Pigment Research Articles

Effect of moisture stress on total chlorophyll content of cotton

The present investigation was conducted during kharif season of 2018-19 at the experimental field of Cotton Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (M.S.). There were two different conditions were maintained, one set was grown in field condition (non-stress) in randomized block design and another set of genotype in pot was placed under rainout shelter (water stress condition). The seeds of ten cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) genotypes viz., AKH-09-5, AKH-2012-8, AKH-1301, AKH-1302, NH-545, AKH-9916, AKH-8828, PKV Rajat and NH-615 were sown in both conditions in three replications. The study was aimed to determine the influence of water stress on cotton physiology including total chlorophyll content. Under control condition pot culture was maintained with desired quantity of irrigation up to initiation of bolls. Water stress was imposed at initiation of bolls (75 DAS) for 12 days to every genotype and replication wise. Second stress was imposed 12 days after first stress. Genotypes under water stress condition was sown in 90 earthen pots with five holes of 2.5 cm deep. The observation for chlorophyll content was recorded at 90, 60 and 120 DAS. In the conducted experiment some of the G. hirsutum genotypes showed highest total chlorophyll content at the initial stage of plant growth and gradually it decreased afterwards during boll development stage in both conditions. Moisture stress adversely affected the content of chlorophyll pigment of genotypes after imposition of water stress which was tested under control condition (stress condition).

Extension study of a statistical age prediction model for acrylic paints

In this work, the robustness and potential applicability of statistical age prediction models applied to the dating of different acrylic paints were studied. The FTIR-ATR analysis of three acrylic colours (Hansa yellow, phthalocyanine green and ultramarine blue) from two manufacturers (Liquitex® and Vallejo®) subjected to accelerated ageing was carried out. The acrylic paints were characterised and the modifications of their ATR spectra throughout ageing were studied. Predictive models developed with the Liquitex® brand containing phthalocyanine green pigment were then applied to other colour and brands of acrylic paints and their robustness and feasibility were studied based on calculated accuracy error values. The influence of the pigment on the ageing of the paint components, the type and quantity of additives present in the acrylic paint as well as the ageing conditions to which it was subjected were decisive in the short-term predictive model, which explains the low accuracy values obtained for all the acrylic paints analysed. However, the slower degradation processes taking place in the longer term and the stabilisation of the acrylic paints at higher stages of ageing made them fit successfully into the long-term model, obtaining an error of between 14 and 23%. Thus, the predictive statistical model is robust and feasible to be used for different colours of the same brand of acrylic paint as well as for acrylic paints of different brands that have been long-term aged under slightly different conditions of accelerated ageing. In conclusion, this methodology could be a promising tool in the field of dating contemporary artworks of a certain age.

Effects of Root-Knot Nematode Inoculums Densities on Morphological and Phytochemical Analysis of Selected Horse Gram Germplasm

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita; RKN) are important constraints on agricultural crops worldwide. Horse gram is a vulnerable pulse crop from the agriculture revolution exceptionally in southern India. This study intended to assess the resistance of four Horse gram accessions IC-1536, IC-1572, IC-1451 and IC-1115 selected from 100 accessions based on the morphological and biochemical scrutiny. Individual seedlings were transferred in the clay pots packed with sterile soil and inoculated with three doses (25, 50 and 100) of second stage juveniles of M. incognita. All nematode inoculums densities influenced the shoot length of plants, flowering and yield. The level of amino acid, proline, protein, total phenol and flavonoids contents were increased while carbohydrate and starch contents were decreased in all the varieties compared to the 15th day after inoculation. It is pointed out that M. incognita has not only impaired the plant growth but also biochemical parameters such as chlorophyll pigments, primary and secondary metabolites.

Mathematical Representation of Color Spaces and Its Role in Communication Systems

In this research, the color system was analyzed according to the International Lighting Commission (CIE) standard by studying the theoretical aspect of the general color system according to the latest communication theories of the visual image supported by mathematical equations and illustrations supporting the relevant hypotheses and then a comparison of evolution. There is an enormous use in color spaces and systems according to their own use, where the use of colors has become in various areas including television systems; computer systems; industry and product colors; printing of all kinds of black and white and color; paint colors for buildings, houses, and cities; and many other color-related uses. The development of color spaces and systems from 1931 to the present day has expanded a lot, and this led to the emergence of new areas of color systems characterized by accuracy and beauty and became the color of the subcolors according to the desire of the customer and the quality of use. The development of color systems has an impact on visual communication such as television broadcasting systems, medical image processing, and video signal processing, as well as in the field of computer such as graphic equipment and printing.

