ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9536-8646
Current Organisations
Bond University
,
Queensland University of Technology
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 24-12-2003
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 13-04-2015
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-1998
DOI: 10.1097/00004032-199804000-00002
Abstract: A simultaneous comparison of human exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation at two locations was performed to study the effect of environmental factors and human attitudes on personal ultraviolet exposure. The study took place on 29 October 1996 in Toowoomba (27.5 degrees S, 151.9 degrees E) and Brisbane (27.4 degrees S, 153.1 degrees E), Queensland, Australia. From the data collected by calibrated ambient ultraviolet monitoring stations located in Toowoomba and Brisbane, Toowoomba received 68% more UVA (320-400 nm) and 61% more UVB (280-320 nm) than Brisbane from 07:00 to 10:00 Australian Eastern Standard Time (EST). From 10:00 to 17:00 EST Toowoomba received 5% more UVA and 20% less UVB than Brisbane. High ambient ultraviolet levels recorded by ultraviolet stations were reinforced by measurement of the personal ultraviolet exposure of human subjects wearing polysulfone dosimeters. Contrary to the common belief that the ultraviolet exposure to the human body is higher near the beach (i.e., coastal areas) than the inland area, the average erythemal weighted ultraviolet exposure on the chest and shoulder of each subject in the inland city of Toowoomba (127 km to the west of Brisbane) was 30% higher than in the coastal city of Brisbane from 07:00 to 17:00 EST. Evidence is also presented to suggest a relationship between altitude, climatic conditions, the human attitude, and the level of personal exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-05-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-020-62182-W
Abstract: Vitamin D may reduce mortality from prostate cancer (PC). We examined the associations of post-treatment plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations with PC mortality. Participants were PC cases from the New South Wales Prostate Cancer Care. All contactable and consenting participants, at 4.9 to 8.6 years after diagnosis, were interviewed and had plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH) 2 D) measured in blood specimens. Cox regression allowing for left-truncation was used to calculate adjusted mortality hazards ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for all-cause and PC-specific mortality in relation to vitamin D levels and other potentially-predictive variables. Of the participants (n = 111 75·9% response rate), there were 198 deaths from any cause and 41 from PC in the study period. Plasma 25(OH)D was not associated with all-cause or PC-specific mortality (p-values 0·10). Plasma 1,25(OH) 2 D was inversely associated with all-cause mortality (HR for highest relative to lowest quartile = 0·45 95% CI: 0·29–0·69), and PC-specific mortality (HR = 0·40 95% CI: 0·14–1·19). These associations were apparent only in men with aggressive PC: all-cause mortality HR = 0·28 (95% CI·0·15–0·52 p-interaction = 0·07) and PC-specific mortality HR = 0·26 (95% CI: 0·07–1.00). Time spent outdoors was also associated with lower all-cause (HR for 4 th relative to 1 st exposure quartile = 0·42 95% CI: 0·24–0·75) and PC-specific (HR = 0·48 95% CI: 0·14–1·64) mortality, although the 95% CI for the latter was wide. The inverse association between post-treatment plasma 1,25(OH) 2 D levels and all-cause and PC-specific mortality in men with aggressive PC, suggest a possible beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation in these men.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 19-09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/TBJ.12499
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1038/JID.2008.210
Abstract: Melanocytes respond to UVR not only by producing melanin, but also by proliferating. This is essentially a protective response. We have studied the melanocyte proliferative response after a single UVR exposure to neonatal mice. At 3 days post-UVR in wild-type neonates we observed a marked melanocyte activation not seen in adults. Melanocytes migrated to the epidermal basal layer, their numbers peaking at 3-5 days after UVR then diminishing. They appeared to emanate from the hair follicle, migrating to the epidermis via the outer root sheath. In melanoma-prone mice with melanocyte-specific overexpression of Hras(G12V), basal layer melanocytes were increased in size and dendricity compared to UVR-treated wild-type mice. Melanocytes in mice carrying a pRb pathway cell-cycle defect (oncogenic Cdk4(R24C)) did not show an enhanced response to UVR such as those carrying Hras(G12V). The exquisite sensitivity to UVR-induced proliferation and migration that characterizes neonatal mouse melanocytes may partly explain the utility of this form of exposure for inducing melanoma in mice that carry oncogenic mutations.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-1097.2011.00934.X
Abstract: A study to quantify the UV exposure of vineyard workers was carried out using polysulphone dosimetry. The study took place in Tuscany (Italy) involving 32 vineyard workers, covering three different stages of the vine's growth. The level of personal exposure expressed as a function on the available ambient UV radiation was determined. We also assessed skin reflectance parameters, pre and post exposure. It was found that during spring backs received between 53% and 87% of ambient exposure and arms between 30% and 60%. During summer, the workers received on the back between 36% and 77% of ambient exposure and between 19% and 43% of ambient exposure on the arm. The comparison with the occupational UV exposure limit showed that all subjects received UV exposures in excess of the limit. The exposure of back of neck exceeded 10 SED (assumed as a threshold level of sun-adapted skin for Mediterranean subjects) in spring, which means that in the case of non sun-adapted skin and without sun protection, erythema can be induced in this targeted population. The cumulative exposure was also estimated under specific assumptions of UV exposure giving values in some cases higher than previous studies.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 24-09-2023
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYAC179
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 22-07-1999
DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/44/8/316
Abstract: The solar spectral UVR irradiances in tree shade and sunlight have been measured in a sub-tropical southern hemisphere summer. The spectral data allowed the UVB and UVA irradiances and the biologically effective irradiances to be calculated for different harmful biological processes to human skin and eyes. The average of the ratio of the UVA to UVB irradiances was lower by 26% in the shade compared with the same ratio in the sun. The spectral shade ratio calculated as the ratio of the spectral biologically effective irradiances in the shade to those in the adjacent sun decreased with increasing wavelength for all of the trees. The decrease in the shade ratio was approximately 42% at 400 nm compared with the shade ratio at 300 nm. Despite the UVR protection provided by tree shade, the erythemal UVR exposure received in 1 h in the tree shade exceeded the occupational limit for UVR exposure.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.MEHY.2014.09.010
Abstract: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a polyfactorial and polygenetic disorder that involves biological and psychological sub-mechanisms that differentially involve depression, seasonality, circadian rhythms, retinal sensitivity, iris pigmentation, sleep factors, and the neurotransmitters involved with these systems. Within the framework of the polyfactorial conceptualization of SAD, we review the possible contributions of vitamin D3 with respect to the aforementioned sub-mechanisms. We hypothesize that rather than functioning primarily as a proximal or direct sub-mechanism in the etiology of SAD, vitamin D likely functions in a more foundational and regulative role in potentiating the sub-mechanisms associated with the depressive and seasonality factors. There are several reasons for this position: 1. vitamin D levels fluctuate in the body seasonally, with a lag, in direct relation to seasonally-available sunlight 2. lower vitamin D levels have been observed in depressed patients (as well as in patients with other psychiatric disorders) compared to controls 3. vitamin D levels in the central nervous system affect the production of both serotonin and dopamine and 4. vitamin D and vitamin D responsive elements are found throughout the midbrain regions and are especially concentrated in the hypothalamus, a region that encompasses the circadian timing systems and much of its neural circuitry. We also consider the variable of skin pigmentation as this may affect levels of vitamin D in the body. We hypothesize that people with darker skin pigmentation may experience greater risks for lower vitamin D levels that, especially following their migration to regions of higher latitude, could contribute to the emergence of SAD and other psychiatric and physical health problems.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2011.00686.X
Abstract: To assess the recall of media reports about vitamin D and associated factors. Analysis of cross-sectional telephone interview data (2,001 Queensland adults, 18-70 years) on vitamin D and personal sun protection, recall of media reports and participant characteristics. 83.7% of participants had heard of vitamin D, 47.5% through the media. Only 513 (25.6%) participants recalled the media content within four main themes: vitamin D is beneficial/comes from the sun (47.0%) some people aren't getting enough vitamin D, need more sun (27.9%) need to balance sun exposure and skin protection (11.5%) or other (13.6%). Only 65 of the 950 participants (6.8%) reported a change to their behaviour(s) due to the media report. Although the media were the main source of information about vitamin D for almost 50% of participants, recall of the content and direct effect on behaviour was low. Only a small minority recalled a balanced media report of beneficial and harmful aspects of sun exposure. Health professionals often supply media with background information. To achieve best public health practice for sun protection and vitamin D, information to foster balanced media reports should be provided.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-2003
DOI: 10.1039/B211830K
Abstract: The results presented in this paper allow for the estimation of the monthly UV exposure of the human facial region at various locations across the earth. The technique allows a graphical representation of the UV exposures over the face. The erythemal UV exposures as well as the vitamin D exposures to the human facial region have been investigated. The results gained in this paper, for a clear sky and constant ozone indicate that the sun's capability to promote the development of vitamin D in the human body does not follow the erythemal UV irradiances, in particular at high latitudes. For Amsterdam (52 degrees N) in late winter, approximately 20% more UV is required to produce 215 J m(-2) of vitamin D weighted UV than erythemal UV.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 25-08-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.08.23.20180422
Abstract: The D-Health Trial aims to determine whether monthly high-dose vitamin D supplementation can reduce the mortality rate and prevent cancer. We did not have adequate statistical power for subgroup analyses, so could not justify the high cost of collecting blood s les at baseline. To enable future exploratory analyses stratified by baseline vitamin D status, we developed a model to predict baseline serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration. We used data and serum 25(OH)D concentrations from participants who gave a blood s le during the trial for compliance monitoring and were randomised to placebo. Data were partitioned into training (80%) and validation (20%) datasets. Deseasonalised serum 25(OH)D concentrations were dichotomised using cut-points of 50 nmol/L, 60 nmol/L and 75 nmol/L. We fitted boosted regression tree models, based on 13 predictors, and evaluated model performance using the validation data. The training and validation datasets had 1788 (10.5% nmol/L, 23.1% nmol, 48.8 nmol/L) and 447 (11.9% nmol/L, 25.7% nmol/L, and 49.2% nmol/L) s les, respectively. Ambient UV radiation and total intake of vitamin D were the strongest predictors of ‘low’ serum 25(OH)D concentration. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.71, 0.70, and 0.66 for cut-points of nmol/L, nmol/L and nmol/L respectively. We exploited compliance monitoring data to develop models to predict serum 25(OH)D concentration for D-Health participants at baseline. This approach may prove useful in other trial settings where there is an obstacle to exhaustive data collection.
Publisher: SPIE
Date: 22-01-2002
DOI: 10.1117/12.452955
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-02-2009
DOI: 10.1002/IJC.24154
Abstract: Exposure of the skin to sunlight can cause skin cancer and is also necessary for cutaneous Vitamin D production. Media reports have highlighted the purported health benefits of Vitamin D. Our aim was to examine attitudes and behaviours related to sun protection and Vitamin D. A cross-sectional study of 2,001 residents in Queensland, Australia, aged 20-70 years was undertaken. Information collected included the following: skin cancer risk factors perceptions about levels of sun exposure required to maintain Vitamin D belief that sun protection increases risk of Vitamin D deficiency intention, and actual change in sun protection practices for adults and children. Multivariate models examined predictors of attitudinal and behavioural change. One-third (32%) believed a fair-skinned adult, and 31% thought a child required at least 30 min/day in summer sun to maintain Vitamin D levels. Reductions in sun protection were reported by 21% of adults and 14% of children. Factors associated with the belief that sun protection may result in not obtaining enough Vitamin D included age of >or=60 years (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09-1.66) and having skin that tanned easily (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.38-2.78). Participants from low-income households, and those who frequently used sun-protective clothing were more likely to have reduced sun protection practices (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.10-1.73 and OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.36-2.20, respectively). This study provides evidence of reductions in sun protection practices in a population living in a high UV environment. There is an urgent need to refocus messages regarding sun exposure and for continued sun protection practices.
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 04-2003
DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/48/8/401
Abstract: The first dataset of a complete year of biologically damaging spectral UV at a sub-tropical latitude in the southern hemisphere has been presented. The new data provides a baseline dataset against which comparisons can be made in the future to establish if there have been any long term trends in the biologically damaging UV. The general shape of the variation of the daily biologically damaging exposures through the year depends on the relative response of the various action spectra at the different wavelengths. The ratio of the daily erythemal to actinic exposures drops by approximately 20 to 25% from winter to summer. The ratio of the erythemal to DNA exposures drops by approximately 50% over the same period. In contrast, the ratio of the erythemal to plant damage exposures is higher in summer compared to winter. This is due to the changes in the relative proportion of UVA to UVB wavebands and relative responses of the different action spectra. The relative changes for the different action spectra show that the erythemal action spectrum cannot be used as a proxy for other biologically damaging responses.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-01-2016
DOI: 10.1111/AJD.12429
Abstract: Using a large (N= 25 493) population-based cohort from Queensland, Australia, we compared melanoma survival among cases with a single invasive melanoma only against those who also had a diagnosis of a single in situ melanoma. After adjustment for sex, age, body site, clinicopathological subtype, thickness and ulceration, it was found that there was no difference (P = 0.99) in 10-year melanoma-specific mortality following a diagnosis of an invasive lesion, whether or not an in situ melanoma was also present. We conclude that in situ melanomas do not alter the prognosis of an invasive melanoma.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-07-2022
Abstract: Vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk or severity of infection, but this has been investigated in few large population-based trials. We analyzed data from the D-Health Trial, using prescription of antibiotics as a surrogate for infection. The D-Health Trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 21 315 Australians aged 60–84 years were randomized to 60 000 IU of supplementary vitamin D3 or placebo monthly for 5 years. For this analysis, the primary outcome was the number of antibiotic prescription episodes secondary outcomes were total number of prescriptions, repeat prescription episodes, and antibiotics for urinary tract infection. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using negative binomial regression, and odds ratios using logistic regression. Vitamin D supplementation slightly reduced the number of prescription episodes (IRR, 0.98 95% confidence interval [CI], .95–1.01), total prescriptions (IRR, 0.97 95% CI, .93–1.00), and repeat prescription episodes (IRR, 0.96 95% CI, .93–1.00). There was stronger evidence of benefit in people predicted to have insufficient vitamin D at baseline (prescription episodes IRR, 0.93 95% CI, .87–.99). Vitamin D may reduce the number of antibiotic prescriptions, particularly in people with low vitamin D status. This supports the hypothesis that vitamin D has a clinically relevant effect on the immune system. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613000743763. www.anzctr.org.au/.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2014
Abstract: We aimed to identify current practice of sun protection and factors associated with effective use in four outdoor worker industries in Queensland, Australia. Workplaces in four industries with a high proportion of outdoor workers (building/construction, rural/farming, local government, and public sector industries) were identified using an online telephone directory, screened for eligibility, and invited to participant via mail (n=15, recruitment rate 37%). A convenience s le of workers were recruited within each workplace (n=162). Workplaces' sun protective policies and procedures were identified using interviews and policy analysis with workplace representatives, and discussion groups and computer-assisted telephone interviews with workers. Personal characteristics and sun protection knowledge, attitudes and behaviors were collated and analysed. Just over half the workplaces had an existing policy which referred to sun protection (58%), and most provided at least some personal protective equipment (PPE), but few scheduled work outside peak sun hours (43%) or provided skin checks (21%). Several worker and workplace characteristics were associated with greater sun protection behaviour among workers, including having received education on the use of PPE (p<0.001), being concerned about being in the sun (p=0.002) and working in a smaller workplace (p=0.035). Uptake of sun protection by outdoor workers is affected by a complex interplay of both workplace and personal factors, and there is a need for effective strategies targeting both the workplace environment and workers' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors to decrease harmful sun exposure further.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.1039/B508553E
Abstract: The research reported in this paper on the changes in absorbance and the calibration of a proposed UVA (320-400 nm) dosimeter have established the phenothiazine-mylar combination as a potential UVA dosimeter for population studies of UVA exposures. The change in optical absorbance at 370 nm was employed to quantify the UVA exposures. This change starts to saturate at a change in absorbance of approximately 0.3. This relates to solar UVA exposures at a sub-tropical site on a horizontal plane of approximately three to four hours. The shape of this calibration curve varies with the season. This can be overcome in the same manner as for polysulfone where the dosimeter is calibrated for the conditions that it will be employed to measure the UVA exposures.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHOTOBIOL.2008.07.004
Abstract: Vitamin D deficiency is a major health concern worldwide. Very little is understood regarding its production in the human body by exposure to UV radiation. In particular, we have no means of predicting how much vitamin D (cholecalciferol) will be produced in the skin after exposure to sunlight. Using a refined in vitro model, we found that there is a nonlinear relationship between UV dose and cholecalciferol synthesis. Two minimal erythemal doses (MED) of UV radiation produced 1.84 microg/mL of cholecalciferol whereas 4 MED produced 2.81 microg/mL. We also found that the production of cholecalciferol is restricted by the initial concentration of its precursor (7-dehydrocholesterol, 7-DHC). For ex le, using an initial concentration of 7-DHC of 102 microg/mL, the resultant cholecalciferol production was 1.05 microg/mL after receiving 4 MED exposure. Under the same exposure conditions, an initial concentration of 305 microg/mL yielded 2.81 g/mL of cholecalciferol. The data presented in this paper has important implications for humans, including: (1) increasing UV exposure does not result in a proportionate increase in the amount of cholecalciferol that is produced and (2) the initial concentration of 7-DHC in the skin may impact the amount of cholecalciferol that can be synthesized. When translating these results to population groups, we will discuss how the sun exposure message needs to be carefully formulated to account for such considerations.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-03-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-2018
Abstract: We investigated the relationship between peoples’ preferences for being outside during certain months of the year, based upon their dislike of hot or warm temperatures, and of taking precautions against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. A s le of university undergraduates (N = 1400) living in the Northern Hemisphere completed an online survey in the late summer of 2017 that inventoried their dislike of heat and hot conditions, their sun tanning preferences and habits, and their preferences for being outside during different months of the year, along with whether they would protect themselves from the UVR exposure during those months. Dislike of hot conditions was negatively correlated with respondent preferences for sun tanning and with the number of months during the year that people enjoyed being active outside. A greater proportion of people who disliked hot conditions experienced risks of UVR overexposure during the spring and fall. In contrast, people who expressed more liking of heat frequently enjoyed being outside during the warmer months (April to October), and a significantly greater proportion of them experienced risks for sun overexposure in these months. Such in idual differences in heat-related attitudes may explain a proportion the variability in in idual risk behaviors for skin cancer that is not currently accounted for by approaches using objective variables such as temperature, thermal comfort indices, or the UV index.
