Pigmented Spots Research Articles

A novel missense mutation of the STK11 gene in a Chinese family with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

BackgroundPeutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by mutations in the Serine-Threonine Kinase 11 (STK11) gene. This study aimed to diagnose a Chinese pedigree with PJS and to expand the spectrum of STK11 variants.MethodsWe performed an inductive analysis of clinical features, gastrointestinal endoscopy, radiologic imaging, and pathological findings in a Chinese family with PJS. Whole-exome sequencing (WES), Sanger sequencing, and STK11 protein 3D structure prediction were performed for establishing a molecular diagnosis.ResultsThe proband, her mother, and grandfather presented with pigmentation spots on lips, oral mucosa, and fingers. Her mother and grandfather also had pigmentation spots on face and feet, while her brother had pigmentation spots only on the lower lip. On endoscopy, polyps were discovered in the proband, her mother, and grandfather. A novel heterozygous mutation (c.521A > C) in exon 4 of STK11 was identified in all four patients, leading to a change from histidine to proline in amino acid 174. The variable site p.H174 was highly conserved in different species on multiple sequence alignment analysis.ConclusionsWe diagnosed a Chinese pedigree with PJS based on clinical features, gastrointestinal endoscopy, and genetic testing results. Our results expanded the spectrum of STK11 variants, which will be helpful for genetic counseling.

Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of a Chinese pedigree affected with familial progressive hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation

To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with familial progressive hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation (FPHH). Clinical data and family history for a child with FPHH were collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the child, his parents and two sisters. Following the extraction of DNA, high-throughput sequencing was carried out to screen for genetic variant associated with the disease. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing of his family members. The main clinical features of the proband have included progressive hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. High-throughput sequencing revealed that he has harbored a heterozygous c.105T>A (p.Asn35Lys) variant of the KITLG gene, which was unreported previously. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the variant has co-segregated with the disease phenotype in his pedigree. For infants with progressive skin pigmentation and hypopigmentation spots, FPHH should be suspected. The heterozygous c.105T>A (p.Asn35Lys) variant of the KITLG gene probably underlay the FPHH in this pedigree.

Изображения навеса Куртеке (Восточный Памир)

The Kurteke rock-shelter images in the Eastern Pamirs were discovered in 1958. Later, in 1960, V.A. Ranov studied the paintings as well as the archaeological layers. After a signifi cant break, the fieldwork at the site was resumed in 2018 and 2019. Integrated interdisciplinary research led by S.V. Shnaider clarifi es the chronology of the stratifi ed Kurteke site, the paleoenvironmental features of the region and provides new data on the time of human occupation of the Eastern Pamir. Earlier, as part of general studies on this site, we published new fi ndings on the rock paintings presented on the two walls of the rock-shelter. This article focuses on generalization of currently available data on Kurteke murals. V.A. Ranov noted that the state of preservation of the images is extremely poor: most of them are not identifi able and look like blurring red mineral pigment. DStretch color filtering treatment allowed us to clarify some contours and details of the images, necessary for further interpretation. It is worth noting that some of the pigment spots visible without processing acquired clearer contours. The other part of spots neither in the field, nor on the photos without color filtration was not even recorded. Moreover, after treatment it is difficult to correlate the majority of paintings with concrete imagery and to find parallels to them.

Prediction and association analyses of skin phenotypes in Japanese females using genetic, environmental, and physical features.

Skin characteristics show great variation from person to person and are affected by multiple factors, including genetic, environmental, and physical factors, but details of the involvement and contributions of these factors remain unclear. We aimed to characterize genetic, environmental, and physical factors affecting 16 skin features by developing models to predict personal skin characteristics. We analyzed the associations of skin phenotypes with genetic, environmental, and physical features in 1472 Japanese females aged 20-80 years. We focused on 16 skin characteristics, including melanin, brightness/lightness, yellowness, pigmented spots, wrinkles, resilience, moisture, barrier function, texture, and sebum amount. As genetic factors, we selected 74 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of genes related to skin color, vitamin level, hormones, circulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) components and ECM-degrading enzymes, inflammation, and antioxidants. Histories of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and smoking as environmental factors and age, height, and weight as physical factors were acquired by means of a questionnaire. A linear association with age was prominent for increase in the area of crow's feet, increase in number of pigmented spots, decrease in forehead sebum, and increase in VISIA wrinkle parameters. Associations were analyzed by constructing linear regression models for skin feature changes and logistic regression models to predict whether subjects show lower or higher skin measurement values in the same age groups. Multiple genetic factors, history of UV exposure and smoking, and body mass index were statistically selected for each skin characteristic. The most important association found for skin spots, such as lentigines and wrinkles, was adolescent sun exposure. Genetic, environmental, and physical factors associated with interindividual differences of the selected skin features were identified. The developed models should be useful to predict the skin characteristics of individuals and their age-related changes.