Occurrence, potential sources, in vitro bioaccessibility and health risk assessment of heavy metal in indoor dust from different microenvironment of Bushehr, Iran

Indoor dust samples were collected from 42 microenvironments of residential buildings (RB, 15 samples), official buildings (OB, 10 samples), laboratory rooms (LR, 7 samples), and school classroom (SCR, 10 samples) in Bushehr, whereby the concentration of zinc, copper, lead, cadmium, nickel, and chromium was studied. The results of this study indicated that the mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni in the indoor dust samples were 567.18, 186.09, 209.01, 5.31, 143.20, and 57.09mg/kg in RB, 1077.34, 539.67, 274.89, 8.12, 155.30, and 92.55mg/kg in OB, 246.40, 149.56, 127.2, 1.96, 43.45, and 91.09mg/kg in LR and 271.43, 189.84, 164.44, 3.06, 124.20, and 70.09mg/kg in SCR. The results of principal cluster analysis showed that the heavy metals in indoor environments were mostly originated from smoking tobacco and cigarette, traffic sources, old building materials, and building paint colors. The results of this study also revealed that the concentration of heavy metals in indoor dust had a negative and significant relationship (P value < 0.05 in most cases) with rate of ventilation, and a positive and significant relationship with smoking inside buildings (P value < 0.05 in most cases). The bioaccessibility for zinc, copper, lead, cadmium, nickel, and chromium was 69.12, 40.08, 43.33, 79.81, 31.10, and 6.31%, respectively, in indoor dust. Further, risk assessment showed that the risk values of carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity resulting from heavy metals inside the studied microenvironments had exceeded the recommended safe limit by EPA. In terms of potential ecological risks, it was found that heavy metals in these microenvironments have exceeded the hazardous ecological levels presented by different indices and can have considerable negative ecological effects. Thus, it is essential that further and better studies and monitoring be performed on these environments, and suitable control recommendations and solutions should be regulated for this public health threat.

Analysis of KRT5 and KRT14 gene mutations and mode of inheritance in Iranian patients with clinical suspicion of Epidermolysis bullosa simplex.

Background: Epidermolysis bullosa simplex is a hereditary skin disorder caused by mutations in several genes such as KRT5 and KRT14 . Skin fragility in basal keratinocytes presence regions led to the cytolysis of epidermis and blistering. Aim of this study was to detect the molecular defects in KRT5 and KRT14 genes hot spots in patients with clinical suspicion of EBS and investigation of their probable genotype-phenotype correlations. Methods: Exons 1 and 6-7 of KRT5 and exons 1 and 4-7 of KRT14 amplification and mutation detection were performed by polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing, respectively. Novel variants pathogenicity evaluated by bioinformatics tools. Results: Nine important variants detected in seven different patients within 6 Iranian families affected by Epidermolysis bullosa simplex, of which four variants were novel. Three patients had a mottled pigmentation phenotype [G96D (p.Gly96Asp) and F97I (p.Phe97Ile) in KRT5 ]. One of them showed a Dowling–Meara phenotype [A417P (p.Ala417Pro) and E477D (p.Glu477Asp) in KRT5 ] and another had a Koebner type phenotype [R397I (p.Arg397Ile) and Q444* (p.Gln444Ter) in KRT5 ]. A novel variant [G92E (p.Gly92Glu) in KRT5 ] in a double heterozygous state with a challenging variant [A413T (p.Ala413Thr) in KRT14 ] identified in one patient with Koebner type phenotype. Also, a previously reported mutation [I377T (p.Ile377Thr) in KRT14 gene] identified in this study. Conclusion: The results of molecular data analysis showed that the most severe phenotypes were associated with mutations in highly conserved regions. In some cases, different inheritance modes were observed.

Estimation of Rheological Properties of Ash Silicate Paints

Information provided on the color of paint coatings on the mortar substrate, depending on the type of pigment in accordance with the RAL color file. It is shown that presence of glycerin in the composition of the sol of silicate paint promotes an increase in the cohesive strength of coatings, an improvement in the filling of paint, and an improvement in the quality of the appearance of coatings. Information is given on the rheological properties of a silicate paint sol with the addition of glycerin depending on the pigment content. It has been established, that the introduction of glycerin into the paint formulation leads to an increase in the values of the critical volume concentration of the pigment (filler). A model for changing the viscosity of paint from a pigment volume concentration (filler) is proposed.