Publisher: The Endocrine Society
Date: 12-2012
DOI: 10.1210/JC.2012-2682
Abstract: The benefits of high serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] are unclear. Trials are needed to establish an appropriate evidence base. We plan to conduct a large-scale trial of vitamin D supplementation for the reduction of cancer incidence and overall mortality and report here the methods and results of a pilot trial established to inform its design. Pilot D-Health was a randomized trial carried out in a general community setting with 12 months intervention and follow-up. Participants were 60- to 84-yr-old residents of one of the four eastern Australian states who did not have any vitamin D-related disorders and who were not taking more than 400 IU supplementary vitamin D per day. A total of 644 participants were randomized, and 615 completed the study (two persons withdrew because of nonserious adverse events). The interventions were monthly doses of placebo or 30,000 or 60,000 IU vitamin D(3). The main outcomes were the recruitment rate and changes in serum 25(OH)D. Ten percent of those approached were recruited. At baseline, the mean 25(OH)D was 42 nmol/liter in all three study arms. The mean change in 25(OH)D in the placebo group was 0.12 nmol/liter, compared with changes of 22 and 36 nmol/liter in the 30,000- and 60,000-IU groups, respectively. The D-Health pilot has shown that a large trial is feasible in Australia and that a dose of 2000 IU/d will be needed to ensure that a large proportion of the population reaches the target serum 25(OH)D level.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHOTOBIOL.2006.10.004
Abstract: The literature reports strong correlations between UV exposure and latitude gradients of diseases. Evidence is emerging about the protective effects of UV exposure for cancer (breast, colo-rectal, prostate), autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, type II diabetes) and even mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. For the first time, the available levels of vitamin D producing UV or "vitamin D UV" (determined from the previtamin D action spectrum) and erythemal (sunburning) UV from throughout the USA are measured and compared, using measurements from seven locations in the USA are measured and compared, using measurements from seven locations in the US EPA's high accuracy Brewer Spectrophotometer network. The data contest longstanding beliefs on the location-dependence and latitude gradients of vitamin D UV. During eight months of the year centered around summer (March-October), for all sites (from 18 degrees N to 44 degrees N latitude) the level of vitamin D UV relative to erythemal UV was equal (within the 95% confidence interval of the mean level). Therefore, there was no measured latitude gradient of vitamin D UV during the majority of the year across the USA. During the four cooler months (November-February), latitude strongly determines vitamin D UV. As latitude increases, the amount of vitamin D UV decreases dramatically, which may inhibit vitamin D synthesis in humans. Therefore, a larger dose of UV relative to erythemal UV is required to produce the same amount of vitamin D in a high latitude location. However, the data shows that at lower latitude locations (<25 degrees N), wintertime vitamin D UV levels are equal to summertime levels, and the message of increasing UV exposure during winter is irrelevant and may lead to excessive exposure. All results were confirmed by computer modeling, which was also used to generalize the conclusions for latitudes from 0 degrees to 70 degrees N. The results of this paper will impact on research into latitudinal gradients of diseases. In particular, it may no longer be correct to assume vitamin D levels in populations follow significant latitude gradients for a large proportion of the year.
Publisher: SPIE
Date: 06-11-2003
DOI: 10.1117/12.509096
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41416-022-02027-7
Abstract: The association between cutaneous melanoma and subsequent risk of prostate cancer (PC) was examined in a large population-based cohort study. Male participants in the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study (Australia) were recruited between 2006 and 2009. Questionnaire data and linked administrative health data from the Centre for Health Record Linkage and Services Australia identified melanomas diagnosed between 1/1/1994 and 12 months before Study recruitment (i.e., between 2005 and 2008), incident PCs, primary healthcare utilisation and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. Men were excluded from the current analyses if they had a recorded PC or other cancer diagnosis other than melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer prior to recruitment. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) adjusting for PSA-testing frequency before PC diagnosis. Of 96,548 eligible men, 1899 were diagnosed with melanoma during the melanoma diagnosis period and 3677 incident PC diagnosed during follow-up (latest date 31/12/2013). Men with melanoma diagnosis had increased risk of a subsequent PC diagnoses (vs. no melanoma fully adjusted HR = 1.32 95% CI: 1.09–1.60). There was weak evidence of higher risks of a subsequent PC diagnosis for men diagnosed with more than one melanoma compared to men diagnosed with only one melanoma ( p = 0.077), and if first melanoma diagnosis was 10 to 15 years before Study recruitment (fully adjusted HR = 2.05 95% CI [1.35, 3.12]). Melanoma diagnosis was associated with increased risk of subsequent PC diagnosis, after adjusting for PSA testing and primary healthcare utilisation. While our ability to adjust for PC screening reduced risk of detection bias, we acknowledge that residual confounding from increased medical surveillance after melanoma diagnoses cannot be entirely ruled out.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-12-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2004
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-12-2001
DOI: 10.1034/J.1600-0781.2001.017002055.X
Abstract: This paper has considered the erythemal UV (UVery), UVA and visible irradiances in the shade of Australian trees for each season at a sub-tropical southern hemisphere site. The irradiances in tree shade have been measured with radiometers as a percentage of the irradiances in the sun for each season of the year. Although the solar irradiances are lower in winter, the percentages of the UV in tree shade compared to the UV in full sun are marginally higher (by up to 7%) in the winter compared to summer. The range of percentages for UVery was up to double that of the percentages of the visible waveband. The percentages for UVery were also higher than for the UVA waveband. The percentages of the irradiances in the tree shade compared to full sun are 8-14% lower at noon compared to the morning and afternoon for the UVery waveband. The ratio of UVA to UVery is lower in the tree shade compared to the full sun. The UVA to UVery ratio is expected to be even lower in the tree shade as a result of ozone depletion. This, combined with the visible irradiances in the tree shade not being a reliable indication of the biologically damaging UV irradiances, has consequences for public health and skin cancer prevention.
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2003
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHOTOBIOL.2007.09.008
Abstract: This study assesses the Vitamin D status of 126 healthy free-living adults aged 18-87 years, in southeast Queensland, Australia (27 degrees S) at the end of the 2006 winter. Participants provided blood s les for analysis of 25(OH)D (the measure of an in idual's Vitamin D status), PTH, Calcium, Phosphate, and Albumin, completed a questionnaire on sun-protective/sun-exposure behaviours, and were assessed for phenotypic characteristics such as skin/hair/eye colour and BMI. We found that 10.2% of the participants had serum 25(OH)D levels below 25 nmol/l (considered deficient) and a further 32.3% had levels between 25 nmol/l and 50 nmol/l (considered insufficient). Our results show that low levels of 25(OH)D can occur in a substantial proportion of the population at the end of winter, even in a sunny climate. 25(OH)D levels were higher amongst those who spent more time in the sun and lower among obese participants (BMI>30) than those who were not obese (BMI<30). 25(OH)D levels were also lower in participants who had black hair, dark/olive skin, or brown eyes, when compared with participants who had brown or fair hair, fair skin, or blue/green eyes. No associations were found between 25(OH)D status and age, gender, smoking status, or the use of sunscreen.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2009
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-03-2014
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.12265
Abstract: Personal ultraviolet dosimeters have been used in epidemiological studies to understand the risks and benefits of in iduals' exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We investigated the types and determinants of noncompliance associated with a protocol for use of polysulphone UVR dosimeters. In the AusD Study, 1002 Australian adults (aged 18-75 years) were asked to wear a new dosimeter on their wrist each day for 10 consecutive days to quantify their daily exposure to solar UVR. Of the 10 020 dosimeters distributed, 296 (3%) were not returned or used (Type-I noncompliance) and other usage errors were reported for 763 (8%) returned dosimeters (Type-II noncompliance). Type-I errors were more common in participants with predominantly outdoor occupations. Type-II errors were reported more frequently on the first day of measurement weekend days or rainy days and among females younger people more educated participants or those with outdoor occupations. Half (50%) the participants reported a noncompliance error on at least 1 day during the 10-day period. However, 92% of participants had at least 7 days of usable data without any apparent noncompliance issues. The factors identified should be considered when designing future UVR dosimetry studies.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-11-2007
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-07-2017
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.12780
Abstract: Data on personal sun exposure over a period exceeding the immediate past days or weeks are typically self-reported in brief questionnaire items. The validity of such self-reporting of longer term personal sun exposure, for ex le over a year, including detail on variation across seasons, has not previously been investigated. In a volunteer s le (n = 331) of Australian adults aged 18 years and over, we assessed the 12-month reliability of sun exposure reported separately for each season, and its accuracy compared to a daily sun diary in the same season. Seasonal time outdoors displayed fair-to-good reliability between baseline and end of study (12 months), with responses showing higher agreement at lower levels of time outdoors. There was good agreement for ranking of in iduals' time outdoors with the daily sun diary data, although the actual diary time outdoors was typically considerably lower than the self-reported questionnaire data. Place of residence, education, being a smoker, day of the week (i.e. working day vs nonworking day) and working mainly outdoors were significant predictors of agreement. While participants overestimated their actual time outdoors, the self-report questionnaire provided a valid ranking of long-term sun exposure against others in the study that was reliable over time.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-01-2014
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 06-02-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-12-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-1097.2010.00865.X
Abstract: Vitamin D, an important constituent of human health, is produced through the exposure of human skin to short wave (280-315 nm) ultraviolet radiation (UV). We aimed to establish whether an urbanized environment with tall buildings in close proximity (an "urban canyon") significantly reduced the capacity of sunlight to synthesize vitamin D, when compared with a typical suburban area (∼2.5 km away) and to investigate the association of UV and vitamin D production with pollution, temperature, and humidity. Measurements of ambient UV (295-400 nm) (using a portable photometer/radiometer and detector) and synthesized vitamin D (from an in vitro model) were taken regularly at urban and control sites over 3 months in Brisbane, Australia. During a typical 20 min measurement, urban and control sites received 0.26 and 1.03 W m(-2) mean total UV respectively (P < 0.001), and produced 0.12 and 0.53 μg mL(-1) mean vitamin D (P < 0.001). Pollution, temperature and humidity were not associated with UV or vitamin D production. This demonstrates a large difference in vitamin D synthesis between an urban canyon and a nearby control site. Although the results cannot be directly applied to humans, they emphasize the need for further study of human vitamin D production in urban environments.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-04-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IJD.13276
Abstract: There is some evidence that basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) arising on different anatomic sites and developing to different histological subtypes differ in their pathophysiology. The expression of a number of proteins, including PTCH1, COX-2, p53, and Ki-67, is frequently altered in BCC development. This study sought to determine whether protein expression differs between BCCs at different anatomic sites and of different histological subtypes. Expression of PTCH1, COX-2, p53, and Ki-67 proteins was compared between: (i) BCCs arising on the head (n = 55) and trunk (n = 53), and (ii) nodular (n = 52) and superficial (n = 43) BCCs. The intensity of immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining (low, moderate, strong, very strong) for PTCH1 and COX-2 proteins was measured and the proportions of p53- and Ki-67-positive cells quantified. The proportion of cells expressing Ki-67 was higher in tumor tissue than in non-malignant epidermis, whereas the opposite was found for PTCH1. The IHC staining intensity for PTCH1 was substantially greater in truncal BCCs than in BCCs on the head (odds ratio [OR] 3.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63-8.96). The intensity of staining for PTCH1 was greater for superficial than for nodular BCCs (OR 3.70, 95% CI 1.53-8.97), and superficial BCCs showed a higher proportion of Ki-67-positive cells (OR 5.57, 95% CI 1.66-18.67). These differences suggest that the pathophysiology of BCC differs between lesions on the head and trunk and between nodular and superficial subtypes, perhaps indicating differences in their etiology.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2003
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2004
DOI: 10.1039/B404957H
Abstract: Human exposure to sunlight promotes the formation of pre-vitamin D in the skin. Low or marginal levels of vitamin D has been linked to a wide range of human health outcomes, including the development of various types of cancer. However, few data exist on the actual exposure to human due to vitamin D producing ultraviolet radiation. Most studies of human disease and vitamin D have linked latitude and location of residence to expected exposure form the available ambient UV radiation. Human UV exposure for the development of vitamin D depends on a variety of factors such as time spent outdoors, percent available skin, skin type, UV protective devices used and distribution of UV over the human form. In this paper, we investigate how latitude impacts not only on the amount of UV available for vitamin D synthesis, but also the distribution of UV over the human form.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-08-2018
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.12964
Abstract: Solar ultraviolet radiation is the primary risk factor for skin cancers and sun-related eye disorders. Estimates of in idual ambient ultraviolet irradiance derived from ground-based solar measurements and from satellite measurements have rarely been compared. Using self-reported residential history from 67 189 persons in a nationwide occupational US radiologic technologists' cohort, we estimated ambient solar irradiance using data from ground-based meters and noontime satellite measurements. The mean distance moved from city of longest residence in childhood increased from 137.6 km at ages 13-19 to 870.3 km at ages ≥65, with corresponding increases in absolute latitude difference moved. At ages 20/40/60/80, the Pearson/Spearman correlation coefficients of ground-based and satellite-derived potential solar ultraviolet exposure, using irradiance and cumulative radiant exposure metrics, were high (=0.87-0.92). There was also moderate correlation (Pearson/Spearman correlation coefficients = 0.51-0.60) between irradiance at birth and at last-known address, for ground-based and satellite data. Satellite-based lifetime estimates of ultraviolet radiation were generally 14-15% lower than ground-based estimates, albeit with substantial uncertainties, possibly because ground-based estimates incorporate fluctuations in cloud and ozone, which are incompletely incorporated in the single noontime satellite-overpass ultraviolet value. If confirmed elsewhere, the findings suggest that ground-based estimates may improve exposure assessment accuracy and potentially provide new insights into ultraviolet radiation-disease relationships in epidemiologic studies.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-05-2002
DOI: 10.1039/B200844K
Abstract: Daily UVA and erythemal irradiance data on a horizontal plane at a sub-tropical site were measured during a period from March 2000 to February 2001. On a relative basis, UVA radiation was shown to be a greater concern to human exposure during the winter months than summer months. In summer (December to February), the peak daily UVA exposure was 205 J cm(-2) and in winter (June to August), the minimum daily value was 19 J cm(-2). The peak daily UVery exposure was 37 MED in summer and the winter minimum was 4 MED. The occupational work day UVA exposure to the vertex of the head was estimated using the collected UV data. The outdoor workers received 89% of the available UVA radiation whilst the home workers received 18% of the available ambient UVA radiation. This result parallels the exposure patterns of these two population groups, with the outdoor workers spending most of the working week outdoors, whilst the home workers spend small, intermittent time periods outdoors in the sun.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-04-2013
DOI: 10.1111/CEN.12203
Abstract: There has been a dramatic increase in vitamin D testing in Australia in recent years, prompting calls for targeted testing. We sought to develop a model to identify people most at risk of vitamin D deficiency. This is a cross-sectional study of 644 60- to 84-year-old participants, 95% of whom were Caucasian, who took part in a pilot randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation. Baseline 25(OH)D was measured using the Diasorin Liaison platform. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were defined using 50 and 25 nmol/l as cut-points, respectively. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors. We used multivariate logistic regression to predict low vitamin D and calculated the net benefit of using the model compared with 'test-all' and 'test-none' strategies. The mean serum 25(OH)D was 42 (SD 14) nmol/1. Seventy-five per cent of participants were vitamin D insufficient and 10% deficient. Serum 25(OH)D was positively correlated with time outdoors, physical activity, vitamin D intake and ambient UVR, and inversely correlated with age, BMI and poor self-reported health status. These predictors explained approximately 21% of the variance in serum 25(OH)D. The area under the ROC curve predicting vitamin D deficiency was 0·82. Net benefit for the prediction model was higher than that for the 'test-all' strategy at all probability thresholds and higher than the 'test-none' strategy for probabilities up to 60%. Our model could predict vitamin D deficiency with reasonable accuracy, but it needs to be validated in other populations before being implemented.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHOTOBIOL.2014.12.029
Abstract: To examine the effects of meteorological factors on weekend sun exposure behaviours and personal received dose of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in Australian adults. Australian adults (n=1002) living in Townsville (19°S, 146°E), Brisbane (27°S, 153°E), Canberra (35°S, 149°E) and Hobart (43°S, 147°E) were recruited between 2009 and 2010. Data on sun exposure behaviours were collected by daily sun exposure dairies personal UVR exposure was measured with a polysulphone dosimeter. Meteorological data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology ambient UVR levels were estimated using the Ozone Monitoring Instrument data. Higher daily maximum temperatures were associated with reduced likelihood of wearing a long-sleeved shirt or wearing long trousers in Canberra and Hobart, and higher clothing-adjusted UVR dose in Canberra. Higher daily humidity was associated with less time spent outdoors in Canberra. Higher ambient UVR level was related to a greater clothing-adjusted personal UVR dose in Hobart and a greater likelihood of using sunscreen in Townsville. The current findings enhance our understanding of the impact of weather conditions on the population's sun exposure behaviours. This information will allow us to refine current predictive models for UVR-related diseases, and guide future health service and health promotion needs.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2018.03.034
