Pigmented Spots Research Articles

Prevalence of congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness in Australian Cattle Dogs and associations with coat characteristics and sex

BackgroundCongenital hereditary sensorineural deafness (CHSD) occurs in many dog breeds, including Australian Cattle Dogs. In some breeds, CHSD is associated with a lack of cochlear melanocytes in the stria vascularis, certain coat characteristics, and potentially, abnormalities in neuroepithelial pigment production. This study investigates phenotypic markers for CHSD in 899 Australian Cattle Dogs.ResultsAuditory function was tested in 899 Australian Cattle Dogs in family groups using brainstem auditory evoked response testing. Coat colour and patterns, facial and body markings, gender and parental hearing status were recorded.Deafness prevalence among all 899 dogs was 10.8% with 7.5% unilaterally deaf, and 3.3% bilaterally deaf, and amongst pups from completely tested litters (n = 696) was 11.1%, with 7.5% unilaterally deaf, and 3.6% bilaterally deaf.Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed a negative association between deafness and bilateral facial masks (odds ratio 0.2; P ≤ 0.001). Using multivariable logistic animal modelling, the risk of deafness was lower in dogs with pigmented body spots (odds ratio 0.4; P = 0.050).No significant associations were found between deafness and coat colour.Within unilaterally deaf dogs with unilateral facial masks, no association was observed between the side of deafness and side of mask. The side of unilateral deafness was not significantly clustered amongst unilaterally deaf dogs from the same litter. Females were at increased risk of deafness (odds ratio from a logistic animal model 1.9; P = 0.034) after adjusting for any confounding by mask type and pigmented body spots.ConclusionsAustralian Cattle Dogs suffer from CHSD, and this disease is more common in dogs with mask-free faces, and in those without pigmented body patches. In unilaterally deaf dogs with unilateral masks, the lack of observed association between side of deafness and side of mask suggests that if CHSD is due to defects in molecular pigment pathways, the molecular control of embryonic melanoblast migration from ectoderm to skin differs from control of migration from ectoderm to cochlea. In Australian Cattle Dogs, CHSD may be more common in females.

A Water-Damaged Home and Health of Occupants: A Case Study

A family of five and pet dog who rented a water-damaged home and developed multiple health problems. The home was analyzed for species of mold and bacteria. The diagnostics included MRI for chronic sinusitis with ENT and sinus surgery, and neurological testing for neurocognitive deficits. Bulk samples from the home, tissue from the sinuses, urine, nasal secretions, placenta, umbilical cord, and breast milk were tested for the presence of trichothecenes, aflatoxins, and Ochratoxin A. The family had the following diagnosed conditions: chronic sinusitis, neurological deficits, coughing with wheeze, nose bleeds, and fatigue among other symptoms. An infant was born with a total body flare, developed multiple Cafe-au-Lait pigmented skin spots and diagnoses with NF1 at age 2. The mycotoxins were detected in bulk samples, urine and nasal secretions, breast milk, placenta, and umbilical cord. Pseudomonas aueroginosa, Acinetobacter, Penicillium, and Aspergillus fumigatus were cultured from nasal secretions (father and daughter). RT-PCR revealed A. fumigatus DNA in sinus tissues of the daughter. The dog had 72 skin lesions (sebaceous glands and lipomas) from which trichothecenes and ochratoxin A. were detected. The health of the family is discussed in relation to the most recent published literature regarding microbial contamination and toxic by-products present in water-damaged buildings.

Modulation of skin pigmentation by the tetrapeptide PKEK: in vitro and in vivo evidence for skin whitening effects