Polychromic light source for the realization of multispectral processing method of skin malignant lesions images

When diagnosing oncological skin diseases, the problem of untimely detection of pathologies remains relevant. Modern diagnostic methods have a number of disadvantages associated with the limited capabilities of human vision, high requirements for non-invasive studies and digital representation of the results obtained for their transmission over communication channels. The most important tasks of early binary diagnostics of skin neoplasms can be solved using bioradiophotonics methods. The paper considers the author’s multispectral method for processing images of skin areas using a new specialized polychrome light source with software control of the radiation wavelength. The principle of operation of such a source is analyzed and the use of a set of LEDs with a special arrangement is justified which makes it possible to direct a beam of light of any wavelength in one direction. The choice of the wavelength ranges used for LEDs is confirmed, the first version of the layout of such a light source is described, and its optical and structural diagrams are given. It is shown that the optimal way of the wavelength programmable control is its coarse tuning by switching LEDs and fine tuning by acousto-optic tunable filters installed at the source output. A number of test images of a pigment spot on the skin with a size of 40 × 30 mm with wavelengths ranging from near ultraviolet to near infrared ranges using a black and white camera are presented. With digital processing, received monochromatic images, histogram equalization and median filtering of images were carried out to expand the dynamic range of brightness levels and minimize distortion caused by the unevenness of the skin area under study and the presence of shadow illumination. Graphs of the amplitude intensity distribution in the original and filtered images are obtained for the selected wavelengths of the LEDs. It is shown that the presence of a skin neoplasm can be judged by the dips in the light intensity distribution curve. The radial arrangement of LEDs on the board is justified to minimize shadow illumination when illuminating the skin. The conducted studies of multispectral image processing using a realized polychrome light source contribute to the development of new methods for the early diagnosis of skin neoplasms based on photonics and optoelectronics and can find practical application in medical technologies.

S3582 Disguised as Post-Operative Ileus: A Case of a Giant Gastric Ulcer Causing Outlet Obstruction and Gastric Pneumatosis

Introduction: Giant gastric ulcers (GGU), defined as ulcers larger than 2-3cm, are relatively rare in the setting of widespread proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. Though usually located in the lesser curvature, GGU may occur in any part of the stomach. Typical symptoms are similar to that of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), i.e. epigastric pain and gastrointestinal bleeding, however GGU are highly prone to perforation and are more likely to be malignant in the elderly. Overall, gastric outlet obstruction is the least common complication of PUD. Case Description/Methods: A 74-year-old obese male with history diabetes, sleep apnea, and prior laparoscopic gastric banding surgery was admitted for elective surgery for Charcot arthropathy. Post-operatively, he developed nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating. Abdominal x-ray showed distention of the small bowel concerning for ileus. Exam showed a non-tender abdomen with distention and tympany on percussion. His emesis resolved with antiemetics, however distention persisted despite passing gas and stool. Three days after surgery, he developed acute anemia without overt bleeding requiring blood transfusions. Abdominal X-ray and CT was performed which showed marked gaseous distention of the stomach and gastric wall pneumatosis. Nasogastric tube was placed for decompression with subsequent resolution of his distention. Due to concern for gastric band erosion, Gastroenterology was consulted. Upper endoscopy was performed which revealed a 4cm clean-based ulcer with overlaying eschar along the greater curvature with surrounding erythema and edema. Biopsies of the ulcer border showed acute erosive gastropathy with focal clustering of eosinophils without evidence of dysplasia. He was started on PPI and sucralfate, and remained clinically stable without further gastrointestinal symptoms. (Figure) Discussion: Gastric pneumatosis due to gastric emphysema is caused by disruption of mucosa leading to air migrating into the gastric wall. Etiologies vary, including injury from instrumentation, severe vomiting, pulmonary pathology, penetrating gastric ulcers, or gastric outlet obstruction. Few cases reports have described gastric emphysema resulting from gastric band erosion, however there are no reports describing this occurring in the absence of full erosion. Overall, gastric emphysema is relatively rare, as is development of GGU. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of unperforated giant gastric ulcer resulting in outlet obstruction with gastric pneumatosis.Figure 1.: CT abdomen showing marked gaseous distention of the stomach and gastric wall pneumatosis (Figure 1a). Upper endoscopy findings of a friable, erythematous giant ulcer with clean-base overlaying the greater curvature with significant surrounding erythema and edema in the fundus/cardia (Figure 1b and 1c), as well as multiple surrounding small ulcerations, some with clean-base and some with flat pigmented spots, throughout (not pictured). No evidence of active bleeding, visible vessel, or high-risk features for bleeding.