Abstract: Particulate matter (PM) has been recognized as one of the key risk factors of lung cancer. However, spatial and temporal patterns of this association remain unclear. Spatiotemporal analyses incorporate the spatial and temporal structure of the data within random effects models, generating more accurate evaluations of PM-lung cancer associations at a scale that can better inform lung cancer prevention programs. We conducted a critical review of spatial and temporal analyses of PM and lung cancer. The databases of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for potential articles published until September 30, 2017. We included studies that applied spatial and temporal analyses to evaluate the associations of PM We identified 17 articles eligible for the review. Of these, 11 focused on PM Advanced spatial and temporal epidemiological methods were seldom applied to PM-lung cancer associations. Further research is urgently needed to develop and employ robust and comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis methods for the evaluation of PM-lung cancer associations and the support of lung cancer prevention strategies.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-2000
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2001
DOI: 10.1002/PD.153
Abstract: Forty percent of pregnant women aged 37 years and over do not have prenatal diagnosis despite being eligible for a free test. The present study aimed to determine how often, and which, untested women were making a choice about this, how many declined an offer and why. A questionnaire was given to untested women, aged 37 years and over, at no less than 24 weeks gestation. A total of 375 (81.5%) women declined, 72 (16%) were not offered a test and 13 presented too late antenatally. There was a three-fold increased likelihood (OR 3.10 95% CI 1.44, 6.65) of no offer for urban non-English speaking background women, compared with the reference group (metropolitan, English speaking). Unpartnered women were also significantly less likely to receive an offer (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.19, 8.46). Risk to the baby was the main reason for declining. When offered non-invasive prenatal screening, most decliners of prenatal diagnosis accepted, even those who declined because they were opposed to abortion. We estimate that overall 33% of older pregnant women were being offered and declining amniocentesis and/or chorion villus s ling (CVS). Only 6% were not offered a test, but this small proportion is over-represented by minority groups who must be given equal opportunity to make this choice.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-12-2014
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.12390
Abstract: This study aimed to document the vitamin D status of HIV-infected in iduals across a wide latitude range in one country and to examine associated risk factors for low vitamin D. Using data from patients attending four HIV specialist clinics across a wide latitude range in Australia, we constructed logistic regression models to investigate risk factors associated with 25(OH)D < 75 nmol L(-1). 1788 patients were included 87% were male, 76% Caucasian and 72% on antiretroviral therapy. The proportion with 25(OH)D < 50 nmol L(-1) was 27%, and <75 nmol L(-1) was 54%. Living in Melbourne compared with Cairns (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.30 95% CI 2.18, 4.99, P < 0.001) and non-Caucasian origin (aOR 2.82, 95% CI 2.12, 3.75, P < 0.001) was associated with an increased risk, while extreme UV index compared with low UV index was associated with a reduced risk (aOR 0.33 95% CI 0.20, 0.55, P < 0.001) of 25(OH)D < 75 nmol L(-1). In those with biochemistry available (n = 1117), antiretroviral therapy was associated with 25(OH)D < 75 nmol L(-1) however, this association was modified by serum cholesterol status. Location and UV index were the strongest factors associated with 25(OH)D < 75 nmol L(-1). Cholesterol, the product of an alternative steroid pathway with a common precursor steroid, modified the effect of antiretroviral therapy on serum 25(OH)D.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-01-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JGS.18247
Abstract: Observational studies have consistently found a link between low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration and higher risk of cognitive impairment. Results from randomized controlled trials have been mixed, and few have been conducted in the general population. We recruited 21,315 community‐dwelling Australians aged between 60 and 84 years to participate in the D‐Health Trial, a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. The intervention was monthly oral doses of 60,000 international units of vitamin D or placebo for 5 years. We assessed cognitive function in a randomly s led group of participants aged ≥70 years using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) at 2 and 5 years after randomization. The primary outcome for this analysis was TICS score the secondary outcome was the proportion of people who had cognitive impairment (defined as TICS score ≤25). We analyzed data using mixed models (linear and logistic). We interviewed 3887 participants at year 2 and 3614 participants at year 5. The mean TICS score at these time points was 32.3 and 32.2, respectively. Vitamin D supplementation did not affect cognitive function as measured by TICS score (mean difference between vitamin D and placebo groups 0.04 95% CI −0.14 to 0.23), or alter risk of cognitive impairment (odds ratio 1.00 95% CI 0.75 to 1.33). Monthly bolus doses of vitamin D supplementation neither enhanced nor hindered cognitive function among older adults. Population‐wide vitamin D supplementation of older adults that are largely vitamin D replete is unlikely to substantially benefit cognition.
Publisher: The Endocrine Society
Date: 07-2014
DOI: 10.1210/JC.2013-4101
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-1097.2008.00413.X
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether systematic differences in solar UV exposure on a specific anatomical site (chest) exist among three groups of Italian sunbathers: healthy subjects (suntanned and non-suntanned in iduals) and subjects affected by abnormally high sensitivity to solar exposure. A second aim of the study was to search for a possible relation among biological markers of in idual response to UV exposure (such as skin colorimetric parameters, skin temperature and changes in free radical amounts [FR] in the blood) and photosensitivity. FR in the blood were analyzed because of their possible influence on UV carcinogenesis. Measurements of ambient doses (i.e. incident erythemally weighted irradiance on a horizontal surface over a specified period of time) and erythemally effective UV dose received by an anatomical site (here called personal dose or exposure on a specific anatomical site) were investigated. Personal doses received by the chest were determined using polysulfone dosimetry. Exposure Ratio (ER), defined as the ratio between the personal dose and the corresponding ambient dose during the same exposure period, was then calculated. Measuring of skin color in the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L (luminance), a (redness), b (yellowness) system and skin temperature were also carried out on the inner upper arm (nonexposed skin site) and on the chest. It was found that the median value of ER was 0.20 (min: 0.09 and max: 0.34) for suntanned in iduals, it was 0.17 (min: 0.13 and max: 0.42) for non-suntanned in iduals and it was 0.19 (min: 0.14 and max: 0.34) for photosensitive in iduals. There were no significant differences across the groups in their median ER scores. In addition, the statistical analysis showed that L on the exposed site before exposure demonstrated consistently higher median scores after exposure in all groups. The b value after exposure was significantly lower than before exposure in all participants, while no significant differences for a were observed before or after exposure between or within the groups. Our findings suggest that photodermatoses are not significantly related to ER and to the changes in biological markers due to too short-term UV exposure.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-10-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-1097.2010.00816.X
Abstract: Proper application of sunscreen is essential as an effective public health strategy for skin cancer prevention. Insufficient application is common among sunbathers, results in decreased sun protection and may therefore lead to increased UV damage of the skin. However, no objective measure of sunscreen application thickness (SAT) is currently available for field-based use. We present a method to detect SAT on human skin for determining the amount of sunscreen applied and thus enabling comparisons to manufacturer recommendations. Using a skin swabbing method and subsequent spectrophotometric analysis, we were able to determine SAT on human skin. A swabbing method was used to derive SAT on skin (in mg sunscreen per cm(2) of skin area) through the concentration-absorption relationship of sunscreen determined in laboratory experiments. Analysis differentiated SATs between 0.25 and 4 mg cm(-2) and showed a small but significant decrease in concentration over time postapplication. A field study was performed, in which the heterogeneity of sunscreen application could be investigated. The proposed method is a low cost, noninvasive method for the determination of SAT on skin and it can be used as a valid tool in field- and population-based studies.
Publisher: SPIE-Intl Soc Optical Eng
Date: 04-2005
DOI: 10.1117/1.1885470
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JID.2016.03.014
Abstract: The prognosis of melanoma patients who are diagnosed with multiple primary lesions remains controversial. We used a large population-based cohort to re-examine this issue, applying a delayed entry methodology to avoid survival bias. Of 32,238 eligible patients diagnosed between 1995 and 2008, 29,908 (93%) had a single invasive melanoma, 2,075 (6%) had two, and 255 (1%) had three. Allowing for differences in entry time, 10-year cause-specific survival for these three groups was 89% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 88-90%), 83% (95% CI = 80-86%), and 67% (95% CI = 54-81%), respectively. After adjustment for key prognostic factors, the hazard ratio of death within 10 years from melanoma was two times higher for those with two melanomas (hazard ratio = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.57-2.59 P < 0.001) and nearly three times higher when three melanomas were diagnosed (hazard ratio = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.64-5.18 P < 0.001) compared with people with a single melanoma. Melanoma-specific mortality remained elevated after adjusting for maximum thickness or ulceration of any melanoma regardless of the index tumor. After appropriately accounting for the interval between diagnosis of the first and subsequent melanomas, patients with multiple invasive melanomas have significantly poorer survival than patients with a single invasive melanoma.
Publisher: SPIE-Intl Soc Optical Eng
Date: 04-2005
DOI: 10.1117/1.1885471
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSBMB.2015.03.007
Abstract: An adequate vitamin D status, as measured by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration, is important in humans for maintenance of healthy bones and muscle function. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was assessed in participants from Melbourne, Australia (37.81S, 144.96E), who were provided with the current Australian guidelines on sun exposure for 25(OH)D adequacy (25(OH)D ≥50 nmol/L). Participants were interviewed in February (summer, n=104) and August (winter, n=99) of 2013. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was examined as a function of measures of sun exposure and sun protection habits with control of key characteristics such as dietary intake of vitamin D, body mass index (BMI) and skin colour, that may modify this relationship. The mean 25(OH)D concentration in participants who complied with the current sun exposure guidelines was 67.3 nmol/L in summer and 41.9 nmol/L in winter. At the end of the study, 69.3% of participants who complied with the summer sun exposure guidelines were 25(OH)D adequate, while only 27.6% of participants who complied with the winter sun exposure guidelines were 25(OH)D adequate at the end of the study. The results suggest that the current Australian guidelines for sun exposure for 25(OH)D adequacy are effective for most in summer and ineffective for most in winter. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled '17th Vitamin D Workshop'.
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 1999
DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/44/4/008
Abstract: The solar UV transmitted through automobile glass was measured in the field in two cars using a spectroradiometer. The two cars were identical except that one of the cars had all of the windows (except the windshield) tinted. The measured spectral erythemal UV on a horizontal plane with the windows fully closed was reduced in the tinted car by a factor of 42 when compared with the erythemal UV measured in the untinted car. The ambient UVA irradiances at various locations within four different makes of car and a tractor were also measured with a broad band UVA handheld meter. The average normalized daily UVA exposure (measured with a broad band UVA meter) was 1.3 times higher in a large family sedan when compared with that in a small hatchback and the UVA exposure in a car with tinted windows was 3.8 times less than in a similar untinted car.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 13-05-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-08-2014
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.12317
Abstract: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is closely linked to the development of skin cancers in humans. The ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation wavelength (280-320 nm), in particular, causes DNA damage in epidermal keratinocytes, which are linked to the generation of signature premalignant mutations. Interactions between dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes play a role in epidermal repair and regeneration after UVB-induced damage. To investigate these processes, established two and three-dimensional culture models were utilized to study the impact of fibroblast-keratinocyte crosstalk during the acute UVB response. Using a coculture system it was observed that fibroblasts enhanced keratinocyte survival and the repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) after UVB radiation exposure. These findings were also mirrored in irradiated human skin coculture models employed in this study. Fibroblast coculture was shown to play a role in the expression and activation of members of the apoptotic cascade, including caspase-3 and Bad. Interestingly, the expression and phosphorylation of p53, a key player in the regulation of keratinocyte cell fate postirradiation, was also shown to be influenced by fibroblast-produced factors. This study highlights the importance of synergistic interactions between fibroblasts and keratinocytes in maintaining a functional epidermis while promoting repair and regeneration following UVB radiation-induced damage.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-2019
Abstract: This study will assess the relationship between vitamin D concentration at melanoma diagnosis and melanoma tumor characteristics, in in iduals in a high ultraviolet radiation (UVR) environment. We aim to recruit 600 recently diagnosed melanoma patients from Queensland, Australia, a high UVR location with one of the world’s highest melanoma incidence rates. Patients are recruited through general practitioner, skin cancer specialist, dermatological and hospital-based practices. As close as possible to diagnosis, participants provide a blood s le for vitamin D analysis and have their sun exposure/sun protection behavior, melanoma risk factors and dietary vitamin D intake assessed by questionnaire and phone interview. Details of tumor pathology, including tumor level, thickness, and ulceration, are abstracted from cancer registry records. Here, we describe the study methods and present preliminary findings from early participants. As of December 2017, we have recruited 128 participants (48% male, mean age 60.2 years, mean Breslow thickness 0.63 mm). When complete, this study will give insights into the association between vitamin D at diagnosis and melanoma tumor characteristics whilst adjusting for recent sun exposure and sun protection use. This study may impact military sun exposure and nutrition policies as vitamin D may play a role in melanomagenesis.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-02-2014
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWT446
Abstract: The Quantitative Assessment of Solar UV [ultraviolet] Exposure for Vitamin D Synthesis in Australian Adults (AusD) Study aimed to better define the relationship between sun exposure and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Cross-sectional data were collected between May 2009 and December 2010 from 1,002 participants aged 18-75 years in 4 Australian sites spanning 24° of latitude. Participants completed the following: 1) questionnaires on sun exposure, dietary vitamin D intake, and vitamin D supplementation 2) 10 days of personal ultraviolet radiation dosimetry 3) a sun exposure and physical activity diary and 4) clinical measurements and blood collection for 25(OH)D determination. Our multiple regression model described 40% of the variance in 25(OH)D concentration modifiable behavioral factors contributed 52% of the explained variance, and environmental and demographic or constitutional variables contributed 38% and 10%, respectively. The amount of skin exposed was the single strongest contributor to the explained variance (27%), followed by location (20%), season (17%), personal ultraviolet radiation exposure (8%), vitamin D supplementation (7%), body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)(2)) (4%), and physical activity (4%). Modifiable behavioral factors strongly influence serum 25(OH)D concentrations in Australian adults. In addition, latitude was a strong determinant of the relative contribution of different behavioral factors.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2001
DOI: 10.1034/J.1600-0781.2001.170305.X
Abstract: Primary schoolchildren in their everyday school life are exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation. This may be through time spent outdoors whilst having meal breaks, physical education classes and other class orientated outdoor activities. This research investigates the UV exposure of primary schoolchildren and the effect real-time UV irradiances data and an associated software package, UVGUIDE, have on UV exposure. This software utilises scientifically collected data, such as facial distribution of UV, as well as accessing real-time on-line UV irradiances data to estimate the UV distribution to the head region. The students can also enter other parameters such as hat usage and hat type to show the effect of using such a UV protective device on their facial UV distribution. The results from this study found that the average 3-day erythemal UV exposure in late summer and early autumn to the left shoulder was 33% higher for the students not having access to the on-line UV data and software package.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-1998
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0781.1998.TB00002.X
Abstract: Quantification of human exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation at two locations was performed to study the effect of occupation (outdoor workers, schoolchildren and home workers) and location on personal UV exposure. The study took place on 13 and 14 February 1997 in Toowoomba (27.5 degrees S, 151.9 degrees E) and Brisbane (27.4 degrees S, 153.1 degrees E) in Southeast Queensland, Australia. From the data collected by calibrated ambient UV monitoring stations located in Toowoomba and Brisbane, Toowoomba received 16% more UVB (280-320 nm) than Brisbane from 07:00 to 17:00 Australian Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the 13 February, 1997 and 10% more UVB on the 14 February 1997. All groups, regardless of occupation, in this study received a median erythemal UV exposure of over 2 MED on the shoulder over the 2 day period. The highest median erythemal UV exposure to the shoulder over the 2 day period was 6 MED in Toowoomba outdoor workers. The median 2 day erythemal exposure to the shoulder was 33% higher in Toowoomba than in Brisbane for the outdoor workers, 50% higher in Toowoomba compared to Brisbane for the schoolchildren and 25% higher in Toowoomba than Brisbane for the home workers.