Effect of Jiajian-Zhujing Decoction on the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells after AKT transfection

Objective To study the mechanism of the effect of Jiajian-Zhujing Decoction on the expression of VEGF on ARPE-19 cells after AKT transfection. Methods To prepare the serum and blank serum of Jiajian-Zhujing Decoction and divide ARPE-19 cells into the normal group, model group, blank serum group, medicated serum group, Conbercept group and combined group. Except normal group, this research established AKT transfected cell model. Then cultured the normal group and model group with conventional method, and the blank serum group was cultured with 10% blank serum, the medicated serum group was cultured with 10% medicated serum, the Conbercept group was cultured with 20 μg/ml Conbercept, the combined group was cultured with 10% medicated serum and 20 μg/m Conbercept. The proliferation of ARPE-19 cells in each group was detect by the CCK-8 method. The levels of AKT, mTOR and VEGF mRNA were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Western blot was used to detect the expression of AKT, mTOR and VEGF. Results After being cultured for 24, 48 and 72 hours, compared with the model group, the cell proliferation rate in blank serum group, medicated serum group, Conbercept group and combined group significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of AKT mRNA (24 h: 3.10 ± 0.48, 1.97 ± 0.14, 1.26 ± 0.24 vs. 4.77 ± 0.68; 48 h: 3.52 ± 0.82, 2.62 ± 0.77, 1.10 ± 0.19 vs. 6.12 ± 1.21), mTOR mRNA (24 h: 3.02 ± 0.26, 2.45 ± 0.75, 1.13 ± 0.15 vs. 4.48 ± 0.80; 48 h: 1.29 ± 0.30, 1.30 ± 0.57, 0.65 ± 0.19 vs. 2.54 ± 0.62), VEGF mRNA (24 h: 3.33 ± 0.62, 2.18 ± 0.20, 1.55 ± 0.28 vs. 5.53 ± 1.02; 48 h: 2.35 ± 0.54, 1.23 ± 0.28, 0.93 ± 0.25 vs. 3.59 ± 0.40), AKT protion (24 h: 0.45 ± 0.09, 0.25 ± 0.05, 0.14 ± 0.04 vs. 0.62 ± 0.04; 48 h: 0.36 ± 0.06, 0.23 ± 0.04, 0.14 ± 0.03 vs. 0.54 ± 0.08), mTOR protion (24 h: 0.35 ± 0.05, 0.24 ± 0.02, 0.18 ± 0.02 vs. 0.52 ± 0.09; 48 h: 0.23 ± 0.04, 0.29 ± 0.04, 0.14 ± 0.03 vs. 0.40 ± 0.10), VEGF protion (24 h: 0.14 ± 0.03, 0.33 ± 0.04, 0.24 ± 0.03 vs. 0.54 ± 0.10; 48 h: 0.24 ± 0.03, 0.17 ± 0.02, 0.11 ± 0.02 vs. 0.42 ± 0.10) significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the combined group was significantly lower than that of the Conbercept group (P<0.05). Conclusions AKT transfection can promote the proliferation of ARPE-19 cells, and Jiajian-Zhujing Decoction can significantly inhibit this proliferation. Jiajian-Zhujing Decoction may inhibit the activity of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to reduce the expression of VEGF. Key words: Serum pharmacology (TCD); Retinal pigment epithelium; Transfection; Vascular endothelial growth factors; Jiajian-Zhujing Decoction

Carbon δ13C Isotopic Marker Values Correlate with Carotenoid-Based Bill Colouration in Adult Yellow-Legged Gulls Larus michahellis

La coloracion basada en carotenoides que presentan muchas aves puede reflejar honestamente la calidad del individuo, ya que deben ser obtenidos mediante la dieta. Estos pigmentos son importantes para varias funciones fisiologicas y los individuos pueden buscar compensar entre la distribucion de los carotenoides para estos usos y su acumulacion para atributos sexuales secundarios y sociales. La gaviota patiamarilla Larus michahellis es una especie oportunista que se alimenta de una gran variedad de presas. En este trabajo hemos estudiado si la coloracion basada en carotenoides (pico, mancha roja, anillo orbital) esta relacionada con la ecologia trofica inferida a partir de la composicion isotopica de plumas de aves adultas en tres colonias de esta especie. El marcador isotopico del δ13C correlaciono negativamente con la coloracion basada en carotenoides (area de la mancha roja). Contrariamente a la prediccion hecha a priori, el marcador indica que un mayor consumo de presas terrestres y recursos de vertedero podria ayudar a generar una mancha roja del pico mayor en gaviotas de cualquier sexo. En hembras, no se detecto ninguna correlacion entre las signaturas isotopicas y el volumen de los huevos. El resultado de que un consumo mayor de presas marinas implica una mancha roja menor apoya otros descritos en estudios anteriores que muestran efectos aparentemente positivos de comer en ambientes terrestres humanos sobre el fenotipo de aves adultas. Los resultados pueden sugerir que un mayor consumo de presas marinas puede no ser tan positivo como el presentado en estudios previos. Sin embargo, el efecto de los componentes toxicos potenciales que se pueden obtener de algunas fuentes de alimentacion deberia ser estudiado mas a fondo. Deberiamos de considerar tambien los probables efectos subletales retardados asociados a estos habitats y que se ejercerian sobre los adultos y, probablemente tambien, sobre los pollos.

