Body Hair Research Articles

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder: Self-Perception of Physical Attractiveness Among Secondary School Adolescents

Abstract This study investigated body characteristics and gender differences that contribute to self-perception of physical attractiveness among adolescents. Quantitative data were collected with a questionnaire administered to 430 adolescents aged 15 to 17 years selected through a multistage sampling technique from secondary schools in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The questionnaire included the Physical Attractiveness Rating Scale (PARS) and the Physical Attribute Questionnaire (PAQ). Independent sample t-test, and Multiple Regression Analyses were used for analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. The mean overall attractiveness rating on the PARS was 1.66 (SD = 0.11), with ears and face rated as the most attractive body parts. The mean attractiveness score on the PAQ was 19.34 (SD = 3.47). Male and female participants differed with self-perception of physical attractiveness on the PARS [t (428) = 3.13 p = .003]; females perceived some body characteristics, namely mouth (t = 3.52; p < .05), teeth (t = 3.04; p < .05), nose (t = 2.40; p < .05), face (t = 1.98; p < .05), hair texture (t = 2.41; p < .05), hips (t = 3.85; p < .05) and thighs (t = 2.47; p < .05) as more attractive than males. Participants’ evaluation of individual body characteristics predicted self-perception of physical attractiveness (F = 2.85, p < .05, R2 = 0.16 and Adjusted R2 = 0.10). Study concluded that evaluation of individual body characteristics influenced self-perceived physical attractiveness. Gender influenced the perception of some specific body characteristics and overall physical attractiveness among studied adolescents.

019 Multidisciplinary team and quality of life in transitional care

Gender affirming treatment for transgender people requires an interdisciplinary approach. Young people may receive pubertal suspension, consisting of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogs, later followed by sex steroids. The Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines [1] for transgender women or those requesting feminization include estrogens in combination with androgen lowering medications. Feminizing treatment with estrogens and anti-androgens has desired physical changes, such as enhanced breast growth, reduction of facial and body hair growth and fat redistribution in a female pattern [2,3].

The Reliability and Validity of the Malay Version of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire.

The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire is a reliable instrument for measuring health-related quality of life. This study aimed to develop a Malay version of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire and to evaluate the health-related impact of Malaysian women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The participants were women who were diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome using Rotterdam criteria in a gynecology clinic. Reliability was determined by internal consistency using Cronbach’s coefficient alpha and test–retest reliability using an intra-class correlation coefficient. Validity was assessed through convergent and discriminant validity. Examining the correlation between similar content of the Malay version of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire and the SF-36 assessed the convergent validity. The discriminant validity was assessed using the known group comparison. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was over 0.70 for the total scale and over 0.60 for each subscale. Known group comparison supported the discriminant validity. The Malay version of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire differentiated between the subgroups of women who differed in polycystic ovary syndrome-specific symptoms. Convergent validity was consistent with the good positive correlation between related subscales of the two instruments. Polycystic ovary syndrome women in Malaysia scored the lowest for the weight (3.74) and infertility (3.41) domains, thereby indicating worse health status in these domains. Body hair (5.42) was the least troublesome for the local population. The Malay version of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the health-related quality of life among women in the local population. It can be used to objectively assess the quality of life among Malaysian women with polycystic ovary syndrome and evaluate their responsiveness to treatment modalities.

Makna Mitos Body Shaming Pada Film Imperfect Karya Ernest Prakasa

Film Imperfect is a film that discusses social problems, namely body shaming which has been considered normal in people's lives. Body Shaming is ridicule, criticism and comments from others that are negative about a person's physical (body size / shape) or appearance. The theory used in this research is Semiotics. The type of research used is qualitative. The researcher implemented a qualitative approach using the Roland Barthes study method with denotative, connotative and mythical concepts which are the main keys in Semiotics research. The purpose of this study is to understand the meaning of the body shaming myth contained in the film Imperfect. This film tells the story of a woman named Rara who is always a victim of body shaming around her. Having a fat body, tan skin and thick curly hair makes Rara considered unsightly. Rara is required to change her body shape according to the beauty standards that develop in her environment. Body shaming still often occurs in everyday life, whether intentional or unintentional. Body Shaming can be done by anyone, anywhere and anytime. Body Shaming has a negative impact on the victim, Rara has low self-confidence, thinks too much about what other people say about her, and has unstable mental health due to constantly thinking about what other people say about her.