Uneven skin pigmentation is a significant cosmetic concern, and the identification of topically applicable molecules to address this issue is of general interest. We report that the tetrapeptide PKEK (Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys) can exert skin whitening effects based on one in vitro and four double-blinded vehicle-controlled in vivo studies. (i) Treatment of human keratinocytes with PKEK significantly reduced UVB-stimulated mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and TNF-α and, most importantly, proopiomelanocorticotropin (POMC), i.e. a gene encoding the pigmentation-inducing soluble mediator α- (α-MSH). (ii) PKEK treatment significantly inhibited UVB-induced upregulation of genes encoding for IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α as well as POMC and tyrosinase in 10 healthy volunteers pretreated with PKEK for 4 weeks once daily. (iii) In a study enrolling 39 Caucasian women, facial pigment spots significantly faded after 6 weeks when PKEK was combined with the skin whitener sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), whereas PKEK or SAP alone led to less pronounced fading of the pigment spots. (iv) Addition of PKEK enhanced the skin whitening potency of a SAP-containing preparation if applied for 8 weeks to the back of hands of 19 Caucasians. (v) 27 Japanese women were treated on their faces twice daily with an SAP only or a PKEK+SAP-containing formulation for 8 weeks. Application of PKEK+SAP significantly reduced skin pigmentation by 26% and by 18% according to SCINEXA score. We demonstrate that PKEK has the capacity to reduce UVB-induced skin pigmentation and may be suited to serve as a skin tone-modulating agent in cosmetic products.

Protoporphyrin and Eggshell Strength: Preliminary Findings from a Passerine Bird

Protoporphyrin pigmentation is a common feature of passerine eggshells worldwide, typically giving red to brown coloration. Although these may form a background colour to the egg, protoporphyrin more commonly forms speckles, blotches or patches of colour (maculation) against a white (unpigmented) or blue/green (biliverdin-pigmented) background. Conventional explanations for the presence of such pigmentation have focused on the eggs’ appearance, and include crypsis and strategies to deter brood parasites, such as cuckoos (Cuculidae). More recently, evidence has emerged that there may also be a sexually-selected visual function. However, the pattern of occurrence across taxa and upon and within the eggshell, suggest that non-visual functions may be at least as important, or even the principal function of some pigmentation. In particular, correlations between protoporphyrin maculation, eggshell thickness, rates of water-loss and local calcium availability in the Great Tit ( Parus major), suggest that the pigment could serve a structural function. Despite strong circumstantial evidence, however, a direct relationship between eggshell strength and protoporphyrin pigmentation has not previously been available. Here, we present preliminary findings from a comparison of fracture toughness (resistance to fracture) and brittleness of pigmented and unpigmented shell from the same Great Tit eggshells. These suggest that while pigmented shell is as brittle as unpigmented shell, the fracture toughness is significantly greater and more than compensates for the reduced shell thickness observed at a pigment spot. The data also suggest that although the first two principal components of pigmentation influence fracture toughness, neither influences how the material responded to the propagation of a crack through its surface. We suggest that pigmentation provides structural overcompensation for shell thinning caused, for example, by a deficit of dietary calcium, and the reasons for this are discussed.

SKULL BASE TUMOR IN A PATIENT WITH PHACOMATOSIS PIGMENTOVASCULARIS

A 58-year-old man with clinical diagnosis of phacomatosis pigmentovascularis (PPV) experienced tinnitus and progressive hearing loss due to a jugular foramen tumor.Attached to the tumor capsule, were several pigmented spots. Pathological examination revealed a tumor composed by two different tissues, namely a Schwannoma grade I associated with a leptomeningeal blue nevus. The neuropathological aspects of this unusual association are discussed. The association of PPV with a pigmented skull base tumor has not been described to date and illustrates the importance of systemic examination in PPV.

Correspondence

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to describe the angiographic features and visual impact of macular fibrosis in patients with Coats disease. METHODS This is a single institution retrospective case series. Charts of patients diagnosed with Coats disease between 1973 and 2007 were reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, treatment method, initial and final logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity, photographic findings, angiographic characteristics, and anatomical outcome. RESULTS Forty-seven patients were identified with adequate imaging and posttreatment follow-up. Average age at presentation was 38 years (4-82 years). Average follow-up was 4.9 years (0-17 years). Macular fibrosis was identified in 11 patients (23%). At presentation, the average logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was as follows: all patients, 0.67; patients with macular fibrosis, 1.14; and patients without macular fibrosis, 0.50 (P = 0.01, 2-tailed Student's t-test). The average posttreatment logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was as follows: all patients, 0.78; patients with macular fibrosis, 0.97; and patients without macular fibrosis, 0.70 (P = 0.26). Macular fibrosis was associated with a pigmented spot at the point of apparent intraretinal vascular anastamosis. Fluorescein angiography showed leakage consistent with neovascularization that appeared to be intraretinal. CONCLUSION Macular fibrosis is a common finding in Coats disease, occurring in 23% of our patients. It may be a result of intraretinal neovascularization and is associated with a worse vision outcome.

