Pigment Deposition Research Articles

RF06 THE CHOICE OF THE BEST PROSTHETIC VALVE IN CARDIAC OCHRONOSIS

Background: Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal genetic anomaly of the metabolism of tyrosine, and is characterized by the accumulation of homogentisic acid in the extracellular matrix with destruction of numerous tissues. Ocronosis is rarely associated with abnormalities of the cardiovascular system. The most common clinical manifestation is aortic valve stenosis. There is no specific therapy for alkaptonuria, limiting itself to the treatment of only the complications of the pathology. Methods: We report the case of a 69-year-old patient diagnosed with ochronosis following the detection of skin and scleral pigmentations. The patient was sent to our center with indication to replace the aortic valve for severe aortic stenosis after syncope episode. Results: Surgical intervention, the opening of the aorta, it is detected an abnormal blue-black pigmentation intima of the ascending aorta and aortic root with across where the flaps of the aortic valve and the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The aortic valve was replaced with a biological prosthesis No. 19. At follow up to twelve months, the patient is asymptomatic, at echocardiographic control the prosthetic valve appears normally functioning without signs of degeneration. The surgical technique of aortic valve replacement is not different in these patients, but the choice of the best prosthetic valve in cardiac ochronosis is still a matter of debate. In fact, the problem still remains discussed the possible deposition of the blue-black pigment at the level of biological prosthesis with its rapid deterioration. Our preliminary observations must naturally be confirmed by carefully conducted prospective studies.

Brown Bowel Syndrome Presenting as a Small Bowel Obstruction

Abstract Brown bowel syndrome (BBS) is a rare condition characterized by lipofuscin deposition in the muscularis propria of the bowel. It is associated with vitamin E deficiency and malabsorptive syndromes. We report a case of BBS in a patient with previously undiagnosed primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. The patient had a longstanding history of malnutrition as well as bilateral lower extremity lymphedema and chylous ascites. He presented to our hospital with small bowel obstruction (SBO). Initial magnetic resonance enterography revealed a dilated duodenum, which when biopsied revealed only lymphangiectasia and lymphedema. He was managed conservatively and discharged following resolution of the obstruction. The patient presented again 1 month later with SBO that failed to resolve with conservative treatment. Subsequent exploratory laparotomy discovered a portion of pale, edematous, aperistaltic jejunum. The specimen was resected, and pathologic examination revealed brown granular pigment deposition within the muscularis propria, which was highlighted by periodic acid–Schiff and lipofuscin stains, diagnostic of BBS. Nutritional workup revealed multiple deficiencies. The patient's clinical findings and history were suggestive of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia with resulting nutritional deficiencies leading to BBS. Outpatient follow-up after recovery revealed an elevated 24-hour fecal α1 antitrypsin, which supports this diagnosis. The patient has since improved following adherence to a low-fat diet. The combined clinical, radiographic, and pathologic findings in this case allowed for the resolution of this complex diagnostic dilemma. Although rare, BBS remains an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of a patient with SBO and history of chylous ascites and should be viewed as a symptom of underlying treatable nutritional deficiency.

A recent shift in the pigmentation phenotype of a wild Neotropical primate

The colors of primates are among the most diverse phenotypes in mammals. These colors are mostly produced by the deposition of melanin pigments in hairs. Many species show considerable variability in pigmentation, but this is always temporarily fixed. Here we report the first rapid change in the pigmentation phenotype of a primate. In the last five years, the pelage of mantled howler monkeys Alouatta palliata inhabiting Costa Rica has started to change from fully black to yellowish, constituting a conspicuous color change. Raman spectroscopy analyses of hairs show that the change is due to a shift toward the production of the sulphurated form of melanin, termed pheomelanin. Most animals with anomalous coloration have been observed in forests surrounding intensive cultivations where sulfur-containing pesticides are frequently used. Exposure to environmental sulfur may increase the availability of sulfhydryls to cells, which may favor pheomelanin synthesis in melanocytes and explain the pigmentation shift.