Impact of treated drinking water on arsenicosis patients with continuous consumption of contaminated dietary foodstuffs: A longitudinal health effect study from arsenic prone area, West Bengal, India

Health effect and future risk assessment have been evaluated for a year on a group of arsenicosis patients (n = 24) examining the impact of treated surface water with continuous consumption of arsenic-contaminated dietary foodstuffs. The daily dietary intake rate of arsenic through cooked rice is 5.50 μg/kg bw/day, which is much higher than PTDI recommended value compared to cooked vegetables and treated drinking water. The effect of acute toxicity showed a decreasing trend of 42.9% arsenic in urine (n = 24) after 6 months. Scalp hair (n = 19) and nail (n = 18) arsenic concentration showed a decreasing trend of 39.3% (range: 1.34–86.2%) and 36.9% (range: 0.88–85%), respectively after 12 months. The body hair (hand and leg) and skin scale arsenic accumulation showed high and diverse distribution pattern. Excretion of arsenic through sweat was higher than urine with a mean concentration of 34.7 μg/L (range: 4.76–65 μg/L). Chronic arsenic exposure for a long period of time is the considerable pathway to severe dermatological skin manifestations in the arsenical patients. One-way ANOVA (Tukey-test) interpretation showed a significant relationship between arsenic intakes, biological tissues and dermatological manifestations within the studied groups. Linear mixed modelling showed differential temporal trends of arsenic levels through biomarkers for both studied male and female patients. The SAMOE value for treated drinking water and cooked vegetables showed low to moderate concern level (class 3), whereas, high concern level (class 5) was observed for cooked rice. The future cancer and non-cancerous risk predominantly exists through consumption of rice compared to vegetables and treated drinking water. Supplementation of arsenic-safe drinking water and nutritional food is highly recommended for the arsenic patients to fight against the devastating arsenic calamity.

A novel desmoplakin mutation causes dilated cardiomyopathy with palmoplantar keratoderma as an early clinical sign.

BackgroundPPKs represent a heterogeneous group of disorders with hyperkeratosis of palmar and/or plantar skin. PPK, hair shaft abnormalities, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias can be caused by mutations in desmosomal genes, e.g. desmoplakin (DSP). PPK should trigger genetic testing to reveal mutations with possible related cardiac disease.ObjectivesTo report a large multigenerational family with a novel DSP mutation associated with early‐onset PPK and adult‐onset cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias.MethodsA custom‐designed in‐house panel of 35 PPK related genes was used to screen mutations in the index patient with focal PPK. The identified DSP mutation was verified by Sanger sequencing. DNA samples from 20 members of the large multigenerational family were sequenced for the DSP mutation. Medical records were reviewed. Clinical dermatological evaluation was performed, including light microscopy of hair samples. Cardiac evaluation included clinical examination, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring and laboratory tests.ResultsWe identified a novel autosomal dominant truncating DSP c.2493delA p.(Glu831Aspfs*33) mutation associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with arrhythmia susceptibility and focal PPK as an early cutaneous sign. The mutation was found in nine affected family members, but not in any unaffected members. Onset of dermatological findings preceded cardiac symptoms which were variable and occurred at adult age.ConclusionsWe report a novel truncating DSP mutation causing focal PPK with varying severity and left ventricular dilatation and ventricular extrasystoles. This finding emphasizes the importance of genetic diagnosis in patients with PPK for clinical counselling and management of cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias.

Trichoscopy beyond scalp. A narrative review.

Dermoscopy is becoming an indispensable tool in everyday practice, with an expanding range of applications. Trichoscopy is effective not only in establishing the diagnosis of scalp disorders but also in the follow-up of treatment. The MEDLINE database was searched using the terms "dermoscopy" and "trichoscopy" in combination with each of the following: "axilla," "pubic area," "beard," "eyebrows," "eyelashes," and "body hairs." We included case reports, case series, and review articles mentioning the previous terms. By providing an updated review from the literature, we aimed to emphasize the potential uses of trichoscopy in detecting diseases in hairy locations other than the scalp. Various inflammatory conditions, infections, and infestations are discussed.

