Prospects of topical protection from ultraviolet radiation exposure: a critical review on the juxtaposition of the benefits and risks involved with the use of chemoprotective agents

In vitro safety evaluation of (6-methoxy-9-oxo-9H-xanthen-2-yl)methyl (E)-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)acrylate (K-116) - the novel potential UV filter designed by means of a double chromophore strategy

The use of topical photoprotection is necessary to reduce adverse effects caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Despite the high standards set for UV filters, many of them may contribute to the occurrence of adverse effects. The newly synthesised compound K-116, the (E)-cinnamoyl xanthone derivative, could be an alternative. We conducted extended in vitro safety evaluation of compound K-116. The research included assessment of irritation potential on skin tissue, evaluation of penetration through the epidermis, and assessment of phototoxicity, and mutagenicity. Additionally, the eco-safety of compound K-116 was evaluated, including an examination of its degradation pathway in the Cunninghamella echinulata model, as well as in silico simulation of the toxicity of both the parent compound and its degradation products. The research showed that compound K-116 tested in future application conditions is deprived of skin irritant potential additionally it does not penetrate through the epidermis. Results showed that K-116 concentrate is not phototoxic and not mutagenic. The eco-safety studies showed that it undergoes biodegradation in 27% in Cunninghamella echinulata model. The parent compound and formed metabolite are less toxic than reference UV filters (octinoxate and octocrylene).

Preparation, characterization, and energy simulation of ZnTiO3 high near-infrared reflection pigment and its anti-graffiti coating

In the field of cooling materials, ZnTiO₃ (ZT) is still a new member that needs to be further studied. In this paper, pure cubic ZT was synthesized by the sol-gel method, and the effect of calcination temperature on ZT synthesis was investigated. The hydrophobic modification was carried out on ZT to prepare near-infrared reflective thermal insulation functional composite coatings based on silicone resin (SI). Compared with unmodified ZT (U-ZT), the modified ZT (M-ZT) exhibits better dispersion in the SI matrix, contributing to improved solar reflectance and anti-graffiti performance. The EnergyPlus software was used to simulate energy consumption in the air conditioning system. The excellent chemical stability and high NIR reflectance made the synthesized pigments potential candidates for energy-saving coatings. The simulation showed that homeowners could save $10.29 a month by applying an energy-efficient coating consisting of ZT to the walls and roofs of their buildings. Besides, these coatings show potential anti-graffiti application due to the exceptional repellency of coated surfaces against water-based ink, oily red marker, and paint.

Mitigating membrane biofouling in biofuel cell system – A review

A biofuel cell (BFC) system can transform chemical energy to electrical energy through electrochemical reactions and biochemical pathways. However, BFC faced several obstacles delaying it from commercialization, such as biofouling. Theoretically, the biofouling phenomenon occurs when microorganisms, algae, fungi, plants, or small animals accumulate on wet surfaces. In most BFC, biofouling occurs by the accumulation of microorganisms forming a biofilm. Amassed biofilm on the anode is desired for power production, however, not on the membrane separator. This phenomenon causes severities toward BFCs when it increases the electrode’s ohmic and charge transfer resistance and impedes the proton transfer, leading to a rapid decline in the system’s power performance. Apart from BFC, other activities impacted by biofouling range from the uranium industry to drug sensors in the medical field. These fields are continuously finding ways to mitigate the biofouling impact in their industries while putting forward the importance of the environment. Thus, this study aims to identify the severity of biofouling occurring on the separator materials for implementation toward the performance of the BFC system. While highlighting successful measures taken by other industries, the effectiveness of methods performed to reduce or mitigate the biofouling effect in BFC was also discussed in this study.

Vitamin D and Skin Cancer: An Epidemiological, Patient-Centered Update and Review

BACKGROUND

The current vitamin D deficiency epidemic is accompanied by an increase in endemic skin cancer. There are still multiple controversies. This review aims to give practical recommendations regarding vitamin D among people at risk or with a personal history of skin cancer.

METHODS

Narrative review including human research articles published between 2011 and 2021, elaborated bearing in mind an epidemiological, patient-centered approach.

RESULTS

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure (neither artificial nor natural) is not the ideal source to synthesize vitamin D. There is conflicting epidemiological evidence regarding vitamin D, non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), and cutaneous melanoma (CMM), confounded by the effect of sun exposure and other factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence is controversial, and there are no widely applicable strategies. We propose three practical recommendations. Firstly, sun protection recommendations should be kept among people at risk or with a personal history of skin cancer. Secondly, vitamin D should preferably be sourced through diet. In patients with melanoma or at risk of cutaneous cancer, serum vitamin D checks are warranted to detect and avoid its insufficiency.

