recycled air. Fluid-dynamic and optical simulations have been performed to support the proposed idea. The expected inactivation rates for some airborne pathogens, either common or found on the International Space Station, are reported and compared with the proposed device efficiency. The results show that it is possible to use Ultraviolet solar radiation directly for air disinfection inside the lunar outposts and deliver a healthy living environment to the astronauts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric ozone plays an important role in the biosphere's absorbing of dangerous solar UV radiation and its contributions to the Earth's climate. Nowadays, ozone variations are widely monitored by different local and remote sensing methods. Satellite methods can provide data on the global distribution of ozone and its anomalies. In contrast to measurement techniques based on solar radiation measurements, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) satellite measurements of thermal radiation provide information, regardless of solar illumination. The global distribution of total ozone columns (TOCs) measured by the IKFS-2 spectrometer aboard the "Meteor M N2" satellite for the period of 2015 to 2020 is presented. The retrieval algorithm uses the artificial neural network (ANN) based on measurements of TOCs by the Aura OMI instrument and the method of principal components for representing IKFS-2 spectral measurements. Latitudinal and seasonal dependencies on the ANN training errors are analyzed and considered as a first approximation of the TOC measurement errors. The TOCs derived by the IKFS-2 instrument are compared to independent ground-based and satellite data. The average differences between the IKFS-2 data and the independent TOC measurements are up to 2% (IKFS-2 usually slightly underestimates the other data), and the standard deviations of differences (SDDs) vary from 2 to 4%. At the same time, both the analysis of the ANN approximation errors of the OMI data and the comparison of the IKFS-2 results with independent data demonstrate an increase in discrepancies towards the poles. In the spring–winter period, SDDs reach 8% in the Southern and 6% in the Northern Hemisphere. The technique presented can be used to process the IKFS-2 spectral data, and as a result, it can provide global information on the TOCs in the period of 2015–2020, regardless of the solar illumination and the presence of clouds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in fossil-free, bio-based materials capable of protecting against the harmful effects of UV radiation is constantly growing. The functional groups within lignin are able to effectively absorb light in the visible and UV range, making lignin a good candidate as a bio-additive in UV-protective polymer coatings. In this work, unmodified and modified (by methacrylation) lignin of different origins (softwood [spruce] and hardwood [eucalyptus]) was used as a bio-additive within epoxy resin to develop UV-blocking coatings. Methacrylation of the lignin, as well as the presence of appropriate functional groups in the coatings was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The colour properties of the coatings were additionally investigated whereby the chemical modification of lignin was found to significantly influence the colour of the biocomposite coating. The thermal properties and morphology were investigated by DSC and confocal microscopy, respectively. The results demonstrate that methacrylated lignin is a promising environmentally friendly UV-protective bio-additive for polymer coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is responsible for the development of many skin diseases, including malignant melanoma (MM). This study assessed the phototoxic effects of UVA, and UVB radiations on healthy and pathologic skin cells by evaluating the behavior of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and MM cells (A375) at 24 h post-irradiation. The main results showed that UVA 10 J/cm2 exerted no cytotoxicity on HaCaT and A375 cells, while UVB 0.5 J/cm2 significantly reduced cell viability and confluence, induced cell shrinkage and rounding, generated nuclear and F-actin condensation, and induced apoptosis by modulating the expressions of Bax and Bcl-2. The association of UVA 10 J/cm2 with UVB 0.5 J/cm2 (UVA/UVB) induced the highest cytotoxicity in both cell lines (viability < 40%). However, the morphological changes were different—HaCaT cells showed signs of necrosis, while in A375 nuclear polarization and expulsion from the cells were observed, features that indicate enucleation. By unraveling the impact of different UVR treatments on the behavior of normal and cancer skin cells and describing enucleation as a novel process involved in the cytotoxicity of UVA/UVB irradiation, these findings bridge the gap between the current and the future status of research in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deleterious effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on construction materials, especially wood and plastics, and the consequent impacts on their useful lifetimes, are well documented in scientific literature. Any future increase in solar UV radiation and ambient temperature due to climate change will therefore shorten service lifetimes of materials, which will require higher levels of stabilisation or other interventions to maintain their lifetimes at the present levels. The implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its amendments on substances that deplete the ozone layer, controls the solar UV-B radiation received on Earth. This current quadrennial assessment provides a comprehensive update on the deleterious effects of solar UV radiation on the durability of natural and synthetic materials, as well as recent innovations in better stabilising of materials against solar UV radiation-induced damage. Pertinent emerging technologies for wood and plastics used in construction, composite materials used in construction, textile fibres, comfort fabric, and photovoltaic materials, are addressed in detail. Also addressed are the trends in technology designed to increase sustainability via replacing toxic, unsustainable, legacy additives with 'greener' benign substitutes that may indirectly affect the UV stability of the redesigned materials. An emerging class