Female Hair Research Articles

Modified Ferriman-Gallwey Score in Hirsutism and its Association with Metabolic Syndrome.

Background:Hirsutism is the presence of terminal hair in females in males pattern. It occurs in 5%–15% of women. Modified Ferriman–Gallwey (mFG) score of ≥ 8 is considered hirsutism, but there are populations with a low mFG score. In clinical practice, hirsutism is subjective. Although hirsutism is considered as a purely esthetic problem, it is associated with many underlying disorders, especially androgen excess disorders. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) disease is the most common cause of androgen excess in females, and there are reports of its association with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome occurs alone in hirsutism.Aims:To assess mFG score in patients who consider themselves as hirsute. To study the association between metabolic syndrome and hirsutism.Methods:Hospital-based cross-sectional study design was adopted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. The severity of hirsutism was assessed using mFG score and metabolic syndrome was diagnosed by the American Heart Association criteria. mFG score was expressed as mean and Student's t-test and Chi-square statistic were used as the tests of significance. Logistic regression analysis was performed.Results:The mean mFG score was 5.5. Metabolic syndrome was present in 44%. About 65.2% of patients with score ≥8 had metabolic syndrome, whereas only 37.7% of patients with score <8 had metabolic syndrome (P = 0.019). Metabolic syndrome (P = 0.018) and PCOS (P = 0.003) were the significant variables in logistic regression analysis. Triglyceride levels ≥150 mg/dl and waist circumference ≥88 cm were the components of metabolic syndrome that were significantly associated with hirsutism (P = 0.006 in both).Conclusions:To find the ideal cutoff of mFG score to define hirsutism in our population, a population study among females in the reproductive age group has to be conducted. As there is a definite association of hirsutism and metabolic syndrome, and metabolic syndrome can result in cardiovascular complications, any women presenting with terminal hair in a male pattern should be evaluated for metabolic syndrome irrespective of the mFG score.

Caput mundi: Female Hair as Symbolic Vehicle of Domination in Ovidian Love Elegy

This paper suggests some far-reaching symbolic implications for women's hair in Latin love elegy. Hairdressing, hairdressers and hair loss provided a metaphorical vehicle by which Tibullus (1.8), Propertius (2.18), and above all Ovid (Ars Amatoria 3; Amores 1.11–12, 2.7–8, 1.7, and 1.14) interrogate the power relationships that underpin Roman society: between master and slave, women and men, Rome and her provinces. In my analysis, elegiac hair becomes an index to the socioeconomic realities of urban self-fashioning as well as a locus of anxiety about Rome's increasing reliance on imported labor and consumer goods.

Hair mercury levels in relation to fish consumption among Vietnamese in Hanoi.

People are exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) mainly through fish consumption, which is increasing in Vietnam. However, little information is available on estimating the health risk of MeHg exposure through fish consumption in Vietnam. The present study examined the association between mercury (Hg) levels in hair and selenium (Se) levels in toenails of 196 Vietnamese people and their fish consumption, using a dietary questionnaire to obtain information pertinent for assessing health risk owing to MeHg exposure. The geometric mean of Hg levels in the hair of males and females was 617 ng/g and 575 ng/g, respectively. We found that Hg levels in the hair of 98% of the Vietnamese study subjects were lower than the provisional tolerable weekly intake for MeHg (1.6 µg Hg/kg body weight; which is equivalent to a hair Hg concentration of approximately 2,300 ng/g, with an uncertainty factor of 6.4). There were significant differences in the age-adjusted geometric mean of Hg levels found in hair from females related to their frequency of freshwater fish consumption. The levels of Hg in hair and Se in toenails increased with an increased frequency of marine fish consumption, and both showed a significant positive correlation in subjects who consumed marine fish ≥ once/week. This is the first cross-sectional study to investigate the association between hair Hg levels and fish consumption in Vietnam. These findings provide valuable information for future assessments of the health risk of MeHg exposure through fish consumption in Vietnam.

