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Aim The leather industry is embracing eco-friendly technologies for both regulatory compliance and sustainable growth. While enzymatic depilation provides a greener alternative to traditional beamhouse methods, its complexity often leads to higher costs. To address this, we examined the performance of sheepskins' native bacterial flora in acetic acid conditions with low-environmental impact. Methods and results Utilizing metagenomic techniques, we analyzed the bacterial community dynamics during the depilation process. This investigation revealed a notable increase in microbial diversity and richness in acetic acid treatments compared to water treatments. At the class level, a post-processing decrease in Gammaproteobacteria dominance was observed, while Actinomycetia numbers surged in the acetic acid group. In contrast, the water group showed an increase in Bacteroidia. Order-level analysis indicated reductions in Pseudomonadales and increases in Actinomycetales with acetic acid treatment, whereas Flavobacteriales was more prevalent in water-treated liquors. At the family level, Moraxellaceae decreased and Micrococcaceae increased in the acetic acid group, in contrast to the marked rise of Weeksellaceae in the water group. Temporal analyses further highlighted the evolving bacterial landscapes under different treatments. Moreover, acetic acid treatment fostered a stable microbial community, beneficial for sustainable leather processing. Functional pathways were predicted using PICRUSt2. It showed that significantly enriched degradation pathways in the water group were less abundant in the acetic acid group, potentially preventing substrate matrix damage during depilation. Conclusion The study underscores the transformative potential of acetic acid for the leather industry, offering a pathway to reduce pollution while maintaining economic viability. By enhancing our understanding of microbial interactions during depilation, this study opens avenues for refining these eco-friendly techniques. Our findings advocate for a shift towards greener depilation methods and contribute to the broader dialogue on sustainable manufacturing practices, emphasizing the importance of leveraging indigenous microbial communities for environmental and economic gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus) is an evergreen tree in the Fagaceae family found in California and southern Oregon. Historically, tanoak acorns were an important food source for Native American tribes, and the bark was used extensively in the leather tanning process. Long considered a disjunct relictual element of the Asian stone oaks (Lithocarpus spp.), phylogenetic analysis has determined that the tanoak is an example of convergent evolution. Tanoaks are deeply divergent from oaks (Quercus) of the Pacific Northwest and comprise a new genus with a single species. These trees are highly susceptible to "sudden oak death" (SOD), a plant pathogen (Phytophthora ramorum) that has caused widespread deaths of tanoaks. In this study, we set out to assemble the genome and perform comparative studies among a number of individuals that demonstrated varying levels of susceptibility to SOD. First, we sequenced and de novo assembled a draft reference genome of N. densiflorus using cobarcoded library processing methods and an MGI DNBSEQ-G400 sequencer. To increase the contiguity of the final assembly, we also sequenced Oxford Nanopore long reads to 30× coverage. To our knowledge, the draft genome reported here is one of the more contiguous and complete genomes of a tree species published to date, with a contig N50 of ∼1.2 Mb, a scaffold N50 of ∼2.1 Mb, and a complete gene score of 95.5% through BUSCO analysis. In addition, we sequenced 11 genetically distinct individuals and mapped these onto the draft reference genome, enabling the discovery of almost 25 million single nucleotide polymorphisms and ∼4.4 million small insertions and deletions. Finally, using cobarcoded data, we were able to generate a complete haplotype coverage of all 11 genomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australian states have introduced an outright ban on commercial artificial tanning sunbeds. This was based on evidence from systematic reviews affirming a strong association between tanning bed use and increased risk of melanoma. The implementation of the ban provides an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the legislation in preventing access to artificial UV radiation. Compliance with the ban has been enforced and monitored by government departments. We additionally monitored online tanning bed advertisements before and after the ban, showing a decline over time in the number of sunbeds advertised for sale on and , from a peak of 115 advertisements in May 2014 to 50 or fewer per month from February 2015. There was also an increase in advertised price, with the percentage of sunbeds offered in Victoria on gumtree.com.au at higher than $2 000 increasing from around 25% between January and June 2014 to 65% in the quarter following the introduction of the ban. Advertisements on gumtree.com.au from individuals wishing to access a sunbed in a private home in Victoria increased from only isolated instances in the months immediately prior to the ban, to between 25 and 77 advertisements per month in the quarter following the ban. In summary, the introduction of an outright ban of commercial sunbeds has achieved a dramatic reduction in the availability of harmful artificial UV radiation sources in Australia. Long-term benefits to the health of the population and a reduction in costs to the health system are expected to result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial tanning remains very popular worldwide, despite the International Agency for Research on Cancer classification of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunbeds as ‘carcinogenic to humans’. Greek Atomic Energy Commission has initiated a surveillance action of the artificial