Rare Pigments Research Articles

Histopathological Perspective of Linear and Whorled Nevoid Hypermelanosis in Adulthood: A Rare Case Report

ABSTRACT A rare pigmentation disorder called linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis (LWNH) is characterized by macular hyperpigmentation that follows the Blaschko lines. The cheeks, palms, soles, and mucosae are typically spared from lesions and are typically limited to the trunk, neck, and extremities. Although it is usually benign, there have been reports of associations with many congenital abnormalities. Herein, we present a rare case of LWNH involving the lateral surface of the abdomen in a 22-year-old male patient. A punch biopsy from the skin was received, and based on the histomorphological features, a diagnosis of LWNH was given. Hence, histopathology is the gold standard and confirmatory tool for definite diagnosis, along with other dermatological and genetic investigations in this case.

Acral Speckled Hypomelanosis: A Case Report and a Review of Literature.

Acral speckled hypomelanosis is a very rare pigmentation disorder that appears early in life with hypopigmented macules on background of normal skin, occurring on the acral parts. We report a 9-year-old female patient with a 3-year duration of progressive, hypopigmented, confetti-like macules occurring symmetrically on the dorsum of both hands and feet. Biopsy showed normal number of melanocytes with no evidence of macromelanosomes using special stains for melanocytes. Acral speckled hypomelanosis is a relatively, recently, discovered entity, with only 9 cases reported to date, and our case is the 10th. The exact etiopathogenesis is not yet known.

DIAGNOSTIC QUANDARY WITH LAUGIER-HUNZIKER SYNDROME

Laugier-Hunziker syndrome being a rare pigmentation disorder chiefly involving lips and nails has so far been coincidentally diagnosed. In Nepal, Laugier-Hunziker syndrome has not been reviewed very well, and no case has been reported in the literature till date. To the best of our knowledge, the current report is the only one in the Nepalese scientific community but addressing the age of the patient it stands with a diagnostic quandary.

By the Hand of Angelos? Analytical Investigation of a Remarkable 15th Century Cretan Icon

A 15th century St Theodoros icon of outstanding quality is on display at the Zakynthos Ecclesiastical Art Museum. On the basis of certain stylistic characteristics, this icon has been attributed to the legendary Cretan painter Angelos Akotantos. In order to explore the latter attribution, the icon was subjected to examination via multispectral imaging, while microsamples were investigated through an optical microscope (OM), a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive analyzer (SEM-EDX), μ-Raman and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The data were evaluated in the light of the findings of recent analytical studies conducted on several genuine Angelos icons. Identified materials include gypsum, gold leaf, bole, natural ultramarine, lead white, charcoal, green earth, red lake, minium, cinnabar, and red and yellow ochres. The identified materials resemble those employed by Angelos, while the identification of ultramarine is of particular significance, as this extremely expensive and rather rare pigment was very often used by the particular painter. Moreover, multispectral imaging reveals notable painting technique similarities between the icon in consideration and known Angelos icons, while cross sections of corresponding samples exhibit almost identical structures. Overall, the present work considerably strengthens the suggestion that the St Theodoros icon in consideration was painted by Angelos and also widens our knowledge regarding the late Byzantine painting.

Minocycline-induced black thyroid with black pigmentation of the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and trachea found during reconstructive surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer

Black thyroid is characterized by a rare pigment change observed almost exclusively in patients taking minocycline. We present the case of a 72-year-old man diagnosed with T3N3bM0 stage IVB hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who had been taking minocycline for approximately 18 months as a treatment for prurigo chronica multiformis. Initial treatment consisted of total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy, bilateral neck dissection, total thyroidectomy, pharyngeal reconstruction using a free jejunal autograft, and creation of a permanent tracheostoma. During surgery, black discoloration of the thyroid and trachea was observed. Postoperative histological findings confirmed the black discoloration, with deposits of dark-brown, melanin-like granules observed in the thyroid, trachea, thyroid cartilage, and cricoid cartilage. Therefore, the black discoloration of the thyroid associated with the use of minocycline can extend to the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and trachea. This information is important for surgeons to recognize in order to prevent unnecessary resection due to misdiagnosis.