Dinosaur egg colour had a single evolutionary origin

Birds are the only living amniotes with coloured eggs1-4, which have long been considered to be an avian innovation1,3. A recent study has demonstrated the presence of both red-brown protoporphyrin IX and blue-green biliverdin5-the pigments responsible for all the variation in avian egg colour-in fossilized eggshell of a nonavian dinosaur6. This raises the fundamental question of whether modern birds inherited egg colour from their nonavian dinosaur ancestors, or whether egg colour evolved independently multiple times. Here we present a phylogenetic assessment of egg colour in nonavian dinosaurs. We applied high-resolution Raman microspectroscopy to eggshells that represent all of the major clades of dinosaurs, and found that egg colour pigments were preserved in all eumaniraptorans: egg colour had a single evolutionary origin in nonavian theropod dinosaurs. The absence of colour in ornithischian and sauropod eggs represents a true signal rather than a taphonomic artefact. Pigment surface maps revealed that nonavian eumaniraptoran eggs were spotted and speckled, and colour pattern diversity in these eggs approaches that in extant birds, which indicates that reproductive behaviours in nonavian dinosaurs were far more complex than previously known3. Depth profiles demonstrated identical mechanisms of pigment deposition in nonavian and avian dinosaur eggs. Birds were not the first amniotes to produce coloured eggs: as with many other characteristics7,8 this is an attribute that evolved deep within the dinosaur tree and long before the spectacular radiation of modern birds.

Differential gene regulation underlies variation in melanic plumage coloration in the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis).

Colour plays a prominent role in species recognition; therefore, understanding the proximate basis of pigmentation can provide insight into reproductive isolation and speciation. Colour differences between taxa may be the result of regulatory differences or be caused by mutations in coding regions of the expressed genes. To investigate these two alternatives, we studied the pigment composition and the genetic basis of coloration in two divergent dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) subspecies, the slate-coloured and Oregon juncos, which have evolved marked differences in plumage coloration since the Last Glacial Maximum. We used HPLC and light microscopy to investigate pigment composition and deposition in feathers from four body areas. We then used RNA-seq to compare the relative roles of differential gene expression in developing feathers and sequence divergence in transcribed loci under common-garden conditions. Junco feathers differed in eumelanin and pheomelanin content and distribution. Within subspecies, in lighter feathers melanin synthesis genes were downregulated (including PMEL, TYR, TYRP1, OCA2 and MLANA), and ASIP was upregulated. Feathers from different body regions also showed differential expression of HOX and WNT genes. Feathers from the same body regions that differed in colour between the two subspecies showed differential expression of ASIP and three other genes (MFSD12, KCNJ13 and HAND2) associated with pigmentation in other taxa. Sequence variation in the expressed genes was not related to colour differences. Our findings support the hypothesis that differential regulation of a few genes can account for marked differences in coloration, a mechanism that may facilitate the rapid phenotypic diversification of juncos.

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MEANS PREVENTING THE APPEARANCE OF THE INHIBITED LAYER ON THE SURFACE OF THE COMPOSITE

Aim. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of preventing the formation of a layer inhibited by oxygen or reducing its amount using various means.Materials and methods. The study was performed at the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry of the FSBEI HE KubSMU of the Ministry of Health care of Russia and the laboratory instrument factory "Cascade", Krasnodar. The composite Filtek Ultimate (3M ESPE, USA) was used for the production of model samples by placing the composite material in clean plastic molds with a diameter of 13.5 mm, thickness of 4 mm and polymerization, the following materials were selected to prevent contact of oxygen with the surface of the composite: glycerin solution, lavsan plate, Teflon tape. For the comparison with the standard method of elimination of the layer inhibited by oxygen we used the finishing of the surface of the composite. The surface hardness of the samples of each group and subgroup was measured using the apparatus-hardness tester PMT-3 by the Vickers method. The multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted in Statistica software 13. The samples were stained separately with a solution of "Lipton" tea from 2015 for 3 years. The degree of pigment deposition was evaluated.Results. The determining factor in the long-term functioning of the composite restoration is the stability of the surface layer. The results of the study showed the lowest microhardness of the samples from the group without any blockers of oxygen penetration without finishing (56HV), the highest microhardness was in samples from the group covered with Teflon tape with finishing (107HV). The probability value p<0.05 was obtained for all study groups. The results of the color change of the restoration were evaluated in the coloring medium. The assessment of changes in the coloring was carried out for 3 years. The results of staining allowed to confirm the obtained data of the study: 1) the intensity of staining of all samples increases over time, 2) the samples from the groups without glycerin coating were stained to a greater extent before the polymerization, without finishing in comparison with the samples from the groups without glycerin but with finishing, 3) the sample with glycerin coating and finishing was stained the least.Conclusion. Thus, the results of the study allow us to recommend using the means preventing the formation of the oxygeninhibited later to improve the efficiency of the restoration of the composite and increase the duration of its functioning. Depending on the clinical situation, glycerin, lavsan plate or Teflon tape can be used as oxygen blockers.

