OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify and compare photoaging rat models exposed to UVA and UVB.
METHODS: This research method compared macroscopic (scoring degree of wrinkling) and microscopic (histology) signs and symptoms on skin samples of rat exposed to UVA and UVB for 4 weeks at a radiation dose of 840mJ/cm2.
RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that the degree of wrinkling was highest in rat skin exposed to UVB rays by 51% (p<0.05). UVB histological results showed that the epidermis layer (40 µm, p<0.05) was thickened and the dermis layer (283 µm, p<0.05) was thinned in the skin of mice exposed to UVB light. The UVB group, showed the density of collagen in the dermis with a mean value of 55% (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that short-term exposure to UVB radiation (in the acute, subacute or subchronic phase) induces more rapid and pronounced damage to rat skin when compared to UVA radiation exposure.
METHODS: Data from 7488 patients with BD I were collected at 75 sites in 42 countries. The first episode occurred at 591 onset locations in 67 countries at a wide range of latitudes in both hemispheres. Solar insolation values were obtained for every onset location, and the ratio of the minimum mean monthly insolation to the maximum mean monthly insolation was calculated. This ratio is largest near the equator (with little change in solar insolation over the year), and smallest near the poles (where winter insolation is very small compared to summer insolation). This ratio also applies to tropical locations which may have a cloudy wet and clear dry season, rather than winter and summer.
RESULTS: The larger the change in solar insolation throughout the year (smaller the ratio between the minimum monthly and maximum monthly values), the greater the likelihood the first episode polarity was depression. Other associated variables were being female and increasing percentage of gross domestic product spent on country health expenditures. (All coefficients: P ≤ 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Increased awareness and research into circadian dysfunction throughout the course of BD is warranted.
METHODS: In this study, a time series analysis was used to determine the variation of variables over time. All series were seasonally adjusted and Poisson regression analysis was performed. In the analysis of meteorological data and emotional distress due to religious mourning events, the best results were obtained by autoregressive moving average (ARMA) (5,5) model.
RESULTS: It was determined that average temperature, sunshine, and rain variables had a significant effect on death. A total of 2375 AMI's were enrolled. Average temperate (°C) and sunshine hours a day (h/day) had a statistically significant relationship with the number of AMI's (β = 0.011, P = 0.014). For every extra degree of temperature increase, the risk of AMI rose [OR = 1.011 (95%CI 1.00, 1.02)]. For every extra hour of sunshine, a day a statistically significant increase [OR = 1.02 (95% CI 1.01, 1.04)] in AMI risk occurred (β = 0.025, P = 0.001). Religious mourning events increase the risk of AMI 1.05 times more. The other independent variables have no significant effects on AMI's (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate that sunshine hours and the average temperature had a significant effect on the risk of AMI. Moreover, emotional distress due to religious morning events increases AMI. More specific research on this topic is recommended.
METHOD: The dispensing system is based on an Arduino circuit breadboard where an ATmega328p microcontroller was pre-installed. To sense the proximity, a light-dependent resistor (LDR) is used where the laser light is to be blocked after the placement of human hands, hence produced a sharp decrease in the LDR sensor value. Once the LDR sensor value exceeds the lower threshold, the pump is actuated by the microcontroller, and the sanitizer dispenses through the nozzle.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A novel design and subsequent fabrication of a low-cost, touchless, automated sanitizer dispenser to be used in public places, was demonstrated. The overall performance of the manufactured device was analyzed based on the cost and power consumption, and environmental factors by deploying it in busy public places as well as in indoor environment in major cities in Bangladesh, and found to be more efficient and cost-effective compared to other dispensers available in the market. A comprehensive discussion on this unique design compared to the conventional ultrasonic and infra-red based dispensers, is presented to show its suitability over the commercial ones. The guidelines of the World Health Organization are followed for the preparation of sanitizer liquid. A clear demonstration of the circuitry connections is presented herein, which facilitates the interested individual to manufacture a cost-effective dispenser device in a relatively short time and use it accordingly. Conclusion: This study reveals that the LDR-based automated hand sanitizer dispenser system is a novel concept, and it is cost-effective compared to the conventional ones. The presented device is expected to play a key role in contactless hand disinfection in public places, and reduce the spread of infectious diseases in society.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among Malaysian children with spina bifida.
SETTING: Four Malaysian tertiary hospitals.
METHODS: Children with spina bifida were assessed for potential demographic, disease severity and lifestyle risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Blood for 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) was taken. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D levels ≤ 37.5 nmol/L and insufficiency as 37.6-50 nmol/L.
RESULTS: Eighty children aged 2-18 years (42 males) participated in the study. Vitamin D levels ranged from 14 to 105 nmol/L (mean 52.8, SD 19.1). Vitamin D deficiency was identified in 18 (22.5%) and insufficiency in 26 (32.5%) children. Logistic regression analysis showed that skin exposure to sunlight ≤ 21% body surface area (OR: 6.2, CI 1.7-22.9) and duration of sun exposure ≤ 35 min/day (OR: 4.0, CI 1.2-14.1) were significant risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Over half (55%) of Malaysian children with spina bifida seen in urban tertiary hospitals have vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. Lifestyle sun exposure behaviours were risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency.