Hair Research Articles

The researcher's guide to selecting biomarkers in mental health studies.

Clinical mental health researchers may understandably struggle with how to incorporate biological assessments in clinical research. The options are numerous and are described in a vast and complex body of literature. Here we provide guidelines to assist mental health researchers seeking to include biological measures in their studies. Apart from a focus on behavioral outcomes as measured via interviews or questionnaires, we advocate for a focus on biological pathways in clinical trials and epidemiological studies that may help clarify pathophysiology and mechanisms of action, delineate biological subgroups of participants, mediate treatment effects, and inform personalized treatment strategies. With this paper we aim to bridge the gap between clinical and biological mental health research by (1) discussing the clinical relevance, measurement reliability, and feasibility of relevant peripheral biomarkers; (2) addressing five types of biological tissues, namely blood, saliva, urine, stool and hair; and (3) providing information on how to control sources of measurement variability.

Unveiling a rare co-occurrence: Marinesco-Sjogren syndrome and Griscelli syndrome type 3 with novel mutations in a child presenting with cataract – A unique case report

This case report describes a child with the coexistence of Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome (MSS) and Griscelli syndrome type 3 (GS3). A 9-year-old female with developmental delay and silvery hair had bilateral cataract and esotropia. Isolated finding of silvery hair was found in family members. Light microscopy features of the hair shaft were typical of Griscelli syndrome. Confirmation of GS3 was done by genetic sequencing, which also revealed SIL1 gene mutation, seen in MSS. This case underscores the intricacy of clinical findings and highlights the importance of genetic analysis in achieving an accurate diagnosis.

Developmental validation of a multiplex qPCR assay for simultaneous quantification of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA

Quantification of human DNA is key in forensic genetics. A more accurate estimate of the amount of DNA is essential for planning and optimising genotyping assays, as is evaluating the presence of PCR inhibitory substances and DNA degradation status. Multiplex qPCR assays are helpful in forensics because they can quantify different targets simultaneously, thus saving valuable samples, time, and labour. The aim of this study was to highlight the challenges in the developmental validation of a multiplex real-time PCR assay and the drawbacks encountered in translating a previously described and validated assay (SD quants) to a different technology by modifying the dye probes and reagent mix to be used in a different instrument. We developed a TaqMan probe-based multiplex qPCR using reagents and fluorescent probes adapted for the Rotor-Gene 6000 instrument (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany). The initial assay combined two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and two nuclear DNA (nDNA) targets, with amplification products of different sizes (mtDNA = 69 and 143bp; nDNA = 71 and 181bp), to estimate the DNA degradation status and an internal positive control (IPC) to detect potential inhibitors. During the initial testing of the assay, we observed an interaction between the 69bp mtDNA target and the 71bp nDNA target probe, and experiments were conducted to resolve this issue without success. We removed the small nDNA target (71bp) and changed from a 5-plex to a 4-plex qPCR assay (qMIND). The final tetraplex assay was tested on 105 forensic samples and/or small amounts of degraded DNA, such as bones, teeth, fingernails, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE), and hair shaft samples. The quantification results were compared with data acquired from the same samples using another commercially available quantification system commonly used in forensic laboratories. In addition, the short tandem repeat (STR) profiles were investigated to determine their correlation with the quantitative values obtained. Overall, the qPCR assay was robust and reliable for DNA quantification in samples commonly used in forensic practice.

Griscelli syndrome: a diagnostic challenge of a rare disease: a case report

Introduction: Griscelli syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder that primarily manifests as hair and skin hypopigmentation, with three types differentiated by their specific genetic defects as well as by their clinical features. Clinically, GS type 1 is characterized by early neurological alterations, while GS type 2 is characterized by immunodeficiency and could present with neurological symptoms, and type 3 is characterized by a chromosomal anomaly without a specific clinical profile besides hypopigmentation. This article details the challenges faced in the diagnosis of a patient with GS who presents with neurological symptoms followed by immunological deficits. Case presentation: A 7-month-old female presented with complaints of developmental delay following an otitis media infection. Upon examination, she exhibited signs of psychomotor developmental regression and had pale bronze skin and silvery-gray hair, as well as hepatosplenomegaly. The examination of her hair shaft revealed a pattern consistent with GS. During her hospitalization, the patient developed an intermittent fever and signs of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). She subsequently developed recurrent seizures treated with phenytoin and Aciclovir. Shortly she succumbed to respiratory distress syndrome and multisystem failure. Discussion: The presence of HLH confirms the type of GS. However, in some cases, the HLH criteria could not be fulfilled, presenting a diagnostic challenge. Conclusion: The genetic examination is the only way to differentiate GS type 1 from type 2. However, when it is not available, the presence of specific symptoms and features may assist in the classification. Furthermore, treatments should be administered when GS type 2 is suspected since they have the potential to improve life quality through treating HLH, delaying and altering the neurological symptoms.

Hair fragility (trichorrhexis nodosa) in alopecic Pomeranian dogs.

While alopecia associated with hair cycle arrest (HCA, Alopecia X) is well-recognised in Pomeranian dogs, the authors are unaware of reports of concurrent hair fragility. Following the observation of frequent hair shaft abnormalities in alopecic Pomeranians, we hypothesised that hair fragility events would be more frequent in dogs with a phenotype of HCA when compared to dogs with normal coats. Eight alopecic Pomeranian dogs or crosses with a phenotype of HCA and 36 unaffected Pomeranians with owner-reported normal hair coats. All affected dogs underwent dermatological examination and clinicopathological evaluations. Hair samples, plucked from affected areas or obtained by brushing from unaffected dogs, were examined microscopically for structural abnormalities. Hair fragility events were characterised as trichorrhexis nodosa (TN) or longitudinal splits and were expressed per 10 mg of hair. A reference interval was calculated from the number of hair fragility events in the samples from unaffected dogs. The upper reference limit (with 90% confidence) from samples of 35 unaffected Pomeranians (one outlier excluded) was 9.75 hair fragility events per 10 mg of hair. The median (range) of fragility events in eight dogs with a phenotype of HCA was 66.0 (30.2-166.7) per 10 mg of hair. Clinicians should routinely perform trichography in Pomeranians with HCA because abundant hair abnormalities, particularly TN, may contribute to poor hair coat quality. Further studies are required to establish the pathophysiology of and treatments for these fragility events and to determine their predictive value for HCA.

Evaluation of the protection of astaxanthin on human hair follicle palilla cells against the aging effects triggered by hydrogen peroxide

Astaxanthin (ASX) is a powerful antioxidant with high efficacy in inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS), one of the most harmful factors leading to hair loss. Our research specifically evaluated the ability of ASX to protect human dermal papillae cells from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In this study, the human dermal papillae (hDP) cells were successfully isolated. The cells expressed DP cell markers in the 2D model, including alkaline phosphatase, alpha-smooth muscle actin (98.66 ± 0.02%), and vimentin (98.88 ± 0.02%), cluster aggregation and spheroid formation in the 3D model. The hDP cells (P3-P5) were pretreated with ASX and subsequently treated with H2O2 at a concentration of 550 µM for 4 hours. After 4 days of treatment, the percentage of cells expressing the marker b-galactosidase decreased from 87 ± 0.01% in the control group to 27.61 ± 0.01% in the ASX-treated group (1 µg/mL). Our results indicated that astaxanthin effectively protects against oxidative stress in dermal papillae cells, suggesting its potential application in hair loss treatment due to ROS.

Sample collecting methods for bacterial community structure analysis of scalp hair: non-invasive swabbing versus intrusive hair shaft cutting

Human skin samples for microbiome analysis are traditionally collected using a non-invasive swabbing method. Here, we compared the differences in bacterial community structures on scalp hair and scalps with samples collected using non-invasive swabbing and cutting/removal of scalp hair in 12 individuals. Hair-related samples, such as hair shafts and hair swabs, had significantly higher alpha diversity than scalp swab samples, whereas there were no significant differences between hair shafts and hair swabs. The relative abundances of the three major phyla and five major operational taxonomic units were not significantly different between the hair shaft and hair swab samples. The principal coordinate analysis plots based on weighted UniFrac distances were grouped into two clusters: samples from hair-related areas and scalp swabs, and there were significant differences only between samples from hair-related areas and scalp swabs. In addition, a weighted UniFrac analysis revealed that the sampling site-based category was a statistical category but not a hair sampling method-based category. These results suggest that scalp hair bacteria collected using non-invasive swab sampling were comparable to those collected cutting/removal of scalp hair.

