Pigmented Spots Research Articles

Spratelloides atrofasciatus Schultz, 1943, a valid species of round herring(Clupeiformes: Clupeidae).

The western Pacific marine clupeoid fish, Spratelloides atrofasciatus Schultz, 1943, previously regarded as a synonym of S. gracilis (Temminck and Schlegel, 1846), is redescribed here as a valid species on the basis of the holotype and 115 non-type specimens collected from the Ryukyu Islands. Both S. atrofasciatus and S. gracilis are similar chiefly in having a midlateral band that does not fade anteriorly. S. atrofasciatus differs from Spratelloides gracilis in having fewer anal fin rays, pectoral fin rays, vertebrae and gillrakers. Spratelloides atrofasciatus also has a shorter head length, a shorter upper jaw length, a shorter snout length, a wider lateral band equal to the eye diameter; numerous black pigment spots on the inner side of the gill opening that are visible from the outside in preserved specimens (vs not visible in S. gracilis). The two species are sympatrically distributed in the Ryukyu Islands. Spratelloides atrofasciatus matures from 32 mm SL and grows to a known maximum size of 45mm SL, while S. gracilis matures from about 50 mm SL and grows to over 100 mm SL.

Diagnosis and management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline.

This Guideline is an official statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE). It addresses the diagnosis and management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH). Main Recommendations MR1. ESGE recommends immediate assessment of hemodynamic status in patients who present with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH), with prompt intravascular volume replacement initially using crystalloid fluids if hemodynamic instability exists (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR2. ESGE recommends a restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy that aims for a target hemoglobin between 7 g/dL and 9 g/dL. A higher target hemoglobin should be considered in patients with significant co-morbidity (e. g., ischemic cardiovascular disease) (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR3. ESGE recommends the use of the Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS) for pre-endoscopy risk stratification. Outpatients determined to be at very low risk, based upon a GBS score of 0 – 1, do not require early endoscopy nor hospital admission. Discharged patients should be informed of the risk of recurrent bleeding and be advised to maintain contact with the discharging hospital (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR4. ESGE recommends initiating high dose intravenous proton pump inhibitors (PPI), intravenous bolus followed by continuous infusion (80 mg then 8 mg/hour), in patients presenting with acute UGIH awaiting upper endoscopy. However, PPI infusion should not delay the performance of early endoscopy (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR5. ESGE does not recommend the routine use of nasogastric or orogastric aspiration/lavage in patients presenting with acute UGIH (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR6. ESGE recommends intravenous erythromycin (single dose, 250 mg given 30 – 120 minutes prior to upper gastrointestinal [GI] endoscopy) in patients with clinically severe or ongoing active UGIH. In selected patients, pre-endoscopic infusion of erythromycin significantly improves endoscopic visualization, reduces the need for second-look endoscopy, decreases the number of units of blood transfused, and reduces duration of hospital stay (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR7. Following hemodynamic resuscitation, ESGE recommends early (≤ 24 hours) upper GI endoscopy. Very early ( MR8. ESGE recommends that peptic ulcers with spurting or oozing bleeding (Forrest classification Ia and Ib, respectively) or with a nonbleeding visible vessel (Forrest classification IIa) receive endoscopic hemostasis because these lesions are at high risk for persistent bleeding or rebleeding (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR9. ESGE recommends that peptic ulcers with an adherent clot (Forrest classification IIb) be considered for endoscopic clot removal. Once the clot is removed, any identified underlying active bleeding (Forrest classification Ia or Ib) or nonbleeding visible vessel (Forrest classification IIa) should receive endoscopic hemostasis (weak recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR10. In patients with peptic ulcers having a flat pigmented spot (Forrest classification IIc) or clean base (Forrest classification III), ESGE does not recommend endoscopic hemostasis as these stigmata present a low risk of recurrent bleeding. In selected clinical settings, these patients may be discharged to home on standard PPI therapy, e. g., oral PPI once-daily (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence). MR11. ESGE recommends that epinephrine injection therapy not be used as endoscopic monotherapy. If used, it should be combined with a second endoscopic hemostasis modality (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR12. ESGE recommends PPI therapy for patients who receive endoscopic hemostasis and for patients with adherent clot not receiving endoscopic hemostasis. PPI therapy should be high dose and administered as an intravenous bolus followed by continuous infusion (80 mg then 8 mg/hour) for 72 hours post endoscopy (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR13. ESGE does not recommend routine second-look endoscopy as part of the management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH). However, in patients with clinical evidence of rebleeding following successful initial endoscopic hemostasis, ESGE recommends repeat upper endoscopy with hemostasis if indicated. In the case of failure of this second attempt at hemostasis, transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE) or surgery should be considered (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR14. In patients with NVUGIH secondary to peptic ulcer, ESGE recommends investigating for the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the acute setting with initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy when H. pylori is detected. Re-testing for H. pylori should be performed in those patients with a negative test in the acute setting. Documentation of successful H. pylori eradication is recommended (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). MR15. In patients receiving low dose aspirin for secondary cardiovascular prophylaxis who develop peptic ulcer bleeding, ESGE recommends aspirin be resumed immediately following index endoscopy if the risk of rebleeding is low (e. g., FIIc, FIII). In patients with high risk peptic ulcer (FIa, FIb, FIIa, FIIb), early reintroduction of aspirin by day 3 after index endoscopy is recommended, provided that adequate hemostasis has been established (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence).

The Effect in Topical Use of Lycogen(TM) via Sonophoresis for Anti-aging on Facial Skin.

Anti-aging skin care is a growing popular topic in cosmetic and aesthetic fields, and skin care rather then makeup tips draw more attention nowadays. The phenomenon of skin aging includes thinning of skin losses of elasticity and moisture, pigmented spot formation, and wrinkle development. Along with growth in age, the decreased rates of epithelium renewal and cellular recovery as well as the reduced contents of elastin, collagen, and glycosaminoglycans all contribute to creases or folds of skin. Available strategies for wrinkle treatments include topical use of skin care products with anti-aging contents, dermabrasion, laser, Botox injection, fillers injection, and facelift. Though all of these above options can provide different degrees of improvement in facial wrinkles, the cost-effect, pain of intervention therapy, and necessity of repetitive treatment may impact on choices made. Topical use of anti-aging skin products is the most convenient and cheap way to achieve skin anti-aging effect. Lycogen(TM) is an antioxidant, which can prevent the downregulation of pro-collagen I, intracellular accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and achieve the aim of skin rejuvenation. Twenty-six female patients were included in our study with ages between 30 and 45. They were randomly assigned to two groups: the vehicle control group and the experimental group. Patients in the control group applied a skin care product without Lycogen(TM)to the face via sonophoresis after facial cleanser use in the morning and at night. The experimental group applied a Lycogen(TM) -containing skin care product via sonophoresis in the same time schedule. We evaluated results, including pigmented spots, wrinkles, texture, pores, and red area by VISIA on weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 respectively. In the aspect of pigmented spots, the experimental group showed significant difference in comparison with the vehicle control group on weeks 2, 6, 8, and 10. For wrinkles, the experimental group had better results on weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 10. Measured by texture, the experimental group had better results on weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Determined by pores, the experimental group had better results on weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Concerning red areas, the experimental group had better results on weeks 6, 8, and 10. (p < 0.05). In our study, we applied a Lycogen(TM)- containing product by sonophoresis as the experimental group in comparison with a skin care product without LycogenTM. VISIA (Canfield Imaging Systems, Fairfield, NJ) was used to evaluate facial skin in aspects of pigmented spots, wrinkles, texture, pores, and red area. Overall, Lycogen(TM) had proven effectiveness on anti-oxidation as patients who used the Lycogen TM -containing product had better outcomes.

Histología y ultra estructura del testículo del charal &lt;i&gt;Chirostoma jordani&lt;/i&gt; (Osteichthyes: Atherinidae)

