Skin Color Analysis Research Articles

Skin Color Analysis of Various Body Parts (Forearm, Upper Arm, Elbow, Knee, and Shin) and Changes with Age in 53 Korean Women, Considering Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors.

Background/Objectives: Skin color is innately determined by race and other genetic factors, and it also undergoes acquired changes due to various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Previous studies on skin color have mainly focused on the face, and research has recently expanded to other body parts. However, there is limited information about the age-dependent changes in the skin color of these body parts. The purpose of this study is to analyze the differences in skin color between various body parts and the changes in skin color of each body part with age. Methods: This study examined the skin color of 53 Korean women subjects evenly distributed in age from the 20s to 60s on several body parts: forearm, upper arm, elbow (extended or folded), knee (extended or folded), thigh, and shin. The lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) were measured using a spectrophotometer, and the individual typology angle (ITA°) was calculated from the L* and b* values. The melanin index and erythema index were measured using the mexameter. Results: The results showed that the elbow skin had the lowest L* and ITA° values and the highest a* and b* values among the examined body parts, followed by the knee. The melanin index and erythema index were also high in the skin of these body parts. In the analysis of age-dependent changes in the skin color of various body parts, the forearm skin exhibited the most notable decrease in the L* and ITA° values and increases in the a* and b* values, followed by upper-arm skin. The melanin and erythema indices in the forearm also increased as the subjects aged, whereas those in the elbow and knee rather decreased with age. Conclusions: This study suggests that differences in intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging in various body parts may be expressed as different changes in skin color and raises the need for cosmetic and dermatological research to identify the physiological significance of these changes.

Effects of inflammation on the accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis of epidermoid cysts

Ultrasound (US) findings of epidermoid cyst (EC) are complex and diverse. Cases of misdiagnoses are high when EC is accompanied by inflammation. The aim of this study was to analyze the features of US diagnosis of EC with inflammation and explore the characteristic images which can improve the accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis. A total of 241 cases were included and retrospectively analyzed. Complete clinical data of all cases were available. Lesions were examined by US before operation and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. Based on pathological results ECs with/without acute and chronic inflammation and/or granuloma, all cases were divided into two groups: inflammation and non-inflammation group. The difference of clinical data and US features between groups was analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Analysis of skin color, length/thickness, shape, boundary, CDFI and US diagnosis accuracy showed statistical differences between the two groups (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression model showed that indistinct boundaries and color Doppler signal were more frequent than those in ECs without inflammation (OR=4.72, 5.89, p<0.05). Indistinct boundaries and color Doppler signal are important features for US diagnosis of EC with inflammation, which can help in improving the accuracy of diagnosis.

Validating a Novel Device to Improve Skin Color Matching for Face Transplants.

A prospective study of 100 individuals was conducted. All participants were photographed and scanned with the Nix Color Sensor. Sixty pairwise comparisons were randomly generated. Skin color analysis was performed using photographs and the Nix Color Sensor. Delta E2000 values were compared to mean evaluator ratings using a Spearman correlation analysis. One hundred patients were included. A Spearman's correlation demonstrated a strong inverse correlation between Delta E2000 values and the mean evaluator ratings. The higher the mean evaluator rating for likeness, the lower the delta. A correlation coefficient of -0.850 demonstrates a statistically significant relationship (P < 0.01). When the Delta E2000 rises above 5 there is a significant drop in the mean evaluator ratings. As mean evaluator ratings of 5 and above would be considered adequate for face transplant amongst most plastic surgeons, an E2000 value of 5 or lower should be targeted when matching donors with recipients for face transplant. The Nix Color Sensor positively correlates to the plastic surgeon's perception of skin color and can serve as an adjunct in donor selection for facial VCAs.

