La sombra como valor de incidencia de radiación ultravioleta solar para la prevención del cáncer de piel

Introducción: Cada día se ofrecen mejores soluciones informativas a la población en general para educar sobre la prevención frente a la sobreexposición a la radiación ultravioleta solar. El comportamiento del arco solar a lo largo del período del día nos puede dar una información muy importante ya que la incidencia del índice UV en un punto determinada varía a lo largo del ciclo diario, y esta puede ser seguida indirectamente basándonos en el efecto que produce el cambio de longitud de la sombra de un objeto que esté situado al sol. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente trabajo es el de crear una diana solar de Indice UV basada en la longitud de sombra que ofrece un objeto expuesto al sol. Material y métodos. Se ha construido un dispositivo de seguimiento de la longitud de la sombra. El dispositivo se colocó en el tejado de edificio y la variación diaria de la longitud de la sombra de la varilla se siguío con una cámara web conectada al ordenador y junto a ella se colocó un sensor de índice UV para hacer el seguimiento dicho índice a intervalos de 15 min durante tres meses. A continuación las medidas de longitud de sombra se correlacionaron con el índice UV. Resultados y discusión: Se han obtenido valores de franjas de índice UV con los niveles de Indice UV bajo cuando la distancia de la sombra es mayor a 1.25 la longitud del objeto que realiza la sombra, de índice UV medio (por debajo de 6) cuando la relación distancia sombra/ longitud objeto está entre 0.75 y 1.25 y de índice UV alto cuando la relación está comprendida entre 0.65/0.75. De esta forma se puede configurar una plantilla con los colores similares a la recomendación de la OMS para los distintos niveles de índice UV y la proyección de la sombra de un objeto sobre dicha plantilla coloreada nos indicará en cada momento el riesgo de exposición solar a partir de la distancia de la sombra del objeto proyectada.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Sunscreens effectiveness are not altered by concomitant use of moisturizing creams: An ultraviolet reflectance photography study

Background: Sunscreens are widely used to protect the skin against the harmful effects of solar radiation. It is not known whether solar protection factor of a sunscreen is altered by the concomitant use of other cosmetic products. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze changes in the protective effect of different commercial and ISO standards sunscreens with high SPF applied shortly before and after application of non-sunscreens galenic formulas type moisturizing creams. Methods: ISO 24444:2019 standard sunscreens, which claimed SPF 16 and 63, as well as 4 different claimed SPF 50 and 50+ commercial sunscreens were prepared and applied in different sequential order to the back of 25 volunteers and compared with different commercial moisturizing formulas. Ultraviolet (UV) reflectance photography followed by image analysis was used to compare untreated skin and skin treated with moisturizing creams alone and combined with sunscreens. Results: The UV reflectance analysis showed no significant changes of the skin color reflectance treated with moisturizing cream compared with untreated skin. Application of the sunscreen formulations were associated with a 35% - 70% decrease in color related to the in vivo expected SPF, indicating significant UV absorption for all sunscreen formulas. All standard and commercial sunscreens showed no significant differences in UV reflection color level when combined with the different moisturizing creams applied before or after the sunscreen. Conclusions: Effectiveness of low- and high-protection sunscreens were not altered by the concomitant use of a moisturizing creams applied shortly before and after the sunscreens.This work has been supported by the project no. PID2020-117224RB-100 of State Programs of Generation of Knowledge and Scientific and Technological Strengthening of the System from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. This is part of the research of the Institute of Biomedicine of Málaga (IBIMA) and the Junta de Andalucía working group CTS-162. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga/CBU

Predictors of HBeAg status and hepatitis B viraemia in HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis B in the HAART era in Brazil

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>HBV-HIV co-infection is associated with an increased liver-related morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the natural history of chronic hepatitis B in HIV-infected individuals under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) receiving at least one of the two drugs that also affect HBV (TDF and LAM). Information about HBeAg status and HBV viremia in HIV/HBV co-infected patients is scarce. The objective of this study was to search for clinical and virological variables associated with HBeAg status and HBV viremia in patients of an HIV/HBV co-infected cohort.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed, of HBsAg-positive HIV-infected patients in treatment between 1994 and 2007 in two AIDS outpatient clinics located in the São Paulo metropolitan area, Brazil. The baseline data were age, sex, CD4 T+ cell count, ALT level, HIV and HBV viral load, HBV genotype, and duration of antiretroviral use. The variables associated to HBeAg status and HBV viremia were assessed using logistic regression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 86 HBsAg patients were included in the study. Of these, 48 (56%) were using combination therapy that included lamivudine (LAM) and tenofovir (TDF), 31 (36%) were using LAM monotherapy, and 7 patients had no previous use of either one. Duration of use of TDF and LAM varied from 4 to 21 and 7 to 144 months, respectively. A total of 42 (48. 9%) patients were HBeAg positive and 44 (51. 1%) were HBeAg negative. The multivariate analysis revealed that the use of TDF for longer than 12 months was associated with undetectable HBV DNA viral load (serum HBV DNA level < 60 UI/ml) (<it>p </it>= 0. 047). HBeAg positivity was associated with HBV DNA > 60 UI/ml (p = 0. 001) and ALT levels above normality (<it>p </it>= 0. 038).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Prolonged use of TDF containing HAART is associated with undetectable HBV DNA viral load. HBeAg positivity is associated with HBV viremia and increased ALT levels.</p