An effective model for the iris regional characteristics and classification using deep learning alex network

Iris biometrics is one of the fastest-growing technologies, and it has received a lot of attention from the community. Iris-biometric-based human recognition does not require contact with the human body. Iris is a combination of crypts, wolflin nodules, concentrated furrows, and pigment spots. The existing methods feed the eye image into deep learning network which result in improper iris features and certainly reduce the accuracy. This research study proposes a model to feed preprocessed accurate iris boundary into Alexnet deep learning neural network-based system for classification. The pupil centre and boundary are initially recorded and identified from the given eye images. The iris boundary and the centre are then compared for the identification using the reference pupil centre and boundary. The iris portion, exclusive feature of the pupil area is segmented using the parameters of multiple left-right point (MLRP) algorithms. The Alexnet deep learning multilayer networks 23, 24, and 25 are replaced according to the segmented iris classes. The remaining Alexnet layers are trained using the square gradient decay factor (GDF) in accordance with the iris features. The trained Alexnet iris is validated using suitable classes. The proposed system classifies the iris with an accuracy of 99.1%. The sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score of the proposed system are 99.68%, 98.36%, and 0.995. The experimental results show that the proposed model has advantages over current models.

Low-level green laser promotes wound healing after carbon dioxide fractional laser therapy.

The carbon dioxide (CO2 ) fractional laser resurfacing has become one of the hottest therapies for dermatoses. However, complications such as skin swelling, prolonged erythema, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and scar formation remain. Low-level laser (LLL) therapy is accepted to promote skin wound healing and regeneration, decrease inflammation and pain, and modulate immunoreaction with low-dose laser of different wavelength. 532 nm laser therapy is commonly used to remove pigmented spots and to tender skin, but not utilized in wound care. We aimed to determine the efficacy of the low-level 532 nm green laser in wound healing after CO2 fractional laser. Six adult male mice (C57BL/6, 8 weeks old) were prepared for animal experiments. The dorsum of each mouse was divided into four parts that, respectively, received designed treatments, as controlled (group Ctrl), 532 nm LLL-treated (group GL), CO2 fractional laser-treated (group FL), and CO2 fractional laser followed by three times 532 nm LLL-treated (group FG). Hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E), Masson-trichrome staining, CD31 immunohistochemical staining were performed to evaluate the efficacy of wound healing after treated by different irradiations. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of related proteins. Mouse skin fibroblasts (MSFs) were treated with LLL using a wavelength of 532 nm once. Cellular responses were observed and analyzed after 48 hours. Cell viability and migration of different groups were assessed by scratch and the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assays, respectively. Collagen remodeling and epidermis thickness were significantly enhanced in group FG than that in group FL in morphology. Besides, CD31 immunohistochemical staining indicated prominently increased angiogenesis in both groups FL and FG than non-irradiation group. The expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related protein (Col1, Col3 and MMP1) showed a remarkable improvement in wound healing in group FG than that in group FL. Irradiated MSFs showed a better migration ability compared with non-irradiated controls. LLL enhanced the secretion function of MSFs on Collagen I and III. Low-level green laser promotes wound healing after CO2 fractional laser by improving the integrity of skin barrier and allowing for scarless healing. Therefore, low-level green laser therapy might serve as a sequential therapy of invasive laser surgery to ensure a better wound care.