Gallstone disease - interdisciplinary treatment

Gallstones develop in the gallbladder or the bile ducts. According to their chemical composition, gallstones can be divided into cholesterol stones, which are common, and the rare bile pigment stones. Altogether, up to 20 % of all adults develop gallstones and more than 20 % of them symptoms or complications. Female sex, age, pregnancy, physical inactivity, obesity, overnutrition and genetic factors such as ABCB4 deficiency of the hepatic lecithin transporter are kown risk factors for gallstone formation. In about one half of all patients biliary symptoms precede the three common and potentially life-threatening complications (acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis and biliary pancreatitis). Although our knowledge about the genetics and pathophysiology of gallstones has improved, current treatment algorithms are predominantly invasive (ERC and surgery). Thus, better strategies are needed to prevent the formation of gallstones in general.

The archaeological site of St. Maria Veterana (Triggiano, Southern Italy): Archaeometric study of the wall paintings for the historical reconstruction

This paper focusses on the archaeometric investigation of wall paintings of the St. Maria Veterana archaeological site in Triggiano (Bari, Southern Italy) finalised to support the hypothesis on the historical reconstruction of the site based on iconographic interpretations. The site is an original and relevant example of medieval art in Apulia and in Southern Italy and includes a medieval church surrounded by several additionally architectural elements (chapels, crypts, tombs), nowadays buried below by a Renaissance church. Here, the presence of different pictorial cycles, only partially dated, and the evidence of re-use of painted blocks in Renaissance structures pertaining to medieval structures, suggested a complex scenario in which different artisans and clients were possibly succeeded. The site is also framed in a wider regional context, the Apulian region, currently object of an intense archaeological and scientific debate due to widespread action of valorisation of the cultural patrimony as an essential link between the territory and the cultural identity of the citizens.The study of the site involved the sampling and the analysis of 48 samples of painting fragments, investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with EDS microanalysis (SEM-EDS) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The obtained results allowed a complete material characterization of mortars and pictorial layers, highlighting the use of precious and rare pigments as cinnabar and verdigris, along with more common recipes based on natural ochres and earths more commonly used in other similar sites through the Apulia region. The combined data obtained from the analysis of mortars and pigments allowed to finally propose a reliable hypothesis on the construction and decorative phases of the site, in agreement with the dating based on iconographic interpretations.Up to now, St. Maria Veterana Church was considered a minor site, mainly due to the scarcity of the written sources. However, the new stylistic interpretation of the pictorial cycles, the preciousness of the used materials, the quality of the manufacture technique and the numerous artistic executive phases identified through five centuries (11th–16th) suggest a continuous attendance of the site by artisans and client carriers of high cultural and artistic values.

Albinism: epidemiology, genetics, cutaneous characterization, psychosocial factors

Oculocutaneous albinism is an autosomal recessive disease caused by the complete absence or decrease of melanin biosynthesis in melanocytes. Due to the reduction or absence of melanin, albinos are highly susceptible to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and are at increased risk of actinic damage and skin cancer. In Brazil, as in other parts of the world, albinism remains a little known disorder, both in relation to epidemiological data and to phenotypic and genotypic variation. In several regions of the country, individuals with albinism have no access to resources or specialized medical care, and are often neglected and deprived of social inclusion. Brazil is a tropical country, with a high incidence of solar radiation during the year nationwide. Consequently, actinic damage and skin cancer occur early and have a high incidence in this population, often leading to premature death. Skin monitoring of these patients and immediate therapeutic interventions have a positive impact in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. Health education is important to inform albinos and their families, the general population, educators, medical professionals, and public agencies about the particularities of this genetic condition. The aim of this article is to present a review of the epidemiological, clinical, genetic, and psychosocial characteristics of albinism, with a focus in skin changes caused by this rare pigmentation disorder.

