Orange Pigment Research Articles

Production and characterization of orange pigment produced by Halophilic bacterium Salinococcus roseus isolated from Abattoir soil

Production and characterization of orange pigment produced by Halophilic bacterium Salinococcus roseus isolated from Abattoir soil

Novel Environmentally Friendly Inorganic Orange Pigments Based on Ca14Al10Zn6O35

Novel environmentally friendly inorganic orange pigments based on Ca14(Al1−xFex)10Zn6O35 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.30) were synthesized using a solid-state reaction method. The Fe3+-doped samples strongly absorbe...

Effects of the parasite, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, on wing characteristics important for migration in the monarch butterfly

Abstract There is mounting evidence that the longterm declines of overwintering monarchs in Mexico are exacerbated by losses during the fall migratory journey. Infection with the protozoan, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE), is known to negatively impact migration success. Here we examine how infections affect specific wing traits of monarchs that are important for migratory success. We used a collection of infected and uninfected monarchs reared under identical conditions, and from the (deceased) specimens, measured wing area (larger monarchs are known to have greater migratory success), wing color (the shade of orange pigmentation in monarchs is a known predictor of migration and flight ability), and the physical density of wings (a measure of wing mass per unit area). We also measured the tear-resistance of wings, using an apparatus that measured the force needed to cause a tear in the wing. Results showed no effect of OE on overall wing size, nor on the shade of orange pigmentation, but a clear effect on measures of physical density and tensile strength. Wings of infected monarchs weighed less per unit area (by 6%), and there was a 20% reduction in tear-resistance of wings. All results were qualitatively similar in a follow-up investigation using freshly-killed specimens. Collectively, this indicates infected monarchs are more prone to wing damage, which would be costly during long-distance migration. As such, this would be one more way in which OE infections reduce migratory success. Given the toll of OE to the monarch population, especially during migration, it would be prudent to focus conservation efforts on mitigating human activities that spread this disease.

Exploring Planococcus sp. TRC1, a bacterial isolate, for carotenoid pigment production and detoxification of paper mill effluent in immobilized fluidized bed reactor

Pulp and paper industry is one of the high priority sectors that generates large amount of solid (sludge) and liquid (paper mill effluent) wastes. Making use of this huge quantity of paper mill sludge (PMS) in an environment friendly manner is challenging and cost involving. Similarly the present wastewater treatment strategies based on physical and chemical methods encounter certain serious setbacks including secondary pollution generation with expensive mode of abatement processes. The present study aims at a “waste treats waste” strategy for the bioremediation of paper mill effluent in fluidized bed reactor (FBR) using another waste of the same industry, PMS as immobilizing matrix for Planococcus sp. TRC1, a wastewater bacterial isolate. This study simultaneously explores this isolate for the yellowish orange pigment it produces (2.3 ± 0.2 mg/gm of dry bacterial biomass) and characterizes it as a member of the pharmacologically important carotenoid pigment family via UV-Vis spectrophotometry, TLC, FT-IR and 13C NMR. The antioxidant potential of this pigment was studied by DPPH assay (IC50 = 33 ± 0.4 μg/ml) and H2O2 assay (IC50 = 147.4 ± 2.2 μg/ml). In FBR, the PMS immobilized bacteria showed removal of phenol, lignin, colour and COD from the effluent by 96%, 74%, 81% and 85% respectively after 60hr of treatment. The experimental data on immobilization fitted well with pseudo second-order (R2 = 0.955) and Freundlich adsorption isotherm (R2 = 0.996) models. The alterations in PMS before and after bacterial immobilization, as revealed by SEM and FT-IR, depicted the success of PMS as immobilization matrix. Phytotoxicity (90% seed germination) and mutagenicity studies confirmed that the treated effluent was substantially less toxic than its raw state. This study highlights a novel utilization possibility of PMS in an eco-friendly and economic way as immobilization matrix for Planococcus sp.TRC1 for paper pulp mill effluent treatment along with production of carotenoid pigment from this potential bacterial isolate as value added product.