Characteristics of Heavy Metal Contents in Human Hairs of Mine Contaminated Areas in Nandan County

Nandan county is usually called "land of nonferrous metals". In order to discuss the impact of mining activities on the health of inhabitants in Nandan county, 200 human hair samples were collected from 4 villages (Liuzhai is a uncontaminated contrast areas, Chehe, Dachang and Zhanglao are contaminated areas) of Nandan and analyzed for contents of As, Sb, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn. The results showed that the average contents of As, Sb, Cd and Pb were 1.260, 2.161, 2.466 and 20.92 μg·g-1 in the human hair samples from contaminated areas. They were 4.0, 20, 2.1 and 1.9 times higher than those in the contrast areas, and the Sb contents in human hair of Chehe and Dachang were higher than the recommended normal range. The contents of human hair Zn showed a negative correlation with the age of people (P<0.05), and contents of human hair Cd and Pb showed a weak negative correlation with the age of people in contaminated areas (P<0.1). The independent-samples t-test showed that Cd contents in male hair were apparently higher than those in female hair (P<0.05), however, Cu and Zn contents in female hair were apparently higher than those in male hair (P<0.05), in the contaminated areas. There were positive correlations between As and Sb, Cd and Pb, as well as As and Cd (P<0.01), while other elements showed no significant correlation between pairs. It was therefore concluded that contamination from the mining activities has exposed a serious threat to human health in the mine contaminated areas in Nandan county.

DNA barcoding the bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of Chile: species discovery in a reasonably well known bee fauna with the description of a new species of Lonchopria (Colletidae).

We compare the diversity of bees in the Chilean fauna as understood from traditional taxonomy-based catalogues with that currently known from DNA barcodes using the BIN system informed by ongoing morphology-based taxonomic research. While DNA barcode surveys of the Chilean bee fauna remain incomplete, it is clear that new species can readily be distinguished using this method and that morphological differentiation of distinct barcode clusters is sometimes very easy. We assess the situation in two genera in some detail. In Lonchopria Vachal one "species" is readily separable into two BINs that are easily differentiated based upon male mandibular and genitalic morphology (characters generally used in this group) as well as female hair patterns. Consequently, we describe Lonchopria (Lonchopria) heberti Packer and Ruz, new species. For Liphanthus Reed, a large number of new species has been detected using DNA barcoding and considerable additional traditional morphological work will be required to describe them. When we add the number of BINs (whether identified to named species or not) to the number of Chilean bee species that we know have not been barcoded (both described and new species under study in our laboratories) we conclude that the bee fauna of Chile is substantially greater than the 436 species currently known. Spanish language abstract available as supplementary data 1 .

Gender as a key factor in trace metal and metalloid content of human scalp hair. A multi-site study

This multi-site study discusses the content of metals and metalloids (MM) in scalp hair of children, living in different environmental contexts, with the purpose of verifying if hair level of some MM is distinctively gender-specific. A total of 943 hair samples (537 females and 406 males) from adolescents were analyzed for their content of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, V and Zn. Elemental quantification was performed by ICP-MS. The obtained data identified different metal distributions in adolescent girls which exhibited significantly higher hair concentrations of some trace metals, especially Sr, Zn and Ni, than boys. On the base of the median value, hair of female donors contained 3.8 times more Sr (6.6μg/g) than males (1.7μg/g). Highest concentrations of Zn in females were observed in samples from the mining area of Sardinia (587μg/g). Nickel showed significant differences resulting 2.5-fold higher in female hair. Regardless of the residence site, these elements resulted always significantly different (at p<0.01) between female and male indicating that gender is a confounding factor that has to be more extensively considered for a correct interpretation of metal profiles in human hair.

Abstract 53: Characterization of a Feline HFpEF Model Induced by Slow Progressive Pressure Overload

Rationale: The prevalence of Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) is almost equal to that of Heart Failure with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) and represents a major public health problem. There are no proven effective treatments for HFpEF, partially attributable to the lack of well-established animal models for HFpEF. Hypothesis: Cats develop a HFpEF phenotype similar to patients after induction of slow progressive pressure overload. Methods and Results: Female and male short hair cats, aged 2 months, underwent either aortic constriction, with a customized pre-shaped band, or sham procedure. In contrast to immediate pressure overload, this approach results in a slow progressive pressure overload during growth. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline and 1, 2, 3, and 4 months after banding. Concentric LV hypertrophy was observed and heart weight to body weight ratio significantly increased in banded male and female cats compared to sham (male: 8.5±1.6 vs. 4.5±0.4; female: 7.4±0.2 vs. 4.9±0.8; p&lt;0.05). Wet/dry lung weight ratio, indicating pulmonary congestion, did not differ between groups. End-diastolic wall thickness was significantly increased in banded cats at 2, 3 and 4 months, while the end-diastolic diameter and systolic function did not differ between banded and sham cats at any time point. A significant left atrial (LA) enlargement was observed in banded cats at 3 and 4 months, as measured by an increased LA/aorta ratio and increased LA area. LA ejection fraction was significantly decreased after aortic constriction (male sham vs. banded: 75.4±0.2 vs. 47.3±0.2; p&lt;0.01; female sham vs. band: 75.4±2.1 vs. 53.9±4.4; p&lt;0.05). Diastolic function, assessed by tissue Doppler imaging, was impaired in banded cats. Summary and Conclusion: Slow progressive pressure overload in cats induces severe LV concentric hypertrophy, LA enlargement and dysfunction without causing LV dilation or systolic dysfunction, mimicking many clinical phenotypes in HFpEF patients. Further characterization will include incorporating invasive measurements, exercise capacity and serum biomarkers and testing of novel therapies.