Analysis of the Cytotoxicity of Green Pigment Produced on the Surface of Roasted and Retorted Chestnuts Using Immune Cells and Gastrointestinal Cancer Cells

Roasted and retorted (RR) chestnuts develop green pigment spots on their surface during storage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the green pigment using RAW 264.7, MOLT-4, KATOⅢ and HT-29 cells. The pigment scraped from RR chestnuts (GP), whole RR chestnuts with green pigment spots (GC), whole RR chestnuts without green pigment (WC) and roasted and frozen stored chestnuts (FC) were extracted in 10% DMSO. MOLT-4 cells were less resistant to the cytotoxicity of the chestnut extracts than the RAW 264.7 cells. The GP extracts did not show different responses against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and LPS-induced NO production compared to the other extracts. The chestnut extracts did not have proliferative activity on either of the KATOⅢ or HT-29 cells (p>0.05). Our results from the comparison of the green pigment produced on the surface of the RR chestnuts to chestnuts that do not develop the green pigment suggest that the pigment may not be harmful in terms of either cytotoxicity towards immune cells or proliferation of gastrointestinal cancer cells.

Morphology and infraciliature of two new marine ciliates, Paracyrtophoron tropicum nov. gen., nov. spec. and Aegyria rostellum nov. spec. (Ciliophora, Cyrtophorida), isolated from tropical waters in southern China

The morphology and infraciliature of two new marine cyrtophorid ciliates, Paracyrtophoron tropicum nov. gen., nov. spec. and Aegyria rostellum nov. spec., isolated from tropical waters in southern China, were investigated using live observation and protargol impregnation methods. Paracyrtophoron nov. gen. differs from the closely related Cyrtophoron by lack of fragment kinety at anterior ends of right somatic kineties and thigmotactic cilia in posterior portion of ventral surface, while from the well-defined Chlamydodon by lack of the cross-striped band around the periphery of the somatic field. Paracyrtophoron tropicum nov. spec., the type of the new genus, can be recognized by the combination of the following characters: cell size about 150–175×70–90μm in vivo; elliptical to kidney-shaped in outline, dorsoventrally flattened about 2.5:1; conspicuous cortical granules; one canal-like depression extending from postoral area to subcaudal region of cell; ca. 90 somatic kineties; 12–16 nematodesmal rods; one or two terminal fragments on dorsal side. Aegyria rostellum is characterized by the following features: size about 90–150×40–70μm in vivo, triangular or ear-shaped body with broad anterior end, having a rostriform structure and pigment spots, 56–63 somatic kineties, one preoral kinety, three or four circumoral kineties, and 32–42 nematodesmal rods. Based on previous and current studies, the definition for the genus Aegyria is updated: body dorsoventrally flattened; oral ciliature consisting of one preoral and several circumoral kineties; podite located in posterior ventral region and surrounded by somatic kineties; no obvious gap between right and left somatic kineties; postoral and left somatic kineties progressively shortened posteriorly from right to left. Additionally, two new combinations were proposed.

Descriptions of the previously unknown xylobiont larva and pupa of Atypophthalmus inustus (Diptera, Limoniidae)

The larval and pupal morphology of Atypophthalmus inustus (Meigen, 1818) are described for the first time. The main diagnostic characters are the following: head capsule massive, frons with 3 short terminal projections, hypostomium with 11 teeth and long narrow split, hypopharynx and labium with well-developed conical teeth, stigmal area with 2 long ventral pigmented spots.

