Orange Pigment Research Articles

The MOLES system to guide the management of melanocytic choroidal tumours: can optometrists apply it?

ABSTRACTClinical relevanceAlthough melanocytic choroidal tumours of the choroid are a common eye pathology, no standardised protocol exists for their management in the community.BackgroundChoroidal naevi are found in approximately 6% of the adult White population, whereas choroidal melanomas are rare, with an annual incidence of 5–10/million/year. Multimodal imaging has advanced the understanding of malignancy imaging biomarkers, but distinguishing between a small melanoma and naevus remains difficult and an algorithm for their management by community practitioners has not been uniformly adopted. One of the authors (BD) devised the MOLES scoring system, which indicates malignancy likelihood according to mushroom shape, orange pigment, large size, enlargement, and subretinal fluid. When applied by ocular oncologists, the system accurately distinguishes choroidal naevi from melanomas. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether community optometrists can appropriately manage patients with melanocytic choroidal tumours using this system.MethodsClinical images of 25 melanocytic choroidal tumours were presented in an online survey, including colour fundus photographs, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, and B-scan ultrasound images. Using the MOLES system, 39 optometrists diagnosed tumours as naevus or probable melanoma and decided between community monitoring and ophthalmologist referral. Responses were compared to MOLES grading of the same clinical images by ocular oncologists.ResultsUsing MOLES, optometrists correctly identified 389/406 probable melanomas (95.8% sensitivity) and 331/516 choroidal naevi (64.1% specificity); correctly referred 773/778 tumours to an ophthalmologist (99.4% sensitivity); and correctly managed 80/144 lesions (55.6% specificity) in the community.ConclusionOptometrists safely applied the MOLES scoring system in this survey. Further measures are indicated to reduce choroidal naevi over-referral and evaluate MOLES system usage in clinical optometric practice, where some imaging modalities may not be readily available.

Assessing Choroidal Nevi, Melanomas and Indeterminate Melanocytic Lesions Using Multimodal Imaging-A Retrospective Chart Review.

Using multimodal imaging, the literature proposed the following risk factors for choroidal nevus growth into melanoma: increased tumor thickness, subretinal fluid, decreased visual acuity, presence of orange pigment, ultrasound acoustic hollowness, and increased tumor diameter. This study investigated the presence of the mentioned risk factors in choroidal nevi, choroidal melanomas, and indeterminate choroidal melanocytic lesions. This retrospective, single-center chart review assessed choroidal melanocytic tumors with multimodal imaging. We defined our primary outcome as the cumulative presence of mentioned risk factors. Further, we evaluated various optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound, and autofluorescence findings. We analyzed 51 tumors from 49 patients during the period from April 2008 to June 2021. The median (IQR) age was 64.0 (56.0 to 70.5) years, with 23 of 49 (46.9%) patients being female. The follow-up time for all tumors was median (IQR) 25.0 (12.0 to 39.0) months. The choroidal nevi had a median (range) risk score of 0.0 (0.0 to 3.0), and the choroidal melanoma of 5.0 (3.0 to 6.0), with statistically significant different ratings (p < 0.001). Multimodal imaging creates a score that may help to distinguish choroidal nevi from choroidal melanomas objectively.

Development of Monascus purpureus monacolin K-hyperproducing mutant strains by synchrotron light irradiation and their comparative genome analysis

Monascus purpureus have been used for making koji and other fermented foods and supplements. M.purpureus characteristically produces monacolin K (MK), a secondary metabolite that competitively inhibits cholesterol synthesis. Synchrotron light irradiation was applied to induce mutation in the strain KUPM5 to improve the MK-producing ability of M.purpureus strain KUPM5. Screening by a bioassay utilizing sensitivities to yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae from 936 colonies allows isolating three mutant strains: SC01, SC02, and SC03. These mutant strains and the parental strain KUPM5 were subjected to make koji using rice, and their metabolites were compared. All strains SC01, SC02, and SC03 in koji showed higher production of MK than the strain KUPM5. Particularly, the SC02 strain produced MK threefold higher than KUPM5 and maintained the production capabilities of other metabolites, including red, yellow, and orange pigments, mycelial contents, and α-amylase activity comparable to those of the strain KUPM5. Comparative genome analysis among strain KUPM5 and the mutants revealed that synchrotron light irradiation introduced mutations in approximately 90% of the total genes, including SNV, MNV, and indel mutations. The frequencies of SNV substitution in the whole genome occupied 68.96% of all mutations, of which 92.38% were transversions and 7.62% were transitions. This study, therefore, proved the synchrotron light irradiation was highly efficient for the strain improvement of a filamentous fungus, M.purpureus, and provided insights into the properties of mutation in the fungus by this mutagen.

