Significant Difference In Pigmentation Research Articles

Validation of Fespixon in Postoperative Scar Cosmesis Using Quantitative Digital Photography Analysis.

Unsightly scarring after surgery remains a dilemma. One of the challenges is the lack of objective scar assessment tools. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel medicine, Fespixon, for prevention and/or alleviation of post-skin incision scarring. A second aim was to demonstrate the practicality of our digital image analysis system to see if this could serve as a sensitive tool to assess scar improvement. A prospective, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with postoperative transverse scars was conducted. Each patient received a topical formulation of Fespixon on the left part of the scar and placebo cream on the right. In addition to recording the subjective modified Vancouver Scar Scale and visual analog scale scores, we utilized digital photography for monthly scar analysis, with CIELAB and hue serving as the colorimetric information, and with contrast, correlation, homogeneity, and entropy providing texture information. Forty-six participants (mean age, 52 years) were enrolled in the trial. All the parameters of subjective assessment showed superior results for the Fespixon-treated side, with significant differences in pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, height, itchiness, and patient satisfaction (P = .043, .013, .026, .002, .039, .012, respectively). The trends in color and texture showed increased relative difference ratios, with significant differences in most of the eigenvalues towards the Fespixon-treated side, including CIELAB-L* (P = .000), hue-R,G,B (red, blue, green) values (P = .034, .001, .011), contrast (P = .000), homogeneity (P = .000), correlation (P = .011), and entropy (P = .000). We validated the efficacy of Fespixon for postoperative scar healing based not only on subjective assessments but also on objective quantitative analyses. The results also indicated that our digital photography quantitative analysis system is an ideal tool for quantification of scar appearance.

The potential for cleaner fish-driven evolution in the salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis: Genetic or environmental control of pigmentation?

The parasitic salmon louse represents one of the biggest challenges to environmentally sustainable salmonid aquaculture across the globe. This species also displays a high evolutionary potential, as demonstrated by its rapid development of resistance to delousing chemicals. In response, farms now use a range of non‐chemical delousing methods, including cleaner fish that eat lice from salmon. Anecdotal reports suggest that in regions where cleaner fish are extensively used on farms, lice have begun to appear less pigmented and therefore putatively less visible to cleaner fish. However, it remains an open question whether these observations reflect a plastic (environmental) or adaptive (genetic) response. To investigate this, we developed a pigment scoring system and conducted complimentary experiments which collectively demonstrate that, a) louse pigmentation is strongly influenced by environmental conditions, most likely light, and b) the presence of modest but significant differences in pigmentation between two strains of lice reared under identical conditions. Based on these data, we conclude that pigmentation in the salmon louse is strongly influenced by environmental conditions, yet there are also indications of underlying genetic control. Therefore, lice could display both plastic and adaptive responses to extensive cleaner fish usage where visual appearance is likely to influence survival of lice.

Comparison of intradermal injection of autologous epidermal cell suspension vs. spraying of these cells on dermabraded surface of skin of patients with post-burn hypopigmentation

Introduction:One of the most important complications after burning is hypo/depigmentation. This study was designed to compare two methods of cell spray and intradermal injection of epidermal cell suspension for treatment of burn induced hypopigmentation.Material and Methods:In this study, 28 patients with post burn hypo/depigmentation were selected and divided in 2 groups. A small skin biopsy was taken from normal skin of patients in operation room and epidermal cell suspension was prepared using NaBr 4N and trypsin. In the first group, the epidermal cell suspension was sprayed on the wound surface and then the area was dressed with amniotic membrane and gauze. In the second group, the cell suspension was injected in intradermal manner in the hypopigmented area. The patients were followed up and to evaluate the effect of the cells, photos were taken from the area before operation and also at follow-up. Clinical evaluation was done by the surgeon and a clinical score between “0” to “4” was used to demonstrate the clinical status from poor to excellent pigmentation. Skin biopsies were taken from depigmented area before and after interventions. Melanocytes were stained using anti S100 antibody and were counted in ×400 magnification fields.Results:Eighteen patients were in cell spray and 10 were in cell injection groups. Mean change of pigmentation in two group showed that there was no statistical significant differences in pigmentation between two groups, (P value = 0.52) although a limited improvement in pigmentation status was observed in both groups. Regarding melanocyte numbers per field, there was not a significant difference between two groups and also before and after interventions, but melanocyte number increased after treatment in both groups.Conclusion:We did not find noticeable differences between cell spray and intradermal injection methods. Although both methods showed a limited effect on pigmentation of depigmented skin, the clinical results were not satisfactorily for both patients and clinicians.

