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Background: Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major cause of photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. An appropriate application of sunscreen can effectively protect UV damage but cause unpleasant skin oiliness. Oil blotting paper is commonly used to reduce oiliness in some parts of the world although its influence on the efficacy of sunscreen has not been carefully investigated. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of sunscreen after applying oil blotting paper. Materials and methods: Measurement of oiliness and sunscreen efficacy was compared before and after the use of oil blotting paper in 11 healthy volunteers, 10 females, and 1 male. Specifically, 3 zones on each subject's back were exposed to UVR from a solar simulator, that is, 1) no sunscreen, 2) sunscreen (organic sunscreen at 2 mg/cm2 SPF 30) left on for 30 minutes, and 3) sunscreen left on for 30 minutes followed by application of oil blotting paper. Skin oiliness was also compared before and after oil blotting using a sebumeter. All areas were phototested for the comparison of the minimal erythema dose (MED) and sun protection factor (SPF). Results: The averaged MED of our subjects is 4.3 standard erythema doses (SED) in the unprotected area. The averaged MED was decreased after oil blotting from 89.8 SED to 59.8 SED. The SPF was also decreased from 20.70 to 13.99. Conclusions: Application of oil blotting paper significantly reduces the efficacy of organic sunscreen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been widely accepted in keratocyte carcinoma and an increasing number of literatures concerning PDT in skin cancer is published. But a detailed examination of publication patterns of PDT in skin cancer has not yet been carried out. Methods: Bibliographies were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection restricted the publication date from January 1, 1985 to December 31, 2021. The search terms were photodynamic therapy and skin cancer. Visualization analysis and statistical analysis were performed by VOSviewer (Version 1.6.13), R software (Version 4.1.2) and Scimago Graphica (Version 1.0.15). Results: 3248 documents were selected for analysis. The results showed that the number of annual publications related to PDT in skin cancer was gradually increased and would continue to increase in the future. The results illustrated that "melanoma", "nanoparticles", "drug‐delivery", "mechanism", "delivery" and "in‐vitro" are newly occurred topics. The most prolific country was the United States and the most productive institution was the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. German researcher Szeimies RM published the most papers related to PDT in skin cancer. British Journal of Dermatology was the most popular journal in this field. Conclusion: The topic that PDT in skin cancer is a heated issue. Our study revealed the bibliometric result of the field, which might provide the prospects for further research. We recommend future investigations focusing on PDT in treating melanoma, innovation of photosensitizer, improvement of drug delivery and the mechanism of PDT in skin cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals who participate in outdoor sports are subject to an increased risk of developing skin cancer. To date, there has been no review examining skin cancer and sun protective behaviours specific to outdoor, water‐based sports. Therefore, this scoping reviews objectives were to (a) summarize volume and type of the scientific literature available relating to skin cancer, (b) examine current sun protective behaviours and (c) identify knowledge gaps to inform future research. Method: A scoping review was conducted to address the objectives following the PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases were searched; identified studies were screened based on title, abstract and full text for outdoor water‐based sports, which examined skin cancer and/or sun protective behaviours. Data were extracted, synthesized and critically appraised using a modified AXIS tool. Percentage frequencies were calculated, and key results were placed in tabular or graphical presentation. Results: Nine cross‐sectional studies were identified, all defined as low‐level evidence. A combined sample of 4377 participants across six countries and five water‐based sports showed BCC (71%) was the most common skin cancer, followed by melanoma (18%) and SCC (10%). The head (41%) and upper limbs (27%) were the most common location. Conclusion: This review highlights the minimal research available and demonstrates those in water‐based sports are at high risk of developing skin cancer. Due to difficulty adhering to sun protective behaviours, the most prevalent location is the upper body. Included studies were of low‐level evidence, providing opportunity for future research to expand upon the gaps in the current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin is the organ most extensively exposed to light of a broad range of wavelengths. Several studies have reported that skin expresses photoreceptive molecules called opsins. However, the identity and functional role of opsins in the human skin remain elusive. We aim to summarize current scientific evidence on the types of opsins expressed in the skin and their biological functions. Methods: A primary literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify articles on dermal opsins found in nonhuman animals and humans. Results: Twenty‐two articles, representing, however, a non‐exhaustive selection of the scientific papers published in this specific field, met the inclusion criteria. In nonhuman animals, opsins and opsin‐like structures have been detected in the skin of fruit fly, zebrafish, frog, octopus, sea urchin, hogfish, and mouse, and they mediate skin color change, light avoidance, shadow reflex, and circadian photoentrainment. In humans, opsins are present in various skin cell types, including keratinocytes, melanocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and hair follicle cells. They have been shown to mediate wound healing, melanogenesis, hair growth, and skin photoaging. Conclusion: Dermal opsins have been identified across many nonhuman animals and humans. Current evidence suggests that opsins have biological significance beyond light reception. In nonhuman animals, opsins are involved in behaviors that are critical for survival. In humans, opsins are involved in various functions of the skin although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Future investigation on elucidating the mechanism of dermal opsins will be crucial to expand the therapeutic benefits of photobiomodulation for various skin disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wood's lamp aids in the diagnosis of multiple infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic dermatologic conditions. Although the Wood's lamp has many applications, which have improved both the diagnosis and management of disease, the man credited for its invention is relatively unknown in medicine. Robert Williams Wood, a prominent physicist of the early 20th century, is credited for the invention of the Wood's lamp. Wood was the father of infrared and ultraviolet photography and made significant contributions to other areas in optics and spectroscopy. Wood's work encompassed the formative years of American Physics; he published over 200 original papers over his lifetime. A few years after the invention of the Wood's lamp for ultraviolet photography, physicians in Europe adopted the Wood's lamp for dermatologic applications. Wood's lamp remains popular in clinics globally, given its ease of use and ability to improve diagnostic precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitiligo may be treated with hospital‐based phototherapy, but this requires long‐term frequent appointments. Self‐treatment using home‐based phototherapy is a convenient alternative, which may improve adherence and results, but evidence is limited, and so it is not routinely recommended. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of home‐based phototherapy for vitiligo. Methodology: Searches were conducted on Medline, Scopus and The Cochrane Library for randomised controlled trials comparing home‐based phototherapy with institution‐based phototherapy or placebo/no phototherapy for vitiligo. The primary outcome was treatment effectiveness. CASP criteria were used for quality assessment. Data were synthesised in a meta‐analysis where appropriate. Results: Three studies (195 participants) were included: two compared home‐based with institution‐based phototherapy, and one compared home‐based phototherapy with placebo. Studies were of mixed quality. Therapy regimes varied across studies. Findings on effectiveness were contradictory across studies with variable rates of repigmentation. There was no significant difference in repigmentation rates between the groups, although adherence to treatment schedules was significantly better in home‐based groups. Adverse effects were significantly higher in home‐based groups. No long‐term data were reported on maintenance of treatment benefits. Conclusions: Although adherence to treatment was significantly better with home‐based phototherapy, data were insufficient to form conclusions on effectiveness. Home‐based phototherapy had a significantly higher risk of adverse effects, making it difficult to recommend in clinical practice. However, as it offers logistical advantages for patients, its effectiveness alongside additional safety measures should be explored further in large‐scale, good‐quality RCTs, with standardised outcome measures, including patient‐reported outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Human and animal studies have shown that exposure to ultraviolet light can incite a chain of endocrine, immunologic, and neurohumoral reactions that might affect mood. This review focuses on the evidence from clinical trials and observational studies on the effect of ultraviolet light on mood, depressive disorders, and well‐being. Methods: A search was made in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Psychinfo, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier and Science Direct, and the references of key papers, for clinical trials and observational studies describing the effect of ultraviolet light applied to skin or eyes on mood, depressive disorders, and well‐being. Results: Of the seven studies eligible for this review, the effect of ultraviolet light on mood, depressive symptoms and seasonal affective disorders was positive in six of them. Conclusions: Of the seven studies, six demonstrated benefit of exposure to ultraviolet radiation and improvement in mood which supports a positive effect of ultraviolet light on mood. Because of the small number of the studies and their heterogeneity, more research is warranted to confirm and document this correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background/purpose: The purpose of this paper is to estimate the contribution to our erythemal exposure at the coast of solar ultraviolet (UV) both reflected from, and transmitted into, the ocean. Methods: The reflection of solar UV radiation from, and transmitted into, seawater was calculated using a numerical model under a number of atmospheric conditions to estimate erythemal exposure on the skin of supine/prone and ambulant people. Results: The results were expressed as UV Indices. Even under the most extreme insolation with the sun directly overhead, where the ambient UV Index may be around 14, reflected UV from the ocean contributes an erythemal exposure to the skin equivalent to a UV Index of about 0.7. For typical ocean waters, with the sun high in the sky, the UV index within the water is about 7 at a depth of 2 m. Conclusion: Whilst our eyes often sense a high level of reflected sunlight from the ocean, especially when the sun is low in the sky, our skin does not share that experience. The reason people get sunburnt at the seaside has more to do with the absence of shade than with reflectance by the water surface or even beach sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the dermatological as well as the esthetic potential of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) by performing a systematic review and meta‐analysis. From the electronic databases, 554 articles were assessed; however, only 31 studies were selected after manually screening and eliminating unnecessary studies. The potential effectiveness of LEDs for skin therapies was assessed by evaluating the standardized mean differences (SMDs) and funnel plots of this meta‐analysis. It was discovered that both red and blue LED lights play an important role in the treatment of acne vulgaris with an overall statistically significant SMD of −2.42 [−2.64, −2.15] and I2 = 17% < 50%. Additionally, other LEDs (e.g., yellow LEDs and near‐infrared devices) showed outstanding levels of effectiveness, not only in reducing the lesions of herpes simplex and psoriasis but also in improved skin rejuvenation with highly consistent analytical results (I2 = 0% and 33%, respectively). However, the analysis of LED‐based skin wound healing and atopic dermatitis treatments exhibited heterogeneity (I2 = 85% and 90%) due to the lack of unpublished articles. In conclusion, it is suggested that LEDs are useful for dermatology and could be potential candidates for future cosmetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ultraviolet radiation can aggravate facial erythema in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. Objective: To investigate the photobiological testing results of Chinese AD patients with refractory facial erythema. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 82 AD patients with refractory facial erythema who visited our department during 2004–2021. All of them completed phototesting and photopatch testing. Results: 82 patients were enrolled in the study, and 53 (64.6%) were between 18 and 30 years old. 51.2% (42/82) had positive phototesting results and were considered photosensitive AD (PhAD) patients. One‐third of them were both allergic to ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B. 65.9% (54/82) suffered from photoallergic contact dermatitis. Chlorpromazine (50.7%), potassium dichromate (13.2%), and thimerosal (11.8%) were the top three common photoallergens. Overall, 86.3% of AD patients with refractory facial erythema had direct photoallergy or photocontact allergy. PhAD patients had fewer allergic comorbidities than the other group (p =.007). More non‐PhAD patients (55.0%) suffered from AD at 2–14 years old (p =.015). Conclusions: Photosensitivity contributes a lot to the facial lesions of AD patients, especially in their 20s. 86.3% of these patients had direct photoallergy or photocontact allergy. Therefore, AD patients with facial erythema should undergo phototesting and photopatch testing routinely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lysine‐specific histone demethylase 1 (KDM1A/LSD1) regulates multiple cellular functions, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, and DNA repair. KDM1A is overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and inhibition of KDM1A can suppress cutaneous carcinogenesis. Despite the role of KDM1A in skin and DNA repair, the effect of KDM1A inhibition on cellular ultraviolet (UV) response has not been studied. Methods: The ability of KDM1A inhibitor bizine to modify cell death after UVA and UVB exposure was tested in normal human keratinocytes and melanocytes, HaCaT, and FaDu cell lines. KDM1A was also downregulated using shRNA and inhibited by phenelzine in HaCaT and FaDu cells to confirm the role of KDM1A in UVA response. In addition, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) changes were assessed by a lipid‐soluble fluorescent indicator of lipid oxidation, and ROS‐related gene regulation using qPCR. During photodynamic therapy (PDT) studies HaCaT and FaDu cells were treated with aminolaevulinic acid (5‐ALA) or HPPH (2‐[1‐hexyloxyethyl]‐2‐devinyl pyropheophorbide‐a) sodium and irradiated with 0‐8 J/cm2 red LED light. Results: KDM1A inhibition sensitized cells to UVA radiation‐induced cell death but not to UVB. KDM1A inhibition increased ROS generation as detected by increased lipid peroxidation and the upregulation of ROS‐responsive genes. The effectiveness of both ALA and HPPH PDT significantly improved in vitro in HaCaT and FaDu cells after KDM1A inhibition. Conclusion: KDM1A is a regulator of cellular UV response and KDM1A inhibition can improve PDT efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of the study was to establish the repeatability of baseline diagnostic images of the dorsum of the hands acquired using a high‐resolution laser Doppler imager in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods: The dorsal side of the hands of 22 patients (8 male 14 female), age range 29‐73, median 62, with SSc and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon were imaged over two consecutive days at approximately the same time using a Moor Instruments' high‐resolution laser Doppler imaging unit. The images were analysed by taking regions of interest at discrete locations in the images to calculate dimensionless values of flux (PU). Repeatability of the diagnostic investigation was assessed using methods described by Bland and Altman and by also plotting the results from visit 1 against visit 2 and calculating the line of best fit. Results and Conclusions: Based on the criteria that 95% of all measurement differences should be within a factor of 1.96 of the standard deviations of the mean values, then high‐resolution laser Doppler imaging technique is probably repeatable when acquiring and analysing baseline images