ANTIBIOFILM ACTIVITY AND STABILITY ASSAY OF PIGMENT FROM MARINE BACTERIA Bizionia paragorgiae

Biofilms are communities that contain one or multiple microorganisms that enclosed in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix Biofilm formation is one of important survival skills for bacteria to be able to grow in all surfaces, such as living tissues, medical devices, industrial water piping, shipping, and natural aquatic system. It is recognized as the important virulence factor and protection for bacteria from environment influences. Bizionia paragorgiae, which produced orange pigment, was examined in this research. In this research, antibacterial, antibiofilm activity, and stability assay were examined. There was no antibacterial activity indicated from this study against all tested Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Based on antibiofilm activity against four pathogenic bacteria, both destruction and inhibition assay reduced biofilm formation by up to 30-70%. According to the result revealed from stability assay, the pigment was more stable at its natural pH 5.83, at 25 °C, and stored in dark condition.

Isolation and selection of carotenoid-producing bacteria from marine environment and determination of carotenoid extraction condition

The carotenoid is a natural pigment group, which is gradual of interest because of its essential biological activities and great production potentials such as using low-cost material and easy to apply on a large scale. For further development of natural carotenoid products, in this study, fourteen yellow, red, and orange pigment-producing marine bacterial strains were isolated from 25 seawater samples collected along coasts of Phu Quoc island (Kien Giang province), Vung Tau City (Ba Ria – Vung Tau province), Can Gio district (Ho Chi Minh city), and Thang Binh district (Quang Nam province). These isolates were identified belong to seven genera Micrococcus, Kocuria, Microbacterium, Brevibacterium, Bacillus, Rhodococcus and Exiguobacterium with 96.7% - 100% of 16S rRNA sequences identity. Based on carotenoid producing ability and UV-absorbance profile, three of the isolates including Micrococcus sp. 64A3a (yellow), Exiguobacterium sp. YT09 (orange) and Rhodococcus enclensis strain RSA3 (red) were selected for investigation of carotenoid extraction conditions. Methanol at concentration of 100% with ratio of 1 g bacterial cells/10 mL methanol is suitable conditions for extraction of red, orange and yellow pigments from the isolates.

Orange Colour Formation and Pigment Variation on Tropical Tangerine Peel by Precooling and Degreening

Orange Colour Formation and Pigment Variation on Tropical Tangerine Peel by Precooling and Degreening

Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Dyeing Potential of Crude Pigment Extract of Gonatophragmium triuniae and Its Chemical Characterization.

Filamentous fungi synthesize natural products as an ecological function. In this study, an interesting indigenous fungus producing orange pigment exogenously was investigated in detail as it possesses additional attributes along with colouring properties. An interesting fungus was isolated from a dicot plant, Maytenus rothiana. After a detailed study, the fungal isolate turned out to be a species of Gonatophragmium belonging to the family Acrospermaceae. Based on the morphological, cultural, and sequence-based phylogenetic analysis, the identity of this fungus was confirmed as Gonatophragmium triuniae. Although this fungus grows moderately, it produces good amounts of pigment on an agar medium. The fermented crude extract isolated from G. triuniae has shown antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 0.99 mg/mL and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (with MIC of 3.91 μg/mL against Bacillus subtilis, and 15.6 μg/mL and 31.25 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus, respectively). Dyeing of cotton fabric mordanted with FeSO4 using crude pigment was found to be satisfactory based on visual observation, suggesting its possible use in the textile industry. The orange pigment was purified from the crude extract by preparative HP-TLC. In addition, UV-Vis, FTIR, HRMS and NMR (1H NMR, 13C NMR), COSY, and DEPT analyses revealed the orange pigment to be “1,2-dimethoxy-3H-phenoxazin-3-one” (C14H11NO4, m/z 257). To our understanding, the present study is the first comprehensive report on Gonatophragmium triuniae as a potential pigment producer, reporting “1,2-dimethoxy-3H-phenoxazin-3-one” as the main pigment from the crude hexane extract. Moreover, this is the first study reporting antioxidant, antibacterial, and dyeing potential of crude extract of G. triuniae, suggesting possible potential applications of pigments and other bioactive secondary metabolites of the G. triuniae in textile and pharmaceutical industry.