of efficient photostabilisers are the nanoscale particles that include oxide fillers and nanocarbons used in high-performance composites, which provide good UV stability to materials. They also allow the design of UV-shielding fabric materials with impressive UV protection factors. An emerging environmental issue related to the photodegradation of plastics is the generation of ubiquitous micro-scale particles from plastic litter exposed to solar UV radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial organisms and ecosystems are being exposed to new and rapidly changing combinations of solar UV radiation and other environmental factors because of ongoing changes in stratospheric ozone and climate. In this Quadrennial Assessment, we examine the interactive effects of changes in stratospheric ozone, UV radiation and climate on terrestrial ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles in the context of the Montreal Protocol. We specifically assess effects on terrestrial organisms, agriculture and food supply, biodiversity, ecosystem services and feedbacks to the climate system. Emphasis is placed on the role of extreme climate events in altering the exposure to UV radiation of organisms and ecosystems and the potential effects on biodiversity. We also address the responses of plants to increased temporal variability in solar UV radiation, the interactive effects of UV radiation and other climate change factors (e.g. drought, temperature) on crops, and the role of UV radiation in driving the breakdown of organic matter from dead plant material (i.e. litter) and biocides (pesticides and herbicides). Our assessment indicates that UV radiation and climate interact in various ways to affect the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems, and that by protecting the ozone layer, the Montreal Protocol continues to play a vital role in maintaining healthy, diverse ecosystems on land that sustain life on Earth. Furthermore, the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment are mitigating some of the negative environmental consequences of climate change by limiting the emissions of greenhouse gases and protecting the carbon sequestration potential of vegetation and the terrestrial carbon pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in stratospheric ozone and changes in the aquatic environment by climate change and human activity are modifying the exposure of aquatic ecosystems to UV radiation. These shifts in exposure have consequences for the distributions of species, biogeochemical cycles, and services provided by aquatic ecosystems. This Quadrennial Assessment presents the latest knowledge on the multi-faceted interactions between the effects of UV irradiation and climate change, and other anthropogenic activities, and how these conditions are changing aquatic ecosystems. Climate change results in variations in the depth of mixing, the thickness of ice cover, the duration of ice-free conditions and inputs of dissolved organic matter, all of which can either increase or decrease exposure to UV radiation. Anthropogenic activities release oil, UV filters in sunscreens, and microplastics into the aquatic environment that are then modified by UV radiation, frequently amplifying adverse effects on aquatic organisms and their environments. The impacts of these changes in combination with factors such as warming and ocean acidification are considered for aquatic micro-organisms, macroalgae, plants, and animals (floating, swimming, and attached). Minimising the disruptive consequences of these effects on critical services provided by the world's rivers, lakes and oceans (freshwater supply, recreation, transport, and food security) will not only require continued adherence to the Montreal Protocol but also a wider inclusion of solar UV radiation and its effects in studies and/or models of aquatic ecosystems under conditions of the future global climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several connections between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), solar UV radiation, and the Montreal Protocol. Exposure to ambient solar UV radiation inactivates SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. An action spectrum describing the wavelength dependence of the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by UV and visible radiation has recently been published. In contrast to action spectra that have been assumed in the past for estimating the effect of UV radiation on SARS-CoV-2, the new action spectrum has a large sensitivity in the UV-A (315–400 nm) range. If this "UV-A tail" is correct, solar UV radiation could be much more efficient in inactivating the virus responsible for COVID-19 than previously thought. Furthermore, the sensitivity of inactivation rates to the total column ozone would be reduced because ozone absorbs only a small amount of UV-A radiation. Using solar simulators, the times for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 have been determined by several groups; however, many measurements are affected by poorly defined experimental setups. The most reliable data suggest that 90% of viral particles embedded in saliva are inactivated within ~ 7 min by solar radiation for a solar zenith angle (SZA) of 16.5° and within ~ 13 min for a SZA of 63.4°. Slightly longer inactivation times were found for aerosolised virus particles. These times can become considerably longer during cloudy conditions or if virus particles are shielded from solar radiation. Many publications have provided evidence of an inverse relationship between ambient solar UV radiation and the incidence or severity of COVID-19, but the reasons for these negative correlations have not been unambiguously identified and could also be explained by confounders, such as ambient temperature, humidity, visible radiation, daylength, temporal changes in risk and disease management, and the proximity of people to other people. Meta-analyses of observational studies indicate inverse associations between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity or severity of COVID-19, although the quality of these studies is largely low. Mendelian randomisation studies have not found statistically significant evidence of a causal effect of 25(OH)D concentration on COVID-19 susceptibility or severity, but a potential link between