of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to SSc. However, a larger study with more patients is required to prove this conclusively—as only data from 19 patients were analysed (3 patients were not included due to technical issues)—and was therefore susceptible to marked clinical variations in patients presenting on different days for the investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visible light (VL) is known to induce pigmentation in dark‐skinned individuals and immediate erythema in light‐skinned individuals. However, the effects of accumulated low‐dose VL exposure across skin types are not well established. Methods: Thirty‐one healthy subjects with light (Fitzpatrick skin types [FST] I‐II, n = 13) and dark (FST V‐VI, n = 18) skin types were enrolled. Subjects' buttocks were exposed daily to VL, wavelength 400–700 nm, with a dose of 120 J/cm2 at 50 mW/cm2, for four consecutive days. Microarray using Affymetrix GeneChip (49,395 genes) was performed followed by qRT‐PCR on skin samples. Results: Repeated low‐dose VL irradiation induced immediate pigment darkening and delayed tanning in dark‐skinned individuals while no discernable pigmentation and erythema were observed in light‐skinned individuals. Top ten upregulated genes by repeated VL exposure in microarray included melanogenic genes such as tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (TYRP1), dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), premelanosome protein (PMEL), melan‐A (MLANA), and solute carrier family 24, member 5 (SLC24A5) and genes involved in inflammation/matrix remodeling/cell signaling including chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18), BCL2‐related protein A1 (BCL2A1), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). In qRT‐PCR CCL18 was upregulated in light skin with a greater extent (mean fold change ± SD; 4.03 ± 3.28, p =.04) than in dark‐skinned individuals (1.91 ± 1.32, p =.07) while TYR was not significantly upregulated in both skin types. Conclusion: This study highlights the genes upregulated by cumulative VL exposure involved in pigmentation, immune response, oxidation/reduction, and matrix remodeling across skin types providing relevant information on daily solar exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phototherapy is a traditional treatment for psoriasis and patients using it for a long time may be exposed to cumulative toxicity, so dermatologists need continuously diagnostic tools that help in monitoring the disease progression. Objectives: To detect dermoscopic changes with the improvement of skin in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis on narrow‐band ultraviolet B phototherapy and evaluate the role of dermoscopy in monitoring the patients. Methods: Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy was prescribed to thirty (30) patients with chronic plaque psoriasis for three months according to their disease condition. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI score) were calculated, and dermoscopic evaluation was done at the first visit (W0), after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks of beginning the phototherapy. Results: According to PASI score calculations, a significant correlation was found between changes in the vessel patterns and the improvement that occurred during the treatment sessions in psoriatic lesions, whereas the patients with globular blood vessels were significantly associated with weak clinical results. Conclusion: Dermoscopy is a rapid, simple tool to predict the response of psoriatic patients to phototherapy using vascular pattern assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A wide range of sunscreen products are available globally. Designed to meet various customer needs, they differ in formulations type, textures, ingredients, ultraviolet (UV) protection capabilities, and other properties. Knowing the factors influencing the purchase of sunscreens and the UV filters commonly used in each global region would be beneficial for dermatologists, consumers, and regulators. Methods: Data on 50 best‐selling sunscreens from each of 20 countries on 5 continents (1000 products in all) were retrieved from Amazon Marketplace during the period from January to July 2021. Results: Among the 5 continents, Asia had the highest proportion of consumers (71.1%) choosing high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreens (SPF ≥50). In contrast, Europe had the highest percentage (11.8%) purchasing <30 SPF sunscreens. The lack of standard UVA protection labeling was significantly highest in South America. The use of inorganic‐based sunscreen was highest in North America, and across all continents, those products were significantly more expensive than organic‐based sunscreens. Globally, lotions were the most favored formulation type. "Nongreasy/dry touch" (45.1%) and "lightweight texture" (40.4%) were the most common promotional terms used. The most common UV filters differed among regions. Iron oxide, which can function as a visible light filter, was most frequently found in sunscreens in South America (20%) and North America (19.3%). Conclusions: The regional factors influencing the purchase of sunscreen products differed. A considerable number of sunscreens may not provide adequate sun protection for consumers. Dermatologists should recommend sunscreens with sufficient UV protection that suit the skin of individual consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cutaneous and mucocutaneous histiocytosis (group C) comprise a wide variety of entities affecting skin and/or mucosae. Although they are considered as reactive proliferations, their exact pathophysiology remains unknown and, therefore, they lack a specific treatment. Aims: The aim of this study is to review the evidence on cases of histiocytosis treated with UVB and/or UVA and to report a new case of relapsing group C histiocytosis that has been successfully treated with PUVA therapy. Materials & Methods: We have conducted a review of the literature published over the last 40 years on the treatment of histiocytosis with phototherapy in the online PubMed database. We also describe a new case of successful treatment of histiocytosis with PUVA therapy. Results: Our patient was a 27‐year‐old man with persistent outbreaks of cutaneous histiocytosis over the previous 8 years. He responded successfully to PUVA therapy, and no relapse has been detected after one year of follow‐up. Discussion: Self‐involution is usual in group C histiocytosis, so conservative management is usually the first approach. Relapsing cases pose a therapeutic challenge. Reported treatment options for these patients include isotretinoin, cryotherapy, immunosuppressants, low‐dose chemotherapy, CO2 laser, radiotherapy, and surgery. Phototherapy and photochemotherapy have been used in a small number of patients with considerable success. The main limitation to provide firm recommendations on histiocytosis therapy is the absence of solid evidence, as the articles published are mainly case reports with a short follow‐up. In our patient, despite the short follow‐up we have considered photochemotherapy to be effective since no spontaneous remission had been achieved in the previous 8 years. Conclusion: PUVA therapy could be a safe and effective option to treat persistent cutaneous manifestations in patients with histiocytosis, although more evidence is required to support this statement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the bacterial, clinical, and cytokine profile of adjunctive photodynamic therapy using chloro‐aluminum phthalocyanine (CAP/aPDT) with root surface debridement (RSD) versus RSD alone in cigarette smokers (CS) and never‐smokers (NS) during the period of 6 months. Methods: Twenty‐nine patients [CS – 14 and NS – 15] were recruited for the trial having stage‐III periodontitis. All candidates from the study groups were subjected to a split‐mouth treatment technique receiving CAP/aPDT + RSD and RSD alone. Periodontal parameters including plaque levels (PL), bleeding on probing (BP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and marginal bone loss (MBL) were assessed. Polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to analyze the copy numbers of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Tannerella forsythia (Tf). Levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) interleukin (IL)‐6 in the crevicular fluid were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: CAP/aPDT+RSD decreased BP in smokers after 6 months (p <.05). Probing depth and CAL reported statistically significant reductions within both CAP/aPDT+RSD and RSD groups and also within the NS and CS (p <.05). Pg and Tf stayed elevated in smokers at the 6‐month evaluation period (p <.01). Only CAP/aPDT+RSD significantly decreased Pg and Tf at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up in smokers (p <.05). CAP/aPDT+RSD showed decreased