Cryptic Male Phenotypes in the Mangrove Rivulus Fish, Kryptolebias marmoratus.

Alternative male phenotypes exist in many species and impact mating system dynamics, population genetics, and mechanisms of natural and sexual selection that operate within a population. We report on the discovery of a cryptic male phenotype in the mangrove rivulus fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus), one of only two self-fertilizing hermaphroditic vertebrates. In this androdiecious species, males are infrequent, often making up less than 5% of a population; and they have historically been described as having an orange color and lacking or having a very faded outline of the well-defined caudal eyespot (ocellus) that is obvious in hermaphrodites. The cryptic male we describe varies subtly from the hermaphrodite phenotype, without visible orange pigmentation on the body and retention or only minor fading of the ocellus. This male morph was identified by a loss of a defined melanistic "fingerprinting" on the caudal fin seen in hermaphrodites, not previously used as diagnostic for hermaphrodites, and replaced by a diffuse deposition of pigment across the fin. Individuals were identified as male with 85.7% accuracy when using these criteria. We report that in nine populations, spanning three geographically distinct regions in Florida, across two and a half years, 0.3% of the 6057 mangrove rivulus collected exhibited this cryptic male phenotype and were confirmed to have testes via dissection. Overall, 2.3% of the animals were male (normal and cryptic phenotypes), and cryptic males represented 12.9% of all males collected. Even a minor increase in individuals identified as male in a species where males make up such a small portion of the population can have important implications for population genetics. Opportunities for outbreeding are likely enhanced, which has significant evolutionary ramifications.

Colour and Ink Characterization of Ottoman Diplomatic Documents Dating from the 13th to the 20th Century

Abstract This study investigates the colours and inks used in diplomatic documents of the Ottoman Empire dating from the 13th to the 20th century. Elemental and spectroscopic analyses were carried out on more than 150 documents using μ-XRF, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy; 10 documents were selected representatively for each century. In addition to the characterization of colour and ink, their use and distribution through the centuries is discussed. Analysis showed the presence of minium, vermilion, red ochre and cochineal (red pigments); lapis lazuli (ultramarine blue), azurite (blue verditer), Prussian blue and smalt (blue pigments); malachite and green earth (green pigments); massicot and yellow lead (yellow respectively orange pigments) and basic lead carbonate and zinc oxide (white pigments). All illuminations were ornamented with gold to demonstrate the power of the Empire and the Emperor. Texts were written in iron gall- and carbon-based black ink (carbon black/soot), cochineal (red) ink and gold.

Paramagnetism and Fluorescence of Zinc(II) Tripyrrindione: A Luminescent Radical Based on a Redox-Active Biopyrrin.

The ability of bilins and other biopyrrins to form fluorescent zinc complexes has been known for more than a century; however, the exact identity of the emissive species remains uncertain in many cases. Herein, we characterize the hitherto elusive zinc complex of tripyrrin-1,14-dione, an analogue of several orange urinary pigments. As previously observed for its Pd(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II) complexes, tripyrrindione binds Zn(II) as a dianionic radical and forms a paramagnetic complex carrying an unpaired electron on the ligand π-system. This species is stable at room temperature and undergoes quasi-reversible ligand-based redox chemistry. Although the complex is isolated as a coordination dimer in the solid state, optical absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic studies indicate that the monomer is prevalent in a tetrahydrofuran solution. The paramagnetic Zn(II) tripyrrindione complex is brightly fluorescent (λabs = 599 nm, λem = 644 nm, ΦF = 0.23 in THF), and its study provides a molecular basis for the observation, made over several decades since the 1930s, of fluorescent behavior of tripyrrindione pigments in the presence of zinc salts. The zinc-bound tripyrrindione radical is thus a new addition to the limited number of stable radicals that are fluorescent at room temperature.

Carotenoid Presence Is Associated with the Or Gene in Domesticated Carrot.