Orange pigment variety in Black-bellied Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton phaeton from West Kimberley, Australia

During standardised bird surveys in September 2021 in the West Kimberly, two independent observations of an orange pigment variety in a male Black-bellied Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton phaeton were recorded. This is the first documented observation of a wild Black-bellied Crimson Finch with this coloration.

Novel inorganic orange pigments based on BiFeWO&lt;sub&gt;6&lt;/sub&gt;

Novel inorganic orange pigments based on BiFeWO&lt;sub&gt;6&lt;/sub&gt;

Synthesis of NIR-Reflective Oxide Ceramic Orange Pigment from MgO and Leucoxene

A series of NIR-reflective brownish orange pigments comprising various amounts of Fe2O3 have been synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction at 1100 °C. Magnesium titanate base pigment was synthesized from MgO and leucoxene mineral which was employed as TiO2 source. The resultant pigment had brownish gray appearance (L*a*b* = 68.67, 7.83, 18.68, respectively) and NIR reflectance of 81.0%. Incorporating the magnesium titanate pigment with various amounts of Fe2O3 (molar ratio (x) = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 and 1.0) resulted in a change of color hue to brownish orange, and a change of NIR reflectance from 81.0 to 41.1% upon the increase of Fe2O3 content. Optical bang-gap energies derived from diffused reflectance spectra reduced from 2.75 eV for the magnesium titanate to 2.25, 2.20, 2.10, 1.90, 1.70 and 1.60 eV for pigments incorporated with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 and 1.0 mole Fe2O3, respectively. At the optimum synthesis condition (x = 0.3), the pigment exhibited light brownish orange color hue (L*a*b* = 52.02, 23.94, 39.37) and NIR reflectance of 80.1%. An accelerated QUV weathering test according to the ASTM G154-16 standard revealed color fading (ΔE*) of only 0.95 indicating excellent weathering stability.

Pretreatment of Plastic Waste: Removal of Colorants from HDPE Using Biosolvents.

Plastics recycling remains a challenge due to the relatively low quality of the recycled material, since most of the developed recycling processes cannot deal with the additives present in the plastic matrix, so the recycled products end up in lower-grade applications. The application of volatile organic solvents for additives removal is the preferred choice. In this study, pretreatment of plastic packaging waste to remove additives using biosolvents was investigated. The plastic waste used was high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with blue and orange colorants (pigment and/or dye). The first step was to identify the type of colorants present in the HDPE, and we found that both plastics presented only one colorant that was actually a pigment. Then, limonene, a renewable solvent, was used to solubilize HDPE. After HDPE dissolution, a wide range of alcohols (mono-, di-, and tri-alcohols) was evaluated as antisolvents in order to selectively precipitate the polymer and maximize its purity. The use of limonene as solvent for plastic dissolution, in combination with poly-alcohols with an intermediate alkyl chain length and a large number of hydroxyl (OH) groups, was found to work best as an antisolvent (1,2,3-propanetriol and 1,2,4-butanetriol), leading to a removal of up to 94% and 100% of the blue and orange pigments, respectively. Finally, three cycles of extraction were carried out, proving the capability of the solvent and antisolvent to be recovered and reused, ensuring the economic viability and sustainability of the process. This pretreatment provides a secondary source of raw materials and revenue for the recycling process, which may lead to an increase in the quality of recycled polymers, contributing to the development of an economical and sustainable recycling process.