Immune responses of Aedes togoi, Anopheles paraliae and Anopheles lesteri against nocturnally subperiodic Brugia malayi microfilariae during migration from the midgut to the site of development

BackgroundLymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne disease caused by filarioid nematodes. A comparative understanding of parasite biology and host-parasite interactions can provide information necessary for developing intervention programmes for vector control. Here, to understand such interactions, we choose highly susceptible filariasis vectors (Aedes togoi and Anopheles lesteri) as well as Anopheles paraliae, which has lower susceptibility, infected them with nocturnally subperiodic (NSP) Brugia malayi microfilariae (mf) and studied the exsheathment, migration and innate immune responses among them.MethodsMosquito-parasite relationships were systematically investigated from the time mf entered the midgut until they reached their development site in the thoracic musculature (12 time points).ResultsResults showed that exsheathment of B. malayi mf occurred in the midgut of all mosquito species and was completed within 24 h post-blood meal. The migration of B. malayi mf from the midgut to thoracic muscles of the highly susceptible mosquitoes Ae. togoi and An. lesteri was more rapid than in the low susceptibility mosquito, An. paraliae. Melanisation and degeneration, two distinct refractory phenotypes, of mf were found in the midgut, haemocoel and thoracic musculature of all mosquito species. Melanisation is a complex biochemical cascade that results in deposition of melanin pigment on a capsule around the worms. Also, some biological environments in the body are inhospitable to parasite development and cause direct toxicity that results in vacuolated or degenerated worms. Even though Ae. togoi is highly susceptible to B. malayi, melanisation responses against B. malayi mf were first noted in the haemocoel of Ae. togoi, followed by a degeneration process. In contrast, in An. lesteri and An. paraliae, the degeneration process occurred in the haemocoel and thoracic musculature prior to melanisation responses.ConclusionThis study provides a thorough description of the comparative pathobiology of responses of mosquitoes against the filarial worm B. malayi.

Brown Mc Lean Syndrome: A Case Report

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report a case of Brown-McLean syndrome (BMS). Method: A complete ophthalmic evaluation and follow up for a 77 year old patient with BMS. Result: BMS is a rare condition with corneal edema involving the peripheral cornea with orange-brown pigment deposition underlying the edematous area. The edema typically starts inferiorly and advances circumferentially to superior cornea. Central cornea remains clear in most patients. It requires no further treatment and annual follow-ups are adequate. Conclusion: Patients with BMS can rarely progress to corneal decompensation; however, they should be periodically monitored and made aware of early clinical symptoms and signs of ocular surface complications.

Curvilinear, symmetrical, and profound pigment deposition on the posterior lens capsule in a patient with bilateral pigmentary dispersion syndrome.

IntroductionThe classic presentation of pigmentary dispersion syndrome (PDS) often consists of midperipheral iris transillumination defects, Krukenberg’s spindle, and dense homogeneous trabecular pigmentation. Other subtle, sometimes overlooked features include pigment on the lens zonules, pigment on the anterior lens capsule and pigment along the equator of the posterior lens capsule.CaseThis unique presentation of PDS presented with bilateral, dense, oblique, and symmetrical pigment deposition along the posterior lens capsule that changed in shape, density, and extent over the span of 3 years.DiscussionThere have been few reports in the literature that describe a central accumulation of pigment along the posterior lens capsule associated with PDS. There are reported cases of pigment deposition along the central aspect of the posterior lens capsule, some changing over time, although none were bilateral and symmetrical. There are suggestions that perhaps this central pigment deposition is related to a break in the ligament of Weiger, allowing communication between the posterior chamber and posterior lens capsule. This is a case in which curvilinear, symmetrical, and changing pigment deposition on the posterior lens capsule is suggestive of perhaps another key features of PDS.

Suppression of innate immunity mediated by the CDPK‐Rboh complex is required for rhizobial colonization in Medicago truncatula nodules

Suppression of innate immunity is essential for rhizobial infection and colonization in compatible interactions with leguminous plants. In Medicago nad1 mutant plants, innate immunity is excessively activated, resulting in necrotic cell death after rhizobia are released from infection threads into symbiotic cells, suggesting that innate immunity plays a critical role in regulating bacteroid persistence. In this study, we identified three respiratory burst oxidase homologs (Rboh) and one calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) as key factors for the activation of immunity in Medicago nodules using genetic and biochemical methods. Knock-out of either MtRbohB or MtRbohD in nad1-1 mutant plants produced effective nodules with intact symbiotic cells, while knock-out of MtRbohC decreased brown pigment deposition, leading to less necrosis in nad1-1 mutant nodules. MtCDPK5 directly phosphorylated MtRbohB, MtRbohC and MtRbohD, which triggered immune responses in plants. Knock-out of MtCDPK5 in nad1-1 mutant plants partially restored nitrogen-fixing nodules. Overexpression of the constitutively activated variant MtCDPK5VK under the control of the NAD1 promoter elicited strong immune responses, resulting in ineffective nodules in wild-type plants. Our data provide direct evidence that host plants utilize innate immunity to regulate rhizobial colonization in symbiotic cells in Medicago truncatula.

The Serine Protease Activity of Corin Is Required for Normal Pigment Type Switching

The Serine Protease Activity of Corin Is Required for Normal Pigment Type Switching

Cholesterol Clefts in Basal Cell Carcinoma: An Under-Recognized Association.

Cholesterol clefts have rarely been described in cutaneous tumors other than lipid-rich tumors. However, they seem to be a relatively common phenomenon in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This study was undertaken to determine the frequency of cholesterol cleft deposition in BCCs, and to identify associated histopathologic and clinical features. Twenty-eight of 249 BCC cases reviewed showed features of cholesterol cleft. Mean disease duration in those with cholesterol cleft was significantly longer than in those without cholesterol cleft (5.58 vs. 3.29 years, respectively; P = 0.013). Sex and age distributions, and average tumor longest diameter (11.6 vs. 9.41 mm) were no different for those with or without cholesterol clefts. The most common anatomical location was the nose in both those with and without cholesterol clefts. BCCs without cholesterol clefts more frequently involved the periauricular and perioral areas, and areas other than the head and neck, such as the trunk and lower extremities (P = 0.087). Histopathologic features of necrosis (26/28, 92.86%), keratinization (19/28, 67.86%), and pigment deposition (18/28, 64.29%) were found to be associated with cholesterol clefts. Cholesterol clefts were intratumorally located in 27/28 cases (96.43%), and stromally located in 2 cases (7.14%); intravascularly located cholesterol clefts were observed in no case. In conclusion, this study shows that cholesterol clefts are relatively common in BCC, and suggests that cholesterol crystal deposition could be associated with longer disease duration and microtrauma.

