Search Results (36)

Melanosis, or melanized focal changes (MFCs), is a significant issue in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farming industry, causing economic losses due to fillet downgrading. Nevertheless, molecular mechanisms underlying melanosis remain poorly understood, particularly in Chilean aquaculture. This study aimed to characterize transcriptional regulation associated with melanogenesis and inflammation in salmon muscle tissues exhibiting melanosis. Samples were collected from fish at three productive stages, all with MFCs in muscle in common: freshwater at two different origins and accumulated thermal units “ATUs” (300 ATUs post-antibiotic overdose, “Security”; 600 ATUs post-vaccination, “Vaccination”) and seawater harvest (“Harvest”). Gene expression analysis by qPCR targeted melanogenesis-related genes (mitf, tyr, and dct) and immune markers (arg2, inos2, and il-1β). Results revealed significant transcriptional modulation in freshwater samples, including downregulation of mitf, upregulation of dct, and changes in immune-related genes (arg2 and inos2). In contrast, seawater (“Harvest”) samples showed significant upregulation of tyr and dct, but no significant immune gene modulation. These findings indicate distinct molecular responses depending on the MFCs’ development stage, emphasizing early stages as critical points for intervention. Unlike recent studies, which have predominantly focused on samples from the harvest stage, this work uniquely integrates results from both the freshwater phase and the harvest stage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Facial melasma is a common, chronic, and relapsing hyperpigmentation disorder, affecting up to 40% of adult women in Southeast Asia. Although most cases are mild, the condition may have a considerable psychological impact. Ocular photoaging diseases are also common and have been increasingly recognized in aging populations exposed to chronic sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is implicated in both melasma and ocular photoaging; however, their relationship remains unclear. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the association between facial melasma and UV-induced ocular conditions among 315 participants aged 30–80 years at Walailak University Hospital, Thailand. Facial melasma was diagnosed clinically and dermoscopically, with severity assessed using the modified Melasma Area Severity Index. Ophthalmological examinations evaluated UV-related ocular conditions, including pinguecula, pterygium, climatic droplet keratopathy, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, and sun exposure. Results: Facial melasma was identified in 66.0% of participants (n = 208), and nuclear cataracts were significantly associated with melasma (adjusted odds ratio, 2.590; 95% confidence interval, 1.410–4.770; p = 0.002). Additionally, melasma severity correlated with nuclear cataract severity (ρ = 0.186, p = 0.001). Other ocular conditions were not significantly associated with melasma. Conclusions: These findings suggest a shared UV-related pathogenesis between facial melasma and nuclear cataracts. Sun protection measures, including regular sunscreen use, UV-blocking eyewear, and wide-brimmed hats, may help mitigate the risk of both conditions. Further multicenter studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms. Full article

The effectiveness of multi-targeted treatments including pulsed electric field (PEF), soursop leaf extract (SLE), vacuum impregnation (VI), and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), with and without cold plasma (CP) treatment, on the quality and shelf life of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) during refrigerated storage for 21 days was investigated. PEF inhibited melanosis and reduced the initial bacterial load, as evidenced by lower melanosis scores and total bacterial counts in the treated samples. Integrating 1% SLE through VI effectively lowered color alteration, retarded melanosis, and preserved textural integrity in the SLE-treated samples (p < 0.05). SLE1 (1%) significantly reduced lipid oxidation, as witnessed by lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p < 0.05) and minimal fatty acid profile changes. MAP3, comprising CO₂/N₂/Ar (60%/30%/10%), combined with CP treatment, ensured microbiological quality and maintained total viable count within the acceptable limit (6 Log CFU/g) throughout the storage time of 21 days. Notably, the PEF-SLE1-VI-MAP3-CP sample exhibited superior quality preservation, as shown by a lower pH and total volatile base content than the others. Sensory evaluation confirmed that the PEF-SLE1-VI-MAP3-CP sample remained sensorially acceptable during storage. Thus, this multi-hurdle approach demonstrated the synergistic potential of integrating nonthermal processing technologies with plant extracts, contributing to the extended shelf life and safety of the refrigerated shrimp for up to 21 days. Full article