A Study on Representation of the Female Hair Styles of the Anak Tomb No. 3

The Goguryeo Tomb Mural is a precious cultural heritage, which was designated as an UNESCO World Heritage on July 2004 and contains ancient culture. Especially, the hair styles of the Anak Tomb No. 3 owner

Analysis of human hair to assess exposure to organophosphate flame retardants: Influence of hair segments and gender differences

Hair is a promising, non-invasive, human biomonitoring matrix that can provide insight into retrospective and integral exposure to organic pollutants. In the present study, we measured the concentrations of organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) in hair and serum samples from university students in Guangzhou, China, and compared the PFR concentrations in the female hair segments using paired distal (5~10cm from the root) and proximal (0~5cm from the root) samples. PFRs were not detected in the serum samples. All PFRs except tricresyl phosphate (TMPP) and tri-n-propyl phosphate (TPP) were detected in more than half of all hair samples. The concentrations of total PFRs varied from 10.1 to 604ng/g, with a median of 148ng/g. Tris(chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and tri(2-ethylexyl) phosphate (TEHP) were the predominant PFRs in hair. The concentrations of most PFRs in the distal segments were 1.5~8.6 times higher than those in the proximal segments of the hair (t-test, p<0.05), which may be due to the longer exposure time of the distal segments to external sources. The values of log (PFR concentrations-distal/PFR concentrations-proximal) were positively and significantly correlated with log KOA of PFRs (p<0.05, r=0.68), indicating that PFRs with a higher log KOA tend to accumulate in hair at a higher rate than PFRs with a lower log KOA. Using combined segments of female hair, significantly higher PFR concentrations were observed in female hair than in male hair. In contrast, female hair exhibited significantly lower PFR concentrations than male hair when using the same hair position for both genders (0–5cm from the scalp). The controversial results regarding gender differences in PFRs in hair highlight the importance of segmental analysis when using hair as an indicator of human exposure to PFRs.

Expression of nectin-4 as a potential biomarker in enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma of goats.

The aim of this study was to test nectin-4 by immunohistochemistry as a potential biomarker in enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma (ENA) of goats. Twentyfour archival ENA case samples [from 14 male and 10 female hair goats (Capra hircus)] were used. The samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE). Nectin-4 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. By microscopy, tubular, papillary, and mixed patterns of ENA were diagnosed in the cases. Immunohistochemically, the tumours showed moderate nectin-4 expression (++) in 14 cases (58.3%), strong expression (+++) in five cases (20.8%), and weak expression (+) in three cases (12.5%), while two cases (8.3%) were negative. Normal nasal tissues were not stained with nectin-4. The results suggest that nectin-4 may be used as a valuable biomarker of ENA.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Human Hair and Serum from E-Waste Recycling Workers in Southern China: Concentrations, Chiral Signatures, Correlations, and Source Identification.

Hair is increasingly used as a biomarker for human exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, the internal and external sources of hair POPs remain a controversial issue. This study analyzed polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human hair and serum from electronic waste recycling workers. The median concentrations were 894 ng/g and 2868 ng/g lipid in hair and serum, respectively. The PCB concentrations in male and female serum were similar, while concentrations in male hair were significantly lower than in female hair. Significant correlations between the hair and serum PCB levels and congener profiles suggest that air is the predominant PCB source in hair and that hair and blood PCB levels are largely dependent on recent accumulation. The PCB95, 132, and 183 chiral signatures in serum were significantly nonracemic, with mean enantiomer fractions (EFs) of 0.440-0.693. Nevertheless, the hair EFs were essentially racemic (mean EFs = 0.495-0.503). Source apportionment using the Chemical Mass Balance model also indicated primary external PCB sources in human hair from the study area. Air, blood, and indoor dust are responsible for, on average, 64.2%, 27.2%, and 8.79% of the hair PCBs, respectively. This study evidenced that hair is a reliable matrix for monitoring human POP exposure.