Tattoo: inoculating lupus vulgaris

<p>Tattooing remains a common custom in various countries and cultures. Tattooing has been practiced in India since ancient era. It has tremendous religious and spiritual significance. In addition, tattooing for cosmetic purposes has become quite popular in recent times. With this increasing trend, there is also an increased risk of adverse effects. A tattoo is the deposition of exogenous pigment in to the dermis. Decorative tattoos are more common. Cutaneous reactions to tattoos are uncommonly reported in literature. We report an uncommon occurrence of tattoo inoculated cutaneous tuberculosis presenting as lupus vulgaris in young adult who responded to standard antitubercular therapy.</p>

Controlled drainage of subretinal fluid during scleral buckling surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: the pigment stream sign.

To describe the macroscopic characteristics of the subretinal fluid (SRF) and its spilling modality during evacuative puncture in scleral buckling (SB) surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. We retrospective reviewed all the SB surgeries performed over a period of 26months at the University Eye Clinic of Trieste, Italy. We selected a cohort of 102 patients in which SRF drainage by means of evacuative puncture was performed. A high-definition video was recorded during the whole duration of the procedures, and the macroscopic characteristics of the SRF leakage were assessed. Pigmented dark-brownish deposits spilling in the fluid outcoming from the evacuative puncture was observed during the surgeries. In all cases, this macroscopic feature was detected during the late phases of the drainage. Moreover, indirect ophthalmoscopic evaluation showed the almost complete SRF drainage and a flattened retina at that moment. The pigment stream sign, easily detectable by the surgeon, allows to understand, during the evacuative puncture, when the SRF has been drained almost completely and that the drainage procedure is therefore close to the end.

Analysis of distant metastasis and related factors of head and neck mucosal melanoma

Objective:To analyze the characteristics and related factors of distant metastasis of head and neck mucosal melanoma, so as to provide better help for the treatment and the control of patients' survival. Method:Retrospectively analyze the patients of head and neck mucosal melanoma who were treated in our hospital from January 2004 to December 2016, through follow-up, of which 37 cases of patients with metastatic disease were analyzed which including the incidence of distant metastasis, specific metastasis and prognosis, time, etc.The age and gender of the patients were controlled, and 37 cases of 1∶1 were selected randomly in the patients who had no distant metastasis. χ² test, Kaplan-Meier analysis and multiple factor logistics regression model were used to analyze the related factors of distant metastasis of head and neck mucosal melanoma. Result: The time from hospitalization to distant metastasis was 5-98 months, and the median progression time was 18 months. 27 people died in the 37 cases, 10 people were still alive,which lung metastasis accounted for 32.43%(12/37) , peritoneal metastasis accounted for 16.22% (6/37), bone metastases accounted for 5.41%(2/37), the presence of multiple organ metastasis (lung, liver, brain) patients accounted for 45.95%(17/37).χ² test and Kaplan_Meier analysis showed that no matter whether there was pigmentation or not, postoperative radiotherapy, AJCC staging and operation mode were the significant factors.Finally,multiple factor logistics regression model showed AJCC staging, and the presence of pigment deposition was associated with metastasis. Conclusion: There is a wide variety of multiple organ metastasis when found.Less brain metastases. According to the AJCC stage, patients with advanced stage usually predict poor prognosis and distant metastasis after operation.The patients' lesion without pigmented melanoma have a great chance of distant metastasis..

Laser Irradiation of Organic Tattoo Pigments Releases Carcinogens with 3,3′-Dichlorobenzidine Inducing DNA Strand Breaks in Human Skin Cells

Laser Irradiation of Organic Tattoo Pigments Releases Carcinogens with 3,3′-Dichlorobenzidine Inducing DNA Strand Breaks in Human Skin Cells

Carotenoid-based plumage pigmentation and concentration as a function of sex and habitat type in the Yellow-breasted Boubou Laniarius atroflavus