Diagnostic oral biomarkers of immunosuppression in apparently healthy seropositive HIV population, in South Western Uganda

Background: Accurate diagnosis remain key to effective intervention of endemic and pandemic diseases even up to the developed world. Despite availability of many high-quality diagnostic tests for immunosuppression in the developed countries, they are neither available, affordable nor accessible in rural communities of Africa. Clinical diagnostic surrogate biomarkers may be suitable alternative. Objective: To evaluate oral clinical manifestations as biomarkers of immunosuppression in apparently healthy population of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected patients in resource poor Masaka, Mbarara and Rukungiri districts, of South Western Uganda. Methods: Visual oral inspection of 304 apparently health and HIV seropositive patients attending the AIDS Support Organization clinics in study districts of Uganda was done to detect and establish oral biomarkers associated with immunosuppression in HIV disease. Standard methods were used to reconfirm the HIV sero-positivity status and clinical staging of oral manifestations of consenting clients. Result: Figures 1-22 shows representative 304 oral manifestations of research participants. Figures 1-5 depicts 140 (46.1%) pseudomembranous candidiasis. Figures (6-9) depicts representative photographs of 53 (17.4%) erythemathous candidiasis (Figures 7 & 8) and also 63 (20.7%) shows erythemathous candidiasis found co-infecting with pseudomembranouse candidiasis in (Figures 9 & 10). Figure 10 shows linear gingival erythemathouse banding. Figures 11-15 shows Karposi sarcoma developmental stages and Figure 16-18 shows 7 (2.3%) Angular cheilitis. Figure 19 shows 3 (1.0%) aphthous ulceration of anterior portion of the tongue. Figure 20 shows 1 (0.3%) Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) while Figures 21 & 22 shows 10 (3.3%) intra-oral pigmentation. Conclusion: Visual oral inspection of apparently healthy HIV seropositive individuals revealed different oral manifestations that may serve as diagnostic oral biomarkers of immunosuppression in apparently healthy but HIV infected population in Uganda. Poor resources drive the need for available and affordable diagnostic tools for improved and effective intervention.

Disease affects carotenoid-based turtle coloration and may function as a condition-dependent indicator trait.

Carotenoids are photo-accessory pigments found in plants that provide animals with integumentary color as well as a variety of immunological benefits. Carotenoids that are deposited in the feather or skin to adverstise color must ultimately be obtained, ingested, absorbed and delivered to an integumentary site. However, carotenoids that serve immune functions cannot be used for integumentary display. As a result, carotenoid-based feather and skin color often indicates condition-dependent (i.e. immunological) phenotypic information because the pigments must be use for one or the other—but not both—roles. Support for the condition-dependent and sexually selective role of carotenoid-based turtle spots and stripes is equivocal. Here we show that carotenoid ingestion—and carotenoid-based color—is affected by Emydomyces testavorans fungal infection on the carapace, indicating that stripe and spot color could advertise immunological health altered by fungal infection and function as a condition-dependent indicator trait. This adds to other indirect evidence that painted turtle stripe and color may serve as sexually selective role.

