Reducing The Health Risks For Children From Ozone Layer Depletion

Looking at your shadow (the shorter it is, the more dangerous UV radiation is 1), and covering up with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, are among the practical tips for children contained in a new guide on the ozone layer for primary school teachers.


The OzonAction Education Pack, launched globally today in English, French and Spanish, contains an entire teaching and learning programme, based on basic knowledge, practical skills and participation, to enable children to learn about simple solutions to protect the ozone layer and safely enjoy the sun.


"While we have hope that the atmosphere is healing and that the Montreal Protocol is working, we are still facing serious challenges," said Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). "Children should be aware of the huge risks that a weakened ozone layer poses to human health and the environment and they must know that much remains to be done. We must give them the means to protect their own future, and education is certainly key in this regard," he said.


The pack, produced jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), has been released to co-incide with the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on 16th of September. This year's theme is "Protect the Ozone Layer, Save Life on Earth".


"The OzonAction Education Pack will help schoolchildren to become aware of the simple protection steps that reduce solar UV health risks, and these become even more important as ozone layer depletion leads to intensified UV radiation on Earth," said Dr Anders Nordstr?m, Acting Director-General of WHO. "The severe health effects such as melanoma and other skin cancers are largely preventable through reduced sun exposure. UV protection thus becomes an important component of the global efforts towards cancer prevention." The ozone layer plays a crucial role in the protection of life on Earth from harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. While some solar UV radiation is necessary for bone health and also may help to prevent certain chronic diseases, excessive sun exposure causes immediate and long-term health problems.


Sunburn - which can be severe and blistering - is an acute health problem, while skin cancer and cataract leading to blindness are the most severe long-term health effects. WHO estimates that about 1.5 million DALYs are lost every year due to excessive solar UV radiation. One DALY is equivalent to one lost year of life in full health.


The OzonAction Education Pack is also linked to the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, which is led by UNESCO.


"The United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) aims to integrate the values inherent in sustainable development into all aspects of learning to encourage changes in behaviour which will enable a more viable and fairer society for everyone," said Ko?chiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO. "During this Decade, education for sustainable development will help to make citizens better prepared to face the challenges of the present and the future, and to orient decision-makers in their efforts to create a viable world."


UNEP, UNESCO and WHO are jointly promoting the OzonAction Education Pack to countries around the world and encouraging Environment, Education and Health Ministries, schools and teachers to adopt it as part of the primary school curriculum.


The signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on 16 September 1987 is now celebrated every year as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.


The development of the Education Pack was led by the OzonAction Branch in UNEP's Division of Technology, Industry and Economics and it was financially supported by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.

Phase III REGION-I Study Shows PEP005 (ingenol Mebutate) Gel 0.05% May Reduce Pre-Cancerous Skin Lesions In Patients With Actinic Keratosis

Specialty pharmaceutical company LEO Pharma announced that findings from a Phase III study evaluating PEP005 (ingenol mebutate) Gel 0.05% to treat actinic keratosis (AK), a common pre-cursor to skin cancer, were presented at the 68th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) (Scientific Session Poster Discussion: P105). Results from REGION-I demonstrated treatment with PEP005 Gel once daily for 2 consecutive days (n=117) on non-head locations resulted in significant clearance of AK lesions when compared with the vehicle or placebo (n=118). The study showed a 66.7% median reduction in the number of AK lesions, (p

PEP005 (ingenol mebutate) Gel at AAD


Phase II data evaluating the safety and efficacy of PEP005 in both head and non-head locations were included in AAD poster sessions:



-- Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, dose-ranging study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PEP005 (ingenol mebutate) Gel, 0.005%, 0.01%, and 0.015% when used to treat actinic keratoses (AK) on the head.(ii)


P2913: Electronic Poster



-- Multicenter, open-label, dose-area escalation, cohort study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of PEP005 (ingenol mebutate) Gel, 0.05% applied for 2 consecutive days to treatment area(s) of up to a total of 100 cm2 in patients with actinic keratoses (AK) on the extensor (dorsal aspect) forearm(s).(iii)