Art by Jazz Bell

Art by Jazz Bell

A Study of Mucocutaneous Manifestations in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Chronic renal failure is associated with diverse mucocutaneous manifestations as a result of underlying etiology as well as due to various treatment modalities which can significantly impair the quality of life. Aim: To study the clinicodemographic profile of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients and to compare the cutaneous manifestations in CKD both on dialysis and pre-dialysis group. Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Medicine and Dialysis unit at Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad, Anand. One hundred and twenty patients with CKD were examined for mucocutaneous changes over a period of one year. The descriptive statistics was used to describe the quantitative data and the qualitative data was presented using frequency and analyzed using Chi Square test. Result: All one hundred and twenty patients had at least one mucocutaneous condition due to CRF. The most prevalent finding was xerosis (34 Pre-dialysis+ 31 Dialysis) 65(54.2%), followed by pruritus (33 Pre-dialysis+ 24 Dialysis) 57(47%), pallor (6 Pre-dialysis+21Dialysis) 27(22.5%) and cutaneous pigmentation (10 Pre-dialysis+14 Dialysis) 24(20%). Other cutaneous manifestations included fungal 10(8.3%), viral 9(7.5%) and bacterial 7(5.8%) infections, purpura 9(7.5%),perforating disorder 6(5%),uremic frost 1 (0.83%).The nail changes included onychomycosis 5(4.2%), koilonychia 4(3.3%),half and half nail 2(1.7%), subungual hyperkeratosis 2(1.7%) and onycholysis 2(1.7%). Hair changes included brittle and lusterless hair 21(17.5%), sparse scalp hair 10(8.3%) and sparse body hair 8(6.7%). Oral changes included xerostomia 15(12.2%), ulcerative stomatitis 4(3.3%) and angular cheilitis 4(3.3%). Conclusion: The most common mucocutaneous manifestations in the patients under our study were xerosis and pruritus, irrespective of hemodialysis status. Early recognition and treatment can reduce morbidity and improve these patients' quality of life. In all such patients, lifelong follow up is needed.

Whole blood transcriptome profiling identifies candidate genes associated with alopecia in male giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

BackgroundThe giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a threatened species endemic to China. Alopecia, characterized by thinning and broken hair, mostly occurs in breeding males. Alopecia significantly affects the health and public image of the giant panda and the cause of alopecia is unclear.ResultsHere, we researched gene expression profiles of four alopecia giant pandas and seven healthy giant pandas. All pandas were approximately ten years old and their blood samples collected during the breeding season. A total of 458 up-regulated DEGs and 211 down-regulated DEGs were identified. KEGG pathway enrichment identified that upregulated genes were enriched in the Notch signaling pathway and downregulated genes were enriched in ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, and thermogenesis pathways. We obtained 28 hair growth-related DEGs, and identified three hub genes NOTCH1, SMAD3, and TGFB1 in PPI analysis. Five hair growth-related signaling pathways were identified with abnormal expression, these were Notch, Wnt, TGF-β, Mapk, and PI3K-Akt. The overexpression of NOTCH1 delays inner root sheath differentiation and results in hair shaft abnormalities. The delayed hair regression was associated with a significant decrease in the expression levels of TGFB1.ConclusionsOur data confirmed the abnormal expression of several hair-related genes and pathways and identified alopecia candidate genes in the giant panda. Results of this study provide theoretical basis for the establishment of prevention and treatment strategies for giant pandas with alopecia.