An Experimental Study of Morphofunctional Features of Hair Follicles Early Response in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Alopecia

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of 3-β-methoxy-Δ18-oleanene (miliacin) on the structural and functional reorganization of hair follicles at the early response stage in the simulated cyclophosphamide-induced alopecia. Material and methods. The study involved 30 male C57BL/6 mice with the anagen stage induced by depilation of hair shafts from the skin of the back. The animals were divided into five groups: I and II – control groups, III, IV and V groups – experimental ones. The animals of group I were exposed to depilation only. The animals of group IV was daily exposed to topical skin applications of 3-β-methoxy-Δ18- oleanene (miliacin) diluted in polyoxyethylated (20) sorbitan oleate in the area of depilation. The animals of group V were only exposed to polyoxyethylated (20) sorbitan oleate. In 9 days after depilation, the animals of the experimental groups received a single injection of cyclophosphamide solution, dosage 125 mg/kg, intraperitoneally; the animals of the control group II received the same volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. All animals were withdrawn from the experiment on day 15. The skin of the back in the depilation zone was studied using light microscopy, morphometry and statistics. Results. In 15 days after anagen induction, all hair follicles were synchronized at the anagen VI stage in the skin of mice in the control groups. Exclusively dystrophic forms of hair follicles were detected in the skin of mice of groups III and V. In the skin of animals of group IV, hair follicles predominated in the early and middle anagen stages without signs of dystrophy; the portion of hair follicles in the late dystrophic catagen stage accounted for only 9.2±3.27% of the total number of hair follicles. Conclusion. Topical use of a composition with 3-β-methoxy-Δ18-oleanene (miliacin) leads to an accelerated transition of chemically damaged hair follicles from the anagen VI stage to the dystrophic catagen and a shortening of the telogen stage, which resulted in the entry of the overwhelming majority of hair follicles of mice in this group into the next new cycle of hair follicle development (anagen stages I, II, III).

Development and in vitro Evaluation of Nanoemulsion-based Polyherbal Hair Serum Formulations for Leave-in Hair Treatments

Background: Hair is a prominent physical feature that is found in all mammals. Different hair types will display different hair physicochemical properties (colour and appearance), mechanical resistance and reactivity to chemical agents and surface properties. Objectives: This study aims to prepare polyherbal-based hair serum to conduct stability tests and in-vitro evaluation tests to assess the efficacy of hair serum on different types of human hair tresses for the purpose of leave-in hair treatments Methods and Material: The hair care formulations, such as hair serum, were prepared and their stability was evaluated through a series of tests. The stability tests were conducted by evaluating the organoleptic properties of the formulations, such as colour, odour, surface appearance, consistency, and clarity, under various environmental conditions over a period of four weeks. Results: The relative viscosity of the hair serum is 7.84mPa/s, relative density is 0.997g/ml, and an average particle size is 1079 ± 21.22 μm. Over the course of 4 weeks, the nanoemulsion-based hair serum was stable between 25 – 40 °C and away from direct sunlight exposure. Conclusion: The formulated polyherbal hair serum can be used as a leave-in treatment to maintain hair’s moisture balance while improving hair combability. Further improvements in the hair product formulation can be made in the future to increase their potential for commercialisation

Degradation of Microplastics by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Piper longum Leaf Extract.

Background: The environmental hazards posed by microplastics have drawn considerable concern due to their buildup in ecosystems. Microplastics accumulate in human saliva, skin, and hair. Developing effective technology for managing and degrading microplastics remains a substantial challenge. In a concerted attempt to save the ecology, this study explores the photocatalytic breakdown of common microplastics like polystyrene (PS) microspheres and polyethylene (PE) using green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) under UV light exposure. Aim: To synthesize and characterize zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared using the extract of the leaves of Piper longumand qualitatively assess the photocatalytic degradation potential of the nanoparticles under light microscopy. Material and Methods:A fresh extract of P. longum leaves was used as a reducing agent to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, UV-Vis spectra analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were performed to characterize the nanoparticles. Microplastics were isolated from the saliva of 50 healthy patients and were purified and filtered. In a six-well microtiter plate, 0.5 μg of varying concentrations of nanoparticles were added. After fixing with 15% formaldehyde, microplasticswere subjected to UV irradiation for 2 hours with different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (25, 50, 75,and 100 µg). Custom photoreactors activated the photocatalysts to degrade the microplastic pollutants. The six-well microtiter plate was viewed under 40x magnification in a light microscope to observe microplastic morphology after 24 hours of degradation. Results: The FTIR spectrum showed distinct peaks at 890.51 cm⁻¹, indicating the involvement of C-N in-plane vibrations of amino acids. XRD analysis revealed three distinct diffraction peaks at 31.68°, 34.39°, and 36.33°, corresponding to the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO nanoparticles. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles ranged from 50 to 90 nm in size, viewed at 100x magnification on SEM. The highest degradation of microplastics was observed ataZnO NPconcentration of 100 µL, with the ZnO NPs 50-90 nm in size. Conclusion: Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Piper longum leaf extract effectively degrade microplastics, with the highest degradation observed at a 100 µL concentration of ZnO nanoparticles and optimal degradation occurring at a concentration of 75 µL.