IL‐6 levels in the NS during the 6‐month follow‐up (p <.01). TNF‐α levels were significantly reduced in the CS group with CAP/aPDT+RSD and RSD alone until 6 months (p <.01). Conclusion: CAP‐mediated aPDT along with nonsurgical periodontal therapy helped to improve the bacteriological outcomes among smokers and never‐smokers with stage‐III CP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the clinical periodontal, bacterial, and immunological outcomes of chloro‐aluminum phthalocyanine‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct to dental scaling (DS) versus DS alone among cigarette smokers (CS) and never‐smokers (NS). Methods: A total of 26 patients (13 CS and 13 NS) with clinical and radiographic diagnosis of stage‐II chronic periodontitis were recruited. Each patient from both groups were subjected with two parallel therapies (split‐mouth): PDT + DS (test side) and DS alone (control side). Periodontal parameters were investigated by evaluating plaque scores (PS), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and alveolar bone loss (ABL). Subgingival plaque was collected to detect and quantify Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) assay. Gingival crevicular fluid was sampled for the quantification of interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. All assessments were performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: Bleeding on probing was significantly reduced at 6 months after PDT + DS in CS groups (p <.05). Mean PD and CAL significantly reduced after both PDT + DS and DS subgroups and among NS and CS groups (p <.05). At 6 months follow‐up, the copy number of both P. gingivalis and T. forsythia remained significantly high in CS group (p <.01). Only PDT + DS subgroup in CS significantly reduced the counts of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia at 3 months and 6 months (p <.05). Only at 6 months did PDT + DS showed statistically significantly reduced IL‐1β levels in the NS group (p <.01). TNF‐α levels significantly reduced in CS group with PDT + DS and DS alone at both 3 months and 6 months follow‐up (p <.01). Conclusion: Chloro‐aluminum phthalocyanine‐mediated PDT helped to improve the non‐surgical periodontal therapy outcomes among stage‐II chronic periodontitis patients among smokers and never‐smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this was to compare the efficacy of photobiomodulation after non‐surgical mechanical debridement (MD) on cortisol levels (CL) in peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) among patients with peri‐implant mucositis. Methods: Patients with peri‐implant mucositis were encompassed. All patients underwent non‐surgical MD with (test group) and without (control group) a single application of photobiomodulation. Demographic data were collected and PISF was collected. Peri‐implant modified plaque index (mPI), modified gingival index (mGI), probing depth and crestal bone loss were measured, and CL in PISF were recorded. All clinical parameters and PISF CL were re‐assessed at 4 months of follow‐up. p <.05 showed statistical significance. Results: Seventeen (14 males and 3 females) and 17 (15 males and 2 females) patients with peri‐implant mucositis were recruited in test and control groups. The mean age of patients in the test and control groups was 46.1 ± 6.5 and 50.2 ± 2.7 years respectively. At baseline, mPI, mGI, PD and PISF volume and CL in control and test groups were similar. At follow‐up, there was a significant reduction in mPI (p <.001), mGI (p <.001), PD (p <.001) and PISF volume (p <.001) and CL (p <.001) in both groups compared with baseline. There was no difference in mPI, mGI, PD and PISF volume and CL in test and control groups at follow‐up. Conclusion: In short term, non‐surgical MD with photobiomodulation does not offer additional benefits in terms of reducing soft‐tissue inflammatory parameters and PISF CL in patients with peri‐implant mucositis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Melanomas account for only approximately 4% of diagnosed skin cancers in the United States but are responsible for the majority of deaths caused by skin cancer. Both genetic factors and ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure play a role in the development of melanoma. Although melanomas have a strong propensity to metastasize when diagnosed late, melanomas that are diagnosed and treated early pose a low mortality risk. In particular, the identification of patients with increased metastatic risk, who may benefit from early adjuvant therapies, is crucial, especially given the advent of new melanoma treatments. However, the accuracy of classic clinical and histological variables, including the Breslow thickness, presence of ulceration, and lymph node status, might not be sufficient to identify such individuals. Thus, there is a need for the development of additional prognostic melanoma biomarkers that can improve early attempts to stratify melanoma patients and reliably identify high‐risk subgroups with the aim of providing effective personalized therapies. Methods: In our current work, we discuss and assess emerging primary melanoma tumor biomarkers and prognostic circulating biomarkers. Results: Several promising biomarkers show prognostic value (eg, exosomal MIA (ie, melanoma inhibitory activity), serum S100B, AMLo signatures, and mRNA signatures); however, the scarcity of reliable data precludes the use of these biomarkers in current clinical applications. Conclusion: Further research is needed on several promising biomarkers for melanoma. Large‐scale studies are warranted to facilitate the clinical translation of prognostic biomarker applications for melanoma in personalized medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Red and blue light therapies are safe and effective treatments for mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris. However, very few previous studies have directly compared the characteristics of these two methods. Objective: To compare the efficacy and side effects of red light (RL) and blue light (BL) for acne vulgaris and to assess these two therapies in different types of lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 subjects with mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris were randomized into the RL group or the BL group. Subjects in each group received different light treatments, and they were followed up regularly until 2 weeks after the last treatment. The improvement rates of different types of acne lesions were compared between the 2 groups, as well as the incidence of adverse reactions. Results: At the 2‐week follow‐up, the average improvement rate of total acne lesions was 36.2% in the RL group and 30.7% in the BL group (p >.05). The average improvement rate of inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesions was 51.5% and 17.3% in the RL group, compared with 26.4% and 10.0% in the BL group (all p >.05). Treatment‐related adverse reactions were observed distinctly in the BL group. Conclusions: Red light and BL therapies have similar efficacy in mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris, especially for inflammatory lesions. RL had advantages with fewer adverse reactions compared with BL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the widespread use of intense pulsed light (IPL) technology in cosmetic dermatology, the effects of its repeated use on facial skin sensitivity in healthy individuals remains unknown. Methods: Seventeen healthy female volunteers were included in the study. We measured objective biophysical parameters of the skin, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin glossiness, thickness and density of the epidermis and dermis, sensory nerve current perception threshold (CPT), and regional blood flow before and after treatment at different time points. Results: Sixteen volunteers completed a follow‐up of 12 months. The treated side of the face showed a decreased TEWL on D1 and D3, which reverted to normal on D7. Epidermal thickness increased and skin glossiness decreased on the treated side on D1, but returned to normal on D3. We found no statistically significant differences in CPT values or in regional blood flow volume and velocity, with the exception of D1, which exhibited a higher regional blood flow volume on the treated side. Conclusion: Repeated IPL treatments had no effects on facial skin barrier function, skin nerve sensitivity, or local microcirculation among healthy individuals. IPL is a safe skin care procedure that does not affect skin sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The two‐step irradiance schedule in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging treatment method with a remarkable analgesic effect. We evaluated the influencing factors of pain in condyloma acuminate (CA) treatment with a two‐step irradiance schedule. Methods: All patients were randomly divided into a two‐step irradiance group and control group. The two‐step irradiance group used 40 mW/cm2 for the first 8min, followed by 80 mW/cm2 for 16 min, while the control group used 80 mW/cm2 for 20 min. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores and pain‐influencing factors were recorded accordingly. Results: In the two‐step irradiance and control groups, 64 and 63 patients completed the treatment, respectively. The NRS scores of the two‐step irradiance group were significantly lower than that of the control group (p <.001), with a low fluence rate inducing less pain compared with a high fluence rate (p <.001). Moreover, when the total fluence accumulated to 57.6 J/cm2, the pain experienced by patients reached its peak. The NRS score of the urethral orifice group was the highest, and the male external genitalia group was the lowest. The NRS score was at its lowest in the first session and highest in the second session. There was a linear relationship between pain and wart size. Among these influencing factors, the fluence rate had the greatest impact on pain. Conclusion: The two‐step irradiance schedule provides better analgesic effects than standard treatment irradiation while showing similar treatment efficacy. Factors that influence pain include high fluence rate, CA at the urethral orifice, second therapy session, wart size, and the interval between CO2 laser and ALA‐PDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and related diseases are difficult clinical challenges. The efficacy of 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) in treating condyloma acuminata is remarkable, with high virus clearance and low recurrence rates. Podophyllotoxin (POD) is the first‐line drug with a significant therapeutic effect on condyloma acuminata. However, no studies have determined whether POD‐combined ALA‐PDT improves high‐risk (HR)‐HPV‐infected cell killing. We aimed to investigate whether POD‐combined ALA‐PDT could promote HPV‐infected cell death more effectively than the single treatment and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods: In HeLa and SiHa cells, flow cytometry, EdU assay and LDH release test were used to detect apoptosis, cell proliferation change and necrosis, respectively. To investigate whether the combined therapy might activate apoptosis and induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, flow cytometry was used to determine intracellular levels of ROS and calcium, and Western blotting was used to determine the expression of related proteins. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization was detected by JC‐1 assay. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were used to detect the activation of autophagy. Results: Podophyllotoxin ‐combined ALA‐PDT inhibited the proliferation and promoted apoptosis and necrosis more effectively than the single treatment at the same intensity and concentration. The activation of the caspase‐dependent apoptosis pathway, ER stress and autophagy was more substantial in POD‐combined ALA‐PDT than with single treatments. Conclusion: Podophyllotoxin ‐combined ALA‐PDT effectively promoted cell death through several pathways in HeLa and SiHa cells. This combination might be a promising therapeutic strategy for the HR‐HPV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phototherapies could represent an efficient option for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), but the evidences available for clinical choices were contradictory. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different phototherapies on AD. Methods: This systematic review and network meta‐analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through searching keywords from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library. We summarized different phototherapy types and scoring systems. Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) absolute score changes were estimated by mean differences (MDs) and standard deviations (SDs) and then included in the network meta‐analysis. The effect sizes of comparison of different phototherapies were presented as MDs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Egger's test was used to evaluate publication bias. Results: Eleven RCTs were included in the systematic review and 4 studies in the network meta‐analysis. Based on the pooled estimates, medium‐dose ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) cold light was superior to medium‐dose UVA1 (MD 8.92; 95% CI: 5.60‐12.24) but no significant difference between high‐dose (UVA1) and medium‐dose UVA1 cold light (MD 0.66; 95% CI: −5.57 to 6.90). Publication bias was not supported by Egger's test (P =.168). Conclusions: Due to possible long‐term adverse effects of high‐dose UVA1, medium‐dose UVA1 cold light appears to be the superior form for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New research has attributed increased significance to the causal link between ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation and immunosuppression and carcinogenesis. In the United States, sunscreens are labeled with only their sun protection factor (SPF) and an imprecise term "broad‐spectrum protection." Sunscreen marketing and efficacy evaluations continue to be based primarily on skin redness (sunburn) or erythema. We sought to evaluate the ultraviolet (UV) protection offered by common sunscreen products on the US market using laboratory‐measured UV‐absorption testing and comparing with computer‐modeled protection and the labeled SPF values. This approach enables an investigation of the relationship between the labeled SPF and measured UVA protection, a factor that is ignored in current regulations. Methods: Fifty‐one sunscreen products for sale in the United States with SPF values from 15 to 110 and labeled as providing broad‐spectrum protection were tested using a commercial laboratory. All products were evaluated using the ISO 24443:2012 method for sunscreen effectiveness. The final absorbance spectra were used for analysis of in vitro UV protection. Results: In vitro SPF values from laboratory‐measured UV absorption and computer modeling were on average just 59 and 42 percent of the labeled SPF. The majority of products provided significantly lower UVA protection with the average unweighted UVA protection factor just 24 percent of the labeled SPF. Conclusion: Regulations and marketplace forces promote sunscreens that reduce sunburn instead of products that provide better, more broad‐spectrum UV protection. The production and use of products with broad spectrum UV protection should be incentivized, removing the emphasis on sunburn protection and ending testing on people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One early problem during the height of the COVID‐19 global pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), was the shortage of personal protective equipment donned by healthcare workers, particularly N95 respirators. Given the known virucidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties of ultraviolet irradiation, in particular ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation, our photomedicine and photobiology unit explored the role of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) using UVC in effectively decontaminating N95 respirators. The review highlights the important role of photobiology and photomedicine in this pandemic. Namely, the goals of this review were to highlight: UVGI as a method of respirator disinfection—specifically against SARS‐CoV‐2, adverse reactions to UVC and precautions to protect against exposure, other methods of decontamination of respirators, and the importance of respirator fit testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are still widely used and are available to purchase without prescription in some countries. Awareness of adverse cutaneous drug reactions is essential. Method: We reported a case of photo‐distributed hyperpigmentation due to imipramine and carried out a systematic search of the related articles using the search terms "tricyclic antidepressants" or "tricyclic antidepressive agents", and "hyperpigmentation" or "photosensitivity disorder". Fifty non‐duplicate citations were identified of which 28 articles which were independently assessed in full. The review was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018107338. Results: The remaining 25 articles met our inclusion criteria. Photo‐distributed hyperpigmentation tricyclic antidepressant‐induced photosensitivity reactions (TIPs) was the most common presentation. In 21 cases, this presented as an asymptomatic discolouration of exposed sites. Imipramine (81%), amitriptyline (9.5%), desipramine hydrochloride (4.8%) and mirtazapine (4.8%) were reported to be the culprit drugs. Nineteen were female with a mean age at presentation of 55 years. Mean duration from commencing the culprit drug until the development of discolouration was 10.4 years. Mean