Melanosis is scarcely reported as a potential cause of carcass downgrading in broilers worldwide. We described the preliminary diagnostic findings of dermal and celomic fat tissue melanosis in a total of four episodes of increased downgrading in 31-to-50-day-old male Cobb500^TM broiler chicken carcasses at a processing plant in Argentina from November 2016 to March 2022. Veterinary inspectors evaluated and sampled a total of 10 carcasses. Gross findings included the gray discoloration of subcutaneous tissue in wings and legs, celomic fat tissue and peritoneum. Microscopically, melanocytes infiltrated the connective tissue and adipose cells of subcutaneous tissue in the skin of legs and wings as well as the celomic fat tissue of all 10 birds. The Fontana–Masson stain revealed black melanin granules in subcutaneous tissue and celomic fat tissue, demonstrating its value as a histologic tool to confirm grossly compatible melanosis in all of the evaluated tissues sampled at the broiler processing plant. We propose to add melanosis as one of the less frequently and rare diagnosed cutaneous darkening conditions which potentially contributes to downgrading in chicken processing plants globally. Full article

Gingiva hyperpigmentation resulting from physiological melanosis causes aesthetic discomfort and is usually perceived as a disease by patients because healthy attached gingiva is typically characterized by coral pink coloring with stippling and scalloped contours. When physiological melanosis compromises the aesthetics of smiling, it may induce insecurity in patients, who usually seek out alternatives for reducing or eliminating hyperpigmentation. We present a case report of a surgical procedure combining gingivectomy with gingivoplasty for the management of physiological melanosis. The surgical procedure was performed on a 40-year-old female patient with bilateral pigmentation in both arches. The results of the histological analysis confirm the diagnoses of melanotic macula, with papillary hyperplasia and cytopathic changes being suggestive of HPV infection, which was verified using an immunohistochemistry analysis based on the detection of a major capsid protein of HPV. Acceptable functional and aesthetic results were obtained for the patient without major discomfort during the postoperative period. In cases when HPV infection is present, long-term follow-up becomes necessary. Full article

This study investigated the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for staging iris pigmented lesions in cats. Eighteen cats that underwent OCT examination for unilateral iris pigmented lesion were included. The cats were either suspected of melanosis due to clinical features (n = 8) or had been definitively diagnosed through histopathology with iris melanosis (n = 3), early feline diffuse iris melanoma (FDIM) (n = 4), or mid-stage or advanced FDIM (n = 3). From OCT images, mean iris thickness (MIT) was measured, and the ratio of pigmented lesion to normal iris (PN) was calculated. OCT images depicted the entire iris layer in all eyes with suspected melanosis, iris melanosis, and early FDIM, but observing the entire lesion in mid-stage/advanced FDIM was challenging. No significant difference in MIT was observed among the groups. Conversely, PN ratio was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in early FDIM (1.29 ± 0.16) than in suspected melanosis (1.02 ± 0.10) or iris melanosis (0.99 ± 0.09). Furthermore, OCT imaging revealed hyperreflective lines in 75% of eyes with suspected melanosis and in all the eyes with iris melanosis, corresponding to the pigmented lesions. Our results demonstrate that OCT is capable of detecting subtle differences in iris thickness and features in early-stage FDIM, indicating its potential utility in distinguishing between iris melanosis and early FDIM. Further study is warranted to verify the reliability of such OCT findings. Full article