Carrots are among the richest sources of provitamin A carotenes in the human diet, but genetic variation in the carotenoid pathway does not fully explain the high levels of carotenoids in carrot roots. Using a diverse collection of modern and historic domesticated varieties, and wild carrot accessions, an association analysis for orange pigmentation revealed a significant genomic region that contains the Or gene, advancing it as a candidate for carotenoid presence in carrot. Analysis of sequence variation at the Or locus revealed a nonsynonymous mutation cosegregating with carotenoid content. This mutation was absent in all wild carrot samples and nearly fixed in all orange domesticated samples. Or has been found to control carotenoid presence in other crops but has not previously been described in carrot. Our analysis also allowed us to more completely characterize the genetic structure of carrot, showing that the Western domesticated carrot largely forms one genetic group, despite dramatic phenotypic differences among market classes. Eastern domesticated and wild accessions form a second group, which reflects the recent cultivation history of carrots in Central Asia. Other wild accessions form distinct geographic groups, particularly on the Iberian peninsula and in Northern Africa. Using genome-wide Fst , nucleotide diversity, and the cross-population composite likelihood ratio, we analyzed the genome for regions putatively under selection during domestication and identified 12 regions that were significant for all three methods of detection, one of which includes the Or gene. The Or domestication allele appears to have been selected after the initial domestication of yellow carrots in the East, near the proposed center of domestication in Central Asia. The rapid fixation of the Or domestication allele in almost all orange and nonorange carrots in the West may explain why it has not been found with less genetically diverse mapping populations.

An attempt to cast light into lutein extraction and its alkali optimization

The present study deals with optimization of alkali treatment including KOH concentration (20, 30, 40 and 50% w/v), treatment time (0, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 120 min) and temperature (30, 50, 70 and 90 °C) in order to eliminate the green pigments (chlorophyll residues) of lutein acetone extract from spinach. Based on spectrophotometric and RP-HPLC-PDA analyses, alkali treatment (KOH 30% w/v) at 50 °C for 40 min with 4:1 mass ratio (extract: alkali solution) were the optimum conditions to eliminate chlorophyll residues of spinach leaf powder (extracted with acetone for 12 h). As a result, the lutein content of the alkali treated extract was measurable (1.85 mg/g dry weight basis), whereas its quantification was unlikely due to the interferences of green and orange pigments. Regarding the lutein content of marigold petals (14.48 mg/g dry weight basis) extracted by acetone for 6 h, it was noticed that heat treatment alone (50 °C for 40 min without KOH) was ineffective, while by combination of alkali and temperature (KOH 30% w/v, for 40 min at 25, 50 or 70 °C) the lutein content was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. Moreover, the HPLC quantification of alkalized spinach acetone extract showed an increase (up to 33%) compared to rudiment specimen. Apart from lutein, some other carotenoids (i.e., neoxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin and β-carotene) were also identified and quantified.

Different ommochrome pigment mixtures enable sexually dimorphic Batesian mimicry in disjunct populations of the common palmfly butterfly, Elymnias hypermnestra.

With varied, brightly patterned wings, butterflies have been the focus of much work on the evolution and development of phenotypic novelty. However, the chemical structures of wing pigments from few butterfly species have been identified. We characterized the orange wing pigments of female Elymnias hypermnestra butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) from two Southeast Asian populations. This species is a sexually dimorphic Batesian mimic of several model species. Females are polymorphic: in some populations, females are dark, resemble conspecific males, and mimic Euploea spp. In other populations, females differ from males and mimic orange Danaus spp. Using LC-MS/MS, we identified nine ommochrome pigments: six from a population in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and five compounds from a population in Bali, Indonesia. Two ommochromes were found in both populations, and only two of the nine compounds have been previously reported. The sexually dimorphic Thai and Balinese populations are separated spatially by monomorphic populations in peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra, suggesting independent evolution of mimetic female wing pigments in these disjunct populations. These results indicate that other butterfly wing pigments remain to be discovered.