New approach for blueberry firmness grading to improve the shelf-life along the supply chain

Blueberry texture is one of the most commercially relevant quality traits. This parameter is closely associated with maturity and significantly affects post-harvest storage. Measuring small fruit firmness is challenging and critical due to the lack of a cheap, rapid, and easily interpretable standardized method of analysis. The digital durometer (53215 TP–Turoni, I), based on the Shore scale, has been found to be suitable for assessing berries hardness. In this study, samples were sorted according to their surface color: green, pink, red, ripe (completely blue), and overripe (completely pigmented, matte dark blue). Afterward, berries were classified into five categories based on the Shore scale. Every hardness value was linked to CIELAB coordinate color. In addition, every hardness category was related to total soluble solids content (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA). Results showed statistical differences in colorimetric coordinates and C color index among the firmness categories. Regression analysis showed a significative R2 coefficient between firmness and C color index (R2=0.79), and firmness and TA (R2=0.87). The findings highlighted how the digital durometer accurately divides fruits into maturity classes. This tool can be helpful as a non-destructive, accurate, rapid, and cheap procedure to sort blueberries into stages of ripeness. It may be a promising starting point for improving berries storage and shelf-life. With the digital durometer, the supply chain operators could uniformly divide batches with greater precision than would be obtained with skin color analysis only.

Purple eggplant and zucchini color, mechanical properties, mastication, and sensory perception influenced by steaming and Sous-vide

The influence of steaming and sous-vide on color, mechanics, mastication, and dynamic sensory perception of eggplant and zucchini was explored. Two cooking methods were deployed at three treatment times (15, 30, and 45 min) to obtain a complete image.Experimental factors and interactions affected the flesh and skin color of the vegetables (P < .05), for most of the analyzed factors. Vegetables’ flesh and skin color analysis showed different cooking effects on the two vegetables. Sous-vide resulted in darker and browner eggplant flesh compared to steaming, while the opposite was found for zucchini. For both vegetables, steaming caused more intensive flesh coloration. Concerning the skin color, both cooking methods equally affected eggplant, but sous-vide gave a lighter, whiter, and less green color of the zucchinis.Sous-vide always gave firmer samples concerning the mechanical parameters. For the shortest treatment time of 15 min, sous-vide resulted in the shearing force of 44 N for eggplant and 29 N for zucchini, compared to steaming which reached 9 N and 8 N, accordingly. A smaller drop in large-deformation parameters was recorded for sous-vide treatments which reflected on the mastication parameters since eggplant required 26 and zucchini 20 chews, in comparison to 15 and 11 for steaming.The dominance of the perceived firmness decreased with longer cooking. It was more emphasized for zucchinis than for the eggplant, where it was perceived as smoother. Juiciness was an important attribute of both vegetables. Cooking methods affected specific flavor perceptions differently, which was more pronounced for eggplant steaming and zucchini sous-vide.

Comparative analysis of skin color in breast reconstruction using pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps

Background A recent concern in breast reconstruction procedures is skin color mismatch of the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap. With the goal of objectively quantifying the skin tone of the TRAM flap donor site, contralateral breast, and flap, a comparative study was conducted.Methods This study was conducted in July 2021, included 17 patients who received delayed breast reconstruction via TRAM flaps from January 2016 to December 2020 with at least 12 months of follow-up. Melanin levels and redness values of the flap, abdomen, and contralateral breast were measured in patients using a skin pigmentation analyzer. Furthermore, in 20 healthy women in their 40s to 60s, measurements were made of the abdomen, as well as breast.Results The contralateral breast had lower mean melanin and redness than the abdomen. The flaps had slightly higher melanin levels than the contralateral breasts. The flaps tended to have higher redness values, but the difference was not significant. The difference between the flap and abdomen was significant for melanin, but not redness. Preoperative radiotherapy did not affect skin tone. The upper abdomen showed lower melanin and redness than the lower abdomen.Conclusions The breast had a brighter skin tone than the abdomen. The upper abdomen showed brighter skin tone than the lower abdomen, and the area used as the donor site of the TRAM flap presented the same tendency. In the process of TRAM flap engrafting, the melanin level of the tissue decreases, and the redness value tends to increase slightly compared to the contralateral breast.