P2915: Electronic Poster


About REGION-I


REGION-I is a Phase III, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study, evaluating the efficacy and safety of PEP005 (ingenol mebutate) Gel 0.05% once daily for 2 consecutive days (n=117) compared with vehicle (n=118) to treat patients with actinic keratoses on non-head locations. Eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to PEP005 Gel or vehicle, and were assessed for clearance on days 3, 8, 15, 29 and 57. The primary objective was to compare the efficacy, as measured by complete clearance, of PEP005 Gel with the vehicle. The secondary objective was the partial clearance of AK lesions. Safety was also assessed by the incidence rate of adverse events (AEs) serious AEs and AEs leading to discontinuation, as well as by the incidence rate and grade of Local Skin Responses (LSRs), pigmentation and scarring.(i)


About Actinic Keratosis


Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis or sun spots, is a common pre-cancerous skin condition caused by sun exposure which can develop into skin cancers if left untreated. The number of AK patients is both large and rapidly growing, and AK is a serious health problem. People with fair skin are more likely to develop AK and today it is estimated that 100 million people in the United States, European Union, Canada and Australia have the disease. Less than 10 million people are in treatment. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that 40 percent of all squamous cell carcinomas begin as AK.


About LEO Pharma


Founded more than 100 years ago, LEO Pharma is an independent, research-based specialty pharmaceutical company committed to the discovery and development of novel drugs for patients within the areas of Dermatology and Critical Care Medicine. With a strong portfolio of approved products including market leading topical psoriasis treatments TACLONEX®, TACLONEX® Scalp Topical Suspension, DOVONEX® Cream and DOVONEX® Scalp Solution and a robust pipeline of treatments in development for conditions including psoriasis, eczema and actinic (solar) keratosis, LEO Pharma is one of the leading dermatology companies in the U.S. and the world.


References


(i) Swanson N. Multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PEP005 (ingenol mebutate) Gel, 0/05% in patients with actinic keratosis (AK) on non-head locations. 68th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Poster session PD01 on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 7:50 AM EST. Abstract P105.


(ii) Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, dose-ranging study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PEP005 (ingenol mebutate) Gel, 0.005%, 0.01%, and 0.015% when used to treat actinic keratoses (AK) on the head. Abstract 2913.


(iii) Multicenter, open-label, dose-area escalation, cohort study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of PEP005 (ingenol mebutate) Gel, 0.05% applied for 2 consecutive days to treatment area(s) of up to a total of 100 cm2 in patients with actinic keratoses (AK) on the extensor (dorsal aspect) forearm(s). Abstract 2915.

Latest Findings From Hair, Skin, Color And Shaving At AAAS Annual Meeting

P&G Beauty & Grooming scientists presented research at the AAAS Annual Meeting (Chicago, Feb. 12-16) that offers evidence of science's role in evolving beauty and grooming product efficacy. This year's meeting theme observes the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth, affording a unique perspective for examining the company's use of advanced science and technology to help individuals feel and look their best. Five studies--with subjects ranging from color optics to skin aging genomics to razor engineering--will be on display.



"The way people have managed their personal beauty and grooming routines continues to evolve, and scientists at P&G Beauty & Grooming are constantly driven to apply science insights to bring more advanced products to the market," said Steve Shiel, PhD, Associate Director, P&G Beauty & Grooming Science. "The AAAS Annual Meeting provides a premier forum for us to share insights with science peers and hear feedback that can lead to new hypothesis."



The following research summaries provide illustrations of the rigor brought to bear on product innovation at P&G Beauty & Grooming.