daily dose was 222.7 mg for imipramine. Histology was characteristic with golden‐brown or brownish granules deposited in dermis. Staining for Masson‐Fontana and MEL‐5 was positive in all cases. Phototesting had not been done in cases prior to ours (negative 3 months after discontinuation of imipramine). Three further reports of suspected TIP presented with non‐specific and eczematous eruption. The two presentations were reported along with systemic problems (thrombocytopenia and hepatic injury). Conclusions: This systematic review highlights the characteristic features of exposed site hyperpigmentation of TCA‐induced photosensitivity occurring after prolonged drug exposure in many cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: acquired erythropoietic uroporphyria; Günther's disease; myeloid malignancy; porphyria cutanea tarda EN acquired erythropoietic uroporphyria Günther's disease myeloid malignancy porphyria cutanea tarda 86 91 6 01/18/22 20220101 NES 220101 CONFLICT OF INTEREST None declared. This shows the importance of performing specific blood and urinary porphyrin quantification and using isomer separation laboratory techniques, which will reveal elevated urinary and erythrocytary type I porphyrin isomers, instead of the type III porphyrin isomers found in PCT.2 The presence of uroporphyrins within red blood cells demonstrates the hematologic origin of the disorder. [Extracted from the article]

Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses low‐intensity visible or near‐infrared light to produce beneficial effects on cells or tissues, such as brain therapy, wound healing. Still there is no consistent recommendation on the parameters (dose, light mode, wavelength, irradiance) and protocols (repetition, treatment duration) for its clinical application. Herein, we summarize the current PBM parameters for the treatment of melanoma, and we also discuss the potential photoreceptors and downstream signaling mechanisms in the PBM treatment of melanoma cells. It is hypothesized that PBM may inhibit the melanoma cells by activating mitochondria, OPNs, and other receptors. Regardless of the underlying mechanisms, PBM has been shown to be beneficial in treating melanoma. Through further in‐depth studies of the underlying potential mechanisms, it can strengthen the applications of PBM for the therapy of melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrophic post‐acne scarring is considered to be a therapeutic challenge. Objectives: The aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of (A) FCL combined with intradermal injection of plasma gel, (B) FCL combined with topical application of plasma gel, and (C) FCL monotherapy in the treatment of atrophic post‐acne scars. Methods: Thirty patients with facial atrophic post‐acne scars were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned into one of three groups. All of them underwent four treatment sessions at 4‐weeks intervals. They were assessed objectively by the quantitative global scarring grading system (GSGS). This system was applied at baseline, and after 1‐ and 6‐month follow‐up (FU). Subjective assessments were performed through the global esthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and level of patient satisfaction. The DLQI questionnaire was employed at the baseline and 6‐month FU. Results: According to the quantitative GSGS scores, the reductions in group A (68.4%) and group B (63%) scores were comparable, and both were significantly higher than that in group C (41.2%) in all steps of evaluation. At 6‐month FU, both groups A and B showed further significant improvement, while group C did not. Based on the GAIS and patients' satisfaction, there were no significant differences between all groups. The reductions in DLQI scores in groups A and B were comparable; however, both were significantly higher than group C (P <.001). Conclusions: The combination of plasma gel and FCL resurfacing was noticeably outstanding in their efficacy and impact on the patients' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This issue of Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, and Photomedicine commemorates the contributions and legacy of Dr Nikiforos Kollias, an outstanding skin biophysicist affectionately known as "Nik" to those who worked and trained with and under him. Nik championed the use of noninvasive optical techniques such as spectroscopy of the skin to probe basic physiologic processes such as pigmentation and inflammation. More than just trying to understand how and why the skin could change its appearance and behavior following exposure to light, Nik actively sought to improve and advance practical biophotonic medical applications including sunscreens, photodynamic therapy, and optical imaging. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Proof‐of‐principle studies have established the use of Hybrid Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (HDRS) methods to assess both Ultraviolet‐A Protection Factor (UVA‐PF) and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) indices in individual laboratories. Methods: Multiple laboratories evaluated 23 emulsions and two spray sunscreen products to evaluate repeatability and accuracy of assessment of SPF and UVA‐PF values, using HDRS test systems from various manufacturers using different designs. Results: All of the laboratories reported similar SPF and UVA‐PF values within a narrow range of values to establish the reliability of the HDRS methodology across laboratories, independent of equipment manufacturer or operator. Conclusion: HDRS test methodology provides a reliable objective instrumental estimation of sunscreen SPF and UVA‐PF. These data were provided to ISO‐TC217 WG7 to substantiate the ongoing development of an ISO Standard HDRS Method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Carotenoids, a class of phytonutrients, have been well established to boost skin's innate resistance against ultraviolet (UV) B‐induced erythema (sunburn). Many of the published clinical studies thus far have focused on the measurement of erythema as the primary clinical indicator of skin protection against UVB radiation. More recent studies have shown that carotenoid supplementation provides even more skin protection than previously shown as new clinical and molecular endpoints beyond UVB‐induced erythema have been reported. These recent studies have demonstrated that carotenoids also provide photoprotection against UVA‐induced pigmentation and inhibit molecular markers of oxidative stress such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1, heme oxygenase‐1, and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 9. This article provides a comprehensive review of the published clinical evidence on skin benefits of carotenoids in the last five decades and indicates new perspectives on the role of ingestible carotenoids in skin protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) is confirmed by photopatch testing (PPT). In Spain, the latest recommendation on which allergens to test in PPT dates from 1995. Methods: In the last 4 years, we studied 455 patients with epicutaneous tests and performed PPT on 33 of those patients (7.3%). Results: The most prevalent allergens in PPT were as follows: non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (46%), fragrances (21%), and solar filters (18%). Discussion: In our country, the most common photoallergens continue to be NSAIDs (ketoprofen). The increasingly common use of sunscreens has led to a growing involvement of solar filters in PACD, which can be also contained in other cosmetics. In our experience, PACD due to fragrances is nonetheless at least similar in frequency. Conclusions: The PPT battery must adapt to the prescription, use, and exposure habits of each country. We propose a diagnostic model to guide which allergens to test in PPT, which in our experience should also include fragrances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 5‐aminoketovaleric acid, as a precursor of the strong photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), mainly enters the mitochondria after entering the cell, and the formed PpIX is also mainly localized in the mitochondria. So at present the research on the mechanism of 5‐aminoketovalerate photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) mainly focuses on its impact on mitochondria. There are few reports on whether ALA‐PAT can affect the endoplasmic reticulum and trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Aims/Objectives: Here we investigated the effects of ALA‐PDT on endoplasmic reticulum and its underlying mechanisms in high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infection. Materials and Methods: The human cervical cancer cell line HeLa (containing whole genome of HR‐HPV18) was treated with ALAPDT, and cell viability, ROS production, the level of Ca2+ in the cytoplasm and apoptosis were evaluated by CCK8, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, respectively. The protein expression of the markers of ERS and autophagy and CamKKβ‐AMPK pathway was examined by western blot. Results: The results showed that ALA‐PDT inhibited cell viability of HeLa cells in vitro; ALA‐PDT induced autophagy in HeLa cells ; ALA‐PDT induced autophagy via the Ca2+‐CamKKβ‐AMPK pathway, which could be suppressed by the inhibition of ERS;ALA‐PDT induced ERS‐specific apoptosis via the activation of caspase 12. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that ALA‐PDT could exert a killing effect by inducing HeLa cell apoptosis, including endoplasmic reticulum‐specific apoptosis. Meanwhile, ERS via the Ca2+ ‐CamKKβ‐AMPK pathway promoted the occurrence of autophagy in HeLa cells. Inhibition of autophagy could increase the apoptosis rate of HeLa cells after ALA‐PDT, suggesting that autophagy may be one of the mechanisms of PDT resistance; The Ca2+‐CamKKβ‐AMPK pathway and autophagy may be targets to improve the killing effect of ALA‐PDT in treating HR‐HPV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phototherapy is a mainstay for the treatment of MF. However, there is scarce evidence for its use, mostly due to the lack of a unified schedule. Aims: The primary aim of this study was to establish the first structured, expert‐based consensus regarding the indications and technical schedules of NB‐UVB and PUVA for MF. The secondary aim was to determine the consensus level for each specific item. Materials & Methods: E‐delphi study. Item‐specific expert consensus was defined as the number of "Totally Agree" results to ≥80% of the panelists. Cronbach alpha index ≥0.7 was used as a measure of homogeneity in the responses among questions related to the same topic. Results: Overall, there was a high homogeneity among responders (0.78). On specific topics, the highest grade was observed for technical items (0.8) followed by indications for early (0.73) and advanced stages (0.7). Conclusions: Items related to the most canonical indications of phototherapy and to treatment schedules showed the highest agreements rates. There is consensus about the use of standardized treatment schedules for the induction and consolidation phases for NB‐UVB and PUVA in MF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces the Arnold Rikli Prize which will be presented at the symposium "Biologic Effects of Light" from June 21 to 23, 2017 in Homburg/Saar, Germany.

Pellagra is a clinical syndrome caused by a deficiency of niacin (nicotinic acid) and/or its precursor tryptophan. The cardinal manifestations are 4 D's: dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia and in worst case death. Increased use of isoniazid prophylaxis along with antiretroviral therapy in countries where latent tuberculosis is common has been associated with increased presentations with pellagra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin aging is a dynamic process that affects the entire body, marked by molecular and structural changes. Type I collagen is the most abundant structural component and accounts 80% of total collagen in human skin. The amount of proline and hydroxyproline reflect the quantity and quality of the collagen fiber in the extracellular matrix of skin, which is alerted due to accumulated effects of intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Extrinsic aging is driven by ultraviolet radiation–induced reactive oxygen species production that activates the matrix metalloproteinase and disrupts the extracellular matrix of skin dermis, while intrinsic aging is the non‐enzymatic process resulting in advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In the presence of pentosidine‐AGEs, aging process is accelerated. Method: In vivo Raman spectra of human dermis were collected from forearms of 30 volunteers and were divided into three groups: 10 young adult 25 ± 5 years, 10 old adult 65 ± 10 years and 10 diabetic old adult 65 ± 10 years old male participants. Density functional theory was performed to compute the vibration modes of AGEs, pentosidine, and glucosepane. Results: In vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy detects the specific changes in the proline and hydroxyproline conformation, collagen fiber degradation of type I collagen and AGE protein contribution to specific Raman bands in the aged dermis because of Intrinsic and Extrinsic aging. Statistical t test marked significant differences (P <.01) in Raman peaks of proline and hydroxyproline among young adult, old adult, and diabetic old adult participants at wavenumbers 855, 875, 922, and 938 cm−1. Conclusion: In vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy is a useful tool to detect the AGE markers in the old adult and diabetic old adult male participants, which interacts with the ultraviolet radiations and accelerates the aging process resulting in the extracellular matrix degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) is a promising modality for eradication of microorganisms from the wound. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of PACT using indocyanine green (ICG) for reduction of bacterial load of oral ulcers in rats and its impact on the healing process. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were recruited. Oral ulcers were surgically made on the left cheek mucosa, and animals were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 10). Wound site in groups 1, 2, and 3 was irrigated with the sterile saline (0.9%), chlorhexidine (CHX; 0.2%), and ICG solutions (1 mg/mL), respectively. Group 4 was exposed to laser irradiation using 810 nm diode laser on continuous‐wave mode for 30 seconds (fluence: 55 J/cm2, power: 300 mW, spot size: 4.5 mm). In group 5, PACT was performed using topical application of ICG followed by laser irradiation in the same way as the previous group. Bacterial load of oral ulcers was assessed before and after each treatment modality. Besides, rats were sacrificed on the 5th day post ulceration and histological features of healing were evaluated. Results: Bacterial load was significantly reduced merely in the PACT‐ICG‐treated group by one log (P <.0001). Animals in the PACT‐ICG‐treated group also showed an accelerated healing in comparison with others on the 5th day of an experiment. Conclusion: Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy using topical application of ICG has a potential to reduce the bacterial load of oral ulcers and accelerate wound repair. Therefore, it can be considered as an alternative to currently available modalities for wound management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sunlight exposure causes several types of health issues to humans, and in particular, it affects especially the skin. Among the most common harmful issues developed by UV exposure are erythema, pigmentation, and lesions in DNA, which may lead to cancer. These long‐term effects can be minimized with the use of sunscreen. Objective: The use of commercial UV filters causes severe side effects such as skin allergy and whitening of the skin. Therefore, in this study the effectiveness of Ca2SiO4, a compound abundantly present in the soils of certain South Asian regions, has been the first time explored as UV filter. This compound leaves a low amount of white residue on the skin and is highly stable. Method: The comparative study of a cosmetic formulation having 5% Ca2SiO4, and other formulations containing 5% TiO2 and 5% ZnO as inorganic UV filters, was performed to evaluate the physical and chemical stability. Result: The zeta potential and chemical stability of formulations containing these different UV filters were investigated by using UV‐Vis spectroscopy, FTIR‐ATR, and X‐ray diffraction. Results indicated Ca2SiO4 as a promising innovative UV filter with an SPF value of 37.94. One of the reasons is its low interaction with organic filter, that is, PABA, as compared to commercial ZnO and TiO2 inorganic UV filters. Biological absorption in organs was studied by ICP‐MS on model mice. Conclusion: It also has a low photocatalytic activity; thus, formation of radicals is minimum. Moreover, Ca2SiO4 showed a recognized ability to leave a low amount of white residue on the skin combined with great stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospital‐associated infections have led to a significant increment of morbidity and mortality among patients. As a result, the public health had concentrated on preventing the transmission of infection using environmental controls. UV‐C radiation or ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) had caught interest for decades as it can potentially degrade many kinds of microorganisms. This review aims to highlight the current information regarding the ability of UV‐C radiation in terms of disinfection and focuses on its application and safety in the medical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Vitiligo