191 Improving Climatic Resilience in Pigs Through Physiological Genomics

Abstract Breeding programs have improved productive and reproductive efficiency in worldwide swine populations. However, greater performance is often accompanied by reduced climatic resilience due to greater metabolic heat production. Genomic selection is an effective tool for alleviating the negative effects of heat stress, but it requires traits that effectively capture the physiological, behavioral, and morphological mechanisms regulating the heat stress response. In this presentation we will first describe the genetic background of heat tolerance based on routinely recorded phenotypes (growth, carcass composition, and reproduction) and climatic variables obtained from public-weather-station databases. There are clear genotype-by-environment interactions across environmental conditions and the definition of the critical periods for quantifying the environmental gradient directly impacts the accuracy of genomic prediction of breeding values for heat tolerance. Secondly, we will describe the genetic background of various behavioral, physiological, and morphological indicators of heat stress in maternal line pigs, including automatically recorded vaginal temperature, skin temperature measured in different body locations and times of the day, respiration rate, panting score, body condition score, hair cortisol, hair density, and ear area. These traits are heritable and can be successfully included in genomic breeding programs. Furthermore, we will discuss the transgenerational effects of heat stress in maternal-line pigs, including an epigenomic analyses of in-utero heat stress that identified over 200 genomic regions that are differentially methylated. In summary, we will: 1) provide a comprehensive description of the environmental-gradient variables and critical periods fitted in genomic evaluations of heat tolerance; 2) describe the genetic background of various indicators of heat tolerance, including heritability, genetic correlations, candidate genes, differentially-methylated regions, and metabolic pathways associated with the significant genomic regions; 3) present the accuracies of genomic predictions for each indicator trait; and, 5) make recommendations for the implementation of genomic selection for improved heat tolerance in pigs. This research was supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants number 2020-67015-31575 and 2021-67015-34458 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia-update

The number of patients presenting with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FAA) is increasing not only in hair clinics. The recognition of the peculiar clinical pattern and associated symptoms is an important prerequisite to ensure adequate counseling and therapeutic management of the patients. Experimental studies and arange of case series give first insights into the pathogenesis, possible trigger factors, clinical course of disease and treatment options. The clinical spectrum of FFA extends beyond the typical recession of the frontal hair line initially observed in postmenopausal women. Younger women, men and rarely adolescents may also be affected. Band-like extension to the occiput, diffuse bitemporal hair thinning, eyebrow and body hair involvement as well as facial papules are part of the clinical spectrum. Similar to lichen planopilaris, inflammation and fibrosis with involvement of the stem cell region result in permanent loss of hair follicles. Which additional factors contribute to the characteristic pattern remains to be elucidated. Currently, therapeutic management largely relies on anti-inflammatory treatment with combined topical, intralesional and systemic administration depending on disease activity. The chronic progressive course, sometimes even in the absence of pronounced inflammation remains achallenge for both the affected individuals and the treating physicians. Controlled studies are required to develop evidence-based recommendations and to explore novel treatment strategies.

All-cause health care resource utilization and costs among adults with alopecia areata: A retrospective claims database study in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hair loss. Patients may present with hair loss of the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and/or body. Alopecia totalis (AT), total scalp hair loss, or alopecia universalis (AU), total body hair loss, are extensive forms. Although the impact of AA on quality of life is understood, evidence of its economic burden is limited. A better understanding of the all-cause health care costs for health plans and patients with AA is critical to comprehend disease burden. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate all-cause health care resource utilization and direct health care costs in US adults with AA with or without AT or AU, vs matched control subjects. METHODS: Patients (≥ 18 years) with AA with no less than 2 claims of AA at diagnosis (October 31, 2015, to March 3, 2018) were identified in the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters and Medicare Supplemental databases. Patients were enrolled no less than 12 months before and after first diagnosis (index). Patients were grouped according to AT or AU status (AT/AU group) or AA without AT/AU (non-AT/AU group) and matched 1:3 to control subjects without AA/AT/AU. Summary statistics were calculated for demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, there were 14,972 adult patients with AA and 44,916 control subjects. Of patients with AA, 1,250 and 13,722 were in the AT/AU and non-AT/AU groups, respectively. A significantly greater proportion of patients with AA had atopic and autoimmune comorbidities vs control subjects. After index, patients with AA used significantly more corticosteroid treatments (injectable/oral/topical) than control subjects. A greater mean number of annual outpatient and dermatologist visits was observed for both AA groups vs control subjects (outpatient visits: AT/AU group: 17.8 vs 11.8; non-AT/AU group: 15.4 vs 11.2; dermatologist visits: AT/AU group: 3.4 vs 0.4; non-AT/AU group: 3.4 vs 0.4; P < 0.001 for all). Mean total all-cause medical and pharmacy costs (2018 US$) were higher in both AA groups vs control subjects (AT/AU group: $18,988 vs $11,030; non-AT/AU group: $13,686 vs $9,336; P < 0.001 for both). Patient out-of-pocket costs were higher for AA vs control subjects (AT/AU group: $2,685 vs $1,457; non-AT/AU group: $2,223 vs $1,341; P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with control subjects, patients with AA are more likely to have atopic and autoimmune comorbidities, to use corticosteroids, and to make outpatient visits. Patients with AA have greater all-cause medical (including pharmacy) and out-of-pocket costs. The difference in total medical costs for patients with AT/AU vs control subjects is higher than the difference for patients with non-AT/AU vs control subjects. DISCLOSURES: This study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Pfizer Inc was involved in the study design; collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; writing of the report; and the decision to submit this report for publication. A. Mostaghimi reports consulting fees from Pfizer Inc, Concert, Lilly, AbbVie, hims, and Digital Diagnostics; reports equity from Lucid and hims; and is an associate editor at JAMA Dermatology. K. Gandhi, M. Ray, and V. Sikirica are former employees of Pfizer Inc and held stock and/or stock options with Pfizer Inc at the time of writing. N. Done, W. Gao, C. Carley, T. Wang, and E. Swallow are employees of Analysis Group, Inc, a consultancy that received payment from Pfizer Inc for participation in this analysis.