Epidemiological survey of the quantity and anatomical position of facial pigmented spots in relation to age in 454 Japanese women.

Facial pigmented spots are one of the phenotypes of skin aging, but no quantitative analysis of spot features such as color intensity, size, anatomical position, and number on the cheek has yet been performed. In the current study, we conducted an epidemiological survey of 454 Japanese women in their 20s to 70s and analyzed age-related changes and site differences of facial pigmented spots. Using image analysis of high-resolution digital facial photographs, 4912 individual pigmented spots were quantified according to color, size, anatomical position, and total number on the cheek. As a result of color analysis, the color intensity of individual pigmented spots increased with aging, significantly so between ages 30s and 50s. The age-related increase in melanin index of facial spots was confirmed in all sites but did not significantly differ between facial subregions. Regarding the size of pigmented spots, the frequency of large spots increased with age, and large spots were detected in all facial sites. The total number of pigmented spots on the entire cheek increased with aging, significantly so between the 20s and 40s. The number of pigmented spots tended to increase from the region near the canthi to the lower cheeks. The number of spots was markedly increased in the buccal regions compared with the infraorbital and zygomatic regions. The data and methodology presented in the current study can link the state of facial pigmentation with the various factors involved in the histological development of pigmented spots, opening new possibilities in the fields of skin pharmacology and dermatology.

Non-invasive indicators of skin aging; A study on the population of Karachi using SCINEXA

Background: Skin, the most visible human entity, quickly displays emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Research has shown a linear correlation between both types of skin aging within 30–69 years. Thus, the current research study aimed to highlight the use of SCINEXA, the novel skin aging score, in predicting accelerated biological aging.
 Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, from 8th October 2021 to 4th December 2021. Both male and female subjects of age groups from 19 to 69 years were included. A novel skin aging score, 'SCINEXA' (Score of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Skin Aging), was used to assess skin aging. Both extrinsic and intrinsic signs were analyzed in terms of pigmented spots, coarse wrinkles, solar elastosis, telangiectasia, and laxity & seborrheic keratosis, respectively.
 Results: The SCINEXA score indicated that 91.3% of participants had low aging signs and decreased pigmentation, while 2.9% had relatively high pigmentation on the forehead, cheek, forearm, and back of the hand. Coarse Wrinkles of grade 5 on the forehead were present among 19.7% of individuals, and 20.6% showed the same in the crow feet area. The skin aging symptoms are most significantly associated with age (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: Accelerated biological aging is not found in the studied population using the SCINEXA tool; therefore, the studied population's skin has been found resilient to photo-aging.

Pyridoxine Has a Potential to Prevent the Appearance of Pigmented Spots: Effects on the Phagocytosis and Differentiation of Keratinocytes.

Pyridoxine (VB6) is a vitamin that is essential to maintain the homeostasis of the human body by contributing to various metabolic reactions. In the skin, although some studies have shown that VB6 is involved in regulating homeostasis through the attenuation of intracellular oxidative stress, there are few reports regarding the effects of VB6 on the prevention or improvement of skin aging. Thus, we conducted this study to determine the potential anti-skin pigmentation effect of VB6 focusing on the phagocytosis of melanosomes (MSs) by keratinocytes. The phagocytosis of MSs by keratinocytes is activated by oxidative stress and is an important factor of skin pigmentation and the eventual appearance of pigmented spots. First, we confirmed the antioxidant property of VB6 that enhanced the expression of several intracellular antioxidants via nuclear erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Although the incorporation of fluorescent beads (FBs), which are used as pseudo-MSs, into keratinocytes was increased under higher oxidation conditions caused by UVB and by the depletion of intracellular glutathione, treatment with VB6 suppressed the increased incorporation of FBs into those keratinocytes via Nrf2 activation. Furthermore, VB6 restored the decreased expression of differentiation marker proteins in keratinocytes caused by FB incorporation. Taken together, the results show that VB6 has the potential to prevent the appearance of pigmented spots by suppressing the activation of phagocytosis in keratinocytes caused by oxidative stress, and by restoring the differentiation of keratinocytes disrupted by FB incorporation.