N-Nicotinoyl dopamine, a novel niacinamide derivative, retains high antioxidant activity and inhibits skin pigmentation

We synthesized a novel derivative of a well-known skin-lightening compound niacinamide, N-nicotinoyl dopamine (NND). NND did not show inhibitory effects of tyrosinase and melanin synthesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. However, NND retains high antioxidant activity without affecting viability of cells. In a reconstructed skin model, topical applications of 0.05% and 0.1% NND induced skin lightening and decreased melanin production without affecting the viability and morphology of melanocytes and overall tissue histology. Moreover, no evidence for skin irritation or sensitization was observed when 0.1% NND emulsion was applied onto the skin of 52 volunteers. The effect of NND on skin lightening was further revealed by pigmented spot analyses of human clinical trial. Overall, NND treatment may be a useful trial for skin lightening and treating pigmentary disorders.

Molecular and morphological characterization of Amathia distans Busk and Amathia brasiliensis Busk (Bryozoa: Ctenostomata) from the tropical and subtropical Western Atlantic

Morphological and molecular analyses have proven to be complementary tools of taxonomic information for the redescription of the ctenostome bryozoans Amathia brasiliensis Busk, 1886 and Amathia distans Busk, 1886. The two species, originally described from material collected by the ‘Challenger’ expedition but synonymized by later authors, now have their status fixed by means of the selection of lectotypes, morphological observations and analyses of DNA sequences described here. The morphological characters allowing the identification of living and/or preserved specimens are (1) A. brasiliensis: whitish-pale pigment spots in the frontal surface of stolons and zooids, and a wide stolon with biserial zooid clusters growing in clockwise and anti-clockwise spirals along it, the spirality direction being maintained from maternal to daughter stolons; and (2) A. distans: bright yellow pigment spots in stolonal and zooidal surfaces including lophophores, and a slender stolon, thickly cuticularized, with biserial zooid clusters growing in clockwise and anti-clockwise spirals along it and the spirality direction not maintained from maternal to daughter stolons. Pairwise comparisons of DNA sequences of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and large ribosomal RNA subunit revealed deep genetic divergence between A. brasiliensis and A. distans. Finally, analyses of those sequences within a Bayesian phylogenetic context recovered their genealogical species status.

Descriptions of the larva and pupa of the short palped crane fly Rhipidia uniseriata Schiner, 1864 (Diptera, Limoniidae)

Detailed description of the larva and pupa of Rhipidia uniseriata Schin. is given for the first time. The main diagnostic characters are as follows: body long, abdominal segments 2.5 times as long as wide, stigmal area with slightly elongate pigmented spots, hypostomium with 9 conical teeth, clypeus with two pairs of well-developed lateral setae and one pair of pores between them.

Skin Changes after Manual Or Electrical Acupuncture

Pigmentation of the skin after electroacupuncture (EA) or acupuncture in patients is not well recognised. Reporting and studying skin changes after acupuncture or EA would increase awareness among health services providers. This case series includes four cases of short-lived or long-term skin pigmentation after EA or acupuncture. Skin pigmentation or dark spots appeared in these four cases: after 12 treatments in Case 4, during the 14 treatments in Case 3, after one treatment course (16 treatments) in Case 1 and during the sixth month in a long-term treatment of duration 2 years (one or two treatments per week) in Case 2. These skin changes faded gradually after cessation of a course of acupuncture or EA. Skin pigmentation was hardly seen in one case after 14 days, and in another case after 42 days. Pigmentation of the skin could still be seen in one case after 42 days and could still be seen in another case after 2 years, however, in both cases, pigmentation has reduced in size and colour intensity by more than 50%. It is likely that pigmentation of the skin is a specific consequence of needling and may be closely linked to acupuncture dosage regardless of whether stimulation is given manually or by EA.

Iris texture traits show associations with iris color and genomic ancestry

This study seeks to identify associations among genomic biogeographic ancestry (BGA), quantitative iris color, and iris texture traits contributing to population-level variation in these phenotypes. DNA and iris photographs were collected from 300 individuals across three variably admixed populations (Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde). Two raters scored the photos for pigmentation spots, Fuchs' crypts, contraction furrows, and Wolflinn nodes. Iris color was quantified from RGB values. Maximum likelihood estimates of individual BGA were calculated from 176 ancestry informative markers. Pigmentation spots, Fuchs' crypts, contraction furrows, and iris color show significant positive correlation with increasing European BGA. Only contraction furrows are correlated with iris color. The relationship between BGA and iris texture illustrates a genetic contribution to this population-level variation.