Color Science



More than Meets the Eye: The Science of Unique Skin Color and its Interaction with Cosmetic Foundation, Presented by Karen Kalla



The optics of human skin are well understood, including how the skin's chromophore layers (melanin, hemoglobin, and collagen) generate reflectance in specific regions of the visible spectrum. However, how these phenomenon vary across populations, impact skin defects (e.g. under eye circles, age spots) and can be predicted through light absorption and scattering principles (Kubelka Munk theory) are less well known. This poster outlines our combined understanding of these areas, and sets forth the scientific process involved in applying this knowledge to create better color foundation formulations to eliminate the problems of pasty or orange look on skin.



Genomics of Skin Aging



Genomic Analysis of the Anti-oxidant Capacity of Aging Skin, Presented by Rosemarie Osborne, PhD



Studies have established that environmental factors, such as UV light, trigger skin damage and photo-aging. And while the benefits of antioxidants in offsetting this damage have been documented, thorough understanding of skin's anti-oxidant response element (ARE) on a genomic level are key to the next generation of targeted prevention and reversal strategies. To uncover these insights, researchers analyzed gene expression patterns in sun-exposed and sun-protected old and young skin. The study results detail the genomic patterns found, including a pathway which found older, exposed skin having a dysregulated expression of ARE-related proteins, thus resulting in reduced defenses against oxidative damage, as compared to younger skin.



Stratum Corneum Lipid Metabolism Pathways Associated with Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging, Presented by Rosemarie Osborne, PhD
















The same genomic study described above found new insights on the stratum corneum, the skin's barrier layer responsible for protecting against environmental assaults. Through a separate analysis, P&G Beauty & Grooming researchers gleaned vital genomic understandings of the respective roles of intrinsic and extrinsic aging in affecting the stratum corneum's ability to perform its core function. The same study analyzed this affect while adding the variable of a topical cosmetic compound, using human skin equivalents. The results demonstrated that the compound increased the expression of genes involved in lipid biosynthesis and metabolism of the stratum corneum, leading to new appreciation of its potential in improving barrier maintenance and repair.



Hair Science



Liquid Crystals for Surface Modifications of Colored Hair, Presented by Steve Shiel, PhD



Conventional oxidative hair color processes, such as bleaching, change the structure of hair fibers, removing more than 70 percent of the natural, hydrophobic protective layer after even a single coloring. This structural change inhibits hair's interaction with traditional, hydrophobic conditioning ingredients, such as dimethicone, leaving bleached hair in an unprotected state. To address this damage, P&G Beauty & Grooming scientists studied the effect of liquid crystal technology. Liquid crystals were found to significantly increase the hydrophobicity of the hair surface, enabling bleached hair to be conditioned with dimethicone. A description of this proprietary technology and its benefits to hair structure is presented.



Grooming Science



Innovations in Modern Blade and Razor Technology, Presented by Pamela Zupkosky



The modern five-blade razor is the product of years of research and technological advances. A five-blade razor is not a new idea, but it has taken almost 90 years to perfect the technology. Like all multi-blade razors, the five-blade razor improves the closeness of the shave through the "hysteresis effect," which results from a slight hair extension out of the follicle as the first blade engages and from the hair being cut further down the hair shaft by the subsequent blades. But the five-blade razor goes far beyond other multi-blade razors. P&G Beauty & Grooming scientists had to carefully optimize the inter-blade span and blade edge technology to ensure that closeness is complemented with excellent shaving comfort and rinsing properties.







About P&G Beauty & Grooming



P&G Beauty & Grooming has more than 1,800 scientists and technical employees working at 9 global technical centers with an unparalleled commitment to technology development. Company scientific efforts have resulted in over 10,000 active beauty and grooming patents. This allows P&G to develop products uniquely suited for different types of hair and skin, and tailored to different cultures and climates.

Location Of Plantar Ulcerations In Diabetic Patients Referred To A Department Of Veterans Affairs Podiatry Clinic

We described the location of foot ulcers through a chart review of diabetic patients in a Department of Veterans Affairs podiatry clinic and looked for connections between ulcer location and specific medical features.


We hypothesized that individuals with diabetes rarely have heel ulcers but that heel ulcers are directly related to peripheral neuropathy and diminished vascular function.