Techniques and Applications of Lower Extremity Feminization and Masculinization.

Significant differences exist between feminine and masculine lower extremities, and this region contributes to gender dysphoria in transgender and nonbinary individuals. A systematic review was conducted for primary literature on lower extremity (LE) gender affirmation techniques as well as anthropometric differences between male and female lower extremities, which could guide surgical planning. Multiple databases were searched for articles before June 2, 2021 using Medical Subject Headings. Data on techniques, outcomes, complications, and anthropometrics were collected. A total of 852 unique articles were identified: 17 met criteria for male and female anthropometrics and 1 met criteria for LE surgical techniques potentially applicable to gender affirmation. None met criteria for LE gender affirmation techniques specifically. Therefore, this review was expanded to discuss surgical techniques for the LE, targeting masculine and feminine anthropometric ideals. LE masculinization can target feminine qualities, such as mid-lateral gluteal fullness and excess subcutaneous fat in the thigh and hips. Feminization can target masculine qualities like a low waist-to-hip ratio, mid-lateral gluteal concavity, calf hypertrophy, and body hair. Cultural differences and patient body habitus, which influence what is considered "ideal" for both sexes, should be discussed. Applicable techniques include hormone therapy, lipo-contouring, fat grafting, implant placement, and botulinum toxin injection, among others. Due to lack of existing outcomes-based literature, gender affirmation of the lower extremities will rely on application of an array of existing plastic surgery techniques. However, quality outcomes data for these procedures is required to determine best practices.

Potential Health Benefit of Dates Based on Human Intervention Studies: A Brief Overview

Date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an important crop or khajoor in the local language which is cultivated in many countries. Different types of dates are present but Ajwa khajoor is very beneficial in cardiovascular activity, heart disease, antimicrobial, nephroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity, provide relaxation during pregnancy, reduce risk of tooth decay, improve bone health, and also provide mental clarity. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) said that the best assets are date palm, dates cure several disorders, and he suggested Muslims to eat the date and have a tendency the date palm. Dates play key role in anti-cancer activity, anti-tumor, cardio-protective activity, and neuroprotective activity. Dates fruits and seeds are considered essential nutrients and medicines. They can be used in a variety of cosmetic and beauty products. Many cosmetic products contain high levels of chemical compounds, commonly found in synthetics such as hydroquinone. Date seed oil has been shown to have a positive effect on human skin and hair, as well as a few products (body creams, soaps, hair products, and sunscreens) are sold. Seed oils have high oxidative properties, extended storage capacity, and can protect the skin from UV rays and repair it. Bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolics, can prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. The extracts from dietary seeds are rich in phytosterols, essential fatty acids, and nutrients needed to maintain healthy scalp, promote normal hair growth, and support nourishing functions of sebaceous glands and hair follicles. It is important to all synthetic skincare products and medically very beneficial.