Chemical Profiling, Bioactivity Evaluation and the Discovery of a Novel Biopigment Produced by Penicillium purpurogenum CBS 113139.

Biobased pigments are environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic variants with an increased market demand. Production of pigments via fermentation is a promising process, yet optimization of the production yield and rate is crucial. Herein, we evaluated the potential of Penicillium purpurogenum to produce biobased pigments. Optimum sugar concentration was 30 g/L and optimum C:N ratio was 36:1 resulting in the production of 4.1–4.5 AU (namely Pigment Complex A). Supplementation with ammonium nitrate resulted in the production of 4.1–4.9 AU (namely Pigment Complex B). Pigments showed excellent pH stability. The major biopigments in Pigment Complex A were N-threonyl-rubropunctamin or the acid form of PP-R (red pigment), N-GABA-PP-V (violet pigment), PP-O (orange pigment) and monascorubrin. In Pigment Complex B, a novel biopigment annotated as N-GLA-PP-V was identified. Its basic structure contains a polyketide azaphilone with the same carboxyl-monascorubramine base structure as PP-V (violet pigment) and γ-carboxyglutamic acid (GLA). The pigments were not cytotoxic up to 250 μg/mL.

A Prediction Model to Discriminate Small Choroidal Melanoma from Choroidal Nevus

Objective: This study aimed to develop a validated machine learning model to diagnose small choroidal melanoma. Design: This is a cohort study. Subjects, Participants, and/or Controls: The training data included 123 patients diagnosed as small choroidal melanocytic tumor (5.0–16.0 mm in largest basal diameter and 1.0 mm–2.5 mm in height; Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study criteria). Those diagnosed as melanoma (n = 61) had either documented growth or pathologic confirmation. Sixty-two patients with stable lesions classified as choroidal nevus were used as negative controls. The external validation dataset included 240 patients managed at a different tertiary clinic, also with small choroidal melanocytic tumor, observed for malignant growth. Methods: In the training data, lasso logistic regression was used to select variables for inclusion in the final model for the association with melanoma versus choroidal nevus. Internal and external validation was performed to assess model performance. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measure is the predicted probability of small choroidal melanoma. Results: Distance to optic disc ≥3 mm and drusen were associated with decreased odds of melanoma, whereas male versus female sex, increased height, subretinal fluid, and orange pigment were associated with increased odds of choroidal melanoma. The area under the receiver operating characteristic “discrimination value” for this model was 0.880. The top four variables that were most frequently selected for inclusion in the model on internal validation, implying their importance as predictors of melanoma, were subretinal fluid, height, distance to optic disc, and orange pigment. When tested against the validation data, the prediction model could distinguish between choroidal nevus and melanoma with a high discrimination of 0.861. The final prediction model was converted into an online calculator to generate predicted probability of melanoma. Conclusions: To minimize diagnostic uncertainty, a machine learning-based diagnostic prediction calculator can be readily applied for decision-making and counseling patients with small choroidal melanoma.

Four new species of troglomorphic Coecobrya Yosii, 1956 (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from Thailand based on morphological and molecular evidence, with an updated key of Thai troglomorphic species

Four new species of troglomorphic Coecobrya Yosii, 1956 are described from caves located in the central and northeastern regions of Thailand. Coecobrya whittenisp. nov. and C. troglobiasp. nov. are from Khon Kaen province, C. ellisisp. nov. is from Phetchabun province and C. phitsanulokensissp. nov. is from Phitsanulok province. They all exhibit remarkable troglobitic characters i.e. elongated antennae, legs and furca, slender claw complex and large body size. Coecobrya whittenisp. nov. is similar to C. troglobiasp. nov. and they were found a distance of only 3.4 km from each other. However, they are mainly different in the number of An mac on dorsal head and number of chaetae of Th. II. Likewise, C. ellisisp. nov. is similar to C. phitsanulokensissp. nov.. However, they differ in the number of An mac on the dorsal head, the number of central mac on Abd. II, central mac on Abd. IV, lateral mac on Abd. IV and the number of inner teeth of the claw. Moreover, C. ellisisp. nov. has orange pigment dots on the body, a unique character, considering that all other troglomorphic Coecobrya species in Thailand are devoid of pigmentation. The results of the molecular approach based on two partial mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S rDNA) and a nuclear gene fragment (28S rDNA) supported the results of morphological species discrimination in separating the four nominal populations as valid species. An updated dichotomous key of Thai troglomorphic Coecobrya species is also given.