We found that patients with reduced vascular function were five times more likely to have heel ulcers than patients with adequate vascular function. The importance of understanding the risk factors for heel ulcers stems from a lack of available treatments. Further research should study the effectiveness of interventions for patients with reduced vascular status.


Download PDF file


About the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development


JRRD has been a leading research journal in the field of rehabilitation medicine and technology for more than 40 years. JRRD, a peer-reviewed, scientifically indexed journal, publishes original research papers, review articles, as well as clinical and technical commentary from U.S. and international researchers on all rehabilitation research disciplines. JRRD's mission is to responsibly evaluate and disseminate scientific research findings impacting the rehabilitative healthcare community.


Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development

What Is Cellulite? What Causes Cellulite?

Cellulite is a term used to describe the dimpled appearance of skin caused by fat deposits that are just below the surface of the skin. It generally appears on skin in the abdomen, lower limbs, and pelvic region, and it usually occurs after puberty. Cellulite is also known as adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, and gynoid lipodystrophy in the medical field and as orange peel syndrome, cottage cheese skin, hail damage, and the mattress phenomenon in colloquial language.


Cellulite is often classified using three grades. Grade 1 classification sees no clinical symptoms, but a microscopic examination of cells from the area detects underlying anatomical changes. Grade 2 cellulite requires the skin to show pallor (pastiness), be lower temperature, and have decreased elasticity in addition to anatomical changes noted by microscopic examinations. Grade 3 cellulite has visible roughness of the skin (like an orange peel) along with all grade 2 signs.
Cellulite occurs in both men and women, but it is much more common in women because they are more likely to have particular types of fat and connective tissue.
What causes cellulite?
The causes of cellulite are not well understood, but there are several theories that have been put forth as explanations. Among these are:

Hormonal factors - hormones likely play an important role in cellulite development. Many believe estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process.

Genetics - certain genes are required for cellulite development. Genes may predispose an individual to particular characteristics associated with cellulite, such as gender, race, slow metabolism, distribution of fat just underneath the skin, and circulatory insufficiency.

Diet - people who eat too much fat, carbohydrates, or salt and too little fiber are likely to have greater amounts of cellulite.

Lifestyle factors - cellulite may be more prevalent in smokers, those who do not exercise, and those who sit or stand in one position for long periods of time.

Clothing - underwear with tight elastic across the buttocks (limiting blood flow) may contribute to the formation of cellulite.

How can cellulite be removed?
There are several therapies that have been suggested to remove cellulite, but none have been supported in the scientific or medical literature.


Therapeutic methods that are physical or mechanical include pneumatic massages, massages that stimulate lymphatic flow, heat therapy, ultrasound, radio frequency therapy, magnetic therapy, radial waves therapy, Endermologie, and electrical stimulation. However, there is no solid evidence that these methods are effective.


A second class of cellulite removal strategies consists of drugs that are supposed to act on fatty tissues. There is a wide variation of pharmacological agents used, such as methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine), pentoxifylline, beta-agonists and adrenaline, alpha-antagonists, amino acids, ginkgo biloba, rutin, and Indian chestnut among others. People with cellulite have tried to apply these agents topically, orally, or by injection, but none have been proved effective.















Some people with cellulite wear special clothing called compression garments to reduce the appearance of cellulite. These garments try to compress arteries and increase blood and lymph flow to reduce visual cellulite.