vitamin D status and disease severity cannot be excluded as some randomised trials suggest that vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for people admitted to a hospital. Several studies indicate significant positive associations between air pollution and COVID-19 incidence and fatality rates. Conversely, well-established cohort studies indicate no association between long-term exposure to air pollution and infection with SARS-CoV-2. By limiting increases in UV radiation, the Montreal Protocol has also suppressed the inactivation rates of pathogens exposed to UV radiation. However, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that the expected larger inactivation rates without the Montreal Protocol would have had tangible consequences on the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging class of pollutants in air, soil and especially in all aquatic environments. Secondary MPs are generated in the environment during fragmentation of especially photo-oxidised plastic litter. Photo-oxidation is mediated primarily by solar UV radiation. The implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments, which have resulted in controlling the tropospheric UV-B (280–315 nm) radiation load, is therefore pertinent to the fate of environmental plastic debris. Due to the Montreal Protocol high amounts of solar UV-B radiation at the Earth's surface have been avoided, retarding the oxidative fragmentation of plastic debris, leading to a slower generation and accumulation of MPs in the environment. Quantifying the impact of the Montreal Protocol in reducing the abundance of MPs in the environment, however, is complicated as the role of potential mechanical fragmentation of plastics under environmental mechanical stresses is poorly understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is the main environmental factor that causes histological degenerative changes of the skin giving rise to a chronic process called photodamage. Non-melanoma skin cancer induced by UVB radiation is a result of a cascade of molecular events caused by DNA damage in epidermis cells, including persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and suppression of T cell-mediated immunity. Retinoids such as tretinoin have been widely used in skin to treat photoaging and photodamage, though its secondary adverse effects have been recognized. Pirfenidone (PFD) has emerged as an antifibrogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, and in this work its efficacy was evaluated in a model of UVB-induced photodamage. Methods: Epidermal, dermal, and inflammatory changes were measured by histomorphometric parameters. In addition, gene, and protein expression of key molecules in these processes were evaluated. Results: Our results revealed an anti-photodamage effect of topical PFD with absence of inflammatory skin lesions determined by dermoscopy. In addition, PFD reduced elastosis, improved organization, arrangement, and deposition of dermal collagens, downregulated several pro-inflammatory markers such as NF-kB, IL-1, IL-6 and TNFα, and decreased keratinocyte damage. Conclusion: Topical pirfenidone represents a promising agent for the treatment of cell photodamage in humans. Clinical trials need to be carried out to explore this premise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecotoxicology studies increasingly point to harmful environmental effects from common sunscreen chemicals that filter ultraviolet light. As a result, governments are attempting to reduce ecological exposure through bans on these chemicals and outreach to consumers. Public health research has shown that sun protection choices are often highly context dependent, which may limit the extent to which newly adopted behaviors "spillover," i.e. transfer to other places or influence additional pro-environmental actions. This study tests key theoretical literatures on behavioral spillover within this rapidly evolving area of environmental policy. In a factorial survey with Hawaii, North Carolina, and Florida residents (n = 735), respondents were more likely to say they would switch sunscreen than wear protective clothing in response to pro-environmental behavior change messages. Sunscreen message framing ("reef friendly" vs. "mineral based"), state of residence, and the location of coastal parks affected site-specific sun protection preferences. Further, sunscreen message framing effects spilled over to general sun protection preferences for the next time respondents go to the shore or beach. Yet, respondents cited lack of information as a barrier in making sunscreen choices. Public responsiveness to "reef friendly" branding—as demonstrated in this research—is confounded by unclear consumer information about which sunscreen formulations qualify, impeding the effectiveness of state and federal efforts to protect natural resources. Alternately, efforts to support changing public norms for UPF clothing may offer an emergent opportunity to promote both public health and environmental goals. • Respondents cited lack of information as a barrier in making pro-environmental sunscreen choices. • Respondents were more likely to say they would switch to environmentally friendly sunscreen than wear protective clothing. • Sunscreen framing (reef friendly vs. mineral), state of residence, and coastal park location affected preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polar vortex is a strong jet of westerly wind which forms each winter around the polar stratosphere. Sometimes, roughly every other winter, the polar vortex in the Northern Hemisphere experiences a dramatic breakdown and associated warming of the polar stratosphere. Such events are called sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) and they are known to have a significant influence on ground weather in Northern Eurasia and large parts of North America. Typically, these events are thought to occur due to planetary waves propagating to the stratosphere where they may disrupt the vortex. Here, we show that the SSW probability depends significantly on a favorable combination of geomagnetic and solar activity and the phase of the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO). Using logistic regression models, we find that more SSWs occur when early‐winter geomagnetic activity (aa index) is low and QBO winds are easterly