Obesity is Associated With High Risk Stigmata of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Obesity is a worsening epidemic in the United States (US). National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data shows that one third of the US population is obese (BMI >30). Patients with obesity are at increased risk for a variety of GI conditions including GERD symptoms, erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, gallstones, colonic adenomas, colon cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver cirrhosis. Population studies suggest that obesity is a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease (PUD). The endoscopic appearance or stigmata of bleeding on initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) predicts recurrent bleeding. AIM: To evaluate if obesity is a risk factor for high risk endoscopic stigmata of PUD. METHODS: This study was an IRB-approved protocol. 8050 EGD between 11/17/05 and 2/28/10 were reviewed for the finding of ulcer. Inclusion criteria: 1) Initial EGD with the finding of gastric or duodenal ulcer. Exclusion criteria: 1) malignant ulcer, 2) esophageal ulcer, and 3) incomplete documentation. Data collected: age, sex, BMI, ulcer stigmata, location, size, inpatient/outpatient status, NSAID and aspirin status, and H. pylori status. Ulcer appearance was documented by the Forrest classification. High risk stigmata: active spurting of blood (IA) or oozing blood (IB), a nonbleeding visible vessel or pigmented protuberance (IIA), and an adherent clot (IIB). Low risk stigmata: flat, pigmented spot (IIC), and clean-based ulcer (III). Statistical analysis: Chi square, logistic regression. RESULTS: 350 patients (mean age 64.8) with PUD were included. The mean BMI was 27.8. There were 95.7% males, 32.6% of the patients were obese (BMI >30), 30.3% were positive for H. pylori, and 68.9% were taking NSAIDS. 42% were inpatients and 58% were outpatients. Of all ulcers, the mean size was 8.6 mm, 58.0% were located in the stomach, 87.1% were low risk, and 12.9% were high risk. The distribution of stigmata by the Forrest classification: IA 2.9%(n=10), IB 2.6%(n=9), IIA 5.7%(n=20), IIB 1.7%(n=6), IIC 11.7%(n=41), and III 75.4%(n=264). High risk stigmata was not associated with age, sex, H. pylori status, or use of NSAIDS. However, it was significantly associated with BMI category (BMI ≥35: high risk stigmata 23.3%; BMI < 35: high risk stigmata 11.4% (p = 0.03)) and location (duodenum: high risk stigmata 17.7% vs. stomach: high risk stigmata 9.4% (p = 0.02)). Both BMI category (p=0.03) and PUD location (p=0.02) were significant independent predictors of high risk stigmata. CONCLUSION: A BMI ≥ 35 was associated with a significantly higher risk of stigmata on initial EGD in patients with PUD. A BMI≥ 35 may be helpful in risk stratification of patients with suspected PUD bleeding.

Molecular Analysis of Anthocyanin Biosynthetic Genes and Control of Flower Coloration by Flavonoid 3′,5′-Hydroxylase (F3′5′H) in Dendrobium moniliforme

Dendrobium moniliforme is a native species of Korea. The flower of this species is composed of a reproductive column and white perianths including petals, sepals and lip, but the base of the column bears reddish purple pigment spots. Anthocyanins are major pigments that contribute flower color in Dendrobium. Three key anthocyanin biosynthetic genes encoding dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), chalcone synthase (CHS), and flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase (F3'5'H) were isolated and analyzed for their expression patterns in floral organs to understand the molecular mechanism underlying flower color development. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that F3'5'H transcripts were highly accumulated in the base of the column compared with those of perianths, but the other two genes showed no significant difference among the floral organs. Microprojectile bombardment using the white perianths revealed that the transient expression of F3'5'H gene, but not DFR and CHS genes, was sufficient to produce reddish purple colored pigmentation. These results suggest that the lack of colors in perianths of D. moniliforme is at least due to transcriptional control of F3'5'H. The data presented here may improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying floral color development in D. moniliforme and contribute to advances in orchid biotechnology.