The heightened awareness of ethnic dermatology aligns with the growing prevalence of skin of color communities globally, where hyperpigmentation disorders pose a common dermatological challenge. Effectively addressing dermal pigmentation is challenging due to its resistance to conventional therapies and its association with impaired quality of life. This underscores the need for effective treatments and a thorough grasp of laser advancements. A relevant literature search spanning the last 7 years across the PubMed database reveals core studies, challenges, and the evolution of laser technologies tailored for various forms of congenital and acquired dermal hyperpigmentation in skin of color. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms, applications, and recommendations for pigmentary laser technologies, highlighting the key role of Q-switched lasers in their established millisecond/ nanosecond forms and emerging picosecond lasers, fractional non-ablative and ablative lasers, Intense Pulsed Light, etc. The summary of evidence includes studies on dermal melanocytosis (nevus of Ota and Hori’s nevus), tattoos, acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation, etc., and also entities with mixed epidermal–dermal components, such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The review offers valuable insights for clinicians to make informed decisions based on diagnosis, skin type, and the latest technologies to optimize results and minimize complications, especially in darker Fitzpatrick skin types. In their five-year study with 122 Indian patients, the authors applied specific laser combinations for diverse dermal melanoses, including tattoos, dermal/mixed melasma, acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation, and dermal nevi. Substantial pigmentation reduction, subjectively assessed by both physicians and patients, was observed across all groups. A one-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference in mean improvement scores across various pigmentary conditions (F = 3.39, p = 0.02), with melasma patients exhibiting a significantly higher improvement score than tattoos (p = 0.03). The results affirmed the safety and efficacy of sequential laser therapy for dermal pigmentation in skin of color, advocating for flexibility in approach while maintaining the rationale behind the laser sequences. Despite advancements, challenges persist, and gaps in the current literature are identified. In conclusion, this summary highlights the ongoing pursuit of optimal protocols in dermatological laser treatments for dermal melanoses, offering valuable insights for future research and clinical practice. Full article

A 50-year-old male presented to the emergency room after experiencing sudden right upper limb facial numbness and dysphasia, followed by full recovery. A brain CT scan showed hyperdense lesions within the left hemispheric sulcus, which raised suspicion of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. A T1-weighted MRI showed multiple tiny leptomeningeal enhancements in the same area, and a digital subtraction angiography showed no signs of vascular abnormality. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology revealed atypical melanin-containing cells with minimal pleomorphism. One month later, the patient developed sixth nerve palsy, which was determined to be due to intracranial hypertension. Multiple giant nevi on the legs, trunk, and scalp were also observed. A skin biopsy showed well-defined and symmetrical proliferation of melanocytic nevus cell nests in the dermis. An open biopsy was performed due to the suspicious leptomeningeal lesions, which surprisingly revealed diffuse and thick black-colored tissue infiltration of the leptomeninges. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of meningeal melanocytosis. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was then placed, and the patient’s neurological symptoms gradually improved. Based on the presence of multiple giant nevi on the patient’s skin and the finding of diffuse meningeal melanocytosis during the open biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with neurocutaneous melanosis. The patient received 6 cycles triweekly of Ipilimumab and Nivolumab 8 months after initial diagnosis. Unfortunately, the disease progressed and the patient passed away 14 months after initial diagnosis. Full article

In aquaculture, Lactococcus garvieae is a common fish pathogen that can cause significant economic losses in several fresh and saltwater species. Despite the extensive range of hosts, L. garvieae infection in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) has rarely been reported. During the summer of 2023, an outbreak occurred in an inland farm in the Gulf of Follonica (Tuscany, Italy). Fish of various sizes were affected, showing apathy, inappetence, erratic swimming and eye lesions, while the mortality was low (2–3% per month). Anatomopathological examinations suggested a septicaemic infection characterised by melanosis, diffuse redness (skin and fins), paleness (gills and internal organs), haemorrhages and splenomegaly. Seventy swabs from the viscera of 14 subjects were collected and colonies similar to Streptococcus spp. grew from all the samples. Lactococcus garvieae was identified via the biochemical tests, API20STREP, MALDI-TOF, 16S rDNA and whole genome sequencing. Genetical characterisation revealed remarkable differences between this isolate and the strains previously isolated in Italian fish farms. Feed treatments with flumequine and erythromycin were ineffective. Considering the limited effects of antimicrobials, preventive measures, such as vaccination and biosecurity, should be implemented. Full article