Standards in semen examination:publishing reproducible and reliable data based on high-quality methodology

Biomedical science is rapidly developing in terms of more transparency, openness and reproducibility of scientific publications. This is even more important for all studies that are based on results from basic semen examination. Recently two concordant documents have been published: the 6th edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, and the International Standard ISO 23162:2021. With these tools, we propose that authors should be instructed to follow these laboratory methods in order to publish studies in peer-reviewed journals, preferable by using a checklist as suggested in an Appendix to this article.Peer reviewe

La fotoprotección en UVA y visible. Mucho por mejorar

Introducción: Mucho se ha avanzado en la prevención del cáncer de piel con el desarrollo del Factor de Protección Solar, especialmente para generación de eritema. Con muy altos valores de FPS se rige la industria, aunque el diseño de las fórmulas, normativa incluida, limita mucho el potencial de protección frente a UVA y otras longitudes de onda que se han observado recientemente muy implicadas en la generación de otros efectos biológicos como el fotoenvejecimiento o desórdenes pigmentarios. Los factores de protección en UVA son realmente bajos para la dosis de UVA solar recibida en exposiciones crónicas, así como las dosis de otras bandas espectrales como el azul. Objetivo: Poner de manifiesto las dosis de radiación solar UVA y luz azul incidentes comparadas con las dosis eritemáticas para diferentes épocas del año y partes del ciclo diario solar y fuentes de luz artificial. Material y métodos. Para ello se realizaron medidas espectrorradiométricas y los datos espectrales se ponderarán como dosis absolutas y dosis efectivas para generación de fotoenvejecimiento y pigmentación inmediata. Resultados y discusión. Se observaron irradiancias de radiación UVA de hasta 11 veces la irradiancia de UVB en determinadas épocas del año. Las dosis de UVA durante un ciclo diario pueden alcanzar hasta casi 10 dosis de radiación recomendada para el bronceado artificial, por lo que la dosis de UVA y azul expuesta por la piel es muy elevada en la ventana de mayo a septiembre, y la cual está directamente implicada en fenómenos de envejecimiento cutáneo acelerado y pigmentación elevada por lo que hay que concienciar a la población y sobre todo a la industria y organizaciones pertinentes en aumentar los porcentajes de filtros UVA en las fórmulas para alcanzar valores de fotoprotección similares a los de FPS y desarrollar nuevos filtros con potencial de absorción de azul.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Muscle activity and architecture as a predictor of hand-grip strength

Background: Grip strength is a powerful predictor of disability as well as a good indicator of physical activity. Objectives: This study aimed to relate ultrasound (US) and electromyography (EMG) simultaneously to maximum hand-grip strength during an isometric contraction. Approach: This is a cross-sectional study. Data acquisition was done with a dynamometer, US and EMG. Outcome variables included maximum strength during the hand-grip gesture, maximum muscle activity and change in muscle thickness. A non-linear regression analysis was performed to analyse the relationship between all outcome variables. Main results: A total of 38 subjects (18 men and 20 women) participated in the study. The mean results for hand-grip strength were 25.50 (SD 6.55) kg of maximum strength, a change in muscle thickness of 1.83 (SD 0.75) mm and an EMG activity of 499.29 (SD 224.20) µV. Hand-grip strength had a high correlation with muscle thickness (R 2 = 0.61) and EMG activity (R 2 = 0.95). The correlation between maximum muscle activity and change in muscle thickness was R 2 = 0.83. Significance: The results of the present study demonstrate that this new method based on electromyographic activity and muscule architecture could be important in the development of the hand-grip test. </p

Lymphovascular Space Invasion in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer (LySEC): Patterns of Recurrence and Predictors. A Multicentre Retrospective Cohort Study of the Spain Gynecologic Oncology Group