Silica-based nanosystems for therapeutic applications in the skin

Aging, exposure to oxidants, infectious pathogens, inflammogens, ultraviolet radiation and other environmental and genetic factors can result in the development of various skin disorders. Despite immense progress being made in dermatological treatments, many skin-associated problems still remain difficult to treat and various therapies have limitations. Progress in silica-based nanomaterials research provides an opportunity to overcome these drawbacks and improve therapies and is a promising tool for inclusion in clinical practice to treat skin diseases. This review focuses on the use of various types of silica nanoparticles with therapeutic applications in various skin disorders. These nanosystems improve treatment efficacy by maintaining or enhancing the effect of several drugs and are useful tools for nanomedicine, pharmaceutical sciences and future clinical applications.

The Role of Vitamin D in Pediatric Orthopedics

Understanding the role of vitamin D is an important component of the proper care of the pediatric orthopedic patient. Vitamin D is an essential component of bone metabolism in the growth and development of the pediatric skeleton, which can be acutely affected by changes to the body's vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate levels, resulting in pathologic conditions such as rickets or fractures. This article reviews the main areas in which vitamin D relates to pediatric orthopedics and highlights some of the areas where future research is being directed.

Alpha-pinene attenuates UVA-induced photoaging through inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases expression in mouse skin

AIM

The present study was designed to examine the role of alpha-pinene (AP) against skin photoaging in UVA-irradiated mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Swiss albino mice were subjected to UVA-irradiation at the rate of 10 J/cm² per day for ten days, totally mouse received 100 J/cm². One hour prior to each UVA-exposure, the mouse skin was topically treated with AP (100 mg kg/b·wt). Biochemical methods were employed to study the status of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation. Histopathological observations were performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and Verhoeff van Gieson (VVG) staining in the mouse skin. The inflammatory and apoptotic protein expression was studied by immunohistochemical and Western blot methods. The mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis.

KEY FINDINGS

We found that AP pretreatment substantially ameliorated UVA-induced depletion of antioxidant enzymes and prevented UVA-induced lipid peroxidation in the mouse skin. Further, AP effectively inhibited UVA-induced activation of pro-angiogenic (iNOS and VEGF), inflammatory proteins (TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2) expression and prevented the activation of NF-κB p65 in the mouse skin. Additionally, AP inhibited UVA-mediated apoptotic mediators (Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and caspase 9) expression in the mouse skin. Moreover, AP inhibited mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-13 and MMP-9) and tissue type IV collagenase (MMP-2) expression in the mouse skin. Histological studies showed that AP remarkably prevented the dermal tissue damage in UVA-irradiated mice.

CONCLUSION

Thus, AP treatment effectively prevented UVA-induced photoaging probably through its antioxidant property.

Amelioration of UV radiation-induced photoaging by a combinational sunscreen formulation via aversion of oxidative collagen degradation and promotion of TGF-β-Smad-mediated collagen production

The presence of 40-50% more UV radiation in high altitude areas renders the plethora of sunscreen products available in the market virtually ineffective. In this light of event, four US FDA approved UV filters were combined with melatonin and pumpkin seed oil to produce a broad spectrum sunscreen cream, which is envisaged to provide optimum sunprotection along with enhanced antioxidant activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of the sunscreen cream against UV radiation-induced skin photoaging in adult Wistar albino rats and identify its possible underlying mechanism. Wistar rats were exposed to broad spectrum UV radiation for 28 days. The test group received the sunscreen formulation dermally every day prior to UV radiation. The effects of the formulation against UV induced symptoms; viz. skin thickness and edema, in vivo antioxidant activities, inflammatory cytokines, collagen content, histopathological examination and expression of specific genes established the protective activity of the formulation. The test formulation was able to mitigate the harmful effects of UV radiation by increasing in vivo SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and collagen levels; decreasing skin edema, skin thickness and cytokines like IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and TGF-β1. UV radiation induced changes in histological architecture and arrangement of collagen and elastin fibers were also prevented by the test formulation. Finally, the formulation was able to regulate the expression of COL3A1, COX-2, bFGF, VEGF-C, Smad2, Smad4, Smad7 genes which induced significant photoprotective activity. The sunscreen formulation ameliorated UV induced photoaging by preventing oxidative collagen degradation and augmentation of TGF-β-Smad-mediated collagen production.