Las características histológicas de la gónada y la gametogénesis en peces endémicos mexicanos han sido poco estudiadas y por lo tanto poco comprendidas. En el presente trabajo se describe la histología del testículo del charal Chirostoma jordani, y la ultraestructura de las células del linaje gamético por medio de microscopía fotónica y electrónica. Se recolectaron 60 peces en Corrales. estado de Hidalgo, México, 70 km al Noroeste de la ciudad de México. Los testículos del chacal Ch. jordani son órganos pares, pegados a la pared en la región laterodorsal del abdomen. Se encuentran recubiertos por un mesorquio, el cual presenta algunos puntos de pigmentación. El testículo es de tipos iubular, enc.o ntrándose las espermatogonias restringidas a los extremos distales del túbul.o fundamentalmente en la región cortical. Se registraron los tamaños de espermatogonias (8.0 ± 0.7J.1m), espermatocitos primarios ( 6.2 ± 0.3 J.lm), espertnatocitos secundarios ( 4.4 ± 0.1 J.lm), espermátides (2.5 ± 0.2 J.lm) y espermatozoides (15.4 ± 0.3 J.lm). Las células de Sertolí también se encuentran presentes rodeando a las células gametogénicas formando nidos en los cuales, las células del linaje gamético que se encuentran en su interior, tienen aproximadamente el mismo grado de desarrollo. El testículo presenta todas las células del linaje garnético al mismo tiempo, y bien desarrolladas células de Leydig, estas últimas fundamentalmente en la parte central del órgano.

Intense pulsed light, near infrared pulsed light, and fractional laser combination therapy for skin rejuvenation in Asian subjects: a prospective multi-center study in China.

Ablative skin rejuvenation therapies have limitations for Asian people, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and long down time. Non-ablative lasers are safer but have limited efficacy. This study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of a combination therapy consisting of intense pulsed light (IPL), near infrared (NIR) light, and fractional erbium YAG (Er:YAG) laser for skin rejuvenation in Asian people. This study recruited 113 subjects from six sites in China. Subjects were randomly assigned to a full-face group, who received combination therapy, and split-face groups, in which one half of the face received combination therapy and the other half received IPL monotherapy. Each subject received five treatment sessions during a period of 90 days. Subjects were followed up at 1 and 3 months post last treatment. Three months after last treatment, the full-face group (n = 57) had a global improvement rate of 29 % and 29 % for wrinkles, 32 % for skin texture, 33 % for pigment spots, 28 % for pore size, respectively. For patients in the split-face groups (n = 54), monotherapy side had a global improvement rate of 23 % and 20 % for wrinkles, 27 % for skin texture, 25 % for pigment spots, 25 % for pore size, respectively. Both combination therapy and monotherapy resulted in significant improvements at the follow-up visits compared to baseline (P < 0.001). Combination therapy showed significantly greater improvements compared to monotherapy at two follow-up visits (P < 0.05). Combination therapy is a safe and more effective strategy than IPL monotherapy for skin rejuvenation in Asian people.

A new, mesophotic Coryphopterus goby (Teleostei, Gobiidae) from the southern Caribbean, with comments on relationships and depth distributions within the genus.

A new species of western Atlantic Coryphopterus is described from mesophotic depths off Curaçao, southern Caribbean. Coryphopterus curasub sp. n., is similar to Coryphopterus dicrus in, among other features, having two prominent pigment spots of roughly equal intensity on the pectoral-fin base, the pelvic fins fused to form a disk, and no pelvic frenum. The two species can be differentiated by body depth (shallower in Coryphopterus curasub at origin of dorsal fin and caudal peduncle); differences in the pigmentation on the head, trunk, and basicaudal region; and usually by total number of rays (spinous plus soft) in the second dorsal fin (10–11, usually 11, in Coryphopterus curasub, 10 in Coryphopterus dicrus). Coryphopterus curasub differs from other Coryphopterus species that have a prominent pigment spot on the lower portion of the pectoral-fin base (Coryphopterus punctipectophorus and Coryphopterus venezuelae) in, among other features, lacking a pelvic frenum. Coryphopterus curasub was collected between 70 and 80 m, the deepest depth range known for the genus. Collections of Coryphopterus venezuelae at depths of 65–69 m extend the depth range of that species by approximately 50 m. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data corroborate the recognition of Coryphopterus curasub as a distinct species but do not rigorously resolve its relationships within the genus. A revised key to the western Atlantic species of Coryphopterus is presented.

A classical case of Peutz–Jeghers syndrome with brief review of literature

PJS is an autosomal dominant genetic disease associated with melanin pigment spots on the oral mucosa, lips, nasal alae, palm and soles, as well as hamartomatous polyps in the alimentary canal. Polyps are often a cause of intussusception in the affected patients. Cancers of gastrointestinal system, uterus and breast are common in patients with PJS. Long-term follow-up is required to prevent intussusception in children and cancer in adults. We report a classical case of Peutz–Jeghers syndrome presenting with jejunoileal intussusception in a 9year old child.

A Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies the Skin Color Genes IRF4, MC1R, ASIP, and BNC2 Influencing Facial Pigmented Spots

Facial pigmented spots are a common skin aging feature, but genetic predisposition has yet to be thoroughly investigated. We conducted a genome-wide association study for pigmented spots in 2,844 Dutch Europeans from the Rotterdam Study (mean age: 66.9±8.0 years; 47% male). Using semi-automated image analysis of high-resolution digital facial photographs, facial pigmented spots were quantified as the percentage of affected skin area (mean women: 2.0% ±0.9, men: 0.9% ±0.6). We identified genome-wide significant association with pigmented spots at three genetic loci: IRF4 (rs12203592, P=1.8 × 10(-27)), MC1R (compound heterozygosity score, P=2.3 × 10(-24)), and RALY/ASIP (rs6059655, P=1.9 × 10(-9)). In addition, after adjustment for the other three top-associated loci the BNC2 locus demonstrated significant association (rs62543565, P=2.3 × 10(-8)). The association signals observed at all four loci were successfully replicated (P<0.05) in an independent Dutch cohort (Leiden Longevity Study n=599). Although the four genes have previously been associated with skin color variation and skin cancer risk, all association signals remained highly significant (P<2 × 10(-8)) when conditioning the association analyses on skin color. We conclude that genetic variations in IRF4, MC1R, RALY/ASIP, and BNC2 contribute to the acquired amount of facial pigmented spots during aging, through pathways independent of the basal melanin production.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of Serratulae quinquefoliae folium, a new source of β-arbutin, in selected skin hyperpigmentations.

Arbutin is one of the most effective lightening substances. Serratula quinquefolia is a new source of its β-anomer. The HPLC method showed that the solid content of this compound in the dried plant raw material accounts for 6.86%. The leaves of Serratula quinquefolia do not contain hydroquinone. To assess the efficacy of the aqueous extract from' leaf of five-leaf serratula as a skin-lightening agent. We did a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. The study involved 102 women aged 26-55, with two kinds of hyperpigmentary diseases: melasma and lentigo solaris. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups: a study group (N=54) or a control group (N=48). The study group applied the cream with the aqueous extract from leaf of five-leaf serratula containing 2.51% of arbutin. The cream was applied twice a day on the discolored side for 8weeks. The experimental data showed that the cream with the extract causes decreased level of melanin in the skin pigmentation spot. Clinical effect in the form of lightening and evening skin tone on the discolored side was observed in 75.86% of the female patients with melasma and 56.00% of the female patients with lentigo solaris. The cream with the aqueous extract from leaf of five-leaf serratula proved to be an effective and safe preparation for lightening skin discolorations (66.67% of the female patients in the study group).

Taxonomic studies on seven species of Dysteria (Ciliophora, Cyrtophoria), including a description of Dysteria paraprocera sp. n.

The living morphology and infraciliature of seven Dysteria species isolated from the seas around China were investigated by observation of both living cells and specimens after protargol impregnation. Dysteria paraprocera sp. n. is characterized as follows: cell size 110–150×30–40μm in vivo; body elongate rectangular and slender; a yellow-brown to dark red coloured pigment spot located at anterior end of body; three right kineties, with rightmost two extending apically to dorsal margin and innermost one starting at level of cytostome; eight or nine short left kineties at equatorial area. Dysteria nabia, D. proraefrons, D. brasiliensis, D. cristata, D. derouxi and D. crassipes basically correspond well with previous studies and therefore only brief descriptions are presented. Discussions of these species are helpful, however, in understanding the circumscription of Dysteria morphotypes. After careful comparison, Dysteria procera sensu Liu et al. (2008, Acta Hydrobiol. Sin. 32 (suppl.), 84–89 (in Chinese with English abstract)) was verified as a new species, D. subtropica sp. n., mainly because the innermost right kinety starts at mid-body. Small-subunit (SSU) rRNA genes were sequenced for four species of Dysteria, namely, D. paraprocera sp. n., D. subtropica sp. n., D. proraefrons and D. nabia. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses indicate that these species are well outlined and cluster with their congeners.