Cellulite reduction techniques such as liposuction and dieting actually do not remove cellulite. However, eating a healthful, balanced diet and exercising may be the best way to reduce the fat content in cells and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
How can cellulite be prevented?
Eating healthy, low fat foods such as fruits, vegetables, and fiber can help one to avoid cellulite. Similarly exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress are recommended to prevent cellulite. In addition wearing thongs, boyshorts, or looser fitting undergarments can prevent cellulite that might form due to tight elastic.
News on Dermatology and Cosmetic Medicine
For the latest news and research on Dermatology and Cosmetic Medicine, and to sign up to newsletters or news alerts, please visit our Dermatology or our Cosmetic Medicine sections.
Video: New York Plastic Surgeon -Testing Cellulite Removal Products

Related articles

A Possible Cure For Unsightly Cellulite? Aesthetic Surgery Journal
Do Anti-Cellulite Creams Work?
Fat Melting Laser May Treat Cellulite, Heart Disease And Acne
Cellulite Found To Be Reduced By Weight Loss In Some Overweight Women
Dermatologists Debunk Myths, Offer Advice For Conditions That Hit Below The Belt
New Technologies Tighten Skin From Head To Toe Without Surgery
Caffeine's Use In Cosmetic Dermatology
Sources: National Health Service (NHS), UK, The Mayo Clinic, Wikipedia, HHS (Department of Health and Human Services USA), NIH (National Institutes of Health, USA).


Written by Peter Crosta M.A.


View drug information on Pentoxifylline.

New Generation Of Wound Care Products Providing Caregivers With Powerful Options

The introduction of new technologies and products for the treatment of acute and chronic wounds is providing caregivers with a set of powerful options that will have a profound effect on the field of wound management. These new treatment tools, which mimic the body's natural physiology and/or regenerative pathways, include tissue-engineered skin substitutes, regeneration matrices, and biologically active cellular therapies.


These emerging products will be competing in a worldwide market worth billions, and in which improvements in quality-of-life and treatment outcomes continue to be top healthcare industry initiatives. As further data on patient outcomes becomes available, the number of approved indications as well as third party payer acceptance for bioengineered wound care products and therapies will increase, driving growth to significant levels beginning in the latter part of the decade.


Bioengineered Wound Care, a recently released report, analyzes emerging therapeutics, market participants, and key regulatory and technology factors influencing this market and driving acceptance of these next-generation wound care technologies. It is available from Greystone Associates by visiting link.



About Greystone


Greystone Associates is a medical and healthcare technology consulting firm providing services in strategic planning, venture development, product commercialization, and technology and market assessment.


greystoneassociates

Help - But No Miracle Cure - For Receding Hairlines

It's undeniable. Your hair is thinning around the temples. One look at your older brother's receding hairline shows you what's likely ahead -- and you'd rather not go there. But is there any way to avoid a receding hairline?


Thinning hair is common for men and women. But contrary to the too-good-to-be-true promises in advertisements, there's typically no cure.


The best first step may be to talk with your doctor to determine what's causing the hair loss. If you have a common type of hair loss called androgenetic alopecia (al-o-PE-she-uh), medication and surgery options approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may help, according to the June issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.


Medications: Two FDA-approved medications are available. Their effectiveness varies with the extent of hair loss and individual response to the medication.


Minoxidil (Rogaine, others) -- These liquid products are available in nonprescription formulas and are applied directly to the scalp. Although only 7 percent of the men and women experience some hair regrowth, about 75 percent report significant slowing of hair loss.


Finasteride (Propecia) -- Approved for use by men only, this oral prescription medication acts by interfering with the hormone that normally shrinks hair follicles. Clinical trials show that about 75 percent of men using finasteride alone experience a slowdown in hair loss. Nearly half experienced some new hair growth.


Surgical options: If you have extensive hair loss, or medications prove unsuccessful, ask your doctor about surgical procedures.


Hair transplant -- This involves multiple surgeries where tiny micrografts of skin with one or two hairs are removed from the back of the scalp and implanted into bald areas or areas of thinning hair.


Scalp reduction -- The surgeon removes hairless scalp sections. In their place, areas of scalp with hair are pulled more closely together, reducing the bald surface.


Flap surgery -- This procedure involves folding and securing a section of the scalp with hair over an area of bald skin.


Hair transplants may be combined with other surgical approaches. Some who benefit from medications opt to have surgery done as well. Surgical procedures to address hair loss are generally costly and not covered by insurance.


Mayo Clinic

mayo/news


View drug information on Propecia.