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 16-07-2008
Abstract: Abstract. Mountain sites experience enhanced UV radiation levels due to the concurrent effects of shorter radiation path-length, low aerosol load and high reflectivity of the snow surfaces. This study was encouraged by the possibility to collect original data of personal dose on a specific anatomical site (erythemally effective UV dose on the forehead) of two groups of volunteers (ski instructors and skiers) in the mountainous areas of Italy (the Alpine site of La Thuile-Les Suches in Valle d'Aosta region). Personal doses were assessed using polysulphone dosimetry. Exposure Ratio (ER), defined as the ratio between the personal dose and the corresponding ambient dose (i.e. erythemally weighted dose received by a horizontal surface) during the same exposure period was taken into account. In addition measuring skin colours as biological markers of in idual response to UV exposure, was also carried out on the forearm and cheek of each volunteer before and after exposure. The median ER, taking into account the whole s le, is 0.60 in winter, with a range of 0.29 to 1.46, and 1.02 in spring, ranging from 0.46 to 1.72. No differences in ERs were found between skiers and instructors in spring while in winter skiers experienced lower values. Regarding skin colorimetric parameters the main result was that both skiers and instructors had on average significantly lower values of luminance after exposure i.e.~they became darker. It was found that the use of sunscreen and in idual skin photo-type did not produce significant variations in ER across instructor/skier group by day and by seasons (p .05). It seems that sunscreen use only at the beginning of the exposure or in a few cases a couple of times during exposure (at difference with the specific instructions sheets), was not sufficient to change significantly skin colorimetric parameters across participants. In conclusion UV personal doses on the ski-fields are often significantly higher than those on horizontal surfaces and consistently more intense respect to personal doses received by sunbathers on the beach in central Italy (ER range: 0.09–0.42). Given the high levels of exposure observed in the present study, specific public health warnings with regards to the efficacy of sun-protection behaviours (proper application and re-application of sunscreen and protective measures such as hats and sun glasses) should be adopted.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-07-2010
DOI: 10.1039/C0PP00094A
Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the characteristics of a phenothiazine-mylar dosimeter which can be used as an effective solar UVA exposure assessment tool. This dosimeter is sensitive to UVA wavelengths (315-400 nm) its performance has been characterized in a series of tests such as (a) UVA exposure response (dose-response), (b) temperature stability of the response, (c) impact of long term storage, and (d) angular response. There is no effect of long term storage post-exposure and no effect of temperature up to 30 degrees C. For angles up to 70 degrees, the cosine error of the normalized UVA is less than approximately 0.1. These characterizations have confirmed the reliability and reproducibility of a phenothiazine-mylar combined dosimeter as an effective solar UVA exposure tool for field-based studies of the UVA exposures to population groups.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-2003
DOI: 10.1039/B207953D
Abstract: The methods presented in this paper allow for the estimation of human UVA exposure using measured UVA irradiance values. Using measured broadband UVA irradiances over the period of a year, it was estimated that for humans in an upright posture and not moving the head with respect to the body, the nose received 26.5% of the available ambient UVA radiation, whilst the shoulders and vertex of the head received 81% and 100% respectively of the available ambient UVA radiation. Measurement of the exposure ratios for a series of solar zenith angles between 90 degrees and 0 degrees will allow extension of this technique to other latitudes.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-1097.2011.00941.X
Abstract: We measured serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels of ambulatory adults in tropical Australia to determine whether it is appropriate to continue promoting sun-safety in this population. In August 2006 (winter), self-administered questionnaires were completed by 145 Meals-on-Wheels volunteers (49.3% male mean age 57.8 ± 14.7 years 76.6% response) from Townsville, Queensland (Latitude 19(o) S). Serum 25(OH)D was analyzed using two common assays. Mean levels were 68.3 (SD ± 18.7 range 26-142) by DiaSorin Radioimmunoassay and 83.0 (SD ± 30.8 range 30-184) by DiaSorin Liaison® one. No participants were 25(OH)D deficient (<25 nmol L(-1)). Nine participants (6.2%) had 25(OH)D levels between 25 and 50 nmol L(-1) (insufficient), by both methods (seven with a BMI ≥ 25). Twenty-eight participants (19.3%) had one result in the insufficient range and the other in the adequate range. Thus, almost all of these free-living adults in tropical Australia had adequate vitamin D levels at the end of winter. There was poor agreement between the two 25(OH)D assays. These results suggest it is appropriate to continue promoting sun-safe messages to the ambulatory Caucasian adult population of North Queensland, which has an extremely high incidence of skin cancer. The lack of agreement between the two assays is a concern. Few doctors are aware of this measurement issue.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2003
DOI: 10.1016/S1011-1344(02)00385-8
Abstract: Humans undertake their daily activities in a number of different postures. This paper aims to compare the anatomical distribution of the solar erythemal UV to human legs for standing and sitting postures. The exposure ratios to the legs (ratio of the UV exposure to a particular anatomical site compared to the ambient) have been measured with UV dosimeters for standing and sitting postures of a manikin. The exposure ratios for the legs ranged from 0 to 0.75 for the different anatomical sites for the sitting posture in summer (December through February) compared to 0.14 to 0.39 for the standing posture. In winter (June through August) the exposure ratios ranged from 0.01 to 0.91 for sitting to 0.17 to 0.81 for standing. For the anterior thigh and shin, the erythemal UV exposures increased by a factor of approximately 3 for sitting compared to standing postures. The exposure ratios to specific anatomical sites have been multiplied by the ambient erythemal UV exposures for each day to calculate the annual exposures. The annual erythemal exposures to the anterior thigh and ankle were predicted to be higher than 800 MED for humans sitting outdoors each day between noon and 13:00 h Australian Eastern Standard Time (EST). For humans standing outdoors during this time, the annual erythemal UV exposure averaged over each leg site was 436 MED, whereas, the averaged annual erythemal UV exposure was 512 MED for the sitting posture. Similarly, the annual erythemal UV exposure averaged over each of the sites was 173 MED for humans standing outdoors between 09:00 h EST and noon each Saturday morning and 205 MED for humans sitting outdoors during this time. These results show that there is increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer and malignant melanoma to the lower body if no UV preventative strategies are employed while in a sitting posture compared to a standing posture.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-2018
DOI: 10.1039/C7PP00378A
Abstract: Sunlight generates vitamin D, but there are scant human data from randomised trials on which to base health policy advice about how much sun exposure is necessary to change 25(OH)D concentrations. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of using solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure to generate a change in 25(OH)D concentration in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). The intervention tested in this RCT was supervised exposure to one standard erythemal dose (SED 100 J m-2) of solar UV radiation three days per week for three weeks with approximately 35% of the body surface area not covered by clothing. Thirty-six fair-skinned (skin type II and III) indoor workers from Brisbane, Australia were randomised into either the intervention group (n = 16) or the control group (n = 20) the latter did not receive any supervised sun exposure. We asked both groups to use sunscreen and to minimise time outdoors during the study period. We collected blood s les at baseline, once per week during the three week intervention period, and four weeks after the intervention finished. The cumulative UV radiation exposure over the intervention period measured using polysulphone badges was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (median 8 vs. 4 SEDs, p = 0.14). After three weeks, the mean serum 25(OH)D concentration increased from 60 to 65 nmol l-1 in the intervention group and from 55 to 57 nmol l-1 in the control group. After adjustment for baseline 25(OH)D, the mean change per week during the intervention phase was non-significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group (0.7 vs. 0.3 p = 0.35). This difference was not sustained during the follow-up period. Large field trials are needed to inform policy about how much natural sun exposure is required to raise 25(OH)D concentrations. This pilot identified key issues that need to be considered in the design of such a trial.
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 07-2010
DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-10-0127
Abstract: Background: Sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D. Increasing scientific and media attention to the potential health benefits of sun exposure may lead to changes in sun exposure behaviors. Methods: To provide data that might help frame public health messages, we conducted an online survey among office workers in Brisbane, Australia, to determine knowledge and attitudes about vitamin D and associations of these with sun protection practices. Of the 4,709 people invited to participate, 2,867 (61%) completed the questionnaire. This analysis included 1,971 (69%) participants who indicated that they had heard about vitamin D. Results: Lack of knowledge about vitamin D was apparent. Eighteen percent of people were unaware of the bone benefits of vitamin D but 40% listed currently unconfirmed benefits. Over half of the participants indicated that more than 10 minutes in the sun was needed to attain enough vitamin D in summer, and 28% indicated more than 20 minutes in winter. This was significantly associated with increased time outdoors and decreased sunscreen use. People believing sun protection might cause vitamin D deficiency (11%) were less likely to be frequent sunscreen users (summer odds ratio, 0.63 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.75). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there is some confusion about sun exposure and vitamin D, and that this may result in reduced sun-protective behavior. Impact: More information is needed about vitamin D production in the skin. In the interim, education c aigns need to specifically address the vitamin D issue to ensure that skin cancer incidence does not increase. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 19(7) 1784–9. ©2010 AACR.
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 02-2013
DOI: 10.5694/MJA12.11363
Abstract: Osteoporosis imposes a tremendous burden on Australia: 1.2 million Australians have osteoporosis and 6.3 million have osteopenia. In the 2007–08 financial year, 82 000 Australians suffered fragility fractures, of which > 17 000 were hip fractures. In the 2000–01 financial year, direct costs were estimated at $1.9 billion per year and an additional $5.6 billion on indirect costs. Osteoporosis was designated a National Health Priority Area in 2002 however, implementation of national plans has not yet matched the rhetoric in terms of urgency. Building healthy bones throughout life, the Osteoporosis Australia strategy to prevent osteoporosis throughout the life cycle, presents an evidence-informed set of recommendations for consumers, health care professionals and policymakers. The strategy was adopted by consensus at the Osteoporosis Australia Summit in Sydney, 20 October 2011. Primary objectives throughout the life cycle are: to maximise peak bone mass during childhood and adolescence to prevent premature bone loss and improve or maintain muscle mass, strength and functional capacity in healthy adults to prevent and treat osteoporosis in order to minimise the risk of suffering fragility fractures, and reduce falls risk, in older people. The recommendations focus on three affordable and important interventions — to ensure people have adequate calcium intake, vitamin D levels and appropriate physical activity throughout their lives. Recommendations relevant to all stages of life include: daily dietary calcium intakes should be consistent with Australian and New Zealand guidelines serum levels of vitamin D in the general population should be above 50nmol/L in winter or early spring for optimal bone health regular weight-bearing physical activity, muscle strengthening exercises and challenging balance/mobility activities should be conducted in a safe environment.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-04-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0625.2012.01485.X
Abstract: Presently, global rates of skin cancers induced by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure are on the rise. In view of this, current knowledge gaps in the biology of photocarcinogenesis and skin cancer progression urgently need to be addressed. One factor that has limited skin cancer research has been the need for a reproducible and physiologically-relevant model able to represent the complexity of human skin. This review outlines the main currently-used in vitro models of UVR-induced skin damage. This includes the use of conventional two-dimensional cell culture techniques and the major animal models that have been employed in photobiology and photocarcinogenesis research. Additionally, the progression towards the use of cultured skin explants and tissue-engineered skin constructs, and their utility as models of native skin's responses to UVR are described. The inherent advantages and disadvantages of these in vitro systems are also discussed.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-2000
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CANEP.2019.05.002
Abstract: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight is directly associated with melanoma skin cancer, however reducing sun-exposure can be difficult to achieve at a population level. Using a genomic risk information behaviour change trial for melanoma prevention, we classified participants as risk-seeking, risk-neutral or risk-averse for domain-specific risk taking (DOSPERT). One-way ANOVA determined the association between socio-demographic characteristics and risk-taking score, and multivariable linear regression ascertained impact of an in idual's underlying risk propensity on an objective measure of sun-exposure, standard erythemal dose (SED), at 3-months follow-up. Of 119 participants, mean age 53 years 50% males, 87% had a personal/family history of cancer 19% were classified risk-seeking, 57% risk-neutral. The mean risk-taking score was significantly higher in younger participants (≤50 years: 13.86 vs. >50 years: 11.11, p = 0.003) and lower in those with a personal/family history of skin cancer versus without (10.55 vs 13.33, p = 0.009). Risk averse in iduals had lower weekly mean SEDs at 3-months than risk neutral and risk seeking in iduals (2.56, 5.81, 4.81 respectively, p = 0.01). Risk seekers showed fewer sun protective habits (p < 0.001) and higher intentional tanning, (p = 0.01). At 3-months, risk seekers attained 16%-54% lower SEDs in the genomic information group compared with controls, however this was not significantly different across risk groups (interaction p = 0.13). An in idual's underlying risk attitude is likely associated with sun-exposure behaviours, and may modify the effect of a genomic risk information behaviour change intervention. Young people and risk seekers may benefit most from being given information on their genetic risk of melanoma.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2001
DOI: 10.1080/09603120020047500
Abstract: Data are presented on the effect of the tree canopy transmittance in the visible waveband (VT), canopy width, height and height of the start of the tree canopy (CH) on the solar UV in tree shade on a horizontal plane at ground level during a Southern Hemisphere summer. Of these factors, the VT and CH have an influence on the UV irradiances in the tree shade. The shade ratios (UV in tree shade to that in full sun) for erythemal UV ranged from 0.71 to 0.42, 0.54 to 0.29 and 0.63 to 0.41 for morning, noon and afternoon, respectively, for the VT range of 0.4-1.0. Over the same VT range, the shade ratios for UVA ranged from 0.61 to 0.28, 0.50 to 0.22 and 0.49 to 0.29 for morning, noon and afternoon, respectively. The UV exposures in the tree shade decreased with the VT with a marginally higher decrease in the irradiances for the UVA compared to the erythemal UV. Despite the protection by the tree shade, significant UV in the tree shade of approximately 4 MED (minimum erythemal dose) were received for the latitude in this research on a cloud free summer day on a horizontal plane over a 2-h period centred about solar noon.
Publisher: SPIE
Date: 06-11-2003
DOI: 10.1117/12.505752
Publisher: SPIE
Date: 06-11-2003
DOI: 10.1117/12.505921
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-09-2013
DOI: 10.1111/PCMR.12157
Abstract: We conducted a clinical trial to compare the molecular and cellular responses of human melanocytes and keratinocytes in vivo to solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation (SSUVR) in 57 Caucasian participants grouped according to MC1R genotype. We found that, on average, the density of epidermal melanocytes 14 days after exposure to 2 minimal erythemal dose (MED) SSUVR was twofold higher than baseline (unirradiated) skin. However, the change in epidermal melanocyte counts among people carrying germline MC1R variants (97% increase) was significantly less than those with wild-type MC1R (164% increase P = 0.01). We also found that sunscreen applied to the skin before exposure to 2 MED SSUVR completely blocked the effects of DNA damage, p53 induction, and cellular proliferation in both melanocytes and keratinocytes.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-1999
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-01-2014
Abstract: Outdoor workers are at high risk of harmful ultraviolet radiation exposure and are identified as an at risk group for the development of skin cancer. This systematic evidence based review provides an update to a previous review published in 2007 about interventions for the prevention of skin cancer in outdoor workers. This review includes interventions published between 2007-2012 and presents findings about sun protection behaviours and/or objective measures of skin cancer risk. Six papers met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Large studies with extended follow-up times demonstrated the efficacy of educational and multi-component interventions to increase sun protection, with some higher use of personal protective equipment such as sunscreen. However, there is less evidence for the effectiveness of policy or specific intervention components. Further research aimed at improving overall attitudes towards sun protection in outdoor workers is needed to provide an overarching framework.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2008
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-08-2018
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.12964
Abstract: Solar ultraviolet radiation is the primary risk factor for skin cancers and sun-related eye disorders. Estimates of in idual ambient ultraviolet irradiance derived from ground-based solar measurements and from satellite measurements have rarely been compared. Using self-reported residential history from 67 189 persons in a nationwide occupational US radiologic technologists' cohort, we estimated ambient solar irradiance using data from ground-based meters and noontime satellite measurements. The mean distance moved from city of longest residence in childhood increased from 137.6 km at ages 13-19 to 870.3 km at ages ≥65, with corresponding increases in absolute latitude difference moved. At ages 20/40/60/80, the Pearson/Spearman correlation coefficients of ground-based and satellite-derived potential solar ultraviolet exposure, using irradiance and cumulative radiant exposure metrics, were high (=0.87-0.92). There was also moderate correlation (Pearson/Spearman correlation coefficients = 0.51-0.60) between irradiance at birth and at last-known address, for ground-based and satellite data. Satellite-based lifetime estimates of ultraviolet radiation were generally 14-15% lower than ground-based estimates, albeit with substantial uncertainties, possibly because ground-based estimates incorporate fluctuations in cloud and ozone, which are incompletely incorporated in the single noontime satellite-overpass ultraviolet value. If confirmed elsewhere, the findings suggest that ground-based estimates may improve exposure assessment accuracy and potentially provide new insights into ultraviolet radiation-disease relationships in epidemiologic studies.