Shrimp has been known for its delicacy, but it undergoes rapid deterioration induced by biochemical and microbiological reactions. Melanosis is a major cause of discoloration associated with consumer rejection. All ethanolic extracts from different leaves including soursop, noni, and Jik leaves were dechlorophyllized via the “Green” sedimentation method before being used. The inhibitory activity against polyphenoloxidase (PPO) from Pacific white shrimp (Litopeneous vannamei) and the copper-chelating properties of varying extracts were compared. Soursop leaf extract (SLE) showed higher PPO inhibitory activity and copper-chelating ability than others (p < 0.05). Based on LC-MS, aempferol-3-O-rutinoside was identified as the most abundant compound, followed by catechin and neocholorigenic acid. The efficacy of SLE at different levels (0.25–1%) for inhibiting melanosis and preserving the quality of Pacific white shrimp was evaluated during refrigerated storage at 4 °C for 12 days in comparison with that of a 1.25% sodium metabisulfite (SMS)-treated sample. SLE at a level of 1% effectively retarded melanosis and bacterial growth, in which the total viable count did not exceed the microbial limit within 12 days. In addition, 1% SLE treatment impeded autolysis, reduced protein degradation and decomposition, and minimized lipid oxidation, as witnessed by the lower increases in pH, TVB-N, and TBARS values. Sensory evaluation indicated higher likeness scores and overall acceptability for SLE-1% and SMS-1.25% shrimps than those of the control and other samples. Therefore, SLE could be used as a natural alternative that effectively lowered the melanosis and quality loss of shrimp during refrigerated storage. Full article

Metastatic disease is linked to TERT promoter mutations in conjunctival melanomas (CM). Both TERT promoter and ATRX mutations are associated with faulty telomere maintenance. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of ATRX loss in conjunctival melanocytic lesions. Eighty-six conjunctival melanocytic lesions from the Rotterdam Ocular Melanoma Study group were collected. ATRX status and TERT promoter status were determined using immunohistochemical staining and molecular diagnostics, respectively. None of the nevi (n = 16) and primary acquired melanosis (PAM) without atypia (n = 6) showed ATRX loss. ATRX loss was found in 2/5 PAM with atypia without CM and in 8/59 CM. No cases with a TERT promoter mutation (n = 26) showed ATRX loss. Eight/eleven metastatic CM harbored a TERT promoter mutation, two other metastatic CM showed ATRX loss and one metastatic case showed no TERT promoter/ATRX alterations. In conclusion ATRX loss and TERT promoter mutations are only found in (pre)malignant conjunctival melanocytic lesions, with most metastatic cases harboring one of these alterations, suggesting that both alterations are associated with adverse behavior. Similar to TERT promoter mutations, ATRX loss may be used as a diagnostic tool in determining whether a conjunctival melanocytic lesion is prone to having an adverse course. Full article

Crustaceans are perishable with a short shelf-life. They are prone to deterioration after capture, particularly during handling, processing, and storage due to melanosis caused by polyphenoloxidase (PPO). Therefore, inhibitory effects of chitooligosaccharide (CHOS) in comparison with CHOS-catechin (CHOS-CAT), CHOS-epigallocatechin gallate (CHOS-EGCG), and CHOS-gallic acid (CHOS-GAL) conjugates on Pacific white shrimp cephalothorax PPO were studied. IC₅₀ of CHOS-CAT (0.32 mg/mL) toward PPO was less than those of all conjugates tested (p < 0.05). CHOS-CAT exhibited the mixed-type inhibition. K_ic (0.58 mg/mL) and K_iu (0.02 mg/mL) of CHOS-CAT were lower than those of other conjugates (p < 0.05). CHOS-CAT showed static fluorescence-quenching, suggesting a change in micro-environment around the active site of PPO. Moreover, CHOS-CAT was linked with various amino acid residues, including Tyr208 or Tyr209 of proPPO via van der Waals, hydrophobic interaction, and hydrogen bonding as elucidated by the molecular docking of proPPO. Although CHOS-CAT had the highest PPO inhibitory activity, it showed a lower binding energy (−8.5 kcal/mol) than other samples, except for CHOS-EGCG (−10.2 kcal/mol). Therefore, CHOS-CAT could act as an anti-melanosis agent in shrimp and other crustaceans to prevent undesirable discoloration associated with quality losses. Full article

