Detection of heavy metals and VOCs in streambed sediment indicates anthropogenic impact on intermittent streams of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Global surges in industrialization and human development have resulted in environmental contamination. Streambed sediment contamination threatens ecological and human health due to groundwater leaching and downstream contaminant mobilization. This is especially true in the wider Caribbean region, where streambed sediment contamination is understudied. In the current study, we assessed human impact on intermittent streams by measuring heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in streambed sediment on St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), where intermittent streams receive limited conservation and research attention. In contrast to our hypothesis that streambed sediment pollutant concentrations would be higher in developed, compared to undeveloped areas, contaminant concentrations did not vary significantly according to land cover. Elevated lead, mercury, and zinc concentrations were correlated with commercial building density, suggesting an unnatural origin of these elements in streambed sediment. At some sites, levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead, thallium, or zinc exceeded regulatory limits. The most prevalent VOCs at both developed and undeveloped sites were benzene and toluene. Sub-groups of heavy metals identified by principal component analysis indicated potential pollution sources, including fuel combustion (chromium, nickel, arsenic, selenium), vehicle exhaust, oil refining, and gasoline leaks (2-butanone and xylenes), and plastics (acetone and styrene). Our results suggest USVI intermittent streams require further research attention and intervention strategies for pollution reduction.

Tolerability of a Skin Care Regimen Formulated for Acne-Prone Skin in Children.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology and demographic profile of acne vulgaris has evolved over the past several decades, with a noted earlier onset occurring in patients as young as 7 years of age. The combination of a foaming facial wash and a facial moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is an over-the-counter cleansing and moisturizing regimen for acne-prone skin that has been shown to be safe and tolerable in subjects 12 years of age and older. OBJECTIVES: To assess the tolerability of this skin care regimen in children ages 7 to 11 years with acne-prone skin. METHODS: This was an open-label, single-center study that investigated the safety and tolerability of these products in subjects 7 to 11 years of age (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01909713). Subjects used the foaming wash twice daily and the SPF 30 moisturizer once daily. Subjects were assessed for cutaneous tolerability, and satisfaction at baseline and weeks 1 and 3. RESULTS: Thirty-five subjects enrolled and completed the study. The cutaneous tolerability score of most subjects was none when assessed by the investigator and subject or legally authorized representative at weeks 1 and 3. The products were well tolerated and a positive impression for cosmetic acceptability was reported for both products by the study population on the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the use of a skin care regimen comprising a wash and a moisturizer in acne-prone patients as young as 7 years old since these products were safe, well tolerated, and liked by subjects.

Teledermatology: the use of ubiquitous technology to redefine traditional medical instruction, collaboration, and consultation.

The seemingly ubiquitous use and acceptance of mobile, Wi-Fi-enabled, camera-ready tablets are offering dermatological clinicians a new telemedicine tool and collaborative learning platform, which may come to replace the traditional practice of forwarding digital still photographs to colleagues for consultation. The decreased cost and the increased ease of use of newer generation tablets are removing some of the participation barriers previously experienced by some dermatology professionals. Prior to full clinical implementation within the authors' practice in 2011, they tested the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-approved Apple FaceTime(®) videoconference platform and found it to be an affordable, convenient, and effective collaboration and consultation tool that may augment andragogical postgraduate medical learning.