A study of knowledge about solar radiation and sun protection among adolescents and young adults in Poland

Introduction Solar radiation plays an important role in many biological processes of the body. It is necessary for the production of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in the human body, which plays an essential role in maintaining bone and immune system function. Excessive and inappropriate exposure, however, can lead to serious health effects, especially when it comes to the skin.Knowledge about sun protection and the effects of solar radiation among young adults plays a key role in promoting a healthy lifestyle and cancer prevention. ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of adolescents and young adults about solar radiation and sun protection. Materials and methodsThis study was conducted among 194 people from Poland, aged 15 to 30, consisting of adolescents and young adults. A specially developed original questionnaire was used to collect the data on knowledge about solar radiation, sun protection, and the use of creams with SPF filter. Results The study group included 117 (60.3%) women and 77 (39,7%) men. The average age of the respondents was 22,8 ±3,83 years. Most respondents are aware of the need to use sunscreen, but the frequency of use depends mainly on the season ( 34.3% always use sunscreen, and 40.4% use it mainly in the summer). There is a group of people (16.3%) who declare that they never use sun protect cream.According to the results, only a small group of respondents (7.2%) gave correct answers to all the questions and some people (6.2%) did not answer any of the questions. ConclusionsThe study shows the need for further efforts to increase the young people’s knowledge and awareness of sun protection and to promote healthy habits in the use of SPF sunscreen

Harmful and beneficial effects of UV radiation and photoprotection - knowledge among medical students and non-dermatology physicians.

Introduction: Exposure to UV radiation promotes skin damage, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Photoprotection reduce the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. However, ultraviolet light has some beneficial effects like the production of vitamin D. It is also used in the treatment of some skin diseases. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of medical students and non-dermatology physicians on the harmful and beneficial effects of UV radiation and photoprotection. Materials and methods: The research material was collected using an anonymous online survey. The obtained results were analyzed and verified on the basis of scientific literature and statistically processed using Microsoft Office Excel. Results: 95.3% of respondents believe that knowledge about the effects of radiation is important in medical practice and 98.8% can name at least one skin cancer whose risk factor is UV radiation. All of respondents believe that UVR affects the aging of the skin. 77.8% of respondents know the meaning of the term "SPF". 81.9% are aware that UVB radiation affects the synthesis of vitamin D and 72.0% can indicate at least two dermatoses in which phototherapy is used. Conclusion: Medical students and doctors have a lot of knowledge about the effects of UV radiation and it is important in their medical practice. Increasing awareness about radiation, forms of sun protection and a more thorough physical examination can have a significant impact on patient health. Great vigilance and noticing a suspicious change accelerates the start of treatment and determines the success of the therapy

Bydgoszcz universities students' awareness about melanoma

Introduction: Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in the melanocytes. Due to the continuous increase in melanoma incidence rates public awareness of this problem is of utmost importance. There have been numerous campaigns organised in the media, on the Internet, in the press, on the radio and in dermatological clinics in order to boost overall awareness of the disease.Study objective: The analysis of the state of knowledge about the disease among the students of Bydgoszcz universities.Materials and methods: The study was conducted between the 4th of April 2016 and the 20th of May 2016 among the Bydgoszcz universities’ students of faculties of cosmetology, physiotherapy, medicine, biotechnology, pedagogy and zootechnics. A special survey form was created and used in the study.Results and conclusions:The analysis of the results showed that students of Bydgoszcz universities had good knowledge about melanoma. The study demonstrated that the level of awareness depended on the type of the university they attended. The reason for this is that at the UTP University of Science and Technology (zootechnics), the Kazimierz Wielki University (pedagogy) and the non-public University of Bydgoszcz (pedagogy) information related to medicine is not discussed. In case of most of the questions, the medical university students (Collegium Medicum) were more knowledgeable about melanoma than the students of non-medical universities. The students of cosmetology and medicine were providing most information in the survey. The respondents were able to identify melanoma risk factors and reach a conclusion that using sunbeds can pose a health hazard. Most students use sunscreens with high SPF factors, but are not aware that they need to use them at all times of the day and of the year due to the fact that harmful UV radiation is emitted with varying intensity, but constantly