Anisotropic swelling due to hydration constrains anisotropic elasticity in biomaterial fibers

Naturally occurring protein fibers often undergo anisotropic swelling when hydrated. Within a tendon, a hydrated collagen fibril’s radius expands by 40% but its length only increases by 5%. The same effect, with a similar relative magnitude, is observed for single hair shafts. Fiber hydration is known to affect elastic properties. Here we show that anisotropic swelling constrains the anisotropic linear elastic properties of fibers. First we show, using data from disparate previously reported studies, that anisotropic swelling can be described as an approximately linear function of water content. Then, under the observation that the elastic energy of swelling can be minimized by the anisotropic shape, we relate swelling anisotropy to elastic anisotropy — assuming radial (transverse) symmetry within a cylindrical geometry. We find an upper bound for the commonly measured axial Poisson ratio νzx<1/2. This is significantly below recently estimated values for collagen fibrils extracted from tissue-level measurements, but is consistent with both single hair shaft and single collagen fibril mechanical and hydration studies. Using νzx, we can then constrain the product γ≡(1−νxy)Ez/Ex — where νxy is the seldom measured transverse Poisson ratio and Ez/Ex is the ratio of axial to radial Young’s moduli.

From Hair-Pulling to Trichobezoars and Rapunzel Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Trichotillomania

Introduction: Trichotillomania (TTM) is an obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by the uncontrollable pulling of hair from various parts of the body, most commonly from the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Clinical manifestations of TTM include patchy alopecia, uneven hair shaft growth, and characteristic changes visible in trichoscopy, such as the presence of black dots, twisted hairs, split ends, and hairs shaped like exclamation marks. The etiology of TTM is complex and involves genetic, neurological, and psychological factors. In some patients, TTM co-occurs with trichophagia, leading to the formation of trichobezoars in the gastrointestinal tract. In extreme cases, such as Rapunzel Syndrome, bezoars can lead to intestinal obstruction. Treatment for TTM is multifaceted and includes both psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions. Objective: The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of trichotillomania (TTM), with a particular focus on its clinical symptoms, etiology, diagnostics, and treatment methods. The aim is to understand this obsessive-compulsive disorder, its impact on patients' lives, and its connections to serious complications such as trichobezoars and Rapunzel Syndrome. Materials and Methods: The study utilized analyses of scientific research, review articles, and reports concerning trichotillomania (TTM), trichobezoars, trichophagia, and Rapunzel Syndrome. It is primarily based on data from PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and studies published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on the diagnostics, etiology, and treatment of TTM and related disorders. Conclusions: The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge on trichotillomania, including its clinical symptoms, etiology, diagnostics, and treatment methods, while considering serious complications such as trichobezoars and Rapunzel Syndrome.

The overexpression of R-spondin 3 affects hair morphogenesis and hair development along with the formation and maturation of the hair follicle stem cells.

Mice hair follicles (HFs) are a valuable model for studying various aspects of hair biology, including morphogenesis, development, and regeneration due to their easily observable phenotype and genetic manipulability. The initiation and progression of hair follicle morphogenesis, as well as the hair follicle cycle, are regulated by various signaling pathways, of which the main role is played by the Wingless-type MMTV integration site family (Wnt) and the Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP). During the hair follicle cycle, the BMP pathway maintains hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in a dormant state while the Wnt pathway activates them for hair growth. Given the pivotal role of the Wnt pathway in hair biology and HFSCs regulation, we investigated the influence of the Wnt modulator - R-spondin 3 (Rspo3), in these processes. For this purpose, we developed a transgenic mice model with the overexpression of Rspo3 (Rspo3GOF) in the whole ectoderm and its derivatives, starting from early morphogenesis. Rspo3GOF mice exhibited a distinct phenotype with sparse hair and visible bald areas, caused by reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis of hair matrix progenitor cells, which resulted in a premature anagen-to-catagen transition with a shortened growth phase and decreased overall length of all hair types. In addition, Rspo3GOF promoted induction of auchene and awl, canonical Wnt-dependent hair type during morphogenesis, but the overall hair amount remained reduced. We also discovered a delay in the pre-bulge formation during morphogenesis and prolonged immaturity of the HFSC population in the bulge region postnatally, which further impaired proper hair regeneration throughout the mice's lifespan. Our data supported that Rspo3 function observed in our model works in HFSCs' formation of pre-bulge during morphogenesis via enhancing activation of the canonical Wnt pathway, whereas in contrast, in the postnatal immature bulge, activation of canonical Wnt signaling was attenuated. In vitro studies on keratinocytes revealed changes in proliferation, migration, and colony formation, highlighting the inhibitory effect of constitutive overexpression of Rspo3 on these cellular processes. Our research provides novel insights into the role of Rspo3 in the regulation of hair morphogenesis and development, along with the formation and maturation of the HFSCs, which affect hair regeneration.