Fertility Views and Female Hair Color Preference in College Men

Fertility Views and Female Hair Color Preference in College Men

A New Female Case with 47,XXY Karyotype and SRY

Objective: Numerical abnormalities of sex chromosome, 47,XXY karyotype, have the clinical phenotype of Klinefelter syndrome. Very few 47,XXY cases with a female phenotype have been reported. The testicular feminization syndrome is a female phenotype with a male karyotype (46,XY). Most of these cases have SRY positive SRY (testis-determining factor). The genetic explanation of this phenomenon is not very clear. Methods: Clinical examination, conventional cytogenetic analysis, fluorescence insitu hybridization and molecular genetic analysis polymerease chain reaction were done on a 17 year old female patient. Results: Clinical examination revealed that the case had a female external genitalia, breast development and pubic hair. Some clinical findings of the patients are unique and not similar to the other cases reported in the literature. The present case has different clinical features including normal phenotype, breast development and normal gentelia, tubes, ovaries, but hypoplastic uterus. Cytogenetic analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that the Y chromosome was normal; both fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) shown the presence of SRY gene. However, PCR analysis revealed the deleted sequences of AZF region. Conclusion: This is a new distinct female case with 47,XXY in spite of the presence of a Y chromosome and the normal SRY. Undertake published cases in the literature and present case, each case should be considered as a different identity in female phenotype with 47,XXY karyotype and SRY, but the deletion of AZF region on the long arm of chromosome Y.

An algorithm for the diagnosis of female hair loss

An algorithm for the diagnosis of female hair loss

Topographical and Tribological Characteristics of Asian Human Hair Cuticles

The topography and frictional force of Asian black male and female hair cuticles at different locations are determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and friction force microscopy (FFM). The frictional values, mapped for comparison with surface morphology, corresponded qualitatively with the structures’ plane surface characteristics. The results indicate that the hair surface was damaged and modified at different temperatures and heating times. The height of the female hair at a blowing temperature of 60°C after a duration of 2 min between the cuticle edge and cuticle surface was approximately 440–556 nm. The adhesion phenomenon occurs on the hair surface and interface. The cuticles do not vary after the heating; however, the hair damage sustained increases with serious deterioration.

Idiopathic hirsutism – medical and psychological aspects

Introduction. Hirsutism is a condition which results in excess of male pattern hair growth - the androgen dependent hair in females. Excessive hair growth usually starts around puberty. The aim of this study was to show the significance of hormonal diagnosis in female adolescent hirsute patients.Material and methods. The material consisted of medical documentation of 128 female adolescent patients aged 13–22 years who came for a consultation because of excessive male pattern hair growth (second degree of hirsutism according to the Ferriman-Gallwey scale) which they considered unacceptable. The history was indicative of considerable discomfort, decreased mood in subjects and low self-esteem (especially regarding patient’s femininity).Results. Results of the analysis were confronted with the results of a group of an equal number of participants.Conclusions. Hormonal tests in female patients with hirsutism were proven to constitute a major diagnostic element allowing for correct diagnosis of the cause of hirsutism, planning further tests and treatment methods.Considering its causes and effects, hirsutism in adolescent patients is a serious concern for developmental gynecology. This disorder is a endocrinological or gynecological problem, which influences patient's well-being.

2014 Annual Meeting Poster Award Winners: 1st PLACE POSTER Auto Hairpiece to Camouflage the Post-operative Effluvium After a Female Hair Transplant

At our annual meeting in Kuala Lumpur for the first time the posters were presented on video screens. I thought this was a great way to present the posters and I hope this will become the standard for future meeting. Thanks to Dr. Damkerng Pathomvanich for suggesting the idea. Every year prizes are given for the top three posters. Posters are judged for technical quality, educational value and originality. Congratulations to this year’s winners: 1st Place, Dr. Marcio Crisostomo; 2nd Place, Dr. Kuniyoshi Yagyu, and Best Practical Tip, Dr. Anil Garg. All contain valuable ideas. For those who missed the meeting, Dr. Crisostomo and Dr. Garg’s are reprinted in this issue and Dr. Yagyu’s in the next issue. —RT

The structure of people's hair.