From the Pyrenees to the Alps: Evidence of the use of aerinite on XII century fresco paintings at Novalesa abbey (Piemonte)

The chemical analysis of paintings is a powerful source of information when aiming to find relationships among different cultures or geographical areas. Indeed, the presence of particular colourants, specific of one area or of one pictorial school, could indicate that artists coming from abroad were at work outside of their usual boundaries, or that pigments were imported from markets located at great distance. The case of a turquoise pigment found on a 12th century mural painting at the abbey of Novalesa (Piemonte, North-western Italy) is an example of what, according to the authors, should be seen as an example of travelling workers. Analytical evidences given by in situ XRF and FORS and by micro-invasive Raman, XRD and SEM-EDX measurements allowed identifying the rare pigment aerinite, an iron silicate extracted in the Pyrenees and only known to have been used in the medieval area comprising the Pyrenees and south-western France. Not only was its presence previously unreported in Italy, but even the layering of the pictorial layers was unusual. The aerinite layer lies under a thin, translucent layer of gypsum, which was perhaps applied in order to tune its hue and enhance the contrast with the more precious lapis lazuli also found in the mural painting. This unusual but significant identification strongly suggests that foreign painters coming from Pyrenees could have worked at Novalesa abbey in 12th century, reversing the previous hypotheses of a local production based on iconographic studies.

Asymptomatic freckle-like hyperpigmentation of the palms: A rare pigmentation caused by cydnidae (burrowing bug)

Asymptomatic freckle-like hyperpigmentation of the palms: A rare pigmentation caused by cydnidae (burrowing bug)

The “Exultet 1” of Bari: multi-methodological approach for the study of a rare medieval parchment roll.

A rare medieval parchment roll, called Exultet 1 (first half of XI Century), preserved in the Diocesan Museum of Capitolo Metropolitano of Bari (Italy) has been studied. Certainly, it is one of the highest literary and artistic expressions ever produced in Bari, one of a kind. It is also the very first among medieval European liturgical rolls, in which miniatures are painted upside-down in respect to the text. To analyse inorganic pigments, a mobile laboratory has been set up at the museum. The techniques used, for a non-invasive and non-destructive in situ analysis, were: VIS-NIR spectrophotometry in reflectance mode with optic fibres (FORS), X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and finally µ-Raman spectroscopy. Such multi-methodological approach allowed to acquire many data without causing any stress to the artwork. The mineral pigments have been identified mainly by FORS and they are: red earth and minium, lapis lazuli and azurite, green earth and copper resinate, orpiment and yellow earth. In some areas, traces of a residual gold leaf have been identified by XRF. The presence of rare and precious pigments as lapis lazuli and gold leaf underlines the sacredness and the importance of the parchment. This is the first scientific investigation performed on the Exultet 1 of Bari.

Production of the bioactive pigment elsinochrome A by a cultured mycobiont strain of the lichen Graphis elongata

We report the production of the perylenequinone pigment elsinochrome A in aposymbiotic culture of the mycobiont of the crustose epiphytic lichen Graphis elongata Zenker (Lecanoromycetes), collected in Argentina (Buenos Aires). The substance was not detected in the lichenized thallus (using HPLC techniques) and is otherwise only known from one unrelated lichen and a few genera of non-lichenized, plant-pathogenic fungi in the class Dothideomycetes. The phylogenetic affinities of the lichen mycobiont and the cultured fungus were confirmed using DNA sequence data of the mitochondrial small subunit rDNA (mtSSU), which place the lichen fungus into the Allographa clade within Graphidaceae. The mycobiont pigment was purified and characterized by spectroscopic methods. This is the first case where a rare pigment, otherwise known from non-lichenized, plant-pathogenic fungi, is produced in aposymbiotic culture of a lichen mycobiont, while, at the same time, being absent from the lichen thallus itself. Based on this finding, we discuss the previously postulated hypothesis that lichen mycobionts maintain secondary metabolic pathways of non-lichenized ancestors in their genome, while gene expression and production of metabolites is suppressed in the lichenized state due to toxicity to the photobiont.