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 03-11-2003
DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/48/22/005
Abstract: The optical properties of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) film have been characterized in order to develop an alternative method for UV dosimetry with a focus on long-term human exposure measurements. The dynamic range of PPO film was found to extend to 2 MJ m(-2) of broadband UV exposure independently of film thickness, providing an exposure range of roughly four summer days at subtropical latitudes. The sensitivity of the film to UV exposure was positively related to film thickness in the 20-40 microm range. Films of 40 microm thickness proved to be the most suitable for long-term human UV exposure measurements. The temperature independence of the response of 40 microm PPO film was established from 1.5 degrees C to 50 degrees C within a dosimeter response uncertainty of 6.5%. Dose-rate independence was also demonstrated within 8% of the mean dosimeter response. The spectral response approximates the CIE erythemal action spectrum between 300 and 340 nm, with a peak response at 305 nm. A large deviation from this action spectrum was observed at shorter wavelengths. Investigation of the angular response in both the azimuth and altitude planes showed a cosine error of less than 6.2% between 0 degrees and 40 degrees, and did not exceed 13.3% at any angle greater than 40 degrees. These results indicate that PPO film satisfies the requirements for use as a UV dosimeter, and may be employed in long-term human exposure measurements.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJMEDINF.2015.01.006
Abstract: Online continuing medical education (CME) offers a number of advantages for physicians including flexibility with regards to location and timing of use. In order to effect physician practices and improve patient outcomes, it is important that the development of online CME is theory and evidence-based. This paper aims to describe the development of an online CME program for practising general practitioners (GPs) on vitamin D and sun health called "The ABC's of Vitamin D for GPs" using elements of design principles for physician-education web sites as a framework. The paper will also report the program's usability and acceptability pilot test results. The ABC's of Vitamin D program was developed following nine principles: needs assessment evidence-based content development multimodal program and modularisation clinical cases tailoring and interactivity audit and feedback credibility of the web site host patient education materials ease of use and navigation. Among the 20 GPs invited, acceptability and useability was tested with 12 GPs (60%) who agreed to participate and were interviewed following use of the program. The study was conducted between 2011 and 2013. An online CME program consisting of eight modules was constructed. Of the 12 participating GPs, most (n=11) reported that the program was clear and easy to understand, logical, easy to navigate, and took a reasonable amount of time (estimated between 1 and 3h) to complete. Eleven of 12 participants said they would use the program as an accredited CME activity and all participants indicated that the program was 'very or somewhat' likely to lead to changes in the advice patients are given. This study found that a theory and evidence based approach for the development of an online CME program for GPs was acceptable to users. Further research is needed to examine whether the online CME program is effective at changing GP practices and improving patient outcomes.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-07-2020
DOI: 10.1002/CNCR.33078
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 04-01-2013
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWS223
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2003
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 15-06-2022
DOI: 10.1111/NURE.12047
Abstract: Results of recent studies suggest that circulating levels of vitamin D may play an important role in cancer-specific outcomes. The present systematic review was undertaken to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) and insufficiency (25-50 nmol/L) in cancer patients and to evaluate the association between circulating calcidiol (the indicator of vitamin D status) and clinical outcomes. A systematic search of original, peer-reviewed studies on calcidiol at cancer diagnosis, and throughout treatment and survival, was conducted yielding 4,706 studies. A total of 37 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Reported mean blood calcidiol levels ranged from 24.7 to 87.4 nmol/L, with up to 31% of patients identified as deficient and 67% as insufficient. The efficacy of cholecalciferol supplementation for raising the concentration of circulating calcidiol is unclear standard supplement regimens of <1,000 IU D₃ /day may not be sufficient to maintain adequate concentrations or prevent decreasing calcidiol. Dose-response studies linking vitamin D status to musculoskeletal and survival outcomes in cancer patients are lacking.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLAE.2017.09.007
Abstract: To determine the possible association between serum vitamin D levels and dry eye symptoms, and the impact of an oral vitamin D supplement. Three linked studies were performed. (i) 29 older adult participants, (ii) 29 dry eyed participants, and (iii) 2-month vitamin D supplementation for 32 dry eyed/low serum vitamin D levelled participants. All participants were assessed by the Ocular Surface Diseases Index (OSDI) to determine dry eye symptoms, and the phenol red thread test (PRT) and/or Schirmer's tear test, tear meniscus height, non-invasive tear break up time, grading ocular surface redness and fluorescein staining of the cornea to detect the tear quality and ocular surface conditions. Blood s les were collected for serum vitamin D analysis and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Among older adult participants, vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with dry eye symptoms, the severity of dry eye, and associated with tired eye symptom. Vitamin D levels of people with dry eye diagnosis were not correlated with OSDI scores and IL-6 levels while IL-6 levels showed correlation with tear production. In supplement study, vitamin D levels increased by 29mol/l, while dry eye symptoms and grading of corneal staining appeared significant reductions. No significant changes in IL-6 levels. Low vitamin D levels (<50nmol/l) were associated with dry eye symptoms in older in iduals but not those diagnosed with dry eye. Vitamin D supplement increased the vitamin D levels, and improved dry eye symptoms, the tear quality and ocular surface conditions.
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 21-07-2021
DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-20-1815
Abstract: Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has long been associated with UV radiation (UVR) exposure, but data are limited on risks by anatomic site. We followed 63,912 cancer-free White U.S. radiologic technologists from cohort entry (1983–1989/1994–1998) to exit (date first BCC via 2003–2005 questionnaire). We estimated associations between cumulative ambient UVR and relative/absolute risks of self-reported BCC by anatomic location via Poisson models. For incident first primary BCC in 2,124 subjects (mean follow-up, 16.9 years) log[excess relative risks] (ERR) of BCC per unit cumulative ambient UVR = 1.27/MJ cm–2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86–1.68 Ptrend & 0.001] did not vary by anatomic site (P = 0.153). However, excess absolute risks of BCC per unit cumulative ambient UVR were large for the head/neck = 5.46/MJ cm–2/104 person-year (95% CI: 2.92–7.36 Ptrend & 0.001), smaller for the trunk (2.56 95% CI: 1.26–3.33 Ptrend = 0.003), with lesser increases elsewhere. There were lower relative risks, but higher absolute risks, for those with Gaelic ancestry (P & 0.001), also higher absolute risks among those with fair complexion, but relative and absolute risks were not generally modified by other constitutional, lifestyle or medical factors for any anatomic sites. Excess absolute and relative risk was concentrated 5–15 years before time of follow-up. BCC relative and absolute risk rose with increasing cumulative ambient UVR exposure, with absolute risk highest for the head/neck, to a lesser extent in the trunk. These associations should be evaluated in other White and other racial/ethnic populations along with assessment of possible modification by time outdoors, protective, and behavioral factors.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-12-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S00198-015-3432-3
Abstract: To see if vitamin D and antiretroviral therapy are associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in people with HIV. Lower hip BMD was associated with tenofovir (an antiretroviral medicine) in those with 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol/L. The relationship between antiretroviral therapy and hip BMD differs depending on vitamin D status. People with HIV have an increased risk of low BMD and fractures. Antiretroviral therapy contributes to this increased risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between vitamin D metabolites and antiretroviral therapy on BMD. The simplification of antiretroviral therapy with tenofovir-emtricitabine or abacavir-lamivudine trial (STEAL) was an open-label, prospective randomised non-inferiority study that compared simplification of current nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) to fixed-dose combination tenofovir-emtricitabine (TDF-FTC) or abacavir-lamivudine. Serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were measured in 160 in iduals (90 receiving TDF-FTC, 70 receiving other NRTIs) at baseline from this study. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed to evaluate the covariates of 1,25(OH)2D and BMD. Protease inhibitor use (p = 0.02) and higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.002) were associated with lower 1,25(OH)2D levels in those with 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L. However, TDF-FTC use (p = 0.01) was associated with higher 1,25(OH)2D levels, but only in those with 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol/L. White ethnicity (p = 0.02) and lower BMI (p < 0.001) in those with 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L and with TDF-FTC use (p = 0.008) in those with 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol/L were associated with lower hip BMD. TDF-FTC use, higher serum calcium and serum βCTX, winter, and lower bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and BMI were associated with lower lumbar spine BMD. TDF-FTC use (versus non-TDF-FTC use) was associated with lower hip BMD, and this difference was more pronounced in those with 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol/L. Serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L was associated with lower hip BMD in all participants. Therefore, the associations between antiretroviral therapy and hip BMD differ depending on vitamin D status.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-12-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-11-2022
Abstract: A total solar eclipse occurred over North America on 21 August 2017 and was a much-publicized astronomical event whose observance depended upon favorable weather. The eclipse also was a biometeorological event because people needed to both protect their both eyes and skin from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Although much attention was devoted in the media to the visual experience of the eclipse and to eye protection, skin protection received almost no emphasis. Thus, the authors surveyed 1014 university students in Athens, Georgia shortly after the eclipse event about their skin protective behaviors. Overall, people observed the eclipse outside for approximately one hour. The time spent outside differed significantly according to peoples’ self-reported skin response to the sun. The respondents also indicated that that they observed the eclipse for significantly longer periods of time than would be needed for them to receive a sunburn. Other than wearing sunglasses and using eclipse glasses, the most frequent skin protective measures were to seek shade and to wear short-sleeve shirts. Wearing additional clothing, hats, or any type of sunscreen were comparatively infrequent. We discussed the need for safeguarding the skin because every sunburn event at younger ages can increase the likelihood of skin cancers.
Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Date: 25-11-2004
DOI: 10.1029/2004JD004820
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-08-2022
Abstract: Worldwide, the number of cancer survivors is rapidly increasing. The aim of this study was to quantify long-term health service costs of cancer survivorship on a population level. The study cohort comprised residents of Queensland, Australia, diagnosed with a first primary malignancy between 1997 and 2015. Administrative databases were linked with cancer registry records to capture all health service utilization. Health service costs between 2013–2016 were analyzed using a bottom-up costing approach. The cumulative mean annual healthcare expenditure (2013–2016) for the cohort of N = 230,380 in iduals was AU$3.66 billion. The highest costs were incurred by patients with a history of prostate (AU$538 m), breast (AU$496 m) or colorectal (AU$476 m) cancers. Costs by time since diagnosis were typically highest in the first year after diagnosis and decreased over time. Overall mean annual healthcare costs per person (2013–2016) were AU$15,889 (SD: AU$25,065) and highest costs per in idual were for myeloma (AU$45,951), brain (AU$30,264) or liver cancer (AU$29,619) patients. Our results inform policy makers in Australia of the long-term health service costs of cancer survivors, provide data for economic evaluations and reinforce the benefits of investing in cancer prevention.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-02-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-1097.2011.00899.X
Abstract: Vitamin D is necessary to maintain healthy bones, and may prevent other chronic diseases. There is limited information regarding the vitamin D status of people living in climates with relatively high ambient ultraviolet radiation. We therefore aimed to determine serum 25(OH)D levels in a group of office-workers in subtropical Australia. We collected blood from 129 office workers in summer (n = 129) and 175 in winter (91 in both seasons). Serum 25(OH)D was estimated using a commercial chemiluminescent immunoassay and we asked participants to complete questionnaires about sun exposure and diet for the month prior to blood collection. Summer and winter mean serum 25(OH)D was 74 (95% CI 70-77) nmol L(-1) and 54 (95% CI 51-57) nmol L(-1), respectively. In summer, 14% of participants were classed as "insufficient," compared with 51% in winter. High 25(OH)D levels in summer were associated with time spent outdoors in nonpeak UV periods, while in winter high levels were associated with intake of vitamin D from food or supplements. The high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency observed in this population highlights the need for further examination of the relation between sunlight and vitamin D production to enable more accurate sun exposure recommendations.
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 22-12-1999
DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/45/2/307
Abstract: The personal radiant exposure distribution of solar erythemal UV in tree shade for an upright posture was measured, with measurements over the whole summer for a total of 17 trees. For each tree, the personal radiant exposure distribution was measured for both the morning and afternoon periods. The exposure ratios averaged over all the trees and over the morning and afternoon periods ranged from 0.16 to 0.49 for the different anatomical sites. A numerical model was employed to estimate the UV radiant exposure to humans in tree shade over the entire summer. The body sites with the higher exposure ratios in the tree shade were the vertex of the head, shoulders and forearms with radiant exposures over the summer of 1300 MED to the vertex of the head and 1100 MED to the shoulders and forearms. These radiant exposures in the shade are substantially higher than the ambient erythemal UV measured in full sun on a horizontal plane over a full summer at a more temperate northern hemisphere latitude. The average radiant exposures per day to each anatomical site for a complete day in the tree shade ranged from 4.6 to 14.6 MED. This research has provided new data that is essential to quantify human UV exposure during outdoor activities.
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 06-06-2006
DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/51/12/016
Abstract: Many materials in everyday use such as window glass in homes and offices, glass in sunrooms and greenhouses, vehicle glass and some brands of sunscreens act as a barrier to the shorter UVB wavelengths while transmitting some of the longer UVA wavelengths. This paper reports on the erythemal exposures due to the UVA waveband encountered over a 12-month period for a solar zenith angle (SZA) range of 4 degrees to 80 degrees and the resulting times required for an erythemal exposure of one standard erythemal dose (SED) due to the erythemal exposures to the UVA wavelengths. The minimum time for an exposure of one SED due to the UVA wavelengths in winter is approximately double that what it is in summer. The time period of 40 to 60 min was the most frequent length of time for an exposure of one SED with 60 to 80 min the next frequent length of time required for a one SED exposure.