Are Risk Factors for Growth of Choroidal Nevi Associated With Malignant Transformation? Assessment With a Validated Genomic Biomarker

To test the hypothesis that widely used clinical risk factors for growth of choroidal nevi are associated with malignant transformation. Fine needle biopsy for assignment of gene expression profile (class 1 or class 2) was performed in 207 choroidal melanocytic tumors < 3.5mm in thickness. The class 2 profile was employed as a validated biomarker for malignant transformation. The following data were collected: patient age and sex, tumor diameter and thickness, distance of posterior tumor margin from the optic disc, and the presence or absence of serous retinal detachment, orange lipofuscin pigment, drusen, retinal pigment epithelial fibrosis, retinal pigment epithelial atrophy, visual symptoms, and documented tumor growth. Clinical features associated with the class 2 profile included patient age > 60 years and tumor thickness > 2.25mm (Fisher exact test, P= .002 for both). Documented growth was not associated with the class 2 profile (P= .5). The odds ratio of a tumor having theclass 2 profile was 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.3-5.9) for patient age > 60 years and 3.5 (95% confidence interval 1.4-8.8) for tumor thickness > 2.25mm. For patients with both risk factors, the "number needed to treat" to identify 1 patient with a class 2 tumor was 4.3 (P= .0002). No other clinical feature or combination of features was associated with the class 2 profile. None of the widely used choroidal nevus risk factors for tumor growth, nor documented growth itself, is pathognomonic of malignant transformation as defined by class 2 gene expression profile. Patient age and tumor thickness may be helpful for identifying small choroidal melanocytic tumors that are more likely to have the class 2 profile. Observation for growth prior to treatment continues to be reasonable for most patients with suspicious choroidal nevi. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored by the American Ophthalmological Society.

Effects of picosecond laser on the multi-colored tattoo removal using Hartley guinea pig: A preliminary study.

Picosecond lasers have emerged as the leading technology for tattoo removal due to their shorter pulse lengths. To clarify the features of picosecond lasers, we compared picosecond and nanosecond lasers in their ability to remove multi-colored tattoo in an animal model. We first compared a nanosecond quality-switched Nd:YAG laser with picosecond Alexandrite and quality-switched Nd:YAG lasers and then the picosecond quality-switched Nd:YAG laser with the picosecond Alexandrite laser, using a guinea pig model. The colors in the tattoos included red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and black. Guinea pigs were treated for one session with each type of laser. The clearance of pigmentation and local reactions were evaluated based on clinical photographic assessment, quantitative assessment using a colorimeter, histopathology, and electron microscopic examination before laser treatment, immediately after, and at 3 weeks after the treatment. Regardless of pulse duration, a 532-nm laser was the most effective in clearing red, orange, and yellow pigments, although the overall effect and safety was better with the picosecond 532 nm laser. A picosecond 755 nm laser demonstrated excellent efficacy in removing only green and blue pigments. a picosecond 1064 nm laser demonstrated some effects on non-black colored tattoos. In terms of safety, picosecond lasers produced less tissue injury than nanosecond lasers. Conclusively, picosecond lasers are more effective and safer than nanosecond lasers.

ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF MYXOBACTERIA FROM TWO OUTERMOST ISLANDS OF INDONESIA

Myxobacteria are Gram negative bacteria commonly found in soil, tree bark, and decay wood. These bacteria have unique social behaviors by forming fruiting bodies, moving by gliding motility and preying on other microorganisms. The research was conducted to isolate, characterize, and identify indigenous myxobacteria from Sumba and Papua Islands of Indonesia as a preliminary step to utilize their potential in the pharmaceutical industry. Myxobacteria were isolated using filter paper and baiting with Escherichia coli to obtain cellulolytic and bacteriolytic myxobacteria, respectively. Characterization of myxobacteria was performed with Gram staining, observation on pigmentation, morphology of vegetative cells, fruiting bodies, and myxospores. Molecular identification was conducted based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. A total of 10 myxobacterial strains were successfully isolated and purified. All isolates obtained were Gram negative, rod shaped with yellow or orange pigmentation. Fruiting bodies observed contained spherical myxospores. Molecular identification of these bacterial strains showed that they belong to myxobacteria from suborder Cystobacterineae, namely Myxococcus fulvus, Myxococcus stipitatus, and Melittangium lichenicola. To our knowledge, this is the first record of their occurrence in Indonesia.