Melanocytic nevi in pregnancy: histologic features and Ki‐67 proliferation index

Changes in the clinical appearance of benign dermal nevi during pregnancy may be concerning for malignant transformation. Because the hormonal milieu of pregnancy has not proven to alter their banal behavior, histologic characterization is needed to prevent over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Dermal nevi excised from pregnant women (n = 16) were compared with nevi from location- and aged-matched control patients (n = 15). Histologic features and Ki-67 proliferation index were evaluated. Nevi in pregnancy were more likely to have dermal mitotic figures (62.5% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.028) and higher mitotic rates (1.44 vs. 0.20 mitoses/mm(2), p = 0.0027) than control nevi. A distinctive histologic entity, termed superficial micronodules of pregnancy (SMOPs), was observed more frequently in the nevi of pregnancy (81.3% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.040), and showed consistent immunoreactivity for HMB45. There was a trend toward higher Ki-67 proliferation index in the nevi of pregnancy (3.0% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.073). Prominent multinucleated melanocytes were seen only in controls. There was no significant difference in pigmentation or irritation changes between groups. Dermal nevi removed during pregnancy show characteristic histologic features including increased dermal mitoses, superficial micronodules of pregnancy (SMOPs), and trend toward increased Ki-67 proliferation index.

Potent corticosteroid cream (mometasone furoate) significantly reduces acute radiation dermatitis: results from a double-blind, randomized study

Purpose: Radiation-induced dermatitis is a very common side effect of radiation therapy, and may necessitate interruption of the therapy. There is a substantial lack of evidence-based treatments for this condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mometasone furoate cream (MMF) on radiation dermatitis in a prospective, double-blind, randomized study.Material and methods: The study comprised 49 patients with node-negative breast cancer. They were operated on with sector resection and scheduled for postoperative radiotherapy using photons with identical radiation qualities and dosage to the breast parenchyma. The patients were randomized to receive either MMF or emollient cream. The cream was applied on the irradiated skin twice a week from the start of radiotherapy until the 12th fraction (24 Gy) and thereafter once daily until 3 weeks after completion of radiation. Both groups additionally received non-blinded emollient cream daily. The intensity of the acute radiation dermatitis was evaluated on a weekly basis regarding erythema and pigmentation, using a reflectance spectrophotometer together with visual scoring of the skin reactions.Results: MMF in combination with emollient cream treatment significantly decreased acute radiation dermatitis (P=0.0033) compared with emollient cream alone. There was no significant difference in pigmentation between the two groups.Conclusions: Adding MMF, a potent topical corticosteroid, to an emollient cream is statistically significantly more effective than emollient cream alone in reducing acute radiation dermatitis.

Pigmentation of kuruma prawn, Penaeus japonicus Bate, by various pigment sources and levels and feeding regimes

Color is one of the major factors which determines the price of live kuruma prawns, Penaeus japonicus Bate, in the Japanese market. This study was designed to determine the effects of various pigment sources, and levels and feeding regimes on the pigmentation of kuruma prawns. A 7 × 3 factorial design was used which included seven pigmented diets fed for three time durations with two replications. The seven pigmented diets contained astaxanthin at concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/100 g diet, β-carotene at concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/100 g diet, and algal ( Dunaliella salina) meal at a concentration of 100 mg pigment/100 g diet. Prawns were fed each pigmented diet for 1, 2 or 3 months. During the other months, the prawns were fed a non-pigmented diet. The control group was fed a non-pigmented diet exclusively. Astaxanthin was found to be the most effective pigment. No difference in pigment concentration was found between prawns fed the β-carotene and algal meal. Pigmentation by astaxanthin at 50 mg/ 100 g diet was poorer than at 100 and 200 mg/100 g diet. No significant difference in pigmentation was found among prawns fed the three levels of β-carotene. There was no difference in pigmentation among prawns fed the pigmented diets for the three time periods. The best feeding strategy for pigmentation was to feed the prawns a diet containing astaxanthin at 100 mg/100 g for 1 month before harvest. Prawns fed the astaxanthin diet had a higher rate of survival than those fed the β-carotene or algal meal diets. A positive correlation between survival rates and pigment concentration in prawn tissue indicated that pigment may play a role in improving the survival of prawns.

Composition, Pigmentation, and Yield by Parts of Different Brands of Broilers In Grocery Stores

The objective of this study was to determine differences in yield of parts, proximate composition, skin pigmentation, and fat pad weight in different brands of broilers offered for sale in independent and chain grocery stores in Gainesville, Florida. Two trials were conducted in 1984, to accomplish this objective.Total carcass weights varied from less than 1000 to over 1500 g. Giblets and fat pads varied from 6.6 to 11.4% and from 1.8 to 3.6%, respectively, of total weights. The relative proportions of breasts, legs and wings varied significantly among brands, as did skin pigmentation and levels of moisture, ether extract, ash and protein in ground carcasses.Statistically significant differences in pigmentation, yields and composition of broilers were found between brands of broilers in grocery chains. These differences are pronounced enough to have the potential of influencing shoppers’ selection of products by brands.