The impact of ultraviolet radiation on the skin and the role of photoprotection – the review of the literature

Introduction and objective: The sun emits ultraviolet radiation in the UV-A, UV-B and UV-C ranges. Photoprotection is used to prevent the impact of this radiation on the skin. It effectively counteracts photoaging, photodermatoses and photocarcinogenesis. The aim of the study is to discuss the impact of UV radiation on the skin and the role of sun protection, also in special groups of patients - children and non-immunocompetent people. The article also presents a summary of data on the effect of sunscreens on vitamin D synthesis. Materials and methods: The literature was reviewed in the Pubmed, Google Scholar database and in the recommendations of the Polish Dermatological Society with the use of keywords. State of knowledge: Erythema is the most visible effect of sunburn, but exposure to UV radiation is primarily photocarcinogenesis or photoimmunosuppression. The SPF factor is the main determinant of the effectiveness of sunscreens, but effective protection against both UVB and UVA radiation is essential. Daily use of sunscreen reduces skin damage associated with exposure to light and does not negatively affect vitamin D synthesis. Conclusions: The basis of skin protection is using sunscreens, avoiding excessive exposure to solar radiation and using protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. Thanks to these activities, we can significantly reduce the number of cases of certain skin cancers. It is also important to remember that sun protection applies to everyone, especially children and non-immunocompetent people