Late-Season Shiraz Berry Dehydration That Alters Composition and Sensory Traits of Wine

Late-season berry dehydration (LSD) is a common occurrence in Shiraz grapes, particularly those grown in hot climates. LSD results in significant yield reductions; however, the effects on wine composition and sensory characteristics are not well-documented. Wines made of 100% nonshriveled clusters (control) were related to red fruit flavors by the sensory panel, whereas wines made of 80% shriveled clusters (S-VCT) were perceived as more alcoholic and associated with dark fruit and dead/stewed fruit characters. The latter wines also resulted in higher concentrations of massoia lactone and γ-nonalactone, compounds known to contribute to prune and stewed-fruit aromas. Wines made of shriveled grapes were also characterized by an increase in C6-alcohols and a decrease in esters, whereas wine terpenoids were altered compound-specific. An increase in orange pigments and wine chemical age in S-VCT wines indicated faster oxidative aging compared to the control. LSD appeared to alter final wine composition directly but also appeared to influence yeast metabolism, potentially due to an alteration of the composition of lipids in the grape juice. This study emphasized the relevance of sorting shriveled and nonshriveled berries for final wine chemical composition and wine style.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Impacting Absorption, Metabolism, and Health Effects of Dietary Carotenoids.

Carotenoids are orange, yellow, and red lipophilic pigments present in many fruit and vegetables, as well as other food groups. Some carotenoids contribute to vitamin A requirements. The consumption and blood concentrations of specific carotenoids have been associated with reduced risks of a number of chronic conditions. However, the interpretation of large, population-based observational and prospective clinical trials is often complicated by the many extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect the physiologic response to carotenoids. Extrinsic factors affecting carotenoid bioavailability include food-based factors, such as co-consumed lipid, food processing, and molecular structure, as well as environmental factors, such as interactions with prescription drugs, smoking, or alcohol consumption. Intrinsic, physiologic factors associated with blood and tissue carotenoid concentrations include age, body composition, hormonal fluctuations, and variation in genes associated with carotenoid absorption and metabolism. To most effectively investigate carotenoid bioactivity and to utilize blood or tissue carotenoid concentrations as biomarkers of intake, investigators should either experimentally or statistically control for confounding variables affecting the bioavailability, tissue distribution, and metabolism of carotene and xanthophyll species. Although much remains to be investigated, recent advances have highlighted that lipid co-consumption, baseline vitamin A status, smoking, body mass and body fat distribution, and genetics are relevant covariates for interpreting blood serum or plasma carotenoid responses. These and other intrinsic and extrinsic factors are discussed, highlighting remaining gaps in knowledge and opportunities for future research. To provide context, we review the state of knowledge with regard to the prominent health effects of carotenoids.

Comparative Methylome Analysis Reveals Perturbation of Host Epigenome in Chestnut Blight Fungus by a Hypovirus.

In eukaryotic genomes, DNA methylation is an important type of epigenetic modification that plays crucial roles in many biological processes. To investigate the impact of a hypovirus infection on the methylome of Cryphonectria parasitica, the chestnut blight fungus, whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) was employed to generate single-base resolution methylomes of the fungus with/without hypovirus infection. The results showed that hypovirus infection alters methylation in all three contexts (CG, CHG, and CHH), especially in gene promoters. A total of 600 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified, of which 144 could be annotated to functional genes. RNA-seq analysis revealed that DNA methylation in promoter is negatively correlated with gene expression. Among DMRs, four genes were shown to be involved in conidiation, orange pigment production, and virulence. Taken together, our DNA methylomes analysis provide valuable insights into the understanding of the relationship between DNA methylation and hypovirus infection, as well as phenotypic traits in C. parasitica.