Preliminary study on prevention and treatment of experimental autoimmune uveitis by blocking CD73 detachment from the surface of retinal pigment epithelial cells with matrix metalloprotein-9 inhibitor

Objective To preliminarily investigate the mechanism of MMP-9 blocking CD73 detachment from RPE cells surface and preventing and treating experimental autoimmune pigment membranitis(EAU). Methods RPE cells isolated from wild-type C57BL/6 and CD73 gene knockout (CD73-/-) mice were cultured in vitro, and treated with lipopolysaccharide and TNF-α to induce CD73 detachment from RPE surface. According to whether MMP-9 inhibitor CTK8G1150 was added at the same time (the final concentration was 5.0 mol/L) or not, RPE cells cultured in the two types of mice were respectively set as MMP-9 inhibitor intervention group and non-intervention control group. The cells in each group were treated with the intervention of a solvent, 1 μmol/Ladenosine monophosphate (AMP), 1 μmol/L AMP, and 3 μmol/L 5' -α,β-methylene adenosine diphosphate (APCP) (AMP+APCP). The stimulating effect of RPE cells in different groups on CD4+ T cell proliferation was detected by tritiated thymidine incorporation. Adoptive immune induced EAU in wild-type B6 mice and CD73-/- mice, respectively. The receptor mice were randomly divided into the MMP-9 inhibitor intervention group and the non-intervention control group, and CTK8G1150 or the solvent were injected into the subretinal cavity 4, 7 and 10 days after adoptive immunity. CD73 mRNA and protein expression in RPE cells of recipient mice were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze all experimental data. Results When the stimulation mode was AMP, the proliferation of CD4+ T cells in the C57BL/6 MMP-9 inhibitor intervention group decreased significantly compared with the nonintervention group (F=13.28, P 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the proliferation capacity of CD4+ T cells between the CD73-/- MMP-9 inhibitor intervention group and the non-intervention group (F=5.24, 6.12, 7.04; P>0.05). RT-PCR results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the relative expression of CD73 mRNA in RPE cells between the MMP-9 inhibitor group and the non-intervention control group(F=6.54, P>0.05). Western blot results showed that the expression of CD73 protein in RPE cells in the MMP-9 inhibitor group of B6 receptor mice was significantly increased compared with the control group (F=15.24, P<0.01). Conclusion MMP-9 inhibitor blocks CD73 detachment from RPE cells surface and has a protective effect on EAU. Key words: Matrix metalloproteinase 9/antagonists & inhibitors; 5'-nucleotidase; Retinal pigment epithelium; Cells, cultured; Uveitis/physiopathology; Animal experimentation

Autologous full-thickness RPE-choroid graft to treat high-risk drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment without CNV.

Objective: To report on the survival of a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid graft translocated to treat a patient with drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (DPED).Methods: We describe a patient with bilateral high-risk DPED where one eye was treated with RPE-choroid translocation surgery and followed up for more than two years.Results: The RPE-choroid graft surgery was straightforward and the fully perfused graft was able to support stable vision of 0.5 Snellen acuity for more than two years despite the development of a choroidal neovessel at the edge of the graft. The vision in the fellow eye dropped from 0.5 to 0.2 Snellen in the same period.Conclusion: RPE-choroid translocation may slow the progression of DPED to atrophy but it can also transform dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) into neovascular AMD.

Resveratrol protects human retinal pigment epithelial cells from toxicity of high glucose by up-regulation of miR-26a

Resveratrol protects human retinal pigment epithelial cells from toxicity of high glucose by up-regulation of miR-26a

Detection of scab in wheat ears using in situ hyperspectral data and support vector machine optimized by genetic algorithm

A new method was proposed to extract sensitive features and to construct a monitoring model for wheat scab based on in situ hyperspectral data of wheat ears to achieve effective prevention and control and provide theoretical support for its large-scale monitoring. Eight sensitive features were selected through correlation analysis and wavelet transform. These features were as follows: three original bands of 350-400 nm, 500-600 nm, and 720-1000 nm; three vegetation indices of modified simple ratio (MSR), normalized difference vegetation index, and structural independent pigment index; and two wavelet features of WF01 and WF02. By combining the selected sensitive features with support vector machine (SVM) and SVM optimized by genetic algorithm (GASVM), a total of 16 monitoring models were built, and the monitoring accuracies of the two types of models were compared. The ability of the monitoring models built by GASVM to identify scab was better than that of SVM algorithm under the same characteristic variables. Among the 16 models, MSR combined with GASVM had an overall accuracy of 75% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.47. GASVM can be used to monitor wheat scab and its application can improve the accuracy of disease monitoring. Keywords: wheat scab, hyperspectral data, correlation analysis, genetic algorithm, wavelet transform, support vector machine DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20201302.5331 Citation: Huang L S, Zhang H S, Ruan C, Huang W J, Hu T G, Zhao J L. Detection of scab in wheat ears using in situ hyperspectral data and support vector machine optimized by genetic algorithm. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(2): 182–188.