and when solar activity (F10.7 index) is high and QBO winds are westerly. We then examine the possibility of using these results to predict the occurrence probability of SSWs with several months lead time and evaluate the optimal lead times for all variables using cross‐validation methods. As a result, we find that the SSW probability can be predicted rather well and we can issue a probabilistic SSW prediction for the coming winter season with a success ratio of about 86% already in the preceding August. The results presented here are an important step toward improving the seasonal predictability of wintertime weather using information about solar and geomagnetic activity. Plain Language Summary: In the stratosphere, the atmospheric layer from 10 to 50 km, strong westerly wind, the polar vortex forms around the pole during each winter. The vortex is quite variable and sometimes it may weaken or even break completely allowing intrusions of cold Arctic air into middle latitudes in the troposphere. These events are called sudden stratospheric warmings (SSW) due to the corresponding abrupt increase of polar stratospheric temperature. The SSWs have been traditionally thought to result from enhanced planetary wave activity that disrupts the vortex. However, recent findings suggest that the occurrence of SSWs is influenced also by the joint effect of equatorial stratospheric winds (exhibiting Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation, QBO) and energetic particle precipitation from space into the atmosphere as well as solar UV radiation. Based on these recent findings, we develop here a probabilistic seasonal forecast model for SSW occurrence based on the joint influence of QBO, geomagnetic activity (indicator for particle precipitation), and solar F10.7 index (indicator for UV radiation), which can be predicted with long lead times. We show that the inclusion of these factors significantly improves the long‐term predictions of SSW occurrence. Key Points: We develop models, predicting the wintertime sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) probability in preceding August using Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation, geomagnetic aa index and solar F10.7 indexThe success ratio of the predictions is about 86%The study is an important step toward improved long‐term forecasting of SSWs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical investigation of the sheath formation over sunlit moon under the influence of observed solar ultraviolet/extreme ultraviolet radiation and solar wind plasma has been presented. Poisson's equation is coupled with the latitude-dependent Fermionic photoelectrons, non-Maxwellian solar wind electrons and cold ions to derive the electric potential, electric field, and population density profiles within the photoelectron sheath. We notice that the high-energy photons of the solar spectra in addition to Lyman- α, significantly contribute in determining the surface charge and subsequent sheath structure. A traditional Debye (Type C) sheath forms around the terminator due to dominant plasma electron accretion and marginal photoemission. While moving towards the equator, the photoelectron contribution increases, yielding monotonic (Type B) and non-monotonic (Type A) sheath solutions over sunlit locations. The calculations show that the non-monotonic potential structures are more stable near the terminator region, while both types of potential structures are probable near the equator region for the nominal solar wind plasma. A vertical sheath extension of ∼60 m and ∼12 m is predicted for typical solar wind plasma at the equator corresponding to Type A and Type B sheath, respectively. Under exotic plasma conditions (e.g. Earth's magnetospheric tail lobe, plasma sheet), non-monotonic solutions become stable for the photoemission-dominated region, and the entire sunlit lunar surface may acquire negative potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the most significant occupational carcinogenic exposure in terms of the number of workers exposed (i.e., outdoor workers). Consequently, solar UVR-induced skin cancers are among the most common forms of occupational malignancies that are potentially expected globally. This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021295221) and aims to assess the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) associated to occupational solar UVR exposure. Systematic searches will be performed in three electronic literature databases (PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus). Further references will be retrieved by a manual search (e.g., in grey literature databases, internet search engines, and organizational websites). We will include cohort studies and case-control studies. Risk of Bias assessment will be conducted separately for case-control and cohort studies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) will be used for the certainty of assessment. In case quantitative pooling is not feasible, a narrative synthesis of results will be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced DNA damage is a major risk factor for skin cancer development. UV-induced redistribution of melanin near keratinocyte nuclei leads to the formation of a supranuclear cap, which acts as a natural sunscreen and protects DNA by absorbing and scattering UV radiation. However, the mechanism underlying the intracellular movement of melanin in nuclear capping is poorly understood. In this study, we found that OPN3 is an important photoreceptor in human epidermal keratinocytes and is critical for UVA-mediated supranuclear cap formation. OPN3 mediates supranuclear cap formation via the calcium-dependent G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway and ultimately upregulates Dync1i1 and DCTN1 expression in human epidermal keratinocytes via activating calcium/CaMKII, CREB, and Akt signal transduction. Together, these results clarify the role of OPN3 in regulating melanin cap formation in human epidermal keratinocytes, greatly expanding our understanding of the phototransduction mechanisms involved in physiological function in skin keratinocytes. The G protein-coupled receptor Opsin 3 is critical for supranuclear cap formation mediated by solar ultraviolet radiation in human epidermal keratinocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]