Dermoscopy negates the need for biopsy in cases of confetti-like leukoderma and exogenous ochronosis

Confetti-like leukoderma and exogenous ochronosis are two of the rarest side effects of a long-term use of hydroquinone (HQ). HQ is the first choice of topical bleaching agents used in the treatment of melasma. Confetti-like leukoderma is characterized as mottled depigmented spots, whereas exogenous ochronosis presents as gray-brown or blue-black hyperpigmentation. Both disorders are especially found in the area where HQ is applied. We report two cases of women with these two rare pigment disorders, who had a history of using HQ for more than 8 years. The dermoscopic examinations show dark-brown globular-like structures on a diffuse fine brown reticular patterns background, multiple guttate depigmented macules, and prominent telangiectasias which are characteristics for melasma, ochronosis, and confetti-like leukoderma. Both patients were advised to stop HQ and treated with sunscreen, 0.05% retinoic acid cream, 2% kojic acid cream, and 20%–35% glycolic acid chemical peel.

Partial unilateral lentiginosis is mosaic neurofibromatosis type 1 or not?

Partial unilateral lentiginosis (PUL) is a rare pigmentation disorder characterized by numerous lentigines with sharp margins in the midline in one or more dermatomes. Its segmental pattern suggests that this presentation accompanied by café-au-lait spots, Lisch nodule or neurofibromas has a close relationship with mosaic neurofibromatosis type 1 or segmental neurofibromatosis (NF) in particular. In a group of 16 patients with PUL, who presented at the dermatology outpatient clinic between 1998 and 2015, an examination was made of consanguineous marriage in the family history, the presence of a similar lesion or NF in first-degree relatives, neurofibroma in the physical examination, the involvement pattern, axillary/inguinal freckling and the presence and number of café-au-lait spots. The ophthalmological examination investigated Lisch nodule and optic glioma. The skeletal system was examined for NF involvement. Of 16 patients, 13 (81.2%) were female and three (18.8%) were male with a mean age of 31.19 years (range, 15-48). There was no family history of PUL in any case. Consanguineous marriage was absent in 15 patients (93.8%). While there were accompanying café-au-lait spots in three patients (18.8%). Lisch nodule was an accompanying finding in three patients (18.8%). Axillary freckling was detected in four (25%) patients. Neurofibroma was found in only one patient. Although café-au-lait spots, axillary freckling, neurofibroma and Lisch nodule were present in a small number of the patients, the presence of the findings may be considered to be specific to NF suggests that PUL is a variant of mosaic NF-1. Genetic studies will help to further elucidate this subject.

France: Solvay – rare earth pigments

France: Solvay – rare earth pigments

Partial Unilateral Lentiginoses

The authors present a case of a rare pigmentation disorder, partial unilateral lentiginosis (PUL), which is characterized by multiple lentigines located in only one side of the body with histopathology of lentigine.

Crocoite PbCrO4 and mimetite Pb5(AsO4)3Cl: rare minerals in highly degraded mediaeval murals in Northern Bohemia

Mural paintings of exceptional quality, which can be discerned in spite of their extensive mechanical damage and colour fading, have been uncovered in the church of St. Gallus in Kuřívody, Northern Bohemia, dated to the second half of the 13th century. Materials research with particular use of portable X‐ray fluorescence, Raman micro‐spectroscopy and powder X‐ray micro‐diffraction revealed the presence of rare pigments. In Kuřívody, it is only a second identification of intentionally used yellow mineral crocoite (PbCrO4) in European art. Its identification is facilitated by providing a very good Raman scattering, even when present in small amounts in fragmentarily preserved colour layers. Light yellow mimetite (Pb5(AsO4)3Cl) was never before mentioned as intentionally used pigment in Europe. Its finding in Kuřívody, however, corresponds more likely with undesirable physical–chemical conditions causing its formation by alteration of orpiment (As2S3) and minium (Pb3O4). Obtained results highlight the importance of Raman spectroscopy for direct identification of mineral pigments in low concentrations, which may be crucial for interpreting cultural heritage objects in historical context. By materials, the almost forgotten paintings in Kuřívody can be seen as outstanding and rare example of ancient artistic tradition that has spread to Europe from Mediterranean in early Middle Ages. After all, mineral crocoite was already used by ancient Egyptians to paint sarcophagi and degraded orpiment decorates the walls of the Nefertari's tomb in Thebes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In situ Raman spectroscopy at the Voroneţ Monastery (16th century, Romania): New results for green and blue pigments