In elderly Caucasian women, younger facial perceived age correlates with better forearm skin microcirculation reactivity.

Visual and molecular changes occurring upon aging are rather well characterized. Still, aging signs show great significant inter-individual variations, and little is known concerning the link between perceived age and cutaneous microcirculation. To investigate this point, we recruited Caucasian women in their mid-50's to mid-70's and subsampled women looking older or younger than their age. We studied their facial skin color, as well as their microvascular reactivity to local heating assessed in the forearm skin. We also used skin biopsies from some of these women for gene expression or immunohistochemical analysis. Clinical and instrumental analysis of skin color revealed that subjects who look 5years younger differ only by a higher glowing complexion. Our most striking result is that subjects looking 5years younger than their age present a higher microcirculation reactivity in forearm skin. Transcriptome comparison of skin samples from women looking older or younger than their age revealed 123 annotated transcripts differentially expressed, among which MYL9 relates to microcirculation. MYL9 is downregulated in the group of women looking younger than their real age. Microscopy shows that the labeling of MYL9 and CD31 are altered and heterogeneous with age, as is the morphology of microvessels. Therefore, assessing generalized vascular reactivity in non-photo-exposed skin to focus on the intrinsic aging allows subtle discrimination of perceived age within elderly healthy subjects.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Skin Color in Anole Lizards.

Color and color pattern are critical for animal camouflage, reproduction, and defense. Few studies, however, have attempted to identify candidate genes for color and color pattern in squamate reptiles, a colorful group with over 10,000 species. We used comparative transcriptomic analyses between white, orange, and yellow skin in a color-polymorphic species of anole lizard to 1) identify candidate color and color-pattern genes in squamates and 2) assess if squamates share an underlying genetic basis for color and color pattern variation with other vertebrates. Squamates have three types of chromatophores that determine color pattern: guanine-filled iridophores, carotenoid- or pteridine-filled xanthophores/erythrophores, and melanin-filled melanophores. We identified 13 best candidate squamate color and color-pattern genes shared with other vertebrates: six genes linked to pigment synthesis pathways, and seven genes linked to chromatophore development and maintenance. In comparisons of expression profiles between pigment-rich and white skin, pigment-rich skin upregulated the pteridine pathway as well as xanthophore/erythrophore development and maintenance genes; in comparisons between orange and yellow skin, orange skin upregulated the pteridine and carotenoid pathways as well as melanophore maintenance genes. Our results corroborate the predictions that squamates can produce similar colors using distinct color-reflecting molecules, and that both color and color-pattern genes are likely conserved across vertebrates. Furthermore, this study provides a concise list of candidate genes for future functional verification, representing a first step in determining the genetic basis of color and color pattern in anoles.

Analysis of skin color in the American Academy of Dermatology basic dermatology curriculum

Analysis of skin color in the American Academy of Dermatology basic dermatology curriculum

Analysis of Skin Color on the American Academy of Dermatology Public Education Website.

Access to health information online has resulted in increased internet use to !nd medical education resources.1,2 The United States (US) population is comprised of 60.1% Whites, 18.5% Hispanics or Latinos, 13.4% Blacks or African Americans, with trends toward increasing diversity. Our objectives were to analyze skin color distributions on the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) public education website.

Post-harvest study of ‘paluma’ guavas (Psidium guajava L.) coated with biodegradable films with and without essential oil association