Environment-induced lentigines: formation of solar lentigines beyond ultraviolet radiation.

There is no doubt that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) contributes to the generation of acquired lentigines in human skin, as indicated by the term solar lentigo. A growing number of recent epidemiological and mechanistic studies, however, strongly suggest that in addition to UVR, other environmental factors contribute to lentigines' formation as well. We therefore here introduce the term 'environment-induced lentigo' (EIL) to refer to acquired pigment spots of human skin. In this view point, we (i) summarize the existing evidence to support a role of environmental toxicants other than UVR in the pathogenesis of EILs, (ii) we argue that activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling by UVR and environmental toxicants is critically involved in triggering and sustaining a crosstalk between melanocytes, keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which then causes the development and persistence of EILs in human skin, and (iii) we discuss clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of EILs resulting from this concept.

A new genus of Iassinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from Peru and a new species of Daveyoungana Blocker & Webb.

The new iassine leafhopper genus Linnavuoria is described and illustrated based on L. tingomariaensis sp. nov., from Peru, and placed in the previously monobasic tribe Selenomorphini (based on Selenomorphus Evans from New Caledonia), along with two other New World genera, Pachyopsis Uhler and Scaroidana Osborn (new placements). The new genus is similar to Pachyopsis in overall structure, but differs as follows: head with crown flat and forming distinct angle with face in profile; face coarsely punctate, without distinct transverse striations or rugae; lateral frontal sutures extended from antennal ledge to midline and joining with distinct coronal suture; forewing with numerous dark pigment spots corresponding to setal sockets; hind femur with macrosetal formula 2+1+1+1. A revised diagnosis and key to genera are given for Selenomorphini. The previously monotypic leafhopper genus Daveyoungana Blocker & Webb (Iassinae: Hyalojassini) recorded from Brazil is also reviewed and the detailed morphology of the genus is redescribed and illustrated, including the first description of the female. A new species, D. maniforma sp. nov. from Ecuador is described and illustrated and a key to the species in this genus is given.

Pigment spots on the skin as a phene of the North Atlantic population of the beaked redfish, Sebastes mentella Travin, 1951 (Scorpaenidae)

The spatio-temporally stable and sex-dependent character of the occurrence and location of pigment spots on the skin of the beaked redfish Sebastes mentella provide grounds for considering them as a phene of the pelagic group of S. mentella within its North Atlantic population. The characteristics of this phene indicate the geographical and bathymetrical unity of this group, as well as the migration of a part of its individuals to the pelagic zone of the Norwegian Sea.

The Effects of Life Line Facial Cream/Periobitum Serum and Micro-Needling of Photodamaged Skin: A Split-Face Randomized Study

Background: Human growth factors serve as secretomes that regulate skin cell proliferation/differentiation and production of extracellular elements of the matrix and treat photo-aging. Microneedling of skin can also improve aging skin by facilitating normal wound healing of the temporary dermal conduits for therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. Objectives: This open, randomized split-face and single-center controlled study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the application of a cosmeceutical formulation, which incorporated growth factors derived from cultured pluripotential stem cells of unfertilized human ovum, in the treatment of photo-damaged facial skin. The use of micro-needling to stem cell-treated skin was evaluated for additional benefit. Material and Methods: Ten subjects in Group 1 with mild-to-moderate photo-damaged skin received the growth factor emulsion to one side of the face and serum to the eyelids/periorbitum and placebo on the contralateral side for twelve (12) weeks. Ten subjects in a separate Group 2 with similar photo-damaged skin received the same growth factor emulsions and serum to both sides of the face and eyelids/periorbitum, but only one side was treated with four micro-needling procedures four weeks apart. Subjects in Group 1 were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks with the Canfield VISIA Investigator System and standardized 2D photography. Subjects in Group 2 were similarly assessed with the addition of the DermaLab Cortex System. Data analysis compared the p-values with the alpha level for statistical difference. Results: Group 1 subjects demonstrated a beneficial effect by VISIA Analysis on reduction of pigmented spots, UV-light damage with more effective effacement of wrinkles and textural changes after three months compared with that observed on the placebo side. Group 2 subjects demonstrated more improvement by VISIA Analysis in reduction of pigmentations, UV-light damage, porphyrin spots, and wrinkles with more textural smoothness with combined treatments than with cosmeceutical application alone. Cortex Analysis of skin, receiving combined treatments, demonstrated marked improvements in skin elasticity and hydration observed after cosmeceutical application alone. Conclusions: The used growth factor-containing creams and serum have a salutary effect on photodamaged skin whose effects may be further enhanced with the addition of micro-needling without introduction of side-effects or complications. Further investigations with a larger cohort of subjects for longer treatment periods will be needed to confirm and extend these initial findings.