Production of Pigments by Filamentous Fungi Cultured on Agro-Industrial by-Products Using Submerged and Solid-State Fermentation Methods

The food and pharmaceutical industries are searching for natural colour alternatives as required by consumers. Over the last decades, fungi have emerged as producers of natural pigments. In this paper, five filamentous fungi; Penicillium multicolour, P. canescens, P. herquie, Talaromyces verruculosus and Fusarium solani isolated from soil and producing orange, green, yellow, red and brown pigments, respectively, when cultured on a mixture of green waste and whey were tested. The culture media with varying pH (4.0, 7.0 and 9.0) were incubated at 25 °C for 14 days under submerged and solid-state fermentation conditions. Optimal conditions for pigment production were recorded at pH 7.0 and 9.0 while lower biomass and pigment intensities were observed at pH 4.0. The mycelial biomass and pigment intensities were significantly higher for solid-state fermentation (0.06–2.50 g/L and 3.78–4.00 AU) compared to submerged fermentation (0.220–0.470 g/L and 0.295–3.466 AU). The pigment intensities were corroborated by lower L* values with increasing pH. The λmax values for the pigments were all in the UV region. Finally, this study demonstrated the feasibility of pigment production using green waste:whey cocktails (3:2). For higher biomass and intense pigment production, solid-state fermentation may be a possible strategy for scaling up in manufacturing industries.

Evaluation of the condition of a Mamluk-illuminated paper manuscript at Al-Azhar Library, Egypt

PurposeThis paper aims to present the components' characterization and condition assessment of an important deteriorated Mamluk-illuminated paper manuscript housed in Al-Azhar Library, Egypt.Design/methodology/approachDifferent analytical techniques used in this study were the portable digital optical microscope, stereomicroscope, scanning electron microscope with EDX (SEM.EDX), portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), pH measurement and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).FindingsThe results obtained by different microscopes showed that the gilding in the surface of illuminated paper sheets was performed with gold leaves. Additionally, these microscopes revealed that the illuminated paper manuscript has different aspects of deterioration such as adhered dirt, staining, some micro-cracks, cracks and detachment of some parts in some illuminated areas. The results of elemental analysis by EDX, portable XRF and XRD analysis showed that the orange red pigment is red lead (Pb3O4), blue pigment is azurite (2CuCo3.Cu (OH)2), and the gold layer is has consisted of brass alloy (Cu-Zn) with a small amount of gold element (Au). The pH measurement stated that the historical paper in the acidity level. The ATR-FTIR analysis also revealed the oxidation of cellulose. Moreover, it was found from ATR-FTIR that Arabic gum was used as a binder for the pigments.Originality/valueThis study presents the important results of analytical methods used for condition assessment and identification of the components of an important Mamluk-illuminated paper manuscript, where these results referred that the studied paper manuscript had different aspects of deterioration. The conservation steps either conservation treatment or preventive conservation are urgently needed in future studies.

Identification and analyses of the chemical composition of a naturally occurring albino mutant chanterelle

White chanterelles (Basidiomycota), lacking the orange pigments and apricot-like odour of typical chanterelles, were found recently in the Canadian provinces of Québec (QC) and Newfoundland & Labrador (NL). Our phylogenetic analyses confirmed the identification of all white chanterelles from NL and QC as Cantharellus enelensis; we name these forma acolodorus. We characterized carotenoid pigments, lipids, phenolics, and volatile compounds in these and related chanterelles. White mutants of C. enelensis lacked detectable β-carotene, confirmed to be the primary pigment of wild-type, golden-orange individuals, and could also be distinguished by their profiles of fatty acids and phenolic acids, and by the ketone and terpene composition of their volatiles. We detected single base substitutions in the phytoene desaturase (Al-1) and phytoene synthase (Al-2) genes of the white mutant, which are predicted to result in altered amino acids in their gene products and may be responsible for the loss of β-carotene synthesis in that form.