The Voroneţ Monastery is one of the greatest cultural treasures of Romania, dating from the 15th century. In the present study, the green and blue pigments of its exterior frescoes (16th century) were analyzed through fibre-coupled Raman spectroscopy. A wide range of typical pigments, including malachite, basic Cu sulphates, azurite, lazurite, smalt, gypsum, anhydrite and calcite were found, together with other “rare pigments,” such as conichalcite and dolerophanite. The green pigment is either a mixture of malachite and conichalcite or Cu sulphates while the blue pigment contains either lazurite, or a mixture of azurite and a minor quantity of smalt, gypsum and anhydrite. The identification of these pigments is very important for the restoration work, the monastery being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Technika i technologia woskowych płaskorzeźb z XVIII-wiecznego warsztatu z Landshut w świetle badań „Madonny z Pochyloną Głową” ze zbiorów Muzeum Narodowego w Poznaniu

Technique and technology of making Bavarian wax sculptures in 18th century Landshut workshop. A case study of the wax sculpture of Our Lady of the Bowed Head from the collection of National Museum in Poznan, Poland In 1930 National Museum in Poznan, Poland, acquired a polychrome wax relief of unrecognized artisan technology, unknown provenance and uncertain iconography, depicting a bust of the Virgin Mary emerging from dark clouds. This article presents the results of research undertaken over eighty years later, resulting in a stunning discovery of a long-lost piece from a highly specialized workshop in a small town of Landshut, Bavaria, Germany. In cooperation with German and Swiss specialists, researchers from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland, determined a complex crafting technology of such artworks and classifid the analysed relief as one of its few remaining examples. Utilising available research methods, such as UV / IR colour imaging, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography, followed by micro sampling and petrographic tests, it was possible to identify pigments and dyers used in polychrome layers as well as the composition of each particular wax layer, and inner structure of the object including armatures of wood and cork or spherical glass-blown balls used as eyes. The crucial part of the project were non-invasive analyses resulting in identifiation of rare pigments and dyes which were diffiult to identify with other means. These methods were combined with micro sampling, which led to discovery of ground minerals and fires in the polychrome layers. This paper focuses on the importance of the non-invasive analysis in the complicated process of diagnostics of artworks and emphasise their fundamental role in the overall conservation process.

Pigment identification of colored drawings from Wuying Hall of the Imperial Palace by micro‐Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy

AbstractFour ancient colored drawings (CDs), namely in black, blue, white and green, of Wuying Hall in the Imperial Palace, China, were analyzed by micro‐Raman spectroscopy (MRS) in combination with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) in order to identify the pigments in each case. The pigments lampblack (a pigment based on amorphous carbon), ultramarine blue/lapis lazuli (Na8[Al6Si6O24]Sn), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), emerald green (Cu(C2H3O2)2·3Cu(AsO2)2), gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) were detected in the CDs, and these will be useful with regard to the restoration of the paintings at Wuying Hall. Furthermore, it is important to take into account the dating of some rare pigments, i.e., ultramarine blue and emerald green, in order to validate that there was a fire that destroyed more than 30 houses of Wuying Hall in 1869 (Tong‐Zhi, 8th year of Qing Dynasty). The results demonstrate that micro‐Raman spectroscopy can provide valuable information for the characterization, restoration and preservation of the cultural relic. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.