Neste trabalho buscou-se avaliar a eficiência de películas biodegradáveis, elaboradas a partir da fécula de mandioca associada ou não com óleo essencial da casca de laranja ‘Pêra’ (OECL) (Citrus sinenses L.) na vida de prateleira em goiabas “Palumas” (Psidium guajava L.). Para isso, foi extraído e avaliada a qualidade do OECL aplicado na elaboração de película biodegradável a base de fécula de mandioca. As goiabas utilizadas foram submetidas aos tratamentos: Controle, sem revestimento = T1, com revestimento de fécula de mandioca a 2% (FM) sem associação com óleo essencial da casca da laranja = T2 e com revestimento de FM a 2% + associação de óleo essencial de casca de laranja = T3. O estudo foi realizado em 2 lotes totalizando 42 frutos analisados, dispostos em uma câmara climatizada com temperatura de 25 ± 2 ºC e UR de 90 ± 2%, permanecendo por um período de até 12 dias, sendo realizadas as análises físico-químicas de pH, acidez total titulável (ATT), sólidos solúveis totais (SST), relação sólidos solúveis totais e acidez total titulável (rátio), vitamina C, firmeza do fruto, perda de massa, cor da polpa, cor da casca e análise microbiológica de bolores e leveduras realizadas nos tempos 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 e 12 dias, em um fruto correspondente a cada tratamento. As películas não apresentaram melhoria nos parâmetros avaliados, em comparação com as goiabas desprovidas de revestimento (T1). Desta forma, películas biodregadáveis elaboradas em condições similares não são recomendada para melhorias no tempo de prateleiras em goiabas “Palumas” (Psidium guajava L.).

Analysis of facial redness by comparing VISIA® from Canfield and CSKIN® from Yanyun Technology.

Redness is the most common symptom among many facial dermatoses. With the rapid development of optical instruments, spectral imaging, and image processing technology, there appear varieties of skin color analysis methods and instruments. The aim of this study is to reveal the differences and correlations in measuring the facial redness between CSKIN® and VISIA® , as well as the relevance between the instrument parameters and clinical evaluation. Forty-three Chinese patients were enrolled. Images were taken and analyzed by VISIA® from Canfield and CSKIN® from Yanyun Technology, and the facial erythema was graded by the dermatologists. Feature counts within the red areas measured by VISIA® were found to have significantly positive correlations with red pixels and percent which were measured by CSKIN® on both sides of the face (r=.45~.566, P<.01). The parameters analyzed by CSKIN® and VISIA® feature counts were correlated with visual scores graded by the dermatologists, VISIA® presented with a weak correlation (r=.213, P<.05), while CSKIN® had a moderate correlation with the visual scores (r=.472~.492, P<.001). CSKIN® may be another alternative option when encountering with measurement and follow-up of facial erythema.

Ultrasound-guided paravertebral block in patients undergoing maxillofacial rotational flap reconstruction

Background Regional anesthesia plays an important role in improving the success rate of rotational flap surgery through the control of regional blood flow. Paravertebral block at levels T1 and T2 improves the survival of rotational flap in maxillofacial reconstruction. It is associated with a better outcome and fewer flap complications. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the effect of single-shot paravertebral block on the survival of maxillofacial rotational flap. Patients and methods A total of 32 patients scheduled for elective maxillofacial rotational flap reconstruction were included in the study. All patients received general anesthesia and randomly allocated to one of two groups: patients in group I received single-shot paravertebral block at levels T1 and T2, whereas patients in group II served as controls. Skin temperature was measure on both the reconstructive and the nonsurgical sides. Flap perfusion was assessed by analysis of skin color, turgor, and capillary refill. Flap survival was recorded. Results The surface temperature of pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap was significantly higher in group I patients than in group II patients at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h postoperatively (P=0.002, 0.009, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, and 0.029, respectively). The skin turgor and capillary refill scores were significantly higher in group I than in group II. Total perfusion score was significantly higher in group I patients than in group II patients at 16 and 20 h postoperatively (P Conclusion Single-shot paravertebral block at T1 and T2 levels increases skin temperature and improves skin turgor and capillary refill, which are indicators of appropriate tissue perfusion and indicate maxillofacial PMMC flap survival.