remains a major challenge in dermatology. However, much of the treatment remains unclear, because little evidence is available. We sought to answer some critical questions pertaining to management of vitiligo patients. Methods: A modified Delphi process among 31 vitiligo experts was conducted. A total of 12 clinical vitiligo treatment questions without clear answers were collected via a vote. To address each question, two members performed systematic literature reviews and prepared draft statements along with the levels of evidence and strength of recommendation. After reviewing the draft, all expressed their extent of agreement from 1 (strong disagreement) to 9 (strong agreement) for each item. The drafts were revised to reflect suggested comments. Discussion continued until all members agreed with the ultimate decision. Results: The consensus process was completed after five rounds. We identified the best answers to 12 key questions, including issues on long‐term phototherapy, systemic and topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, immunosuppressants, excimer laser treatment, and surgical interventions. Conclusion: This consensus would complement current guidelines and aid both physician and patient decision‐making in the treatment of vitiligo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The photobiomodulation (PBM) effect has been applied to various clinical therapy for a long time. However, the mechanism related to the PBM effect in terms of wavelengths has been lack of in‐depth study, except that ultraviolet radiation has attracted much attention due to its strong cell‐killing effect. Purpose: To clarify the principle behind PBM and the main mechanism of improvement. Methods: To carry on this study, we created light equipment using three LED chips, which emit 390 nm ultraviolet radiation, 415 nm blue light and 660 nm red light, respectively. We choose human fibroblasts (HF) to be irradiated by three different wavelengths for PBM test. In this study, we used cell counting kit (CCK‐8) test to show the cell proliferation roughly and reported on a systematic RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis at transcriptional expression levels from HF, which accepted PBM of different wavelengths of light. Results: We found that 415 nm blue light inhibited cell proliferation and 660 nm red light stimulated cell proliferation while 390 nm ultraviolet radiation has little influence on cell proliferation. Furthermore, RNA‐seq results showed that CSF1R, PPP3CC, ITGAL, ITGAM, IL2RB, and several other differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are involved in the cell proliferation. Relative DEGs values for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) gene family have shown a great difference in blue and red light radiation especially on MMP25, MMP9, MMP21, and MMP13. Conclusion: Taken together, the results provide a valuable resource to describe the variation of HFs under PBM of different light at gene level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2007, the FDA added requirements for sunscreens to be labeled "re‐apply at least every 2 hours" based on very limited data. This study used hybrid diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (HDRS) to evaluate the persistence of protection by 80 minutes water‐resistant sunscreen formulation with and without re‐application, and with and without sweat‐inducing activity over 6 hours. Methods: Sunscreens were applied to subject's foreheads and backs, and they remained at rest or exercised to induce sweating in a heated environment. Efficacy of a sun protection factor (SPF 50) very water‐resistant sunscreen was measured with HDRS instrumentation and ultraviolet (UV) photography to determine the sunscreen protection over time. Results: The sunscreen maintained SPF 50 efficacy over 6 hours for the non‐active group with a single application, and for 2 hours for the active group, dropping slowly to SPF 30 level after 6 hours of sweating. Re‐application of sunscreen gave additive SPF, with two applications resulting in SPF >100 and three applications approximately SPF 150. UV photography was insensitive to the differences in protection detected with HDRS instrumentation. Conclusions: Sunscreen efficacy is maintained over time in the absence of sweating or rub‐off. After two hours of sweating, an 80 minutes water‐resistant sunscreen does not need to be re‐applied "at least every 2 hours." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel group of immunological agents used for solid tumors has importantly improved the quality of life and the survival rate of oncologic patients. Compared to conventional chemotherapy agents, they are more effective and less toxic. However, adverse cutaneous effects are commonly observed, and in some cases, they may induce treatment discontinuation, with heavy impact on patient prognosis. Among these, photosensitive reactions, either phototoxic or photoallergic, are increasing. Much remains to be clarified on the understanding of their prevention, diagnosis, and management. We have reviewed the literature about photosensitive reactions occurring during oncologic immunotherapies. Early dermatological diagnosis and adequate management, with oncologist's cooperation, is fundamental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background /Purpose : Adherence to photoprotection is the only way to prevent skin cancers and eye disease in xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). No validated self‐report questionnaire exists for assessing adherence to photoprotection practices in individuals with XP. We sought to validate a self‐reported measure of adherence to face photoprotection in this population. Methods: Sixty six XP patients recruited from the patient list of the XP specialist service in London, UK, completed a questionnaire of adherence to specific photoprotection behaviours. We measured objective ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure to the face continuously for 21 days with a wristworn UVR electronic dosimeter combined with a daily photoprotection diary. Reliability and convergent validity of the questionnaire were tested in relation to overall UVR exposure, UVR dose to the face, daily photoprotection activities, other self‐reported photoprotection practices and clinical ratings of patient's protection. Results: Internal consistency of the questionnaire was satisfactory. Questionnaire total scores were concordant with objective UVR exposure and UVR dose to the face. However, not all participants who reported good/excellent face photoprotection on the questionnaire recorded high levels of photoprotection in the daily diary. Correlations between the questionnaire and other practices and the clinical rating ranged from small to large in size. There was no correlation between the level of face photoprotection and self‐reported avoidance of going outside. Conclusions: Our questionnaire was reliable and had good convergent validity with other indicators of photoprotection. This questionnaire could assist clinicians to detect low levels of adherence, and the methodology used to develop validated questionnaires for other photosensitive conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Ultraviolet B (UVB) laser irradiation in a targeted manner is a reasonable treatment option for localized vitiligo. Recently, narrow‐band UVB gain‐switched 311‐nm titanium:sapphire lasers (TSL) were developed for the treatment of localized vitiligo. We aimed to compare efficacy, patient satisfaction, and safety between the conventional 308‐nm excimer laser (EL) and gain‐switched 311‐nm TSL in patients with vitiligo. Methods: The 13‐paired lesions from 10 patients who had small vitiligo patches were included in this prospective intra‐patient comparison trial. Each pair was randomly assigned to each laser treatment group and treated twice weekly for 12 weeks. The global photographic assessments by dermatologists, objective numerical assessments by imaging analyzer, and patient's satisfaction were used to evaluate the effectiveness. Adverse effects were also investigated at every visit. Results: All treated lesions showed improvement of about 50% after 12 weeks. There was no significant difference between EL‐ and TSL‐treated groups. Patient satisfaction and preference among the groups were also similar. Regarding safety, there were no serious adverse effects requiring cessation of the treatments; however, the severity score for persistent erythema (lasting >24 hours) was significantly lower in the TSL group than in the EL group. Conclusions: The gain‐switched 311‐nm TSL exhibited similar efficacy to the 308‐nm EL in treating vitiligo as well as improved safety. Therefore, the 311‐nm TSL is considered as a candidate device to replace the EL as a new and promising treatment option for localized vitiligo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]