Efficacy and safety of topical trihydroxybenzoic acid glucoside and alpha-arbutin containing formulation along with a sunscreen in facial hyperpigmentation

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Facial hyperpigmentation is a common presentation in Indian subjects and its treatment is complex. The aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of a 56-day skincare regimen of topical 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid glucoside (THBG/Brightenyl<sup>®</sup>) and α-arbutin containing formulation along with a sunscreen in the management of facial dark spots and melasma.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Thirty-six female subjects with facial dark spots or melasma who met inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled in a prospective, single-arm, study in India. Subjects applied a skin brightening cream containing 10% THBG and 2% α-arbutin twice daily in combination with a sunscreen (SPF=55) once daily; on their whole face for 56 days. Evaluation was carried out at baseline, days 28, 42 and 56 by the same dermatologist and technician. Efficacy was evaluated using mexameter, modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI), chromameter and cross-polarized light photography.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> There was a significant reduction in melanin content (mexametry) and mMASI score compared with the baseline. On chromametry, a significant improvement was seen in skin brightness/lightness (L*) and pigmentation [individual typology angle (ITA°)] demonstrating modification in skin color with an improvement in homogeneity/evenness of the skin tone (ΔE*) from the baseline. At day 56, the total area of the pigmentary spots on the cheeks showed a significant reduction compared to baseline using cross-polarized light photography. The treatment was well tolerated.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study demonstrates that application of formulation containing 10% THBG and 2% α-arbutin along with a sunscreen is well-tolerated and efficacious in the management of facial hyperpigmentation like dark spots or melasma.</p>

Cryptokotyle lühe, 1899 (trematoda: heterophyidae): special characteristics of developmental biology and epizootiology

This review presents the scientific studies data on the special characteristics of developmental biology and epizo- otiology of Cryptocotyle trematodes, which belong to Heterophyidae family and pose a threat to the health of the endotherms, including humans, i.e., it is a typical zoonosis. These trematodes are predominantly widespread in the Mediterranean region, namely, in the western Mediterranean region and the Aegean province. The trematodes of Cryptocotyle genus are found in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Antarctica. They are typical bio- helminths, i.e., they have a complicated life cycle, where the initial intermediate hosts are mollusks, the second ones – fish of different species, the definitive and final hosts are piscivorous birds, carnivorous animals (foxes, wolves, dogs, cats, etc.), and humans. Cryptocotylosis is remarkable for its seasonal prevalence, which depends on the climatic zoning of territories. For instance, in the territorial waters of Ukraine, the highest indices of crypto- cotylosis invasion among Agonidae fish are mainly observed in summer and autumn, but the peak of the invasion comes in autumn. The parasitizing of Cryptocotyle trematodes in the organism of mollusks impacts the reproduc- tion ability and behavioral specificities (motility) of the latter. The invaded fish have black pigment spots on the surface of their bodies – these are metacercariae. In the organism of definitive hosts, the agent is localized in the gastrointestinal tract and may cause inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of the intestines and changes in parenchymatous organs, which demonstrates the toxic effect of the parasite on the host organism. The diagnos- tics of cryptocotylosis is based on detecting the agent in the host organism and its further taxonomic identification by its anatomic and morphological specificities. The pollution of the aqueous medium with organic and inorganic residues impacts the organisms of both hosts and parasites.

Hesperidin Exhibits Protective Effects against PM2.5-Mediated Mitochondrial Damage, Cell Cycle Arrest, and Cellular Senescence in Human HaCaT Keratinocytes.

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure can trigger adverse health outcomes in the human skin, such as skin aging, wrinkles, pigment spots, and atopic dermatitis. PM2.5 is associated with mitochondrial damage and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hesperidin is a bioflavonoid that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine the mechanism underlying the protective effect of hesperidin on human HaCaT keratinocytes against PM2.5-induced mitochondrial damage, cell cycle arrest, and cellular senescence. Human HaCaT keratinocytes were pre-treated with hesperidin and then treated with PM2.5. Hesperidin attenuated PM2.5-induced mitochondrial and DNA damage, G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and SA-βGal activity, the protein levels of cell cycle regulators, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Moreover, treatment with a specific c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, SP600125, along with hesperidin markedly restored PM2.5-induced cell cycle arrest and cellular senescence. In addition, hesperidin significantly reduced the activation of MMPs, including MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9, by inhibiting the activation of activator protein 1. In conclusion, hesperidin ameliorates PM2.5-induced mitochondrial damage, cell cycle arrest, and cellular senescence in human HaCaT keratinocytes via the ROS/JNK pathway.