The study of avian integumentary colouration can offer insight into dietary and metabolic processes as well as fitness in focal species. Yet, we know relatively less about the system of feather colouration in African birds in comparison to Europe, North America and the neotropics. In this study, we biochemically characterised and quantified the pigmentary basis for breast plumage colouration in the Yellow-breasted Boubou Laniarius atroflavus, a little-known Afromontane species restricted to the Nigerian–Cameroon Highlands. We also measured differences in carotenoid concentration and feather reflectance between sexes, and between birds inhabiting edge and riparian habitats. Six carotenoid pigments were recovered from the yellow feathers – canary xanthophyll A and B, a cis isomer of each, isoastaxanthin and an unidentified carotenoid. We determined that the yellow colour of the breast feathers is carotenoid-based, with the greater proportion as canary xanthophylls. The presence of the ketocarotenoid, isoastaxanthin, provides the basis for further studies into red, orange and yellow coloured congenerics. Males appeared to have higher feather pigment concentrations than females, and birds resident in the edge habitat appeared to have slightly higher feather pigment concentrations than those in the degraded riparian habitat. There was little indication of differences in feather reflectance between sexes and habitat types. However, low samples size restricted further differentiation. There is also the need for further studies on the dietary and metabolic pathways of feather colouration to better understand how ecological variation may shape pigment uptake, transport, synthesis and deposition in feathers.

Microbial biomass as an antioxidant for tilapia feed

Microbial biomass (MB) produced by different industries is thought to be a beneficial supplement in fish feed due to high contents of antioxidants and pigments. However, little is known about their impact on fish health. In this experiment, 960 tilapia (26.84 1.03 g) were fed one of eight experimental diets—a control diet with no MB (C), a control diet with vitamin E (VE) and six diets with three types of MB at two concentrations (0.25% and 0.5%): Rubrivivax gelatinosus (RG25 and RG50), Spirulina platensis (SP25 and SP50) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC25 and SC50). Adding MB to diets decreased plasma total oxidant status, malonaldehyde and leucocyte respiratory burst; increased the total antioxidant status; and did not affect the blood biochemical parameters. In flesh, the use of the MB lowered the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and increased redness (except for SC) and carotenoid deposition (except SC25). So, it was concluded that the use of the MB provided an antioxidant effect in tilapia blood plasma, decreased lipid oxidation and increased pigmentation and carotenoid deposition in the fish flesh, without imparting a negative impact on the animals’ health.

Ultraviolet-related ocular problems in children living on the coast of Southwest Sumba, Indonesia

Background A previous study has shown a high proportion of visual impairment and blindness in the adults of Southwest Sumba, Indonesia due to ultraviolet-radiation (UVR)- related ocular problems, such as cataract and pterygium. Currently, there is no data regarding the effect of ultraviolet (UV) exposure on children and its future implications.
 Objective To seek the predisposing factors of UVR ocular problems in the children of Southwest Sumba.
 Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Perokonda Village, Southwest Sumba in May 2017. A total of 337 children <16 years old were examined for ocular problems by ophthalmologists. Subjects with ocular problems were then treated accordingly.
 Results Visual acuity was normal in 98.2% of subjects. Visual impairment and blindness were found in 1.2% and 0.3% of subjects, respectively. Ocular problems were found in 38%, consisting of conjunctival pigment deposits (60.2%), pinguecula (15.6%), and pterygium (13.3%). The UVR ocular problems constituted 33.8% of all ocular problems, comprising conjunctival pigment deposits (22.8%), pinguecula (6%), and pterygium (5%).
 Conclusion The proportion of UVR ocular problems in the children of Perokonda village is 34.5%, the most common of which being conjunctival pigment deposits. Such deposits may be early signs of UVR ocular problems. This study serves as a platform to highlight the possible relationship between pigment deposits and future UVR ocular problems, which warrants further study.
 

Effect of bleaching agents on black tooth stains caused by chromogenic bacteria: 10 years follow-up case report

ABSTRACT Some microorganisms are associated with the formation and deposition of pigmentation on dental surfaces, and its localization, intensity and recurrence persistence can introduce aesthetic disorders. Carbamide peroxide is a bleaching agent that also presents antimicrobial properties. This case report addresses a ten-year clinical follow-up, showing a possible influence of a bleaching procedure protocol on alterations of oral microbiota. Although a bleaching treatment does not have the purpose to alter the oral microbiota, a drastic reduction and recurrence of black tooth stains was observed in this case.