Skutki zdrowotne ekspozycji na promieniowanie jonizujące

Cel: W publikacji omówiono skutki działania promieniowania jonizującego na organizm ludzki. W przeświadczeniu autorów przedstawienie problematyki zdarzeń radiacyjnych od strony skutków napromieniowania pozwoli na lepsze przygotowanie na wypadek ich wystąpienia, a w konsekwencji bezpieczniejsze działanie w trakcie tego zagrożenia. Wprowadzenie: Coraz szersze zastosowanie materiałów promieniotwórczych i urządzeń wytwarzających promieniowanie jonizujące w wielu obszarach naszego życia niesie za sobą ryzyko narażenia na działanie niebezpiecznych dla zdrowia dawek promieniowania. Dawki te mogą być generowane wskutek uszkodzenia źródeł promieniowania lub postępowania z nimi w nieodpowiedni sposób. Nie można również wykluczyć narażeń wynikających z intencjonalnego wykorzystania materiałów promieniotwórczych w działaniach kryminalnych lub terrorystycznych. Narażenie na promieniowanie jonizujące może wywołać negatywne skutki zdrowotne – zarówno u ofiar zdarzenia radiacyjnego, jak i u ratowników udzielających ofiarom pomocy. Istniejące zagrożenia wymagają więc odpowiedniego przygotowania medycznych służb ratowniczych. Jednym z elementów tych przygotowań jest poznanie specyfiki zagrożeń radiacyjnych, w tym źródeł promieniowania, mechanizmu działania poszczególnych form promieniowania jonizującego, a także rodzaju obrażeń radiacyjnych, które wywołują. Metodologia: W artykule przedstawiono właściwości promieniowania jonizującego, najbardziej istotne z punktu widzenia ratownictwa medycznego. Omówiono zagadnienia związane z kontaktem ze źródłem promieniowania, skażenia zewnętrznego i wewnętrznego, pomiaru wielkości ekspozycji i dawek pochłoniętych oraz zaprezentowano wzajemne zależności pomiędzy nimi. Szczegółowo opisano mechanizm bezpośredniego i pośredniego działania promieniowania jonizującego na struktury komórkowe (DNA, mRNA, błony cytoplazmatyczne) enzymy wewnątrzkomórkowe. Przedstawiono konsekwencje zdrowotne dla organizmu w postaci uszkodzeń ostrych (deterministycznych) i zmian późnych (stochastycznych). Wnioski: Szczególną uwagę zwrócono na ostry zespół radiacyjny (ang. Acute Radiation Syndrome, ARS). Szczegółowo omówiono zależność poszczególnych postaci ARS od wielkości pochłoniętej dawki. Przedstawiono każdą z faz ARS: wstępną, utajoną, rozwiniętych objawów i zdrowienia (śmierci) oraz czas ich wystąpienia, długość trwania i moment zakończenia. Scharakteryzowano mechanizm uszkodzenia poszczególnych narządów i układów. Wskazano najczęstsze objawy, ich nasilenie i przyczyny zagrożenia życia w poszczególnych postaciach ARS. Obok skutków ogólnoustrojowych opisano zmiany miejscowe pod postacią radiacyjnego zespołu skórnego (ang. Cutaneous Radiation Syndrome, CSR).Purpose: The effects of ionising radiation on the human body has been discussed. The authors believe that the understanding of the radiation incidents from the perspective of its effects is crucial for better preparation, and therefore safer and more effective responses to incidents involving such threats. Introduction: The increasing use of radioactive materials and radiation producing devices in many areas of our lives carries the risk of exposure to high doses of radiation being hazardous to our health due to possible damage to radiation sources or improper handling. Exposure resulting from the intentional use of radioactive materials for criminal or terrorist purposes cannot be excluded, either. Exposure to ionising radiation may cause adverse health effects both to victims of a radiation incident and for rescuers providing emergency care. Such threats require the proper preparation of emergency medical services (EMS). Part of these preparations is to examine the specifics of radiation hazards, including radiation sources, the mechanism of injury of ionising radiation and the type of radiation damage. Methodology: The publication presents the properties of ionising, corpuscular and electromagnetic types of radiation, which are the most important from EMS’s perspective. The dangers of contact with a radiation source, the problem of external and internal contamination, the estimation of the amount of absorbed radiation were discussed, and the interrelationships between them were presented. The mechanism of direct and indirect action of ionising radiation on cell structures (DNA, mRNA, cytoplasmic membranes) and intracellular enzymes was thoroughly discussed. The authors presented health consequences of radiation for the body in the form of acute (deterministic) lesions and late (stochastic) lesions. Conclusions: Particular attention was paid to acute radiation syndrome (ARS). The dependence of ARS on the amount of absorbed radiation was discussed in detail. Four stages of ARS were presented: initial, latent, manifest illness and recovery (or death) as well as the time of their onset, duration and end. The mechanism of damage to individual organs and systems was also analysed. The most common symptoms, their severity, and causes of life-threatening conditions, resulting from radiation damage in particular syndromes of ARS, were indicated. In addition to systemic effects, local changes in the form of Cutaneous Radiation Syndrome (CSR) were discussed

Current views on pathogenesis of rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease that usually affects the central part of the face. The primary symptoms include facial flushing, persistent erythema, telangiectasia,  inflammatory pustules and papules. Based on groups of these symptoms, four basic rosacea subtypes have been defined: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, ocular, phymatous; and one variant, granulomatous rosacea. Although the pathophysiology of this disorder is not fully known, many components such as immune and neurovascular dysregulation, oxidative stress, genetic background, gut microbiome, skin microbiome as well as external aspects are thought to play a role. In this article, we present the main factors that are speculated to be involved in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Methods and materials: We reviewed the literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar using the words "rosacea”, „rosacea pathogenesis”, „demodex”, „reactive oxygen species”, „rosacea microbiome”. Summary Rosacea is a chronic dermatosis whose etiology, despite many studies, is not fully understood. Currently, an abnormal inflammatory reaction caused by excessive stimulation of TLR-2 receptors is suspected as the main factor in the pathomechanism of the disease. Vascular disorders, transmission disorders, genetic factors, skin and intestinal dysbiosis also participate in the pathogenesis of rosacea. It is assumed that exogenous factors such as diet and exposure to UV radiation also play a role in the development of the disease

Health effects of UV nail lamps - is there a risk of cancer?