Publisher: Medical Journals Sweden AB
Date: 2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-06-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S10552-016-0762-1
Abstract: To evaluate changes in cancer mortality burden over time by assessing temporal trends in life expectation for Australian residents diagnosed with cancer. The study cohort consisted of all people diagnosed with cancer in the period 1990-2000 and aged 15-89 years (n = 1,275,978), with mortality follow-up to 31 December 2010. Flexible parametric survival models incorporating background age-sex-year-specific population mortality rates were applied to generate the observed survival curves for all cancers combined and selected major cancer types. Predicted values of loss of life expectancy (LOLE) in years were generated and then averaged across calendar year and age group (15-49, 50-69 and 70-89 years) or spread of disease (localized, regional, distant, unknown). The greatest LOLE burden was for lung cancer (14.3 years per diagnosis) and lowest for melanoma (2.5 years). There was a significant decrease in LOLE over time (-0.13 LOLE per year) for all cancers combined. Decreases were also observed for female breast cancer (-0.21), prostate cancer (-0.17), colorectal cancer (-0.08), melanoma (-0.07) and stomach cancer (-0.02), with slight increases for lung cancer (+0.04). When restricted to the sub-cohort from New South Wales with spread of disease information, these decreases in LOLE were primarily among cancers categorized as localized or regional spread at diagnosis. In Australia, persons diagnosed with cancer have a steadily improving outlook that exceeds that expected by general improvement in population life expectancy. The overall improvement is observed in persons with localized or regional cancers but not in those with advanced cancers, findings which encourage earlier diagnosis.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2002
DOI: 10.1007/S00484-002-0131-5
Abstract: The solar ultraviolet (UV) spectrum was measured by a spectroradiometer located inside two common Australian vehicles: a family wagon and a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The entrance optics of the spectroradiometer was orientated, in turn, on a horizontal plane, towards the driver and passenger windows and towards the windshield. UV spectra were recorded when the vehicles' windows were in an open and closed position. For a typical Australian family wagon, on a horizontal plane inside the vehicle, closing the windows decreased, the total UV irradiance by a factor of 3.2, whilst in a four-wheel drive the irradiance decreased by a factor of 2.1. In order to reduce the likelihood of developing of UV-related eye and skin disorders, drivers should use appropriate UV protection whilst driving a vehicle with the windows in an open position. Results gained from this research provide new findings on the exposure of humans to UV in a vehicle.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.CCT.2016.04.005
Abstract: Vitamin D, specifically serum 25(OH)D has been associated with mortality, cancer and multiple other health endpoints in observational studies, but there is a paucity of clinical trial evidence sufficient to determine the safety and effectiveness of population-wide supplementation. We have therefore launched the D-Health Trial, a randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation for prevention of mortality and cancer. Here we report the methods and describe the trial cohort. The D-Health Trial is a randomized placebo-controlled trial, with planned intervention for 5years and a further 5years of passive follow-up through linkage with health and death registers. Participants aged 65-84years were recruited from the general population of Australia. The intervention is monthly oral doses of 60,000IU of cholecalciferol or matching placebo. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes are total cancer incidence and colorectal cancer incidence. We recruited 21,315 participants to the trial between February 2014 and May 2015. The participants in the two arms of the trial were well-balanced at baseline. Comparison with Australian population statistics shows that the trial participants were less likely to report being in fair or poor health, to be current smokers or to have diabetes than the Australian population. However, the proportion overweight or with health conditions such as arthritis and angina was similar. Observational data cannot be considered sufficient to support interventions delivered at a population level. Large-scale randomized trials such as the D-Health Trial are needed to inform public health policy and practice.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-1999
DOI: 10.1016/S1011-1344(99)00128-1
Abstract: The dependence of the spectral biologically effective solar UV irradiance on the orientation of the receiver with respect to the sun has been determined for relatively cloud-free days at a sub-tropical Southern Hemisphere latitude for the solar zenith angle range 35-64 degrees. For the UV and biologically effective irradiances, the sun-normal to horizontal ratio for the total UV ranges from 1.18 +/- 0.05 to 1.27 +/- 0.06. The sun-normal to horizontal ratio for biologically effective irradiance is dependent on the relative effectiveness of the relevant action spectrum in the UV-A waveband. In contrast to the total UV, the diffuse UV and diffuse biologically effective irradiances are reduced in a sun-normal compared with a horizontal orientation by a factor ranging from 0.70 +/- 0.05 to 0.76 +/- 0.03.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-08-2016
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.12617
Abstract: International patterns suggest germ cell testicular cancer (GCTC) incidence may be lower in lower latitudes. To investigate this possibility, we examined GCTC incidence by latitude (population centroid in 2000) for men ≥15 years within two reasonably homogeneous countries, the United States and Australia. In the United States, we examined age-adjusted incidence/latitude trends using data from states (2001-2010) and local-area registries (1980-2011). In Australia, we evaluated incidence/latitude trends in 61 Statistical Divisions (2000-2009). In U.S. White men (68 566 cases), state incidences increased by latitude, rising 5.74% (4.45-7.05%) per 5°North latitude increment. Similar trends were found for seminoma and nonseminoma subtypes (P < 0.001). In U.S. Black men (2256 cases), the association was also seen (4.9% 0.2-9.7%). In local U.S. data, similar increases in incidence with latitude were present in each of the last three decades. In Australia (6042 cases), the incidence increased by 4.43% (95% CI: 1.54-7.39%) per 5°South, and trends for subtypes were similar. Thus, we found that incidence of GCTC in both White and Black men increased significantly with distance from the equator, approximately 1% per degree within the range of latitudes studied.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2019.108748
Abstract: Long-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with increased lung cancer incidence and mortality. However, the short-term association between air pollution and lung cancer mortality (LCM) remains largely unknown. We collected daily data on particulate matter with diameter <2.5 μm (PM Over the entire period, the current-day concentrations of PM Lung cancer patients should enhance protection measures against air pollution. More attentions should be paid for the high PM
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 07-2014
Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Date: 18-08-2015
DOI: 10.2174/1570162X13666150608102030
Abstract: Low vitamin D status is associated with both increased disease progression and mortality in people with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, data are lacking on effects of vitamin status on disease progression and CD4 cell count in people with HIV not receiving ART. We therefore evaluated effects of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] 400 copies/mL. A proportional hazards model was fitted to evaluate the effect of vitamin D status on the time to decline in CD4 cell count (<350 cells/µL), adjusted for nadir CD4 cell count, time since HIV diagnosis, previous ART use and HIVviral load. 224 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were followed for a median of 11 months (range or IQR). At baseline, 42% had vitamin D deficiency and the median (interquartile range) CD4 cell count was 502 (355, 662) cells/µL. HIV-infected in iduals with vitamin D deficiency had an increased risk of CD4 decline to <350 cells/µL [Hazard ratio (HR) 2.15 (95% CI 1.05, 4.38, p=0.04)]. Vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with an increased time to decline in CD4 cell count to <350 cells/µL, but not with a change in CD4 overall in people with HIV not receiving ART.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2003
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 07-07-2000
DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/45/8/314
Abstract: The weekday UV exposures to anatomical sites were evaluated for outdoor workers, home workers, adolescents, indoor workers, school staff and students in south-east Queensland, Australia. Additionally, the UV exposures at weekends of school staff, school students, indoor workers and outdoor workers were evaluated. The weekday exposures per day ranged from 1.0 to 11.0 SED for winter to summer respectively. During spring, the ratios of the personal exposures ided by the ambient exposures at the weekend to the personal exposures ided by the ambient exposures on the weekdays to the neck, hand and left arm were at least 3.4, 2.0 and 0.67 for the indoor workers, school staff and students and outdoor workers respectively. The same ratios for the erythemal UV exposures over the year, estimated from the exposures on four days in each of the four seasons, were at least 2.3 for the school staff and at least 1.3 for the 13 to 19 year old school students. These results reinforce the importance of targeting prevention programmes to both weekend and weekday exposures.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2001
DOI: 10.1016/S1011-1344(01)00258-5
Abstract: Spectral shade ratios, defined as the ratios of the spectral irradiances on horizontal and sun normal planes in the tree shade to those on a horizontal plane in sunlight, were calculated. These planes were in the shade of an isolated medium canopy density tree and a sparse canopy density tree at the tree shade sites of the centre, edge and trunk. The sun normal plane was employed as there are some activities that have exposures to parts of the body that are orientated in a sun normal plane. The horizontal plane shade ratios for the medium density canopy dropped by 47-56% from the ratios in the range 301 to 310 nm to the ratios in the range 391 to 400 nm. In absolute terms, the largest change in the shade ratio of 0.28 was for the centre and edge sites compared to 0.07 for the trunk. Similarly, for the sun normal plane, the ratio dropped by 40-49% with an absolute reduction of 0.19 for the edge and 0.04 for the trunk. For the sparse density canopy, the decrease in the shade ratios over the same wavelength range was a drop by 37-42% on a horizontal plane or, in absolute terms, a reduction by 0.22 for the edge and 0.13 for the trunk. Similarly, the decrease was 34-39% on the sun normal plane or, in absolute terms, a reduction by 0.19 for the edge and 0.12 for the trunk.
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-13-0424
Abstract: Epidemiologic research has shown that cutaneous markers of photo-damage are associated with risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, there has been no previous attempt to calculate pooled risk estimates. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis after extracting relevant studies published up to January 2013 from five electronic databases. Eligible studies were those that permitted quantitative assessment of the association between histologically confirmed BCC and actinic keratoses, solar elastosis, solar lentigines, or telangiectasia. Seven eligible studies were identified and summary odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using both random and quality effects models. Having more than ten actinic keratoses was most strongly associated with BCC, conferring up to a fivefold increase in risk (OR: 4.97 95% CI: 3.26–7.58). Other factors, including solar elastosis, solar lentigines, and telangiectasia had weaker but positive associations with BCC with ORs around 1.5. Markers of chronic photo-damage are positively associated with BCC. The presence of actinic keratoses was the most strongly associated with BCC of the markers examined. This work highlights the relatively modest association between markers of chronic ultraviolet exposure and BCC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 22(9) 1483–9. ©2013 AACR.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1039/C4PP00322E
Abstract: Despite the widespread use of ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) as a proxy measure of personal exposure to UVR, the relationship between the two is not well-defined. This paper examines the effects of season and latitude on the relationship between ambient UVR and personal UVR exposure. We used data from the AusD Study, a multi-centre cross-sectional study among Australian adults (18-75 years), where personal UVR exposure was objectively measured using polysulphone dosimeters. Data were analysed for 991 participants from 4 Australian cities of different latitude: Townsville (19.3°S), Brisbane (27.5°S), Canberra (35.3°S) and Hobart (42.8°S). Daily personal UVR exposure varied from 0.01 to 21 Standard Erythemal Doses (median = 1.1, IQR: 0.5-2.1), on average accounting for 5% of the total available ambient dose. There was an overall positive correlation between ambient UVR and personal UVR exposure (r = 0.23, p < 0.001). However, the correlations varied according to season and study location: from strong correlations in winter (r = 0.50) and at high latitudes (Hobart, r = 0.50 Canberra, r = 0.39), to null or even slightly negative correlations, in summer (r = 0.01) and at low latitudes (Townsville, r = -0.06 Brisbane, r = -0.16). Multiple regression models showed significant effect modification by season and location. Personal exposure fraction of total available ambient dose was highest in winter (7%) and amongst Hobart participants (7%) and lowest in summer (1%) and in Townsville (4%). These results suggest season and latitude modify the relationship between ambient UVR and personal UVR exposure. Ambient UVR may not be a good indicator for personal exposure dose under some circumstances.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2000
DOI: 10.1016/S1011-1344(00)00003-8
Abstract: The first set of quantitative data of diffuse erythemal UV and UV-A radiation in tree shade at a sub-tropical Southern Hemisphere latitude is presented. Over the summer, approximately 60% of the erythemal UV radiation in tree shade is due to the diffuse component. Similarly, approximately 56% of the UV-A radiation in tree shade is due to the diffuse component. In tree shade these diffuse UV percentages are relatively constant from the morning to noon to afternoon periods. In comparison, in full sun, there is a decrease in the percentage of diffuse UV from morning to noon to afternoon. The exposures to diffuse UV on a horizontal plane in tree shade between 9:00 EST and 15:00 EST are of the order of 4 MED (minimum erythemal dose) and 14 J cm(-2) for erythemal UV and UV-A, respectively. The high diffuse UV component in the shade may result in high UV exposures not only to unprotected parts of the body on a horizontal plane, but also in equally high UV irradiances to parts of the body, including the eyes and face, that are not UV protected.
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 02-1998
DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/43/2/002
Abstract: This paper presents a method for the evaluation of the distribution of the facial erythemal UV exposure and the erythemal UV exposure per unit area of the face using only eight dosimeters located on the vertex of the head, forehead, nose, chin, left and right ears and left and right cheeks. An overall picture of the parts of the face receiving high UV exposures is provided. The distribution of the erythemal UV exposure to the human face at a subtropical latitude was shown to change with time of year and with cloud cover. On two days with similar solar zenith angles, the ratio of the erythemal UV exposure to the nose compared with that on a horizontal plane changed from 0.47 to 0.84 with increased cloud cover. At the same time, the total erythemal exposure per unit area of the face dropped from 122 to 56 ml cm-2. Although the absolute exposures decreased, the nose received a relatively high exposure.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 18-04-2013
DOI: 10.1017/S000711451300113X
Abstract: The risk of vitamin D insufficiency is increased in persons having limited sunlight exposure and dietary vitamin D. Supplementation compliance might be improved with larger doses taken less often, but this may increase the potential for side effects. The objective of the present study was to determine whether a weekly or weekly/monthly regimen of vitamin D supplementation is as effective as daily supplementation without increasing the risk of side effects. Participants were forty-eight healthy adults who were randomly assigned for 3 months to placebo or one of three supplementation regimens: 50 μg/d (2000 IU/d, analysed dose 70 μg/d), 250 μg/week (10 000 IU/week, analysed dose 331 μg/week) or 1250 μg/week (50 000 IU/week, analysed dose 1544 μg/week) for 4 weeks and then 1250 μg/month for 2 months. Daily and weekly doses were equally effective at increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, which was significantly greater than baseline in all the supplemented groups after 30 d of treatment. Subjects in the 1250 μg treatment group, who had a BMI kg/m 2 , had a steady increase in urinary Ca in the first 3 weeks of supplementation, and, overall, the relative risk of hypercalciuria was higher in the 1250 μg group than in the placebo group ( P = 0·01). Although vitamin D supplementation remains a controversial issue, these data document that supplementing with ≤ 250 μg/week ( ≤ 10 000 IU/week) can improve or maintain vitamin D status in healthy populations without the risk of hypercalciuria, but 24 h urinary Ca excretion should be evaluated in healthy persons receiving vitamin D 3 supplementation in weekly single doses of 1250 μg (50 000 IU).
Publisher: SPIE-Intl Soc Optical Eng
Date: 11-2008
DOI: 10.1117/1.3040299
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-06-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13063-020-04351-W
Abstract: The Melanoma Genomics Managing Your Risk Study is a randomised controlled trial that aims to evaluate the efficacy of providing information on personal genomic risk of melanoma in reducing ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure, stratified by traditional risk group (low or high phenotypic risk) in the general population. The primary outcome is objectively measured total daily Standard Erythemal Doses at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include UV exposure at specific time periods, self-reported sun protection and skin-examination behaviours, psychosocial outcomes, and ethical considerations surrounding offering genomic testing at a population level. A within-trial and modelled economic evaluation will be undertaken from an Australian health system perspective to assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. To publish the pre-determined statistical analysis plan (SAP) before database lock and the start of analysis. This SAP describes the data synthesis, analysis principles and statistical procedures for analysing the outcomes from this trial. The SAP was approved after closure of recruitment and before completion of patient follow-up. It outlines the planned primary analyses and a range of subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Health economic outcomes are not included in this plan but will be analysed separately. The SAP will be adhered to for the final data analysis of this trial to avoid potential analysis bias that may arise from knowledge of the outcome data. This SAP is consistent with best practice and should enable transparent reporting. This SAP has been developed for the Melanoma Genomics Managing Your Risk Study and will be followed to ensure high-quality standards of internal validity and to minimise analysis bias. Prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ID: ACTR N12617000691347 . Registered on 15 May 2017.
Publisher: SPIE
Date: 26-06-2003
DOI: 10.1117/12.466187
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-03-2016
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.12582
Abstract: Sun exposure is the most important source of vitamin D, but is also a risk factor for skin cancer. This study investigated attitudes toward vitamin D, and changes in sun-exposure behavior due to concern about adequate vitamin D. Participants (n = 1002) were recruited from four regions of Australia and completed self- and interviewer-administered surveys. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between participants' latitude of residence, vitamin D-related attitudes and changes in sun-exposure behaviors during the last summer. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to model the association between attitudes and behaviors. Overall, people who worried about their vitamin D status were more likely to have altered sun protection and spent more time in the sun people not concerned about vitamin D. Concern about vitamin D was also more common with increasing latitude. Use of novel item response theory analysis highlighted the potential impact of self-reported behavior change on skin cancer predisposition due concern to vitamin. This cross-sectional study shows that the strongest determinants of self-reported sun-protection behavior changes due to concerns about vitamin D were attitudes and location, with people at higher latitudes worrying more.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S12940-019-0536-9
Abstract: Basal cell carcinoma of the skin (BCC) is the most common cancer in populations of European ancestry. Although consistently linked with basal cell carcinoma of the skin in case-control studies, few prospective cohort studies have evaluated the shape of the exposure-response of basal cell carcinoma associated with cumulative radiant solar ultraviolet exposure (UVR). We followed 63,912 white cancer-free US radiologic technologists from entry (1983–1998) to exit (2003–2005) with known ultraviolet irradiance at up to 5 residential locations. Using generalized-additive and relative risk models we analyzed the exposure-response of basal cell carcinomas associated with ambient cumulative ultraviolet radiant exposure using ground-based National Solar Radiation database Average Daily Total Global data and satellite-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer data. There were 2151 technologists with an incident primary basal cell carcinoma. Risk of basal cell carcinoma rose with increasing cumulative ultraviolet radiation exposure using both measures, such that 1 MJ cm − 2 increased basal cell carcinoma risk by 8.48 (95% CI 5.22, 11.09, p 0.001) and by 10.15 (95% CI 6.67, 13.10, p 0.001) per 10,000 persons per year using the Average Daily Total Global and Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer ultraviolet data, respectively relative risk was likewise elevated. There was some evidence of upward curvature in the cumulative ultraviolet exposure response using both exposure measures with a greater increase in risk of basal cell carcinoma at higher levels of ultraviolet radiation exposure, but less evidence for curvature in relative risk. There are indications of substantial variation of relative risk with time after exposure and age at exposure, so that risk is highest for the period 10–14 years after ultraviolet radiation exposure and for those exposed under the age of 25. We observed increases in risk of basal cell carcinoma and a similar exposure-response for ground-based and satellite ultraviolet radiation measures. Our observations suggest that interventions should concentrate on persons with higher levels of ultraviolet radiation exposure.