Regression patterns of choroidal melanoma: After palladium-103 (103Pd) plaque brachytherapy.

Purpose:To describe the patterns of regression of choroidal melanoma after treatment with plaque brachytherapy.Methods:Retrospective interventional case series including 170 consecutive patients treated with 103Pd eye plaque radiation for choroidal melanoma. Outcome measures were changes in tumor thickness, surface characteristics, tumor vascularity, ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and histopathology.Results:The mean initial tumor thickness was 3.9 mm (median 2.8 mm; range 2–11.3 mm) that decreased to 1.7 mm (median 1.2 mm; range 0–7.1 mm) after plaque brachytherapy. On imaging, tumors were pigmented in 51% (n = 86/170), amelanotic in 10% (n = 17/170), and variably pigmented in 39% (n = 67/170). Tumor pigmentation increased in 64% (n = 106/166), decreased in 18% (n = 30/166), and was unchanged in 18% (n = 30/166). Of the 120 that demonstrated intrinsic vascularity, 10% (n = 12/120) had decreased tumor-related vascularity and 90% (n = 108/120) showed complete resolution. Subretinal fluid was present in 34% (n = 58/170) of eyes at presentation. Of them, 15% (9; n = 9/58) had persistent SRF at last follow-up. On ultrasound imaging, 88% (n = 149/170) tumors presented with low to moderate internal reflectivity of which 61% (n = 91/149) showed increased reflectivity on regression. We noted a crescendo–decrescendo fluctuation in the presence of orange pigment lipofuscin along with complete resolution of drusenoid retinal pigment epithelial detachments. In the entire series of 170 patients, there was 0.5% (1) failure of local control, 2% (4) secondary enucleations, and 6% (10) patients developing metastasis.Conclusion:Findings related to choroidal melanoma regression after 103Pd plaque brachytherapy included decreased intrinsic tumor vascularity, decreased tumor-related subretinal fluid, increased pigmentation, specific changes in orange pigment lipofuscin and resolution of drusenoid retinal pigment epithelial detachments, as well as decreased tumor thickness with an increase in internal reflectivity on ultrasound.

An endocrine-disrupting agricultural contaminant impacts sequential female mate choice in fish

The environmental impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—compounds that interfere with endocrine system function at minute concentrations—is now well established. In recent years, concern has been mounting over a group of endocrine disruptors known as hormonal growth promotants (HGPs), which are natural and synthetic chemicals used to promote growth in livestock by targeting the endocrine system. One of the most potent compounds to enter the environment as a result of HGP use is 17β-trenbolone, which has repeatedly been detected in aquatic habitats. Although recent research has revealed that 17β-trenbolone can interfere with mechanisms of sexual selection, its potential to impact sequential female mate choice remains unknown, as is true for all EDCs. To address this, we exposed female guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to 17β-trenbolone at an environmentally relevant level (average measured concentration: 2 ng/L) for 21 days using a flow-through system. We then compared the response of unexposed and exposed females to sequentially presented stimulus (i.e., unexposed) males that varied in their relative body area of orange pigmentation, as female guppies have a known preference for orange colouration in males. We found that, regardless of male orange pigmentation, both unexposed and exposed females associated with males indiscriminately during their first male encounter. However, during the second male presentation, unexposed females significantly reduced the amount of time they spent associating with low-orange males if they had previously encountered a high-orange male. Conversely, 17β-trenbolone-exposed females associated with males indiscriminately (i.e., regardless of orange colouration) during both their first and second male encounter, and, overall, associated with males significantly less than did unexposed females during both presentations. This is the first study to demonstrate altered sequential female mate choice resulting from exposure to an endocrine disruptor, highlighting the need for a greater understanding of how EDCs may impact complex mechanisms of sexual selection.