Influence of season on some skin properties: winter vs. summer, as experienced by 354 Shanghaiese women of various ages

The facial skin of 354 women, aged 18-80, living in Shanghai, was investigated over two successive 6-month periods, summer and winter. Results from clinical assessments indicate that aging signs, such as wrinkling and sagging, are unaffected over such period. However, physical measurements revealed alterations in some functional criteria of the skin, such as sebum output, skin colour, melanin content of pigmented spots, skin hydration, all being increased during summer. The relationships between all criteria, as well as technical or applied inferences/consequences from this study, are discussed.

Clinical evaluation of the depigmenting effect of Glechoma Hederacea extract by topical treatment for 8 weeks on UV-induced pigmentation in Asian skin

UV is a major environmental factor inducing and worsening the symptoms of hyperpigmentation disorders such as freckles, melasma and solar lentigines. During UV-induced skin inflammatory reactions, pro-inflammatory mediators initiate the production of various paracrine melanogenic factors (α-MSH, SCF, ET-1, bFGF and NO) in keratinocytes. These paracrine factors activate melanin synthase in melanocytes through the paracrine network between melanocytes and keratinocytes. Glechoma hederacea (GH) is a herbal plant used in oriental medicine to treat inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory effects, through inhibition of NO synthesis (NOS) as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, have been reported. However, there has not yet been any report of a depigmenting effect. In this study of placebo-controlled, 8 week topical treatment with a 1% GH extract lotion on UV-induced pigmented spots in female Asian subjects, significant effects of anti-inflammation and depigmenting were proven. The depigmenting effect of GH seems to be related to inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and melanogenic paracrine factors from keratinocytes, rather than to direct inhibition of melanogenic activities in melanocytes.

Rapamycin treatment causes developmental delay, pigmentation defects, and gastrointestinal malformation on Xenopus embryogenesis

Rapamycin is a drug working as an inhibitor of the TOR (target of rapamycin) signaling pathway and influences various life phenomena such as cell growth, proliferation, and life span extension in eukaryote. However, the extent to which rapamycin controls early developmental events of amphibians remains to be understood. Here we report an examination of rapamycin effects during Xenopus early development, followed by a confirmation of suppression of TOR downstream kinase S6K by rapamycin treatment. First, we found that developmental speed was declined in dose-dependent manner of rapamycin. Second, black pigment spots located at dorsal and lateral skin in tadpoles were reduced by rapamycin treatment. Moreover, in tadpole stages severe gastrointestinal malformations were observed in rapamycin-treated embryos. Taken together with these results, we conclude that treatment of the drug rapamycin causes enormous influences on early developmental period.

Airborne Particle Exposure and Extrinsic Skin Aging

For decades, extrinsic skin aging has been known to result from chronic exposure to solar radiation and, more recently, to tobacco smoke. In this study, we have assessed the influence of air pollution on skin aging in 400 Caucasian women aged 70-80 years. Skin aging was clinically assessed by means of SCINEXA (score of intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging), a validated skin aging score. Traffic-related exposure at the place of residence was determined by traffic particle emissions and by estimation of soot in fine dust. Exposure to background particle concentration was determined by measurements of ambient particles at fixed monitoring sites. The impact of air pollution on skin aging was analyzed by linear and logistic regression and adjusted for potential confounding variables. Air pollution exposure was significantly correlated to extrinsic skin aging signs, in particular to pigment spots and less pronounced to wrinkles. An increase in soot (per 0.5 × 10(-5) per m) and particles from traffic (per 475 kg per year and square km) was associated with 20% more pigment spots on forehead and cheeks. Background particle pollution, which was measured in low residential areas of the cities without busy traffic and therefore is not directly attributable to traffic but rather to other sources of particles, was also positively correlated to pigment spots on face. These results indicate that particle pollution might influence skin aging as well.