Natural Beta-carotene: a Microalgae Derivate for Nutraceutical Applications

Nutraceuticals have gained growing attention during the last year, becoming one of the most relevant areas of investigation. Among the existing natural sources of high value bioactive compounds, microalgae have assumed paramount importance. Indeed, they are a natural source of carotenoids, essential omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, pigments, vitamins and minerals. Among these components, beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant pigment, is particularly attractive to the nutraceutical and cosmetic sector, being an ingredient in many supplements, functional, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Moreover, beta-carotene is one of the forms (precursor) of Vitamin A, which may be used in the manufacture of food supplements according to Directive 2002/46/EC. Even though some cyanobacteria produce beta-carotene (80% of total carotenoids) as the major components followed by zeaxanthin, the commercial biological source of beta-carotene is Dunaliella salina. This microalga lives in very saline environment and has the capacity to produce beta-carotene up to 10% of the dry weight. In this work, beta-carotenewas extracted by using supercritical CO2 under optimized operational conditions, resulting in increased amount of carotenoids (from 3.46% to 18.62%), proteins (from 10.03% to 43.08%), and lipids (from 3.49% to 7.93%). Then, the investigation on the main operational parameters affecting extraction from Dunaliella salina and a cost-effectiveness evaluation of the process are presented; the results evidence as 194.3-366.6 kWh/day reflecting a cost of 26.89-52.60euros/day are required for natural based beta-carotene recovery(59.3%) from Dunaliella salina.Keywords: nutraceutical, microalgae, beta-carotene, Dunaliella salina, supercritical extraction.

Heavy metals in face paints: Assessment of the health risks to Chinese opera actors

The actors in Chinese operas are exposed to heavy metals through the face paints that they use but the resulting health risks are unknown. We therefore conducted a survey of face paint use by Chinese opera actors and then assayed 91 paint samples of various paint brands and colors for their contents of eight heavy metals. The potential health risks of heavy metal exposure due to face paint use were determined as well. The average concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 1.8, 0.6, 4.4, 23.1, 610, 7.6, 16.2, and 10,415 μg/g, respectively, and at least four of the eight elements were detected in all samples. Samples from the most frequently paint brands were the most highly contaminated, especially with Zn, whose mass contribution was extremely high (18.3%). Moreover, contamination of the paint was color-specific, with significantly higher heavy metal levels in brown (As, Cr, and Ni), black (Co and Zn), red (Pb), and green (Cu) paints. The total carcinogenic risk posed by the metals in 25 paint samples ranged between 0.01% and 0.96%, with the highest risk that of Cr. Thus, lifetime exposure to Cr-containing paints would result in a high probability of the actor developing cancer. The findings of our study highlight the need for Chinese regulations addressing the heavy metals in face paints, especially Cr.Capsule: Chinese opera actors have a high probability of developing cancer due to a lifetime exposure to high levels of heavy metals in their face paints.

Clinical practice guidelines for retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of hereditary retinitis disorders which mainly affect the rod cells. In the early stage, the function of rod cells is affected. At the same time or later, the function of cone cells can also be affected. With the progress of the disease, the visual function is gradually damaged until the patient becomes completely blind. Many types of morphological changes suggestive of retinal degeneration may be noticed in the fundus, in particular pigment abnormality. RP features great genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic diversity. Over 90 pathogenic genes have so far been discovered. This guideline aims to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of RP from the aspects of etiology, pathogenesis, genetic diagnosis and clinical consultation.

Semiquantitave Characterization of Pigments by EDS

Semiquantitave Characterization of Pigments by EDS

Study on the influence of different surface colors on energy consumption of mall in hot summer and cold winter areas

China’s energy consumption of building operation is increasing year by year. The characteristic of building envelope is an important factor affecting energy consumption, including color and material. This paper based on the analysis of the relationship between the heat balance of the enclosure structure and the solar radiation, the micro effects of different color on the daily and hourly air conditioning energy consumption of the building are studied, and the energy saving mechanism is further divided Analysis. We found that: through the simulation calculation, the cooling load accounts for a large proportion in the hypermarket, and the number of days with cooling demand accounts for 361 days., the cooling energy consumption from May to October accounts for 100% of the total energy consumption. When the color of the coating applied on the building surface is from deep to shallow, with the increase of daily cooling consumption, the larger the number of points in the energy saving of air conditioning, the more significant the energy saving effect. The change of paint color mainly affects the energy saving rate of air conditioning when there is solar radiation in the supermarket. From the micro dimension, with the increase of solar radiation, the trend of absolute energy saving and relative energy saving effect of building air conditioning cooling load is the same.