Chicken feather peptone: A new alternative nitrogen source for pigment production by Monascus purpureus

Peptones are accepted as one of the most favourable nitrogen sources supporting pigment synthesis in Monascus purpureus. The present study was performed to test the feasibility of chicken feather peptone (CFP) as nitrogen source for pigment production from M. purpureus ATCC16365. CFP was compared with fish peptone (FP) and protease peptone (PP) in order to elucidate its effectiveness on pigment production. CFP was prepared from waste feathers using hydrolysis (KOH) and neutralization (H2SO4) methods. The protein content of CFP was determined as 67.2 g/100 g. Optimal concentrations of CFP and glucose for pigment production were determined as 3 and 20 g/L, respectively. A medium pH of 5.5 and an incubation period of 7-days were found to be more favourable for pigment production. In CFP, PP and FP media, yellow pigment absorbances were 2.819, 2.870 and 2.831, red pigment absorbances were 2.709, 2.304 and 2.748, and orange pigment absorbances were 2.643, 2.132 and 2.743, respectively. Sugar consumption and mycelia growth showed the similar trends in CFP, FP and PP media. This study indicates that the peptone from chicken feathers may be a good nutritional substrate for pigment production from M. purpureus.

Analysis of Long-term Outcomes of Radiotherapy and Verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy for Circumscribed Choroidal Hemangioma

To determine the long-term therapeutic outcome for different treatments of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH). Retrospective observational study. Patients with newly diagnosed CCH. Observation, verteporfin (Visudyne) photodynamic therapy (PDT), lens-sparing external beam radiotherapy (LS-EBRT), or plaque brachytherapy. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and throughout follow-up, tumor dimensions, and OCT central thickness (where available) at baseline and throughout follow-up were recorded. There were 60 treatment-naïve consecutive cases with CCH between January 2000 and June 2014; 42 (70%) received treatment. These were LS-EBRT (23/60 [38%]; mean follow-up, 45.5 months), PDT (16/60 [27%]; mean follow-up, 38 months), and plaque radiotherapy (3/60 [5%]; mean follow-up, 92 months). Macular location, mottled or orange pigment, and absence of drusen were significantly more frequent in the treatment group. In the LS-EBRT group, median thickness reduction on ultrasound B scan was 1.6 mm (mean ± standard deviation, 1.65±1.6; range,-6.5 to+0.7). The mean ± standard deviation BCVA gain was 0.22±0.34, with >3 Snellen lines in 48% of cases. Kaplan-Meier estimates were 80% for any gain and 40% for >3 Snellen lines gain at 5 years. In the PDT group, the median decrease in thickness was 0.95 mm (mean ± standard deviation, 1.0±0.8; range,-2.5 to+0.2). The mean ± standard deviation BCVA gain was at 0.3±0.51, with >3 Snellen lines in 30% of cases. Kaplan-Meier estimates were 93% for any gain and 68% for >3 Snellen lines at 5 years. Double versus single duration PDT had more favorable outcomes with a greater reduction in tumor thickness (P= 0.04), central retinal thickness (P= 0.02), and improvement in visual acuity (median, 0.33 vs-0.05). There was no difference in decrease in tumor thickness or BCVA gain between the LS-EBRT and PDT groups. With plaque brachytherapy, the mean decrease in thickness was 2.5 mm, but BCVA loss of >2 Snellen lines was noted in all 3 cases at the end of follow-up. Radiation complications developed in 10 of 23 cases (43.5%) from the LS-EBRT group and 2 of 3 cases (67%) from the plaque brachytherapy group. LS-EBRT is equivalent to PDT in CCH management for post-treatment BCVA and tumor thickness reduction. The risk of LS-EBRT and plaque brachytherapy was late radiation-related complications. Double duration PDT was more favorable than single duration.