Image‐based phenotyping and genetic analysis of potato skin set and color

AbstractImage‐based phenotyping offers new opportunities for fast, objective, and reliable measurement for breeding and genetics research. In the current study, image analysis was used to quantify potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) skin color and skin set, which are critical for the marketability of new varieties. A set of 15 red potato varieties and advanced breeding lines was evaluated over 2 yr at a single location, with two harvest times in the second year. After mechanical harvest and grading, seven to eight representative tubers per plot were photographed, and the photos were analyzed with ImageJ to measure skinning (as percentage surface area) and skin color using the hue, chroma, and lightness (HCL) representation. The plot‐based heritability was consistently high (&gt; .77) across traits and environments; the genetic correlation between environments was also high, ranging from .81–.98. Significant increases in lightness and chroma, as well as a decrease in skinning, were observed at the late compared with early harvest, whereas the opposite trends for color were observed after 6 wk of storage. The three color traits were unexpectedly collinear in this study, with the first principal component explaining 86% of the variation. This result may reflect the physiology of red color in potato, but the highly selected nature of the 15 genotypes may also be a factor. Image‐based phenotyping offers new opportunities to advance genetic gain and understanding for tuber appearance traits that have been difficult to precisely measure in the past.

Classification and influencing factors analysis of facial skin color in Chinese population.

Subjective evaluation and quantitative analysis of skin color are very important both in dermatology and in cosmetology, but results of existing objective classifications tend to be incompatible to visual perception of skin color among females and males in China. Skin color at four facial skin sites was measured in 409 volunteers with 219 males and 190 females aged 20-79years. Ten observers with normal color vision assessed facial skin color of 205 subjects. The relationship between visual scores and Chardon's individual typology angle (ITA°) values was investigated. Then, the variations of color in different sub-groups were comprehensively discussed by skin color data of 409 volunteers. In order to better characterize Chinese skin color, the redness parameter must be added into the ITA formula. By comparing skin color of Chinese living in different environments or with different lifestyles, some factors not conducive to brightening skin have been identified. This study indicated the different influence of skin color components on perceived brightness between Caucasian and Chinese. And skin color was significantly affected by related variables such as gender, age, working environment, and lifestyles. Therefore, this study suggests how to brighten skin color in daily life.

A novel approach to automatic detection of interest points in multiple facial images

The human face includes different colors and forms due to its complexity. Therefore, facial image processing comprises even more problems than image processing of other objects. Interest point detection is one of the important problems in computer vision, which is the key aspect of solving problems such as facial expression analysis, age analysis, sex defining, facial recognition, and three-dimensional face modelling in augmented reality. To accomplish these tasks, facial interest points need automatic definition. A hybrid algorithm was developed to detect automatically interest regions and points in multiple images in the resented study. The study used processed facial images from an authorized image database with a resolution of 1600 x 1200, taken in standardized illumination conditions by using an InSpeck Mega Capturor II optical 3D structured light digitizer and 1000-W halogen lamp. The presented study integrated skin color analysis with the Haar classification method, processing 11 male and 25 female facial images with the developed algorithm. The average accuracy of facial interest point detection was 0.68 mm after testing all images.

The effect of paravertebral block on maxillofacial free flap survival

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether continuous paravertebral block at levels T1 and T2 with bupivacaine infusion can improve the survival of free flaps in maxillofacial reconstruction. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial and included 36 adult patients scheduled for maxillofacial free flap reconstruction under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: patients in group A received continuous paravertebral block at levels T1 and T2, while patients in group B served as controls. Postoperatively, a skin thermometer was used to assess the skin temperature. Perfusion of the flaps was evaluated by analysis of skin color, turgor, and capillary refill. Survival of the free flap was recorded. The surface temperature of the reconstructive flap, skin color score, and capillary refill score were significantly higher in group A patients than in group B patients during follow-up. The total perfusion score was significantly higher in group A than in group B at 16h and 20h postoperative (P=0.041 and P=0.039, respectively). Re-operation was recorded in three cases in group B (16.7%) (P=0.031). Continuous paravertebral block at levels T1 and T2 can increase the skin temperature and improve skin color and capillary refilling, which are indices of adequate tissue perfusion and indicate maxillofacial free flap survival.

