Sun protection, progress, myths, and inconsistencies (a proposal for the democratization of ISO 24443).

The concept of modern human sun protection is no more than one hundred years, but real development of it, including protection against UVA + UVB radiation (and more recently also the IR and blue light), has been no more than 30 years. One fundamental issue while formulating sunscreens is the photostability of the UV filters, which is particularly feeble for the UVA. The gold standard for the determination of sunscreen UVA protection "in vitro" is ISO 24443:2021. Still, interlaboratory results are not as consistent as expected. The Technical Committee for Cosmetics (ISO TC 217) has tried to standardize the method with precise specifications for the materials and equipment used. In particular, the standardization of UV exposure sources based on Xe arc lamps. This fact requires expensive equipment out of the reach of many laboratories to achieve adequate temperature control on the samples. In this paper, it will be shown that, within the experimental error, satisfactory results were achieved with a cheap commercial LED source irradiating only in the UVA spectra. Evidence is presented to conclude that other more relevant factors must be considered as the main cause of uncertainties.

Pharmacotherapeutic strategies for treating binge eating disorder. Evidence from clinical trials and implications for clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION: Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder and was newly recognized in 2013 in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). BED is frequently associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome, as well as with other psychiatric diseases, such as mood (49%), anxiety (41%), and substance use (22%) disorders. BED is highly prevalent and carries a high burden of mental and physical illness and disability. However, BED is frequently under-recognized and under-treated. AREAS COVERED: This paper reviews the main pharmacological treatments for BED and provides an expert opinion based on the available evidence and on the authors' clinical experience with patients affected by BED. EXPERT OPINION: Several medications have proven to be effective for the treatment of BED, including Lisdexamfetamine (LDX), topiramate as well as anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. To date, LDX is the only FDA approved medication for BED. Consequently, as a general rule, the use of an FDA approved medication should always be preferred. However, when in the presence of concomitant psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression, other medications that have proven efficacy in those comorbid conditions can be used and may contextually provide a benefit for BED.

Serological evidence of Rickettsia and Coxiella burnetii in humans of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In Buenos Aires city (Argentina), the circulation of these agents has been detected mainly in vectors and animals, few human cases having been described. The aim of our study was to determine the seroprevalence of Rickettsia (spotted fever--SFG--and typhus--TG--groups) and Coxiella burnetii (Q fever agent) in residents of Buenos Aires city. The study involved 99 participants. Rickettsia IgG antibodies against SFG and TG were detected by IFA in 28.3% and 16.2% of serum samples, respectively. SFG titers were mostly 1/64 (53.6%) with a maximum of 1/512 (3.5%) whereas TG titers ranged between 1/64 (62.5%) and 1/256 (6.3%). Only one sample showed a titer of 1/32 for C. burnetii (phases I and II). The circulation of these pathogens in urban areas such as the city of Buenos Aires should be considered by health services, especially at the primary care level.