Publisher: SPIE
Date: 18-08-2005
DOI: 10.1117/12.620192
Publisher: American Society for Photobiology
Date: 23-05-2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2010
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-03-2013
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWS322
Abstract: Observational studies suggest that people with a high serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration may have reduced risk of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The AusD Study (A Quantitative Assessment of Solar UV Exposure for Vitamin D Synthesis in Australian Adults) was conducted to clarify the relationships between ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, dietary intake of vitamin D, and serum 25(OH)D concentration among Australian adults residing in Townsville (19.3°S), Brisbane (27.5°S), Canberra (35.3°S), and Hobart (42.8°S). Participants aged 18-75 years were recruited from the Australian Electoral Roll between 2009 and 2010. Measurements were made of height, weight, waist:hip ratio, skin, hair, and eye color, blood pressure, and grip strength. Participants completed a questionnaire on sun exposure and vitamin D intake, together with 10 days of personal UV dosimetry and an associated sun-exposure and physical-activity diary that was temporally linked to a blood test for measurement of 25(OH)D concentration. Ambient solar UV radiation was also monitored at all study sites. We collected comprehensive, high-quality data from 1,002 participants (459 males, 543 females) assessed simultaneously across a range of latitudes and through all seasons. Here we describe the scientific and methodological issues considered in designing the AusD Study.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-04-2020
Abstract: Australia-wide, there are currently more than one million cancer survivors. There are over 32 million world-wide. A trend of increasing cancer incidence, medical innovations and extended survival places growing pressure on healthcare systems to manage the ongoing and late effects of cancer treatment. There are no published studies of the long-term health service use and cost of cancer survivorship on a population basis in Australia. All residents of the state of Queensland, Australia, diagnosed with a first primary malignancy from 1997–2015 formed the cohort of interest. State and national healthcare databases are linked with cancer registry records to capture all health service utilization and healthcare costs for 20 years (or death, if this occurs first), starting from the date of cancer diagnosis, including hospital admissions, emergency presentations, healthcare costing data, Medicare services and pharmaceuticals. Data analyses include regression and economic modeling. We capture the whole journey of health service contact and estimate long-term costs of all cancer patients diagnosed and treated in Queensland by linking routinely collected state and national healthcare data. Our results may improve the understanding of lifetime health effects faced by cancer survivors and estimate related healthcare costs. Research outcomes may inform policy and facilitate future planning for the allocation of healthcare resources according to the burden of disease.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHOTOBIOL.2006.04.004
Abstract: Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major environmental factor implicated in the development of melanoma and other skin cancers, as well as eye damage and skin photoaging. Outdoor recreational activities such as cycling are increasingly pursued for health benefits, however little information is available regarding potential adverse effects of excessive sun exposure in this setting, nor about the anatomical distribution of solar dose. Polysulphone badges (UV dosimeters) were attached to the head, backs of hands and ankles of 22 cyclists during a seven-day charity bicycle ride in Queensland, Australia. Average daily exposures exceeded one minimal erythemal dose (MED) at all body sites except the ankle. Significant differences in UV dose among the various body sites were noted, with highest exposures recorded on the top of the head. Mean doses received at the ankle (0.94 MED), back of the hand (1.28 MED) and side of the head (1.14 MED) were 51%, 71% and 63% of those received at the top of the head (1.80 MED), respectively. These data indicate that cycling exposes adherents to substantial doses of UV radiation. Moreover, our observations suggest that even vertically-oriented, potentially shaded sites such as the lower leg typically receive doses of solar radiation no less than half of maximally exposed sites.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2012.02.080
Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation exposure during an in iduals' lifetime is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer. However, less evidence is available on assessing the relationship between lifetime sun exposure and skin damage and skin aging. This study aims to assess the relationship between lifetime sun exposure and skin damage and skin aging using a non-invasive measure of exposure. We recruited 180 participants (73 males, 107 females) aged 18-83 years. Digital imaging of skin hyperpigmentation (skin damage) and skin wrinkling (skin aging) on the facial region was measured. Lifetime sun exposure (presented as hours) was calculated from the participants' age multiplied by the estimated annual time outdoors for each year of life. We analyzed the effects of lifetime sun exposure on skin damage and skin aging. We adjust for the influence of age, sex, occupation, history of skin cancer, eye color, hair color, and skin color. There were non-linear relationships between lifetime sun exposure and skin damage and skin aging. Younger participant's skin is much more sensitive to sun exposure than those who were over 50 years of age. As such, there were negative interactions between lifetime sun exposure and age. Age had linear effects on skin damage and skin aging. The data presented showed that self reported lifetime sun exposure was positively associated with skin damage and skin aging, in particular, the younger people. Future health promotion for sun exposure needs to pay attention to this group for skin cancer prevention messaging.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2010
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 30-09-2009
Abstract: Vitamin D, along with calcium, may help decrease the risk of falls and fractures in older adults. Sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are not recommended because they increase the risk of skin cancers and sun-induced eye disorders. Rather, vitamin D and calcium needs should be met through foods and dietary supplements. As a preventive measure to reduce the risk of falls and fractures, it is recommended that older adults meet the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and consume 1000 IU of vitamin D, preferably as vitamin D 3 .
Publisher: SPIE
Date: 14-10-2004
DOI: 10.1117/12.555966
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-1996
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0781.1996.TB00177.X
Abstract: A method has been developed for determining the UV and erythemal exposures to the entire body. The difference between the ambient erythemal exposure and that to the body compared to the ambient exposure may be as high as 76%. The height, orientation, and overall height had a minimal effect on the exposure to the body with size, time of day and time of year having a significant effect. The diffuse component of UV to a side of the body ranged from 20% to 41% between different times of the year with different levels of cloud cover. The ratio of the body to the ambient erythemal exposures varied from 0.24 to 0.61, with the time of day and time of year with the smaller value for periods of high solar altitude.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEST.2019.07.023
Abstract: This study aimed to identify changing spatial and temporal trends of lung cancer mortality rates (LCMRs) among subpopulations in China (according to region, age, and sex). Data on LCMRs from 2006 to 2015 were extracted from the Chinese National Death Surveillance. Joinpoint regression and seasonal decomposition were used to assess the temporal trends. A geographic information system and spatial kriging interpolation were used to examine the spatial trends. LCMRs in men aged 30 to 49 years significantly declined nationally from 2009 to 2015 (annual percentage change, -2.7% P < .05), but they continued to rise in men aged ≥ 70 years and women aged ≥ 50 years in the east, people aged 50 to 69 years in the south, and most groups in the southwest. Among provincial capital cities, Shenyang, Changsha, and Hohhot had the highest 10-year average LCMR for men aged 30 to 49 years, 50 to 69 years, and ≥ 70 years, respectively among all ages of women, Harbin had the highest average LCMR. Over the 10 years, the odds of the increases in LCMRs in men and women aged 30 to 69 years decreased by 3% to 7% with the longitudes or latitudes increasing by 1° (ORs ranged from 0.93 [95% CI, 0.90-0.95) to 0.97 [95% CI, 0.95-0.99]). Disparities in the spatial and temporal trends of LCMRs among subpopulations highlight the need for investigation into potential drivers, especially for the east, south, and southwest of China. These findings may help health authorities target interventions to those most in need to reduce the lung cancer burden in China.
Publisher: SPIE
Date: 06-11-2003
DOI: 10.1117/12.509067
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-07-2007
DOI: 10.1007/S10552-007-9042-4
Abstract: Recent reports on the association between low serum vitamin D and increased risk of cancer raised concerns about possible adverse effects of primary prevention strategies for skin cancer. To evaluate if these reports may influence peoples' sun protective behavior, knowledge, and attitudes to the impact of sun protection on vitamin D. Within a population-based survey in Queensland, Australia (5,611 participants, mean age 50.7 years (range 20-75) 48.2% men), agreement with the statement that sun protection may result in not having enough vitamin D as well as factors associated with agreement were assessed. Overall, 837 (15.0%) participants agreed that sun protection may result in not having enough vitamin D, 2,163 (38.7%) neither agreed nor disagreed, and 2,591 (46.3%) disagreed with this statement. Factors associated with agreement included older age, darker skin color, and attempt to develop a suntan within the past year. These results suggest that future sun protection c aigns may need to address the issue of vitamin D and present ways to achieve sufficient vitamin D levels without increasing sun exposure at least in countries with high UV radiation throughout the year.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-12-2020
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1699952
Abstract: Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the main environmental risk-factor for cancer of the skin. Sun-protective clothing provides a physical barrier that reduces the UVR dose reaching the skin and European and Australian standards for sun-protective clothing set minimum clothing coverage requirements. Body Surface Area Coverage by clothing (BSAC) is calculated by means of indirect or direct methods, which are laborious and do not support computer-based apparel design. To support the sun-safe specification and design of garments, parametric digital human models and protective clothing mesh covering the minimum Body Surface Area specified in AS/NZS 4399:2017, were created making use of MakeHuman v1.1.1 and Blender software. The Whole Body Surface Area (WBSA) and the BSAC were calculated employing code developed in Blender. Thus, different groups of subjects were analysed to explore BSAC. The method assists in the evaluation of exposed body areas in a wider spectrum of different occupations.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
Abstract: Observational data suggested that supplementation with vitamin D could reduce risk of infection, but trial data are inconsistent. We aimed to examine the effect of oral vitamin D supplementation on antibiotic use. We conducted a post hoc analysis of data from pilot D-Health, which is a randomized trial carried out in a general community setting between October 2010 and February 2012. A total of 644 Australian residents aged 60-84 y were randomly assigned to receive monthly doses of a placebo (n = 214) or 30,000 (n = 215) or 60,000 (n = 215) IU oral cholecalciferol for ≤12 mo. Antibiotics prescribed during the intervention period were ascertained by linkage with pharmacy records through the national health insurance scheme (Medicare Australia). People who were randomly assigned 60,000 IU cholecalciferol had nonsignificant 28% lower risk of having antibiotics prescribed at least once than did people in the placebo group (RR: 0.72 95% CI: 0.48, 1.07). In analyses stratified by age, in subjects aged ≥70 y, there was a significant reduction in antibiotic use in the high-dose vitamin D compared with placebo groups (RR: 0.53 95% CI: 0.32, 0.90), whereas there was no effect in participants aged <70 y (RR: 1.07 95% CI: 0.58, 1.97) (P-interaction = 0.1). Although this study was a post hoc analysis and statistically nonsignificant, this trial lends some support to the hypothesis that supplementation with 60,000 IU vitamin D/mo is associated with lower risk of infection, particularly in older adults. The trial was registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (anzctr.org.au) as ACTRN12609001063202.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.MAM.2008.08.005
Abstract: Most of the population receive their nutritional vitamin D requirements through exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, with cutaneous synthesis estimated to provide 80-100% of the vitamin D requirements of the body. However, little is understood about the basic interaction of sunlight (UV) exposure and the subsequent photobiology and photochemistry of vitamin D production in humans. Low vitamin D (blood serum 25[OH]D) status has been linked to the development of a surprisingly wide range of diseases. Epidemiological data and animal studies indicate that low vitamin D is linked to rickets, bone mass loss, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, insulin dependent diabetes and schizophrenia. Importantly some this emerging research associates such diseases with location and subsequent ultraviolet radiation exposures. This paper overviews concepts important to consider when assessing the impact of location and UV exposure on vitamin D synthesis.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 25-11-2023
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522003567
Abstract: Observational studies suggest that 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is inversely associated with pain. However, findings from intervention trials are inconsistent. We assessed the effect of vitamin D supplementation on pain using data from a large, double-blind, population-based, placebo-controlled trial (the D-Health Trial). 21 315 participants (aged 60–84 years) were randomly assigned to a monthly dose of 60 000 IU vitamin D 3 or matching placebo. Pain was measured using the six-item Pain Impact Questionnaire (PIQ-6), administered 1, 2 and 5 years after enrolment. We used regression models (linear for continuous PIQ-6 score and log-binomial for binary categorisations of the score, namely ‘some or more pain impact’ and ‘presence of any bodily pain’) to estimate the effect of vitamin D on pain. We included 20 423 participants who completed ≥1 PIQ-6. In blood s les collected from 3943 randomly selected participants (∼800 per year), the mean ( sd ) 25(OH)D concentrations were 77 ( sd 25) and 115 ( sd 30) nmol/l in the placebo and vitamin D groups, respectively. Most (76 %) participants were predicted to have 25(OH)D concentration nmol/l at baseline. The mean PIQ-6 was similar in all surveys (∼50·4). The adjusted mean difference in PIQ-6 score (vitamin D cf placebo) was 0·02 (95 % CI (−0·20, 0·25)). The proportion of participants with some or more pain impact and with the presence of bodily pain was also similar between groups (both prevalence ratios 1·01, 95 % CI (0·99, 1·03)). In conclusion, supplementation with 60 000 IU of vitamin D 3 /month had negligible effect on bodily pain.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-11-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-1097.2011.01006.X
Abstract: Polysulphone (PS) dosimetry has been a widely used technique for more than 30 years to quantify the erythemally effective UV dose received by anatomic sites (personal exposure). The calibration of PS dosimeters is an important issue as their spectral response is different from the erythemal action spectrum. It is performed exposing a set of PS dosimeters on a horizontal plane and measuring the UV doses received by dosimeters using calibrated spectroradiometers or radiometers. In this study, data collected during PS field c aigns (from 2004 to 2006), using horizontal and differently inclined dosimeters, were analyzed to provide some considerations on the transfer of the horizontal calibration to differently inclined dosimeters, as anatomic sites usually are. The role of sky conditions, of the angle of incidence between the sun and the normal to the slope, and of the type of surrounding surface on the calibration were investigated. It was concluded that PS horizontal calibrations apply to differently inclined dosimeters for incidence angles up to approximately 70° and for surfaces excluding ones with high albedo. Caution should be used in the application of horizontal calibrations for cases of high-incidence angle and/or high albedo surfaces.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 20-11-2014
DOI: 10.1111/BJD.13213
Abstract: The incidence of melanoma and keratinocyte cancers (KCs) is rising worldwide. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and basal cell carcinoma (BCCs) are the most common of all cancers. To determine trends in the incidence of melanoma, BCC and SCC among 1·7 million members of Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS) from 2006 to 2011. Data on patients newly diagnosed with melanoma, SCC and BCC were collected from the MHS Cancer Registry and based on histology reports from the centralized pathology laboratory. Age-specific and overall age-adjusted European standardized rates were computed. Trends were estimated by calculating average annual percentage change (AAPC). During the 6-year study period, 16,079 patients were diagnosed with at least one BCC, 4767 with SCC and 1264 with invasive melanoma. Age-standardized incidence rates were 188, 58 and 17 per 100,000 person years for BCC, SCC and melanoma, respectively. All lesions were more common among men and primarily affected the elderly. BCC rates were stable throughout the study period [AAPC -0·7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4·5 to 3·2], while the incidence of SCC increased significantly (AAPC 15·5%, 95% CI 2·6-30·0). In contrast, melanoma rates continuously decreased (AAPC -3·0%, 95%CI -4·5 to -0·1). The incidence of KC in Israel is high. The disparities in incidence trends between SCC, BCC and melanoma allude to their different aetiologies. These findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring, education and prevention programmes in a growing high-risk population.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2021
DOI: 10.1002/JCSM.12759
Abstract: Falls cause considerable morbidity and mortality in older people. It is unclear how vitamin D supplementation affects falls risk, particularly when taken at high doses. We sought to determine whether monthly high‐dose vitamin D supplementation reduces risk and incidence of falls. We used data from the randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled D‐Health Trial conducted in Australia. Between February 2014 and May 2015, 21 315 participants aged 60–84 years were randomized (1:1) to monthly doses of either 60 000 IU of colecalciferol or placebo for a maximum of 5 years. People who reported a history of osteomalacia, sarcoidosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcaemia or kidney stones or who were taking IU/day supplementary vitamin D were ineligible. Each year, we collected blood s les from ~450 randomly s led participants from each trial arm and measured 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Falls, a prespecified tertiary outcome, were ascertained using annual surveys and, for a subset of participants, 3‐month falls diaries. The primary outcome for this analysis was any fall in the month before completing an annual survey. As part of our process to maintain blinding, we used random s les of participants (surveys, n = 16 000 diaries, n = 2400), with equal numbers per group. Participants with no outcome data were excluded. Following an intention‐to‐treat approach, we analysed outcomes using logistic, ordinal and negative binomial regression. Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12613000743763) registered 4 July 2013. Mean treatment duration was 4.3 years (standard deviation [SD] = 1.4 years). Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations during the trial were 114.8 (SD 30.3) nmol/L and 77.5 (SD 25.2) nmol/L in the vitamin D and placebo groups, respectively. Survey and diary analytic sets included 15 416 and 2200 participants, respectively approximately half were randomized to vitamin D (surveys: 50.1% diaries: 50.4%). Vitamin D had no effect on falling in the past month (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95–1.10). There was an interaction with body mass index (BMI) ( P ‐interaction = 0.001) vitamin D increased risk in participants with BMI 25 kg/m 2 (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.09–1.43), but there was no effect in those with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.87–1.04). Analyses of diary data were consistent with these findings. The incidence of hypercalcaemia and kidney stones did not differ between groups. Monthly high‐dose vitamin D supplementation did not reduce risk of falling. A possible increased risk of falling with vitamin D supplementation in people with normal BMI warrants further investigation.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-02-2015
DOI: 10.1111/EXD.12637
Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), in particular the UVB spectrum, is a risk factor for skin cancer development. The generation and accumulation of UVB-induced genetic mutations are fundamental premalignant events. Keratinocyte interactions between other cutaneous cell populations and the surrounding microenvironment determine cell fate and acute photoresponses. In this study, the importance of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, in particular the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), on influencing key processes in the keratinocyte acute photoresponse was investigated. Exogenous IGF-I and other growth factors present in dermal fibroblast-conditioned media (CM) were found to significantly enhance keratinocyte survival following UVB irradiation in vitro. This pretreatment was also shown to cause a shift in the expression levels of various DNA damage response proteins. Consequently, this was associated with accelerated rates of UVB-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer removal in these s les. Finally, activation of the IGF system influenced cell cycle progression in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of the IGF signalling network in initiating the repair of potentially mutagenic DNA damage in human keratinocytes. The dysregulation of these processes may therefore have significant implications in the aetiology of skin cancers and other cutaneous diseases.