Overlapping association signals in the genetics of hair-related phenotypes in humans and their relevance to predictive DNA analysis

Genetic prediction of different hair phenotypes can help reconstruct the physical appearance of an individual whose biological sample is analyzed in criminal and identification cases. Up to date, forensic prediction models for hair colour, hair shape, hair loss and hair greying have been developed, but studies investigating predictability of hair thickness and density traits are missing. First data suggesting overlapping associations in various hair features have emerged in recent years, suggesting partially common genetic basis and molecular mechanisms, and this knowledge can be used for predictive purposes. Here we aim to broaden our understanding of the genetics underlying head, facial and body hair thickness and density traits and examine the association for a set of literature SNPs. We characterize the overlap in SNP association for various hair phenotypes, the extent of genetic interactions and the potential for genetic prediction. The study involved 999 samples from Poland, genotyped for 240 SNPs with targeted next-generation sequencing. Logistic regression methods were applied for association and prediction analyses while entropy-based approach was used for interaction testing. As a result, we refined known associations for monobrow and hairiness (PAX3, 5q13.2, TBX) and identified two novel association signals in IGFBP5 and VDR. Both genes were among top significant loci, showed broad association with different hair-related traits and were implicated in multiple interaction effects. Overall, for 14.7% of SNPs previously associated with head hair loss and/or hair shape, a positive signal of association was revealed with at least one hair feature studied in the current research. Overlap in association with at least two hair-related traits was demonstrated for 24 distinct loci. We showed that the associated SNPs explain ∼5–30% of the variation observed in particular hair traits and allow moderate accuracy of prediction. The highest accuracy was achieved for hairiness level prediction in females (AUC = 0.69 for the “none”, 0.69 for the “low” and 0.76 for the “excessive” hairiness category) and monobrow (AUC = 0.69 for the “none”, 0.62 for the “slight” and 0.70 for the “significant” monobrow category) with 33% of the variation in hairiness level in females explained by 7 SNPs and age, and 20% of the variation in monobrow captured by 7 SNPs and sex. Our study presents clear evidence of pleiotropy and epistasis in the genetics of hair traits. The acquired knowledge may have practical application in forensics, as well as in the cosmetic industry and anthropological research.

Somatic and Reproductive Health in Obese Adolescents

The purpose of the work was to study the somatic and gynecological history of obese adolescent girls. Materials and methods. Over the past 5 years, information has appeared about a change in the morbidity structure towards an increase in endocrine disorders, which significantly affect the development of gynecological pathology. We examined 120 adolescent girls aged 13 to 17 years. The main group included 100 obese girls; the control group included 20 non-obese girls. The formation of menstrual function in girls aged 13-17 years old was assessed on the basis of the following data: age of menarche, duration of the menstrual cycle, number of days of menstruation, intensity of blood loss, presence of pain syndrome. Height was measured on a vertical stadiometer (verified and approved for work). Determination of body weight was carried out using medical scales of any modification with a measurement range corresponding to the age characteristics of the patient. To assess the severity of obesity, all patients were determined by the body mass index according to Brey (1978) by the formula. Results and discussion. Somatic diseases were revealed in a significant amount in the subjects of the main group. An important factor should be noted both for girls of the main and control groups – the presence of 3-4 diseases is characteristic. Obese girls are characterized by a high incidence of gynecological diseases, especially inflammatory ones. Uterine hypoplasia was observed in 12 (12%) girls of the main group, polycystic ovary syndrome – in 16 (16%). The Ferriman-Gallwey index in adolescents in the main group was 9 (6.0 - 10.0), in the examined control group – 6 (5.0 - 7.0). The number of adolescent girls with increased body hair growth (Ferriman-Gallwey index above 8) in the main group was 77 (77%), which is significantly higher than in the control 2 (10%). 24 patients of the main group had a regular menstrual cycle from the moment of formation, in other cases violations were observed: irregularity – 43 (43%), painful menstruation – 61 (61%). The duration of the menstrual cycle was within the normal range in 18 (18%) adolescent girls in the main group and in 65% in the control group. The average cycle duration was 28±2.4 days and 28±1.3 days, respectively, for the groups. Conclusion. Our study showed a high incidence of somatic and reproductive diseases against the background of obesity in adolescents aged 13-17 years. As a result of analyzes of own research, a link was revealed between obesity and menstrual irregularities. We believe that the correction of body weight will lead to the normalization of the menstrual cycle, even without the use of additional therapy