Novel Orange Color Pigments Based on La3LiMnO7.

La3LiMn1−xTixO7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) samples were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method, and a single-phase form was observed for the samples in the range of x ≤ 0.03. Crystal structure, optical properties, and color of the La3LiMn1−xTixO7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.03) samples were characterized. Strong optical absorption was observed at a wavelength between 400 and 550 nm, and a shoulder absorption peak also appeared around 690 nm in all samples; orange colors were also exhibited. Among the samples synthesized, the most brilliant orange color was obtained at La3LiMn0.97Ti0.03O7. The redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values of this pigment were higher than those of the commercially available orange pigments. Therefore, the orange color of this pigment is brighter than those of the commercial products. Since the La3LiMn0.97Ti0.03O pigment is composed of non-toxic elements, it could be a new environmentally friendly inorganic orange pigment.

Ozonation of diclofenac in a laboratory scale bubble column: Intermediates, mechanism, and mass transfer study

Diclofenac (DCF), a non-steroidal analgesic drug, has been recurrently detected in surface and groundwater during the past two decades. Traces of DCF pass through the conventional wastewater treatment facilities without any alteration due to its resistance and high stability. This study aims the complete degradation and partial mineralization of DCF by an ozonation process. The findings of the study suggest that increasing pH of the system and ozone supply rate, and generation of hydroxyl radicals in situ enhance the degradation process. In contrast, the increasing initial concentration of DCF slows down the process. The pseudo-first-order reaction rate constants were in the range of 0.0742 – –0.0979 min−1. A model has been developed to predict the behavior of the rate constant with various operating variables. High volumetric mass transfer coefficients (i.e., 1.150–2.717 × 103 s−1) was observed during the mass transfer study of ozone in water. A probable mechanism for ozonation is suggested along with the structures of major intermediates formed during the oxidation. Distinct orange pigments appeared during the reaction, which confirmed the production of DCF-2, 5-iminoquinone. Di-chloro aniline, 5-hydroxy DCF. The carboxylic acids were mainly detected as the metabolites. The treatment cost was estimated to be USD 0.80 for treating 1 m3 of the solution containing 50 mg dm−3 DCF. In addition, the effect of other water matrices on DCF degradation was also investigated and reported.

Small Choroidal Melanoma: Correlation between Clinical Characteristics and Metastatic Potential

Importance: Diagnosis of small choroidal melanoma is based upon clinical features and presence of factors predictive of local malignant growth. Prognostic biopsy quantifies risk of metastasis. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore relationship between clinical characteristics and metastatic potential of a small choroidal melanoma. Design: Retrospective review of 53 patients with small choroidal melanoma treated in a tertiary oncology clinic. Patients were derived from 3 cohorts, with pathologic confirmation, with growth confirmation, and those treated only on clinical basis. Based upon prognostic biopsy outcomes, each case was classified into low or high metastatic potential groups. Distribution of clinical characteristics such as age, laterality, symptoms, tumor dimensions, tumor distance from optic nerve and fovea, presence of surface orange pigment, drusen, retinal pigment epithelial atrophy, and subretinal fluid was analyzed between metastatic groups. Main Outcome Measures: Distribution of clinical characteristics between low or high metastatic potential groups was analyzed. Results: A total of 53 patients [mean age, 61 years (range, 27–81 years); 32 (60%) men and 21 (40%) women] were classified into pathology confirmed group (n = 13), growth confirmed group (n = 26), and with clinical group (n = 14). Prognostic biopsy in the growth, pathology, and clinical groups revealed low metastatic potential in 23, 10, and 11 patients, respectively, and high metastatic potential in 3 patients in each group. Distribution of clinical characteristics between low or high metastatic potential groups was not statistically significantly different. Conclusion: Clinical characteristics do not identify metastatic potential of a small choroidal melanoma.