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 05-2012
DOI: 10.1001/ARCHDERMATOL.2011.2586
Abstract: To measure the thickness at which primary schoolchildren apply sunscreen on school day mornings and to compare it with the thickness (2.00 mg/cm(2)) at which sunscreen is tested during product development, as well as to investigate how application thickness was influenced by age of the child (school grades 1-7) and by dispenser type (500-mL pump, 125-mL squeeze bottle, or 50-mL roll-on). A crossover quasiexperimental study design comparing 3 sunscreen dispenser types. Children aged 5 to 12 years from public primary schools (grades 1-7) in Queensland, Australia. Children (n=87) and their parents randomly recruited from the enrollment lists of 7 primary schools. Each child provided up to 3 observations (n=258). Children applied sunscreen during 3 consecutive school weeks (Monday through Friday) for the first application of the day using a different dispenser each week. Thickness of sunscreen application (in milligrams per square centimeter). The dispensers were weighed before and after use to calculate the weight of sunscreen applied. This was ided by the coverage area of application (in square centimeters), which was calculated by multiplying the children's body surface area by the percentage of the body covered with sunscreen. Children applied their sunscreen at a median thickness of 0.48 mg/cm(2). Children applied significantly more sunscreen when using the pump (0.75 mg/cm(2)) and the squeeze bottle (0.57 mg/cm(2)) compared with the roll-on (0.22 mg/cm(2)) (P<.001 for both). Regardless of age, primary schoolchildren apply sunscreen at substantially less than 1.00 mg/cm(2), similar to what has been observed among adults. Some sunscreen dispensers seem to facilitate thicker application than others.
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 02-2009
DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-08-0894
Abstract: Few studies have evaluated the reliability of lifetime sun exposure estimated from inquiring about the number of hours people spent outdoors in a given period on a typical weekday or weekend day (the time-based approach). Some investigations have suggested that women have a particularly difficult task in estimating time outdoors in adulthood due to their family and occupational roles. We hypothesized that people might gain additional memory cues and estimate lifetime hours spent outdoors more reliably if asked about time spent outdoors according to specific activities (an activity-based approach). Using self-administered, mailed questionnaires, test-retest responses to time-based and to activity-based approaches were evaluated in 124 volunteer radiologic technologist participants from the United States: 64 females and 60 males 48 to 80 years of age. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to evaluate the test-retest reliability of average number of hours spent outdoors in the summer estimated for each approach. We tested the differences between the two ICCs, corresponding to each approach, using a t test with the variance of the difference estimated by the jackknife method. During childhood and adolescence, the two approaches gave similar ICCs for average numbers of hours spent outdoors in the summer. By contrast, compared with the time-based approach, the activity-based approach showed significantly higher ICCs during adult ages (0.69 versus 0.43, P = 0.003) and over the lifetime (0.69 versus 0.52, P = 0.05) the higher ICCs for the activity-based questionnaire were primarily derived from the results for females. Research is needed to further improve the activity-based questionnaire approach for long-term sun exposure assessment. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009 (2):464–71)
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSBMB.2005.04.039
Abstract: Solar UVB radiation (280-320 nm) is an initiator of Vitamin D3 production in the human skin. While numerous studies have been conducted in relation to the biological impact of UV exposure in full sun, less research has investigated the irradiances in shade. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of UV radiation in relation to Vitamin D3 induction with six commonly encountered shade environments for the larger solar zenith angles observed during autumn and winter. Spectral UV irradiance measurements were made under relatively clear sky conditions at a sub-tropical Southern Hemisphere site for six specific shade environments and solar zenith angle between 35 degrees and 60 degrees to investigate the biologically effective UV irradiances for pre-Vitamin D3 production. Data from this research indicates that pre-Vitamin D3 effective UV wavelengths in the shade were most significant for tree shade and a shade umbrella. Compared to that in full sun, pre-Vitamin D3 effective UV wavelengths were at levels of approximately 52 and 55%, respectively, beneath the shade umbrella and in tree shade. UVB irradiance levels in the shade of a northern facing covered veranda and in a car with windows closed were significantly less than those beneath the shade umbrella, with levels of approximately 11 and 0%, respectively, of those in full sun. Shade is important as a UV minimisation strategy however, it may also play an important role in providing the human body with adequate levels of UVB radiation for pre-Vitamin D3 production without experiencing the relatively higher levels of UVA irradiances present in full sun.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2013
DOI: 10.1038/JID.2012.346
Abstract: Vitamin D may have anti-skin cancer effects, but population-based evidence is lacking. We therefore assessed associations between vitamin D status and skin cancer risk in an Australian subtropical community. We analyzed prospective skin cancer incidence for 11 years following baseline assessment of serum 25(OH)-vitamin D in 1,191 adults (average age 54 years) and used multivariable logistic regression analysis to adjust risk estimates for age, sex, detailed assessments of usual time spent outdoors, phenotypic characteristics, and other possible confounders. Participants with serum 25(OH)-vitamin D concentrations above 75 nmol l(-1) versus those below 75 nmol l(-1) more often developed basal cell carcinoma (odds ratio (OR)=1.51 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-2.07, P=0.01) and melanoma (OR=2.71 (95% CI: 0.98-7.48, P=0.05)). Squamous cell carcinoma incidence tended to be lower in persons with serum 25(OH)-vitamin D concentrations above 75 nmol l(-1) compared with those below 75 nmol l(-1) (OR=0.67 (95% CI: 0.44-1.03, P=0.07)). Vitamin D status was not associated with skin cancer incidence when participants were classified as above or below 50 nmol l(-1) 25(OH)-vitamin D. Our findings do not indicate that the carcinogenicity of high sun exposure can be counteracted by high vitamin D status. High sun exposure is to be avoided as a means to achieve high vitamin D status.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2006
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-1999
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0781.1999.TB00079.X
Abstract: The spectral ultraviolet (UV) transmission through stockings was measured in field and laboratory based trials using a spectroradiometer. From these spectral UV measurements, the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) was calculated. The UPF of stockings measured in the field was generally higher than that measured in the laboratory when using a quartz tungsten halogen light as the UV source. The UPF of 50 denier stockings decreased 868% when stretched 30% from their original size. Doctors recommending and patients using high denier stockings for patient photoprotection should be aware of the dramatic decrease in UPF when the stocking is in a stretched position, such as over a human leg.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-044055
Abstract: Active surveillance (AS) for patients with prostate cancer (PC) with low risk of PC death is an alternative to radical treatment. A major drawback of AS is the uncertainty whether a patient truly has low risk PC based on biopsy alone. Multiparametric MRI scan together with biopsy, appears useful in separating patients who need curative therapy from those for whom AS may be safe. Two small clinical trials have shown short-term high-dose vitamin D supplementation may prevent PC progression. There is no substantial evidence for its long-term safety and efficacy, hence its use in the care of men with PC on AS needs assessment. This protocol describes the ProsD clinical trial which aims to determine if oral high-dose vitamin D supplementation taken monthly for 2 years can prevent PC progression in cases with low-to-intermediate risk of progression. This is an Australian national multicentre, 2:1 double-blinded placebo-controlled phase II randomised controlled trial of monthly oral high-dose vitamin D supplementation (50 000 IU cholecalciferol), in men diagnosed with localised PC who have low-to-intermediate risk of disease progression and are being managed by AS. This trial will assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of supplementing men with an initial oral loading dose of 500 000 IU cholecalciferol, followed by a monthly oral dose of 50 000 IU during the 24 months of AS. The primary trial outcome is the commencement of active therapy for clinical or non-clinical reason, within 2 years of AS. This trial is approved by Bellberry Ethics Committee (2016-06-459). All results will be reported in peer-reviewed journals. ACTRN12616001707459.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JID.2018.11.001
Abstract: Survivors of invasive melanoma have an increased risk of developing second primary cancers however, similar risks associated with in situ melanoma have not been established. We evaluated 39,872 survivors of first primary in situ melanoma diagnosed from 1982 through 2012 in Queensland, Australia. Relative risk of second nonmelanoma primary cancers was estimated from standardized incidence ratios with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 4,823 (12%) in situ melanoma survivors developed a second primary cancer. A small increased risk (6%) compared with the general population was found. In those younger than 50 years, risk was increased by 14% for all cancers combined. In situ melanoma survivors had significantly increased risks of developing lip, thyroid, pancreatic, and brain cancers and decreased risks of head and neck, and lung cancers. Male in situ melanoma survivors had a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer female survivors had an increased risk of thyroid cancer and lymphoid leukemia. Findings indicate that in situ melanoma may predict the diagnosis of certain second primary cancers. This altered risk may be due to biological, behavioral, or genetic factors or increased medical surveillance, and it requires further investigation, particularly among people younger than 50 years.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-1999
DOI: 10.1097/00004032-199906000-00012
Abstract: The penetration of solar erythemal ultraviolet radiation has been measured in the shade of a gum (Eucalyptus sp.) and a she oak (Casaurina) tree, both on a horizontal plane and with polysulphone dosimeters to human anatomical sites. This has provided new data useful for protection strategies against harmful ultraviolet radiation. For larger solar zenith angles, the relative penetration of solar erythemal ultraviolet in the shade of the trees is higher. On a horizontal plane, at noon, in winter, the shade erythemal ultraviolet ranged from 44 to 55% of that in the sun whereas in spring it ranged from 29 to 37% of the irradiances in the sun. Similarly, at 9:00 EST and 15:00 EST, the shade erythemal ultraviolet in winter ranged from 51 to 81% of the irradiances in the sun whereas in spring and summer they ranged from 35 to 51% of the unshaded irradiances. The shade ratios for specific body sites provided by the shade of the two trees were 0.05 to 0.45 for the solar zenith angles in this research. The shade ratios ranged from 0.14 to 0.45 for the gum tree and from 0.05 to 0.28 for the she oak. The denser foliage of the she oak provided higher ultraviolet protection compared to that of the gum tree.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2012
DOI: 10.1038/AJG.2012.329
Abstract: Ecological studies have suggested an inverse relationship between latitude and risks of some cancers. However, associations between solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and esophageal cancer risk have not been fully explored. We therefore investigated the association between nevi, freckles, and measures of ambient UVR over the life-course with risks of esophageal cancers. We compared estimated lifetime residential ambient UVR among Australian patients with esophageal cancer (330 esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), 386 esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma (EGJAC), and 279 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC)), and 1471 population controls. We asked people where they had lived at different periods of their life, and assigned ambient UVR to each location based on measurements from NASA's Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer database. Freckling and nevus burden were self-reported. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the magnitude of associations between phenotype, ambient UVR, and esophageal cancer risk. Compared with population controls, patients with EAC and EGJAC were less likely to have high levels of estimated cumulative lifetime ambient UVR (EAC odds ratio (OR) 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35-0.99, EGJAC OR 0.55, 0.34-0.90). We found no association between UVR and risk of ESCC (OR 0.91, 0.51-1.64). The associations were independent of age, sex, body mass index, education, state of recruitment, frequency of reflux, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and H. pylori serostatus. Cases with EAC were also significantly less likely to report high levels of nevi than controls. These data show an inverse association between ambient solar UVR at residential locations and risk of EAC and EGJAC, but not ESCC.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-04-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JHN.12234
Abstract: Research has identified associations between serum 25(OH)D and a range of clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease and wider populations. The present study aimed to investigate vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in dialysis patients and the relationship with vitamin D intake and sun exposure. A cross-sectional study was used. Participants included 30 peritoneal dialysis (PD) (43.3% male 56.87 ± 16.16 years) and 26 haemodialysis (HD) (80.8% male 63.58 ± 15.09 years) patients attending a department of renal medicine. Explanatory variables were usual vitamin D intake from diet/supplements (IU day(-1) ) and sun exposure (min day(-1) ). Vitamin D intake, sun exposure and ethnic background were assessed by questionnaire. Weight, malnutrition status and routine biochemistry were also assessed. Data were collected during usual department visits. The main outcome measure was serum 25(OH)D (nm). Prevalence of inadequate/insufficient vitamin D intake differed between dialysis modality, with 31% and 43% found to be insufficient (<50 nm) and 4% and 33% found to be deficient (<25 nm) in HD and PD patients, respectively (P < 0.001). In HD patients, there was a correlation between diet and supplemental vitamin D intake and 25(OH)D (ρ = 0.84, P < 0.001) and average sun exposure and 25(OH)D (ρ = 0.50, P < 0.02). There were no associations in PD patients. The results remained significant for vitamin D intake after multiple regression, adjusting for age, gender and sun exposure. The results highlight a strong association between vitamin D intake and 25(OH)D in HD but not PD patients, with implications for replacement recommendations. The findings indicate that, even in a sunny climate, many dialysis patients are vitamin D deficient, highlighting the need for exploration of determinants and consequences.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-2015
DOI: 10.3851/IMP2983
Abstract: Vitamin D deficiency can have serious health consequences and may be particularly important for those living with HIV. It is unknown whether HIV infection is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. The aim of the study was to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is more common in HIV-infected than in HIV-uninfected in iduals. This was a cross-sectional study of HIV-infected and uninfected in iduals. A total of 997 HIV-infected participants were from a sexual health clinic in Melbourne with 25(OH)D measurements taken between 2008 and 2012. 3,653 HIV-uninfected in iduals were participants in a statewide Victorian survey with 25(OH)D measurements taken between 2009 and 2010. Logistic regression models evaluated the association of HIV status with vitamin D deficiency (25[OH]D nmol/l). The frequency of vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common in HIV-infected (39% [95% CI 36%, 42%]) compared with HIV-uninfected in iduals 23% (95% CI 15%, 31%). In multivariable analysis, males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.8 95% CI 0.6, 0.9 P=0.001), Caucasian country of origin (aOR 0.4 95% CI 0.3, 0.4 P .001), summer/autumn (aOR for autumn 0.2 95% CI 0.1, 0.3 P .001), total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio (aOR 1.4 95% CI 1.2, 1.8 P .001) and HIV infection (aOR 1.7 95% CI 1.4, 2.1 P .001) were associated with vitamin D deficiency. Adults living in southern Australia with HIV were more likely to be vitamin D deficient than the general population.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.CANEP.2013.05.008
Abstract: To calculate pooled risk estimates of the association between pigmentary characteristics and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin. We searched three electronic databases and reviewed the reference lists of the retrieved articles until July 2012 to identify eligible epidemiologic studies. Eligible studies were those published in between 1965 and July 2012 that permitted quantitative assessment of the association between histologically-confirmed BCC and any of the following characteristics: hair colour, eye colour, skin colour, skin phototype, tanning and burning ability, and presence of freckling or melanocytic nevi. We included 29 studies from 2236 initially identified. We calculated summary odds ratios (ORs) using weighted averages of the log OR, using random effects models. We found strongest associations with red hair (OR 2.02 95% CI: 1.68, 2.44), fair skin colour (OR 2.11 95% CI: 1.56, 2.86), and having skin that burns and never tans (OR 2.03 95% CI: 1.73, 2.38). All other factors had weaker but positive associations with BCC, with the exception of freckling of the face in adulthood which showed no association. Although most studies report risk estimates that are in the same direction, there is significant heterogeneity in the size of the estimates. The associations were quite modest and remarkably similar, with ORs between about 1.5 and 2.5 for the highest risk level for each factor. Given the public health impact of BCC, this meta-analysis will make a valuable contribution to our understanding of BCC.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-08-2016
Start Date: 2010
End Date: 2013
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2008
End Date: 2010
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2004
End Date: 2010
Funder: National Cancer Institute
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2013
End Date: 2014
Funder: Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2017
End Date: 2021
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2007
End Date: 2010
Funder: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2010
End Date: 2015
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2007
End Date: 2012
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2013
End Date: 2017
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: Start date not available
End Date: End date not available
Funder: Queensland University of Technology
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2012
End Date: 2015
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2016
End Date: 2019
Funder: Queensland Government
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2008
End Date: 2010
Funder: World Cancer Research Fund
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2009
End Date: 2012
Funder: Australian Government
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2000
End Date: 2000
Funder: University of Southern Queensland
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2016
End Date: 2020
Funder: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2010
End Date: 2018
Funder: National Cancer Institute
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2010
End Date: 2013
Funder: Department of Health, Queensland
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2009
End Date: 2013
Funder: National Institutes of Health
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2013
End Date: 2018
Funder: Cancer Council Queensland
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2012
End Date: 2014
Funder: Department of Health, State Government of Victoria
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2017
End Date: 2020
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded Activity