EVALUATION OF THYROID PROFILE IN THE INDIAN POPULATION WITH ALOPECIA AREATA

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. It is characterized by patchy hair loss that affects the scalp and other areas of the head, as well as the eyelashes, beard, and complete body hair. Alopecia areata manifests as a circular patch of hair loss that may progress to baldness of the entire scalp (Alopecia areata totalis) or loss of full body hair (Alopecia areata universals). The disease's etiopathogenesis is unknown, however autoimmunity appears to play a signicant role. Thyroid problems are frequently linked to AA, the most common of which is autoimmune Thyroid disorders. Aim: The goal of our research is to see if Alopecia Areata (AA) is linked to thyroid hormones (T3, T4, and TSH) and to evaluate the T3, T4, and TSH levels. Material and Methods: The present study included 150 A.A patients(cases) and 150 controls attended to Department of Dermatology in collaboration with Department of Biochemistry, LNMC &amp; J.K Hospital, Bhopal. The levels of T3, T4 and TSH was estimated by ELISA. Result: The present study shows statistically signicant differences between patients and controls regarding Thyroid Hormones levels of TSH, T3 and T4. Conclusions: The ndings imply an association between Alopecia Areata and Thyroid function issues. Thyroid function abnormalities should be checked in all patients with alopecia areata, regardless of their clinical condition.

Hair phenotype diversity across Indriidae lemurs

AbstractObjectivesHair (i.e., pelage/fur) is a salient feature of primate (including human) diversity and evolution—serving functions tied to thermoregulation, protection, camouflage, and signaling—but wild primate pelage evolution remains relatively understudied. Specifically, assessing multiple hypotheses across distinct phylogenetic scales is essential but is rarely conducted. We examine whole body hair color and density variation across Indriidae (Avahi, Indri, Propithecus)—a lineage that, like humans, exhibits vertical posture (i.e., their whole bodies are vertical to the sun).Materials and methodsOur analyses consider multiple phylogenetic scales (family‐level, genus‐level) and hypotheses (e.g., Gloger's rule, the body cooling hypotheses). We obtain hair color and density from museum and/or wild animals, opsin genotypes from wild animals, and climate data from WorldClim. To analyze our data, we use phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models (PGLMM) using Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms.ResultsOur results show that across the Indriidae family, darker hair is typical in wetter regions. However, within Propithecus, dark black hair is common in colder forest regions. Results also show pelage redness increases in populations exhibiting enhanced color vision. Lastly, we find follicle density on the crown and limbs increases in dry and open environments.DiscussionThis study highlights how different selective pressures across distinct phylogenetic scales have likely acted on primate hair evolution. Specifically, our data across Propithecus may implicate thermoregulation and is the first empirical evidence of Bogert's rule in mammals. Our study also provides rare empirical evidence supporting an early hypothesis on hominin hair evolution.

Rethinking the Connections between Ecosystem Services, Pollinators, Pollution, and Health: Focus on Air Pollution and Its Impacts.

Ecosystems provide many services that are essential for human activities and for our well-being. Many regulation services are interconnected and are fundamental in mitigating and hindering the negative effects of several phenomena such as pollution. Pollution, in particular airborne particulate matter (PM), represents an important risk to human health. This perspective aims at providing a current framework that relates ecosystem services, regulating services, pollination, and human health, with particular regards to pollution and its impacts. A quantitative literature analysis on the topic has been adopted. The health repercussions of problems related to ecosystem services, with a focus on the effects of atmospheric particulate matter, have been highlighted in the work throughout a case study. In polluted environments, pollinators are severely exposed to airborne PM, which adheres to the insect body hairs and can be ingested through contaminated food resources, i.e., pollen and honey. This poses a serious risk for the health of pollinators with consequences on the pollination service and, ultimately, for human health.