Role of autoimmunity in hepatitis c VIRUS infection: a case report and a brief review of literature

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important public health problem worldwide. Immunological complications are found in 40-74% of patients with HCV, as well as the prevalence of HCV infection is higher among individuals with these conditions, suggesting a pathogenetic virus influence. As a systemic pathology, autoimmunity may occur even without hepatic manifestations. Studies indicate that peripheral nervous system disorders have been observed as complications of HCV infection. This case report is about a 56 year old male patient with skin scaly erythematous lesions and stellate hypo pigmented spots, muscle atrophy of the extremities and peripheral neuropathy march with diffuse muscle weakness associated with a positive history of hepatitis.

Local treatment of chloasma in pregnant women

Goal. To assess the efficacy and safety of Azelic (15% gel of azelaic acid for topical administration) for the treatment of chloasma in pregnant women. Materials and methods. The study involved 28 pregnant women aged 18-36 (mean age: 24.7) with a normal course of pregnancy. The patients consulted a doctor in the spring, summer or fall complaining of focal skin hyperpigmentation on the face, chin and chest area. Ten patients (35.7%) developed hyperpigmentation prior to their pregnancy and 18 women (64.3%) - during the pregnancy. As of the consultation date, the pregnancy terms in all of the patients were 18-20 weeks. Chloasma was diagnosed by using dermatoscopy and skin examination with the Wood’s lamp. The patients were informed about the content and procedure of the study and gave their consent to take part in the study. Thin layers of Azelic (15% gel of azelaic acid for topical administration) were applied to the hyperpigmented skin of the patients and gently rubbed twice a day (in the morning and evening) as topical treatment for four months. The treatment results were assessed taking into consideration the patient’s subjective assessment, study group structure depending on the clinical efficacy, percentage of adverse events, and survey results based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire. To reveal any potential general toxicological effects of the treatment, hepatic samples, total blood count and coagulogram results were analyzed as a part of obstetrical and gynecologic care for pregnant women. Key findings. Positive dynamics of the following characteristics was revealed: subjective assessment of treatment results by the patients, clinical efficacy of treatment and life quality index. Therapeutic results were observed as early as after one month but not later than three months after the treatment began. The therapeutic efficacy was recorded in 92.9-96.4% of all cases after four months of treatment: pigment spots disappeared or became paler, and their dimensions and their contrast as compared to the healthy skin reduced, the skin texture and life quality improved (the Dermatology Life Quality Index reduced from 15.5 ± 1.8 to 6.7 ± 0.5 points against the background of the treatment efficacy: from severe to moderate impact of the disease on the patient’s life, respectively). Five women (17.9%) developed erythema and burning sensations in the drug application site within the first two weeks immediately after the gel application (one of the patients had the same symptoms for six weeks of the treatment); the symptoms were weak and transient and did not require any additional treatment. Hepatic samples, total blood count and coagulogram results were within physiological standards during the treatment. Conclusion. Topical application of Azelic (15% gel of azelaic acid for topical administration) twice a day for four months is an efficient and safe method to treat chloasma in pregnant women.

The tip of the iceberg: a distinctive new spotted-wing Megaselia species (Diptera: Phoridae) from a tropical cloud forest survey and a new, streamlined method for Megaselia descriptions.

A new Megaselia species, M. shadeae, with a large, central, pigmented and bubble-like wing spot and a greatly enlarged radial wing vein fork, is described from Zurquí de Moravia, Costa Rica. As part of the Zurquí All Diptera Biodiversity Inventory (ZADBI) project, it represents the first of an incredible number of new phorid species to be described from this one Costa Rican cloud forest site. A new, streamlined method of description for species of this enormous genus of phorid flies is presented.