The main aim is to compare oncological outcomes and patterns of recurrence of patients with early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer according to lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) status. The secondary objective is to determine preoperative predictors of LVSI. We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study. A total of 3546 women diagnosed with postoperative early-stage (FIGO I-II, 2009) endometrioid endometrial cancer were included. Co-primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and pattern of recurrence. Cox proportional hazard models were used for time-to-event analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistical regression models were employed. Positive LVSI was identified in 528 patients (14.6%) and was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (HR 1.8), OS (HR 2.1) and distant recurrences (HR 2.37). Distant recurrences were more frequent in patients with positive LVSI (78.2% vs. 61.3%, p < 0.01). Deep myometrial invasion (OR 3.04), high-grade tumors (OR 2.54), cervical stroma invasion (OR 2.01), and tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm (OR 2.03) were independent predictors of LVSI. In conclusion, in these patients, LVSI is an independent risk factor for shorter DFS and OS, and distant recurrence, but not for local recurrence. Deep myometrial invasion, cervical stroma invasion, high-grade tumors, and a tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm are independent predictors of LVSI

Lymphovascular Space Invasion in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer (LySEC) : Patterns of Recurrence and Predictors. A Multicentre Retrospective Cohort Study of the Spain Gynecologic Oncology Group

In patients with early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer, the presence of lymph vascular space involvement (LVSI) correlates with nodal metastases, shorter disease-free survival and overall survival. However, the effect of LVSI on recurrence patterns of these patients has been poorly studied, and the optimal adjuvant treatment remains unclear. Additionally, positive LVSI is indicative for nodal assessment, however, this parameter is usually not Known until a final pathology report. The main aim of our study was to analyze oncological outcomes and patterns of recurrence of these patients according to LVSI status, as well as to determine preoperative predictors of positive LVSI. We confirmed in a large multi-institutional cohort of patients (3546 participants), that positive LVSI is an independent prognostic factor for distant recurrences (HR 2.37) but not for local recurrence. In addition, deep myometrial invasion, high-grade tumors, cervical stroma invasion, and tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm are independent predictors of positive LVSI. The main aim is to compare oncological outcomes and patterns of recurrence of patients with early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer according to lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) status. The secondary objective is to determine preoperative predictors of LVSI. We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study. A total of 3546 women diagnosed with postoperative early-stage (FIGO I-II, 2009) endometrioid endometrial cancer were included. Co-primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and pattern of recurrence. Cox proportional hazard models were used for time-to-event analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistical regression models were employed. Positive LVSI was identified in 528 patients (14.6%) and was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (HR 1.8), OS (HR 2.1) and distant recurrences (HR 2.37). Distant recurrences were more frequent in patients with positive LVSI (78.2% vs. 61.3%, p < 0.01). Deep myometrial invasion (OR 3.04), high-grade tumors (OR 2.54), cervical stroma invasion (OR 2.01), and tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm (OR 2.03) were independent predictors of LVSI. In conclusion, in these patients, LVSI is an independent risk factor for shorter DFS and OS, and distant recurrence, but not for local recurrence. Deep myometrial invasion, cervical stroma invasion, high-grade tumors, and a tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm are independent predictors of LVSI

Lymphovascular Space Invasion in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer (LySEC):Oncological Outcomes, Patterns of Recurrence and Surrogate Markers. A Spanish Gynecologic Oncology Group Study

The main aim is to compare oncological outcomes and patterns of recurrence of patients with early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer according to lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) status. The secondary objective is to determine preoperative predictors of LVSI. We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study. A total of 3546 women diagnosed with postoperative early-stage (FIGO I-II, 2009) endometrioid endometrial cancer were included. Co-primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and pattern of recurrence. Cox proportional hazard models were used for time-to-event analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistical regression models were employed. Positive LVSI was identified in 528 patients (14.6%) and was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (HR 1.8), OS (HR 2.1) and distant recurrences (HR 2.37). Distant recurrences were more frequent in patients with positive LVSI (78.2% vs. 61.3%, p < 0.01). Deep myometrial invasion (OR 3.04), high-grade tumors (OR 2.54), cervical stroma invasion (OR 2.01), and tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm (OR 2.03) were independent predictors of LVSI. In conclusion, in these patients, LVSI is an independent risk factor for shorter DFS and OS, and distant recurrence, but not for local recurrence. Deep myometrial invasion, cervical stroma invasion, high-grade tumors, and a tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm are independent predictors of LVSI