Search of Biomarker in the Oral Rehabilitation

Are there any ways to analyze objectively if any good changes happen to the bodies for the patients with acquired edentulous by getting a treatment to recover occlusion? In this study, we focused on interleukin 6 (IL-6) as inflammatory cytokine, cortisol known as a stress related substance and secretory immune globulin A (SIgA) related to immune reaction, and chose 14 patients who had occlusion reconstructed by the immediately loaded dental implants because occlusion contact with maxillary and mandibular dentition was lost caused by edentulous jaws or maxillary and mandibular teeth crossing each other and their jaw position and central occlusion position could not settle, and verified the relationship with changes of patients’ physical and mental states during the 6 months of the treatment and the effect of the immediately loaded implants treatment by using saliva which was non-invasive and easy to sample in biomarkers in saliva. Moreover for female subjects, the changes of facial color tones were measured by using Robo Skin Analyz-er?, a digital image analyzer, to measure the condition of their skin. In conclusion, the positive correlation between the amount of IL-6 and cortisol was not admitted. However, it was admitted that IL-6 tended to increase when a systemic change which interrupted curing such as the interruption of fusion of the implant and the bone was observed even though the patient did not notice any particular symptoms and cortisol tended to increase when the patient noticed discomfort and mentioned any events under stress on his or her medical record. Moreover with the skin color analysis by Robo Skin Analyzer?, the possibility that the occlusion treatment by the immediate implant had an effect on physical and psychological health promotion through the acquisition of the masticatory function and the aesthetic recovery was indicated.

Clinical and Instrumental Evaluation of the Efficacy of a New Depigmenting Agent Containing a Combination of a Retinoid, a Phenolic Agent and an Antioxidant for the Treatment of Solar Lentigines

Background: Solar lentigines are common benign macular hyperpigmented lesions localized on sun-exposed areas. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new depigmenting agent containing a retinoid (retinaldehyde), a new phenolic agent (4-(1-phenylethyl)-resorcinol) and a reducing agent (δ-tocopheryl-β-<smlcap>D</smlcap>-glucopyranoside) in the topical treatment of solar lentigines. Patients and Methods: Twenty patients with solar lentigines of the face and hands applied the depigmenting agent on each lentigo once daily for 12 weeks. The outcome was evaluated at 45 days (T1) and 3 months (T2) after the end of treatment compared to baseline (T0) by means of clinical evaluation, Mexameter® and Visioface devices for digital and ultraviolet computerized image analysis of skin color as well as in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy. Results: Image analysis and confocal laser reflectance microscopy showed that hyperpigmentation was significantly reduced at T2 compared to baseline and to controls. Conclusion: The study treatment was well tolerated and showed significant improvement in the depigmentation of solar lentigines.

A Crucial Investigation of Facial Skin Colour Research Trend and Direction

The research on facial animation is growing and became more sensible in terms of three dimensional data. The emergence of laser scans and advanced 3D tools imparted further towards the rapid development of complex facial model. This paper has given an overview on facial animation techniques such as blend shape interpolation, facial action coding system and parameterization. The major challenges, excitement, applications, recent progress and the future of various diversified facial animation methods are high-lighted as well. The emotional theory, involving the cognition as one of the elements of emotion and emphasizing on somatic factors describing emotional expressions and its perception as the other elements are presented. The essential factors responsible for emo-tional colors manifestations to an individual are the key issues. The notable theories and models of Goethe, Claudia Cortes, Naz Kaya, Color Wheel Pro, Shirley Willet and Yau Xueon facial colors expressions are critically commented and a facile comparison is car-ried out. Furthermore, a detailed discussions on facial colors appearance are provided using image based skin color analysis and synthesis, reflectance based model, bidirec-tional texture function, physiology measurement based and emotional appearance mod-els. The paper completed with the remarkable features official expression comprised of facial action coding system and MPEG-4 facial animation that enable considerable im-provement on facial animation technology. Our in-depth appraisal on facial animation may contribute as taxonomy towards the development of human facial skin colors on 3D avatar including facial action coding system, emotion theory, color theory, animation via blending and image based color analysis useful for various applications.