Timeline of the Development of Skin-Lightening Active Ingredients in Japan.

Japanese pharmaceutical cosmetics, often referred to as quasi-drugs, contain skin-lightening active ingredients formulated to prevent sun-induced pigment spots and freckles. Their mechanisms of action include suppressing melanin production in melanocytes and promoting epidermal growth to eliminate melanin more rapidly. For example, arbutin and rucinol are representative skin-lightening active ingredients that inhibit melanin production, and disodium adenosine monophosphate and dexpanthenol are skin-lightening active ingredients that inhibit melanin accumulation in the epidermis. In contrast, oral administration of vitamin C and tranexamic acid in pharmaceutical products can lighten freckles and melasma, and these products are more effective than quasi-drugs. On the basis of their clinical effectiveness, skin-lightening active ingredients can be divided into four categories according to their effectiveness and adverse effects. This review discusses academic research and development regarding skin-lightening ingredients in Japan.

647 Genome-wide scans identified genetic variants associated with facial aging traits quantified by deep learning methods

As life expectancy and aging population increase worldwide, facial aging is becoming progressively important. The occurrence and progression of facial aging are strongly influenced by genetic factors. Previous studies have identified a number of genetic variants associated with facial aging phenotypes using traditional image analysis and human assessments. In this study, we developed a deep learning framework to precisely measure 4 facial aging phenotypes (lacrimal sulcus, pigmentation spots, wrinkle forehead, and wrinkle under eyes).

Analysis of ultrastructure and microstructure of blackbird (Turdus merula) and song thrush (Turdus philomelos) eggshell by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray computed microtomography

The unique structure of the egg allows for efficient reproduction on land. Although the functions of the egg are ensured by the concomitant cooperation of all its structures, the eggshell also plays a significant role. Apart from maintaining an aqueous environment within the egg along with controlled gas exchange, the color and pigmentation pattern of eggshell contributes to identification and protection. As a result of all these functions, the structure, shape, and pigmentation of eggshell greatly vary across the class of birds, and understanding these three variability-determining factors may aid in better interpretation of evolutionary mechanisms. In this study, we analyzed for the first time the structure, mineral composition, and characteristics of the pigmentation of blackbird (Turdus merula) and song thrush (Turdus philomelos) eggshells. The shell of blackbird eggs is much thicker compared to the shell of song thrush eggs which is due to a much thicker crystalline and palisade layers. In both species, strongly elongated mammillary knobs are observed, which create a large space between the mineralized shell and the egg membranes. The blackbird egg shell has a higher water vapor conductivity which is due to the larger diameter of the circle and the surface area of individual pores. The primary compound entering the mineral composition of the shell in both species is CaCO3 however, the thrush egg shells contained more Mg in all layers except the crystalline layer, and S in the crystalline and palisade layers. The two species clearly differ in the size and distribution of pigment spots on the eggshell. We suppose that the differences in shell structure and pigmentation presented in this study may in the future provide a basis for explaining the reasons for the much lower reproductive efficiency of song thrush compared to blackbird.

Altered Gut Microbiota in Patients With Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome.

BackgroundPeutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the development of pigmented spots and gastrointestinal polyps and increased susceptibility to cancers. It remains unknown whether gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to PJS.AimThis study aimed to assess the structure and composition of the gut microbiota, including both bacteria and fungi, in patients with PJS and investigate the relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and PJS pathogenesis.MethodsThe bacterial and fungal composition of the fecal microbiota was analyzed in 23 patients with PJS (cases), 17 first-degree asymptomatic relatives (ARs), and 24 healthy controls (HCs) using 16S (MiSeq) and ITS2 (pyrosequencing) sequencing for bacteria and fungi, respectively. Differential analyses of the intestinal flora were performed from the phylum to species level.ResultsAlpha-diversity distributions of bacteria and fungi indicated that the abundance of both taxa differed between PJS cases and controls. However, while the diversity and composition of fecal bacteria in PJS cases were significantly different from those in ARs and HCs, fungal flora was more stable. High-throughput sequencing confirmed the special characteristics and biodiversity of the fecal bacterial and fungal microflora in patients with PJS. They had lower bacterial biodiversity than controls, with a higher frequency of the Proteobacteria phylum, Enterobacteriaceae family, and Escherichia-Shigella genus, and a lower frequency of the Firmicutes phylum and the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families. Of fungi, Candida was significantly higher in PJS cases than in controls.ConclusionThe findings reported here confirm gut microbiota dysbiosis in patients with PJS. This is the first report on the bacterial and fungal microbiota profile of subjects with PJS, which may be meaningful to provide a structural basis for further research on intestinal microecology in PJS.

Facial Skin Aging Stages in Chinese Females.

BackgroundFacial skin is exposed to the environment, which marks it with obvious signs of aging. Based on multi-dimensional non-invasive evaluation data, female facial skin can be characterized in detail. However, there are few studies on the general aging rules of facial skin. Most skin aging studies divide the ages into 5–10-year intervals, so they have lacked dynamic matching with facial skin aging.AimTo explore facial skin aging rules, discuss the main parameters of facial skin aging, propose an unequal-distance aging division method based on the main skin parameters, and study the skin characteristics of Chinese women of different aging stages.MethodsWe comprehensively described the skin status as 24 non-invasive skin parameters belonging to five dimensions: skin wrinkles, texture, stain, color and barrier function. We performed polynomial fitting on the 21 skin parameters that were significantly correlated with age and derived the rules of aging in the different dimensions. Based on the wrinkle dimension, the facial skin aging process was divided into four stages, and the skin characteristics of the different stages were compared.ResultsSkin wrinkles increased, texture deteriorated, acne decreased, pigment spots increased, skin tone darkened, and sebum secretion decreased with age, according to the polynomial fitting. The aging stage was divided into an incubation period (18–30 years old), an aging occurrence period (31–42 years old), a rapid aging period (43–47 years old), and a stable aging period (48–60 years old), according to the wrinkles. Different aging stages had different skin characteristics.ConclusionThe incubation period is the critical period for the appearance of skin stains; the skin texture gradually deteriorates during the aging occurrence period; the rapid aging period is a critical period for the aging of skin parameters; skin status during the stable aging period is the worst.

Study on the Correlation Between Iris Characteristics and Schizophrenia.

BackgroundRecently, researchers have conducted many studies on the potential contribution of the retina and other eye structures on schizophrenia. This study aimed to evaluate differences in iris characteristics between patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals so as to find more easily accessible and easily measurable biomarkers with a view to improving clinical assessments and furthering our understanding of the disease.MethodsOverall, 80 patients with schizophrenia and 52 healthy individuals were included in the case group and the control group, respectively. Iris images were collected from all subjects to compare differences in the structure and color of the iris. The Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS) were used to evaluate the clinical symptoms and characteristics of 45 first-episode untreated schizophrenics, and analyzed correlations between iris characteristics and schizophrenia symptoms.ResultsThere were significant differences in iris crypts (P<0.05) and pigment spots (P<0.01) between the case and control group, but no significant difference was found in iris wrinkles (P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the total iris crypts [odds ratio (OR) 1.166, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.022–1.330] and total iris pigment spots (OR 1.815, 95% CI 1.186–2.775) increased the risk of suffering from schizophrenia. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the number of iris crypts was positively associated with the MOAS score (r=0.474, P<0.01). Moreover, the number of the iris pigment spots (r=0.395, P<0.01) and wrinkles (r=0.309, P<0.05) were positively correlated with the subjects’ negative symptom scores, respectively.ConclusionIris crypts and pigment spots were identified as potential biomarkers for detecting schizophrenia. In patients with first-episode untreated schizophrenia, iris characteristics may help psychiatrists to identify the illness and its severity, and to detect characteristic clinical symptoms.