Thermoporometry measurements of human hair via differential scanning calorimetry.

Hair fibres possess an inherently porous structure, which is affected by physical and chemical agents from the environment, as well as those from cosmetic treatments. The present work aims to investigate the potential of a calorimetric method for evaluating the changes of hair porosity, in terms of pore size and size distribution. The temperature of the phase transition from solid to liquid is known to be depressed if the liquid is confined within a pore. This shift in temperature can be measured by a calorimetric method like differential scanning calorimetry, DSC. This method is termed thermoporometry and it is the tool used for investigating hair porosity in this work. Virgin and bleached hair fibres are measured by DSC and, by using the equations developed for water behaviour confined in pores of a solid, the size and size distribution of the hair pores are evaluated, and the influence of the cosmetic treatment on the pores is discussed. Thermoporometry measurements of hair produced results in good agreement with those obtained by other methods for measuring hair porosity. The analysis of the data suggests that the fibre pores are mostly of a radius of 4 nm, and that the bleaching process increases the total volume of pores through the addition of smaller pores. A prolonged bleaching process appears to reduce the amount of fine pores produced by the first short process, resulting in fewer, but larger, cavities, most likely through a process of pore-merging.

Age-related changes in the hair follicle and hair shaft in women in the parietal region

Introduction. Medical trichology is a promising and modern direction of cosmetology, engaged in the study of the scalp and hair, both in the state of health and various diseases. However, with all the variety of various scientific publications, there are very few works devoted to the study of morphological changes in normal physiological aging of a person.Aim. To reveal the dynamics of morphological changes in the hair bulb and hair shaft in women in the parietal region to elderly age.Materials and methods. The work is based on the results of microscopic examination of 80 women, the study sample consisted of conditionally healthy individuals. The examined women were divided into three groups depending on their age. The first group included 27 women of the first period of mature age (26.9 ± 0.70 years). The second group consisted of 30 women of the second period of mature age (47.1 ± 1.20 years). The third group was formed by 23 women of old age (62.1 ± 1.09 years). Hair sampling was performed in the parietal region of the head by combing out the hair that had already fallen out (without pulling it out of the skin!). The width of the hair bulb and hair shaft were measured. The percentage of bulbs containing an internal root sheath to the total number of bulbs was calculated.Results and discussion. With age, a decrease in the number of hair follicles with internal root sheath (p &lt; 0.01) along with a tendency to decrease the width of the hair follicle and hair shaft (p &gt; 0.05) was noted in women in the parietal region.Conclusions. The results of this study add to the information available in the scientific literature about age-related changes occurring in the hair bulb and hair shaft in women by old age. The data obtained will be useful for trichologists in medical practice to create clinical recommendations for the early prevention of age-related alopecia areata.

Strategies for Differential Diagnosis and Management of Ichthyosis in Newborns

Congenital ichthyosis represents agroup of heterogeneous inherited skin diseases characterized by generalized keratinization disorder in the form of hyperkeratosis, caused by abnormalities in epidermal differentiation. The neonatal period is crucial for patients with ichthyosis due to the risk of developing complications, comorbidities, and fatal outcomes. Most complications arise from impaired skin barrier function. This article discusses the manifestations of ichthyosis in newborns, describes risks and complications, and suggests strategies for monitoring and treating patients. Purpose of the study: to present contemporary data on differential diagnosis and treatment strategies for newborn patients with congenital ichthyosis. Materials and Methods: review of Russian and international sources dedicated to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of ichthyosis was conducted. Results: Differential diagnosis of ichthyosis in the neonatal period is acrucial task, hence the most life-threatening subtypes are considered. The most severe progression with ahigh risk of fatal outcomes is characteristic of Harlequin ichthyosis. Collodion baby presents with less pronounced symptoms, is not afinal diagnosis, and may later develop clinical manifestations typical of ichthyosiform erythroderma, lamellar ichthyosis, or self-resolving congenital ichthyosis. Netherton syndrome is characterized by acombination of congenital ichthyosis with structural abnormalities of the hair shaft and apropensity for atopy. Epidermolytic ichthyosis, accompanied by the formation of blisters and erosions on the skin, requires differential diagnosis not only with other forms of ichthyosis but also with bullous epidermolysis, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Every newborn with described manifestations requires support from amultidisciplinary team of specialists and timely therapeutic and diagnostic measures aimed at preventing the development of complications and deterioration of the patient’s condition. Conclusion: An analysis of global literature data and the practical experience of the authors indicate the complexities of differential diagnosis of ichthyosis forms in the neonatal period. To improve skin condition, prevent infectious complications, and correct electrolyte and respiratory disturbances, symptomatic treatment should begin before adefinitive diagnosis is established.

