Resolution Of Pigmentation Research Articles

Repigmentation of the Nipple-Areola Complex following Free Nipple Grafting.

Free nipple grafting (FNG) is a technique historically used during breast reduction and top surgery for treatment of gender dysphoria to minimize nipple-areola complex (NAC) hypoperfusion and subsequent loss. One drawback of this approach is NAC hypopigmentation. The authors sought to quantify long-term pigmentation changes in the NAC after FNG. A retrospective review of patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty or simple mastectomy with FNG from 2000 through 2020 at the authors' institution was conducted. Patients were included if they had preoperative, early, and late postoperative images. Images were analyzed using the National Institutes of Health's Image J software for pigmentation changes over time. Of the 151 patients identified, 56 patients (111 breasts) had complete imaging (macromastia, n = 47; oncologic, n = 4; gender dysphoria, n = 5). All patients had NAC hypopigmentation on early imaging, with 25.5% (SD 18.1%) of the NACs affected. On late imaging, 83 NACs (74.7%) experienced repigmentation, with only 8.7% (SD 7.3%) of the NAC area remaining hypopigmented. This represents a 67.2% resolution of pigmentation ( P < 0.001). Ten NACs (9.0%) had progression of hypopigmentation, and 17 NACs (15.3%) had no change. In a subset analysis by race, White patients had significantly greater area of NAC hypopigmentation on early postoperative imaging (White, 29.3% [SD 18.8%] versus Black, 18.3% [SD 14.0%]; P < 0.01). However, resolution of hypopigmentation was similar between the groups. Although partial hypopigmentation of the NAC is nearly universal after FNG, a majority of patients experience repigmentation, with low residual hypopigmentation at 1 year. These findings are useful for counseling patients with early pigmentation changes in addition to guiding surgical decisions about breast surgery with FNG. Therapeutic, IV.

Pigmented demodicidosis - an under-recognized cause of facial hyperpigmentation.

There is a paucity of data regarding demodicidosis-associated facial hyperpigmentation. To delineate the clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic features of demodicidosis-associated facial hyperpigmentation. Clinical and diagnostic data were collected from the medical files of patients who were referred to our outpatient dermatology clinic in 2006-2019 for evaluation of facial hyperpigmentation and were diagnosed with demodicidosis. The cohort included 19 patients (13 male) aged 42-76 years, all with Fitzpatrick skin type 3-4. All presented with mostly asymptomatic dusky, brown-gray, facial pigmentation, localized or diffuse with background erythema in 36.8% of cases, and skin roughness in 26.3%. Dermoscopy yielded characteristic findings of white gelatinous or opaque protrusions from hair follicles or infiltration of follicular openings with an amorphic material. A specific finding was perifollicular and reticulated pigmentation of the affected areas. Findings were confirmed on microscopic (n = 7) and histopathologic (n = 5) studies. Anti-demodectic treatment led to complete (73.6%) or partial (23.4%) resolution of pigmentation within 2 years. We describe unique clinicopathological and dermoscopic findings associated with an under-recognized type of facial hyperpigmentation caused by demodex for which we propose the term "pigmented demodicidosis." Demodicidosis should be added to the list of causes of facial hyperpigmentation.

HPLC separation of cyanobacterial and algal photosynthetic pigments

Photosynthetic pigments analysis has become a standard tool in ecological and physiological studies of photosynthetic organisms. With numerous methods previously published, there is no one ideal protocol that could satisfy all the research needs. Therefore, regarding the purpose of HPLC pigment analyses, a suitable method should be chosen. In this study, two C18 columns (i.e., LiChrospher 100 RP18e and Spherisorb ODS2) and three sets of eluents (based on acetone, acetonitrile, methanol, and water) were used to develop three separation protocols. They were then examined with respect to their resolution and sensitivity, by analyzing pigment extracts obtained from 10 cyanobacterial and algal cultures and two types of environmental samples, i.e. phytoplankton and microphytobenthos. All the protocols provided highly repeatable results and allowed for the separation of all taxonomically most relevant chlorophylls and carotenoids. They had similar resolution and sensitivity. The Syst1 method was the shortest, while Syst2 had better resolution of pigments in the middle part of the protocol when most of the diagnostic pigments are separated (i.e., alloxanthin, diatoxanthin, lutein, chlorophyll b). Syst3, on the other hand, enabled distinguishing the highest number of pigments, including their derivatives and degradation products. The results showed that all protocols may be used for routine analysis of cyanobacterial and algal pigments in various sample types.

Depigmentation therapy with Q-switched Nd: YAG laser in universal vitiligo

Background:Any residual pigment left in patients of universal vitiligo is managed with topical treatments, cryotherapy, and lasers.Aim:The study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Q-switched Nd: YAG laser in treating the residual pigmentation in patients with universal vitiligo.Materials and Methods:Fifteen patients of universal vitiligo with residual pigmentation on the face, hands, or feet, resistant to topical treatments, were treated with single or multiple sessions of Q-switched Nd: YAG laser treatment. Topical treatments were continued in between the laser sessions and the depigmentation achieved was monitored by clinical examination and repeat digital photographs. Response to the treatment was labelled as excellent if the residual pigment could be reduced by at least 90% while 50–90% resolution of pigmentation was labelled as a partial response. Adverse effects to the treatment offered were also monitored.Results:Thirteen of the 15 patients enrolled for the study showed an excellent response to the treatment offered. Two other patients showed a poor response with less than 50% resolution of pigmentation. The number of laser sessions needed at a particular site ranged from 1 to 3 and no patient was offered more than three sessions of laser treatment at any site. No significant adverse events were reported by any patient.Conclusions:Residual pigmentation in patients with universal vitiligo that does not respond to topical treatment options alone can be managed quite effectively with Q-switched Nd: YAG laser without any significant adverse effects.

Thin-Layer Chromatography of Plant Pigments on Mannitol or Sucrose

Fat-soluble tobacco leaf pigments were separated by chromatography on thin layers of mannitol and sucrose. Resolution of pigments, simplicity, and rapidity of preparation and development offer advantages over previous methods.