The effect of narrow-band ultraviolet B radiation on sleep, happiness, and appetite: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The health benefits of sunlight are well documented, including the effects on happiness and sleep. However, only a few studies have investigated the benefits of artificial narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) radiation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of NB-UVB on sleep quality, happiness, and appetite. METHODS: Patients from a single phototherapy unit were selected, and their epidemiological characteristics were documented. Subjects were asked to complete questionnaires including the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), and the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) 4 weeks before and after the initiation of the NB-UVB therapy. The sample consisted of 52 patients. RESULTS: Four weeks after the initiation of NB-UVB sessions, sleep quality was significantly improved (the PSQI decreased from 6.5 to 5.23 (t = -3.52, P < .01). In contrast, subjective happiness did not improve (the SHS decreased from baseline 5.5 to 5.2, P > .05). Similarly, appetite did not change (the SNAQ score increased from baseline 14.75 to 15.05, P > .05) and body mass index was not affected by phototherapy. In general, men were found to have better sleep quality before and after UV light therapy. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that NB-UVB exposure over 4 weeks improves sleep quality; however, it does not influence happiness or appetite.

A Retrospective Review of an Off-label Bromelain-based Selective Enzymatic Debridement (Nexobrid®) in the Treatment of Deep, Partial, and Full Thickness Burns and Hard to Heal Wounds.

BACKGROUND: Rapid and selective bromelain-based enzymatic debridement provides a non-surgical alternative for the eschar removal in deep burns, which allows for early debridement of large surface areas, accurate evaluation of burn and wound depth, and the need for skin grafting. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of application of a bromelain-based selective enzymatic debridement (Nexobrid®) beyond the manufacturer's guidelines for use in burns > 48 hours as well as chemical, electrical, and pediatric burns, and chronic wounds. METHODS: This retrospective review included records collected between January 2017 and April 2019, from male and female patients aged 8 months to 99 years with deep burns or wounds treated with bromelain-based selective enzymatic debridement. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients who received the bromelain-based selective enzymatic debridement agent beyond the manufacturer's guidelines, 25 (76%) were observed to have successful debridement of the eschar, 8 (24%) were observed to have little effect on the burn eschar. Sixteen required further surgery after debridement. Clinical data on the use of bromelain-based selective enzymatic debridement agents are limited, but these results suggest the capacity to effectively debride burns > 48 hours (late presentation burns), use for pediatrics and for chemical and electrical burns, and apply to hard to heal full thickness chronic wounds. CONCLUSIONS: Bromelain-based selective enzymatic debridement was found to be an effective treatment modality beyond the recommended guidelines including late presentation burns and chronic wounds. This debridement method warrants further consideration when making clinical decisions concerning burn and wound care.