(1) Introduction: In cosmetic dermatology, benign hyperpigmentation is a prevalent issue. Solar lentigo and other melanoses are bringing patients to the attention of physicians more and more often. The Q-switched 1064/532-nanometer (nm) laser is the gold standard device to treat these conditions. A new generation of these machines, able to shorten pulse duration to hundreds of picoseconds, has emerged showing better preliminary results. In order to treat hypermelanoses in Asians, we used a Q-switched laser with a picosecond pulse. (2) Methods: A retrospective recruitment of 31 Asian individuals requesting treatment for melanosis was conducted at Catanzaro’s Magna Graecia University, University of Rome Tor Vergata and Villa Bella Antiaging. Although they might have varied, the treatment settings were typically as follows: for dermic lesions, a pulse wavelength of 1064 nm with a duration of 450 picoseconds (ps) was used, and for epidermal lesions, a pulse wavelength of 532 nm with a duration of 370 ps was used. Up to four laser treatments were carried out, each at least 30 days apart. During a three-month follow-up after the final session, patient satisfaction was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Images taken prior to laser treatments and thereafter were compared, and the aesthetic effect was scored on a five-point scale by two blinded specialists. (3) Results: Of the 31 patients recruited, 25 (80.6%) were female and 6 were male (19.4%). The average stated age was 48.96 ± 13.68. During the dermatological examination, all patients were found to have nearly completely removed melanosis, with a mean VAS score of 7.03 ± 1.35 and a five-point evaluation scale of 2.71 ± 0.78. Conclusions: The Q-switched 1064/532 nm laser can be seen as a safe and effective option to treat benign hypermelanosis in Asian patients. Compared to other technologies, the use of a picosecond pulse appears to promise superior outcomes. To validate the results of this investigation, however, a clinical trial comparing the many commercially accessible therapy options is required. Full article

In recent decades, deep-learning dependent fruit disease detection and classification techniques have evinced outstanding results in technologically advanced horticulture investigation. Due to the comparatively limited image processing capabilities of edge computing devices, implementing deep learning methods in actual field scenarios is currently difficult. The use of intelligent machines in contemporary horticulture is being hampered by these restrictions, which are emerging as a new barrier. In this research, we present an efficient model for citrus fruit disease prediction. The proposed model utilizes the fusion of deep learning models CNN and LSTM with edge computing. The proposed model employs an enhanced feature-extraction mechanism, with a down-sampling approach, and then a feature-fusion subsystem to ensure significant recognition on edge computing devices with retaining citrus fruit disease detection accuracy. This research utilizes the online Kaggle and plan village dataset which contains 2950 citrus fruit images with disease categories black spots, cankers, scabs, Melanosis, and greening. The proposed model and existing model are tested with two features with pruning and without pruning and compared based on various performance measuring parameters, i.e., precision, recall, f-measure, and support. In the first phase experimental analysis is performed using Magnitude Based Pruning and in the second phase Magnitude Based Pruning with Post Quantization. The proposed CNN-LSTM model achieves an accuracy rate of 97.18% with Magnitude-Based Pruning and 98.25% with Magnitude-Based Pruning with Post Quantization, which is better as compared to the existing CNN method. Full article

Primary malignant melanoma (MM) of the cervix uteri is a rare and aggressive malignancy of the female reproductive tract. Considering that clinical data on this cancer are scarce, we aimed to comprehensively examine the currently available literature and provide an overview of the reported cases of cervical MM focusing on the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and therapeutic management. We conducted a systematic review of the literature by screening three electronic databases until June 2022. The critical appraisal checklist provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute was employed to evaluate the overall quality of the studies. We included 96 reports, which comprised 137 patients diagnosed with MM of the cervix. The mean age of the patients was 56.5 (median: 58, age range: 33–88). Data regarding menopausal status were provided for 98 patients with 15 being premenopausal and 83 being postmenopausal. The most common presenting symptom was vaginal bleeding (83%, 100/121). Biopsy (either excisional or punch biopsy) was used as the first diagnostic modality in most of the patients (67%, 64/95), followed by cytology (18%, 17/95). In 74 cases, the FIGO staging system for cervical cancer was used with the most common stage being FIGO stage I (38%, 28/74), followed by FIGO stage II (36%, 27/74), FIGO stage III (19%, 14/74) and FIGO stage IV (7%, 5/74). Most of the patients were managed surgically (90%, 119/131) with a hysterectomy (either radical or total), and a salpingo-oophorectomy with/without lymphadenectomy was the most common approach utilized (40%, 48/119). The data of clinical outcomes were provided for 105 patients, of whom 61 died (58%, 61/105) and 44 survived (42%, 44/105). Knowledge regarding the rare occurrence of MM in the cervix and the increased awareness of clinicians can prevent clinical misdiagnosis and ultimately improve further the clinical outcomes of patients developing this rare malignancy. Full article