New deep-sea large free-living nematodes from macrobenthos in the Kuril–Kamchatka Trench (the North-Western Pacific)

The composition of deep-sea nematode assemblages of the North-Western (NW) Pacific is poorly-studied. According to the available literature data more than 700 valid species of nematodes were reported from the depth of 400m and deeper, out of that only 6 species were registered in the NW Pacific: 2 species from the coast of the Japanese Islands and 4 from the Sea of Japan. Ecological studies of the deep-sea nematode communities of this region are scanty and represent very scarce and fragmentary information. The first recent study of free-living nematodes collected from the abyssal plain adjacent to the Kuril–Kamchatka Trench has revealed more than 50 species of nematodes in macrobenthic samples. Families Anticomidae, Comesomatidae, Desmodoridae, Leptosomatidae, Oncholaimidae, Oxystominidae, Phanodermatidae, Siphonolaimidae and Thoracostomopsidae were the most abundant and diverse. Such taxonomic composition differs greatly from previously described meiobenthical nematode communities of NW Pacific and even World Ocean and similar to macrofaunal nematode assemblages of the Atlantic and Arctic regions. Several genera of nematodes can be considered as new records for the NW Pacific region. Micoletzkyia kamchatika sp. nov., Metaphanoderma improvisa sp. nov., and Phylloncholaimus palmaris sp. nov. are described from the Kuril–Kamchatka Trench. Micoletzkyia kamchatika sp. nov. is particularly characterized by a developed cuticular cephalic capsule underlying amphids, relatively small amphids, and the shape of the gubernaculum. Metaphanoderma improvisa sp. nov. is particularly characterized by a developed cuticular cephalic capsule, relatively large amphids, and the absence of pigmented eye spots. Phylloncholaimus palmaris sp. nov. is similar to the type species in many measurements but may be differentiated from that by the smaller amphid, shape of spicules and gubernaculums and by large precloacal papillae with four setae.

Skin-lightening and anti-ageing effect of a food supplement containing Pinus pinaster extract

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine Pinus pinaster (FMPBE) have been studied for a long time and demonstrated various phytopharmaceutical applications. The objectives of this study were to assess the cutaneous lightening and anti-ageing effects of FMPBE after 56 days of consumption, in healthy Asian women. The cosmetic efficacy of the product was assessed through various biometrological evaluations. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and cross-over study evidenced the safety and efficacy of the 100 mg FMPBE supplementation from 28 days of intake: in comparison to placebo, the skin on pigmentary spots became significantly lighter and less red, skin on the face was more firm and its surface was less wrinkled. After 56 days of consumption, the skin was additionally significantly more elastic and the yellow constituent of the skin decreased on the normal skin.

Skin photoprotection and consumption of coffee and polyphenols in healthy middle-aged Japanese females.

Reactive oxygen species are known to mediate skin photoaging, which results in the formation of pigmented spots and wrinkles. Coffee is the largest source of polyphenols, which supplies a large number of antioxidants in one's daily life. However, little is known about how much coffee and polyphenol consumption influences skin health. In this study, a cross-sectional survey of the diet, environmental factors, and skin conditions was conducted in healthy Japanese females to explore the influence of coffee and polyphenol consumption on skin conditions. Non-smoking, healthy female subjects with moderate sun exposure in their daily lives were recruited for this study (n=131, age range: 30-60years old) and recorded their food and beverage intake and life circumstances using questionnaires. The skin water content, transepidermal water loss, and elasticity were measured on the cheek of each subject using non-invasive methods: a Corneometer, a Tewameter, and a Cutometer, respectively. Wrinkles and pigmented spots were evaluated using digital photograph images. Consumption of coffee and total polyphenols from all sources and from coffee showed a statistically significant correlation towards a decrease in pigmented spot scores (P<0.05). Subjects with high total polyphenol consumption from coffee or chlorogenic acids (the third tertile group) showed the lowest score of ultraviolet pigmented spots (P<0.05). Coffee and polyphenol consumption was associated with low facial pigmented spots in Japanese middle-aged females. We speculated that coffee helps protect human skin from photoaging, and polyphenols, including chlorogenic acids, may contribute to the decreased hyperpigmentation of pigmented spots.