Introduction:  Every year, more and more people are using manicure and pedicure services performed with UV lamps. As public awareness of the harmfulness of prolonged exposure to UV light increases, there are doubts about the safety of frequent treatments using it. Aim of the study:  The aim of the study was to find out whether regular use of UV nail lamps is safe and to educate patients about the prevention of potential cancer.  Methods and materials:  A literature review was performed in the PubMed database using the keywords: UV; nail lamp; skin cancer; risk. Resulsts:  Certain clinical cases indicate that long-term, regular exposure to UVA radiation from nail lamps can increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and actinic keratosis, but other risk factors may overlap. According to a statement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the use of these devices is safe. Thus, the results of the studies appear to be inconclusive. Both the researchers who prove the safety of lamp use and those who question it unanimously recommend the use of prophylaxis and educating patients about it. Conclusions:  The use of UV nail lamps is not associated with significant risks. Single clinical cases describing the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and actinic keratosis appear to be anecdotal. As the low probability of cancer formation is still taken into account, it is worth taking the recommended precautions: using creams with a broad-spectrum UV filter 20 minutes before exposure or manicure gloves. Using LED nail lamps instead of classic UV lamps will also be beneficial. The topic is a developing one and will require more research attention

Acute radiation syndrome

Over the last decades, along with progress and development of using ionizing radiation, including the fields of power engineering or nuclear weapons, it was possible to observe and describe negative effects of the radiation on human body. The phenomenon referred to as acute radiation syndrome describes the effects of radiation on living cells, depending on exposure time and absorbed dose, which affects the functioning of  entire organism after the exposure. The following work describes how ionizing radiation causes changes at the cellular and tissue level, both directly and indirectly, taking into account the variables affecting final effects of exposure. Consecutive phases of acute radiation syndrome were distinguished, and the focus was also on individual groups of disorders resulting from exposure, which may overlap and coexist, i.e. hematopoietic syndrome, gastrointestinal syndrome and neurovascular syndrome, as well as developing multi-organ failure in some of the cases, leading to the patient's death. Exposure to ionizing radiation can result in diversified, variably intensified and spread over time symptoms from many organ systems. Depending on the characteristics of the exposure, its effects will differ, and thus the prognosis for the patient

Melanoma - risk factors and prevention strategies

Introductions and purpose: Melanoma is a malignant skin cancer, characterized by a very high rate of increase in the number of cases. The aim of this study is to analyze the key modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with the development of melanoma and to discuss existing prevention strategies.  Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using the "PubMed" database with the keywords "melanoma", "melanoma risk factors", "melanoma primary prevention" and  “melanoma secondary prevention”. State of knowledge: Melanoma risk factors can be divided into two groups: modifiable and non-modifiable. The main modifiable factor is UV radiation. Non-modifiable risk factors include: genetic factors, phenotypic characteristics, age, gender, and the presence of melanocytic nevi. UV radiation is responsible for the incidence of 60-70% of melanomas. Reducing exposure to risk factors is crucial in primary prevention, while self-examination and medical examination are important in secondary prevention. Summary: Despite the very high rate of increase in the number of cases, morbidity and mortality associated with melanoma can be effectively reduced by adhering to the principles of primary and secondary prevention. Patient education is crucial to reduce exposure to modifiable factors and increase vigilance against new skin lesions

Atlas parametrów meteorologicznych na stacji pomiarowej w Kopytkowie (Biebrzański Park Narodowy) w roku 2013

Praca wykonana w ramach projektu “Bilans absorpcji i emisji gazów cieplarnianych (metanu, dwutlenku węgla i pary wodnej) na obszarach bagiennych (studium Biebrzańskiego Parku Narodowego)”sfinansowanego ze środków Narodowego Centrum Nauki przyznanych na podstawie decyzji numer DECR2011/01/B/ST10/07550