tanning devices in Greece in order to record the effective irradiance levels from the sunbeds and to inform and synchronise the domestic artificial tanning business sector with the requirements of the European Standard EN 60335-2-27:2010. In this direction, in situ measurements of UVemissions from sunbeds in solaria businesses all over Greece were performed from October 2013 until July 2014, with a radiometer and a portable single-monochromator spectrophotometer. Analysis of the measurements’ results revealed that effective irradiance in ∼60% of the measured sunbeds exceeded the 0.3W m-2 limit value set by EN 60335-2-27:2010 and only 20%of the devices could be categorised as UV type 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous melanoma ( CM) is one of the most rapidly growing cancers worldwide, with a consistent increase in incidence among white populations over the past four decades. Despite the early detection of primarily thin melanomas and the improved survival rates observed in several countries, the rate of thick melanomas has remained constant or continues to increase, especially in the older age group. Current considerations in the epidemiology of melanoma focus on the observed survival benefit of females vs. males, the contributing role of indoor tanning in melanoma risk and the diverse effect of sun exposure in the development of different types of melanoma with respect to their clinical and mutational profile. Certain well-known risk factors, such as skin, hair and eye pigmentation and melanocytic naevi have been validated in large-scale association studies, while additional lifestyle factors and iatrogenic exposures, such as immunosuppressive agents and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are being investigated. In addition, genome-wide association studies have revealed genetic loci that underlie the genetic susceptibility of melanoma, some of which are related to known risk factors. Recently, an interesting association of melanoma with Parkinson disease has been noted, with a higher than expected frequency of melanoma in patients with Parkinson disease and vice versa. This review article provides an update in the epidemiology of cutaneous melanoma and discusses recent developments in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dermoscopy has led to an improvement in diagnosing malignant melanoma (MM). Sunless tanning agents containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA) could lead to a decrease in ultraviolet exposure, decreasing the risk of MM. Importantly, DHA has been reported to change dermoscopic features and could thus endanger diagnostic improvement in dermoscopy. Objectives To investigate whether the use of DHA can lead to changes that simulate a real, clinically relevant dermoscopic change, suggesting malignant transformation either in facial solar lentigo/initial seborrhoeic keratosis (SL/ISK) or in naevi on the body. Methods Seven patients with 25 pigmented skin lesions (PSLs) were photographed, resulting in 38 dermoscopic images. Photographs were taken before, 1 week after and 1-2 months after the use of DHA. Two dermatologists separately evaluated the PSLs and their dermoscopic features. For lesions on the body Menzies' method was used, and for facial lesions the criteria defined by Stolz et al. were used. Results In facial PSLs equivocal lesions were registered by both evaluators significantly more often after DHA use than before (42% vs. 12%, P = 0·021 and 69% vs. 19%, P = 0·001). Furthermore, follicular pigmentation that partly mimics that of lentigo maligna was also seen significantly more often after DHA use than before (81% vs. 12%, P < 0·001 and 69% vs. 15%, P < 0·001) and in these instances the evaluators recommended a biopsy. Equivocal lesions in naevi on the body were not significantly increased after DHA use. Conclusions Dermoscopists that come across unclear dermoscopic findings, especially in facial PSL, should ask patients about the use of DHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common melanocytic naevi and cutaneous malignant melanoma share a common risk profile, influenced by ultraviolet radiation exposure. A high density of common melanocytic naevi correlates with an increased lifetime risk of developing cutaneous malignant melanoma. Effective strategies for sun protection, starting in early childhood, are considered of great importance to reduce the steadily rising melanoma trend. To investigate the 5-year changes in sun tanning habits, sun-protective regimens and density of common melanocytic naevi between two age-standardized populations of children. Population-based cross-sectional study performed among 7-year-old children in southern Sweden in 2002 and 2007. The parents answered a questionnaire and all children were examined by the same, trained research nurse. In total, 1190 children were enrolled: 681 in 2002 and 509 in 2007. The results showed that sun-protective regimens, such as use of sunscreen (+29%), clothing (+30%), staying in the shade (+123%) or indoors (+136%) during peak sun hours, had all increased significantly ( P < 0·0001). Travelling to sunny seaside holiday resorts abroad before the age of 2 years had almost doubled ( P < 0·0001). The adjusted mean number of naevi per square metre body surface was significantly ( P < 0·0001) lower in 2007: 6·6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 5·6-7·6], compared with 11·0 (95% CI 10·0-12·0) in 2002. This study demonstrates increased self-reported parental actions for sun protection of young Swedish children in recent years; in consistency, lower numbers of common melanocytic naevi were observed. Results support the use of common melanocytic naevi as an objective measure of sun exposure in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to verify the presence of any symptoms and otorhinolaryngological pathologies and to determine any discomfort and psychophysical changes among workers in the tanning industry. The study involved 129 subjects working in tanning industries in the