Hair is a filamentous biomaterial consisting mainly of proteins in particular keratin. The structure of human hair is well known: the medulla is a loosely packed, disordered region near the centre of the hair surrounded by the cortex, which contains the major part of the fibre mass, mainly consisting of keratin proteins and structural lipids. The cortex is surrounded by the cuticle, a layer of dead, overlapping cells forming a protective layer around the hair. The corresponding structures have been studied extensively using a variety of different techniques, such as light, electron and atomic force microscopes, and also X-ray diffraction. We were interested in the question how much the molecular hair structure differs from person to person, between male and female hair, hair of different appearances such as colour and waviness. We included hair from parent and child, identical and fraternal twins in the study to see if genetically similar hair would show similar structural features.The molecular structure of the hair samples was studied using high-resolution X-ray diffraction, which covers length scales from molecules up to the organization of secondary structures. Signals due to the coiled-coil phase of α-helical keratin proteins, intermediate keratin filaments in the cortex and from the lipid layers in the cell membrane complex were observed in the specimen of all individuals, with very small deviations. Despite the relatively small number of individuals (12) included in this study, some conclusions can be drawn. While the general features were observed in all individuals and the corresponding molecular structures were almost identical, additional signals were observed in some specimen and assigned to different types of lipids in the cell membrane complex. Genetics seem to play a role in this composition as identical patterns were observed in hair from father and daughter and identical twins, however, not for fraternal twins. Identification and characterization of these features is an important step towards the detection of abnormalities in the molecular structure of hair as a potential diagnostic tool for certain diseases.

Hair’s the Question: New Thinking for Female Hair Loss

1. Sara Wasserbauer, MD (drwasserbauer{at}californiahairsurgeon.com) 1. Walnut Creek, California, USA ![][1] Female hair loss diagnosis and treatment has been getting a little more attention lately thanks to several treatment updates and improved understanding of some of the

The growth of human scalp hair in females using visible red light laser and LED sources.

Background and ObjectivesLow level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) has been demonstrated to promote hair growth in males. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was undertaken to define the safety and physiologic effects of LLLT on females with androgenic alopecia.MethodsForty-seven females (18–60 years old, Fitzpatrick I–IV, and Ludwig–Savin Baldness Scale I-2, I-3, I-4, II-1, II-2 baldness patterns) were recruited. A transition zone scalp site was selected; hairs were trimmed to 3 mm height; the area was tattooed and photographed. The active group received a “TOPHAT655” unit containing 21, 5 mW diode lasers (655 ± 5 nm) and 30 LEDS (655 ± 20 nm), in a bicycle-helmet like apparatus. The placebo group unit appeared identical, containing incandescent red lights. Patients treated at home every other day × 16 weeks (60 treatments, 67 J/cm2 irradiance/25 minute treatment, 2.9 J dose), with follow up and photography at 16 weeks. A masked 2.85 cm2 photographic area was evaluated by another blinded investigator. The primary endpoint was the percent increase in hair counts from baseline.ResultsForty-two patients completed the study (24 active, 18 sham). No adverse events or side effects were reported. Baseline hair counts were 228.2 ± 133.4 (N = 18) in the sham and 209.6 ± 118.5 (N = 24) in the active group (P = 0.642). Post Treatment hair counts were 252.1 ± 143.3 (N = 18) in the sham group and 309.9 ± 166.6 (N = 24) in the active group (P = 0.235). The change in hair counts over baseline was 23.9 ± 30.1 (N = 18) in the sham group and 100.3 ± 53.4 (N = 24) in the active group (P < 0.0001). The percent hair increase over the duration of the study was 11.05 ± 48.30 (N = 18) for the sham group and 48.07 ± 17.61 (N = 24) for the active group (P < 0.001). This demonstrates a 37% increase in hair growth in the active treatment group as compared to the placebo group.ConclusionsLLLT of the scalp at 655 nm significantly improved hair counts in women with androgenetic alopecia at a rate similar to that observed in males using the same parameters. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:601–607, 2014. © 2014 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.