Review of: "Nano lasers work on length scales 1000 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair"

Review of: "Nano lasers work on length scales 1000 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair"

A discovery in traditional Chinese medicine compatibility: Cinnabaris suppresses the Strychni Semen-induced neurotoxicity in Shang-Ke-Jie-Gu tablet

BackgroundCinnabaris, as a commonly used mineral drugs, is a classic sedative medicine. Shang-Ke-Jie-Gu tablet is a famous Chinese patent medicine with Cinnabaris, However, the function of Cin in the prescription hasn't been clarified. PurposeOur study evaluated the toxicity of Shang-Ke-Jie-Gu tablet (SK) with or without Cinnabaris, and illuminate the related mechanisms that why cinnabaris is necessary. MethodsThe toxicity of SK and Cin free Shang-Ke-Jie-Gu tablet (CFSK) was evaluated by physical and behavioral tests and histological examinations. The detoxificaion mechanism of Cin on Strychni Semen (SS)-induced neurotoxicity in SK was performed based on the analysis of intestinal absorption, liver metabolism, serum metabolomics, and gut microbiota. The mercury accumulation of SK was assayed using human hair by ICP-MS. ResultsCin was found to inhibit the neurotoxicity of SS in SK. Our study shows that Cin could inhibit SS's absorption in small intestine and promote its metabolism in the liver. A serum metabolomics study showed that taurine and hypotaurine metabolism and retrograde endocannabinoid signaling pathway were associated with Cin attenuation. Association analysis with gut microbiota suggested that Cin could downregulate four key metabolites, including 12‑hydroxy arachidonic acid, GM4(d18:1/18:0), C16 sphinganine, and LysoPC(18:1(11Z)/0:0), by downregulating Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136 and upregulating Prevotella to inhibit the toxic effects of SS. In addition, the danger of mercury poisoning in a longer time administration of SK was evaluated using human hair, and no visible increase in mercury was observed. ConclusionAs a new discovery in compatibility, Cin was proved to be capable of inhibiting the neurotoxicity not only in SK but also in Cin-SS combination, displaying vital roles in Traditional Chinese Medicines.

Societal impact of recycling waste into composite materials

Demands for consumer goods and synthetic materials have increased significantly due to rapid population growth. As a result, environmental pollution, natural disasters and catastrophes, and controlling and recycling waste have become crucial issues for global sustainability and developing a circular economy. Besides the various sources, solid waste is generated from medical fields, ready-made garment (RMG) industries, and human hair during their service time and life. Human hair, face masks, and RMG waste are disposed of in landfills, buried, and incinerated without recycling. It creates dust and microparticles and develops CO2, methane, and harmful gases before fully decomposing in landfills, promoting environmental hazards and degrading air quality and social attributes. In addition, it causes the infiltration of microplastics and other micro/nano-particles into aquatic life, birds, and animals, and ultimately into human organs through food chains. It can be controlled by reducing, reusing, and recycling waste into useful materials and resources. Therefore, scientists seek to replace synthetic materials by developing bio-composites through recycling waste. This study explores the social impact of recycling human hair, waste face masks, and RMG waste into composite fields, which will help to reduce environmental pollution and global warming, achieve sustainability, develop a circular economy, and deter climate change. In contrast to societal impacts, the scalability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term durability of composites will not be an issue since the cost of waste is tiny, composite's strengths are higher than some natural fiber-reinforced composites, and those wastes can also be used to fabricate hybrid composites as cheap constituents.

Unveiling the potential of confocal raman spectroscopy in the analysis of oil permeation in human hair fibers

Unveiling the potential of confocal raman spectroscopy in the analysis of oil permeation in human hair fibers