Chiampo valley (Veneto region of Italy). Their clinical history was recorded and they underwent objective ENT examination and pure-tone audiometry. For the psychodiagnostic evaluation, four questionnaires were administered (EPI, STAI, ZUNG and GHQ). ENT assessment revealed no objective problems and findings were within the normal range in the majority of cases. Hearing function was also generally normal or within the normal range for an individual's age. Psychological evaluation revealed a valid psychological adjustment in almost all cases, despite the majority of workers reporting some subjective discomfort attached mainly to the particularly unpleasant smell in a micro-climate with a high rate of humidity. The findings of this preliminary investigation enable us to claim that the working environment in the tanning industries is not severely harmful for the upper airways and hearing function. It is worth noting the normality of the workers' psychological adjustment, which indicates a valid psycho-physical balance in these subjects who operate in an environment with unpleasant features. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, the nature of non-immune immediate contact reactions (NHCR) produced by cinnamic aldehyde, benzoic acid and sorbic acid were investigated, with particular interest in the `quenching' ability of eugenol. Three groups of human subjects were studied, and the guinea-pig ear was also used as a model of NHCR. Cinnamic aldehyde, benzoic acid and sorbic acid were all able to produce NHCR in the majority of subjects studied. There was a strong correlation between the susceptibility of each subject to each urticant, but no correlation between the susceptibility to NHCR and age, atopic status or tanning ability. Eugenol caused a reduction in NIICR induced by all three urticants. This `quenching' effect was apparent even when the eugenol was applied up to 60 min prior to application of cinnamic aldehyde, and its effect was not eliminated by washing. In the guinea-pig-ear model, ear thickening was induced by all three urticants, and this response was inhibited by eugenol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A number of recent studies suggest that tanning has the potential to be addictive. Tanned skin is often viewed as more attractive than untanned skin, and being tanned has been associated with increased energy and self‐confidence. Additionally, sunbathing has been shown to provide pleasant feelings of warmth and relaxation to most individuals. However, sunbathing and tanning to excess are associated with an increased risk of a variety of health problems, such as skin cancers and specific eye diseases. Excessive tanning can be linked to a number of mental health disorders, such as obsessive‐compulsive behaviours, body dysmorphic disorder and impulsive control disorders. Still, much evidence suggests that excessive tanning should be regarded as a behavioural addiction, and this study describes a new, brief screening tool for assessing tanning addiction. In this study, a web‐based survey was published in the online edition of five nationwide Norwegian newspapers during March to May 2014. Questions addressed criteria that are used to diagnose addiction, and included preoccupation with tanning, tanning improving mood, more tanning being required in order to be satisfied, and restlessness or negative feelings when not tanning. People were asked about the past month and the response format adhered to a 5‐point Likert scale (from 0=never to 4=always). The new system, called the Bergen Tanning Addiction Scale, requires further testing but performed well. Tanning addiction was associated with being female, not being in a relationship, extroversion, neuroticism, anxiety and obsessive‐compulsiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Ultraviolet (UV) radiations from sunlight that reach the surface of the earth are categorized as UVB (wavelength range 280–320 nm) and UVA (320–400 nm). The UVA is further divided into UVA2 (320–340 nm) and UVA1 (340–400 nm). In the United States and other nations, rules have been set outlining how products that are designed to protect against UVB and UVA should be tested, and there are also strict rules about how these products can be labeled. The SPF (sun protection factor) mainly shows the level of protection against UVB only, and SPF along with “Broad Spectrum” on a label shows protection against both UVB and UVA. The criteria that decide whether or not manufacturers can claim a product gives broad spectrum protection, in the US, primarily focus on protection offered below 370 nm. Visible light (VL), which ranges from 400 nm to 700 nm, is a spectrum of wavelengths that are visible to the human eye. To date, only the UV part of sunlight, which is not visible light, has been considered to cause photodamage (damage caused by sunlight) resulting in skin cancers and photoaging (skin ageing due to the sun). The visible part of the sunlight was considered relatively harmless. This study, from the US, investigated skin responses, in terms of sunburn and tanning, caused by visible light in combination with the tail end of long wavelength UVA1 (referred to as VL+UVA1, 370–700 nm) and compared them to those caused by pure visible light (400–700 nm). The findings of the study show that skin responses, in terms of pigmentation (colouring/tanning) and erythema (redness/sunburn), resulting from VL+UVA1 were stronger than those induced by pure visible light alone. This implies that wavelengths that current broad spectrum sunscreens do not cover can affect pigmentation and erythema. These wavelengths may have a role in conditions aggravated by sun exposure such as melasma and post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in patients with skin of color. The development of prodcts that protect against visible light and long wavelength UVA1 will be helpful for these, as well as for the management of certain skin disorders triggered by UVA1 and VL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]